by Sam Juliano
As the summer races by, with the dog days of August nearly upon us, the movie theatres are undergoing their typical meltdown until September rolls around. Here at Wonders in the Dark the comments keep coming, as Allan’s fantastic countdown moved toward its Thursday conclusion. This past week, the “hottest” discussion took place under Allan’s Godfather II review, where a whopping 61 comments were posted. Several other threads did extremely well. Joel Bocko’s film review series for the Boston Examiner continued with Sam Peckinpah’s The Wild Bunch.
Here’s what I managed to see in the movie theatres this week:
Humpday *½ (Wednesday night; Angelika Film Center)
Orphans *½ (Saturday afternoon; Edgewater multiplex)
In the Loop ****½ (Saturday night; IFC Film Center)
Loren Cass **** (Sunday night; Cinema Village)
HUMPDAY, which was a big hit at Sundance is much to do about nothing. It’s a geek movie about guys talking nonsense, and it’s premise is a tedious conceit. Torture.
ORPHANS Another in the Omen line, it’s a formulaic and nasty story which is as sickening as it is predictable. I will never be able to live down taking the kids to this.
IN THE LOOP One of the great satires of recent years, this BBC production pokes fun at political leaders during the Iraq crisis, that utilizes brilliant one-liners, and a number of superb actors including James Gandolfini. I haven’t laughed this hard in a movie theatre in a very long time.
LOREN CASS A stylish inde about three teenagers trying to sort out the real-life, brutal slaying of Tyrone Lewis, a black motorist gunned down by a white policeman. Not all the filmmaking decisions work, but all in all a striking and riveting debut from Chris Fuller. Wholly original.
So what did YOU see? Hear? Read? Eat?
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Well, let’s see…
Read:
‘Fancies and Goodnights’ by John Collier, short stories of fantasy and contes cruel nature with sharp twist to them.
‘The Tales of Hoffmann’ by E.T.A. Hoffman
‘Fighting Spirit’ – an excellent (so far) biography of Bruce Lee
‘Out of the Unknown’ – two episodes.
‘It Felt Like a Kiss’ – New Adam Curtis documentary, avilable online that’s stunningly edited but pointless lacking the drive of his previous work and also flawed in the it believes in that JFK and RFK were assasinated by lone gunmen. Avilable online.
‘The Talons of Weng-Chiang’ – a six part serial.
‘Blood and Guts’ – episode 2 of the history of surgery, superb bbc doc. Availble online.
on the agenda, ‘Barry Lyndon’ – haven’t seen it for years and my curiosity has been stirred. Enjoyed it immenesly, originally.
Bobby: I am assuming you knoe the Powell and Pressburger “The Tales of Hoffmann” quite well, no?
Speaking of British surgery, there is a film playing here at the Quad (which I nearly saw last night) called “The English Surgeon” by Geoffrey Smith, about Henry Marsh. Are you familiar with this?
You are quite the fan of “Out of the Unknown.” I am amazed that you can manage all this reading, but I can’t say any of choices are uninteresting, even the Bruce Lee.
I am with you on BARRY LYNDON. All this discussion makes me want to revisit again this week. Thanks for this wonderful report.
I haven’t heard of the film ‘The English Surgeon’, will research into it tho. The ‘Blood and Guts’ documentaries explore the major surgical practices (Heart Transplants, Limbs, Facial, ect, ect.) – it’s quite enthralling.
The ‘Out of the Unknown’ series has a legendary reputation and had it all survived in the archieves, it may have been a competitor to ‘The Outer Limts’. Unfortunately 29 episodes were destroyed.
Reading is something that I’ve procrastinated on for too long. I plan on reading all the short fiction of the SF greats. If I’m at the hospital awaiting an appointment, in a que, ect, ect, I can devour three or four short stories a day. It’s the only way to capture that ‘sense of wonder’, the ecstasy of perceptual breakthroughs where everything seems different.
