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Post by Clouseau on May 23, 2006 21:08:41 GMT
To be perfectly honest, I have only seen one. I however, am hoping to find a good deal on all of them. well i'm not sure about finding a deal on all of them together, but you can probably find a good deal on The Pink Panther Film Collection, which includes 5 of the films featuring Peter Sellers (it includes TPP63, ASITD, TPPSA, RevOTPP, and TotPP) on eBay or something... the rest (IC, RetOTPP, CotPP, and SotPP) are all being sold separately, but none is particularly expensive... the most expensive will probably be the newest one, which is only being released on June 13... hope that helps!
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Post by georgelytton on Aug 8, 2006 0:38:11 GMT
Anyway, my list:
1) THE PINK PANTHER STRIKES AGAIN ***** Absolutelly the best film of the PINK PANTHER series, with A SHOT IN THE DARK following close behind. Peter Sellers's Clouseau characterization, by this film, had reached its absolute peak. Its obvious he ABSOLUTES here (though you could tell that for all the other Panthers, so..). The way Sellers plays Clouseau here, is really no different with the other Clouseau filcks, but the film's script gives him the opportunity to show his wide comic talent on physical comedy and sight gags, showing that he really was a brilliant actor. Herbert Lom, this time, goes out wild as Dreyfus. He enjoys the role as much as Sellers does, which is also the reason why he is also highly enjoyable, as he (as Sellers-Clouseau) felt more relaxed and matured with his alter-ego, and Edwards gave them the chance to enjoy their antagonism to the fullest, resulting the best exchange of their on-screen relationship ever. The gags here are the best, and the whole movie moves like a Anti-James-Bond film. What they missed here perhaps is Roger Moore or Sean Connery (simply THE best Bond) to play 007 send to kill Clouseau (but kills Turnie). That would be great, as it would provide some realisism to the situation and would tie both worlds together. Blake Edwards was really on the mood again when he made that movie. He created what is propably the most escapist comedy in this series. The soundtrack here is also great, but what stands out is the "Inspector Clouseau" theme. It is simply lyrical theme that packages all the ingredients of Clouseau's insanity, laughter, sweetness, and most of all, innocence! However I felt dissapointed in two matters with this movie: 1)The title. They could name it INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU STRIKES AGAIN and still have the Pink Panther cartoon in it and 2)Dreyfus' demise. This is obviously a thing that shouldn't happened, since it created continuty problems for the rest of the series. In any case, it still remains THE BEST of the PANTHER films, with A SHOT IN THE DARK coming a close runner-up.
2) A SHOT IN THE DARK ***** Or "INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU AND A SHOT IN THE DARK", as I call it. The first really great PANTHER film, and also the one that set the style for the next ones. But most importantly the one where Blake Edwards took the introduced from the previous entry Inspector Clouseau, and moved him as the center of this (relatively, more than the ones of the next movies) serious storyline, and created a hilarious comedy. Originally an adaption, as I have read on IMDB, this film was originally meant to have been an adaptation of the stage play by Harry Kurnitz, which is also based on Marcel Achard's L'Idiot. Peter Sellers was to be a detective who along Walter Matthau investigate a mysterious murder case. As we know Sellers did not like how things were going and wanted out (he even complained to Edwards personally about it), which lead United Artists to bring Blake Edwards in to keep Sellers on the project. Edwards looked at the script and thought (and was actually right) that it might be better suited to the character of Inspector Jacques Clouseau, and rewrote the entire script with a young William Peter Blatty, leaving almost no similarity to Kurnitz's original adaption of L'Idiot. The first climbs of the newly introduced Dreyfus's bordered insanity and Cato wacky attacks are part of the unbrilled hilarity of this film, that meant they were her to stay. The music is perfect, and the comic timing of Sellers and Edwards is something you remember after the movie's done. Also, for a PANTHER film, it is the most tightly paced plot based comedy, not allowing it to thicken for the shake of laughs, reamining the most realisrtic of all the Pink Panthers. And the ending is amusing, proving Clouseau's actual theory success, but with much different twist. This first real solo-Clouseau solo Panther proved both Peter Sellers's immense comic talent on turning a simple character into a comic icon, and Blake Edwards's own conviction of the character's amazing potential with Sellers. Overall, the best Pink Panther movie for a long time, until 1976. A true classic!
