Roman Polanski

Tess (Special Edition)
$14.94
Even though this film was well made, cinematography, and structure, adapted from the novel, along with fine acting, I still found it to be somewhat dull and slow-moving. Some might appreciate it more than I did.

Rosemary's Baby
$9.98
I suppose calling this a horror movie is perhaps missing the mark, as Polanski seems less concerned with the demonic element than he does the way in which the world closes in around young Rosemary and the increasing lack of trust she has in those around her, including her husband.

The movie is not without its suspense and I suppose could have been quite shocking in its time to some viewers, but those looking back on it will most likely find it comic, especially in the way the elder neighbors, played impeccably by Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer come to dominate Rosemary's life. Lots of funny allusions to herbs and spices, including the use of "tannis root" in Rosemary's milkshakes, which vexes her old friend "Hutch," who tries to help her out but alas to no avail. Rosemary appears destined to her fate, so it is the journey that she goes through the most concerns Polanski.

Mia Farrow truly shines in this movie, even with her bad hair days. She is in virtually every scene of the movie and Polanski pours over her like the devil himself, including the infamous rape scene. She is amicably supported by John Cassavetes, who is good as a struggling actor looking for his big break. Ralph Bellamy is excellent as the leading gynecologist in New York, Dr. Abraham Sapirstein, and even Charles Grodin makes a cameo as Rosemary's last hope, Dr. Hill.

There's a lot of juicy bits and pieces about witchcraft and how the old Dakota Building in upper Manhattan came to be haunted. For those who read Levin's book, you won't be disappointed either, as Polanski doesn't drift far from the text, even picking up on the allusions to the Pope's visit and the infamous issue of Time, Is God Dead?

Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
$27.98
The way this documentary is put together is at times sloppy, at other times plodding, and sometimes it includes footage which is not needed at all, like the absurdist bit with Polanski moving like a puppet outdoors while a man pounds on a drum. Also, much of the music is irritating and distracting.

That said, it does contain a great deal of info about a case which I knew very little about until Polanski made the recent headlines. I don't sympathize with him. He may be a fine director, but we are talking about a preteen girl her, and the use of alcohol and drugs to ply her while she was alone with him. It's about time he faced up to what he did, no matter how long ago it was, no matter that she forgave him 12 years ago.

Knife in the Water: Essential Art House
$19.95
This film won critical acclaim, when it came out, and had a fresh look to it. A very visual film, in Polish language, and quite a departure for a first time director. This film really showed, that Polanski had promise as a director. An interesting look at three characters, who are forced to spend time together on a small boat. The Australian film Dead Calm, with Nicole Kidman, also delves into a similar situation, quite successfully.