There is an online group which is scanning all the pulps magazines from the ’30s, ’40s, ’50s, ect, ect. ‘Astounding SF, ‘Galaxy SF (which printed To Serve Man from the TTZ), and a host of others.
God, Bobby, you slacker!
I must admit Sam’s interest in what people have eaten this week may turn it into a Fast Show parody (Mark Williams)…THIS WEEK I HAVE BEEN MOSTLY EATING…PROZAC!!!!
lol…..
Also, watched episodes 1 and 2 of ‘The Wire’ Season 4.
I like this thread. It makes me self-aware of my cultural habits.😉
Ah, THE WIRE………we had quite the review by Allan and commentary thread on that one recently!
Did not see anything in theaters this week but I was active on the home video front with My Forbidden Past, Mon Oncle Antoine, Roadblock, The Red Pony, They Made Me a Criminal, 27 Dresses, Dillinger (Milius) and Johnny Eagar.
My Forbidden Part- rarely do I find a Robert Mitchum film lackluster, unfortunately, this one was.
Mon Oncle Antoine – a gorgeously photographed coming of age/loss of innocence story. Shot in Quebec, it takes place during the Christmas season contrasting the frigid Canadian winter with the warmth of its characters.
Roadblock – an interesting though erratic film noir. For more, read my recently posted review at twentyfourframes.
The Red Pony- Another coming of age story and a non-typical role for Mitchum in this film version of Steinbeck’s novel. It was okay but I could not really get into it.
They Made Me A Criminal – John Garfield and the Dead End Kids in a typical Warner Brother programmer. I used to like this film a lot more than I did after this latest viewing. I like Garfield so he is always worth watching and believe it or not gas cost only 25 cents or so a gallon!
27 Dresses – they all should have stayed in the closet along with the film. Fortunately, it did not cost me a penny to watch this time waster.
Dillinger – John Milius’ 1973 film is as action packed, violent and well done on AIP’s cheap budget, as Mann’s 2009 multi million dollar digital gangster epic, Public Enemies. I will be writing a review on this for my blog.
Johnny Eagar – An okay MGM gangster film with Robert Taylor and Lana Turner in the leads. The performance to watch is Van Heflin’s alcohol Jeff.
Still reading McGilligan’s Hitchcock biography and started Pete Hamill’s My Manhattan.
John: I must say I am thrilled to hear that you watched Jutra’s MON ONCLE ANTOINE, which is a masterpiece of cinema, and in my opinion, the greatest Canadian film of all-time. Your capsule there is perfect.
DILLINGER is better than PUBLIC ENEMIES, but I don’t know how many would agree. THE RED PONY’S greatest attribute is that lovely score by Aaaron Copland. Yeah, THEY MADE ME A CRIMINAL is pretty standard, which I don’t remember ever seeing ROADBLOCK. I like what you say there about 27 DRESSES! LOL!!! Yes I do remember JOHNNY EAGER well, and I pretty much concur with what you say here. And then the continuation with the Hitchcock book and the starting of another! Unbelievable! You are running neck and neck with Bobby J. this week!
Sam – After reading your comments and the excellent review in the NY Times, I am looking forward to seeing “In the Loop.” Hopefully, it gets a big screen release down here.
John: I am hopeful you will get it. Of course it would be offered in art house theatres, I would assume. I’d love to hear your reaction.
Sam, you have really made me excited with your response to ‘In the Loop’. I’ve read some very positive reports. It seems odd to see Gandolfini in this kind of role, but in hindsight it’s the kind of thing he can do quite well. ‘Loren Cass’ is another that looks intriguing. Too busy to get to the theatre this week, but I hope to do something in the next few days.
Frank, I am confident you will find both most impressive.
I checked out “Orphans” over the weekend, and I can’t dispute what you say here. Nothing we haven’t seen so many times before. “In the Loop” is tops on my list to see.
Joe, I am hardly surprised! Ha!
Movies:
I saw:
– ‘Hurt Locker’ was decent, probably the best live action movie from america on the iraq conflict.
