Mystery books, especially detective series have always been very popular. There is a great deal of pleasure in reading about a “whodunit “and attempting to solve the mystery before the main characters manage to solve it. The intricacies of the story, the characterizations and smart deduction processes all contribute towards making a great book.
Here is a list of our favourite detectives in fiction. We have been enthralled by them and their thinking and logic and by the proficiency of the authors.
1. Sherlock Holmes:
Probably the world’s most famous detective, Arthur Conan Doyle created a character who became renowned for his perceptive reasoning abilities and for his ability to disguise himself effortlessly. Watson, his friend and assistant became the world’s best known sidekick. Sherlock Holmes set the benchmark for all the fictional detectives who followed later. And in my honest opinion, there is none greater than this master of detection.
2. Hercules Poirot:
A detective with a head shaped like an egg, with a bad English accent and all the French foibles you can think of, only Agatha Christie could have imagined and created a character like him. He is not your physical, hard working kind of detective; he is the thinking man’s detective with great intelligence and an even greater ego.
3. Inspector Maigret:
A genuine police detective, Inspector Maigret was more down-to-earth and natural than any other detective. He was like all of us, he had his good and bad days, he was older and more mature, and somehow he did not awe us with his superior intelligence. Created by Georges Simenon, he was the central character in about seventy-five novels and many short stories.
4. Nero Wolfe:
Only Rex Stout could have given us a detective who is not only fat and indulgent, but will also not step out of his residence in New York unless forced to do so. Called the Falstaff of detectives, he is described by his friend and narrator of the stories, Archie Goodwin as weighing “one-seventh of a ton”. Nero Wolfe however manages to solve all the cases which are under his purview without indulging in too much physical activity.
5. Ellery Queen:
Airtight plots and a well etched character are the distinguishing characteristics of an Ellery Queen novel. Frederic Dannay and Manfred Lee created a persona of a detective whose name was also used as a pseudonym for the authors. A Harvard alumni, he is quite uppity, and solves crimes because he finds it stimulating. Seven decade4s later his books are still popular among mystery novel aficionados.
6. Lord Peter Wimsey:
A gentleman detective, Dorothy Sayers provided us with a detective who not only belonged to the British aristocracy, but also was rich and fond of the good things in life. An amateur detective, he loved to investigate and solve crimes of all genres. An expert on all matters of fashion, food and wine, he is also adept at his hobby of criminology.
7. Philip Marlowe:
Raymond Chandler’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense, hard-drinking detective Philip Marlowe was the beginning of the genre of violence prone, physically active detectives. He carries a gun, is not afraid to go out and beat the “bad “guys, and he cannot be charmed the femme fatale villainesses. Even though he is reflective and thoughtful at times, he is not your usual thinking and philosophical detective.
8. V I Warshawski:
The first female detective to be part of this list, Sara Paretsky’s detective is the antithesis of the gentleman detective. Sarcastic, sloppy in her dressing and confrontational in her attitude, she is not afraid to use her pistol, nor is she scared of those who are in the wrong. She uses deduction and hard physical work to solve her cases.
9. Miss Marple:
Another one of Agatha Christie’s characterizations, Miss Marple endeared herself to all her readers with her ability to observe and surmise. Despite living in a small village in England, she understands the vagaries of mankind and uses her maturity and experience as a yardstick to solve local murder mysteries.
10. Inspector Morse:
A CID Inspector, Inspector Morse likes his opera, his ale and his crossword puzzles, and he uses his deductive abilities and his knowledge of human nature to solve his mysteries. A rather likeable character, despite his sullen demeanour and his rather patronising attitude towards women, he was well portrayed on television by John Thaw.
Here is a list of our favourite detectives in fiction. We have been enthralled by them and their thinking and logic and by the proficiency of the authors.
1. Sherlock Holmes:Probably the world’s most famous detective, Arthur Conan Doyle created a character who became renowned for his perceptive reasoning abilities and for his ability to disguise himself effortlessly. Watson, his friend and assistant became the world’s best known sidekick. Sherlock Holmes set the benchmark for all the fictional detectives who followed later. And in my honest opinion, there is none greater than this master of detection.
