by Sam Juliano
This is the first post in a brand new weekly column here at WitD that aims at getting readers to talk about what they’ve seen during the previous week, what they’ve listened to, what they might have seen on stage or in concert, or even what they may have watched on DVD or listened to on CD. This post is also open to ‘anything’ that one wants to talk about, and that includes DVD announcements, politics or recent passings, like Michael Jackson’s which is sure to be brought up here. This post is meant to stimulate discussion, and each new submission may well bring talk in one direction for a good part of the thread. Finally, as I often see 2 to 5 films theatrically every week, in addition to some plays and concerts in the mix often enough, I simply am unable to review everything, and feel this is my way to attain accountibility and allow for some discussion and sharing. I will often use a picture from one of my events to go with this thread, but this week it’s Michael Jackson.
My own week ended on an excrutiatingly sad note with this terrible news about Michael Jackson, and despite rational pleas to scale back from fellow WitD colleagues Allan Fish and Tony d’Ambra, it’s just my nature to react this way. As our good friend Movie Man has rightly asserted, Jackson’s death for all of us who grew up with his music have “lost something.” His bizarre antics of recent years for me have done little to taint his iconic status, and hearing his music over the weekend brought tears.
I saw two films this week, Food Inc., and Moon. I saw Moon first on Thursday night, and found this science-fiction opus as heavily cliched, tedious and redundant. Only Clint Mansell’s score survived the debacle, although I can’t really say that Sam Rockwell isn’t up to the task. The documentary, Food Inc., makes the contention that just about everything we eat is made directly (or indirectly) from corn. It also makes the stomach-churning assertion that a humburger we eat may come from 8 different cows. Lovely. It also reveals that there are presently only 13 slaughterhouses in the US, and that the food industry has a stranglehold on everything produced and eaten. Really nothing we don’t already know, but reasonably well presented.
Moon ** (Landmark)
Food Inc. *** 1/2 (Montclair Claridge)
I saw two stage works this week: Delroy Lindo in The Things of Dry Hours at the Theatre Project on 4th Street off 2nd Avenue, and The Little Foxes, a classic play by Lillian Hellman, presnted by the prestigious New Jersey Shakespeare Society on the lovely Drew University campus. The Lindo play boasted some strong acting by the star and the reast of the cast, but it was extremely dull and forgettable, rarely more than verbal histrionics all to little resonance. The Little Foxes, on the other hand, was an exquisite production, with wonderful sets, fine use of entrance and exit portals and outstanding performances. With this play it practically “can’t miss.”
I also finished Rivette’s Out 1 on DVD. I wish I could say I liked it as much as Movie Man and Allan, but I’ve leave the possibility of discussion here.
So what would you like to discuss?
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Hi! Sam Juliano,
What a nice addition to…Wonders at the Dark.
By the way, Good-luck! with this “new feature.”
I’am quite sure that it will “generate”…some very interesting discussions.
Take care!
DeeDee 😉
Thanks very much for that Dee Dee! Let’s see what happens. It would seem to be a good way to recap, and it’s bait for discussion as you say.
Just wanted to post to say that while I’ve never been a _huge_ MJ fan, after listening to some of his older stuff I’ve realized that the Jackson 5 song I Want You Back is a perfect pop song. That bass line has been stuck in my head for days!
Apart from the S&G concert, I watched on DVD: No Country for Old Men, and two 40s noirs. I have already related my reaction to the Coen Bros film under the Oscars thread.
Black Angel (1946) is a visually elegant psycho-noir from a Cornell Woolrich story. Dan Duryea and June Vincent investigating the murder of a female blackmailer are impressive, with good support from a suave Peter Lorre as a ‘good’ bad guy. An hypnotic dream climax is the highlight – with kudos to director Roy Neill (his last movie) and DP Paul Ivano.
Whirlpool (1949) is directed by Otto Preminger, and stars Gene Tierney, Richard Conte, and José Ferrer in another psycho-noir. Lensed by Arthur Miller with a wonderfully dramatic score from David Raksin. Preminger turns a preposterous frame-up by hypnosis premise into a polished melodrama. Tierney is vivacious but does little more than the role of a dupe demands. Conte is incredibly wooden and a real disappointment, while Ferrer steals the picture as a suave homme-fatale, who has real wit and cunning. Broderick Crawford is good as a skeptical scruffy cop. Preminger uses mise-en-scene deftly to expose the truth below the surface. In an early scene, we have Tierney in close-up while Ferrer delivers lines of seductive poison, and as he approaches Tierney with his promises of sincerity his shadow fall across her face…
My wife and I saw Sam Mendes “Away We Go” and enjoyed it. Nice performances by Maya Rudolph and John Krasinski. Actually, the entire supporting is very good. The film is a laid back, episodic and at times poignant. Of the supporting cast Maggie Gyllenhaal’s alternative mom (baby strollers are the enemy!) and Alison Janny are really standouts.