– ‘Salesman’ (1970) revisited this as it had been ages. really like that film.
– ‘Bullets over Broadway’, shoring up any woody allen’s i’ve forgotten about, or never seen.
– ‘Dancer in the Dark’ watched for the second week in a row (love no late fees netflix). not sure if i could ever say ‘this is my favorite von trier’ for ANY of his films (i love them all), but this one is certainly up there.
-‘For the Love of the Game’, this one was on TV so I watched it. pretty thoroughly unimpressed.
-‘Autumn Sonata’ watched this because of the slight reference in ‘My Dinner with Andre’ (a film I love and was finally able to replace my vhs copy of due to criterions new edition). I had never seen AS, but alas I loved it. will probably watch again in the coming days.
Books:
I read:
-Spent the first part of the week finishing cocteau’s ‘the white book’ (or ‘the white paper’ as it’s sometimes called) it’s short; and pretty brilliant.
-now on to ‘No Longer Human’ by Osamu Dazai. This is incredibly dark stuff, but I love it and would recommend it to anyone.
-since i usually read fiction and non-fiction at the same time for a break, i also am ready selections of RD Laing’s ‘the Politics of Experience’.
Music:
I listened:
back to Manic Street Preachers catalog. still listening to there new disc ‘Journal for Plague Lovers’ about three times a week. it’s the best rock disc i’ve heard in years…
Eat/Drink:
-I’ve become obsessed with those ‘Naked’ fruit drinks. they are pretty ‘all natural’, after a late night (as always) and early morning, they seem to give me the shot I need. I love the ‘mango madness’ one and the one with banana, coconut, and pineapple the best.
Jamie: I am a big fan of THE HURT LOCKER, and consider it as one of the year’s best films. I also love AUTUMN SONATA, SALESMAN and especially DANCER IN THE DARK, which was my favorite film of it’s year. SALESMAN is excellent too. As far as BULLETS, not one of my favorite Allens, but still a lot of fun. I agree with you that FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME was lame.
As far as JOURNAL FOR PLAGUE LOVERS, well you got me there, but it does (by the title) sound like a fascinating piece. I bet Jon knows it!
The Dazai and Laing??? Geez, you really make good use of time!!!
The Manga fruit drinks! LOL!!!!!!
Sam, I now you aren’t a huge pop/rock music fan. but this disc shouldn’t be missed.
i can provide links, or a copy if you really want to wallow in all it’s depressing brilliance.
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, and WitD readers…
…What I took time out to do the entire week…leading to this weekend.
First, I visited with my parents’ in order to assist my père (father) with his gardening. Then I sat down to a cup of coffee and croissants…while “re-visiting,” “re-watching,” and becoming acquainted with “new friends”=Translation…R.L. Bourges, D.H. Schleicher, a couple of Books, and Films.
Films that…
…I “re-watched” actors Humphrey Bogart, Fredric March and Gig Young in Wyler’s 1955 film The Desperate Hours last week.
Some “fan” of film noir…“mistakenly,” compare this film to the pronto-noir Blind Alley (Which I “recently discovered existed”…pronto-noir…that is…Personally, I don’t think that Wyler’s 1955 film The Desperate Hour is a psychological film noir…
…Even though some of the characters in the film have “psychological” problems…methinks! 🙄
Which in fact, can happen, (comparing Wyler’s 1955 film The Desperate Hour to the 1939 Pronto-noir Blind Alley, )but in reality the 1948 psychological film noir entitled The Dark Past starring actors William Holden, actress Nina Foch and Lee J. Cobb is a “remake” of Vidor’s 1939 pronto-noir Blind Alley. (With the “latter” being the better of the two …from what I have “overheard”…because I haven’t watched neither film yet!)
I also decided to…
…“re-watch” author Graham Greene’s The Third Man.
This film is “growing” on me…because I didn’t use to like Greene’s 1949 film The Third Man whatsoever!…I wanted to watch
… Author Graham Greene’s 1948 film Fallen Idol, but unfortunately, this film was aired earlier this month over there on TCM and I missed watching this film…
…Therefore, I may have to purchase it.
