Saturday, October 5, 2013

10



Five Stars for Dudley and Julie
In 10, Dudley Moore gives a five star performance on two fronts as both a comic and music genius. Film fans may be unaware that Moore scored several films and performed as a concert pianist in his career in addition to his acting talents.

Moore plays a fortyish songwriter who has developed the mother of all mid-life crisis's. Julie Andrews (who looks fantastic here BTW) shines as his impatient love interest and Bo Derek is lovely as Dudley's fantasy girl. Brian Dennehy and Dee Wallace-Stone are very good in supporting roles.

The DVD transfer is good especially for a film that has a little age. The sound is mono only which is disappointing but understandable. This is one of Blake Edwards best films and a must see for fans of romantic comedy. It is sad and sobering to realize that both Moore's and Andrew's gifts have been diminished by illness. Grab this DVD and take time to remember how really talented they both are.

Beauty contest of the soul
Dudley Moore plays a fellow by the name of George Webber. Webber is a wealthy, accomplished & respected musician who has a great many friends and admirers. There is one problem. He is in his 40s and begins to experience his mid-life crisis. He is restless & bored with life. Although settling in to middle age, he finds that he is still attracted to women in their 20s (a "problem" that I myself experience).

By chance, he spies a beautiful young woman (played by Bo Derek) who is on her way to her wedding. She is the most gorgeous creature he has ever seen and he immediately becomes obsessed with her. This obsession leads to a great many mis-adventures that lead the viewer through the balance of the film.

While it is not apparent on the surface, I would characterize 10 as a dark comedy. It is somewhat morose to think about getting older and no longer being young & vibrant. The creative ways in which the film differentiates Moore's character from the young...

A 70s classic if there is such a thing
This is a magnificent comedy about a male in a mid-life crisis who sees a beautiful women and becomes infatuated. Bo Derek made a career of this movie. No acting skills at all but her desirous beauty alone makes her perfect for the role. And Dudley Moore? This is movie also made his career. In a supporting role, Brian Dennehy starts his career with a great role as a bartender. Also, my kudos to Blake Edwards.

Probably most under-appriciated is the magnificent score, particularly the songs of his lust and yearning for Bo Derek. But it's never as real in real life and Moore finds this out. Anyone married for 5 years who hasn't seen this movie should curl up for an afternoon with this on the tube. It's a classic of marriage, love, and life in Los Angeles.

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