- Complex Metropolitan Opera set for Dimitri Shostakovich’s “The Nose” seen on March 11th
by Sam Juliano
As promised, Jason Giampietro has furnished the you tube clip of the Oscar party for those interested. The link was also offered in Dee Dee’s Oscar interview wrap:
There are some excellent reviews and miscelaneous posts around the blogosphere:
Dave Hicks has reached the top 40 in his months-long running Film Noir countdown with his Friday review of Andre de Toth’s Crime Wave: http://goodfellamovies.blogspot.com/2010/03/40-crime-wave-andre-de-toth-1954.html
At FilmsNoir.net Tony d’Ambra has posted a ‘double review’ of Young Man With A Horn and A Lady Without Passport that rates with the best stuff he’s ever written in three years of blogging, and that’s saying something. http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/double-feature-young-man-with-a-horn-and-a-lady-without-passport.html
At Film Cheer Dorothy Porker has the full Oscar round-up with a phoro of Kethryn Bigelow proudly clutching her two Oscars: http://filmcheer.com/2010/03/08/oscar-full-results/
Ever the cultural archivist and king of memorobilia, John Greco has a review on the icons of 70′s rock at his place that a must-read!http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2010/03/11/the-t-a-m-i-show-1964-steve-binder/
Filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman continues his wildly-popular annual countdown of the cinema’s best films, and as of late the place to be is The Last Lullaby: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/
After penning an outstanding review of Shutter Island, Ed Howard issues an unusual near-pan of a minor Hawks film at Only the Cinema: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/03/song-is-born.html
Troy Olson has one of his greatest essays ever up at his place on Claire Denis’s 35 Shots of Rum: http://troyolson.blogspot.com/2010/03/2009-35-shots-of-rum.html
Dee Dee expresses her ‘thanks’ for the Oscar coverage at her place, but in reality she is the one to thank the most!: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-31-days-of-oscarcountdown-with-sam.html
A trubador of good will, sage advice and priceless historical anecdotes, all conveyed with with an assortment of art work, letters, poster art and video, the esteemed ‘Coffee Messiah” Michael has two fabulous posts headlining at his Indiana Cafe, including one with a revelatory letter from the 1800′s by a 100 year old man, and the other including “new” UK libraries made from former phone booths. Check these out!http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2010/03/books-and-small-library.html
Dan Getahun has moved past the Olympics and has posted some excellent stuff over at Getafilm including an Oscar discussion and a fabulous post on the best soundtracks of the last ten years: http://getafilm.blogspot.com/2010/03/25-best-soundtracks-of-decade-2000-2009.html
David Schleicher combines another exceptional review (on North Face) with some priceless photographs of Philadelphia at The Schleicher Spin: http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/03/09/point-and-shoot/
Craig Kennedy has an early review up of Bong Joon-ho’s Mother, which he says is the year’s best film so far, but he informs it with a fabulous essay at Living in Cinema: http://livingincinema.com/2010/03/12/review-mother-2010-12/
J. D. at Radiator Heaven, has penned an exquisite and popular review on Norman Jewison’s Vietnam war film, In Country that’s a must-read: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2010/03/in-country.html
Longman Oz, a noted film and theatre critic, is also a big fan of popular music, and many of his posts are devoted to this persuit like this one, marked by some dazzling clips: http://noordinaryfool.com/2010/03/12/aweekinmusic39/
Judy at Movie Classics continues her stellar coverage of William Wellman with this intriguing, little-seen feature: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2010/03/07/the-star-witness-1931/
Marilyn Ferdinand speaks eloquently about the Cannes Film festival in this engagingly unique post at “Ferdy-on-Films”:, while her erstwhile colleague Roderick Heath tackles another horror gem in the Hammer canon: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=2215
The always fascinating ‘Just Another Film Buff’ has a capsule post up at his place on a rarely-seen film by Hsiao-Hsien, that’s a must read for cinema lovers: http://theseventhart.info/2010/03/07/ellipsis-1/
Always moving between genres, the ever-prolific Samuel Wilson has another formidable review up of a “Bad Girls of Film Noir, Volume 1″ entry, The Glass Wall at “Mondo 70″: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2010/03/glass-wall-1953.html
