“Battleship Potemkin,” “Love Exposure,” “If I Want to Whistle I Whistle,” Ibsen’s Play “The Master Builder,” The Caldecott Medal and the Jets on Monday Morning Diary (January 17)

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“Battleship Potemkin,” “Love Exposure,” “If I Want to Whistle I Whistle,” Ibsen’s Play “The Master Builder,” The Caldecott Medal and the Jets on Monday Morning Diary (January 17)

January 17, 2011 by wondersinthedark

Cap from Romanian prison drama "If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle"

by Sam Juliano

The Golden Globes, the American Library Association and the National Football League were heard from in a very big way over the past week, and some of the results were most unexpected. Sure, the Globes handed out their top awards to The Social Network, David Fincher, Natalie Portman and Colin Firth, but with only the Oscars left to report in, every group in America has been pushing the same buttons. On the other fronts, some surprises materialized. For one, the New York Jets eliminated the high-flying New England Patriots from the playoffs up in Foxboro, leaving the heart-stopping Gang Green a victory from the Super Bowl. At least one WitD alumni has good reason to be disappointed with this 28-21 result, which catapults the Jets into the AFC title game with the Pittsburgh Steelers next week.

The Caldecott and Newbery Medals were announced last Monday morning by the American Library Association at their mid-Winter meeting in San Diego, and at least three illustrators on the Caldecott front must surely be seeing red. David Weisner’s Art & Max, Sarah Birdsong and Matt Phaeger’s Flora’s Windy Day and Bill Thomson’s Chalk were snobbed, though Phillip and Erin Stead’s A Sick Day For Amos McGee was a rightly popular choice for the Caldecott Gold. The “honor” books were limited to two: David Ezra Stein’s Interrupting Chicken and Bryan Collier’s Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave, while the Newbery Gold went to Claire Vanderpool’s Moon Over Manifest. Four honor books were named as well. I plan to cover the awards soon in a future post, as this has been much of a lifetime obsession in acquiring all the winners for use in my classes, as well as to collect the great art and stories.

If I Want to Whistle **** (Friday night) Film Forum

Battleship Potemkin ***** (Sunday afternoon) Film Forum

Lucille and I saw a solid off-Broadway production of Ibsen’s The Master Builder at the Wings Theatre on Christopher Street on Saturday night, with an impassioned cast, and some simple but effective staging that allows the fine work to speak for itself. I hope to have a full review of this performance in the near future.

I managed only two films in theatres. One, a fairly compelling Romanian prison drama, If I Want to Whistle, I Whistle by Florin Serban, which is real,a cutely observed and Bressonian in its austerity. This is much in keeping with the tenets of the Romanian New Wave.

Seeing a restored and remastered print of Eisenstein’s masterpiece Battleship Potemkin on Sunday morning with Sammy, Danny and Andrei Scala was a real treat. The Odessa Steps sequence as always disturbs and haunts like the cinema’s greatest scenes always do, and the piece remains largely electrifying.

I finally watched at Allan’s insistance (at home on my Region 2 DVD set) the Japanese film Love Exposure, which placed #1 on his 2000′s decade countdown. It was perverse, subversive, irreverent, sexually provocative, and psychologically penetrating, and it was four hours long. It was also an indisputable masterpiece.

Here are our great internet pals in action:

We will backtrack this week at FilmsNoir.net, to consider Tony d’Ambra’s January 2 essay, “Still Cause for Alarm” which remains one of his finest essays ever, but the comment section must be seen to be believed. There’s some right wing/left wing discussion that will do much more than raise eyebrows: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/still-cause-for-alarm.html

John Greco has penned a magnificent review on the 1933 pre-coder Blondie Johnson at Twenty Four-Frames: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2011/01/11/blondie-johnson-1933-ray-enright/

Jon Lanthier has a hoot of an excerpt from a longer review he penned for Slant on I’m Dangerous With Love at Aspiring Sellout: http://aspiringsellout.com/2011/01/im-dangerous-with-love-2009/

At Speaking From the Heart, Laurie Buchanan has launched another fascinating project, one that involves birth dates and behavioral traits. The first post is “Life Path 1″: http://holessence.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/life-path-1/

Judy Geater at Movie Classics has again brought a vintage pre-coder into close scutiny with an utterly-exceptional review of the little-seen 1932 drama State’s Attorney with John Barrymore and Helen Twelvetrees: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/states-attorney-1932/

Just Another Film Buff has again proven why he sits on an imaginary throne in a land of fervant cineastes, providing them with the bets of all worlds with his incomparably erudite and ebullient appraisals. That “land” is known as The Seventh Art: http://theseventhart.info/2011/01/15/home-movies/

Jason Marshall has commenced with his ‘Best of’ 1938, and his Number 8 cloice, the popular Angels With Dirty Faces is leading up at Movies Over Matter with a terrific review in support: http://moviesovermatter.com/2011/01/16/angels-with-dirty-faces-best-pictures-of-1938-8/

Marilyn Ferdinand’s weekend evening in Indianapolis yielded a screening of the noir classic Criss Cross, and the honor of being a guest of celebrated noir celebrity Eddie Muller. Ms. Ferdinand speak’s of Muller’s talk, and then continues on with a masterful review of this seminal work at Ferdy-on-Films: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=7961

Terrill Welch, artist extraordinaire is currently leading with “Hot Coals” at the Creativepotager blog, a rather stunning ‘Oil painting in Progress’ presentation: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2011/01/14/hot-coals/

Filmmaker and movie maven Jeffrey Goodman offers up a most interesting link at The Last Lullaby on the upcoming Sundance Festival, launching on Thursday, January 20: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2011/01/sundance-2011-7-days-away.html

Our excellent friend and WitD staff writer Jaime Grijalba is leading up at Exodus: 8:2 with an eye-opening piece on the sexually-controversial Japanese film, Ecstasy of the Angels: http://exodus8-2.blogspot.com/2011/01/tenshi-no-kokotsu-1972.html

Anu, at The Confidential Report has posted a spectacular Top 10 list that again shows why and how he’s an ultimate cineaste: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/2011/01/12/top-ten-of-2010/

Again, Stephen Russell-Gebbett, has put together a creative post, this time on John Carpenter at Checking on my Sausages: http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2011/01/john-carpenter-gallery-under-siege.html

Samuel Wilson continue to stock Mondo 70 will top-rank essays and an eclectic blen of subjects. His latest is an impressive assessment of Nicolas Winding Refn’s Dark Age thriller Valhalla Rising: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2011/01/in-brief-valhalla-rising-2009.html

Ed Howard has posted an amazing year-end recap of the most memorable music in 2010 as the second part of the year-in-culture he began earlier last week in film. The gorgeous presentation leads the way at Only the Cinema: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-2010-in-culture-part-ii-music.html

Shubhajit has authored an excellent capsule of Olivier Assayas’ Carlos at Cinemascope that sizes up this epic masterpiece perfectly: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2011/01/carlos-2009.html

Dave Van Poppel has written a superlative review of Derek Cianfrance’s extraordinary Blue Valentine at his place that’s essential reading: http://visionsofnonfiction.blogspot.com/2011/01/realist-cinema-blue-valentine.html

Roderick Heath is heading up at This Island Rod with a masterful (tell me something new) review on a little-seen Australian film from 2009 titled Lake Mungo: http://thisislandrod.blogspot.com/2011/01/lake-mungo-2008.html

Drew McIntosh has a wonderful presentation up at The Blue Vial on Richard Kelly’s Southland Tales, that literally is eye-opening: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2011/01/five-from-favorite-southland-tales.html

Our beloved Dee Dee is back at Darkness Into Light with a post promoting and celebrating the Film Preservation Fundraiser being coordinated by Marilyn Ferdinand, Greg Ferrara and The Self-Styled Siren. It’s thrilling to have Dee Dee posting there again!: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2010/11/for-love-of-film-noir-for-love-of-films.html

David Schleicher, in an engaging pre-poll movie list, has posed some most interesting titles for the year’s film fare, as he ushers in 2011 at the always-creative The Schleicher Spin: http://theschleicherspin.com/2011/01/01/and-now-for-2011/

Over at Vermillion and One Nights, our friend in Tokyo, “Murderous Ink” continues his incomparable analytical dissection of one of the greatest of all films: Ozu’s There Was A Father. There really has never been anything like this anywhere, not even from the published film scholars!: http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/2011/01/analysis-of-there-was-father-003000.html

Kevin Olson at Hugo Stiglitz Makes Movies has penned a superlative review in his “Catching Up” series on Polanski’s Ghost Writer: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/catching-up-with-2010-capsule-review_05.html

Troy Olson, on the other hand is still heading up at Elusive as Robert Denby with his own thoughtful essay on Black Swan, a film he likes, but doesn’t love: http://troyolson.blogspot.com/2010/12/black-swan.html

Michael Harford, the esteemed ‘Coffee Messiah’ has posted ‘the last of four collaborations’ at his gloriously-mystifying blogsite, which is poised for another year of riches for all those who traverse it’s halls: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2011/01/last-of-4-collaborations.html

Craig Kennedy announces that the Broadcast Film Critics have joined with everyone else in honoring The Social Network: http://livingincinema.com/2011/01/15/bfca-critics-choose-social-network/

Our very good friend Pat has a brand new piece up at Doodad Kind of Town, a loving tribute to fallen director Blake Edwards: http://doodadkindoftown.wordpress.com/2010/12/16/farewell-blake-edwards/

The Film Doctor takes aim at The Green Hornet, and there aren’t any prisoners: http://filmdr.blogspot.com/2011/01/enter-void-8-notes-on-green-hornet.html

Jake Cole has authored a top-flight essay on Paul Verhoeven’s Black Book at Not Just Movies: http://armchairc.blogspot.com/2011/01/black-book.html

At Icebox Movies Adam Zanzie has penned an excellent review of an off-the-radar film, Zero Hour (1957) that is seen as an inspiration for Airplane: http://iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2011/01/zero-hour-1957.html

J.D. has give a delicious “kitchen sink” treatment to The Rocketeer at Radiator Heaven: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2011/01/rocketeer.html

Dan Getahun of Getafilm, statesman and critic extraordinaire has posted a fecund round-up of films he’s seen recently, including Black Swan, Enter Through the Gift Shop and Marwencol: http://getafilm.blogspot.com/2010/12/getafilm-gallimaufry-marwencol-black.html

Jason Bellamy at The Cooler has authored an ever-thoughtful essay on The Fighter, which he has expressed some refreshing “issues” with http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2011/01/neutral-corner-fighter.html

As always Kaleem Hasan’s Satyamshot covers the Indian cultural and political scene with authority and prolific fervor: http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/

“The Streets of New Haven” is a wonderful remembrance by Ryan Kelly of his days at Yale and Steven Spielber. It’s over at Medfly Quarantine: http://medflyquarantine.blogspot.com/2010/12/streets-of-new-haven.html

At Cinema Styles Greg Ferrara has offered up a magnificent review of a seminal Duke Ellington album, which also features some great responses in the comment section by Ed Howard and others: http://cinemastyles.blogspot.com/2011/01/duke-ellington-afro-eurasian-eclipse.html

Welcome to “Sachin,” a Canadien blogger, and a new visitor to WitD, and quite a film lover and scholar. He’s seen about 400 films over the past year, and hi s’Best Films of the Year’ post over at ‘Scribbles and Ramblings’ (now on our side bar) should tell you something about his exquisite taste: http://likhna.blogspot.com/2010/12/best-of-2010-film-list.html

Jeopardy Girl talks about post-Christmas matters including some new Hitchcock DVDs under the tree: http://jeopardygirl.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/quick-gift-update/

Posted in Uncategorized | 105 Comments

105 Responses

on January 17, 2011 at 5:12 am | Reply Just Another Film Buff

Thank you so much for those overly kind words, Sam. I could watch only half of the GG show. Pretty dull, not surprising given the pretty dull year.

Now to catch up with the flame war that you’d mailed us about!
- on January 17, 2011 at 6:42 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Many thanks JAFB!!!
  
  The Globes were predictable, and as you say a major bore. I only looked on when my daughter called me in for the majors.
  
