- James Franco plays Allan Ginsberg in ‘Howl’ screened over the weekend at NYGLBT Festival
by Sam Juliano
While oppressive heat and humidity has driven many indoors, others have fearlessly engaged in some outdoor passions and short day trips. Meanwhile, the world deals with ‘Love Boats’ (or is it ‘Hate Boats?) and a catastrophic oil spill that may well reach the shores of North Carolina, and some locales prefer to discuss umpire’s botched calls and ‘perfect games’ that would have been. Here at Wonders in the Dark, the 2000’s countdown has reached the low 40’s, and a marathon venture that once seemed endless is now slowly winding down to the finish line. Waiting in the wings, the horror poll chairpersons are preparing to launch the first of the site’s ‘genre’ polls sometime in late July or early August.
Over the past week, I managed to see one critically-praised off-Broadway production at the Public Theatre in Manhattan, and five theatrical films in various locations.
BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON is a raw and irreverent rock musical in ‘Wild West’ mode that in large measure redefines Andrew Jackson America’s 7th President, as an ’emo’ rock star and focuses on populism, the Indian Removal Act, and marital issues. The red neon “flourescent” look of the Public Theatre’s Newman Hall was a perfect deesign for the deliciously goofy comedy that went over-the-top in vulgar anti-Indian homor and some obvious caricatures of effeminate men. The loud and rousing rock music, often delivered in send-up, pays homage to the emo band Dashboard Confessional, and it’s a hoot. The superlative reviews this production has received have been well-earned. (review to top Diary tonight) I saw the musical on Wednesday night with Lucille and Broadway Bob at the Public Theatre.
I saw the following films:
Harry Brown **** (Friday night) Village East Cinemas
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead *** (Friday night) VEC
Howl **** (Saturday night; NYGLBT Festival) 23rd St.
The Adults in the Room * (Saturday night; NY GLBT Festival) 23rd St.
Ondine *** 1/2 (Sunday afternoon) Landmark Cinemas
Exit Through the Gift Shop *** 1/2 (Sunday afternoon) Landmark Cinemas
HARRY BROWN showcases Michael Caine in yet another bravura performance that proves why he’s one of the world’s best lead actors. This harrowing revenge thriller holds its ground to the end, providing a surprisingly potent emotional punch to go with it’s sordid youth crime underpinnings. ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD, a campy take on the “play-within-a-play” with a vampire story in the mix, is somewhat uneven, but it has its moments. Sean Lennon wrote the music.
HOWL, the prestige feature of the NYGLBT Film Festival is scheduled to open in Manhattan on September 24th. It’s a solid examination of the early life of famed ‘Beat Generation’ poet Allan Ginsberg and his relationship with the movement’s most famous adherent, Jack Keroac. James Franco, Jeff Daniels, David Strathairn, Treat Williams and Mary-Louise Parker star with Gus Van sant as a producer, distinguished cinematographer Ed Lachman and composer Carter Burwell made fine contributions. Written and directed by the team of Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman (who also made doc The Celluloid Closet over a decade ago) the film focuses on the publication of the poem Howl and the landmark obscenity trial that ensued. In large measure it’s an engrossing film with some dazzling amimated sequences to go with the more standard footage.
THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM is a feature film about a teenaged boy and his older lover, as well as a documentary about the making of that film. It’s a torturous exercise that gives a new meaning to ‘tedious’ and the film’s ending leaves the story pretty much where it was in the beginning, with nothing of substance to show. Strictly amateurish, and a cure for insomnia. Neil Jordan’s ONDINE isn’t in a league with the wistful LOCAL HERO by Bill Forsyth, but it’s a reasonably engaging atmospheric fable, with some picturesque cinematography. EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP has received some of the year’s most spectacular reviews, but I didn’t personally see it as that kind of exhilarating experience. It’s solid for sure, and it’s graffiti artist subject is compelling, but I found the lead narration device as a major annoyance, and while providing some dazzling visual graphics, the film doesn’t probe deeply. Still, it’s a unique film in a number of ways.