2. Hercules Poirot:A detective with a head shaped like an egg, with a bad English accent and all the French foibles you can think of, only Agatha Christie could have imagined and created a character like him. He is not your physical, hard working kind of detective; he is the thinking man’s detective with great intelligence and an even greater ego.
3. Inspector Maigret:A genuine police detective, Inspector Maigret was more down-to-earth and natural than any other detective. He was like all of us, he had his good and bad days, he was older and more mature, and somehow he did not awe us with his superior intelligence. Created by Georges Simenon, he was the central character in about seventy-five novels and many short stories.
4. Nero Wolfe:Only Rex Stout could have given us a detective who is not only fat and indulgent, but will also not step out of his residence in New York unless forced to do so. Called the Falstaff of detectives, he is described by his friend and narrator of the stories, Archie Goodwin as weighing “one-seventh of a ton”. Nero Wolfe however manages to solve all the cases which are under his purview without indulging in too much physical activity.
5. Ellery Queen:Airtight plots and a well etched character are the distinguishing characteristics of an Ellery Queen novel. Frederic Dannay and Manfred Lee created a persona of a detective whose name was also used as a pseudonym for the authors. A Harvard alumni, he is quite uppity, and solves crimes because he finds it stimulating. Seven decade4s later his books are still popular among mystery novel aficionados.
6. Lord Peter Wimsey:A gentleman detective, Dorothy Sayers provided us with a detective who not only belonged to the British aristocracy, but also was rich and fond of the good things in life. An amateur detective, he loved to investigate and solve crimes of all genres. An expert on all matters of fashion, food and wine, he is also adept at his hobby of criminology.
7. Philip Marlowe:Raymond Chandler’s hard-nosed, no-nonsense, hard-drinking detective Philip Marlowe was the beginning of the genre of violence prone, physically active detectives. He carries a gun, is not afraid to go out and beat the “bad “guys, and he cannot be charmed the femme fatale villainesses. Even though he is reflective and thoughtful at times, he is not your usual thinking and philosophical detective.
8. V I Warshawski:The first female detective to be part of this list, Sara Paretsky’s detective is the antithesis of the gentleman detective. Sarcastic, sloppy in her dressing and confrontational in her attitude, she is not afraid to use her pistol, nor is she scared of those who are in the wrong. She uses deduction and hard physical work to solve her cases.
9. Miss Marple:Another one of Agatha Christie’s characterizations, Miss Marple endeared herself to all her readers with her ability to observe and surmise. Despite living in a small village in England, she understands the vagaries of mankind and uses her maturity and experience as a yardstick to solve local murder mysteries.
10. Inspector Morse:A CID Inspector, Inspector Morse likes his opera, his ale and his crossword puzzles, and he uses his deductive abilities and his knowledge of human nature to solve his mysteries. A rather likeable character, despite his sullen demeanour and his rather patronising attitude towards women, he was well portrayed on television by John Thaw.
Popularity: 2% [?]
Top 10 Movies About Vampires
Posted on 12 November 2010
Vampire books and movies have become very popular after the Twilight series was released recently. However, these films are classics and Edward Cullen cannot be compared to these legendary vampires.
1. John Carpenter’s Vampires
This was released in 1998 and stars James Wood who plays the character of a vampire hunter. His parents were killed by vampires which is why he takes it upon himself to kill each and every vampire in town.
2. Lost Boys
Released in 1987, Lost Boys is very popular amongst hardcore vampire movie goers. Two boys along with their single mother move to a new town after which the younger son befriends a few odd boys. These kids say that they are vampire hunters while the older brother starts showing signs of becoming a vampire and the younger one takes it upon himself to save his brother.
3. Interview with a Vampire
This movie is based on a book by the same name by Anne Rice. It revolves around Louis, a plantation owner who becomes lifeless after his brother dies. Lestat, a vampire asks him if he wishes to become like him and Louis accepts. However, he does not enjoy his new life very much and the two change a little girl after which the two start living as a family during the 1700s. A young journalist then interviews a vampire who says that he is about 200 years old and delves into his life story.
