TFD@CUNYVMS1.BITNET (Theresa F.M. Muir TFD@CUNYVM1.BITNET) (02/10/90)
Hi folks, I haven't logged on in a couple of days, but I did see Glory. Anybody else? I've heard some criticism of the casting of Matthew Broderick as the commanding officer of the regiment, and well, Broderick doesn't have what one would call a "commanding" presence-- but after all, who goes to war but boys? Often, who leads them but commissioned officers who are pathetically young? The same applies to eternally boyish Michael J. Fox (the next Mickey Rooney?) in Casualties of War. Anyway, "Glory" is a gorgeously made film, with beautiful photography, and a stirring score by James Horner (who seems to be able to duplicate the style of any composer-- many spots in this score were reminiscent of Ives's "Three Places in New England", and the Britten "War Requiem") "Glory" is well named, because the emphasis is not on any disturbing moral issues of the black regiment and their idealistic young white leader, but almost entirely on the amazing courage of all of these men. There is a calculating quality to this picture-- the beauty of the scenery, the sounds of the Harlem Boys Choir, and above all, the careful pacing of the story, while you grow to know and care for the characters, only to shatter them in war-- that links it to the line of really good war movies (or anti-war movies), like "From Here to Eternity"
IJA102@URIACC.BITNET (Robin Snowden) (02/13/90)
Initially I had problems with Broderick as the young commander but by the end of the film I'd warmed up to him. He looked so young and vulnerable. At times the music was too much!!!!! I was already in tears; no need to have the score just twist the knife. Favorite scene: Testimony around the campfire before the big battle!!
HOTROD@JHUVM.BITNET (Rodney Baker) (02/13/90)
Robin,
I just saw Glory last weekend. Absolutely engaging!! I agree with your
point about Broderick being "young and vulnerable", but I believe that was
part of his character. I think that as a sub-plot we see him growing up!
He even looks older as the picture goes on!
As for my favorite scene, there is no choice but that testimonial around
the campfire! The low background hymn they were singing while each person
got up to speak was a perfect touch!
You can go on and on talking about the good qualities of this movie. But
when it would come down to the drawbacks of it, I think a person would be
hard pressed to find many!
Rodney Baker
Johns Hopkins University