Monday, September 28, 2009

Films photographers (and kids) love: 'Wait Until Dark'



I rented another childhood favorite for me and my little one today. 'Wait Until Dark' stars Audry Hepburn as the blind photographer's wife who is being stalked by a trio of bad dudes lead by the eee-vil, Jack-Kerouac-sound-alike Mr. Roat (played by Alan Arkin who would later play John Cusack's hilariously nervous - and scene stealing - psychiatrist in Grosse Pointe Blank).



Most of the film takes place in a basement apartment - a perfect place for a darkroom studio. The darkroom itself isn't enclosed, it's just in the middle of the apartment, away from the windows. The windows in the kitchen are light-proofed with metal crank shades. During one point Susy (Hepburn) helps her husband by passing fiber paper from the stop bath through the hypo stage WITH HER BARE HANDS!! (at 8:12 above) Later, she'd outwit her adversary by replacing the flower vase water with a photo chemical. I have to admit, I thought the script should have placed fixer...or better yet! selium toner in the vase. (Take THAT bad guy!) But alas, she temporarily blinds Dr. Evil with hypoclear (slight stinging sensation, at 7:24 below).



I had forgotten about the Henry Mancini soundtrack. Groovy. And about her amazing fall coat collection. And about the child in the film. Gloria is a highlight of the film. My kid especially liked her spunk.

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