4. Dracula
This legendary film was released in 1958 and starred Christopher Lee. After getting attacked by Jonathan Harker, Dracula starts preying on Harker’s fiancée’s family after moving away. Dr. Van Helsing is the one and only vampire hunter who can protect them. This movie was critically acclaimed and was laced with both sexuality and gore.
5. Bram Stoker’s Dracula
This film was released in 1992 and was created keeping a modern audience in mind. The cast was great and the director did a great job which became apparent after it won innumerable awards.
6. From Dusk till Dawn
This movie was released in 1996 and is full of sexy female vampires, a nest of vampires, mass feeding- all set against a modern backdrop. Two brothers are looking to get through the night after robbing a bank. They end up choosing a strip joint which turns out to be a vampire nest. The vampires attack them and they try to survive till sunrise.
7. Blade
Released in 1998, Blade is an action packed vampire film and is quite modern when compared to the rest. A woman gives birth to a baby boy while her neck is bleeding profusely and dies soon after. This child is Blade who grows up as a half-human, half-vampire.
8. Underworld
This movie is based on the rivalry between vampires and werewolves. A war breaks out when the vampires realize that the werewolves have gotten the upper hand.
9. Dracula: Dead and Loving It
This is a spoof which makes fun of vampire films and mostly of Dracula. The movie is laced with ridiculous dancing and singing and will make you fall off your seat laughing. If you are a hardcore vampire-lover, you may not like this film but if you are a good sport, you will love it!
10. Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Gravens
This is undoubtedly the best vampire film ever to be made. It is a silent film in black and white and the protagonist is Count Orlock played by Max Schrek. Those who watch this film are either scared for days or cannot stop laughing.
1. John Carpenter’s VampiresThis was released in 1998 and stars James Wood who plays the character of a vampire hunter. His parents were killed by vampires which is why he takes it upon himself to kill each and every vampire in town.
2. Lost BoysReleased in 1987, Lost Boys is very popular amongst hardcore vampire movie goers. Two boys along with their single mother move to a new town after which the younger son befriends a few odd boys. These kids say that they are vampire hunters while the older brother starts showing signs of becoming a vampire and the younger one takes it upon himself to save his brother.
3. Interview with a VampireThis movie is based on a book by the same name by Anne Rice. It revolves around Louis, a plantation owner who becomes lifeless after his brother dies. Lestat, a vampire asks him if he wishes to become like him and Louis accepts. However, he does not enjoy his new life very much and the two change a little girl after which the two start living as a family during the 1700s. A young journalist then interviews a vampire who says that he is about 200 years old and delves into his life story.
4. DraculaThis legendary film was released in 1958 and starred Christopher Lee. After getting attacked by Jonathan Harker, Dracula starts preying on Harker’s fiancée’s family after moving away. Dr. Van Helsing is the one and only vampire hunter who can protect them. This movie was critically acclaimed and was laced with both sexuality and gore.
5. Bram Stoker’s DraculaThis film was released in 1992 and was created keeping a modern audience in mind. The cast was great and the director did a great job which became apparent after it won innumerable awards.
6. From Dusk till DawnThis movie was released in 1996 and is full of sexy female vampires, a nest of vampires, mass feeding- all set against a modern backdrop. Two brothers are looking to get through the night after robbing a bank. They end up choosing a strip joint which turns out to be a vampire nest. The vampires attack them and they try to survive till sunrise.
7. BladeReleased in 1998, Blade is an action packed vampire film and is quite modern when compared to the rest. A woman gives birth to a baby boy while her neck is bleeding profusely and dies soon after. This child is Blade who grows up as a half-human, half-vampire.
8. UnderworldThis movie is based on the rivalry between vampires and werewolves. A war breaks out when the vampires realize that the werewolves have gotten the upper hand.
9. Dracula: Dead and Loving ItThis is a spoof which makes fun of vampire films and mostly of Dracula. The movie is laced with ridiculous dancing and singing and will make you fall off your seat laughing. If you are a hardcore vampire-lover, you may not like this film but if you are a good sport, you will love it!
10. Nosferatu: Eine Symphonie des Gravens This is undoubtedly the best vampire film ever to be made. It is a silent film in black and white and the protagonist is Count Orlock played by Max Schrek. Those who watch this film are either scared for days or cannot stop laughing.