  The ‘flame war’ at Tony d’Ambra’s place is entertaining and rousing, no doubt about that!
  - on January 17, 2011 at 5:47 pm Marilyn Ferdinand
    
    Not really a flame war, Sam, just a sad and confused man who has a kernel of truth in everything he says, but no understanding of the issues that were actually at stake. Tony’s post, I thought, was quite benign; he must have just hit a nerve.
    
    And he should disable the emoticon feature.
  - on January 17, 2011 at 7:05 pm Sam Juliano
    
    Aye Marilyn, my cousin Bobby McCartney just related the exact same sentiments to me last night, and others have expressed the opinion that this ‘sad and confused’ fellow isn’t even really a ‘right winger’ but a dellusional man living in the anti-intellectual days of the Cold War. Either way though I must agree Marilyn, that the emoticon feature must go to default mode! Ha!
on January 17, 2011 at 5:37 am | Reply creativepotager

Sam, I am looking forward to reading some the Caldecott and Newbery Medal winner books. I thought they would be great to get for our new grand-munchkin due around March 4th this year. I am so excited. The parents asked me to be part of their birthing team. If I can catch a ferry from our little island to the much bigger Vancouver Island in time, I just might be there when Baby O is born.

No movies to report out on our front. The mail was late delivery our two that were suppose to arrive on Thursday. Maybe next week. Either way I shall be painting up a storm over at Creative Potager with the intention of finishing the three oil paintings I have on the go.

Thanks as always for your shout out and best of the week Sam.
- on January 17, 2011 at 6:44 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Aye, Terrill. The medal-winning books are an impressive lot, though the Caldecottg committee was too stingy with the actual number of medals they gave out. I have a few of the books here, and have teh rest on order. As an artist yourself you will no doubt find these books enthralling, and the kids will love em, I’m sure.
  
  Have a wonderful week, and I’m sure you’ll have a treasure for us all to look on later in the week!
  
  Thanks as always my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 6:36 am | Reply Kevin J. Olson

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO to the Jets!! The Patriots were the only truly entertaining team left in the playoffs! Hehe.

All I have to say is: please please please beat the freaking Steelers. I do not want to see a potentially coma-inducing Super Bowl where it’s the Steelers vs. the Bears.

Green Bay vs. New York, on the other hand, would be pretty entertaining.

Thanks for the shout-out, Sam! I just watched CATFISH and will post the review later tonight. See ya!
- on January 17, 2011 at 6:46 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  hahaha Kevin! I was actually caught off guard with that unexpected Jets victory! I agree that the Steelers must be conquered if the Super Bowl is to hold some serious excitement, but every game is a new one, so it’s a tough call.
  
  I’ll be looking for the review of CATFISH tomorrow!
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 7:06 am | Reply Ryan Kelly

Thank you for the link, Sam! To be included amongst the other fine writers you linked to here is truly flattering.
- on January 17, 2011 at 6:42 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Many thanks for that Ryan! Your work ranks with the best of em, and I’m honored to make reference to it my friend! Your New Haven piece is a treasure.
on January 17, 2011 at 7:24 am | Reply Jason Marshall

Gracious, isn’t football over yet? It’s such a sort season, but it seems to go on forever.

I always wonder how anyone takes the Hollywood Foreign Press or the Golden Globes seriously. Want a nomination? Just fly them to Cher’s show in Las Vegas or buy them watches. They’ll nominate any crap if they get something out of it (“The Tourist,” “Burlesque,” Halle Berry in “Frankie and Alice”).

Anyway, I’ve had a quiet week with Everett away at the Palms Spring Film Festival. While he’s been watching movies like “Noy” and “The Athlete,” I’ve watched:
Gulliver’s Travels **
Season of the Witch – No stars
Inside Job ****
The Green Hornet **1/2

“Inside Job” was the best of the bunch. I finally understand derivatives. More importantly, it confirmed that the financial meltdown wasn’t a perfect storm that no one could have seen coming. It was orchestrated to make some rich people a whole lot richer. What a wonderful world we live in.
- on January 17, 2011 at 7:18 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  And the baseball season is even more prohibitive in this sense Jason! And to think, spring training is around the corner. Ugh.
  hahahahahaha what you say there about the Hollywood Press Association! The show is quite the joke, and people have long known it’s a self-congratulatory event for stars to visit the open bar, so to speak. Yes, I’ve always read about voters being wined and dines. The Oscars aren’t a heck of a lot better, but I still follow them religiously and have a well-attened party at my house every year. Not to hold their choices in high reverence mind you, but to maintain and annual tradition to bring all my friends together once a year for a catered affair. There are some here, whom I’d never see if not for this gathering, so I keep it going.
  
  Sounds like Everett is having a great week at that Festival, Jason. I just googled it, and see an Irish film “The Pipe” featured. Apparently it’s very well-regarded! But there are others, and even a special screening of WASTELAND and of Bogdonovich’s “Paper Moon.” I agree with the low rating for “Gilliver’s Travels” and am not surprised of the rock-bottom regard for “Season of teh Witch” and the middling assessment for “The Green Hornet.”
  
  Excellent capsule analysis there for the superb “Inside Job.”
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 3:07 am Jason Marshall
    
    At least the Oscars are actually voted on by people who work in the industry. And instead of 80 self-appointed wanna-bes, it’s more than 3000 people who, more or less, know what they’re doing. Sure they rarely pick the real winners, but at least we know it’s harder to be so blatant about bribing them.
on January 17, 2011 at 7:44 am | Reply Maurizio Roca

Ah Sam I must admit that I watched part of The Golden Globes tonight. I will also make an attempt to see the Oscars as well. So upset that Depp didn’t win for either of his masterful performances this year. Maybe he can win for Pirates Of The Caribbean 5 instead. I think Carlos won for foreign film or TV movie though. Wasn’t fully paying attention but I heard a bunch of French accents. What I saw this week…….

Exit Through The Gift Shop ****
I’m Still Here *
Best Worst Movie ****1/2
Blue Valentine ****
Prince Of Darkness **
Grizzly Man ****

Sad news this week. Jamie and Joel will be familiar with a great band named Broadcast. Vocalist Trish Keenan died of swine flu induced pneumonia on friday. She was a great musician and a wonderful singer. I saw them play once at Maxwell’s in Hoboken and I briefly spoke to her after the show. She seemed like the nicest person, really sad. The Noise Made By People (2000) was one of the best albums of the decade. The follow up HaHa Sound (2003) was just as good.
- on January 17, 2011 at 8:02 am | Reply Stephen
  
  I saw PRINCE OF DARKNESS too, Maurizio, and would probably give it the same rating. There was one image I thought was wonderful, though: the main female character reaching back from the other side (of the window/portal).
  
  I hope all’s well with you and your forthcoming countdown.
- on January 18, 2011 at 2:41 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Yep, Maurizio, CARLOS won for best mini-series.
  
  PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN 5?
  
  Ugh, what a dire prospect. Ha!
  
  But Depp is a great actor by any barometer of measurement, so who can argue his selection. He certainly is way overdue for some honors. Very high ratings there for GIFT SHOP, BLUE VALENTINE and GRIZZLY MAN, Maurizio. You know of course I am very fond of the Ryan Gosling/Michele Williams drama, but I also like Herzog’s film quite a bit. So many have embraced GIFT SHOP, so perhaps it’s me. I found the whole thing emotionally distancing and wearing thin after a while. I am not at all surprised to read what you say of I’M STILL HERE and PRINCE OF DARKNESS, but I would never guessed that your highest rated film of this strong lot would have ever been BEST WORST MOVIE. This is one I missed, but will check it out soon. It did receive a very high gade on RT (95%) and it’s been very well reviewed by a number of bloggers.
  
  Thanks for the great wrap my excellent friend!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 3:27 am Maurizio Roca
    
    Yes Sam see it and let me know what you think. A real joy to watch.
on January 17, 2011 at 7:50 am | Reply Rod

“Roderick Heath is heading up at This Island Rod with a masterful (tell me something new) review…”

Well! Sounds like someone’s suffering from ennui! Only a total reinvention of my style will cure this. I will from now on make sure to only use the critical epithets “sucks” and “awesome” in describing anything, and feature celebrity posterior vote-offs. Oh, and widgets! Lots of widgets! There! Phew! I’ve kept staleness from the door!
- on January 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  hahahahahahahahahahahaha Rod!!! Those widgets can cause technical mischief, as I’ve learn myself over the past few days. Your latest review on that Australian film is providing a challenge to me as to what I should say. I have a quandary here: I am entranced by the review, but haven’t seen the film. Now it’s my turn for “reinvention.”
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 8:07 am | Reply Stephen

Thanks for the mention Sam.

How’s your health recently? I haven’t been following in detail, but it seems by the silence on that front that things are on an even keel again. And Allan’s flu?

I saw

PRINCE OF DARKNESS **
THE THING **

and tried again to watch LA REGLE DU JEU, which I’m afraid bored me again.
- on January 17, 2011 at 1:33 pm | Reply wondersinthedark
  
  The flu has left a chronic ear and throat infection which has given me insomnia.
  - on January 17, 2011 at 3:13 pm Stephen
    
    Oh boy.
  - on January 17, 2011 at 7:15 pm Bob Clark
    
    I’ve had a chronic ringing in my ears for the past several years. Perhaps I had the flu a while back without realizing it, the symptoms just blending in with my usual asthma/allergy malladies.
- on January 17, 2011 at 7:48 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Many thanks for inquiring Stephen.
  
  I have my issues (borderline diabetes, intermittant divertriculitis and those kidney stones) but so far nothing that can’t be managed with the right diet, plenty of water and exercise. Our good friend Laurie Buchanan has been most helpful in sending on food plans and offering some glowing encouragement. But Allan’s had a very tough go, and I see Bob has a few issues too. (as he elaborates here now)
  
  Stephen, RULES OF THE GAME is not an easy film to watch, and I felt exactly that way on my first viewing. I guess it’s an acquired taste, a rather curious assessment considering it’s repuation. I do like Carpenter’s THE THING quite a bit I must admit.
  
  Much appreciated my very good friend!
- on January 18, 2011 at 3:28 am | Reply Maurizio Roca
  
  Carpenter’s The Thing is one of my absolute favorite movies. ***** stars all the way!!! The countdown is moving along. I’ve been trying to write a piece everyday.
on January 17, 2011 at 8:27 am | Reply Judy

Thanks very much for the plug, Sam – but ‘State’s Attorney’ isn’t a Wellman movie, although I was interested in its thematic links with ‘A Star Is Born’ and, especially, Cukor’s ‘What Price Hollywood’. This movie was made by the little-known director George Archainbaud. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything else by him, but really liked this one. Anyway I seem to have confused everyone by mentioning Wellman in my review – I will edit and put the director’s name in the header to make it clearer!

Apart from that, this week I’ve seen ‘The King’s Speech’ at the cinema, which I liked very much – great performances by both Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush – and also finally saw the 1930s classic ‘The Thin Man’, which I loved. I now need to see the sequels.:)

Seeing Battleship Potemkin at the cinema must have been amazing. I’d love to see more old films on the big screen. Thanks again, Sam.
- on January 17, 2011 at 12:41 pm | Reply wondersinthedark
  
  State’s Attorney is interesting to compare to two even better films about lawyers; Barrymore again in Counsellor at Law and the much underrated and unheralded The Mouthpiece with Warren William.
  - on January 17, 2011 at 6:47 pm Judy
    
    I recently bought ‘Counsellor at Law’ on DVD and must agree with you that it is even better than ‘State’s Attorney’ – and fascinating to compare Barrymore in the two roles. ‘The Mouthpiece’ is one I haven’t seen as yet, but, as it is Warner, I’m hoping it will turn up in their Archive series – surely they must get round to Warren William soon.
  - on January 18, 2011 at 12:34 pm wondersinthedark
    
    Judy, email me at rollo.tomassi@btinternet.com with your address, I’ll sort out a copy of The Mouthpiece.
- on January 18, 2011 at 2:58 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Judy, I acknowledged that embarrassing gaffe at MOVIE CLASSICS and received your typical gracious response. The film does sound fascinating, and I’m hoping it shows up on Warner Archives at some point. Also, the comparison with “A Star is Born” and “What Price, Hollywood?” makes it even more appetizing. You didn’t do anything to fool anyone, it was me just blogging at a time I was admittedly beginning to “wonder off.” But one thing that did NOR get by me, and that was that you wrote a fantastic review!
  
