Master class rock documentary “Sound City”
by Sam Juliano
Having reached the mid-way point of February 2013, those of us in the northern hemisphere ‘snow zone’ have our fingers crossed that the white stuff has run it’s course until next year, but our experiences tell us now to hold our breath. In any case the NYC area did enjoy two days of mild temperatures this past week, and one can at least hope that March comes in like a lamb rather than the other way around. One can never feel as if they are safe from Mother Nature’s prospective wrath until April is upon us, and even then a few are still unconvinced. (Note: Again I spoke too soon. Bone-chilling temperatures here in the NYC area on Sunday night are keeping people inside.)
Devout or passive Catholics (I fall into the latter category) might be most interested in the coming papal conclave that is set to convene at the Vatican in early March after the unexpected resignation of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, also known as former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a Bavarian who cited advancing age and dissipating energy after eight years as Pope. On future MMD’s we’ll take a look at the candidates who appear to be most likely to ascend to the throne of St. Peter. While the Italian voting bloc is the biggest in the 117 strong contingent who will elect the next pope (one-quarter in fact) indications are that the cardinals may again be looking outside of Italy, as they did with the previous Polish and German choices. The general perception is that the church’s future is tied to the strength of the religion in South America and Africa, with even a serious look at North America. Still, some Italians reportedly want one of their own to re-take the papacy, and there are several Italian cardinals who are considered among the favorites. Three candidates are being touted now as the absolute leaders: Peter Turkson of Ghana, Marc Ouelet of Canada and Francis Arinze of Nigeria. Arinze, however, is 80, and is probably passed the point of feasibility. He was leaked to have finished a distant second to Ratzinger in the 2005 voting. Even lapsed and non-Catholics ate usually interested in the historic and dramatic aspects of the papal voting. Both Nino Moretti’s Habemus Papam and Michael Anderson’s The Shoes of the Fisherman play well to the recent matters at hand. Moretti’s film concerns a final refusal of the chosen candidate, while Anderson’s movie based on Morris West’s acclaimed best-selling novel looks at an unexpected radical choice that defied tradition.
Hero teachers and administrators of Sandy Hook Elementary School were awarded supreme congressional medals of honor by President Obama this past week at the White House, with family members present to accept. The honor in my view is as significant as the Purple Heart, as the courage shown here was much the same in putting the lives of others ahead of the person performing the selfless act, or even more so, as these heros lost their lives doing so.
The Oscar telecast is less than a week ago, and while it seems clear right now which film will cop the top prize, there is still some major drama surrounding the Best Actress, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor prizes. It’s always fun to try and predict what will happen on that ultimately forgettable night, and the Oscar video by Jason Giampietro featuring Dennis Polifroni, my son Sammy and myself is posted over the MMD this morning.
Lucille, Sammy and I saw the following (with Danny and Jeremy for the Whale):
Sound City **** 1/2 (Tuesday night) Landmark Sunshine Cinemas
No **** (Friday night) Angelika Film Center
Frankenstein (1931) ***** (Sunday morning) Film Forum
The Tell-Tale Heart (1953, animated) ***** (Sunday morning) Film Forum
Gone with the Wind (1939) ***** (Saturday night) Lafayette Theater (Suffern)
SOUND CITY, an often electrifying rock documentary is a labor of love of the venerable Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters fame, who serves as director, interviewer and emcee of this endearing look at a legendary studio set in an industrial park in southern California, that opened in 1969. Grohl, a musical force of nature, imparts raw energy in clips featuring Fleetwood Mac, Rick Springfield, Paul McCartney, Nirvana, Tom Petty and Metalica among others. The documentary’s all-together riveting forward motions makes it one of the best films of it’s kind, and 2013′s first entry in the near-masterpiece bracket.
The Chilean nominee for Best Foreign Language Film, NO, featuring Gael Garcia Bernal is a largely perverse, humorous and ultimately moving film features a superb turn from the actor, a riveting sense of urgency due to the cinema verite style, and excellent incorporation of the news footage of the time to make it seem as if we are right there on the street with the characters. The ‘yes’ or ‘no’ of course has to do with whether the vote will maintain the murderous reign of dictator Augusto Pinochet. Pablo Larraine’s direction keeps things at fever pitch, even with a few dead spots.