Kevin Olson admits he’s been busy as of late, but he’s a reliable poster nonetheless, and after an engaging piece on three Woody Allan films, his latest is this Danny De Vito Offering at Hugo Stiglitz Makes Movies: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2010/03/other-peoples-money.html
The ever-tasteful and perceptive Donophon has arrived ‘at the top’ at his place, where his latest post is his #1 film of the new millenium, a Malick masterpiece that needs no introduction. This is an absolutely tremendous piece of writing in every sense: http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/2010/03/my-favorite-films-of-00s-2-histoire-de.html
Andrew Wyatt has what I feel is a dead-on appraisal of Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland at his ‘Gateway Cinephiles’ home. It’s a fabulous capsule review: http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2010/03/09/uffish-but-not-frumious/
Less enthused is the esteemed ‘Film Dr.’ who nonetheless gives teh film an ever-insightful analysis in his always-original fashion: http://filmdr.blogspot.com/2010/03/how-to-foul-up-classic-11-notes-on-tim.html
Pat” a very good friend, has been busy of late, but her place, Doodad Kind of Town has some interesting past posts still showcasing: http://doodadkindoftown.blogspot.com/
Adam Zansie has a terrific post at Icebox Movies, discussing his ‘Five Best Movies of 2009′ that’s a must-read: http://iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2010/03/iceboxs-top-five-of-2009.html
“Anubhavbist” is preparing for a Fuller review soon, but his exceptional essay on the masterwork Killer of Sheep is still up: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/killer-of-sheep/
Tony Dayoub has what appears to be yet another excellent essay up on The Green Zone at Cinema Viewfinder: http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2010/03/movie-review-green-zone.html
Drew McIntosh is going Godard crazy with a stimulating marathon on the French New Wave master’s work, the latest Pierrot le Fou at his place. It’s great writing here: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2010/03/godard-marathon-day-5-pierrot-le-fou.html
R.D. Finch’s latest review up at The Movie Projector is on Black Alibi, based on a short story by Cornel Woolrich: http://movieprojector.blogspot.com/2010/03/black-angel-1946.html
Greg Ferrara always raises the tone over at Cinema Styles, and he’s showcasing a lesser-viewed Billy Wilder: http://cinemastyles.blogspot.com/2010/03/foreign-affair-1948-d-billy-wilder.html
Ari has an intriguing post up at The Aspect Ratio, about his grandfather, a dance choreographer, that appears to be a must-read: http://theaspectratio.net/israelidancer1.htm
Jason Bellamy has a post up that basketball fans would die for at The Cooler: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2010/03/until-skinny-guy-sings-winning-time.html
So, you know the routine? What’s been going on?
Hi Sam. Thanks again for the shout-out. I’d hoped to have a review of Catherine Breillat’s Bluebeard up this evening, but the muse was elusive. I saw the film on Saturday as part of the Siskel Center’s European Union Film Festival, and thought it was certainly one of the most sly and enchanting films I’ve seen in quite a while.
We hosted a Swedish student when Up with People was in town two years ago. After circling the globe for a while, she was back again today for her last performance with the group ever. It was a great reunion and a good show.
On the small screen, I finally saw High Spirits, a real romp with the great Peter O’Toole hamming it up very pleasantly. DVR’d The Magician, a silent horror film in which future directorial great Michael Powell plays a small role and acted as assistant director to Rex Ingram. I should have a review of it up later this week.
Marilyn, while I was in the IFC Film Center last night with Lucille and a friend watching MOTHER, we saw the Breillat trailer beforehand, and it did seem utterly ravishing. I was a huge fan of her THE LAST MISTRESS, which finished #3 of it’s year on my annual top ten list, and really want to see this. You can be sure I’ll be over to Ferdy-on-Films with bells on to read what will surely be a magnificent account (by you!).
That’s a touching account there with the Swedish student, and I can imagine it was an emotional farewell. Thanks so much for sharing that Marilyn, and best wishes to all.
I know HIGH SPIRITS well, but that other film (THE MAGICIAN) is an absolute gem. I received my own copy a while back from Allan, and I simply ca’t wait for your upcoming evaluation!!!!
