You Only Live Once

Sometimes there's a movie that you didn't even know you expected to like until you watch it entirely. That's what brought me to a very obscure but underappreciated old movie classic. You Only Live Once (1937).

 

Sometimes streaming services pay a good deal outta me. This was free to watch on Plex. There's a ton of old movies on there, and this was one of the few films I saved onto my watchlist. It was a short one, only clocking in at 1 hour and 26 minutes, but was still great.

I like alot of Henry Fonda's movies. 12 Angry Men was easily likeable, The Grapes Of Wrath amazed me and had everything I ever wanted that I could relate to as a young adult. There's a reason why I think Fonda is one of my favorite actors. His acting performances are just great. With other actors I respect, they have this sheer honesty and sometimes deliver powerful lines that are still relevant to this day. 

I really appreciate these characters below. "Distinctive" is one of the most overlooked elements in film, and these look like guys I could draw, as an artist this scene in particular was a nice start. 

For a film directed by Fritz Lang, a director I need to experience more, there's so much fantastic cinematography. It reminds me of Orson Welles movies and Carol Reed's The Third Man.

I don't mind movies not having elements that make these movies more unique. I personally want more than just going for appeal. Sometimes my favorite bits from these great movies are the dialogue. And since I'm seemingly enjoying mysterious, tense sometimes witty films I also enjoy these complex but enjoyable narratives. 

This movie had so much symbolism to it especially with the first act to second acts. Almost everyone is chasing down Eddie Taylor for his crimes yet for some reason I find it more entertaining than most iconic noir movies I seen.

I love Taylor's messy hair in this scene. It adds a layer of attractiveness and expression. 

The speech delivery in this scene is just great, and so as the details. Usually I suck at movie character names, but I was able to understood both Eddie and Joan well.

Joan states as she looks directly at Eddie's hat with his initials.

Usually I find female leads to be likeable but nothing noteworthy, but I really like Joan's facial expressions in this movie. And both of these characters have a deep but meaningful connection with each other. 

I like these close-up scenes. I just realized how B&W movies can look cinematic at times. Fritz Lang in particular also directed Metropolis and I have mentioned it a few weeks ago with some screencaps, just amazing.

I appreciate when actors can be forceful with their roles. Like that fist.

We get some creative and excellent shots in the movie. This shot in particular left me impressed. The scene of Eddie in bars, love the silhouettes, as well as that spectacular performance.

This is my favorite scene in the entire movie. This is where Ed is accepted as a "free man". But refuses as he points a gun at Doctor Hill and counts till 20. 

As for the rest of the movie, almost all these elements feels like what I want to aspire to create. I enjoy these movies for it's righteousness, realism and strength while also having some bit of sympathy for these characters.

Old Movies have really shaped me lately whatever genre, I appreciate what I have been watching lately. Some of the movies honestly understood not why but how these people handle situations that honestly feel like a struggle, and I know I have had experiences like that before, and since I'm pretty practical myself I appreciate these film's stories and messages taking a more pragmatic approach.

I'm surprised this movie hasn't gained more attention. 

Here's this free clip from what I said earlier was my favorite scenes from this movie.