  I’m delighted to hear about your approval of “The King’s Speech” and of Firth, Rush and company. The film has pleased so many, and if “The Social Network” wasn’t in the mix, this film would be the one pulling in all the awards. “The Thin Man” series is beloved by so many. I’ll be keeping an eye out for a possible review at your place. Yeah, I can why you would want to get to the sequels soon.
  
  Yes, Judy, as I stated, seeing “Potemkin” in this print was quite the treat, though my 11 year-old fell asleep. I asked him afterwards why he did, and he answered: “It was boring!” Ah well……at least my 13 year-old was mainly riveted.
  
  Many thanks again Judy for the terrific wrap!
on January 17, 2011 at 12:07 pm | Reply John Greco

Sam,
Thanks again for the link. I am not much of a football fan these days but I am always up for a New York team getting into the superbowl. One more step and they are there. On the movie front I watched two features and a excessive amount of Hal Roach shorts mostly of my beloved bumbling Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy.

Rabbit Hole (****1/2) a shattering look at the grieving process when a child is unexpectedly killed in a car accident. Nicole Kidman is stunningly effective as an inconsolable mother whose pain runs so deep she is merciless and insensitive to everyone around her. A devastatingly strong , touchingly human and effective film.

Made in Dagenham (****) Excellent real life drama on the union battle fought for equal wages by a group of women working for the Ford Motor Co. in England in the late 1960’s. Sally Hawkins is compelling.

Watched a few more Our Gang shorts … “Bored of Education” (***1/2) and “The First Roundup” (***1/2) were the best of the group. “Mama’s Little Pirate”(***), “Two Too Young”(***) and “Little Sinner” (***) fairly average and “Mike Fright”(**1/2) and “Fishy Hooky”(**1/2) sub-par.

Also watched ten Laurel and Hardy shorts of which “Berth Marks” (**)was not one of their better efforts. The remaining nine were all good with “Perfect Day” (****) the most outstanding of the group. A day of peace as one of the wives says turned into chaotic mayhem. The ever feisty Mae Busch plays the boys adversary in “Chickens Come Home”(***1/2), “Unaccustomed As We Are”(***1/2), “Their First Mistake”(***1/2) and “Come Clean”(***1/2). The tragic Thelma Todd played Ollie’s wife in two of these films. The most interesting of the group was “One Good Turn”(***1/2), a film where Stan and Ollie directly refer to themselves as “victims of the depression.” Also, this film is one of the few where the boys are still adversarial when the films ends. Other films L & H shorts watched, “The Hoose-gow”(***1/2), “Men O’ War(***1/2) and “Any Old Port”(***).
- on January 17, 2011 at 10:17 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  John:
  
  I know you have always been a true blue New Yorker! Like you I support all New York teams, even as the Yankees have always been my favorite.
  
  The Laurel & Hardy bonaza on TCM is a wonderful thing. I have the complete BBC box set of all their workhere- 20 DVDs- , but there is nothing to match the discipline and motivation connected to programming. There are only so many times one will go to their shelves and pull something, as opposed to faithfully watching a festival like this one. Same goes for those annual Twilight Zone and Honeymooners marathons on New Year’s Eve and day.
  
  I definitely agree John, that “Bored of Education” (especially) and “The First Roundup” are the best of that Little Rascals lot, though “Mama’s Little Pirate” and “Little Sinner” are solid (again, as you note). And “One Good Turn” and “Perfect Day” are my favorites of teh Lauel & Hardy shorts. But wow, what a great time you had with those two institutions of American comedy, and with the beloved Our Gang! I have actually been using some of the Our Gang stuff in school over the past weeks, and it’s amazing how universal they are, and how they do and will always transcend generations.
  
  You provide here two excellent capsules on both RABBIT HOLE and MADE IN DAGENHAM. The consider the former one of the year’s best films, and the latter very solid! Beautiful work in sizing them up.
  
  Many thanks as always John for this remarkable weekly wrap!
on January 17, 2011 at 12:26 pm | Reply Dennis

As far as the Globes were concerned…

Ricky Gervais was abhorent in every way shape and form as the host. His jokes were crude and most fell flat after firmly planting a bad rancid taste in our mouths. The guy’s NOT funny.

As for the winners…

Absolutely SAM, predicted down the line. However I AM NOT sold on Natalie Portman taking the Oscar after this win. Annette Bening is still powerful enough to grab the Academy award and, as you well know, the Oscars like to surprize in at least one category each year. This year, my hunch is on BEST ACTRESS.

Regardless of whether Portman has prevailed with the Globes and the critics, she’s still young and I believe the Academy will see her as having a big career ahead of her. Bening, on the other hand, has been nominated several times, has never won the thing, and is married not only to Hollywood royalty, but to one of the most influential figures in Tinsel Town (Warren Beatty’s best buddy Jack Nicholson alone can sway hundreds of votes Ms. Benings way wth a few phone calls). Fact is, many in Hollywood think that Bening was slighted for her turn in 1999′s AMERICAN BEAUTY, she is playing GAY and she’s well liked… These four facts alone could cause serious damage to Portman’s chances of winning over Bening.

I don’t know…

My gut is usually never wrong on things like this…

I’m feeling Annette Bening for BEST ACTRESS at the OSCARS this year. There is always one surprize each year and I’m sure the BEST ACTRESS category will be where this happens this year…

As for COLIN FIRTH????

His Oscar was assured for THE KINGS SPEECH the moment he lost for A SINGLE MAN last year. The Academy loves these English melodrama’s and FIRTH could, literally, impersonate Donald Duck on screen and still be assured of the win. He’s a done deal.
- on January 17, 2011 at 10:28 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well Dennis, I don’t think Firth would or could win this year without a very strong performance under his belt. I hear what you are saying in regards to the near-win last year, but now really? Everyone knew Bridges would win, and vitually every critics gropu in the US went with Bridges. Not a single one (exuse the pun) went with Firth, as impressive as he was. I continue to urge you to see THE KING’S SPEECH, as I don’t quite think you are aware of what it will turn out to be. As far as Portman vs. Bening, I agree that the latter has some clout (at least in the Hollywood of the 80′s and 90′s) The suggestion that there MUST be one upset every year hasn’t panned out so much lately. It seems every actor/actress win these days is widely predicted in advance. Few if any sites are going with Bening, and Portman is a near-lock at this point. The Globes, insignificant as it is, still solidified this perception. It’s SOCIAL NETWORK, Fincher, Portman, Firth, Bale and Leo. So let it be written, So let it be done.
  
  Thanks as always for the impassioned response my great friend!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 8:08 pm Peter
    
    Is Dennis ever right about anything? If he calls it right, give me a shout.
on January 17, 2011 at 12:43 pm | Reply wondersinthedark

No mention in the Diary for the film Sam finally DID watch at home. Worth all the crap up for Globes and Oscars put together and then some.
- on January 17, 2011 at 7:10 pm | Reply Jaime Grijalba
  
  Did he?
  
  Did he finally watch THE JAPANESE FILM?
  - on January 17, 2011 at 7:22 pm Sam Juliano
    
    Aye, Jaime, I did watch LOVE EXPOSURE and I completely agree with Allan and Jamie Uhler (and you?) that’s it’s a masterpiece! A bizarre, vile, irreverent, perverted masterpiece, but a masterpiece no matter how you size it up. Lucille and I spent four hours with it, and were riveted, repulsed and fascinated!
    
    I rarely make reference to films I watch home on DVD (I often screen repeat films-many classics-for friends and family) as I know it would be too much for the diary.
  - on January 17, 2011 at 7:51 pm Jaime Grijalba
    
    This movie is four hours long and I couldn’t understand how it felt that it was a hour and a half, I wanted more and more!
    I know there is a longer cut in the beginning, I don’t know if I’d watch that, but still, it’s one of the most religious and romantic movies I’ve seen.
on January 17, 2011 at 2:20 pm | Reply Shubhajit Lahiri

Thanks Sam for the mention. You seem to have had a decent week in terms of movie-viewing as well as theatres.

I saw a couple of movies, including 2 wonderful noirs D.O.A. & Act of Violence, and an excellent Romanian film called Tales from the Golden Age, among others.

Also, I utilised the weekend to visit a forest called Kaziranga National Park, which is around 6 hours away from our college, along with a few of my friends here at the institute. The safaris there, especially the elephant safari, was really memorable. The forest is famous for one-horned rhinoceroses, and also houses royal bengal tigers, wild elephants, wild buffaloes, river dolphins (the river Brahmaputra runs through it), antelopes, numerous bird species, etc.

You need to be extremely lucky or unlucky (as the case may be). We were neither, but we did get to watch in plenty nearly everything else, including one-horned rhinos & wild elephants from very close. The rhinos, by the way, did remind me a lot of the famous rhino hunting sequences in the John Wayne-starrer Hatari.
- on January 19, 2011 at 3:01 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Kaziranga National Park. Wow. Now that really sounds exotic, Shubhajit! I just went onto google to find all I could, and even came up with the official site:
  
  http://www.kaziranganationalpark.com/
  
  Seeing all that wildlife is always thrilling and adventurous, especially if you are inherently an animal lover in the first place. I’m thinking of the safari at Six Flags Great Adventure (in Jackson, N.J.) where you enter with your car and the animals hang around teh car hoping to be fed. We once had a chimpanzee climb our roof, and with their powerful hands this one pulled off our windshield wiper steel director right off the hood of the car, quickly swallowing it. When I was in a mischievious mood, I’d open the window for giraffes to come in, making all the kids scream. But I did that only for a few seconds. Your splendid description of the place, the animals who reside there, the species exclusive to northeastern India (and I see your college is near the Himalayas! Wow!) have painted for all readers here a place one can only imagine and dream about. HATARI, indeed, Shubhajit. What a fantastic trip!
  
  I have always loved D.O.A. and ACT OF VIOLENCE, and hopw we can finally get legitimate DVD releases, particularly the former. Dee Dee has offered up the Ulmer film as a possible choice in her poll to me remastered.
  
  This was one of the great comments Shubhajit. Thanks so much for sharing here my excellent friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 3:05 pm | Reply Jeffrey Goodman

Sam, thanks so much for the wonderful mention!

I can’t remember, are you a fan of the Jets or not? I’m always rooting for the underdogs, I guess, so was happy to see the two results yesterday.

I’m very interested in the Romanian film you saw. I definitely think Romania is one of the hotspots for world cinema right now, and a country of filmmakers with very interesting aesthetics and talents.

This week, I had a fairly full week of movie-watching. I took in: VINCERE, EVERYONE ELSE, SOUL KITCHEN, SLACKER, LIVERPOOL, KISSES, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, and THE SOCIAL NETWORK. I enjoyed seeing them all, but I enjoyed certain aspects of the Fincher and Bellocchio the most. The acting in the latter and Fincher’s ability to fly through the storytelling, at times, in the former.

Here’s to another awesome week. Thanks so much, Sam, for all that you do!
- on January 18, 2011 at 3:14 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Jeffrey:
  
  I root for both the Jets AND the Giants, as I am am a faithful home team zealot in all sports. Only in baseball do I draw the line, standing with the Yankees, and remaining indifferent to the Mets. I have not said too much about the Jets in fear of it backfiring and out of respect for our good friend and site writer Joel Bocko, who is a huge Patriots fan. But it seems that most who have been discussing the playoffs here are favoring the Jets over the Steelers. I completely agree with what you say about Romania being a cinematic hotspot in recent years. They are unique too as their ‘New Wave’ is still in full flourish. Our good friend Stephen, whop is part Romanian, (and who has visited there) has offered a number of enlightenments on this exciting cinema. I hope this films swings down by you soon.
  
