288. The Comedians

288. (25 Nov) The Comedians (1967, Peter Glenville) 29



The Comedians is of two minds, establishing the complicated political climate of Haiti and acknowledging its poverty and oppression while focusing on rich white outsiders whose drama remains at the forefront. By no means is The Comedians guilty of something countless great works aren't as well, but it's harder to forgive considering the film's bloated runtime and general ineptitude. Despite a small ensemble, most of this narrative is incoherent and uninteresting.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton at least offer an intensity that makes their scenes together irresistible. As obsessed, unfaithful lovers, this surely wasn't a stretch for them to play. They have a palpable sexual energy that transcends the mediocre film it's trapped within. Burton handily gives the best performance here, overshadowing Taylor with her inconsistent accent. The supporting cast ranges from serviceable (Alec Guinness, Peter Ustinov) to dreadful (Paul Ford, Lillian Gish).

148. Exorcist II: The Heretic

148. (10 Aug) Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977, John Boorman) 35



With an all-star cast and competent director at the helm, it's astounding just how wrong everything is in Exorcist II. Harkening back to the first film exclusively for plot points, the film's reluctance to exploit iconic imagery initially seems brave. But it eventually becomes inexcusable as the film offers not a single scare or even any atmosphere. What's especially burdensome is explaining why Ellen Burstyn's character isn't present, introducing a new ensemble that includes Richard Burton, Louise Fletcher and James Earl Jones at their least remarkable. In terms of story, there are too many issues to enumerate. Parapsychology, lazy demons, locusts and an African subplot were the last thing an Exorcist sequel needed, and yet The Heretic has them all.

439. City Limits

439. (18 Oct) City Limits (1984, Aaron Lipstadt) 2