The OSCAR NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORTS grouping yields two exceptional works and three others that can rightly be framed as ‘very good.’ A moving study of old age with an irresistible employment of Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and Schumann’s glorious Andante Cantabile from his famed ‘Piano Quartet Op. 47′, HENRY (by Yan England), like Michael Haneke’s Amour and Dustin Hoffman’s Quartet takes a melancholic look at old age and memories with a generous context of classical music to enhance the theme. It builds to a deeply moving climax. DEATH OF A SHADOW features a specter of death that takes photographs of people as they die, while the US made CURFEW has a vivid sense of whimsy and a convincing feel of time and place, as well as some effective dark humor. The other two shorts, ASAD and BUZKASHI BOYS offer a few nifty surprises.
Lucille, Sammy and I traveled up to Suffern, New York on Saturday night to watch GONE WITH THE WIND at the Lafayette movie palace in the scenic town just over the Garden State border. I’ve seen the film well over a hundred times in my life, but introducing it to young Sammy was quite a treat. And then the Sunday morning “Film Forum Jr.” series continued with the 1930 FRANKENSTEIN (another film seen too many times to remember) which was accompanied by the 1953 seven-minute animated classic THE TELL-TALE HEART based on Edgar Allan Poe’s short story, narrated by James Mason. Sammy, Danny and Jeremy came along with Lucille and I, and after the movie and short we drove up to Times Square and weathered the windy and chilling weather to spend some time in the Toys Are Us megastore, and a three-floor Barnes & Nobles.
I am thrilled to offer up the vimeo of Jason Giampietro’s new film CANDY RIDES here at WitD:
Screen cap from Oscar-nominated live-action Canadian short “Henry”
I have re-posted last week’s links:
John Greco offers up a superlative piece on Hitchcock’s ‘Sabotage’ at Twenty Four Frames: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/
Sachin Gandhi has posted an incredible presentation at Scribbles and Ramblings that examines not only 2012 and 2013 so far, but the best films of every year over the past decade. It’s a fascinating post for cinephiles: http://likhna.blogspot.com/2013/02/best-films-of-last-decade.html
At Filmacability Dean Treadway is leading up with an enthralling Top 25 for 2012: http://filmicability.blogspot.com/2013/01/the-25-best-movies-of-2012.html
Samuel Wilson has penned a spectacular review of Michael Haneke’s “Amour” at Mondo 70: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2013/02/on-big-screen-amour-2012.html
In his newest post “Paper vs. Plastic” Joel Bocko presents a terrific photo essay and a link to insightful prose on David Fincher’s “The Social Network” at I Lost it at the Movies: http://thedancingimage.blogspot.com/2013/02/paper-or-plastic.html
Jaimie Grijalba features Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” at Overlook’s Corridor in his best of the year list: http://overlookhotelfilm.wordpress.com/2013/02/18/no4-django-unchained-2012/
At Vermillion and One Nights the ever-talented Murderous Ink has posted the fifth and final installment of his monumental ‘Evangeline’ series: http://vermillionandonenights.blogspot.com/
Shubhajit Lahiri is leading up at Cinemascope with yet another superlative capsule, this time on Bunuel’s swan song “That Obscure Object of Desire”: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2013/02/that-obscure-object-of-desire-1977.html
Judy Geater is leading the way at Movie Classics with an enthralling post on the ‘My Favorite Film Actors of All-Time” that movie lovers simply must check out: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com
Jon Warner has written one of his great essays on David Lynch’s “Mullholland Drive” at Films Worth Watching: http://filmsworthwatching.blogspot.com/2013/02/mulholland-dr-2001-directed-by-david.html
At The Last Lullaby Jeffrey Goodman has posted a stupendous post on this ‘Best Films of 2012′ list: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-top-10-or-so-films-for-2012.html
Laurie Buchanan offers up another wonderful post “Yoga Gone to the Dogs” at Speaking From The Heart and poses a pointed question: http://holessence.wordpress.com/2013/02/05/yoga-gone-to-the-dogs/
Tony d’Ambra is leading up at FilmsNoir.net with a fascinating post “Jean Valjean in the Shadows” that takes a look at the classic 1934 French film of Hugo’s novel: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/jean-valjean-in-the-shadows.html
R.D. Finch comprehensively covers 1969 and 70 in his focused look on the Oscar nominees of each of the two years in the main categories: http://themovieprojector.blogspot.com/2013/01/my-oscar-picks-1969-70.html