A couple of thoughts on all the coverage of MJ’s unfortunate death.
The new media seems to have lost sight over the weekend that there was still two wars raging on and Iran was still in turmoil.
Poor Farrah had the bad luck to die on the same day as MJ.
Will we be living with MJ impersonators for the next few decades like we have been with Elvis impersonators?
MJ’s relevance, like Elvis’ at the time of his death was over. Like Elvis, he may become more popular in death than he was during his final years.
Will Paul McCartney attempt to buy back the Beatles catalogue that MJ owned?
Wonderful idea Schmule. A place where we can spout off on anything that catches our interest. Let’s just hope the others that make home here at WitD can come up with stuff that far more brain teasing and a lot less boring than the post you kicked this whole thing off with. LOL!
I’ll start off with a few nuggets from my weekend. 1. After watching it again Saturday, I am absolutely positive that THERE WILL BE BLOOD will number 1 my list of the bast films of this decade. 2 One of my passengers told me that the nightmarish traffic in NYC this weekend was due to an extra million people in the city for Gay Pride. He also said that the Pride event draws more people into the city than any one-day event all year. Anyone here know if this statistic is true? 3. I saw pictures of Johnny Depp decked out as the Mad Hatter for his upcoming film ALICE IN WONDERLAND (he looks creepy). Anyone got any info when the film is coming? Is his director Tim Burton? Ok, let’s see what these questions and thoughts generate. Oh, also, the chinese food I ate last night gave me runs! LOL! Dennis
Joke of the day: Two cannibals are sitting in the forrests of the Congo one night, by a fire and eating out of a pot. The fist one says to the second:” what’s the matter? You’ve hardly touched your dinner”. The second cannibal says to the first: “I really hate my fuckin’ mother-in-law”. So the first one reaches over to the second, handing him the ladel and says: “then just eat the noodles.”
Jo
Does anyone here think the United States will ever switch to the Metric System?
QUOTE OF THE DAY: (From ANNIE HALL) Alvie to Annie, admiring her tie that was given to her by her Grand-mother: “Nah, my Grammy never gave us gifts. She was too busy getting raped by Cossacks!”. LOL!
Good one Dennis!
Sam, this is a very good idea. At the very least it will allow you to discuss briefly many of the events that you can’t write full reviews on. I also mourn Michael Jackson, but I agree with John Greco that reactions to his demise are overblown, and that he will be venerated even more in death. But it will all pass over sooner than some think.
The Litle Foxes sounds great, especially in that location. Sorry to hear about Moon, but I’d still like to see it.
I saw Drag Me To Hell, which was an excellent Sam Raimi horror film. I’ve been busy this week, so I was unable to do more.
DID YOU KNOW OF THE DAY: Did you know? That if Karen Carpenter and Mamma Cass shared the same ham sandwich they’d both probably still be alive today? RUN THAT ONE AROUND IN YOUR HEAD!
Who is this Dennis character?
I think that “Fast Food Nation” is a companion piece to “Food Inc.” Yeah, it would be disturbing, but it certainly gives one some added incentive in how to control their diets. The food industry is out of control.
I saw ‘Pelham 1-2-3’ I thought it was entertaining, but not something you think about too long. I think the older film with Walter Matthau was better, as it worked on more than the one level.
Finally saw ‘The History Boys’ on DVD. Really liked it a lot, especially the lead performance. The best ‘school’ film I’ve ever seen.
This Dennis character is the ever watchful eye hovering over all the proceeding here at WitD. I’m really a ghostly harlequin that fans in and out of Sam’s computer. I am the laugh in the bottom of your belly pushing it to come out and that piece of thought in your brain that’s stuck all the way back in your mind. I’m “Q” to Sam’s “Captain Picard” , I’m the “Joker” to Sam’s “Batman”. Gotta keep things lively here! LOL!
ok Dennis. Hope you discuss movies here too.
