The locations, the thousands and thousands of extras, the boredom. Anthony Mann’s 1961 epic El Cid (which finally came out on DVD this month) doesn’t lack for widescreen shots of mounted warriors posed against rock-strewn plains topped by turreted castles. But the plot, stretching over some unspecified length of the life of medieval Spanish hero “the Cid” (Charlton Heston) leaves out most of the good parts. Why does Cid side with the king’s reprobate younger brother then turn against him? Locked in a dungeon, Cid’s wife (Sophia Loren) and children decide they must escape; cut to them riding free on the range, with no info on how they broke out. Meanwhile, a Hollywood stereotype evil Moor from Africa keeps claiming he’s going to overrun Spain, but years and years (actually, almost three hours) before he finally attacks. Oddly, the film does offer a message of moderation in the mayhem. Cid spares his enemies (although killing a number of his countrymen) and unites the good Moors of Spain in the name of greater national interest against the bad Moors of Africa. The final showdown at the seaside redoub of Valencia does feature one whale of a tracking shot past legion upon legion of Spanish extras in battle garb. Oddly, it looks like the CGI-ed siege in 300, but you know it hasn’t been faked, so it is thrilling. Mann takes full advantage here of the 70-mm Technirama process for an extreme horizontal vista of men at war.
Such a good post this can be and I am pleased that I got the chance to read it. i’ll come back for more reading thanks a great deal.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a article author for your blog. You have some really great articles and I think I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d really like to write some content for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Regards!
Hmm it looks like your website ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I wrote and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog blogger but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any suggestions for novice blog writers? I’d genuinely appreciate it.
Please let me know if you’re looking for a author for your site. You have some really great articles and I believe I would be a good asset. If you ever want to take some of the load off, I’d love to write some articles for your blog in exchange for a link back to mine. Please blast me an e-mail if interested. Thanks!
great submit, very informative. I wonder why the opposite experts of this sector do not realize this. You must proceed your writing. I’m sure, you have a huge readers’ base already!
Terrific paintings! That is the kind of info that are supposed to be shared around the web. Disgrace on Google for now not positioning this submit upper! Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank you =)
Nice post. I study something more challenging on completely different blogs everyday. It should always be stimulating to read content material from different writers and follow a little bit one thing from their store. I’d prefer to make use of some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll provide you with a hyperlink on your internet blog. Thanks for sharing.
I just wanted to send a quick message to appreciate you for all of the pleasant guides you are giving out on this website. My time intensive internet search has at the end been recognized with reasonable content to write about with my pals. I would claim that most of us website visitors actually are definitely lucky to live in a wonderful network with very many outstanding people with very beneficial concepts. I feel rather blessed to have seen your entire webpage and look forward to plenty of more amazing minutes reading here. Thank you once more for everything.
http://www.cheaplvstock.com/louis-vuitton-monogram-multicolore-handbags.html
Amazing site I just bookmarked your blog many times in multiple sources. I wish you the best of wealth cus you’re beautiful!
It’s difficult to find experienced people for this subject, however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
It is in reality a nice and useful piece of information. I’m happy that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.