Stalag 17: Great movie, but....(SPOILERS INSIDE)
08-01-05, 10:48 PM
#1
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Stalag 17: Great movie, but....(SPOILERS INSIDE)
So I caught Stalag 17 finally. I'd highly recommend it as a great guy flick, William Holden might be the biggest badass I've ever seen(especially considering this was 50 years ago and most stars were maintee idol candyasses). And it only cements my realization that Billy Wilder is the greatest director ever.
But there was a part that really kind of, I don't know, left me uneasy.
But there was a part that really kind of, I don't know, left me uneasy.
Spoiler:
08-01-05, 11:15 PM
#2
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Don't think this is really a spoiler,
Well, they were in the moment and there weren't any women around their barracks to actually ask to dance - to do that they would have to
, sneak past the guards, and go over to the fence - which probably was not surrounded by woman at that time.
They wanted to dance - so they did.
Not sure why this would disturb anyone.
Well, they were in the moment and there weren't any women around their barracks to actually ask to dance - to do that they would have to
Spoiler:
They wanted to dance - so they did.
Not sure why this would disturb anyone.
Last edited by conscience; 08-01-05 at 11:18 PM.
08-02-05, 07:15 AM
#4
DVD Talk Gold Edition
Originally Posted by conscience
They wanted to dance - so they did.
I would imagine - and thankfully so, only imagine - that when you've lived with death on your doorstep, many things are put into their proper perspective. Given the situation, a simple "joie de vivre" display should be seen as no more than that.
The "men dancing together" and "dressing up as women" thing doesn't seem rare at all in war films and the like - no matter the culture; the recent Korean action film "Silmido" comes to mind as an example. DVDTalker The Nature Boy, I'm reading your "unease" with this in more of a casual "shootin' the breeze" sense than anything more, but just in case it did truly make you that uncomfortable I suggest you stay away from Renoir's "The Grand Illusion".
You've recommended "Stalag 17" as a "great guy flick" and that's what it is (actually a great, great film overall) so don't read too much into the scene(s) with which you had issue; the dancing scenes were innocuous.....and also a - perhaps even profound - glimpse into human nature.
08-02-05, 09:33 AM
#5
DVD Talk Gold Edition
A very similar sentiment here:
Number forty-seven said to number three:
You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure would be delighted with your company,
Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me.
Jailhouse Rock (words & music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller)
You’re the cutest jailbird I ever did see.
I sure would be delighted with your company,
Come on and do the jailhouse rock with me.
Jailhouse Rock (words & music by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller)
08-02-05, 10:48 AM
#6
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Originally Posted by flixtime
I would imagine - and thankfully so, only imagine - that when you've lived with death on your doorstep, many things are put into their proper perspective. Given the situation, a simple "joie de vivre" display should be seen as no more than that.
The "men dancing together" and "dressing up as women" thing doesn't seem rare at all in war films and the like - no matter the culture; the recent Korean action film "Silmido" comes to mind as an example. DVDTalker The Nature Boy, I'm reading your "unease" with this in more of a casual "shootin' the breeze" sense than anything more, but just in case it did truly make you that uncomfortable I suggest you stay away from Renoir's "The Grand Illusion".
You've recommended "Stalag 17" as a "great guy flick" and that's what it is (actually a great, great film overall) so don't read too much into the scene(s) with which you had issue; the dancing scenes were innocuous.....and also a - perhaps even profound - glimpse into human nature.
i don't think the dancing was really that different than a modern day film like "You Got Served".. Just people in the moment.. The dancing was not sexual at all.. Hell, if they were wrestling, that would be more sexual
08-02-05, 02:18 PM
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Because they could dance if they wanted to, they could leave their friends behind, 'cause their friends didn't dance... and if you don't dance, well, you're no friends of mine.
08-02-05, 02:59 PM
#8
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Thread Starter
Originally Posted by flixtime
I would imagine - and thankfully so, only imagine - that when you've lived with death on your doorstep, many things are put into their proper perspective. Given the situation, a simple "joie de vivre" display should be seen as no more than that.
The "men dancing together" and "dressing up as women" thing doesn't seem rare at all in war films and the like - no matter the culture; the recent Korean action film "Silmido" comes to mind as an example. DVDTalker The Nature Boy, I'm reading your "unease" with this in more of a casual "shootin' the breeze" sense than anything more, but just in case it did truly make you that uncomfortable I suggest you stay away from Renoir's "The Grand Illusion".
You've recommended "Stalag 17" as a "great guy flick" and that's what it is (actually a great, great film overall) so don't read too much into the scene(s) with which you had issue; the dancing scenes were innocuous.....and also a - perhaps even profound - glimpse into human nature.
I've seen the Grand Illusion several times and think it's a great film and had no issues with it. Again, it's not the content, I think it's the content in context. I know there had been some build up with the guy sweating Betty Grable, but we go from a pack of "man's men" to a bunch of guys dancing. Left me scratching my head. I'd still obviously recommend it though, it's a great movie, just a strange moment to me.
08-02-05, 09:54 PM
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It was just a sign of the times. People danced in the 40s. Alot more than they dance now. Saturday night dances, marathon dances all kinds of events centered on dance in that day. And as for any sexual overtones. I think you are putting today's view on a film that was made many years ago about a time when homosexuality wasnt on everyone's mind like it is today.
Personally I think that they were doing it more for the exercise than anything else.
Personally I think that they were doing it more for the exercise than anything else.