3) RETURN OF THE PINK PANTHER ***** Another a classic. Peter Sellers, after 10 years, returns to the character he essentially created and and surely shines here, along with Herbert Lom's Dreyfus amazing character. The gags were great, and Edwards surely knew the timing to make this film was the best. However, Plummer as George Charles Litton, however good he might be, sometimes disrupts from the narative of the film that basicly focuses in Clouseau. Overall, he is quite a great substitute to Robert Wagner's character, showing how far George Litton's cunningness would've went by actually adapting his uncle's name even in the stressfull times of the Pink Panther theft. In my own theory, George took over the name of his uncle as he owned money to people who want them back (like the Hollywood fellas who searched for Litton in the original PANTHER). Other than that, it still is a great PANTHER movie.
4) REVENGE OF THE PINK PANTHER **** Another great PANTHER film, which could've been as the three above it, but suffered from some slopinness and little unoriginality in the middle. But, that didn't prevented it from becoming another flawless comedy classic. As always, Sellers and Lom are absolutely great, yet this is the first film the don't share much screen time together - though, whenever they meet up, is hilarious! Sellers, as I mentioned above, reached his peak in Clouseau's characterization by STRIKES AGAIN, in every possible manner. There is no way anybody else would play Clouseau the way Sellers did. Not even himself could surpass his brilliance in STRIKES AGAIN. The Clouseau burial scene is one of the funniest scenes of the series. This time, Edwards sets to parody not only James Bond movies, but also "French Connection" by the inclusion of the French Godfather. Again, Edwards knew what he was doing when he made films with Sellers. The soundtrack, well, when its Mancini its great. One bad thing is the absence of the "Inspector Clouseau Theme", which would fit greatly to the film, especially in the parrot and the informator in the harbour scene, and Clouseau-Cato scene outside the club. The only bad things, aside from un-originality, is that Sellers kinda looks tired in the role. I would argue, however, that he's as good as ever. But the frustration of playing one character all the time and not getting a chance to re-invent it and work around it, can be understanding. Too bad that Sellers died before he could finish the series the way he wanted it, with ROMANCE. But nonetheless, this is also a great PANTHER, and sadly the last real Peter Sellers-Clouseau Pink Panther.
5) THE PINK PANTHER. ***1/2 Mainly focused on David Niven's character, this film gives an extrodinery introduction for Seller's Clouseau. Although not the primary focus on this film, Seller's (with a little help by Edwards) input on the character truly shows his comic genius. Even if it is the one movie that launched perhaps one of the greatest (if not the greatest) comedy series, this particular film differs from all its folow-ups in such way, that by watching it after all of the sequels, remains my least-favorite Sellers's Pink Panther movie. Although is Sellers is GOLDEN (he IS better here than in REVENGE, IMO), the rest of the film feels like a glamour trip to high society. I cannot see how a Phantom series would've fared actually. Yet, it still is a wonderfull caper comedy on its own. Niven is excellent, on par actually with Sellers, even Sellers is obviously stealing the show. Wagner is distinguishable, and serves his role in provoking more chaos than necessary. Capucine holds, IMO, the whole film together - its quite disjointed, at times, with Sellers and Niven making quite an impression. She's especially terrific in the long, but funny, bedroom sequence where all principal players are, well, put her to use. Cardinale is functional, but hardly anything special. Yet her beatuy prevails, I guess. In other eras, the screenplay is ok, but the story has a very slow start and on screen, what actually makes it work is Edwards' capable directing. Henry Mancini's score is incredible, and the original version of the Pink Panther Theme will always remain the most recognizable. Any way, it good to watch this film as a 60's lifestyle/high society satire with Clouseau making his first entrance. Its no wonder how he became the main character for all the next Panther movies... and eventually turned on to make some of the best /funniest comedies of all time. A good introduction to Peter Sellers' Inspector Clouseau ("we must find that woman.... What was it that you said?")