As always Marilyn, thanks a bunch!
Aha. The Prophet. One of the truly brilliant films of 2009. I’m so glad that you loved it, Sam. You made my day.
As for Mother, I liked it a lot, although I wasn’t eactly floored by it. It’s shift in tones and attitudes really took me by a pleasant surprise. Guess the film is very polarizing.
Apart from some Hou films, I saw Capitalism: A Love Story last week – Average.
Wll have to catch up with some older posts at WitD, Movieman’s site and others…
Always a special treat to have your input here JAFB, though it’s never left us! And my day is made to recall that you did consider UN PROPHETE one of the best films of 2009!!! I can’t get it out of my head!
Yeah, MOTHER is polarizing, and the shifts in tone rather bothered me. At some point though I want to see it again, though I have some issues with this director, sorry to say. It has to be me though as so many have praised it, yourself included.
Yep, the Michael Moore is no better than average, I quite agree. Thanks again for your loyalty my friend!
Thanks for the mention and for your comment on The Glass Wall, Sam. My big adventure of this weekend was my vulture-like descent upon the local branch of the Hollywood Video chain, which is closing a bunch of stores in the region. This shop was selling its entire inventory, and by the time I got there the rate was $3.99 apiece or 3 for $10. I strolled in on an impulse, and on the whole I think I was a model of restraint. I only bought seven movies. These were Hou Hsiao-Hsien’s GOODBYE SOUTH, GOODBYE, Michael Haneke’s TIME OF THE WOLF, Kon Ichikawa’s DORA-HEITA, Hiroshi Inagaki’s INCIDENT AT BLOOD PASS, Shunya Ito’s FEMALE CONVICT 701:SCORPION, Narciso Ibanez Serrador’s WHO CAN KILL A CHILD? and, er, Richard Fleischer’s MANDINGO. This particular store is located right next to a college campus, so its foreign-film collection was strong, and was still strong when I got there a few days into the clearance sale. I could easily have left with twice as many films, and I’ll probably regret not doing so later. And so the worm turns. A decade ago chains like this one and Blockbuster were the death of many a good old eclectic mom-&-pop video store. Now it’s their turn thanks to Netflix and the red boxes, but I can’t exactly see it as a good thing despite my plunder.
Samuel: You are a ceaseless purveyor of eclectic cinema, and your stalking of video stores (and the Albany public library) has allowed you to pen some unique reviews at Mondo 70, as well as negotiating as diverse a cinematic diet as anyone has attempted. I take my hat off to you. That is a fantastic sale, and the Hsaio-Hsien, Hanecke, and Ichikawa are excellent works, though I’m not familiar with the others except for MANDINGO. Yeah you could say that you should have bought more, but I suspect more of these sales will pop up has blu-ray takes root even deeper in the consumer market. In any case, nice work there!!!!
Sam – that opera certainly sounds like something else!
Question for you since you didn’t care for MOTHER (which I have seen previews for and think looks fantastic) — were you a fan of MEMORIES OF MURDER (which I loved)? I get the feeling you aren’t a big fan of this director…
David, you hit it one the nose. I was NOT a fan of MEMORIES OF MURDER, though I moderately liked THE HOST, but that was more of a genre piece. This director’s work bothers me, not because it’s abstract – as I like other abstract directors – but it’s so alienating. You had me figured right though.
The opera is a masterwork. My review will be up first thing Thursday morning. Thanks so much!
Its great to see you watched both my number two and three choices of last year (though I’m sad to see you weren’t as big a fan of Mother, a film I thought was one of the best from Korean I’ve ever seen, up there with Ki-young Kim’s The Housemaid, Park Chan Wook’s Oldboy and even the director’s previous film, The Host). But as always thank you for the recommendation and I promise the essay for Shock Corridor is on it’s way.
Thanks Anu! I didn’t realize that PROPHET and MOTHER took down your #2 and #3 positions, but I’m not surprised, as you have great taste. I am in a big majority here with MOTHER, so I think I am the problem here. But as I stated to david, there is just something that rubs me wrong. I’ll have to watch it a second time. The Audiard of course, is a masterpiece of cinema, and I applaud your own admiration for it. I will be looking for that SHOCK CORRIDOR review, which I know you will do a great job with!