Last, but most definitely, not least… I also watched a couple of 70s films…before Allan, complete his countdown of top 70s films this upcoming Wednesday.
Hmmm…Is it this upcoming Wednesday?!? 😕
Cont…
Dee Dee,
Dee Dee,
Since I am the “fan” that “mistakenly” compared “The Desperate Hours” to “Blind Alley”, let me just say, that I think I am being misinterpreted since I “did not” compare the two films. I only pointed out the fact that in both films a criminal gang invades a home holding a family hostage. Below is my original comment…
“ Also, saw “Blind Alley” from 1939 with Ralph Bellamy, Chester Morris and Ann Dorvak. It sort of reminded me a bit of Wyler’s “The Desperate Hours”, a family held hostage by an escaped convict and his gang.”
Perhaps if you saw the film you would have noticed this small bit of similarity yourself. Nowhere did I call “The Desperate Hours” a noir, psychological or otherwise. As for “The Dark Past”, I was aware that this film is the remake of “Blind Alley.”
Gardening too, eh Dee Dee! Well, it’s a lovely break from all the good will is spread around the internet. You need a respite. And what better way to take in some cinematic bliss than to watch THE THIRD MAN, which is my own favorite of all British films.
DO NOT PURCHASE ‘THE FALLEN IDOL’ PLEASE!!!!!
I own it, so you know what that means.
Continue…BooksOnTheShelf…Books That I’ am Reading and Books That I Plan To Read…and Two films to watch…
What I’am reading…two of Author Graham Greene’s books “The Third Man” and the “Fallen Idol.”
I have become acquainted with two wonderful people and wonderful writers this past week and they are…writer R.L. Bourges, and author and writer D.H. Schleicher.
Thanks to French writer R.L. Bourges, (She lives in France or in Canada?!? or does she divides her time in both countries?!?)…Hmmm…
…I’ am not sure…I have to ask her, but anyways, she did introduce me to author Denise Mina’s book The Dead Hour…By the way, writer R.L. Bourges, really enjoy reading author Denise Mina’s books. Which I shall place in my cart… shortly, along with author/writer D.H. Schleicher’s book The Thief Maker: A Novel…I also plan to purchase Ronald Schwartz’s book Neo Noir the New Film Noir from Psycho to Collateral.
Films That I Plan To Purchase and watch… Just one… R. Rouse, 1952 Film noir The Thief…starring Ray Milland, Rita Gam, Rita Vale, Martin Gabel and Harry Bronson. By the way, did I mention that this film has no dialog?…I hope to check out Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker after reading Eric Armstrong’s review of this film.
I haven’t purchased any music lately, but maybe next week…Who Know?!? 😕 (As I shrug my shoulders)
DeeDee😉
I’ve always wanted to see ‘The Thief’ the silent premise always intrigued me (I read about it once I believe). Plus Milland is one of my favorite noir icons. Is it on DVD now? if so, got a link?
thanks in advance.
DeeDee…you wrote: I have become acquainted with two wonderful people and wonderful writers this past week and they are…writer R.L. Bourges, and author and writer D.H. Schleicher.
YOU ARE TOO KIND!
What did you make of the film version of the Fallen Idol? That is probably one my top three favorite short stories from Graham Greene, and while the movie was good, I think it was misssing something because they stretched out that last act way too long and it seemed to have lost its dramatic impact. Interesting that it was Greene who fleshed out the screenplay…
Sam, I’m dying to see IN THE LOOP…and I think I will finally take in THE HURT LOCKER (hopefully tomorrow).
I spent the weekend at the Shore…see below:
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2009/07/27/weekending-in-wildwood-and-cape-may/
David: I do hope you like THE HURT LOCKER, but I do believe you will. Ah, Wildwood!!! I went there for a week every year from 1995 till 2006. The pictures and report are music to me. I just commented. Thanks you!