Dee Dee at Darkness Into Light has posted a terrific capsule of “Gun Crazy” with links to Marilyn Ferdinand’s interview with Peggy Cummins included:Marilyn Ferdinand interview with actress Peggy Cummins…”
Weeping Sam at The Listening Ear offers up some atmospheric prose and scenic photos of the two foot blizzard that struck his New England hometown: http://listeningear.blogspot.com/2013/02/snowy-snow.html
“Art Studio in Real Time” leads up at the always-ravishing Creativepotager’s blog: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2013/02/03/artist-studio-in-real-time/
David Schleicher at The Schleicher Spin has posted a terrific piece of Soderbergh’s “Side Effects”: http://theschleicherspin.com/2013/02/08/side-effects-may-include-smirks-butts-on-the-edges-of-seats-and-oh-no-she-didnts/
Roderick Heath has penned a quintessential and enthralling essay of Spielberg’s “Lincoln” at Ferdy-on-Films: Spielberg’s “Lincoln”
Ed Howard has posted an extraordinary essay of Ouseme Sembene’s “Xala” at Only The Cinema: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2013/02/xala.html
Craig Kennedy’s newest installment of his beloved ‘Watercooler’ is leading the way at Living in Cinema: http://livingincinema.com/2013/02/10/31468/
At Patricia’s Wisdom, the wonderful proprietor offers up a tonic for negativity in the thousands: http://patriciaswisdom.com/2013/02/14000-things-to-be-happy-about-barbara-ann-kipfer/
At The Confidential Report Anubhavbist has posted a fantastic Top 10 of 2012 listing with superlative prose in defense: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/
Head over for a sip of ‘Twin Peaks Coffee’ at the incomparable Coffee Messiah’s blog: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2013/02/twin-peaks-coffee.html
J.D. LaFrance has posted a dazzling essay on “Hidalgo” at Radiator Heaven: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2013/02/hidalgo.html
At Screen on Screen Paddy Mullholland has posted a terrific capsule review of “How to Survive a Plague”: http://screenonscreen.blogspot.com/2013/02/review-how-to-survive-plague.html
Just Another Film Buff has posted a terrific review of Mani Ratnam’s “Kadal” (The Sea) at The Seventh Art: http://theseventhart.info/2013/02/10/ellipsis-69/
Jason Bellamy has written a master class review of Kathryn Bigelow’s “Zero Dark Thirty” at The Cooler: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2013/01/everybody-breaks-bro-zero-dark-thirty.html
Drew McIntosh has posted a wonderful presentation of Maxwell Anderson’s “The Eve of St. Mark’s” at The Blue Vial: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2013/02/the-eve-of-st-mark.html
Sam, I saw a little of Wind on TCM the other night and noticed how virtually expressionist it is by the standards of today’s blockbusters and period plays. How different a remake would look today! Anyway, I haven’t voted for 1979 yet because I wanted to give some films the courtesy of a viewing, even if I expect none to top Apocalypse Now. I should be getting a copy of Stalker to watch on Tuesday, but so far I’ve watched: The Tin Drum, which as a movie maybe can’t help but leave a Felliniesque impression that Guenter Grass may not have intended in print; The Marriage of Maria Braun, which is pretty much Fassbinder’s GWTW — or at least Maria is his Scarlett — and Norma Rae, which I couldn’t watch without thinking what happened to all those brave union people when the O.P. Henley plant relocated abroad. A tough choice for Actress now but this year was always tough for Actor. All three of those are good films but no Apocalypse. We’ll see about Stalker, but for now I’ll go watch your little show.
Samuel—
I rather like that ‘expressionist’ assertion myself! Yes if they ever did decide on a re-make it would be light years different. Yes APOCALYPSE now is at or near the top for 1979. I voted for Joseph Losey’s magnificent opera film DON GIOVANNI, but gave Coppola the Best Director prize. Yes there is absolutely a Felliniesque (and even a Wertmulleresque) aspect to THE TIN DRUM, which is both perverse and surreal, and it’s definitely off teh page from Grass. Nice idea calling THE MARRIAGE OF MARIA BRAUN Fassbinder’s GONE WITH THE WIND. I think you will find STALKER most interesting! Thanks as always my friend. Have a great week!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan and WitD readers…
“I can’t thank you enough for all that you do!!!!”
Sam Juliano, Oh! no, there is no need to thank me what so ever…It’s my pleasure to be Of assistance to you as well as Allan Fish, and others…Because I think you both possess rare qualities that is [very] rare to find in people and that is consistency.
In other words, being kind and never changing…I hope that you never lose those qualities.