Thanks for the nod Sam. My (admittedly lengthy) post on The New World took up much of my viewing time this week, especially since I wanted to rewatch The Marriage of Maria Braun and Ugetsu and Nosferatu to make sure I wasn’t imagining the references. My major (and this is as major as it gets) viewing experience of the week was the full-length version of Once Upon A Time In America, which I thought I had seen before, but I quickly realized I had previously only seen abbreviated cuts of. And what a movie it is! Leone does things with memory, both as a fictional representation and an actual personal experience, that are unbelievably affecting. I’l definitely have to write on it some time. It’s a masterpiece.
Donophon: Watching ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA was for me a cinematic epiphany. I agree with you that it’s a masterpiece, and is rates as one of the greatest films of the 80′s (in the top 5 or 6 for sure) Morricone’s elegiac score and the episodic arc of the narrative are imbued with a sense of time and place as well as fate, and it’s an unforgettable tapestry on display here, orchestrated by Leone in what is his greatest work. But hey, you figured out as much and more, I’m sure. And I can’t blame you for taking your time on the review, it’s really a master-class essay, one of teh best I’ve read as of late! And some other very good viewings there!
Sam I am keeping my eyes open for the essay about the opera… you have captured my curiosity with… “The Nose, an almost phantasmagoric blending of silhouettes, shapes, and stage trappings that stretched the boundaries for creativity and made the atonal, discordant score a stunning aural experience.” Terrill
Ah Terrill, I know that description would appeal to you, and it’s definitely a vital aspect of this unique production, which does rival the earlier-season FROM THE HOUSE OF THE DEAD by Janicek. I will have the review up for early Thursday morning, and I thank you kindly for the interest and support!
Hi Sam! Yes, A Prophet is a sensational film and, in a move that clearly followed on from my views of the film at Christmas, it cleaned up at the Cesars (the French “Oscars”) last month!! However, I am not sure why you compare it to The White Ribbon… One is the joy of cinema (a cracking good yarn told with great panache); the other is the cerebral side of it (only reveals itself fully with subsequent thought and repeated viewings).
On Mother, knowing that it is a South Korean film, I am not necessarily put off it based on your description of it, as that sort of approach could well work for me! I hope that it comes here soon!
Thanks for ze plug, as always.
Ah Longman……..the reason I compared it with THE WHITE RIBBON, is that both were nominated for the foreign film Oscar, where they were co-favorites, (but lost to the Argentinian film) but more importantly, they were the two foreign-language films that shared all the critics awards to this year and were linked by their effusively-favorable receptions. But what you say there is absolutely right. There is no connection at all artistically as they are completely different films. I felt Audiard’s film was considerable stronger, but I know others like youself love both and that’s more than fair enough. The problem I have with THE WHITE RIBBON is obviously one I must resolve or let go, but THE PROPHET grabbed me immediately and never let me go. I’m not surprised it dominated the Caesars too!
And yes, what you say there about my description of MOTHER is right on too, as the issues I have are not necessarily negative in th eviews of many. I’d love to read your opinion when it’s gets to Dublin.
Thanks as always for the great recap.
The shadow box header picture is nice to see, and look forward to reading your review of the Nose.
That’s quite a crowd at your place ; )
Cheers!
And another one interested in THE NOSE! Michael thank you very much for the kind words. This was one of this year’s most unforgettable events and I will do my best to convey this vividly and in the most persuasive terms.
Yes, we did have very good attendance this year for the party.
Many thanks for the mention Sam. My week, and weekend, was occupied with a lot of other things going on subsequently I only squeezed in three films, two of which were short features. “Live Wires”, a Bowery Boys Monogram cheapie (**). I have always had an odd fixation since I was a kid with these films, most of which are at best fair. This one at least had Phil Karlson directing. I also watched “It Came From Beneath the Sea” (***) 50’s sci-fi with highlights of course being Ray Harryhausen’s animation. Lastly, I took another look at “Somebody Up There Likes Me” (***1/2), early Paul Newman which I will tell more about in an upcoming review.
