On C List of Movie Reviews

(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)



Chandler (1971)

Rate: 2
Viewed: 12/16

Chandler
12/16: Warren Oates sucks, has zero appeal, and looks like a catfish.

Chandler is a good example of what I mean which is a bizarre film about nothing. Director Paul Magwood will never do another picture for the rest of his life. What a terrible job he has done.

Why did Leslie Caron agree to appear in this mess and be kissed by Warren Oates? Was she out of her mind or what? Leslie Caron's character jumps out of the car going 70 MPH and looks great afterwards with nary a broken bone or a smudge of grass on her perfectly white dress.

Gloria Grahame has about two minutes of screen time and then disappears. It's perhaps a smart move on her part. I still don't have the foggiest idea what the plot is supposed to be about. Can anyone explain it to me, huh? Interestingly, the movie was re-edited to make the plot easier to follow which elicted an "oh, yeah?" from me. Well, it didn't work.

However, I like the photography, and California's central coast has never looked prettier. Also, I love the anachronistic inclusion of the 40's cars (which are 1946-47 Plymouth Deluxe four-door sedans) for what's essentially a 70's picture. The paint sure brings out the color yellow from one car.

All in all, you should enjoy the cinematography and the 40's cars in Chandler because that's all there is to it.