Before I respond to some of these terrific comments, I would like to note that one of our regulars (who made his own comment above) cineaste John Greco, has reviewed WHITE HEAT at his site:
http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/white-heat-1949-raoul-walsh/
If one looks at all the past reviews at John’s site, one will quickly discover that FILM NOIR is John’s favorite genre, a fact that no doubt will delight some here at WitD who likewise have speecialized in this field. Of course, our own Tony has shown his stellar skills in reviewing that vast catelogue at FilmsNoir.net. In any case, John’s review is most impressive on a film that is virtually inexhaustible for discussion and/or adoration.
Dave: I agree with you on “I Want You Back” and several others from that period. As I stated earlier, Jackson is not everyone’s musical cup of tea, and his personal life has alienated many to the point where his passing has left some unfazed. I feel differently, but this is the way I’ve been my entire life.
Tony: What a truly wonderful and exquisitely written round-up on those two films. I know the Preminger well, and I am definitely on the same page with you on Conte. Likewise those other performances were stellar. I have always been a Tierney fan, and I love that Raskin score! He’s a composer I greatly admire. Of course, Preminger’s mise en scenes here and in other films bare repeat-viewing for maximum appreciation and interpretation. And it’s always re-assuring to know that Ferrer has done other quality work besides CYRANO DE BERGERAC.
BLACK ANGEL may not not measure up to WHIRLPOOL, but it is still noteworthy both for Lorre’s performance and for the fact it was based on Cornel Woolrich, who is one of noir’s most dependable writers for adaptation. Of course he wrote the story upon which Lewton’s THE LEOPARD MAN was based. I think it is titled “Black Alibi.” I own both of these titles on DVD.
I think it’s great to be treated here at this weekly thread of your ongoing treatment of the latest film noir viewings!
John: Thanks very much for the insights on the Michael Jackson affair. I can’t really contest anything you say there, but I’ll admit that emotions are processed differently. That said, I do tend to overeact when it comes to death; it’s been a lifelong problem for me.
Great that you and your wife saw the Mendes film! I haven’t gotten to it yet; it somehow eluded me. The critics seem divided, but a number of people I tend to agree with are on the same page with you. Great to hear about that impressive bevy of performances!
Dennis: You are all over the map there, but I love your infectious enthusiasm. And I like that first joke too! LOL! I know of your incomparable regard for THERE WILL BE BLOOD (I share it to a degree)m and I am most interested in the Depp vehicle.
Try the Green Shell! I love their Hunan chicken in the white sauce with brown rice, or chicken and broccoli the same way.
Frank: I also loved DRAG ME TO HELL, which I never got around to reviewing. It was the best movie of its kind since the Australian THE DESCENT a few years back. Love that set piece at the end at the gravesite. Terrifying, kinetic and operatic all at once! And the gypsy role was a hoot.
Joe: THE HISTORY BOYS is one of my recent favorites. Richard Griffiths deserved an Oscar nomination (but didn’t get it) for his brilliant work, and the film’s students are all first-rate. I hope all “Monday Morning Diary” devotees have seen or will see this film, one of it’s year finest.
I also saw THE TAKING OF PELHAM 1-2-3 and I had basically the same reaction as you did. Fun, some style, but ultimately forgettable. The earlier film with Walter Matthau was no classic either, but I thought it was better than this re-make.
Well, I WILL be discussing movies mainly here as well as everyone else. But, to break up the monotony of one movie post after another I will contribute (to this section and this section only) a daily joke to tickle ther funny-bone, a daily quote (either from film or elsewhere) and, when I can, a DID YOU KNOW (ranging from history to things like using oven-cleaner to clean tiles in the bath room-by the way that works amazingly well!). So, enough with the fooling around (and, no, I won’t be giving tips on sex), let’s get back to form here! Thanks for starting this section SCHMU-LEEEEEE!!!!!!!
I couldn’t get to the theatre this week, but it appears many had busy weeks. I look forward to contributing to this thread in the future. As far as Michael Jackson, he was musically peerless, but what a troubled person. His end in this fashion was imminent.
This film THE DESCENT intrigues me. Is it on dvd? I haven’t seen a really frightening horror film since the BLAIR WITCH PROJECT. All of these modern horror films today are gorefests. I prefer suggestive horror.
Hi! again Sam Juliano,
“What a nice addition to…Wonders in the Dark. (WitD)
Oops!…after rereading my comment all I can say is…the typo princess “strikes” again!
By the way, what very interesting comments on this thread here already!
Take care!