[As a matter Of fact, I have several online friends with "rare," qualities, but I want name them all here...
...Because I don't want to "insult" online friends that don't possess those "rare" qualities. lol]
Which makes it very easy for me to be Of assistance to you, Allan, and others… too!
(Note: Again I spoke too soon. Bone-chilling temperatures here in the NYC area on Sunday night are keeping people inside.)
Wow! Sam Juliano, right you are the weather, it’s very unpredictable.
“Devout or passive Catholics (I fall into the latter category) might be most interested in the coming papal conclave that is set to convene at the Vatican in early March after the unexpected resignation of His Holiness, Benedict XVI, also known as former Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, a Bavarian who cited advancing age and dissipating energy after eight years as Pope…”
Oh! yes, I can’t wait to find out who will be the next Pope…I’m on pins and needles…as I firmly, plant my tongue in my cheek!
I quite agree, with every word that you have written here:
“Hero teachers and administrators of Sandy Hook Elementary School were awarded supreme congressional medals of honor by President Obama this past week at the White House, with family members present to accept. The honor in my view is as significant as the Purple Heart, as the courage shown here was much the same in putting the lives of others ahead of the person performing the selfless act, or even more so, as these heroes lost their lives doing so.”
Sam Juliano, thanks, for sharing!
“The Oscar telecast is less than a week ago, and while it seems clear right now which film will cop the top prize, there is still some major drama surrounding the Best Actress, Best Director and Best Supporting Actor prizes. It’s always fun to try and predict what will happen on that ultimately forgettable night, and the Oscar video by Jason Giampietro featuring Dennis Polifroni, my son Sammy and myself is posted over the MMD this morning.”
I just watched the video by Jason Giampietro and left my thoughts on your discussion with Dennis Prolifroni and your son Sammy Juliano too!
“Lucille, Sammy and I saw the following (with Danny and Jeremy for the Whale…”)
Sound City**** 1/2
No ****
Frankenstein (1931)*****
The Tell-Tale Heart (1953, animated)*****
Gone with the Wind (1939) *****
I’ve seen the film well over a hundred times in my life, but introducing it to young Sammy was quite a treat.
Sam Juliano, I’m quite sure that was a treat for you and Mrs. Lucille Juliano, to introduce your son Sammy Juliano, to this film.
I see that there was no “weakest” link in the chain and Thanks, so very much for the thorough re-cap Of each film, animation, and documentary.
“Sammy, Danny and Jeremy came along with Lucille and I, and after the movie and short we drove up to Times Square and weathered the windy and chilling weather to spend some time in the Toys Are Us mega-store, and a three-floor Barnes & Nobles.”
It seems as if your weekly wrap-up was a great experience and a good time was had by all…I hope!
…Sam Juliano, once again, thanks, for sharing the links, the Oscars@ video [discussion with your good friend and film critics Dennis Polifroni and Sammy Juliano too!] and your weekly round-up with your WitD readers…as usual.
deedee
Hello my very great friend! And thanks yet again for bringing Valentine’s Day greetings and the Criterion link to the sidebar!!! I can’t thank you enough for all that you do!!!!
Well thanks again my great friend! Your modesty is another aspect of your stellar persona! Thanks too for dissecting the diary proper with all your observances and witty additions. We did indeed have a very nice afternoon in Times Square; yes the weather this month has been unpredictable to the extreme and we seem to be back in the throws of a cold spell; I always find the papal politics as fun to follow, but nothing too deep of course; thanks for the great comment under the interview and for the acknowledgement of this week’s screenings! Much appreciated my friend!
Cardinal Turkson may have hurt his chances by responding to interviewers as if he had already been elected. Shame, as he would seem to be the kind of visionary choice that would expand the church in third-world countries.
I have not read this Peter! Interesting. It’s true that the cardinals disdain any discussion with outside sources, and if this is true it could be damaging for Turkson. Thank you my friend. Have a great week off!
Hello Sam and everyone!
Well, what a lineup of films you saw, I’m glad that you took some time to see ‘No’ and rate it the same as I did, with ****, and I’m also a fan of Frankenstein, as you know, rating it ***** as well, it’s one of the great early horror films for me, a great sight as always.
I took another small trip (geez, right?) this weekend that was a bit intempestive and unheard of until the last minutes, so I had to put many things on hold and now I’m a bit behind but it was worth it to spend the weekend with my girlfriend and parents in an uncle’s house in the countryside.
