Thursday Movie Picks: Downstairs People

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The first theme of 2016 from Wandering Through the Shelves is "Downstairs people." It's apparently a Downton Abbey reference, but since I've never actually watched that show and only make fun of it when it gets all these award nominations, I had to Google the actual definition which is "movies about live domestic workers." I foresee this as being a really heavy topic, so I'm going to for light hearted this week.

1) Batman Begins

At first, I was going to choose Iron Man and praise Jarvis, but since he's now a computer program, I have to go with Alfred. Alfred is the best damn butler anywhere. He never loses his temper with Bruce, he's always calm. You couldn't find a better dude. He's also the only one of my picks that gets paid for his services. 

2) A Little Princess

Sarah turns from a rich girl in a boarding school to a live in servant after her father "dies" in the war. Yet, she still holds on to the stories he's told her. And she can do a mad pull up after hanging off the side of a building. In the rain.

3) Cinderella

Cinderelly, Cinderelly, night and day as a family slave. She could leave. Really, should just run away, but she doesn't. She does the work, and it all works out for her in the end. All without showing malice towards her evil step mother and sisters too. I probably would've poisoned them. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2016 at 7:38 AM

    LOVE that you went with Cinderella!

    Also, Downton Abbey was a show I made fun of heavily too...until I watched it and found out that it was actually extremely good. Like...really, really good.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 7, 2016 at 9:19 AM

      That's what I've heard, it just doesn't look like my thing. Though all the Maggie Smith gifs are pretty priceless.

      Delete
    2. Satu A.January 12, 2016 at 8:18 PM

      Downton Abbey is amazing! I gave it a go couple of years ago when I had nothing to do. Well, I end up watching four seasons in two weeks, couldn't stop.

      Delete
    3. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 13, 2016 at 6:45 AM

      I've heard it's very good, it just never looked like something I'd be into.

      Delete
    4. WandererJanuary 13, 2016 at 2:57 PM

      Have you seen Gosford Park? If you enjoy that, then you'd probably like Downton Abbey. Gosford Park is I think infinitely better of course than Downton; it has sharper dialogue and a clever little story. Downton sort of meanders, filled with heavy handedness and cheesy dialogue in the later seasons.

      Delete
    5. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 14, 2016 at 3:26 PM

      I haven't seen Gosford Park, it was popular last week though. I have it in my Netflix queue now.

      Delete
  2. joel65913January 7, 2016 at 9:35 AM

    Love the choice of A Little Princess, haven't seen it anywhere else but it's a perfect pick. A lovely film.

    Don't love the Batman films but Caine does a super job as Alfred.

    I'm not an animation fan but Cinderella is one of that I saw endlessly when I was a kid thanks to my sister's love for it and it is one of the better Disney's.

    I tried for more obscure choices and since Downton Abbey was the inspiration for the theme kept to British films.

    The Maids (1975)-Sisters Solange and Claire (Glenda Jackson & Susannah York) work as maids for a woman they detest, known only as Madame. Whenever she’s out they take turns dressing in her clothes and demeaning each other as Madame does to them. An adaptation of a Jean Genet play that was itself based on a famous pair of murders committed by the Papin sisters in 30’s France. Produced as part of the American Film Theatre but released theatrically this is very much a filmed play that features two award caliber performances from its lead actresses.

    The Servant (1963)-Tony, a wealthy young man moves to London and hires the seemingly docile Barrett to be his all-around servant. Barrett at first seems quite competent and yielding but Tony’s girlfriend Susan is made uneasy by him and advises Tony to send him away. Once Barrett brings his sister Vera to work there too the situation spirals downward and ultimately the question is who the servant is and who’s the master?

    The Fallen Idol (1948)-A young British boy, Phillippe, worships his father’s butler, Baines (Ralph Richardson) and Baines spins stories of his great adventures to amuse the boy. However Baines is stuck in a loveless marriage and when an accident occurs which Phillippe misconstrues his attempts to protect his hero only lead to bigger troubles for Baines. Directed by Carol Reed and winner of a slew of awards this is a great film.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 8, 2016 at 7:56 AM

      I haven't seen any of those since I'm so bad about Classics. Thankfully that's what I have the Blind Spot series for. Thank you for sharing these!

      Delete
  3. Sonia CercaJanuary 7, 2016 at 9:55 AM

    How on earth did I not think about Jarvis? Anyway, Alfred is probably a better choice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 8, 2016 at 7:55 AM

      I really wanted to go with Jarvis, but I thought it might be reaching. lol

      Delete
  4. DanielJanuary 7, 2016 at 10:35 AM

    LOVE A Little Princess. I thought of Cinderella too but I just couldn't pick it. I loved this animated version when I was younger, though. Lucifer the cat is my FAVORITE.

    ReplyDelete
  5. BirgitJanuary 7, 2016 at 11:43 AM

    I love Downton and it does deserve the accolades...just saying:) Alfred is great as the butler even though I am a softy for Alan Napier from the series. I love the Little Princess! I have seen this version and the one with Shirley Temple. Both are quite good but I like the newer version better. I still have to see the animated Cinderella. I love fairy tales and had to snicker when I found out she was originally called Cinderslut

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 8, 2016 at 7:54 AM

      I like the newer one a bit better too, even though I think Shirley's version had better acting in it. She was really called Cinderslut? OMG!

      Delete
  6. MyerlaJanuary 7, 2016 at 1:26 PM

    I've most likely seen Cinderella but it so long ago I don't remember it all. Nice choice with Alfred I considered him but went for Albert Nobbs instead. Have to admit though, it was quite a tough week this week. Could not think far beyond the obvious...

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 8, 2016 at 7:54 AM

      Albert Nobbs is a very good choice too. Looking at the schedule, there's a few tough weeks ahead. For me anyways.

      Delete
  7. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2016 at 4:11 PM

    Brilliant picks! I wouldn't have thought of any of these. I especially love your inclusion of A Little Princess.

    ReplyDelete
  8. thevoid99January 7, 2016 at 9:14 PM

    Oh, I like those picks. A Little Princess is definitely one of the finest children films ever and helmed by Alfonso Cuaron.

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    Replies
    1. Brittani BurnhamJanuary 8, 2016 at 7:53 AM

      I'm not the biggest fan of Cuaron's directing, but I have a soft spot for this film. I loved it as a kid.

      Delete
  9. Kevin PowersJanuary 9, 2016 at 10:44 AM

    Good call on Batman Begins. I almost went there. Don't really remember The Little Princess, but Cinderella is a classic!

    ReplyDelete
  10. JoshFebruary 3, 2016 at 4:17 AM

    Oh, Batman Begins is an inspired choice, and I love the others as well.

    ReplyDelete

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