October TCM Event Was Quite Enjoyable

This afternoon I attended that nationwide event hosted by Turner Classic Movies in AMC theaters. Today was the Frankenstein (1931) and The Bride of Frankenstein (1935) double feature and it was well worth it!

I try to see as many of my favorite classics on the big screen as I can find and to see both of these in one sitting was a good score. Bravo, TCM. As well known as these films are, I won't go into the plots here. If you have never seen them, buy them or rent them or Netflix them or whatever, but see them. The main reason? Because you will notice details and catch nuances you have never experienced watching them on home video. This is the main reason I love classics on the big screen and these two films do not disappoint. Seeing a classic on the big screen is always a different viewing experience even if you've watched the same movie at home several times over the years.

What I particularly noticed about these James Whale masterpieces is that the acting is actually better than what it appears to be on the surface. The big screen brings you closer to the actors' faces, especially their eyes, than home video does (even on a big home screen). I caught the subtleties of Colin Clive's and Karloff's performances that I've never really detected completely in a lifetime of seeing these films. What seems quaint to us on the home screen actually plays very well -- like a consciously hip style choice -- on the big screen. Yes, it is just a tad enough more impressive to be (dare I say it?) that much more believable. At least, that much more worthy of letting yourself accept the film's reality. I loved seeing these great horror classic this way they were intended to be seen.

I can't wait to see what TCM has to offer next!