Monday, October 24, 2011

Anger Management

Hello ladies (and gentlemen…)!
So, our blog hop assignment from Jenn Duffy-Pearson this week is to write about a favorite movie. 
As you wish, Jenn….
If, like me, you’re a die-hard fan, you already know what one of my favorite films of all time is. For those of you who are not as passionate as I am, (Don’t tell me, please. It’ll break my heart…) the film of which I speak is the much acclaimed, “The Princess Bride.” It has been called a “cult classic” and make no mistake, that term is dead on. The movie, released approximately 25 years ago, has its own website and a Facebook page with more than 1.75 million followers.
No joke. Check it out at: http://www.facebook.com/theprincessbride.
Here’s a really fun fact: The cast loves it, too. In an interview earlier this month with Good Morning America, Billy Crystal, aka “Miracle Max” called it, “A great screenplay. It was the perfect cast [and] the perfect movie for us.  For me, I’m so proud to be in it….”
And from Chris Sarandon, (“Evil Prince Humperdinck”): “It’s eternal. It’s multigenerational.”
I couldn't have said it better.
I’m embarrassed, therefore, to say that I just discovered the Facebook page. Yes, I liked it the moment I saw it, because it’s the right thing to do. I mean, seriously, how can you not love this movie?
To begin with, there’s that cast I mentioned: In addition to Crystal and Sarandon, think Wallace Shawn, Mandy Patinkin, Andre the Giant, Carol Kane and Robin Wright. Need I say more?
Then there’s the cinematic brilliance. First, let’s talk set design. At the end of the movie when Westley and Buttercup kiss with the sun setting in the background…. Hello! Tissues, please!
And can we discuss the costumes? I think that Robin Wright in the wedding dress and tiara is about as beautiful as they come. What I wouldn't have given to look like that at my wedding…
And please don’t forget the mechanics and technical aspects of the film. Can't you just envision “The Machine”?
But what stands out the most for me (and seemingly for most other fans) is the dialogue. I wish I could say that I can recite the entire film word for word. Not quite, but I certainly know lots and lots of the lines.
Crazy thought it may sound, I sometimes default to the movie’s dialogue as an anger management tool. 
What?!
Consider this: There are certain lines in the movie that when said, or heard, make it absolutely impossible to be angry.
Perhaps the most successful line cum mantra for me is Fezzik’s “Hello Lady!” quote. This is the quote in its entirety:  “I saw the prince's stable, and there they were, four white horses. And I thought, ‘There are four of us, if we ever find the lady.’ Hello, lady!”
Unfortunately, the scene is not available on Youtube, but I found it here and it’s worth a gander.
http://www.killerclips.com/clip.php?id=90&qid=941 (Click on either prompt on the clip in the upper left corner to watch).
Am I right or am I right? Were you able to watch the clip and keep a straight face?

Written for The Writers’ Post weekly blog hop #19. Theme: Take Me to the Movies

6 comments:

  1. I've never seen this movie. Weird, right? I know several people who adore it, so I really should put it on the must-see list, especially after your glowing recommendation!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Okay--so this is one I have not seen!! Yes, I know I'm not supposed to break your heart and tell you this--but I think this post as given me incentive to rent it and see it for myself. I'll get back to you Daph!

    Cheers, Jenn

    ReplyDelete
  3. Sweet clip. I think I've seen the movie, but I don't really remember it that well. I'm due another viewing. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've never seen that movie, but the costumes are cool. There's a new show on Sunday nights that's like a Snow White meets the real world. You might like that.

    Joyce
    http://joycelansky.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I loved this movie also. It came out while I was working at a video rental store and I took it home every chance I got!! I am with you that this was an amazing movie. Great blog!

    Kathy
    http://gigglingtruckerswife.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!! chose a different one to write about, but you are SO right...will have to jump over to their fan page!

    ReplyDelete