So, due to that, my viewing schedule was slow, again:
- The Pornographers (1966, Shohei Imamura) **** I saw this on the criterion DVD and it was superb! I liked it a lot due to its perverseness and sense of criminal thought in every people’s mind, and the ending was a bit lyrical but I liked it, nevertheless, it took me a while to understand what was going on in terms of characters, and even until the end I had trouble pointing out if some time had gone by or not, or if this was the same character as earlier, and in some points it turns poetical and subjective in its view, and I loved those scenes. Maybe a little long.
- The Simpsons: The Longest Daycare (2012, David Silverman) **** One of the shorts nominated for best animated short, it aired on TV recently before a Simpsons episode and I found it a great fairy tale with many elements to make it adorable and at the same time funny due to its references to adult themes and movies, as well as earlier episodes of the show. Great stuff.
- The Strange World of Gurney Slade (1960, Alan Tarrant) ****1/2 More thoughts on this coming soon.
- Vampyros Lesbos (1971, Jesus Franco) **** I finally had the experience of Franco that I was waiting, after a not-so-good experience with the almost silent and lyrical Frankenstein vs Dracula, this was everything that I hoped from the spanish maestro of trash, a movie that was poetical, beautiful and horrific at the same time, confusing in its plot, but still manageable for any audience, one of the most impressive set of scenes that I’ve seen in a long time, overall, I didn’t go out disatisfied.
That’s all, have a good week Sam!
Jaimie—
While it’s always fun to watch stuff, it’s probably even more enjoyable to take the breaks you talk about here today. Nothing wrong at all with that retreat at that countryside home with your girlfriend! And yes I know well you are a big fan of James Whale’s 1931 horror classic and others in the great Universal series. I was inspired to see NO this week after reading your excellent appraisal, and indeed came up with the same rating. I must say I really loved THE LONGEST DAYCARE Simpsons short, which for me is a hair behind THE PAPERMAN as the best in this category. I am not much a fan of Franco, and VAMPYROS LESBOS, but I respect your high regard for it, and will say nothing more. I look forward to your review of THE STRANGE WORLD OF GURNEY SLADE, which is an Allan Fish favorite as you know. Imamura’s THE PORNOGRAPHERS is excellent indeed! Have a great week my friend. Many thanks as always.
Sam,
Thank you for the mention.
This week, I saw MOONRISE KINGDOM, THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS and ZERO DARK THIRTY.
Between two Wes Anderson films, I thought MOONRISE KINGDOM more consistent in style and has more restrained control in overall look. Also, though the characters are less zanier than TENENBAUMS, still, characterization is wonderful and accomplished by incredibly rich acting by all.
As for ZERO DARK THIRTY, I am still pondering the whole implications and meaning of this story and film-making. I am not certain whether I stand by the position this film presents, but still it is a sign of an excellent film that it provokes the reaction in many aspects.
I hope you have a good week and enjoy the Oscars!
MI
MI—
Thanks so very much for stopping in as always my friend!!! I agree with your conclusions on MOONRISE KINGDOM as to how it compares with THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. You are not alone in your ‘position skepticism’ on ZERO DARK THIRTY, but like even more your acknowledgement of it’s cinematic excellence seems dead-on. This is one film I can see gaining down the road. As to the Oscars I certainly will have some fun as I always do when I get together with close friends, and some other admired people I rarely see, but will take the verdicts with a grain of salt. Ha! Thanks again, and have a great week!
I’ve been meaning to see Sound City for quite some time. I am not sure if it was screened in Montclair yet, but I would be willing to see it in the city. There’s a new film by Kiarostami out there too. I’m going to listen to your interview right now.
Frank, I will have to check if it did run in Montclair. It may have back in January, but I am not quite sure. Yes I came very close to seeing Kiarostami’s LIKE SOMEONE IN LOVE this past weekend but settles on the Chilean film. I hope to see it before next week’s diary. Thanks as always my great friend!
Sam –
You’ve seen GONE WITH THE WIND over a hundred times? Holy Cow! What a treat to be able to introduce it to Sammy! “I don’t know nothin’ ’bout birthin’ babies!” is quite possibly my favorite line/scene in the movie.
I’m fairly confident that the merits of the Toys Are Us megastore would have been lost on me, but I’m equally confident that you would have had to drag me — kicking and screaming — back out of the three-floor Barnes & Noble once in it. I love book stores!