Looking forward to your review of ‘Somebody Up There Likes Me’, John. I’m sure you will tempt me into watching it again.
John, have you ever seen IT THE TERROR FROM BEYOND SPACE? That one -which inspired ALIEN- is one I fondly remember from Chiller Theatre on Channel 11, which also showcased such “gems” as HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL, The FOUR SKULLS OF JONATHAN DRAKE, THE MANSTER, I BURY THE LIVING, THE ATTACK OF THE 50 FOOT WOMAN and THE GIANT BEHEMOTH. Remember that show John? And Million Dollar movie on Channel 9, which showed the films about 10 or 11 times a week, every night and several more on the weekends. It seems like yesterday, but God has the time passed us by.
Like Judy, I also look forward to your Newman review at Twenty-Four Frames, and as always thanks for the great wrap!
Its’s been years Sam but I do remember “IT” as well as Chiller Theater and Million Dollar Movie. MDM use to show the same movie about three times in a row weekends (continuous showings!). I lost count on how many times I watched King Kong on channel 9.
Sam, thanks so much for the extremely kind words. I can’t wait to see THE PROPHET. It’s coming to Shreveport in the next couple of weeks.
Most of my past week was spent watching friends’ work. But I did see one thing that really struck me, Josef von Sternberg’s MOROCCO. It has a few wordless scenes where von Sternberg combines sublime tracking shots with Dietrich’s face to create some incredibly powerful moments. It’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had with von Sternberg’s work. I was blown away.
Thanks, Sam, for continuing to be such a major part of the countdown. It’s always such a treat to have you there.
I can’t wait to see what you say Jeffrey, especially as you are a filmmaker yourself. This is a stylish work from one of contemporary cinema’s most gifted craftsmen. MOROCCO is a true classic, along with the same director’s THE DOCKS OF NEW YORK, THE BLUE ANGEL (I know you love that too) and THE SCARLET EMPRESS, THE LAST COMMAND, BLONDE VENUS and SHANHAI EXPRESS.
I have been thrilled to contibute to your countdown, and appreciate your exceeding gracious ness Jeffrey!
I’m looking forward to Allan’s top ten – haven’t managed to keep pace with watching as many “Almost Silents’ as I’d hoped to, due to limited time and a lot of job-related hassle, but I definitely intend to watch those he has put near the top asap, and then to catch more of the others over the coming year. Also looking forward to your review of ‘Measure for Measure’, Sam. I’ve just seen ‘He Ran All the Way’, starring John Garfield, which I loved and hope to write about on my blog soon. Thank you very much for the kind mention, which is much appreciated as ever!
Judy, thank you! I do look forward to your writing on the John Garfield film at Movie Classics, and I fully understand it’s not easy to keep pace in a number of directions. You have actually been gloriously prolific at your place, and you’ve worked in a number of viewings as well. Thanks so much for your interest in my MEASURE FOR MEASURE experience, which will be a review at the site on Friday.
Oops, sorry for the double posting there – I accidentally hit the button before I finished writing, but thought I had cancelled.
I always do that Judy! No problem at all, my friend.
THE PROPHET has received superlative reviews. Just about every critic in the states that’s gotten their hands on it has raved. Aside from SHUTTER ISLAND, THE PROPHET is the ONE film I’m desperately trying to see. Glad to see Sam, Lucille and BROADWAY BOB enjoyed it SATURDAY. Me, I just stayed home, watched the weather unearth trees right and left, chased my garbage pails all over town, drank bottled water, and watched my hands turn brown. Glad to see some got through the storm.
You should have joined them Dennis. Sure beats hiding out.
Dennis, I actually saw THE PROPHET on Saturday afternoon at 1:00 in Montclair, so I left the house at noon. I am not sure if you were working at that time. At NIGHT, we saw MOTHER in the city, so as I say I’m not sure if you would have been able to negotiate that afternoon show. But I am 100% certain you will adore THE PROPHET. I’d bet money on it! Thanks as always!