“Some “fan[s]” of film noir…“mistakenly,” compare this film to the pronto-noir Blind Alley (Which I “recently discovered existed”…pronto-noir…that is…Personally, I don’t think that Wyler’s 1955 film The Desperate Hour is a psychological film noir…”
Hi! John Greco,
”Since I am the “fan” that “mistakenly” compared “The Desperate Hours” to “Blind Alley”, let me just say, that I think I am being misinterpreted since I “did not” compare the two films. I only pointed out the fact that in both films a criminal gang invades a home holding a family hostage.”
Pardonnez-moi …I was not referring to you, but to some fans (I forgot to add the letter “s” to word fan, but I do not think that would have made any difference…whether I added the letter “s” or not added the letter “s”…) of film noir who have made the comparison…on film noir websites that I have visited in the past.
“Below is my original comment…
“Also, saw “Blind Alley” from 1939 with Ralph Bellamy, Chester Morris and Ann Dorvak. It sort of reminded me a bit of Wyler’s “The Desperate Hours”, a family held hostage by an escaped convict and his gang.”
Perhaps if you saw the film you would have noticed this small bit of similarity yourself.
Oh! Yes, I’am familiar with the similarities…between both films and the hostage taking scene(s.)
“Nowhere did I call “The Desperate Hours” a noir, psychological or otherwise. As for “The Dark Past”, I was aware that this film is the remake of “Blind Alley.”
Oh! Yes, I have read your comment…and I understood your comment ”completely,” but I was not referring to you, (nor your comment) either “directly” or “indirectly.”
I ‘am so sorry…if you thought that I was referring to you or critiquing your comment. But, most importantly, I don’t even know you, therefore, I was just speaking in “general terms” or I would have mentioned your name and been more “specific”
If I were talking directly to you… Once again, Pardonnez-moi !
DeeDee😉
Dee Dee – I am sorry I misinterpreted your comments as being directed at me. Please accept my apology.
Hi! Jamie,
“Is it on DVD now? if so, got a link?”
Oh! Yes, the 1952 film The Thief starring actor Ray Milland, is currently on DVD and I have provided a link to the film at Amazon.com below….Thank-you!
DeeDee😉
The Thief
many, many thanks.
Hi, all.
FILM: I’ve been working diligently on preparing for my Buster Keaton series next month, and as such I’ve finally caught up on all his short films and a few films of his I had yet to see (“Seven Chances” and “Battling Butler”). I also caught a few minutes of “The Terror of Tiny Town” on Turner Classic Movies during their weekly Underground showcase. Suffice it to say I could only tolerate just a few minutes, but my curiosity was sated. Ha ha ha.
I re-watched “A Night at the Opera” Saturday, a recent induction to the TCM Essentials series. I’ve probably seen it four or five times now, and while I’ve always enjoyed it, I’ve also found it below the masterpiece status usually assigned to it (the romance is too schmaltzy for me). While not my favorite Marx Bros., it’s still a pleasure.
New releases: I caught “In the Loop” as well, although my response was more muted than yours, Sam. I certainly like it enough to recommend it to anyone searching for a laugh or anyone who’s a fan of politics and satire, but I wasn’t utterly smitten and I kept waiting for it to bump up to another level in terms of its satire.
In the world of TELEVISION: My wife and I are currently enjoying the second season of Showtime’s “This American Life,” via Netflix.
BOOKS: I’m continuing to read Wallace’s “Infinite Jest,” and while I was having my oil changed and tires rotated on Saturday, I read a fantastic collection of poetry from Nick Flynn called “Some Ether.” Highly recommended.
Thanks for the run-down, everyone, and thanks for hosting the conversation, Sam.
T.S. I REALLY can’t wait for that Keaton series! I know you will do as spectacular a job as you did for Chaplin! I have seen BATTLING BUTLER and SEVEN CHANCES.
What would you say is the greatest Marx? DUCK SOUP or perhaps HORSE FEATHERS? ANIMAL CRACKERS? I may actually favor HF for various reasons, but DS woul dprobably still wind up on top.