  Boy, now THAT was SOME week you had there!!!!!!!!!
  
  Well, I can’t blame you for embracing THE SOCIAL NETWORK for a host of reasons, and I’me very excited to hear that the oft-expressionistic VINCERE worked for you. I’m sure you also appreciated the rightly-praised performance of Giovanna Mezzogiorno as well, as you cited the acting in your comment. I liked VINCERE and THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT the most of your lot here, but it’s an eclectic and enthralling mix.
  
  Many thanks as always Jeffrey for the incomparable comment here!
on January 17, 2011 at 3:26 pm | Reply Dave Van Poppel

Thanks for the mention, Sam! Really appreciated .
- on January 18, 2011 at 3:00 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  My pleasure, Dave. Great to see you’re back up there, and with a terrific review of BLUE VALENTINE to boot!
  
  Many thanks as always my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 3:49 pm | Reply Joe

gang green!!! Yeah!

The Steel City is next!!
- on January 17, 2011 at 4:08 pm | Reply Frank Gallo
  
  Tell us how pumped you are Joe!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 8:09 pm Peter
    
    Be careful guys. This one could go either way. Remember the last time they hooked up. This is another week, another team.
- on January 17, 2011 at 6:58 pm | Reply Bob Clark
  
  The Jets know how to work the field, that’s for sure. Seeing a New York team best the Patriots again was fun, and seeing one make it to the big game is another thing to look forward to, and I only have a casual interest in football, personally. I’ll probably be playing “Tron” on my PSP while I watch.
  - on January 18, 2011 at 3:02 am Sam Juliano
    
    Ha Bob! That’s the spirit!
- on January 18, 2011 at 3:01 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  I do recall you supporting the Giants not so long ago. Would this have something to do with wanting to back a winner? Ha! No problem, Joe, everyone’s the same. Gang Green it is!
  
  Thank you, Sir!
on January 17, 2011 at 4:18 pm | Reply Frank Gallo

Bookstores are closing all over and getting hold of the medal winners and other titles for that matter is a daunting proposition. It doesn’t surprise me Sam that you couldn’t get the winners over the counter, and had to order online. A lot of the stores don’t stock more than one or two of a specific title in the first place. It’s too bad that the Thomson book got snubbed; I really thought it would take home the gold. The only one of the group you mention that I have seen is ‘Amos McGee.’ Very deserving book, I must say. And Collier really does nice work, so I am looking forward to ‘Dave the Potter.’ I should be able to get a copy of the Vanderpool book though the school. I usually read the Newbery that wins the gold. Four honor books is a bit much.

I’m sure there are many like Joe around who are partying over the Jets win. But they better not count their chickens just yet. The Steelers are no pushover, as the Jets found themselves just a few weeks ago with that narrow last minute win. Great to see that soulless B.B. take it on the chin.

‘The Master Builder’ sounds like a bargain.
- on January 19, 2011 at 1:03 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Frank, Collier’s work has been staggering, especially the Caldecott Honor illustrations for “Martin’s Big Words.” I used that book today as a tie-in with this week’s King presentation. I haven’t seen “Dave the Potter” yet, but it’s on it’s way to me, as are “Chalk.” “A Sick Day For Amos McGee” and the other book that was ignored, “Flora’s Windy Day.” You can access the illustrations on line to get an idea of the style. You can order teh Vanderpool book as part of your annual stipend; I would visit the board secretary this week.
  
  Yes, the Jets still have a long way to go. The ticket for “The Master Builder” was actually a “super” bargain. $9.00.
  
  Everything you say here about book stores is so true!
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 5:20 pm | Reply Dave

I didn’t get to watch a whole lot this week, but did have a wonderful time when some of my friends who insisted on seeing ONCE after hearing me rave about it finally got the chance to watch it. They, as predicted, really liked. That makes four people I have turned onto the film since meeting them in Columbus! Sam – I still give you credit for turning me onto this one and I still maintain that ONCE is a top 10 film of the last decade.

What I am now most looking forward to is getting a chance to see The Magnificent Ambersons on the big screen tomorrow at a local arts center! I have never had the opportunity to ever see a classic film in a theater setting, so even though I have never been a huge fan of Ambersons, I still very excited. Who knows, perhaps the experience might even completely win me over concerning the film in general?
- on January 19, 2011 at 1:17 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Dave, by now I bet you have already seen “The Magnificent Ambersons” and are probably at this point apologizing to the movie gods for underestimating this masterpiece. Well, I can be hopeful now, can’t I? Ha! The likelihood of a reassessment is high though, as the big screen will accentuate the rapturous cinematography by Stanley Cortez, Orson Welles’ commanding narration, the magnificent set design by Albert D’Agostino, and the superlative performances by Joseph Cotton, Agnes Morehead, Tim Holt, et al. Please let me know how it goes!
  
  That is a great honor to mention ONCE, Dave! That was one I was endlessly smitten with (and still am), still regarding it as one of the best films of the new millenium. I’m humming “Falling Slowly” as I write this!
  
  Many thanks my excellent friend! It’s always a treat to have you stop in! Keep busy with your studies!
on January 17, 2011 at 5:57 pm | Reply Marilyn Ferdinand

Honest to Pete, Sam, I should keep a film diary like you do. I can’t even remember what all I saw this week beyond Criss Cross. Let’s see, I watched St. Elmo’s Fire for the first time yesterday – not bad, not all that either, but I enjoyed seeing the entire brat pack in action. We also watched Mr. Frost, a creepy favorite of the hubby’s. Even though I really didn’t get the reasoning behind why Satan (a great Jeff Goldblum) wanted to spar with Kathy Bates, he did a good job of it. We both enjoyed Peter Sellers’ turn in Only Two Can Play, and we took in some silent cartoons from Edison and other studios, which were awesome!
- on January 17, 2011 at 11:04 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Marilyn: After seeing Siodmak’s CRISS CROSS with Eddie Muller and company, I can well understand you flinching for a moment to reflect on the “other” activities of the week. Yet they are distinguished in their own right of course, though I can’t say much on Shane’s MR. FROST, which has always eluded me. Very good question you pose there, and Goldblum is an actor who’s done some great stuff! As far as ST. ELMO’S FIRE, that’s one Schumacher that most can’t criticize too strenuously, methinks, though I know some are turned off by the narcissistic characters. But the brat pack are always a hoot. (I am always saddened to think of what Schumacher had to endure after THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, which isn’t anywhere as bad as many-especially musical haters- have contended).
  That Sellers film and the Edison silent cartoons are certainly ways I’d like to spend time with too!
  
  Thanks as always my very good friend!!!!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 12:26 am Marilyn Ferdinand
    
    I have to make a correction. It’s Kathy Baker. And I actually kind of like Mr. Frost despite its logic problems – it’s got this cool atmosphere, and the crosses in the eyes are totally cool.
on January 17, 2011 at 5:59 pm | Reply anubhavbist

It doesn’t feel like Monday without a Monday Morning Diary. It’s great to see a restored print of Battleship Potemkin in theaters, though I’m not a huge fan of the film. I recognize it’s importance, but personally prefer Dziga Vertov’s films to Eisenstein’s films. But as I said, it’s influence of cinema can’t be overlooked nor should it. With the Award races occurring, I’m expecting the releases of some hidden gems that will will be forgotten by years end. I sure hope If I Want to Whistle I Whistle is one of these. The Jets upsetting the Patriots was easily the biggest shock this season (maybe the biggest since the Jets shocked the Chargers in the Divisional round last season). I was really hoping to see a Patriot-Steeler championship game which have always been intense matches and a rivalry that has sometimes been overlooked by the public because of the other Patriots’ AFC rivalries, the Jets and Colts. But The Steelers and Jets will make for a good game too. Personally talking about the playoffs only makes me sadder when I think that my Cowboys aren’t a part of it. Maybe next year.
- on January 18, 2011 at 2:22 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well, thank very much for saying that Anu! Vertov is now greeted more enthusiastically than Vertov, Anu, though POTEMKIN is still seen as one of the cinema’s greatest masterpieces. It was a lovely print with a sharp focus. The 70 minute running time has always been an ally in the film’s sense of urgency, and it remins one of the best edited films of all-time. I know there is a position that the film is also intermittantly dull, and that it’s historically more significant than it is artistically notable. I’m sure you’ll be seeing the Romanian film soon enough, as it is making it’s way around. Yeah, I would imagine you are right there in that this is the kind of film that will be forgotten by the year’s end, but is still a film worth seeing and appreciating.
  
  The Jet win has shocked many, and as I stated to others, it seems to be their year. In this sense I would suppose that a Steeler win next week would be just as shocking as the Jet win was this week.
  
  Thanks as always my friend for the great response here!
on January 17, 2011 at 6:21 pm | Reply holessence

Sam – I love that you included information regarding the Caldecott and Newbery Medals. We haven’t had a television in our home in 31 years. We are book-reading machines. During the recent 2-week stay with my dad I read 8 books, none of them short. I always have at least 1 bound book going, 1 kindle book going, and 1 audio book (that I listen to while working out at the fitness center) going.

When we were raising our son, Len and I used “Honey for a Child’s Heart” by Gladys M. Hunt as a guide to books to read to him. Here’s what Amazon has to say about “Honey for a Child’s Heart:

“Since its publication in 1969, this has been an essential guide for parents wanting to find the best books for their children. Now in its fourth edition, Honey for a Child’s Heart discusses everything from the ways reading affects both children’s view of the world and their imagination to how to choose good books. Illustrated with drawings from dozens of favorites, it includes an indexed and updated list of the best new books on the market and the classics that you want your children to enjoy. Author Gladys Hunt’s tastes are broad, her advice is rooted in experience, and her suggestions will enrich the cultural and spiritual life of any home.”

You’ve really got my curiosity piqued with the little carrot you dangled regarding “The Master Builder” and a hinted-at promise to do a full review in the near future. Why would I be so interested, you wonder? In numerology, the number 22 is a “master” number. A person with this Life Path number is known as a “Master Builder.” Now I’m curious to know if the production has anything to do with that, whatsoever.

Thank you for pointing to Speaking from the Heart.
- on January 18, 2011 at 1:00 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Well Laurie, I applaud you for that purity, and for staying the course with the reading, even if I envisioned you as such. The Newbery and Caldecott Medals are always a time for book collectors (and art lovers) to check out some very beautiful output. Claire Vanderpool’s book looks like a great coming-of-age story for young female readers, the kind of book that has impressed the committee over the past years. I am unfamiliar with the four Newbery honor books, but I’ll be tempted to acquire a copy of each one. Similarly, I am (im) patiently awaiting my copies of “A Sick Day For Amos McGee” and that remaining Caldecott honor book by Bryan Collier (illustrations), Dave the Poet, Slave….I am reminded today of Mr. Collier’s stunning collages for his work on “Martin’s Big Words,” the definitive picture book on Martin Luther King, whose birthday we celebrate today. That book is truly magnificent. I tear up just thinking about it.
  That is astonishing that you got through 8 (eight) books while out in Ensinidas, but if someone can pull this off it is you by all means! That is a lovely testament there to “Honey For A Child’s Heart,” a book I will just simply have to purchase! It is applicable to what I do anyway, so there you go. But what a great model to use as you did with your own son.
  Wow, I didn’t realize of that “Master Builder” connotation as a master number with those with the number 22.
  
  For those fascinated with what Laurie is doing here (as I was–my # is an 8) I strongly recommend you head on over to SPEAKING FROM THE HEART pronto—
  http://holessence.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/life-path-1/
  
  Ibsen’s “Master Builder” (yes Laurie I have decided to definitely go ahead with a review very soon) is one of the famed ‘Father of the Modern Theatre’s’ three truly great plays (the others are “A Doll’s House” and “Hedda Gabler”) and it’s performed regularly. Ibsen plucks a melancholy tune on the strings of married men of all ages in his study here about life and the road to self-actualization, The Master Builder. Ibsen’s Master Builder stops looking to himself and his family for validation and instead seeks that approval through the ignorance and innocence of youth, an unreliable and misleading source. The production I attended over the weekend was astonishingly good for the limitations the company faced. The acting was top-notch.
  
