FilmJerk Favorites

A group of unique directors and the essential works that you've got to see.

||| John Sturges |||
John Sturges

Helming the “Magnificent Seven” should be reason enough, demonstrating that Sturges had the happy talent of taking what was considered strictly “male” oriented stories and making them sexy enough and humorous enough to appeal to female movie-goer as well.

Sturges takes this star-studded gunslinger film based on the Japanese favorite "The Seven Samurai", and makes it a bone fide all-American classic featuring Yul Brynner. At the request of Mexican peasants, Brynner recruits a band of fellow mercenaries, half of whom Sturges introduces as the next generation of action film super-stars including Charles Bronson, James Coburn, and Steve McQueen. Widescreen!

Sturges is responsible for what is renowned as one of the greatest war films ever made, featuring Steve McQueen and his unforgettably daring motorcycle jumps in the face of the enemy. Allied prisoners escape from a German POW camp in this superior effort, noted for a brilliant international cast and Elmer Bernstein's triumphant score. Widescreen!

This day in the life of a stranger in an isolated town has since been done to death, and this is why. In the hands of a lesser director the talents of this exceedingly manly cast (Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Robert Ryan) would otherwise overwhelm this compelling drama with a prejudice theme, but Sturges is able to maintain a firm grasp of the reigns, keeping his actors this side of mellow drama. Widescreen!

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The Matrix Recasted

By DarkSavant

August 30th, 2001

Savant's in town, and I got a very brief scoop for you. That infamous dude Pikul had a late-night chat with me again to brief me on some current happenings on the set of the Matrix sequel(s). Rather than posting his actual ramblings, I'm just gonna cut through the bull and deliver his commandments to you, the little people. Key points include:


* The recent death of singer/actress Aaliyah will not slow the production down terribly, as her primary scenes have not been shot yet. The part will be recast (duh) and candidates being discussed include Stacey Dash (TV's 'Clueless', who is much, much, much older than she looks) and Brandy Norwood (TV's 'Moesha', and a hip-hop star like Aaliyah). Unknowns will also be considered for the part.

* Contrary to statements made by the producers, the studio, and the media, the scoops regarding shooting on "The Matrix Reloaded" have been mostly accurate, and footage is being shot. While the more principle part of principal photography has not yet commenced in full, extensive camera tests, F/X work, and background/atmosphere/extras scenes have been shooting for a while now.

* He does not know if they are shooting just Part II or both II and III at the same time.

That's it. Hope this fills your sac for the moment. And like I need to remind you all, take this stuff with a grain of salt. Part of me is praying this guy is a hoaxer, because Brandy... ooooh she's nasty. Dog nasty.