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the wages of fear Tagged Articles at Cinematical

Scenes We Love: The Wages of Fear

Filed under: Scenes We Love »

Not unlike the South American town that holds captive the film's heroes, Henri-Georges Clouzot's The Wages of Fear grabs onto its audience and refuses to let go. The story of a group of desperate men who enlist in a suicide mission driving nitrogycerine across unpaved and highly volatile terrain, the film is a case study in suspense thanks not only to its set-up but the shockingly complete and effective performances of its stars, who seem to literally endure what their characters go through en route to a great reward – be it in this world or the next.

Yves Montand and Charles Vanel play Mario and Jo, two schemers who attach themselves to one another only to discover that both are equally without prospects. After exhausting the commercial possibilities of the dusty border town they are otherwise unable to escape, they stumble across a dangerous but profitable opportunity: drive two trucks filled with unstable explosives through the mountains to a remote oil fire for a greedy American corporation. The experience not only tests their resolve as drivers, but as friends, and the two men soon find that their tenuous partnership may come at the expense of their very lives.

Spin-ematical: New on DVD for 4/21

Filed under: Action », Animation », Comedy », Drama », Horror », Independent », Noir », New on DVD », Home Entertainment », Cinematical Indie »

'Caprica,' 'Frost/Nixon,' 'Wolverine and the X-Men Heroes Return Trilogy,' 'Sin City'

The Wrestler
For all its indie cred, adult language, and exposed body parts, Darren Aronofsky's film follows a well-trod path through sports movie cliches. Still, it's anchored by Mickey Rourke's empathetic, "I've been there and I know that" performance as a world-weary wrestler, and Marisa Tomei and Evan Rachel Wood provide needed counterbalance as a wary stripper and unforgiving daughter, respectively. Also on Blu-ray. Rent it.

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Frost/Nixon
Peter Morgan's adaptation of his own stage play supplies all the "based on truth" dramatic hay that's needed, while Michael Sheen and Frank Langella sparkle in the title roles. Ron Howard's movie feels very much like a television production; as an actors' showcase, it's fine for what it is, without illuminating deeper truths. Also on Blu-ray. Rent it.

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Caprica
I've watched and watched without being converted into the worshipful fold, but for Battlestar Galactica fans already suffering from withdrawal, you can get your fix with this prequel starring Eric Stolz and Esai Morales. I'm sure it's the best thing ever made, and that you will play it over and over again. Buy it.

Add to Netflix queue | Buy at Amazon

Wolverine and the X-Men: Heroes Return Trilogy
First three episodes of the animated TV series. "With great tragedy in their past and their future, Wolverine must lead Xavier's disillusioned heroes against the forces of fate and destiny. Only together can the X-Men steer the course of history away from catastrophe and save us all." Doesn't that sound cool, kids? Rent it.

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Also out: Into the Blue 2: The Reef (featuring bikinis and beefcake).

After the jump: Indies on DVD, more Blu-ray picks, and Collector's Corner.

 
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