Laurie—
I am ashamed to say I did see it about that many times, starting with some childhood visits to theaters whenever it was reissued, and continuing through numerous television airings and the eras of Beta, VHS, laserdisc, DVD and blu-ray. It’s one of those films I’ve always found exceedingly entertaining and one of the screen’s essential romance films with the Civil War as another notable bracketing. But yes it was wonderful to introduce this to Sammy, and he reacted quite favorably. Well, can’t say I blame you for not being a big Toys Are Us fan, and it’s never a healthy option for your wallet! Ha! Well we did place limitations there, be rest assured. And yes the B & N is always a joy. We spent some good quality time there! Thanks as always my great friend! Have a terrific week!
Sam, thanks a lot for the mention.
Good to know that you’re finally getting some mild weather, and also that you watched and liked the Chilean film No. Its one of the best movies of the year, and with its excellent zeitgeist and political observations, also one with a great here-and-now feel. Yes, the election of Pope is quite a spectacle. After all, to use a politically incorrect phrase, he is one of the biggest superstar that can be there. The Nanni Moretti movie that you made a mention of – that has been show in most of the film festivals in India, but unfortunately I couldn’t catch it at the one in Calcutta which I’d attended reasonably extensively around 3 months back.
Anyway, here’s what I managed to watch in the past week:
- Maverick Japanese New Wave filmmaker Seijun Suzuki’s madcap crime thriller Tokyo Drifter
- Aki Kaurismaki’s brilliant deadpan comedy and road movie Leningrad Cowboys Go America
- Spielberg’s tad too sentimental but overall decent drama, Lincoln
- The decidedly anti-establishmentarian Paul Newman vehicle Cool Hand Luke
- Melville’s superb existentialist crime/gangster/heist thriller (a genre he was a master of), Le Deuxieme Souffle
Shubhajit—
Thanks as always for the great comment on this thread. I’ve been unable to respond until now due to a nagging stomach ailment that I hope I can resolve soon. The weather in general has been better, but the last two days have been frigid. Yes I agree NO is very solid. I do recommend HABEMUS PAPUM (Moretti’s film) as it’s central deceit parallels what happened with Pope Benedict. As I say I find all this historically and politically fascinating and really have nothing invested in what the conclave decides on, especially since the stiffling conservatism is sure to continue. Even if the church goes outside Europe, they will pick someone who shares the unyielding views that continue to alienate young people from the church. I definitely like TOKYO DRIFTER and LE DEUXIEME SOUFFLE, but apparently I like LINCOLN more. This seemed to be one rare instance where Spielberg pulled back from sentiment almost to a fault, a decision that has some nay-sayers calling the film a “bore.” COOL HAND LUKE is a solid work, and look forward to your reviews on the Kaurismaki and all the others here. Thanks as always my friend!
Sam, let’s hope that cold weather does finally depart soon – you’ve had quite enough of it for one season. We are also supposed to be getting another cold spell this week in the UK, though it doesn’t sound as if there will be much snow in my area, thankfully!
I’ve been to the cinema twice this week, seeing ‘Lincoln’ and ‘A Good Day to Die Hard’ – I thought ‘Lincoln’ was one of Spielberg’s best and was gripped throughout, though I did find both the beginning (especially) and the ending a bit too much. Excellent film anyway and Daniel Day Lewis is wonderful. The Die Hard one, as all the critics had warned, is a CGI fest with nothing new to offer – but I thought Bruce Willis still makes it watchable.
At home I watched Renoir’s ‘Les Bas-Fonds’ (The Lower Depths) (1936), yet another masterpiece starring Jean Gabin – it seems as if just about everything I’ve seen him in is great. Also saw Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth in ‘You Were Never Lovelier’ (1942) and enjoyed this a lot, as the two make a fine combination – very reminiscent of the 1930s Fred and Ginger films. And lastly I watched Hitchcock’s ‘Saboteur’ (1942) by mistake, as I spotted it in the TV listings and thought it was going to be ‘Sabotage’, which John Greco had just reviewed! Anyway, although it wasn’t the film I expected, it still had me on the edge of my seat, especially during the bit at the end with the characters cimbing over the Statue of Liberty!
Wishing a good week to all at Wonders.
