Peter Breck in Shock Corridor, Samuel Fuller, 1963.
Now this, really, is my idea of an unimpeachable film.
Love this shot, from the nightmare flooding-of-the-hallway scene. The image could conceivably inspire a caption contest, if I had a prize, anyway. But I don't. Still, I'll start. Here are two:
"No really, I have a great time on Twitter."
...and...
"This debate concerning the lack of historical accuracy in The King's Speech is so invigorating, isn't it?"
"The position that 'True Grit' takes on vengeance and vigilante justice is really irresponsible. Why oh why is it not more like 'Barton Fink' in its attitude!"
Posted by: Bryce | January 26, 2011 at 04:01 PM
Bryce, I think you and I might share an internet acquaintance.
Posted by: bill | January 26, 2011 at 04:08 PM
Also, it's days like this that make me hate the fact that I'm currently trying not to buy things for myself.
And, I guess:
"I love tough-guy stories about how you stared down that dude at the screening of THE WOMAN. You must be really strong and not one to mess with."
Posted by: bill | January 26, 2011 at 04:12 PM
Is it just me or is the riot scene perhaps the most profound statement on American race relations ever realized in the cinema? I've forced that scene on countless friends in an attempt to ignite more Fuller fandom.
One of them even showed me a clip from Dave Chappelle's show in which he plays a blind (and unbeknowst to himself) African American clan leader. The clip was funny, but couldn't come close to the brilliant incendiary hysteria of SHOCK CORRIDOR.
Fuller's scene is also, among other things, about mob mentality, the demonizing of the other and the absurd power of naming names--the Red Scare as much as a lynch mob. The whole of American society at that moment with very little exaggeration quite accurately portrayed as a madhouse.
Posted by: warren oates | January 26, 2011 at 04:39 PM
I'd go with a Howard-the-Duck-style "WAAAAAUUUUUUUGHH!"
Posted by: That Fuzzy Bastard | January 27, 2011 at 07:02 AM
"Mary Jane! Where's my upside down kiss??!! Don't leave me hanging!!!"
Posted by: jbryant | January 27, 2011 at 08:26 AM
Is that dude's throat cut?
Posted by: EOTW | January 27, 2011 at 09:26 AM
>Is it just me or is the riot scene perhaps the most profound statement on American race relations ever realized in the cinema?
It's not just you.
Posted by: Tom Block | January 27, 2011 at 08:52 PM
The film also has a profound statement on nymphos.
Posted by: jbryant | January 27, 2011 at 09:22 PM
"But I was informed there would be free WiFi."
Posted by: Chris O. | January 27, 2011 at 10:50 PM
I wonder what we happily no longer call an intentional misreading -- much less a "mash-up" -- of SC would be like, e.g. overlaying the race riot scene with the soundtrack from Johnny Barrett's dream sequence (the strangest, loveliest moment in all of Fuller's oeuvre, cheap color and all?). And what should go under this image? Quite obviously: "Nymphos!"
Posted by: James Keepnews | January 28, 2011 at 09:30 AM
"AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRMMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNDDDDDDD!"
Posted by: Brad Olson | January 28, 2011 at 03:12 PM
"They killed Heath AND Audra!?"
Posted by: Tony Dayoub | January 28, 2011 at 08:06 PM