DeeDee 😉
By the way.. I would add OPEN WATER to that short list of modern horror films that truly frightened me, as well as the most unsettling HENRY: PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER which both myself and Sam have only seen once and WON’T sit through again. It’s art, but too disturbing. The five creepiest HORROR FILMS I ever sat through: 5. HALOWEEN (1978). 4. THE VANISHING (Danish 1988). 3. NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (1968). 2. THE SHINING (1980). 1. ROSEMARY’S BABY (1968)
Aha! Another Monday Watercooler – terrific. Certainly you’re in a position, Sam, with your weekly entertainment outings, to host such a forum.
Unfortunately I have little to add this week, at least in terms of theater outings. But on DVD in the last week I did see Cadillac Records (B/B+), Rififi (A), Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (A-), and The Order of Myths (A). So generally on the positive side.
And since Thursday I’ve definitely been deep in Jacksonland, having spent hours revisiting his music videos and tracing his music back through so many parts of my life. Pretty amazing how much of a reach this one human had into the lives of so many others.
Sam – thank you for the more than generous words you made above.
Daniel: Thanks so much for contributing to this initial installment! I have not seen THE ORDER OF MYTHS, but I must say your grade for those other three are right in line with what I would give them too. Yes, Dan, try as I may I can’t shake this tragedy. You say it perfectly there!
John: Right back at ya for all your kind words at WitD.
Dee Dee: Yes indeed, I am most pleased with the thread! Thanks for your own support of it, which is invaluable!
David N: Thanks again, and yes, it wasn’t a rosy future for Michael.
Dennis: You can be rest assured I could never sit through HENRY again. You got that right!
I’ve been in a daze over the last number of days much like yourself Sam. For the obvious reason! And actually I have not really seen much of the media circus over this period. As I might have said earlier I just feel it as a very personal loss much as millions of others all over the world do. I’ve in fact been listening to nothing but the music also like many many others.
Haven’t seen much lately. Popped in the new Criterion on Seventh Seal but only got through 10 minutes or so. This is the one Bergman that has always held its hold over me. With just about everything else the director made I’ve altered my opinion one way or the other. But Seventh Seal speaks to me with the same kind of immediacy that it did when I first encountered it probably two decades ago. There is a fairy tale quality to this work that makes it possibly the most timeless of the director’s works.
Did see Wind and the Lion (John Milius) but barring a few scattered moments found it rather flat. Then I moved onto Farewell to the King by the same director. This was somewhat better.
Have really wanted to revisit the Deer Hunter, one of my very favorite films. This time the Frank Valli/Four seasons song (that is unfortunately not in the soundtrack CD) got me in the mood. But I always find this work deeply affecting.
As you know I am a political junkie so this takes up some time every day of the week, to put it mildly!
Incidentally I think this idea is an excellent one for a weekly thread.
“a fairy tale quality” This is an excellent point. Ebert evokes much of the same mood in his Great Movies piece on the film…its “pretentiousness” is what makes it such a classic to this day, a reminder that ambition is not antithetical to art (as long as it’s accompanied not just by rigor, but also a childlike wonder and sense of humor).
Woody Allen and Larry David fans Alert. My son Alex’s LarryDavidFan blog has been selected by Sony Pictures for an exclusive prize promotion: a poster for Woody Allen’s next feature, Whatever Works, signed by Larry David! Enter here.
I just responded to Alex at his LarryDavidFan site. I only came up with one of the answers unfortunately, as I refused to research it. Check it out!
I saw WHATEVER WORKS two weeks ago and on balance I rather enjoyed it. Not great, but fair enough, and David was a hoot!
Kaleem: That SEVENTH SEAL DVD is superb! I know you have always revered this film above all of his in a repeat sort of way. I share your depression, as I’ve stated a number of times. I am trying to stay away from the news and newspapers, but I haven’t been entirely successful. Lovely post there, and nice follow-up by Movie Man.
I also visited the Larry David Fan blog, and am unable to pose answers to any of those questions.
Everyday there is a new “revelation” concerning Jacko. I understand there will be an elaborate funeral, and that there will probably be a major custody battle for the kids.
Sam,
I don’t know how involved I want to get in another discussion right now, but I’d like to hear your thoughts on the rest of Out 1.
There is a rumor President Obama might attend the funeral, and there have been numerous suicides amongst his ardent fan community as a result of his passing. he has touched so many people. Outside of 9/11 this is the single largest moment in world history since the internet got so large. Arguments could even be made that this overshadowed 9/11 as this impacted the entire world, and not just the Americas and her allies.
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, Tony and WitD readers,
Here wishing! all of you,(and your families and friends) a very safe and happy 4th of July weekend…
Take care!
DeeDee
Why is my winky smiley missing?
