Without Fear

I wanna talk about modern movies that might be better in B+W.

I recently read an old article discussing 10 modern flicks that would work great in B+W. The list is tight – watch the RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK clip and tell me it’s not better in B+W. They also list THE LAST SEDUCTION which will always win my heart.

Now, if I ever have the chance, I want to watch some other flicks in black and white. I wish I could make some clips up now, but I’m a fool when it comes to this sort of rad stuff, so instead I’ll purely list some titles with some chatter – and I’ve done a few pics because I love you all so much. I hope you dig.

SOME MODERN FLICKS THAT I THINK MIGHT BE COOL IN B+W

THE PROPOSITION – this Aussie western noir is possibly the best flick this country has ever produced. It is damn good. It’s shot with some amazing colours – all drab and moody – but I’d love to take a stab at it in B+W.

SE7EN – this seems like a no brainer. The flick is already so rainy and nasty, but as a B+W, man, that mood would just drop.

CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE WINTER SOLDIER – This is more an experiment than any sort of guarantee, but I think it’d change the impact of the violence and the tone of the piece and the whole would come out even further grounded and dark. I mean, look below, that’s pretty tight, right?

INCEPTION – maybe this would work. I’d certainly be down to see it try.

ENTER THE DRAGON – I actually don’t think this would work, but I am all down for trying. Who knows, right?

BODY HEAT – I had to pause and reflect on whether this already is B+W but it’s not, and it totally should be.

PONTYPOOL – the visuals run second fiddle to the sound on this one anyway, so why not mute them? Make this underground radio station really feel claustrophobic.

PAN’S LABYRINTH – del Toro shoots with such certainty and passion that’s it’s difficult to suggest altering his vision but look at the photo below, tell me this wouldn’t work?

THE EVIL DEAD – another I had to wonder if it wasn’t already B+W. Low budget, one location, spooky jumps – this would work for B+W so well.

MILLER’S CROSSING – this film feels like it would work, so I’ll give it a go, but there is uncertainty in my heart.

VIDEODROME – there has to be a Cronenberg in this bunch. I think this would take on a more weary bleak tone in B+W and that would be just fine.

BRICK – bit of a gimme really. An obvious choice but one that would be so cool to see.

THE LOOKOUT – an oft forgotten gem from Scott Frank, The Lookout is a twisted weird heist flick, and it would only bury deeper into itself with this lack of colour.

And—

THE ROCKFORD FILES – I would watch all of this.

I’d be interested to know your suggestions for some B+W flicks (or TV). I know, for me, thinking of B+W TV reminds me of watching old midday movies with my mother, old Hitchcock flicks, old moody pieces that shaped my pre-teen years. Just looking at the B+W pics above stirs a response in me. I love B+W flicks. I wish I had more time for them.

Gotta go.