  Many thanks Laurie, for your spectacular comment here!
on January 17, 2011 at 7:27 pm | Reply Pat

Sam -

Once again, thanks for the link.
It was a tough week here, overshadowed by the loss of my 17-year-old cat, Sadie, who had to be put to sleep on Wednesday night. Things are not the same here without my little feline friend – only today could I bring myself to empty her food dish and put it away.

To “cheer me up,” a friend dragged to me a matinee of “Spamalot” at our suburban Drury Land theatre yesterday, and it turned out to be a good choice. I’m a Python fanatic, and I’d actually seen the show a couple of times before, and it still made me laugh out loud. A great production.

We skipped the Globes last night (I’ve never been able to take them seriously anyway, though I would have liked to see Ricky Gervais in action again), and FINALLY saw The Social Network. I enjoyed it immensely, although I’m not sure I would call it the best movie of the year. I gave little thought to my “Best of 2010″ choices, but off the top of my head and based on what I’ve seen from this year, I think “The Ghost Writer” would have been my choice.

Finally, I hope the restored “Battleship Potemkin” makes it to the big screen here. It was one of the first foreign films I ever saw, at quite a young age, on the local PBS station, and it made a huge impression on me.
- on January 17, 2011 at 7:41 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Oh Pat, I can’t express to you how very sorry I am to hear such lamentable news. I have been through this on a number of occasions, as Lucille and I are lifelong animal lovers (particularly cats–we have two here now) we have shed many tears. We lost out 14 year-old cat Iago to cancer last year and we were all down here for weeks. You cat was 17 years old? That makes it worse I know. The death of an animal is as horrible as the death of a person. You’ve had the worst of weekends, and all I can advise at this point is to replace Sadie, perhaps with a kitten. You are in our thoughts my friend.
  
  I agree that THE SOCIAL NETWORK, though adored and cinematically accomplished isn’t the kind of emotionally resonant film that induces you to stand up and comprehensively embrace. The SPAMELOT show was of course exactly what the doctor ordered for you, and I’ve happy you were cheered up a bit. Congrats on avoiding the Globes completely; I wish I were that lucky! Ha! But my daughter Melanie is at that age now. GHOST WRITER is an excellent choice for #1, and of course our Bob Clark here will especially applaud that selection. Thanks for adding the anecdote about Eisenstein’s masterpiece. Most of teh Film Forum screenings seem to make their way to the Windy City, so I’m hopeful you’ll get your chance at this superb print!
  
  Many thanks my great friend, and we are hoping you will be feeling better in the upcoming weeks.
on January 17, 2011 at 7:49 pm | Reply Jaime Grijalba

Hello Sam and everyone who lurks around this meadows. Hope you had one hell of a week, as I had one of the best weeks in my entire life (maybe not THE best, but, hell, it ranks up there, and you never know what can happen in the future).
As always, thanks for the plug, this entry, even if short, has been in the works for quite some time, I couldn’t find a way to talk about it without being totally dismissive or completely repugnant.
Your week seems good though, Sam, you saw two films and a play, Ibsen is an odd one for me, he writes really great speeches and dialogues, but everytime you try to put them on stage, its really difficult to: a. adapt it to an hour long play, and b. avoid the people from being bored to death.
I have seen Battleship Potemkin and consider it one of the most important films in the history of cinema, but its political convictions, as always, give me trouble, as this is obviously a propaganda piece, a masterful propaganda film, but nevertheless one of the great silent films (****1/2).
My week? Well, on the beginning I looked at it with dread and tiresome wait, as thursday, friday and saturday were going to be dull, as a delegate for my career at my university I had to welcome all the boys (few) and girls (a lot) that entered where I study. But anyway, I also had two real good experiences: seeing a movie on a park and seeing a movie on a festival, but that comes in a few moments.
Monday I was supposed to go and see “The Godfather” on a park, but instead I decided to go see my university friends, where we were going to deliver our Secret Santa gifts. I gifted a book, as always, a James Bond one (can’t remember which) and I received A BOOK also, this has rarely happened, and this also was a book I really wanted to have, something that also hasn’t happened very often, it was “Good Omens” by Terry Pratchet and Neil Gaiman. It was truly a dream come true.
Thursday came, me and my companions started to welcome all the people, giving them some papers, encouraging them, all the usual stuff, from 9 am. to 6 pm. This also happened Friday.
Saturday was a different leaf. First, because almost no one came, then because I finished at 2 pm., and finally, because when I went to sleep I had my girlfriend on my mind.
This is not the girl I dated some time ago, neither the girl who accompanied me to see Film Socialisme and Ed Wood. It’s another girl, I… (why I’m telling this? to finally say I’m a human being I guess) like her… a lot. She’s pretty and intelligent. Oh, and also 16 years old.
Say what you want, I don’t care.
Anyway, movie wise, I saw:
- Biutiful (2010, Alejandro González Iñárritu) ****1/2 This is a better version of Babel, or, what Babel could have been, or what Babel should have been. This one is centered in one character, but also manages to see different aspects of his life. Do check it out when it comes out there. This one I saw at a festival.
- Casablanca (1942, Michael Curtiz) **** This one I saw at a park after quite a trip. I actually have seen this movie before, but I couldn’t see how brilliant it is. It’s good, but far from the best of the world.
- Return of the Living Dead Part II (1988, Ken Wiedehorn) *** Silly, full of screams and ridiculous situations. The first one is good, but the thing with talking zombies was a bummer for me. This one is slow (30 minutes aprox. until the first zombie appears) and it lacks as good an ending as the first one had.
I still have to see (today) the film that will be my Sam Flick Pick, but look for it tomorrow!
Have a good week everyone!
- on January 19, 2011 at 2:14 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  I can’t say how much I positively LOVE your submissions on this thread Jaimie! You are so human, so open, so full of life, and starting on the best years of your entire life. You may not realize that now, but when you reflect down the road…..well….let’s not get ahead of ourselves, and I don’t want to come off as some silly old fart either…..ha!
  
  When you say this:
  
  “Ibsen is an odd one for me, he writes really great speeches and dialogues, but everytime you try to put them on stage, its really difficult to: a. adapt it to an hour long play, and b. avoid the people from being bored to death.”
  
  …….you pretty much sum up the general perception. He is an acquired taste, and some never do quite acquire it! The plays are best appreciated by those who have at one time or another studied the works in literature classes in high school or college, and for those who may have prior experience in seeing staged productions at home or at other theatres. Most people at the very least are familiar with “A Doll’s House.”
  
  Your assessment of POTEMKIN is one that has much support, and as we have seen on this thread, there are some who may not be completely bowled over by it, but greatly respect it historically. There are some sequences that are so overwhelming that I can never see it as anything but something towering in both an artsitic and political way. But yeah, it’s propaganda through and through.
  
  “Good Omens” is a terrific and satiric work, and a great gift to receive!!! I have always loved Gaiman’s morbid humor, and recently discovered ‘The Graveyard Book,’ which is on its way to the silver screen. I’d love to hear what you say in regards to it, when completed. It’s always great to see “The Godfather” on the big screen, but you apparently made the right choice there. Sounds like you are really serious this time with this newest girl. I can see in your words and tone, and personally I don’t see why that age should mean anything at all. Anyone who tells you otherwise is jealous my friend! I suspect this very happy week was forged in large measure by this wonderful revelation.
  
  Jaime, I’m glad to hear a good report from you on “Biutiful.” The critics over here have been very rough on it, and I have been avoiding it. I am not the BABEL hater others are, and I am always interested in Bardem’s work.
  Yep, “Casablanca” is a very great one, and you saw it in a great setting there! Staeside there is a perception that this is one of the greatets films of all-time, so it’s interesting that you see that regard as a bit over-inflated.
  I saw “Return of the Living Dead”, but not Part II, which you discuss here with decent regard. I appreciate the framing here, and I am curious as to what Jamie Uhler thinks of this one.
  I have already been over to EXODUS: 8:2 to read your terrific review of Anthony Mann’s DEVIL’S DOORWAY:
  http://exodus8-2.blogspot.com/2011/01/sams-flick-picks-4-devils-doorway-1950.html
  and have voiced my appreciation for your incredible testament to my tiny gesture.
  
  You always make me smile, and I always have to deliberate on your gloriously generous commentaries. Thanks very much my excellent friend!
  
  And have an even better week!!!!
  - on January 19, 2011 at 4:24 am Jaime Grijalba
    
    I played Doctor Rank on “A Doll’s House” and won best actor at the internal prizes in my drama club.
    More than all, even if I love Gaiman’s work in Sandman (the greatest comic series of all time, Watchmen is overrated), it’s because of the english funnyman Terry Pratchett and Discworld I’m most excited about. I wanna read “Men at Arms” now, but it’s so hard to get here in English.
    I read your comment and I only have one thing to say: Google Translation is getting worse and worse.
    Sam: Thanks for the understanding, knew you’d look at it positively. She’s amazing.
on January 17, 2011 at 8:07 pm | Reply Samuel Wilson

Sam, in football I root for the Pats against the Jets and the Jets against the rest. Pittsburgh delenda est.

I didn’t get to watch as much as I wanted this weekend, but one I did see, you may be stunned to learn, was LOURDES, which came pretty much as advertised by you. It’s not going to topple CARLOS in my year-end estimates, but I really appreciated its humane yet rigorous satire of the whole shrine phenomenon. It only verged on “condescending” territory at the very end, but seemed very fair-minded overall. I’ll have more to say in a review later this week, but I want to thank you again here for the recommendation and the opportunity to see the film. The only other movie I saw that I hadn’t before was Richard Fleischer’s Armored Car Robbery, which I found mediocre mainly for the way it stacked the deck against the crooks, though it did manage a few good thrills in the final act.

Upstate is due for more bad weather tomorrow, but I hope you’re spared downstate this time.
- on January 18, 2011 at 2:07 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Samuel, I was uncertain (living near Albany) who you’d favour, but that’s fair enough. I was more than a little surprised at the way it turned out, but it does appear that the Jets are some kind of team of destiny. They even had to back in to quality for the playoffs, on a day they lost.
  
  Samuel, I am thrilled you watched and even were impressed with LOURDES, though you’re taste in cinema would have led to believe nothing but. As I stated on a previous thread, I found it difficult to numerically qualify LOURDES, BLUE VALENTINE, CARLOS and ANOTHER YEAR, and did so strictly for drama, so I applaud you for regarding CARLOS as highly as you do. I think you frame it superbly, acknowledging the satirical but humane aspects of the miracle beliefs and blind adulation. I also found the film beautiful to look at and to listen to, and the tailor-made setting is a gift to any filmmaker. But that’s just the tinsel, so to speak, for the larger issues that are expertly handled. I can’t wait to see your review!!!!! I also agree with that middling appraisal on ARMED CAR ROBBERY.
  
  Luckily, we don’t have any more snow predicted for the next week. I hope you don’t get hit too hard my friend!!
  
  Thanks as always for the fabulous comment at this thread!
  - on January 18, 2011 at 5:06 am Samuel Wilson
    
    The way it is with football is that I followed Bill Parcells from the Giants to the Pats to the Jets, his time in New England coinciding with my time at UMASS-Amherst. I remained fond of the Patriots after he and I left the territory, and I couldn’t follow Parcells to Dallas. Ugh!
    
    Anyway, you’ll have some nice screencaps to look forward to when I get that Lourdes review up. The film definitely has that virtual-tourist appeal for me, and I think it’s part of Hausner’s satirical intention, too.
    
    And I say again: get to Classe Tous Risques on the 18th if you can if you haven’t seen it before. That goes for anybody else in NYC, too.
  - on January 19, 2011 at 3:20 am Sam Juliano
    
    Ah, Samuel, thanks very much for the support and encouragement to see “Classe Tous Risques” but today was a bad day to venture out as are all Tuesdays. This is the night of the week known as “pasta night” at my hourse, a night where a group of friends come over to join with all of us for some kind of pasta dinner cooked by Lucille. I can sometimes make a late show on this night, but today has been terrible weather-wise. We had a delayed opening for school this morning, because of the icy winter mix. I almost broke my neck walking to my car at one point. I do own this film on Criterion DVD and can watch it at any time. Perhaps the wake-up call you’ve given me should bolster my resolve. The venue you brought to my attention though, is exactly the type I generally appreciate the most.
    