I also saw A Prophet this weekend and was as impressed as you, Sam – easily one of the best crime/prison epics in years. It’s easy to see why it swept the Cesars a few weeks ago.
I also saw a few movies at home:
IM JULI – I’d seen this years ago and wanted to revisit it in light of Fatih Akin’s emergence in the last couple of years. I still loved it and found its style really refreshing.
DARK DAYS – Finally caught up with this doc that many had considered among the best of decade. They’re certainly right, and any New Yorker I imagine would be fascinated by the stories of people who formerly lived underground on the upper east side.
THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD – Pretty hilarious documentary about The Yes Men, an activist duo that pulls pranks on corporations and publicly humiliates them. Available on DVD next month.
Didn’t get to Green Zone but I do hope to see it sometime this week. And loved the Oscar night video from the Juliano party!
Dan, I am thrilled to hear what you say about THE PROPHET, especially as I know you are (in a good sense) very tough to please. I hope you’ll be writing on it! Thanks for the kind words about the Oscar video, and as far as THE GREEN ZONE, it appears that I’ll b eleaving the house in about an hour to catch the 9:20 P. M. show at the local multiplex. I look forward to your take on it. I haven’t seen THE YES MEN FIX THE WORLD to this pint, but your dead on what you say about DARK DAYS and IM JULI, as far as I’m concerned. I love Akin’s THE EDGE OF HEAVEN particularly. Thanks for the comprehensive and engaging wrap Dan!
The you tube video was a blast as I already mentioned. But what happened to the other two rabbits that were mauled afterwards?
You don’t seem to have many supporters on your pan of the Korean film, but if what you say is right, I can do without it. I am really interested in Un Prophete.
I hope you do follow through with the planned essay on Shostakovich’s opera The Nose, and even the Shakespeare play.
Frank, the other two rabbits met up with the same fate, as the door to the room where they were caged was accidentally left open. It was another dark day, but we have not replaced them.
As I say, THE NOSE will be up Thursday–but before that we will have a fantastic revistitation by Jim Clark of INLAND EMPIRE and Joels’ excellent new essay in the 21st Century series. Yes, I will also be reviewing MEASURE FOR MEASURE. Thanks so much for your much-valued contribution Frank!
Sam, I am just about done with my silent list, and I may enter it on the site’s thread this afternoon. I thank you for the copies on the Abel Gance films, and think Mr. Fish wrote quite the excellent piece on “La Roue” – one of my favorites.
Another year passes and I missed out on your beloved gathering. But the video is the next best thing. If you decide to see “The Prophet” again, please let me know. Sue is interested too.
Thanks Peter! I did see your list, and hope to enter my own on that tab before the night is over. Your choices (I don’t need to tell you this of course) are outstanding, and are a sorely needed addition to the polling.
Ah, maybe you can manage an appearance next year. I’ll haunt you. Ha!
SAM-IVE BEEN TRYING TO REACH YOU BY PHONE TO TELL YOU ABOUT TOMORROW (TUESDAY). PLEASE GET BACK TO ME. Dennis
Dennis, our phone service has been down for two days as a result of the storm. It was finally restored last night.
Really busy this past week (and will be for the next week or so too), so not much in the way of movies for me outside of the necessary things to do for the noir countdown. I’m really enjoying re-watching some old favorites before I write about them.
I was also really happy to have HBO’s THE PACIFIC finally begin. I LOVED everything about Band of Brothers so if this one even approaches that level I will be very pleased. The first episode was good, but not earth-shattering, but I still look forward to following the entire 10-part series.
Thanks again for the shout out, Sam… the noir countdown is really getting fun now!
Th enitty-gritty of the noir countdown is upon us now Dave, and your rightful focus should be in that direction. I haven’t seen PACIFIC, though I have seen BAND, and you have every reason to be optimistic. Loved your review of WHITE HEAT today!!!!!
Saw the YouTube video Jason posted and was blown away. His cutting from the ceremony on TV to the party gatherers to Sam screaming at the dogs was just great. There’s kind of slick, rock-n-roll style to it that I really wasn’t expecting at all. It totally works and is wonderfully creative. That I’m caught on film cursing is another thing. But, hey, such are the sacrifices for art. BRAVO JASON!!!!!!
