Greetings gentle readers and welcome to another installment of the Sunday Morning Movie. Today it’s a tale of nostalgic romance, The Glory and Misery of Human Life:
Ihmiselon ihanuus ja kurjuus (1988)
and next week’s film, Harry Tracey, Desperado:
Harry Tracy, Desperado (1982)
Reviews of The Glory and Misery of Human Life:
I couldn’t find any reviews of the film online. See the extended bonus section below for extra treats.
My take:
A well-made examination of the ins and outs of relationships, memory, and love. It’s a sometimes brash, sometimes delicate film. There is a dry sense of humor to it as well, although it’s very sparingly used. I’m giving it ⭐, it’s worth one watch.
Director: Matti Kassila
Writers: Matti Kassila, F.E. Sillanpää (novel)
Plot (Spoilers!):
Retired writer Martti has it tough. His wife is sarcastic and domineering. His eldest daughter is rebellious. Family life isn’t working out.
He flees and seeks the company of an old flame. She welcomes him with open arms. They reminisce and make love. He leaves rather abruptly. She cries. He hits some restaurants.
Martti returns home briefly but it’s not looking good. He soon receives news that his old flame has passed. He tells his wife he is leaving again. The film ends with him walking briskly down a country road, twirling his cane.
***
Bonuses:
The Forgotten Mentor Who Inspired Louis Armstrong
June 28, 1928. Louis Armstrong is in the studio recording what he hopes will be another hit. His career is on the rise, but he’s not a household name yet. But he’s about to lay down a track – “West End Blues” – that won’t just change his career, but the entire genre of jazz.
But Armstrong didn’t compose “West End Blues” – it was written by his mentor, a man only remembered by people who are really into the history of jazz, a cornet player named Joe “King” Oliver. Armstrong records this song likely as a favor to this father figure, someone who set him on the path to becoming an American icon. Oliver might be forgotten by many, but his role is undeniable.
F.W. Murnau Predicts The Future of Film in 1928
Here’s an article from director F.W. Murnau with his predictions about the future of movies. But how accurate was he? From “McCall’s,” Sept. 1928
Philip K. Dick – A Day In The Afterlife (complete)
BBC Arena Documentary about the author, Philip K. Dick, from 1994.
Features Terry Gilliam, Fay Wheldon, Thomas M. Disch, Brian Aldiss, Paul Williams, Elvis Costello, and other friends and fans.
Excerpts read by Greg Proops.
What Tarkovsky’s ‘STALKER’ Taught Me About Movies
I recently thought about what inspired me to watch ‘Stalker’ and I couldn’t remember. It sort of just found it’s way into my living room, into my brain. Look where we are now. The hypnotic journey through the Zone, masterfully crafted by Tarkovsky, taught me numerous lessons on filmmaking. After watching ‘MIRROR’ and other films by this cinema poet, I just had to talk about his unique film perspective.