Hey! Sam, Allan, Tony and WitD Readers,
Here goes some more 4th of July fireworks!!!!
That I’am sending to you by special delivery…
Take Care!
DeeDee 😉
I just heard that Karl Malden passed away. I think he was 97 years old. Now here was a great actor.
Hi! WitD readers,
What very sad news 😦 …to hear that actor Karl Malden,
has passed away. Here goes a couple of my favorite films that he appeared in…
I Confess (1953) …. Inspector Larrue
… aka Alfred Hitchcock’s ‘I Confess!’ (USA: promotional title) (Noirish Elements)
Ruby Gentry (1952) …. Jim Gentry
Diplomatic Courier (1952) …. Sgt. Ernie Guelvada (Noirish Elements)
The Sellout (1952) …. Capt. Buck Maxwell
A Streetcar Named Desire (1951) …. Harold ‘Mitch’ Mitchell
Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950) …. Det. Lt. Thomas (16th Precinct Detectives commander) (Noir)
Kiss of Death (1947) …. Sgt. William Cullen (Noir)
Boomerang! (1947) (uncredited) …. Det. Lt. White (Noir)
13 Rue Madeleine (1947) (uncredited) …. Jump Master (Noirish Elements)
May Mr.Malden, Rest in Peace…
Thanks for that overview Marc!
Dee Dee: That link is wonderful and again I thank you for brightening our day. Right back at ya!
Peter: Thanks for the alert. I have heard this and entered this another site:
97……..now there is a ripe old age for sure. he was a beloved actor for sure, and whenever I discussed with friends who was still left of the greats, we always acknowledged that “Karl Malden” was still with us.
Unquestionably his two artistically finest performance (and most popular as well) were the two he delivered for Kazan–his Oscar winning turn in STREETCAR and his equally superb portrayal of the truth-seeking priest in ON THE WATERFRONT.
Yes, the Grim Reaper has been on the warpath this week. I really hope and pray he is done for awhile.
But at least we had this great actor for a long time.
R.I.P.
Dee Dee, thanks ever so much for this scroll of some of this great actor’s most memorable roles. There are a number that do register while reading through your stellar list. It is sad, but as these things go at least he led a very long and fruitful life.
His real name was Mladen Sekulovic, a Croatian name that he often used in his TV show.
The Grim Reaper has been on a tear this week. Let’s hope it’s over now.
Let me just add my voice to the chorus of those who feel this is a great idea: over the last few days I saw Public Enemies (last night) and The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3. I haven’t seen the original Pelham, but the latter was no better than OK — it was a bit like cinematic comfort food, a solid heist film that seemed like a throwback to the days before SFX-gone-wild, the days when films were shot on location, etc. Plus, it’s always fun to see Travolta play the bad guy.
I also saw (on DVD) The Baader-Meinhof Gang, which was quite disappointing. Nothing especially wrong with the film, it just seemed a bit pointless to me: it didn’t add anything to one’s understanding of why some turn to terrorism, about the ideology of the Red Brigades, etc. (although it was helpful in explaining precisely what their tactics were and how they went about it). One thing the film does manage to achieve is negate sympathy, i.e. it eschews cheap glamorization. Anyways, would be interested to hear what others thought of it. [Aside: the scene with Johanna Wokalek in the bathtub, casually inviting the newcomer to the “hostel” in, with no thought of having sex with him, was one of the most erotic scenes I have seen in a while.]
Qalandar: The Region 2 DVD of BAADER-MEINHOF GANG arrived here two weeks ago, but I haven’t been able to watch it yet. I am sorry to here of this report, thinking I was in for something real special. I do like the point you make about the film “negating sympathy” and “eschewing global glamorization.”
I’ve heard from Allan on this film and he says “it’s solid but unspectacular, comparing to something like GOMORRAH in impact.”
Thanks very much for the positive reponse to the thread and your typically insightful contribution.
I will be leaving now for a play in Manhattan, CORALINE, based on the novel and film. Lucille, Broadway Bob, melanie and Jullian are attending………it is now about 5:10 P.M. EST.
Allan and Tony will be lurking around, so perhaps they’ll chime in if any questions or responses are in order. See ya later, when I get back!
That MANHATTAN thread has really been phenomenal!!! Thanks everyone.
It is Thursday night, by the way. LOL.
Dillinger is not here yet, so I don’t have a view, but I found this short essay by San Francisco Bay Guardian critic Max Goldberg, interesting: http://textoflight.wordpress.com/2009/07/03/moving-target/ – it is pretty deep opening with a quote from Foucault – and I found it heavy going…