Judy—
You certainly can say that again! After a relatively mild January (traditionally the coldest month) we were mired in a deep freeze for much of February, with the tease of a good week to lull us into false security. Ha, I said as much on the diary proper. The weekend may bring some snow, but I have my fingers crossed what with the party preparations starting up. Great to hear you loved LINCOLN. The beginning when Day-Lewis spoke to the soldiers was admittedly a bit hokey, though I have argued with some that the assassination sequence was tasteful and necessary for closure. But I understand some have felt otherwise. As you note Day-Lewis is extraordinary, and has won so many awards he might need to moce into a larger home. Yes, the new DIE HARD movie is getting roundly trashed, but at least your recommendation of Willis gives it one reason to give it a shot. Yes the Statue of Liberty sequence in SABOTEUR was thrilling, and the film is a solid enough Hitch in a relatively minor key. Agreed completely on THE LOWER DEPTHS, but can’t seem to remember that particular Astaire/Hayworth, which probably means I haven’t seen it. Thanks as always my friend! Have a terrific weekend!
Here is an excellent piece in the Times about the irrelevancy of the papal election and of the Catholic Church in general:
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/02/19/opinion/bruni-the-popes-muffled-voice.html?_r=0
Sam,
Well hope you’re having a good week. I really like Dave Grohl and will have to check out that documentary sometime. I’m a big Nirvana fan and like the Foo Fighters too.
Over the weekend I found out about the Hulu free Criterion streaming so caught up on some films I’ve never seen before.
Bitter Rice- Really fun film blending Neorealsim, film noir, and exploitation flick. Fascinating stuff.
Voyage to Italy- Existential work from Rossellini. Was meaning to see it for some time and liked it a great deal.
21 Days- Oddball film with Olivier and Vivien Leigh.
The Ear- Czech film that was banned for decades. Interesting film politically and can’t figure out how it got made in the first place.
L’amore- Very arresting little Rossellini film with Anna Magnani is two short stories. The second one in particular with the woman thinking she has seen Saint Joseph and is then impregnated by him was rather moving.
I was disappointed by A Late Quartet. I thought it was rather cliched as far as plot goes and rather predictable. I guess I also didn’t buy into these people being world-class musicians. Something about watching Walken and Hoffman try to play music just had me skeptical.
For this week I’ve lined up The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Have a great week!
Jon—
I have had better weeks sorry to say, but thank you. I’ve had some stomach nausea. If you like Grohl you will absolutely adore SOUND CITY! Definitely one of the finest films of it’s kind. I know you and Joel took full advantage of the Hulu, and I applaud you both for uncovering some gems. I have a Region 2 DVD of BITTER RICE and agree with everything you say. It’s a great film! Agreed too on VOYAGE and THE EAR, the latter is on a Second Sight Region 2 DVD. But I have not seen 21 DAYS nor L’AMORE and would like to at some point. You are not the only person to feel that way about A LATE QUARTET, Jon. I won’t go to the mat for it here, but will say I thought it often charming. The performances were appealing as was the pastoral setting and beautiful music. I wish you a great weekend my friend. Many thanks as always!
Say what you will about GONE WITH THE WIND – but nothing tops seeing this epic on the big screen. I remember the national rerelease back in the late 90′s and watching it in what was then the brand new megaplex art house theater in South Jersey. What an experience! And the the theater was packed and everyone young and old glued to their seats.
I watched The Perks of Being a Wallflower which I found especially poignant as it captured a time period I am most familiar with (I was in middle school at the time these characters were in high school) while also being a universal depiction of some sad damaged souls coming of age. I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this as I usually loathe this genre.
Also about to wrap up House of Cards this week on Netflix…a post perhaps to follow.
David–
I couldn’t agree with you more! It’s one of the great epic big-screen movies from the over sized letters rolling across the screen in the credits to the wide pan of the wounded and deceased soldiers at the station to the resurrection of Tara. I am with you on the past experience of the re-releases too! Thrilled to hear how much you loved PERKS OF BEING A WALLFLOWER, which I found among the best films of the year! I’ll be checking out your piece on HOUSE OF CARDS. Thanks as always my friend!
Thanks again for the mention. We actually got hit with a couple of cold days here in FLA., the coldest of the season, it was a nice brisk change. As always, a quick warm up follows and we are back in the mid 70′s. I have been busy since last week preparing for my participation in the Ruth Eckard Exhibit, buying frames and other needed items. Just yesterday I mounted six photos, which does not seem like too much work until I ran into problems with the frames and had to goes hunting for reasonable priced replacements. Still considering which other photos to include while waiting on the delivery of some additional mats to complete the project.