I do see what you are saying about IN THE LOOP–that it’s basically “one note” and I fully understand that (it doesn’t really break away so to speak) but on the other hand what a one-note that is!
Well, I am looking to restock my netflix queue, so THE AMERICAN LIFE it is.
It’s amazing that even while you are at the station, you are able to make “progress.” I’ve read neither of those.
My apologies for leaving myself signed in to my practically defunct WordPress account. I usually don’t sign into it, but I was playing around with it this weekend. “T.S.” it should be.
“Duck Soup,” I think, would be my ultimate favorite, although naturally my preferences (like most) lie with their Paramount films rather than their MGM works, so “Horse Feathers” is definitely in that same vein. It’s too early to say, but I imagine I’ll be taking Screen Savour down the path of Marx Madness in March, to coincide with the NCAA tournament.
I do agree with your sentiment that while “In the Loop” is one-note, it does play that note well, particularly with its inventive cursing. I imagine it’ll get some love in screenplay categories come the spring.
Hi! David,
“David said, “What did you make of the film version of the Fallen Idol?…
Unfortunately, I have not watched Graham Greene’s 1948 film the “Fallen Idol” yet, but that will change… shortly!
…That is probably one my top three favorite short stories from Graham Greene, and while the movie was good,
Being a very curious person, I would like to find out what are your other two favorite short stories by author Graham Greene?
…”I think it was misssing something because they stretched out that last act way too long and it seemed to have lost its dramatic impact…”
Oh!…
…By the way, I have “re-read” Greene’s story (or rather both stories…) for what seems like the “umpteenth” time…
…because my book is a “double header” … with Welles, The Third Man delivering the story from page(s) (Introduction) 1- 9 to 120 and the Fallen Idol clocking in the second half from page(s) 123 thru 157.
Therefore, D.H., I can truly believe that the last act was “stretched out” when it comes to the 1948 film the Fallen Idol, but
now I can hardly, wait to watch the film in order to see how “Hollywood” stretched the last act.
“Interesting that it was Greene who fleshed out the screenplay.”
Hmmm… I wonder if he was trying to deliver the “goods” for Hollywood? (By “stretching out” the last act!)
DeeDee😉
DeeDee…my top three favorite Graham Greene short stories would be as follows in no particular order:
Cheap In August, The Innocent and The Basement Room (aka The Fallen Idol)
I also love The Destructors, The Blue Room and A Little Place off the Edgeware Road.
But heck, let’s face it…I like all of his stories…and novels.
Not sure if you came across this on my blog…but it might be of interest given all the Greene talk:
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2008/09/18/living-in-greeneland/
Hi! John Greco,
There is no need to apologize…to me!
…Believe me I think that it was just a “simple” misunderstanding… when I say ”simple” I do mean “very simple.”
Because when I usually communicate a thought or opinion that I want others to know…’
I usually, do not “imply” or “hint at”…what I’ am thinking…I usual just come right out and say what I’ am thinking directly and hopefully, while being forever tactful.
DeeDee😉
Hi! David,
“with [Welles,] The Third Man delivering the story from page(s) (Introduction) 1- 9 to 120 and the Fallen Idol clocking in…” [Notice that I said, [Welles’] The Third Man}]
D.H., Do you think Welles’ and Greene’s names are “interchangable” when it comes to the Third Man?
Or do you think this is Greene’s project alone? To be honest with you, I’am not quite sure how much ”input” Welles had when it comes to the making of this film?!? 😕
Take care!
DeeDee😉
DeeDee — great question! I think the The Third Man bleeds Greene. I think what Welles influenced was Carol Reed’s direction and some of Harry Lime’s famous dialouge. In that sense Welles clearly had a part in the screenplay, but not in terms of the nuts-and-blots plot and storyline. To me…it’s Greene through and through…all those Holly Martin lines and the dry humor and that initial voice-over narration introducing us to Vienna along with Reed’s killer cracker-jack montage….Greene Greene Greene.
