Introduction Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" is a 1978 American drama film directed by Arthur Penn. The film is based on a true story that took place in the early 1960s in New York City's Greenwich Village. The movie follows the life of Simon Wiesenthal, a former SS officer who had survived World War II and was now living in hiding. After the war, Wiesenthal began to work as an informant for the U.S. government, providing information about Nazi war crimes and fugitives. In 1956, he discovered that one of his former comrades, Amon Göth, was still alive and had escaped from Germany. Wiesenthal decided to take matters into his own hands and tracked down Göth in Argentina, where he was living under an assumed identity. With the help of some local authorities, Wiesenthal confronted Göth and shot him dead in a Buenos Aires hotel room. The story is an interesting blend of historical drama and action thriller elements. The film stars Lino Ventura as Simon Wiesenthal and Riccardo Cucciolla as Amon Göth. "Run, Simon, Run" was released in 1978, during the height of the Cold War, when there were many concerns about the threat of communist infiltration and espionage.
Plot and Themes Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" is a 1983 American drama film directed by Mark Lester. The story revolves around two brothers, Simon (Mark Lester) and his younger brother, Tommy (Graham Bonnet), who are on the run from their abusive father after they witness him murdering their mother. The movie begins with Tommy being injured in an accident caused by their father's drunken driving. As a result of this incident, their parents' relationship becomes even more strained and violent. Simon feels guilty for not being able to protect his brother, leading him to make decisions that put both of them in danger. When they try to escape from their home, the police are called upon, but their father is able to get away from law enforcement because he has connections with corrupt officials. The brothers then decide to run away and go into hiding. Along the way, Simon tries to protect his brother by making decisions that put him in danger. This leads Tommy to become increasingly resentful towards Simon and they begin to drift apart as a result of their shared trauma. In addition to the themes of family violence and sibling rivalry, "Run, Simon, Run" also explores the idea of the effects of guilt on an individual's actions and decision-making process. Simon feels guilty for not being able to protect his mother and brother, which leads him to make choices that ultimately lead to their downfall. Overall, "Run, Simon, Run" is a gripping drama that delves into the themes of family violence, sibling rivalry, and the effects of guilt on an individual's actions.
Performance and Direction Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" (1989) is a thriller film directed by Mark Rydell. The story revolves around a priest who is forced to run from his past when he witnesses a murder at a church. Performances: 1. Lyle Lovett as Father Robert Smith: Lovett's performance as the troubled priest was decent but didn't quite live up to expectations. His character's emotional depth was somewhat shallow, and he struggled to convey a sense of vulnerability. 2. Dean Stockwell as Simon Kowalski: Stockwell delivered a strong performance as the mysterious figure with a hidden past. He brought a sense of intensity and menace to his role. 3. Chuck Connors as Captain Jameson: Connors played the tough, no-nonsense cop, but his character felt somewhat one-dimensional. His acting was adequate but didn't add much depth to the story. 4. John Getz as Detective Mike Rizzo: Getz provided a solid performance as the detective who helps Father Smith uncover the truth about Simon Kowalski's past. His character added some much-needed humor and humanity to the film. 5. Jennifer Hetson as Christine: Hetson played Christine, Father Smith's love interest, but her role was minimal and didn't leave much of an impact on the story. Direction: 1. Mark Rydell's direction was adequate but didn't bring anything new or unique to the table. The pacing was good, but there were times when it felt slow and dragging. 2. The cinematography was quite good, capturing the dark and gritty atmosphere of the film. However, the lighting could have been improved in some scenes. 3. The score by Brad Fiedel added tension and suspense to the film, although it sometimes overshadowed the dialogue. Overall, "Run, Simon, Run" is a decent thriller with some strong performances, particularly from Dean Stockwell. However, it doesn't break any new ground or offer anything particularly memorable.
Technical Aspects Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" is a 1978 American thriller film that has some interesting technical aspects worth discussing: 1. Cinematography: The film was shot on location in New York City by cinematographer Tom Kaufman. Kaufman's work adds to the overall dark and gritty atmosphere of the film. He uses close-ups effectively to convey the emotional state of the characters, particularly Simon's growing paranoia. 2. Sound Design: The sound design is another aspect worth mentioning. The score is composed by Michael Small, who incorporates atmospheric sounds that contribute to the tense mood of the film. The sound effects used during the chase scenes are also noteworthy for their clarity and realism. 3. Visual Effects: There isn't much in terms of visual effects in "Run, Simon, Run". It's a largely straightforward thriller without any elaborate special effects. However, the film does use some clever camera tricks to enhance the action sequences. For example, during the climactic chase scene, the filmmakers employ fast-paced editing and quick cuts to create a sense of urgency. In conclusion, while "Run, Simon, Run" may not be a technically groundbreaking film in terms of cinematography or visual effects, its sound design is noteworthy for its ability to enhance the mood of the film. The score adds tension and atmosphere to an already intense thriller.
More Details Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" is a 1987 American made-for-television drama film directed by George Kaczender. The movie is based on a true story about a man who fakes his own death to escape his problems. Cast: * Rick Schroder as Simon Wiesenthal * James Earl Jones as Dr. Robert H. Lifton * John Glover as Detective Harry Green * David Spielberg as Ben Wiesenthal * Jennifer Warren as Mrs. Wiesenthal Production Companies: * ABC Productions * Warner Bros. Television Distribution Interesting Trivia: 1. The movie is based on the real-life story of Simon Wiesenthal, a Holocaust survivor who faked his own death in 1980 to escape from the threats made against him by neo-Nazis. 2. Rick Schroder was only 21 years old when he played the lead role of Simon Wiesenthal, and this was one of his early leading roles before he became known for his starring role in the TV series "Silver Spoons". 3. The movie received mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising Rick Schroder's performance as Simon Wiesenthal. 4. The film also gained attention for its portrayal of themes related to identity and survival during times of crisis. 5. James Earl Jones played the role of Dr. Robert H. Lifton, a psychiatrist who helps Simon Wiesenthal understand his motivations for faking his own death. 6. The movie was originally scheduled to air on ABC in 1987 but due to its controversial themes it ended up being aired by Showtime instead.
Conclusion Run, Simon, Run
"Run, Simon, Run" is a fascinating documentary that delves into the life of convicted murderer Simon Rodia, also known as "The Avenue Crooner". The film explores his strange obsession with creating a 1/4-mile long mural on his property in Compton, California, and how it led to his downfall. Here are my thoughts on the strengths and weaknesses of this movie. Strengths: * The documentary provides an intimate look into Simon's life through interviews with family members, friends, and neighbors. * It showcases the vibrant artistry that drove Simon to create his mural, which is truly remarkable considering its scope and detail. * The film raises questions about mental health, obsessive behavior, and the consequences of unchecked passion. Weaknesses: * At times, the documentary feels disjointed and meandering. There's a lack of clear structure or narrative flow, making it difficult to follow Simon's story. * Some viewers may find the subject matter disturbing or uncomfortable, especially considering the violent nature of Simon's crime. * The documentary could benefit from more context about Compton during the 1970s and 1980s, as this helps provide a better understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic environment that influenced Simon. In conclusion, "Run, Simon, Run" is a thought-provoking and visually stunning documentary that explores themes of obsession, creativity, and tragedy. While it has its flaws, the film's unique subject matter and fascinating protagonist make it worth watching for those interested in art, psychology, or true crime stories. Overall, I give this documentary 4 out of 5 stars for its captivating story and powerful visuals, despite some minor issues with pacing and context.