This week I watched the following…
Side Effects (****) Steven Soderbergh may have invented a new sub-genre, the pharmaceutical thriller. This roller coaster of a ride starts as one type of film and smoothly evolves into a crafty smart thriller with enough twists and double crosses to keep you on edge throughout. Hitchcockian in tone, Soderbergh is devilish in dropping one new twisty development after another pulling out the rug from under your comfortable feet.
Marathon Man (***1/2) Engrossing if unexceptional ‘70s thriller based on William Goldman’s bestselling novel. The highlight is the all too real tooth drilling (is it safe?) sequence that for anyone who has ever gone to a dentist will not soon forget. I recently had my first root canal performed and all I could think of the night before was this film.
The Crash (***) Interesting 1932 pre-code with Ruth Chatterton and George Brent as a rich couple with a lust for money. Brent uses his wife’s sexuality to seduce financial information from well chosen knowledgeable lovers, when the market crashes so do their lives. Chatterton is a highlight as a woman who makes no bones about her desires never to be poor again.
John—
I know you got a good dose of northern frigidity this past week. It’s all part of the global changes we are all witnessing, sad to say. But as you note in another sense it’s a welcome change, and the 70′s came back soon enough. Sounds like the exhibit will be a big success, and I applaud all the time and effort you are investing in preparation. The framing issues would have driven me crazy, but then again I often have little patience. I’m sure you’ll be smiling at the end, and hope to see some photos! That’s about right with THE CRASH as far as I see it too. I am tempted to give THE MARATHON MAN an extra half star, but I think you have sized it up precisely. I only went slightly lower with SIDE EFFECTS, a film you beautifully appraise here. I’ve been less than thrilled with Soderbergh’s recent films, but this one had me immersed. Have a great time at the exhibit John! I’m sure it will be fantastic! Thanks as always.
I did not want to come back here without having watched a movie for so long – so I celebrated Valentines and my daughter’s birthday and then went to the movies…
I watched on DVD Elizabeth I the whole series in one shot and just loved that program so much. I thought Helen Mirren was fabulous in it
Then I worked through a couple of short run television shows that were now on streaming…they were okay and then of course a wonderful documentary called HUBRIS ( aired on Rachel Maddow show on President’s day) Another documentary on PBS about Physics – the healing parts I just was glued too..
I watched all of Downton Abby Season 3 on streaming too
Then the most amazing thing happened…I saw that SILVER LINING PLAYBOOK was still running at the theater today – I jumped in the car and drove right over and was not disappointed. I just witnessed so much of those behaviors and family re-actions and hopes and it was wonderful to see the folks working so hard to succeed…I gave it 5 stars and would like to see it again. I thought the acting was just fabulous.
I have only seen Gone With The Wind one time and I was disappointed in it – I will need to see it again some time, but I am impressed with your record.
I have watched Julie and Julia now 18 times – I like it when I am discouraged about blogging or feeling ill….it just picks me up
Thanks for sharing – as always good to find your words and discoveries.
Still looking for a way to see Quartet
Patricia—-
You saw JULIE AND JULIA 18 times? Wow. Well, I like the film, and can well see why you’d be lured back to see it multiple times. It’s certainly an uplifting work. Though I am a bit surprised at your response to GONE WITH THE WIND, I know this is a gigantic time investment, and the epic soap opera is not assuredly everyone’s cup of tea. Then again you may warm up to it on next viewing. I have been meaning to get to DOWNTON ABBEY, as I have the first two seasons on blu-ray, but to this point the series is gathering dust until I can put aside the time. But I have heard some great things and also some disappointment from others. I know many will opt to take advantage of the streaming, which would seem to be the way to go. I am absolutely certain you will like QUARTET. The ingredients there would seem to be well within your sphere of appreciation. THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK may not be a big favorite at this site (though Jon Warner likes it and Dennis thinks it’s decent) but it’s hugely popular with audiences and critics. Whenever I see that kind of a reaction I always question my own opinion. The film’s cast has won wide praise, and I can see how and why you would see the behavior as all-too-real. HUBRIS sounds great. I am in full agreement on the classic show ELIZABETH I. Excellent stuff!
Thanks as always my friend! Have a nice weekend!
Sam, thanks so much for the great mention!
Very quiet for me of late on the movie-watching front, but I always like knowing what you’re up to. Your comments on SOUND CITY have me particularly intrigued. It’s one I will have to run down.
Here’s to an awesome week. Thanks so much, Sam, for all that you do.