Yep, Jason is a crafty operator!
Well, Sam, your description of THE PROPHET (which I believe I had heard about previously) has me anxiously awaiting to see it.
No movies for me again this week — still recharging the engines. I am hoping to post my 2009 year in review sometime by the end of the week so I can move on from last year and onto other things with my viewing!
Thanks Troy. I do look forward to your next post, and fully understand the need to ‘charge those batteries.’ There is little doubt in my mind that THE PROPHET will be your cup of tea in a big way.
Sam, this is an open invitation to yourself Allan, Bob, Dee Dee.
I’m trying to start up a gallery of people’s favourite images, the ones they find most powerful, beautiful, resonant in Cinema. If you would like to contribute an image or images (and maybe say why you chose it) by providing a link to a screenshot here or at my blog, I would be delighted.
I was thinking that a project like this would not only create a fascinating little museum of images but function as a kind of portrait of the people who chose them.
Thanks.
This week I saw Shutter Island (** out of *****).
Thanks for the invite Stephen, and you can be sure I’ll be sending you a link to a screen cap before the day is out at your place. In fact I have a few possibilities formulating in my mind right now in fact. I know SHUTTER ISLAND has some ‘less than enthused’ viewers and I fully respect your position here. Thanks for the always-valued contribution here.
SAM-I WILL be at your place tonite for DINNER. I stayed in the city last night as I had an early appointment with Dr. Eskwit (Eyes) this morning (nothing major, just eyedrops in the morning, the screens on the computers and this infernal and addictive Blackberry are burning them out). Just got on the Ferry, heading into Jersey now. Stopped by MOMA and walked through the TIM BURTON exhibition. While not the biggest gallery exhibition I have seen there, it was loaded with interesting drawings, paintings and sculptures from Burton’s youth all the way up to conceptual diagrams and drawings he’s done for Disney and his subsequent films. I should be at your house no later than 6pm. I’ll call you if I need a ride. Dennis
hi Sam, hope you are fine…
My birthday this week, so didn’t watch too much, but what I did, was…
‘The Comic Strip Presents’
A ’80s anthology series that heralded the coming of ‘alternative comedy’ of the era (at its most boorish, bad language, nose-picking, farting, ect).
Five Go Mad in Dorset – was the series pilot and though a send-up of the ultra bright, starchily clean, children-solving mysteries characters of Enid Blyton were ripe for this treatment, the episode is patently unfunny and bores even at half an hour.
‘The Beat Generation’ – the 3rd episode is shot in b/w and has a jazzy score following poets around, a pastiche of an art’s show from the ’60s, but again, a real bore.
Bad News Tour*** - a fly-on-the-wall documentary team follows a heavy metal group on their first tour, the makers are incompentent and the band is hopeless. A hilarious half hour with every scene having a comic or satirical point, it’s reminiscent of ‘This Is Spinal Tap’ and maybe even better than my rating and the equal of the movie.
Requirm for Detroit**** – is perhaps the best tv documentary of the year, showing a horrifying, almost post-apocalyptic SF landscape that is all too real. It intercuts the past; glitteringly bright promises of technological consumer heaven, with the reality of the disintegration of the city, decade, by decade. Wholly mesmerising.
Cinema Europe*** – a marvellous series on the development of the silent film world in Europe.
Often brilliant, highly entertaining and informative series, which only pales in comparison with Brownlow and Gill’s ‘Hollywood’ series. Brangh is no match for James Mason, the credits and musical wrapping lack the lost-age romantic fervour, but most damaging – its far too short to do justice, Brownlow wanted to have more episodes – with at least one dedicated to Russia. The content is brilliant.
Michelin – The search for perfection** – a fascinating history of the star system used to rate food establishments.
Other documentaries, watched whilest transferring to digitail, included…’I Love the Muppets’, ‘The Wonderful World of Louis Armstrong’, ‘Music for the Movies – Bernard Herrmann’, ‘John Barry’, ect, ect.
Radio – A new adaption of ‘Of Mice and Men’
well, that about wraps it up.
Oh Sam, could you e-mail me your address, please..