Oh, yeah, here’s my review of THE THIRD MAN:
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2008/04/01/a-review-of-carol-reeds-the-third-man/
Hi! Sam Juliano,
Sam Juliano said, “DO NOT PURCHASE ‘THE FALLEN IDOL’ PLEASE!!!!!
I own it, so you know what that means…”
Ok!…Good thing…You stop me Sam Juliano, before I threw in the cart!
…Gardening too, eh Dee Dee!
Heh! Heh!…Oh! Yes,…
…You need a respite. And what better way to take in some cinematic bliss than to watch THE THIRD MAN, which is my own favorite of all British films.
Sam Juliano, I’am so sorry to say, but I fought watching your favorite film for 2 and half years…methinks!…but now it’s slowly, becoming one of my “favorites” too!
Take care!
DeeDee😉
Oops!….before I threw [ it…(the film The Fallen Idol)] into my cart!
Over the weekend I saw the always enjoyable The Apartment, and I also took in the decent but unoriginal 500 Days of Summer. Unfortunately that was all I got to, but based on Sam’s effusive praise and T.S.’ less-effusive praise for In the Loop, I do hope to see it ASAP.
ALso, I’m highly interested in Loren Cass based on Sam’s mention of it here.
Daniel, while of course I agree with you on THE APARTMENT’S excellence, I’ll admit I am also with you on 500 DAYS. It has some charm, but it is definitely unoriginal.
I believe LOREN CASS is your kind of movie.
Thanks as always for your much valued contribution on this thread. Hearing you also reminds me to visit Getafilm, which I will be doing today.
Well you are a loyal friend, Sam, and I appreciate your visits, knowing that we all can’t keep up with all of our thoughts all the time.
The interesting thing about Loren Cass, now that I’ve looked it up, is that it’s been in the can for nearly four years and played around the world. And, for whatever reason, I’ve not known about it until now. And only a 21 year-old filmmaker?!?
I always appreciate your reports from NYC – you let the rest of us know what we can see and skip when it gets to us!
I’m coming a day late to the party, but I just wanted to say that I watched The Limey again in preparation for my Top 10 films of 1999 post (which by the way can be found here: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/revisiting-1999-top-10-films-of-year.html) for the “Revisiting 1999” project I’ve been undertaking at my blog. Man, I forgot how good Soderbergh’s film was. I think it’s one of his best films.
That’s pretty much all I had time for this weekend. Sad, I know, but wedding plans are taking up all my time…which is a good thing, don’t get me wrong, hehe.
For some reason that link wasn’t working. Hopefully this one does:
http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/revisiting-1999-top-10-films-of-year.html
Hey Kevin: I will be at Hugo Stiglitz shortly to add my two cents. The wedding plans are more important than anything else my friend.
I do like THE LIMEY a lot, but KING OF THE HILL may be my own personal favorite Soderbergh.
Sam:
I love that film, too. In fact my top five are pretty interchangeable, but they would look something like this:
1. Out of Sight
2. Traffic
3. The Limey
4. King of the Hill
5. Bubble
I have yet to see his epic film Che, or this years The Girlfriend Experience. Man, I’m laggin’ …hehe.
Excellent list there Kevin. Here are my top five:
1 King of the Hill
2 The Limey
3 Kafka
4 Out of Sight
5 Traffic
I would say that Paul Thomas Anderson’s ‘Magnolia’ is the best film of 1999.
Just caught up with LOREN CASS at Cinema Village tonight. Dark and troubling for sure. I’ll be working out more thoughts for a review at Out 1 soon.
Sorry I haven’t been around much! Its been a busy busy month!
Hey James!!! I also must admit I haven’t been over to your enriching place, but I will definitely be there tomorrow. I saw LOREN CASS at the Cinema Village on Sunday night, so we just missed running into each other. I agree it is dark and troubling, but definitely a difficult movie to put on paper. I really look forward to your review, as so far I’ve been chicken to write my own! Always appreciate your input here James!