    I get the differentiation there with the home-turf affections, and with the general embrace of Parcells.
    
    Like you, I was smitten with that “tourist-appeal” of LOURDES, and if anyone on the internet can put up screen caps with authority and beauty it’s you, the Olson boys and Ed Howard. I will be looking forward to your review, and yeah I would definitely agree with Hausner’s satirical intent there.
    Many thanks to you again Samuel!
on January 17, 2011 at 8:33 pm | Reply Drew

Thank you kindly as always for the mention and the kind favor, Sam. Congrats on the Jets victory! A hard fought, deserving win for sure. The wind was taken out of my sails after the Falcons loss Saturday night; I’ve been a lifelong fan, and it was only like the third or fourth time in my lifetime that they’ve been worth a damn, so I’ll probably be down and out about that one for awhile. It will definitely be interesting to see how it all shakes out between the remaining teams.

On the movie front, awesome to hear about you catching Potemkin on the big screen, I can only imagine how amazing that’d be. I have still been enjoying breaking in my new tv/blu combo, in particular I’ve been enjoying my Criterion Blu-rays of Modern Times and Stagecoach. Watching those masterpieces with that clarity of detail and quality has been a revelation, and the plethora of extras on the discs has taken up a ton of my time of late also. I hope to get my regular movie watching schedule back on track sometime this week, and of course I’ll be in touch when I tackle True Grit, Waste Land & Lourdes!
- on January 18, 2011 at 1:54 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Ah, thanks right Drew, you’re a Falcons guy. And what a year they had. Atlanta fans seem to always have to suffer through playoff failings despite great regular seasons in both football and baseball. That’s too bad. I would have loved to see the Falcons advance this year. Still, I’d have to be optimistic about their chances next year. Thanks for the well-wishes on the Jets. Looks like Rex Ryan is quickly becoming an institution in these parts. But what a character!
  
  Yes, POTEMKIN was an event, as will be Visconti’s remastered widescreen THE LEOPARD, which I will be seeing at the Film Forum on Wednesday with site regular Kaleem Hasan. The unforgettable sequences are as powerful now as they were when the film was first watched. I’m completely with you on the blu-rays of STAGECOACH and MODERN TIMES, two films that haven’t looked this good since they opened in 1930 and 1939 respectively. That’s awesome that you have been getting such great performance from your new equipment, and I wish many more hours of rewarding entertainment! Of course I’d love to hear what you think of those three films, but at your convinience of course.
  
  Many thanks for the great comment my very good friend!
on January 17, 2011 at 9:16 pm | Reply Frederick

I’ve never been able to sit through any Ibsen play. Someone else on this thread mentioned his work was “boring” and I can’t argue with that. Yet he’s considered the “Father of the Modern Theatre” so it’s all a matter of what turns you on. Sam, is the Wings Theatre in the basement of that tall building near the west-side highway? I’m trying to place it. I wonder if the production was well-reviewed.

I think we will see the Jets in the big one. They won’t lose out to Pittsburgh after beating the Pats. Won’t happen.
- on January 18, 2011 at 1:44 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Yep, Fred, that’s Jaime Grijalba who posed that observation. But this is one playright who alienates as many as he enthralls. Yes the Wings Theatre is about two shorts blocks east of the West Side Highway. Few reviews are available right now, although the general perception is that it is a recommended staging.
  
  It does indeed look like a Jets year now.
  
  Many thanks my very good friend.
on January 17, 2011 at 11:10 pm | Reply coffee messiah

Thanks Sam as always for the mention, but again, you shouldn’t.

I remember reading many of those types of books as a kid, and with a nudge, might look into finding some at a used store. They were always interesting and worth a few reads. And how interesting you’ve a collection! Maybe you should start a museum, both film and book.

As for Laurel and Hardy – we never tire of the couple we do have. You’ve just reminded me of the european box I need to get.

Thanks to a very good virtual friend, we watched this week:
True Grit – better than I anticipated and we are always glad to see the C Bros use a woman in a strong, rather than a weak role.
Wasteland – a marvel and great to see people open up after being involved in art. What a fascinating back story about the “pickers” of which we never would have imagined.
Chronicles Of Narnia – deadly dull and never should have been made. Enjoyed the 1st 2 though.

Again, Thanks for the blog here and all the talented writers and your friendship! Cheers!
- on January 19, 2011 at 2:44 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Ha Michael!!
  
  Many thanks for this outstanding comment! Well, it does really only take a “nudge” when it comes to the Caldecott and Newbery books. I first became addicted to them in my second year at Jersey City State University, when a then 73 year old professor, Dr. Kathryn Smith offered what became a very popular coaurse for undergraduates like me who majored in English—”children’s literature.” The course was offered for those who intended to teach, and at that time the focus was elementary education. Smith was an old-style, homespun midwesterner, who was an exceeding conservative, but she instilled in me a passion for picture books that has carried over to this day. Every year, I buy all the winners, and have amassed a collection of close to 1,000 books. Lucille and I made great use of them with our own kids, and I use certain ones in my classes every year. This week has been “Caldecott and Newbery” week in all my middle school classes, and it’s been so much fun. I have each class vote for their favorites of different years, while I await the arrival of most of this year’s winners. Anyway, I know everyone has a story of a specific teacher who inspired them, so I’ll leave it at that.
  
  This is that box set that I have Michael. It’s priceless:
  
  Laurel & Hardy – The Collection (21-disc Box Set) [Region 2]
  
  But obviously, it’s also quite expensive. Oddly it does not include “March of the Wooden Soldiers” (“Babes in Toyland”) as the rights for that are not covered. But John Greco is quite right, as is Allan and many other L & H fans. This is the greatest duo of all-time, and held dear to the heart for life.
  
  Ah yes, I knew and expected you would revere WASTELAND for the very reasons you mention here. It’s an inspiring document. And yes Ms. Seinfeld was a mountain of fortitude, and definitely a very pleasant surprise from the Coens. I also liked the first two NARNIA films, and of course the classic novels they were based on.
  
  Many thanks my excellent friend!
on January 18, 2011 at 1:06 am | Reply Sam Juliano

Andrei Scala just recommended I look at these ‘goofy’ and ‘wacky’ movie titles!

I can’t stop laughing!!!

http://www.listology.com/list/top-250-goofiest-wackiest-oddest-movie-titles-all-time
on January 18, 2011 at 4:08 am | Reply Andrei Scala

I am like Sam…I have some health issues myself but mine are all mental. I believe I am in telepathic communication with a great saint of the insect world, a cockroach by the name of Ezzelino. The latter is a prophet of the Insect God who has created the Universe for the use and pleasure of our six legged buddies and who curses us profoundly for our heartless extermination of so many millions of his pest children.
He shall reap vengeance upon us.
But that’s another story.
The Battleship Potemkin is a priceless piece of cinema. The unfettered energy and political zeal that went into the making of this epic classic convinces the jaded spectator that great things have truly happened in real life. That one doesn’t have to go back to 1776 to see some big bully get his ass kicked for a little while anyway, is a great pleasure and although the 1905 Russian Revolution was ultimately crushed, the 1917 one succeeded.
One has to experience the images of huge throngs of peasants, the gigantic battleships, the maggots crawling all over the meat, the opening shot of the sea sweeping over the wharf…to see all that needs to be seen if one wants to see all.
Obvious over the top propaganda but wonderfully simple in a totalitarian way that warms the heart.
One of the few silent movies I can bear to sit through.
Cha cha cha!
- on January 18, 2011 at 6:41 pm | Reply Jamie
  
  great work here Andrei, I agree on your assessment of POTEMKIN. As far as I’m concerned it isn’t propaganda (or it’s unnecessary to say that when discussing the film, just look it’s always described as “sure it’s propaganda, but it’s great…” or something like that), it’s just a gorgeous innovative film.
  
  If you want to call it ‘propaganda’ then you must be prepared to call every great film propaganda. CASABLANCA is ‘Love Propaganda’, SHINDLERS LIST (which I don’t consider great but whatever), is ‘Hope Propaganda’, etc. Essentially all art is.
- on January 19, 2011 at 3:28 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Yep, Jamie does have a very good point there.
  
  Well Andrei, you have bookended your comment here with some of your trademark humor, and I was laughing my ass off at much of it. But you have done a masterful job in sizing up the experience, and it sits perfectly on this thread. This here for example is wonderfully descriptive:
  
  “One has to experience the images of huge throngs of peasants, the gigantic battleships, the maggots crawling all over the meat, the opening shot of the sea sweeping over the wharf…to see all that needs to be seen if one wants to see all.”
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
- on January 19, 2011 at 5:55 am | Reply Tony D'Ambra
  
  Are Andrei’s cockroaches from Edgar’s planet:
  
  Dr. Weaver: You don’t want to eat me. I’m a very important person on my planet. Like a queen, a goddess even. There are those who worship me. I’m not saying this to impress you, I’m just warning you it could start a war.
  
  Edgar: War? Good. That means more food for my family. All 78 million of them. That’s a lot of mouths to feed, Highness.
  
  Dr. Weaver: You’re a wonderful dad, but I’m staying HERE!
  - on January 21, 2011 at 10:54 pm Sam Juliano
    
    hahahahahahahahahahahaha Tony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    
    That’s a classic addition to the cockroach dialogue!!!!
on January 18, 2011 at 6:43 am | Reply sachin

Thanks again for the mention Sam. Love Exposure is quite the film. I had viewed it on a recommendation by a friend and decided not to read anything about it before hand. That was a great decision because I was not prepared for everything that unfolded
- on January 18, 2011 at 6:37 pm | Reply Jamie
  
  I love all his films more or less. LOVE EXPOSURE is the tip of a beautiful, savage iceberg.
- on January 19, 2011 at 2:23 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Sachin: As it turns out, this is precisely how I came to the film too. I’ve seen a lot, but this one really startled me with its audacity. Quite a look at religion and of perversity. But it’s a psychologically rich and resonant! A very great film, as you yourself have basically declared here. I haven’t yet (like Jamie) seen any other films from this director. I know Jamie and Allan have been promoting his work for quite a while.
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
- on January 19, 2011 at 10:41 am | Reply wondersinthedark
  
  It’s not in the same league, but of the others I have seen, I have a fondness fore Strange Circus. No masterpiece, but fascinating in many ways.
  - on January 19, 2011 at 4:06 pm Jamie
    
    Yes, I’d concur that that is his next best film. After LOVE EXPOSURE it’s tough to compete… NORIKU’S DINNER TABLE has a few sequences where you think it’s a masterpiece, or that it’s going in that direction, but it doesn’t. It’s still a good/great film that should be also checked out though.
on January 18, 2011 at 1:56 pm | Reply Murderous Ink

Sam,
Thank you again for the link and the kindest words!
It has been a bit rough week and I couldn’t get around to respond to your comments and dug into your top 10 list for 2010. Your top 10 list is quite intriguing, but most of them are not released here yet, so I will check them out.
What is happening around here in Japan is quite pathetic. In recent months, quite a few “art” movie theaters are closing down. “Art” doesn’t mean, art, it just means “not of big budget Hollywood”. One of them, Ebisu Garden Cinema, was a quite beautifully designed and well equipped theater. Most of the Woody Allen films opened in this theater (and sometimes in this theater only). Another theater in Shibuya, which showed many European and Asian films, is also shutting down. They say there will be more to close its doors, because less and less customers are frequenting these “art film” theaters. And there are 27 theaters showing “Unstoppable” in Tokyo right now. oh well…
“Love Exposure”… umm.. I am kind of put off probably because I know where it’s coming from. I can’t really explain it well, but many of the stuff are a bit too “familiar” to me. That kind of irrelevancy, wackiness, grotesque, and all other stuff flood our culture. I was thinking, if I were living in U.S., and I were to see this film, I would have loved it completely. I know, because I had lived in U.S. for several years and I found many contemporary Japanese films at the time more than interesting. Probably because I was not aware of where they were “coming from”.
But, don’t mind me, I am just a minority. The film is highly regarded in Japan as well. Objectively, I can see why.
- on January 18, 2011 at 6:12 pm | Reply sachin
  