Popularity: 3% [?]
Top 10 Male Protagonists In Hollywood Films
Posted on 09 November 2010
It is said that the cast and crew of a film carries a film, no matter how outstanding the script is. These Hollywood actors definitely understood that and made these movies what they are today.
1. Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks was brilliant in Big. His acting was effortless and perfect and when asked about it, he said that all he did was tap into a child’s mind. Needless to say, he should have won an Oscar- make that several Oscars!
2. Al Pacino
Al Pacino plays the character of a homosexual man in Dog Day Afternoon who robs a bank because he is not financially stable enough to sponsor partner’s sex affirmation surgery. The plot of the film is hilarious and this actor knows exactly what to do in order to make a film stand out. The audience is supposed to think of him as a hero and not a villain and the best part is that this goal was achieved!
3. Sir Peter O’Toole
It has been said that Sir Peter O’Toole’s performance in Venus was one of his best. The plot revolves around an aging man, namely him, who falls in love with Venus, an underage but undeniable beautiful teenage girl.
4. Peter Sellers
Peter Sellers has achieved the impossible in Dr. Strangelove – he plays four roles and interestingly, they are all very different from each other. He manages to change his colors like a chameleon as and when the director commands him to do so.
5. Sir Paul Scofield
His performance in A Man for All Seasons was nothing if not flawless in every way. His character was extremely knowledgeable when it came to Jesus and the Bible and needless to say, he knew almost everything about the religion.
6. Daniel Day-Lewis
Daniel Day-Lewis spent a year in isolation trying to perfect his voice before filming for There Will Be Blood began. His aim was to get into character and play the role of a ruthless and brutal man who cared only about beating up people.
7. Sir Anthony Hopkins
Sir Anthony Hopkins’ performance in The Silence of the Lambs is definitely remarkable because he manages to disgust and enrage the audience at the same time. He looks intimidating and malicious without saying a word and when he does deliver his lines, he stares at the other person in this unnerving manner that is sure to make you uncomfortable.
8. Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando was outstanding in The Godfather – he towered over the other three actors in the film, namely, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and James Caan. He shines brighter than any other male protagonist in one scene during the movie when he finds out that his son is dead.
9. F. Murray Abraham
F. Murray Abraham’s character in Amadeus is daunting and his character is full of sorrow and misery. His body language is perfect and his dialogue delivery is faultless, to say the least.
10. Spencer Tracy
If you are looking for the best and most extraordinary male protagonist in a Hollywood film, it is Spencer Tracy in Boys Town. He is so good that the audience felt that he wasn’t acting at all and was in fact, living his character’s life.
1. Tom Hanks Tom Hanks was brilliant in Big. His acting was effortless and perfect and when asked about it, he said that all he did was tap into a child’s mind. Needless to say, he should have won an Oscar- make that several Oscars!
2. Al Pacino Al Pacino plays the character of a homosexual man in Dog Day Afternoon who robs a bank because he is not financially stable enough to sponsor partner’s sex affirmation surgery. The plot of the film is hilarious and this actor knows exactly what to do in order to make a film stand out. The audience is supposed to think of him as a hero and not a villain and the best part is that this goal was achieved!
3. Sir Peter O’Toole It has been said that Sir Peter O’Toole’s performance in Venus was one of his best. The plot revolves around an aging man, namely him, who falls in love with Venus, an underage but undeniable beautiful teenage girl.
4. Peter Sellers Peter Sellers has achieved the impossible in Dr. Strangelove – he plays four roles and interestingly, they are all very different from each other. He manages to change his colors like a chameleon as and when the director commands him to do so.
5. Sir Paul Scofield His performance in A Man for All Seasons was nothing if not flawless in every way. His character was extremely knowledgeable when it came to Jesus and the Bible and needless to say, he knew almost everything about the religion.
6. Daniel Day-Lewis Daniel Day-Lewis spent a year in isolation trying to perfect his voice before filming for There Will Be Blood began. His aim was to get into character and play the role of a ruthless and brutal man who cared only about beating up people.