6) SON OF THE PINK PANTHER *** The series best, but surely misscripted, chance to recapture the greatness of the Seller's PANTHERS. While CURSE, in its attempt of introducing a new lead, failed on delivering a new character perspective, this one succeeds on introducing a new character, that is as much interesting as Clouseau was: His son, Jacques Clouseau Jr., also known as Jacques Gambrelli. Roberto Benigni is absolutely brilliant as the son of inept Chief Inspector Clouseau. While it is obvious that Benigni and Sellers (both their characters and actors) don't have any physical resemblance, they both are very talented comedians. Benigni's magnificent physical comedy talents are wide and deep, indeed. If there is anyone who could ever take up the mantle of France’s most famous (and most bumbling) detective, this is the actor. And it is obvious that Edwards was again right on the casting note. I really didn't expected the film to be so good. Herbert Lom again is wonderfull, but what is fantastic with his appearence, is that the 10 years that elapsed within CURSE and SON, allowed him to reconsile with his extravagant insanity, and when learning of Clouseau's existance through his son, he doesn't go OTT by going after him, but simply accepts it. He even married his mother, marking perhaps that Dreyfus finally made peace with Clouseau. However, this film had its problems too, and it is to these problems that this movie has a lower rating. The script itself is very thin and under-developed. Simply one of the most underveloped Panthers. Of course, it does contain scenes that play out some genuine physical humor, but the plot doesn't always make sense, and some characters are really one-dimensional, like Uncle Idris or Hans or even the King and the Queen. The script should've been examined a little more by the chief executives before it was greenlighted, because it has obvious unfinished (or should I say non existant) character developments for the secondary characters. Any way, this film has a manic comic energy and polish that was missed on CURSE, and a really good actor to take up the mandle. Benigni does a fabulous job as Clouseau Jr., adding not only the usual Edwards-like gag humor, but giving the film an wonderfully amusing and unique touch deliverable only by him. He's not Sellers reincarnated, but a new spin on the same type of character. Any way, the sets and general performances were also quite good. Edwards made a nice PANTHER film, that with little more observation to its script, and better edited, it would've been in the same calibre of RETURN and REVENGE. Sad it failed to the Box Office, as it could actually spawn PANTHER's by Benigni himself, which would undeniably be great. Overall, a PANTHER movie that I really, really enjoy, even nowadays.
7) TRAIL OF THE PINK PANTHER *** Call me crazy, but I prefer a dead Sellers Clouseau entry over an Arkin/Martin/Moore PANTHER, anyday. Obviously, the weirdest of the series, since Clouseau (Sellers) stars here, but Sellers is dead! The reason for that is that Edwards incorporated Sellers' (really funny) unused scenes from STRIKES AGAIN into the film's framework storyline and edited it with new footage, so that it could give the sence of a whole new PANTHER. The rest are flashbacks from the previous PANTHERS. To be honest, the first 45 minutes of the film are really funny, and they prove how a brilliant comedian Sellers was and how really untimely his death was (the three *** up there are for the Sellers scenes, alone). Later, Marie Jouvet shows up, and investigates Clouseau's dissapearence. After that first 45 minutes, this film stops being a comedy and becomes an interview show with Clouseau's old mates and friends. I liked some of them, but not all of it. The Bruno Langois scenes are extremely boring, Sir Charles Litton's interview contradicts the one in CURSE, and should'nt be here, and WHY WOULD EDWARDS INCORPORATE THE STRIKES AGAIN ENGLAND SCENES, WHERE CLOUSEAU WOULD SEARCH FOR LITTON, BUT THEN SET SIR CHARLES LITTON IN SOUTH OF FRANCE? He would easily avoided continiuty erros and taken advantage of the cut scenes with Clouseau in England. Also, Hercule Lejoy's interview was very pointless, to the point of wasting time just recalling SHOT. However, Cato's interview was most interesting, as it also mirrored Edwards' feelings on Sellers himself "sometimes, when you do something long enough, you miss it, even if it was painfull". Clearly Edwards speaking here (not to say Cato didn't feel that way), as Edwards often said that working with him was "the best of times, and the worst of times". The whole movie is really a clip show and not a movie. Still, up to the film's end, when Clouseau Senior (obviously named Jacques to) appears, the film shows some humor, not Sellers material, but still interesting enough, with Richard Mulligan being quite funny as Clouseau's father. And Clouseau's flashback scenes are funny, especially the Word War II one. Totally hilarious... except for Clouseau's inconsistant voice (which, concerning original PANTHER's and A SHOT IN THE DARK's still-to-be-developed french accent, should've sounded more natural). Lastly, the superb ending, showcasing Peter Sellers's funniest Clouseau scenes during the closing credits is the best collection of Clouseau scenes probably ever assembled in one place, and an excellent send-off for this amazing character. Peter Sellers was a brilliant comedian, and Clouseau represented that comic genius. Blake Edwards, perhaps more than anyone, knew and understood that. If anything, watch it for the mood. I myself would've prefered if they left the series die by 1980, Sellers' death, and let these Sellers scenes rise for a DVD edition of the films. But, what happened, happened, so.. Its still a touching film, in its own way. A personal tribute to Peter Sellers, and a good epitaph for his career. So long, Clouseau!
8) INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU **1/2 Or "INSPECTOR CLOUSEAU AND THE GREAT SWISS ROBERRY", as I call it. Sellers and Edwards were doing THE PARTY, one of the best comedies of all time (and funnier than many PANTHERS, with the exception of my top three), when this was made. Makes you wonder. Also, Yorkin is the new director, and Ken Thorne is doing the music. Frankly, although no Mancini, Thorne did a mildly good job. Its sympathetic score, not bad, not spectacular either. Anyway, the plot isn't half bad, and the script itself had quite a few good opportunities to laugh. I believe that had Edwards and Sellers worked on this, it would've been as funny as STRIKES AGAIN, RETURN and SHOT. I mean, it was written by the Waldmans. Sadly, Yorkin handled it, and his direction is positively sterile. Edwards was all about movement and comic timing, whereas Yorkin hardly makes the effort. Also, Alan Arkin, as the title sequence says, is Inspector Clouseau. Or is he? No Sellers, thats apparent. Sellers, even in his most tired/tried efforts, still found ways to make the character exciting, without resorting to child-like behaviour and occassional yelling to bring interest into the film. And, frankly, thats what I remember Arkin doing in this film - yelling in a high pitched voice, and acting child-like when he was around women (both when he liked and disliked them). I can't blame him, because he was following Sellers, a tough act all along. And his performance isn't without a merit - the French sounding voice actually originates here. Though no mis-pronounciations here, the high pitched French that is most prominent in the 70's entries actually originates here. Its good that Sellers adapted it and made it his own, and he developed it in a much, much funnier material. Anywho, if this film is seen as a continuance of only THE PINK PANTHER, and additionally if one watches A SHOT IN THE DARK afterwards, I think it makes Clousaeu's transition from the family man in PANTHER to the batchelor in SHOT much smoother, as in this way, INSPECTOR shows a Clousaeu who's still trying to move on with his life with no women/woman in his life to look after. It brings a nice melancholy note to the character, retrospectively. Anywho, not the best of the PANTHERs, but still an interesting viewing. Certainly better than the two entries below...
9) CURSE OF THE PINK PANTHER *1/2 Certainly the weakest of the series. Ted Wass is terrible as the new lead, proving the hurshness of doing a new Panther with someone else on the helm (it has been rumored that Edwards wanted this film to fail). The script is really mediocre, and highly incosistant to TRAIL, but its not bad because of that. Handled proffesionally, it could be still much better. Its bad for the reason it fails to deliver in the same comedy level as the others did, and the only scenes that are worth to be seen, are most of the non-Wass scenes, except the Sir Charles Litton interview, the Cato fight (showcasing most of Clouseau's costumes from previous films !), his Dreyfus scenes, and of course, the highlight of the film, Roger Moore as Chief Inspector Clouseau after plastic surgary! Moore was quite (but not entirely) effective as Clouseau, although he should've had a moustache and some one else to dub his lines as Clouseau, helping the audience understand that this is Clouseau we are talking about. But as it is, I really liked it. But it was more of joke (to Sellers, mostly), as dear Prof Balls said. Basicly I enjoyed the last 15-17 minutes of the film quite well. For that, the scenes I mentioned, the soundtrack, the cartoon, and for the fabulus ending (we can see Dreyfus ominous knowledge that Clouseau is alive, by his reaction to the identification of the fingerprints for Clouseau and Rossi, which BTW CLEARLY did not match), and the reunification of Niven-Wagner-Capucine, I give it a mediocre rating. It is not a BAD film. I may say its even better than some todays comedys. But it was just a real misfire. Had it a different actor (most preferably Dudley Moore or, even better, Rowan Atkinson) as Clifton Sleigh, this film might've been just badly scripted, as what it needed was a good actor, and not in the Sellers way, and we might've had some few sequels following this one with Sleigh. But, because of time restrictions, this remains, financially and creatively, a missed opportunity.
10) THE PINK PANTHER 2006 ZERO I hate this film. Maybe if I see it in a month or so, I'll change my mind. But I doubt I'll hail it as a great comedy, because it isn't. For one, this isn't Clouseau. Its Martinau.
Anyway, thats all! What do you think?
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