  That’s bad to hear about Japanese theatres shutting down. Japan is just a handful of countries whose local cinema could hold its own against Hollywood but over the years Hollywood has been making inroads. I found as more new multiplexes opened in India, the number of screens showing Hollywood films also increased. I found the same case to be in a few other Asian countries and even Spain and France. Here in Canada, with the exception of Quebec, Canadian films are rarely seen in multiplexes which are dominated by Hollywood.
  - on January 20, 2011 at 1:41 pm Murderous Ink
    
    Yes, it seems this phenomena is really global. I just read that one out of three film productions in Japan is not finding any type of distribution, including DVD. I am skeptical about the validity of the figures, but I can easily imagine the majority of independent works are shelved, abandoned and forgotten. I guess the similar phenomenon is prevalent elsewhere as well.
    MI
- on January 21, 2011 at 2:25 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Thanks so much my friend, for this magnificent response. I have been waylayed over the last two days as well, and last night couldn’t get even to this comment and a few others, as I was in NYC with a friend seeing Visconti’s THE LEOPARD at the Film Forum. I’m sure you know this film well, and the widescreen cinematography in majestic incarceration, was alone worth the admission. I am deeply saddened to get this report on the closing of art house cinemas in Japan, even though your further specifications may not have been as dire as your original announcement. But UNSTOPPABLE in 27 theatres? That”s really depressing. Thanks very much for that Japanese take on LOVE EXPOSURE, and I quite well see where you are coming from. This was one of the most bizarre but oddly intoxicating films II’ve ever scene. It’s treatment of religion too was singular,
  
  So great to see you proceeding with such passion and expertise with Ozu’s THERE WAS A FATHER. I’ll be over there very soon.
  
  Thanks as always my very good friend!
  - on January 21, 2011 at 8:29 pm mark s.
    
    First “Potemkin” and now “The Leopard.” O lucky, lucky man (with apologies to Lindsay Anderson). Is this the uncut version with Lancaster dubbed in Italian? (I think) Well, it’s a masterpiece in its original version. One of the few films that does justice to a fine novel. On my top 20 or 25 favorite films of all time. “Of All Time” sounds so weird in a medium that’s only a little over a hundred years old! And to think Visconti made the unwatchable
    “The Damned” only five or so years later. Luchino and the Nazis, sad, sad, sad.
    I’d love to give you my take on “The Ruling Class” soon.
    A jarring mix of styles, but unquestionably a treasury of superlative acting. Will O’Toole join Burton and go Oscarless? Has he ever won an American critics’ prize?
    Maybe the National Society, which used to be pretty good at these awards (Oscarsson, Ullmann, Redgrave, Finch, Voight, Adjani, Andersson).
    
    Until Monday.
  - on January 21, 2011 at 11:10 pm Sam Juliano
    
    Mark: The National Society didn’t do all that bad this year; in fact all things considered they did well by honoring Giavanna Mezzogiorno and a few others. Here is what they did including the second and third place finishers:
    
    BEST ACTOR
    *1. Jesse Eisenberg 30 – The Social Network
    2. Colin Firth 29 – The King’s Speech
    2. Edgar Ramirez 29 – Carlos
    
    BEST ACTRESS
    *1. Giovanna Mezzogiorno 33 – Vincere
    2. Annette Bening 28 – The Kids Are All Right
    3. Lesley Manville 27 – Another Year
    
    BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
    *1. Geoffrey Rush 33 – The King’s Speech
    2. Christian Bale 32 – The Fighter
    3. Jeremy Renner 30 – The Town
    
    BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE
    *1. Olivia Williams 37 – The Ghost Writer
    2. Amy Adams 28 – The Fighter
    3. Melissa Leo 23 – The Fighter
    3. Jacki Weaver 23 – Animal Kingdom
    
    BEST PICTURE
    *1. The Social Network 61
    2. Carlos 28
    3. Winter’s Bone 18
    
    BEST DIRECTOR
    *1. David Fincher 66 – The Social Network
    2. Olivier Assayas 36 – Carlos
    3. Roman Polanski 29 – The Ghost Writer
    
    BEST NONFICTION
    *1. Inside Job 25 (Charles Ferguson)
    2. Exit Through the Gift Shop 21 (Banksy)
    3. Last Train Home 15 (Lixin Fan)
    
    BEST SCREENPLAY
    *1. Aaron Sorkin 73 – The Social Network
    2. David Seidler 25 – The King’s Speech
    3. Roman Polanski and Robert Harris 19 – The Ghost Writer
    
    BEST FOREIGN-LANGUAGE FILM
    *1. Carlos 31
    2. A Prophet 22
    3. White Material 16
    
    BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
    *1. True Grit 31 (Roger Deakins)
    2. Black Swan 27 (Matthew Libatique)
    3. Somewhere 18 (Harris Savides)
    
    Yes, like you I fondly recall the early 70′s when I was in college (73-78) and the Society was at its height with some of their eclectic art house attention to the likes of Bergman, Ullmann, Andersson, Von Sydow, Rohmer, Fellini, Costa-Gavres, Bertolucci, etc. Today they are still the group that matters most for a cineaste (if such a thing exists in fact) with the New York Film Critics Circle and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association right behind, methinks. Yes, Mark, I’m afraid O’Toole will go Oscar-less at this point (his best chance was for LAWRENCE of course, when he had the formidable Peck as an opponent) and yes, I saw the uncut subtitled THE LEOPARD with the overdub for Lancaster. Quite a ravishing epic, as we both know. The Film Forum now has Pasolini’s MAMMA ROMA up, with some great stuff coming soon: the Fritz Lang in Hollywood (24 films I believe) Bresson’s COUNTRY PRIEST, a W.C. FIELDS Festival with rarities, and a “Japanese Diva” Festival. Try and get down here my friend!
  - on January 22, 2011 at 2:23 am Murderous Ink
    
    Visconti. His films are the ones you should see on the big screen, not on the monitor, not even on 100inch. Many years ago, I saw the pristine print of “L’innocente” on the screen, and it was an experience. I haven’t seen the restored version of “Leopard” on big screen, yet, but only on the monitor. I am quite sure your admission fee was amply rewarded.
    Since you mention “5 Japanese Divas” in coming schedule at Film Forum, I looked up to see the lineup. It will be a quite fest, I think. There is Naruse’s “Mother”, with which I had very memorable screening experience at Ginza many years ago (I am planning to write about it sometime). It’s very good example of Naruse as a program picture director, and very good one at that. W.C. Fields films will be also fun, won’t they?
    MI
  - on January 25, 2011 at 3:27 am Sam Juliano
    
    Indeed, Murderous Ink, the Fields Festival is offering some rare gems in addition to his great comedy masterworks. I saw MOTHER four years ago at the Naruse Festival at the Film Forum, and it’s one of the director’s most deeply-felt pictures. Of course no matter how many times I have seen them I will still be up for SANSHO, UGETSU and several others. The diva idea is another programming boon for the Film Forum, and it brings in some extraordinary films, like Kinoshita’s 24 EYES (which many may not have yet seen).
    
    I never saw L’INNOCENTE on the big screen to this point. That would indeed yield the kind of response you just corroborated! Visconti is one director that requires the big screen!
on January 18, 2011 at 8:05 pm | Reply Peter

I watched part of the Globes with Susan, and we both found Gervais and the proceedings listless. The mutual back-slapping gets tiring after a while, and as others say there aren’t surprises anymore. A complete waste of time for those who have better things to do.

I’d like to take a look at those Caldecott Medal winners.
- on January 19, 2011 at 1:22 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  I should have the Caldecotts in a few days Peter! I’ll be sure to bring them up to your room.
  
  I can’t blame you and Susan for tuning out. It was a terrible waste of time, but then again it always is.
  
  Thanks so much for stopping by as always!
on January 18, 2011 at 8:14 pm | Reply mark s.

Ah, Sam, o lucky man! To see “Potemkin” on the big screen must be staggering, especially the Odessa Steps. Like being struck by lightning.

What I saw this week.

“The Music Room” (1958) – First, a confession. I have zero acquaintance with the films of Indian director Satyajit Ray. I only know his position in the firmament of world cinema is very high, that he’s considered an inheritor of Jean Renoir’s humanism. In fact, Ray met Renoir while the latter was filming “The River” in India.

But after watching “The Music Room” I wonder. Maybe enrichment will follow after seeing the Apu trilogy or “Days and Nights in the Forest.” “The Music Room” is a mix of the pictorial and the baroque, especially the ending which is a strophe out of (speaking of) Eisenstein.
On the subcontinent, British colonialism is waning. A Bengali landowner in decline, a music lover enamored of lavish soirees in the jalsaghar (music room) of his decaying mansion, loses his wife and son in a boating accident. He goes into mournful seclusion, closes the music room, prowls his mouldering palace in his lounging draperies. After much languor and hookah-smoking, the landlord decides to spend the last of his dwindled fortune, hires a famous singer/dancer, one-ups his neighbor and throws a last hurrah in his re-opened jalsaghar. At dawn, drunk, he mounts his white horse, rides off and dies in a fall.
All along obvious symbols of decline and doom are dropped with the lightness of an anvil. The chair on the roof (isolation, deposed aristocracy), the insect in the glass (just before the drowning), the spider on the portrait, etc.
Tear away the exotic trappings of Eastern decor, Bengali ritual and Hindustani music. Replace the Indian actors with Americans. Imagine a dissipated Melvyn Douglas lolling about his Mississippi delta estate with a walking stick. Put some readings of Langston Hughes or Stephen Foster tunes on the soundtrack. Maybe Geraldine Page is his patiently suffering wife. All you’ve got is a fungoid story of rot and despair, a milquetoast “King Lear”.
Maybe a reductio ad absurdum, but the hypothetical Americanization of “The Music Room”, the skinning of indigenous Orientalism reveals the skeletal drama beneath. At the last, the film’s intoxicating ‘foreignness’ camouflages the unfulfilled story underneath. Certainly Ray has a superb eye and much empathy, so hopefully it’s onward and upward with Apu and the rest.

From the “I Can’t Believe I Watched the Whole Thing” department.
The recent “Eagle Eye” in which an ordinary young clerk and a pretty, young paralegal turn into Mr. and Mrs. James Bond after they’re mistaken for terrorists. One of the stupidest things I’ve seen. Lots of expensive American cars trashed throughout this techno-rubbish. Happily, Detroit can use the jobs in this economy.

Finally caught up with “Black Swan,” “The King’s Speech” and “True Grit,” but haven’t the time now. I see most of you rummies watched the Globes. Ha! Natalie Portman must be one of the loveliest girls on the planet and it was nice to see one of my long-time favorites Annette Benning honored. Ditto Colin Firth. Looks to be a long yawn of an Oscar night ahead, though.

Your humble (non-foreign) correspondent, Mark
- on January 21, 2011 at 10:22 pm | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  The lightning metaphor is definitely an apt one Mark! The Odessa Steps sequence may well be one of the most famous sequences in the history of the cinema, but it’s also one that gives you a jolt, reminding you that the movies are unlike any other art form. Amazing too that it’s been there for nearly 100 years.
  
