Friday, May 19, 2017

Film Break

The trailers for:

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Formula, 1980
The Formula Trailer - Directed by John G. Avildsen and starring George C. Scott, Marlon Brando, John Gielgud, G.D. Spradlin, Richard Lynch. A detective uncovers a formula that was devised by the Nazis in WW II to make gasoline from synthetic products, thereby eliminating the necessity for oil--and oil companies. A major oil company finds out about it and tries to destroy the formula and anyone who knows about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlzktZVenA8 2:28

The movie stands out in my mind for one line:
Arthur, you're missing the point. We are the Arabs.

The film was apparently not well received:
Response
The film opened to mixed to negative reviews from critics. It was said that behind the scenes, John G. Avildsen was after a print of the film he liked to be released. Studio infighting led him to demand the film to be left alone, but writer-producer Steve Shagan decided to cut the film into a different version that ultimately ended in the theaters. Avildsen was bitter. He also wanted the print to be released to have little of Marlon Brando to emphasize the mystery. While critics liked the acting, they were not stunned by the plot and its twists. It also won Golden Raspberry nominations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Formula_(1980_film)

To a fledgling economics student, it explained a thing or two. Or at least raised an important question or two.

Jim

Michael Wade said...

Jim,

Thanks for the info. I vaguely recall when that film came out and that it quickly disappeared.

It would be worth watching for George C. Scott alone.

I will definitely check it out.

Best,

Michael