Should Be In Top 20
Why is this masterpiece not in the top 20 when schlock like Shawshank Redemption or Lord of The Rings can make it? Sad.
shareShawshank Redemption was excellent. It had a well paced story, and beautiful acting. This movie I just watched, and while I really love classic movies, this was a disappointment. It wasn't enjoyable, and while the acting was good, if you take a look at them individually, they're only better than average. Garbo was slightly over the top (I love her anyway though). It's just not something I'd want to watch again. It became convoluted and dull pretty quickly.
shareI had recorded this movie in my DVR months ago and just got around to watching it. WOW! What a treasure. This is definitely one of my new favorite movies. It's the first movie I've ever see with John Berrymore and the first I've seen with a young Joan Crawford. I don't normally get teary-eyed in movies but I sure did with this one.
People of my generation (I'm 33) know Crawford only from the Mommy Dearest story. I can never forget the allegations against her but have respect for her as one of the hardest-working actresses ever. She gave a stellar performance in this movie. Also, I found Lionel's performance heart-breaking.
What's sad is that movies such as this are becoming lost to more people as the years go on. Think about it - this movie is over seventy years old! I'd love to see some of these movies dusted off and shown on the big screen again.
It appears that mine is the only dissenting opinion. So be it. I do not think this was Top 25, Top 100, or Top 200 material. It was...pretty good.
Now, I am a 17-year old, and a fan of old movies (I think Casablanca, It's a Wonderful Life, and The General are Top 25 material).
But back to Grand Hotel...what was so great? Joan Crawford was fine. Greta Garbo was...OK. Lionel Barrymore was very good, even if his character was painted as the most pitiable soul to walk the Earth. The writing was average to above-average...the film is especially unremarkable when compared with The Gold Rush, City Lights, and The General, all of which predated Grand Hotel, and all of which were far superior and more groundbreaking.
What's the big deal?
Jace aleas et move mures!!
How dare you call The Shawshank Redemption crap!!!!!!!!!! That is a really good movie, one of the best of the 90s.
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I have not yet seen Grand Hotel, but soon hope to. However, I can attest to the magnificence of Trouble in Paradise. It is justly hailed as one of the most finely spoken films ever. Just absolutely amazing work by Herbert Marshall, Kay Francis, Miriam Hopkins, and the lovable master of the double-take Edward Everett Horton. Let's not forget the lasting impression of the Lubitsch touch as well. Saw that in my film class and immediately went to find and purchase it. Also, as my generation is getting downed for our taste in movies(in which I don't always agree but definitely can understand), I am under 20.
shareAnyone who calls Grand Hotel a masterpiece is deluded. It is a dated, trite, poorly written and plodding film where barely anything happens until the end. Watching it takes nearly two hours of your time and four years off your life.
Here's a synosis;
1. Garbo is melodramic throughout in a role that has sadly become iconic for her saying "I want to be alone".
2. John Barrymore sleepwalks through a performance as a gentleman thief that David Niven would run with in The Pink Panter.
3. Wallace Beery incongrously sports the ONLY German accent for a film supposedly set in Berlin.
4. Joan Crawford is wasted.
5. Lionel Barrymore mugs and pratfalls a lot as the film's comic relief but still isn't funny.
6. Lewis Stone appears now and then to hog the camera in a most unnatural way with a make-up job so obvious you'd think he'd been told "make sure everyone takes note of your scar and bad arm" despite being ultimately meaningless. He also says the one thing that sums up the film, "Nothing ever happens".
Casablanca is a classic. So is Bringing Up Baby, Sunset Boulevard, Ninotchka, and The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. This is just old. Stop being pretentious and go out and see a better movie.
I agree that this shouldn't be in the Top 25 but I think it was still very good. Once we go further down the list to the Top 100 or 200 movies of all time, there are a lot more viable contenders.
I think this movie has a lot going on in it. Notice how all the characters are trying to escape from their traps:
1) Joan Crawford having to work for the boorish businessman when she would rather be with the Baron, 2) Garbo refusing to perform and finding new hope in the promise of a new life with the Baron, 3) Lionel Barrymore, with nothing left to lose, can finally enjoy himself after a lifetime of servitude and lastly 4)John Barrymore, the Baron, penniless, ultimately unable to spring from his trap and paying the ultimate price.
So happy to see The General mentioned! One of my favorite movies from any time! A masterpiece of fun, drama, heart, action. Happy to see a younger person carrying the love of that movie!
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