  THE MUSIC ROOM (JALSAGHAR), as I have stated at this site on a few occasions is an absolute masterpiece, and a S. Ray that I rate near the very top of his output. Certainly, as you yourself subsequently suggest DAYS AND NIGHTS IN THE FOREST, PATHER PANCHALI (and DEVI and CHARULATA for sure) are other gems by this master that continuously reward repeat viewing. I agree that there are pictorial and baroque elements in the film, and the film’s set design is the most exqusite in all of Ray. It’s a story of the stern price to pay for the failure to change with the times, and Vilyat Kahn contributes the finest classical score ever presented in a Ray film. I am thunderstruck to hear that your background in Ray is non-existent after this film, and I can only hope you follow through with DAYS AND NIGHT and the Apu Trilogy (especially PATHER PANCHALI) and the others I added. Ray is one of the cinema’s greatest humanists, Indian’s most supreme director of all-time, and one of whom Akira Kurosawa once opined in a most famous appraisal: “To have not seen the films of Ray is to have lived in the world without ever having seen the moon and the sun.” With Ozu, Mizoguchi and De Sica, Ray is one of my favorite four humanists in the cinema. Anyway, I don’t want to make it seem like you are delinquent in any way, as you’ve proven here many times. You get around to it I’m sure. For someone who hasn’t negotiated Ray up until now, you sure did a masterful thematic analysis of the film here!!! Ha! Yep, it’s all decline, decay and doom throughout this brooding film, and it’s narrative course is inevitable. But again, terrific discussion here my friend! You will find that empathy you are looking for in those other works, I assure you.
  Ha on EAGLE EYE!!! That’s just about right! I look forward to your future elaboration on THE KING’S SPEECH, TRUE GRIT and BLACK SWAN!!! Yes, I fear this Oscar telecast will be the most boring ever. I always have a crowd over here year in and year out for a party, but this year I better find some alternate entertainment for those tuning out!
  
  I am very sorry for the delay Mark in responding to you (and two others) as I was at the Filmm Forum seeing Visconti’s THE LEOPARD on Wednesday night, and last night I kept my promise to Dennis to see BLUE VALENTINE with him (for me a second time) As a result I never got back to this thred.
  
  Many thanks my excellent friend!!!!
on January 19, 2011 at 8:08 am | Reply Troy Olson

I’m with my brother above — at least one of the Jets or Packers needs to win in order for me to watch the Super Bowl. Chicago and Pitt is not what I want to see.

Still trying to make my way through the films of 2010, I saw WINTER’S BONE (***1/2) and MOTHER (****). If I want to do any reasonable recap by February, I figure I better get a move on as I have around 15 more films I’d like to watch still. How you do the sheer number of films you do Sam is quite a feat.

I hope to have the third blog post on Bresson up sometime in the next week or so. I see that both you and Jamie left me comments on my most recent post and I’ve been exceedingly slow to reply to them…I shall remedy that tomorrow.
- on January 21, 2011 at 2:06 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Troy: I completely understand the heavy work load and the difficulty in responding to comments. In a number of instances, return comments are even unecessary. I will be looking forward to your next Bresson post!!! Chicago and the Steelers would (excuse the pun) definitely be the pits! We’ve seen these warhorses way too many times over the years in the final brackets, and to have the Jets and Packers would be the ideal scenario! As you know Troy, I take advantage of my convenient geography during the year. It is a practice that can’t go on forever for a number of reasons, but to this point I’ve managed it. Ha! You are doing very well playing catch-up and I am particularly happy to see you viewed WINTER’S BONE. I’m not a big fan of MOTHER (unless it’s Naruse’s) but I know I am in an extreme minority there.
  
  Many thanks my very good friend!
on January 21, 2011 at 12:05 pm | Reply bobby J.

Sam, ‘Potemkin’ on the big screen! Marvellous…
I remember when I saw it in film class projected, with a beautiful print, it was a dazzling experience.

Well, I’ve not watched too much, but….
‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ – An East End of London crime movie, which I wasn’t too fussed about missing originally. It had been lying on my self for a decade! But one of my new year’s plans is too watch every film stored away on selves, discs, my hard drive….if it’s good keep it, if it rubbish or not something I’d watch again – pass it on to the local charity (thrift) shops. This film was a load of tripe, and Ritchie a small time Tarantino wannabe (both need to read books). Trite dialogue, flashy camera-work – though some of the directorial ideas are good, such as framing during the drinking, partying scene, but to no real effect, the editing between the scenes is crude, it has ideas that it is smart, slick, cool, when in reality it’s a poser, shallow and predictable.

Julian Assange in conversation with John Pilger*** – The Daniel Ellesberg of our era in conversation with the finest British Journalist of the last 40 years. A riverting piece that’s online.

Mostly I’ve been listening to the radio, going through and tidying up a huge hard drive of material, plays, series, documentaries, interviews.

Other than that, it’s been another ‘Outer Limits’ week and my contributions for that thread. For which Ted Rypel has started to contribute. Ted wrote some of the earliest appreciations of the show, in magazine ‘Fantastic Films’ and also wrote a fanzine, plus a book called ‘The Outer Limits: An Illustrated Review’ which had an episode by episode review and also two interviews, Stefano and Anthony Lawrence. It’s a book that used to be advertised in the magazine ‘Starlog’ but I was too young to get it. Hopefully, he’ll reprint the interviews online.

Anyway, it’s been kind of cool to formulate my views on some of the shows great episodes:

For ‘The Sixth Finger’:

“Joseph St. Ellis’ magnificent script puts the whole spiralling run of cosmic life, growing and ebbing, into a darkly-lit gothic country house, making it almost a chamber piece with a few excursions to he outside macroscopic world of comparative corruption and suspicion and restlessness anxiety. Whilst inside the house, free from commotion or disturbance, mighty growth occurs – contemplative and almost tranqual. There is a zen calmness, serenity and composure that is rare in any era and all without a mat or mediative mantra being chanted (rendered even more so by a delicate score, with a harp). It may be the most serene show till the advent of Kwi-chang Kane journey’s in ‘Kung Fu’.

The directorial flair is keenly felt with delightful compositions that burn themselves into the mind’s eye on first viewing; the reflection of the concerned professor in the background of the hand mirror as Gwyllm smiles slyly, bemusedly, sinisterly – echoing the deep focus compositions of William Wyler and Greg Toland in ‘The Best Years of Our Lives’ and even more so in the celebrated breakfast scene from ‘The Little Foxes’ or the visual/aural/balletic poetry of the ending, or the shocking reveals of transitional growth anf mutation.

It’s beautifully rich photographic texture is lensed without the showy, high contrast, sharp edges of Connie Hall’s jaw-dropping style; here, it’s so subtly rendered, so soft, that’s it’s like trying to capture stream. It can only be felt.

The abstract impressionism of the “Foreward-Backward” lever or the funeral in which a darkened interior and a small, huddled mass suggests more without having to go the whole route and painting in every morsal.

As for the make up, it may remind some of Dan Dare’s supervillian – the Mekon from the comic book, but it’s probably due more to the idea of the “egg head” intellectual and numerous other manifestations of high intellect from SF covers; A key influence on the ‘Star Trek’ pilot’s Talosians, though I’m sure that Rottenberry – the Great Dodo of the Universe – would claim that he had dreamt of the idea in a wet, mini-skirted- dream.

At least, when he stole, he stole from the best… choosing Goldstone to helm a variant mutation in the classic ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before’ (of the six best of that show).

For genre fans, Joseph St. Ellis also scripted the first segment, a mightily charming piece, of the anthology film ‘Flesh and Fantasy’, unfortunately, overshadowed by the towering magnificence of the same film’s adaption of ‘Lord Arthur Saville’s Crime’.

All of the three principals are the worth the price of admission, so to get it on the box, free of charge and on the BBC as a child, without adverts, it was nirvana.

Unfortunately for genre fans, David McCallum’s is usually cited for his stint on ‘The Man from UNCLE’ or ‘The Invisble Man’, completely overlooking the classic fantasy series ‘Sapphire and Steel’!

One of the curious things that I’ve always pondered is about the implications of his prediciment at the end, often cited as a happy ending, but is it really? I’m with Lisa, in thinking years ago, that he was dead, then the opposite and varying between the two. Perhaps, it’s like the confused ending of Lean’s ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’, though here, the ambiguity adds to the provocative richness of speculation. My take now, is that his return to normal might not only foul up their relationship but will be such a big a quantum shock, as much as Charlie Gordon’s return to moronic status after having attained genius level thinking in the Daniel Keyes’ classic ‘Flowers for Algernon’? Maybe he took to the bottle and became the town drunk. Or he may listlessly be cut off from the rest of humanity. Or he may become a highly regarded professor and have Haworth in the kitchen!”

For ‘The Man Who Was Never Born’:

A touch of the fairy tale, a dash of Stefano’s humanitarian concerns, a sprinkling of Bradbury poetry and most of all, a Van Vogtian sense of a charged delirious dream. Which makes all of it’s fantasy elements coherent. As for the implusibilities, it could be assumed that the craft had a computer that wasn’t seen on screen.

This is perfection. A soaring verbal, visual, aural, Thespian poetic assault on the senses. The type of staggering watch that can’t be forgotten, causes immersement and flow and is celluloid bliss.

on ‘O.B.I.T.’:

“Each of the great episodes of TOL has a character of it’s own; ‘The Architects of Fear’ has a dazzling audacity, ‘The Sixth Finger’ is so closed in on it’s central character, that like the extra digit he grows, the professor, the girl and the town outside the old gothic house are just appendages to the throtling journey into the brave new worlds of evolution, ‘The Man Who Was Never Born’ is expressionistic, dreamily poetic with a A.E. Van Vogt surreal turn of plot.

And that’s what I love about anthologies. Though the basic mood of this show is set by Stefano, Hall, Frontiere in it’s gothic, noir, tipping into expressionism camera-work and uncanny musical majesty, there is a lot of room for movement and variety.

This is one of those shows that I caught, not as a child, but as an adult. It’s questioning of sinister spying equipment had never dated; J. Edgar ‘I’m wearing a dress to day’ Hoover’s use in the ’50s, Nixon’s in the ’70s and the Bush ones in the ’00s.

Questioning, quietly claustrophobic and then magnificently grand and theatrical; the script is sharp and concise, the direction intelligently probing, Hall’s photography full-bodied with every shot given a marvellous texture and the music deliciously evokes and accentuates the sinister ambiance.

The cast is a treat, Jeff Breck has the hardest role, playing the straight man (RFK is his mafia hunting days?) to a variety of larger than life characters with issues. He pulls it off to terrific effect and Townes and Corey have a grizzled enough tone to play off him (or anyone else, for that matter).

Genre fans should check out Corey’s two other performances in great classics of the silver screen; ‘All That Money Can Buy’ (1941) and ‘Seconds’ (1966). The latter could have been OL 2 parter.

This is an episode I’ve seen numerous, numerous times

Oh, and four bulging Zantis, too. ”

Sam, how’s the ‘Steptoe and Son’ watch going. Would be interested to find out which season you’ve got to.
- on January 21, 2011 at 8:37 pm | Reply mark s.
  
  “The Zanti Misfits” is classic. I taped it off TV on VHS years ago and still have it.. An unforgettable skin-crawler.
- on January 25, 2011 at 3:18 am | Reply Sam Juliano
  
  Bobby: Many thanks for this extraordinary re-cap and the re-prints of the spectacular contributions you have been making at the Outer Limits site. It’s been quite a ride over there, and I dare say in number of comments and traffic our two friends have a much bigger “hit” than they had with THRILLER. I have indeed seen Rypel contributing as of late, and though I’ve heard of him, I wasn’t aware of all the specifications you broach here. The quality of the comments has made contributing a daunting challenge, as one doesn’t want to pale in comparison to the others. But you have held the torch high for the series and have raised the bar for analytical discussion. Your re-printed comments are magnificent. One example is this intoxicating assessment of “The Man Who Was Never Born,” one of the show’s greatest hours:
  
  “This is perfection. A soaring verbal, visual, aural, Thespian poetic assault on the senses. The type of staggering watch that can’t be forgotten, causes immersement and flow and is celluloid bliss.”
  
  Beautifully written.
  
  And this exerpt from “The Sixth Finger” is fantastic:
  
  “Joseph St. Ellis’ magnificent script puts the whole spiralling run of cosmic life, growing and ebbing, into a darkly-lit gothic country house, making it almost a chamber piece with a few excursions to the outside macroscopic world of comparative corruption and suspicion and restlessness anxiety.”
  
  The script for this episode reprents the best writing on the show.
  
  I haven’t seen LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS (or have I?) but appreciate this excellent capsule.
  
  I need to get back to STEPTOE John!!! Thanks for the reminder!!!
  
  This is a response for the ages my friend!