Don't Miss Watching The French Classic Films And Digitally Remastered Hollywood Musicals In The Current QCinema Filmfest

THERE’S A SECTION IN the ongoing QCINEMA Filmfest called French Classics and lovers of good films should not miss these treasures of French cinema as they are certainly worth watching. These are: Henri-Georges Clouzot’s “Les Diabolique” - This is a 1955 thriller starring Simone Signoret, Vera Clouzot and Paul Merisse. This is about a man who is murdered by his wife and his own mistress who worked together in conspiring to kill him. But then, his body disappears and some strange happenings follow to spook them. This movie is said to help inspire Alfred Hitchcock’s classic horror-thriller, “Psycho”. This was remade in Hollywood in 1996 starring Sharon Stone and Isabelle Adjani but it’s not as good as the original.

Roger Vadim’s “And God Created Woman” - This 1956 was a big hit when shown in Manila. It starred French sex kitten Brigitte Bardot and directed by her lover then, Roger Vadim. This made her an overnight sensation. When the film was released, it was heavily censored. We hope they’ll show the uncut version this time. This was also remade in Hollywood in 1988 starring Rebecca de Mornay but was not as successful.


Pierre Rissient’s “Five and the Skin” - This is a French drama directed by the man who introduced Lino Brocka in the Cannes Filmfest. Made in 1982, it was filmed in Manila and features Filipino actors like Phillip Salvador, Bembol Roco, Gloria Diaz, Stella Ruiz, Joel Lamangan, Menchu Menchaca and the late Chat Silayan. This is an autobiographical film about Rissient’s experiences in Manila, including his sexual fantasies with him doing a voice over of his own thoughts and reflections.

Then there’s a section of digitally remastered musicals that are also not to be missed. These are: Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz” - This 1979 semi-autobiographical film starring Roy Schieder is based on Fosse’s own life and career as a dancer, choreographer and director. It was inspired by his effort to edit his acclaimed film “Lenny” starring Dustin Hoffman while also staging the hit Broadway musical, “Chicago”. The film won best picture at the 1980 Cannes Filmfest and also won various trophies at the Oscar and Golden Globe Awards.

Herbert Ross’ “Footloose” - This 1984 teen dance movie is about a newcomer from Chicago (Kevin Bacon) who moves to a small Midwestern town where dancing and rock music are considered illegal. He tries to change things but the town’s Reverend Shaw Moore (John Lithgow) tries to resist him. The theme song is a big hit that time. It was remade in 2011 but the remake was a big flop.

John Badham’s “Saturday Night Fever” - This 1977 musical featuring the songs of the Bee Gees launched John Travolta to big time stardom as Tony Manero, an Italian American who works as a paint store clerk by day and lives for the night when he goes to the disco to dance the night away. This was remade into a hit stage musical.

For the screening schedules, please check at qcinema.ph