7. Sir Anthony Hopkins Sir Anthony Hopkins’ performance in The Silence of the Lambs is definitely remarkable because he manages to disgust and enrage the audience at the same time. He looks intimidating and malicious without saying a word and when he does deliver his lines, he stares at the other person in this unnerving manner that is sure to make you uncomfortable.
8. Marlon Brando Marlon Brando was outstanding in The Godfather – he towered over the other three actors in the film, namely, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall and James Caan. He shines brighter than any other male protagonist in one scene during the movie when he finds out that his son is dead.
9. F. Murray Abraham F. Murray Abraham’s character in Amadeus is daunting and his character is full of sorrow and misery. His body language is perfect and his dialogue delivery is faultless, to say the least.
10. Spencer Tracy If you are looking for the best and most extraordinary male protagonist in a Hollywood film, it is Spencer Tracy in Boys Town. He is so good that the audience felt that he wasn’t acting at all and was in fact, living his character’s life.
Top 10 Children’s Films – non-animated
Posted on 03 November 2010
Films made for kids are in a class of their own. They traverse the realms of fantasy and the real world, they tell us simple stories, and even as adults we enjoy their visual delights and the superb performances by the child stars and their adult counterparts.
Children’s films can be bifurcated into two main categories – animated and non-animated. There have been a few films which have combined the two genres, but on the whole these are few and far between.
The nominations for the Top-10 non-animated children’s films are as follows:
1. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s StoneThe entire Harry Potter series has been an immense success with children and adults alike. The first film of the series set the groundwork for a phenomenal group of movies which went on to achieve immense box office success. Visually enchanting, with some great sci-fi effects, the films have been apt visualizations of great books.
2. Wizard of Oz:A classic story line, some superb performances and music which has survived for many decades, this is one of the all time favourite children’s films. Released in 1939, it achieved it’s major success only after it was shown on television. Down the Yellow Brick Road to Oz, Judy Garland and her beloved dog Toto, accompanied by the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion and the Tin Man have become an integral part in the annals of movie history.
3. Sound of Music:Once again a musical which has withstood the passage of time with Julie Andrews at her best, Sound of Music is among the best films ever made for children and adults alike. The story of the Von Trapp family, the catchy lyrics, the feel-good story and Switzerland in all it’s cinematic glory have all contributed to the film’s success.
4. Mary Poppins:Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!
Who can forget Julie Andrews and her umbrella and Dick Van Dyke at his clownish best in this film. The ever popular songs only seemed to add to the enchantment of the film and it’s lighter than air feeling. A spellbinding film for children, it combines the genres of animation and non-animation in a superb presentation.
5. Parent Trap (1961):This story has been made and remade umpteen times, but our all-time favourite remains the version with Hayley Mills released in 1961. The mischief engineered by the twins has made this into a light and heart-warming film which charms all ages. Many other versions have followed but none of them have the charm and allure of this film.
6. E.T.:Only Steven Spielberg could have made a film from the point of view of an alien and a child. He reminds you about the simplicity of childhood and of how children can accept anything with alacrity and deal with it with innocence and naivety. E.T. was a totally implausible story, but Spielberg makes you believe in a friendly alien and his friendship with the children.
7. Hook:Robin Williams as Peter Pan – need we say anything else, Dustin Hoffman as Captain Hook – two masterstrokes of casting. All of us have enjoyed this timeless tale told by modern directors, from the eyes of a grown up Peter Pan. With a politically correct group of Lost Boys, a tiny Julia Roberts and Maggie Smith as Wendy, Spielberg once again created magic.
8. Star Wars:This may not be considered to be a children’s movie, but it was very popular with all of them. Combining science fiction with a story of magic swords and revenge and wars among ideologies, it was done skilfully and was a taut and dexterous film. All three parts of this series went on to become box office hits.
9. Honey I shrunk the Kids:This 1989 film is an out and out comedy, with an inventive story line and some deft special effects. It spawned many serials and TV shows, but none of them could match the original film with Rick Moranis as the bumbling father who has managed to shrink his kids and throw them out with the trash!
10. Spy Kids:Some of you may disagree with our inclusion of this film in this list, but a story about kids who are spies and are trying to save the world – can you think of a better story catering for children? A funny family film, this is a definite change from the usual spy films.
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