David Schleicher has penned one of his greatest features over at “The Schleicher Spin” on one of the cinema’s most celebrated landmarks: http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/06/01/napoleon-complex/
The ever creative and astute film scholar Samuel Wilson has a fascinating post up at Mondo 70 on Robert Ford that compares and contrasts Fuller’s I Shot Jesse James with Dominick’s The Assassination of Jesse James. It’s essential stuff: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2010/06/that-dirty-little-coward-robert-ford-at.html
Dave Hicks’s wildly popular ‘Directors Series’ has thus far covered Steven Spielberg and Nick Ray, with the latest post on one of the form’s greatest artists, Carl Theodor Dreyer: http://goodfellamovies.blogspot.com/
Over at Ferdy-on-Films Roderick Heath and Marilyn Ferdinand, that tag-team of writing wonderment have some terrific reviews headlining. Rod’s magnificent review of Paradjanov’s masterpiece Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors is presently headlining, with Marilyn’s equally superb consideration of Dassin’s seminal Brute Force right under it: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=4906
Dee Dee’s continuing series at Darkness Into Light with Film Noir Kingpin Tony d’Ambra on ‘Noir’s Most Essential Films’ winds down in early June with the latest superlative capsule on Raoul Walsh’s wildly-popular Cagney feature White Heat presently headling: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2010/06/counting-down-thirty-one-film-noirs.html
Meanwhile, at FilmsNoir.net Tony d’Ambra’s popular ‘cities’ series continues with this most telling entry: http://filmsnoir.net/film_noir/cinematic-cities-we-all-live-in-the-city-3.html
Troy Olson, with Tricia and Madelyn at his side, has been watching and re-viewing horror films for the upcoming WitD polling (where he will collaborate with Jamie Uhler and his brother Kevin) and his latest batch of capsules brings in a wide diversity of types: http://troyolson.blogspot.com/2010/05/horror-movie-megapost-part-2.html
John Greco’s stream of excellent reviews continues at Twenty-Four Frames, where his latest is on Lazlo Benedek’s Marlon Brando classic The Wild One, with Chabrol’s La Femme Infidel right under it: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/the-wild-one-1953-laslo-benedek/
The beat goes on at Michael Hareford’s Coffee Messiah blogsite, where that usual blend of wistful thinking and artistic creativity makes a trip there a true “experience”. His latest post is titled “Time”: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2010/05/time.html
Judy at Movie Classics, taking a brief respite from her definitive series on William Welman, now turns her insightful attention to Scarlet Street and the artist John Decker: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2010/06/02/scarlet-street-1945-and-artist-john-decker/
Donophon’s excellent series on Jean-Pierre Melville continues with a fantastic review of one of the master’s most famous and beloved films: http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/2010/05/jean-pierre-melville-le-samourai.html
Just Another Film Buff has a magnificent capsule review up at his place on Pulijanman, a critically-praised Indian feature: http://theseventhart.info/2010/05/30/ellipsis-6/
Shubhajit at Cinemascope is a movie watching and reviewing machine, but his stellar work is always worth a trip to his hallowed halls. He recently assessed the new Charlie Chan DVD box, and his feelings are mixed: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2010/06/charlie-chan-collection.html
Ric Burke is back! His review of the second part of Soderbergh’s Che is headling at “Films from the Soul.” It’s a great essay from an old friend: http://filmforthesoul.blogspot.com/2010/06/che-part-2-guerrilla-review.html
Drew McIntosh received a special honor at his place with a comment from actress Cindi Williams under his terrific review of the film Room. Another excellent review of Shepitko’s Wings is posted right under it: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2010/06/room-kyle-henry-2005.html
A revolving door of forecasts, after-film discussion, moving obits and new announcements, Craig Kennedy keeps the wheels turning at “Living in Cinema” day in and day out: http://livingincinema.com/2010/06/03/weekend-forecast-its-all-greek-to-me/
Longman Oz, a man of the theatre, and a connioseur of film and music is as prolific a writer as there is in the blogosphere, but a special shout-out is in order for his superlative review of the film The Milk of Sorrow, showcasing at his “No Ordinary Fool” site: http://noordinaryfool.com/2010/06/03/milkofsorrow/
Filmmaker Jeffrey Goodman continues working on his new feature Peril, and updates and interviews rightly abound at his blogsite: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2010/05/peril-e-mail-update-53010.html
Ed Howard has an exquisite new entry (in words and images) in his popular “Films That I Love” series on the movie landmark, Aguirre the Wrath of God by Werner Herzog at his “Only the Cinema” mecca: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/06/films-i-love-49-aguirre-wrath-of-god.html
Kevin Olson is headlining a remarkable treatment of John Hillcoat’s The Road at “Hugo Stiglitz Makes Movies”: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/birth-in-grief-and-ashes-thoughts-on.html
Kaleem Hasan has a fascinating post up at Satyamshot on ‘India’s First Talkie’ that’s especially appealing to Indian cineastes: http://satyamshot.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/indias-first-talkie/
One of Terrell Welch’s most thought-provoking and challenging posts ever is currently at display at her island utopia blogsite. You need to read this one!http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/06/03/searching-for-lost-and-soft-edges/
Jon Lanthier has taken out his scapel for his review of a repulsive film called Finding Bliss, headlining at “Aspiring Sellout.” http://aspiringsellout.com/
At “Radiator Heaven” J.D. has a comprehensive review up for The Mummy (1999): http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2010/06/mummy-1999.html
Adam Zanzie has a most though and exquisitely penned piece on The Prince of Persia up at “Icebox Movies”: http://iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2010/06/prince-of-persia-sands-of-time-2010.html
R.D. Finch’s latest quality essay is on Orson Welles’s The Lady from Shanghai at “The Movie Projector”: http://movieprojector.blogspot.com/2010/05/lady-from-shanghai-1948.html
Film Doctor’s latest post takes in a number of topics worth checking out: http://filmdr.blogspot.com/2010/06/distracting-links.html
David Van Poppel’s excellent review of Les Parents still headlines at his documentary mecca: http://visionsofnonfiction.blogspot.com/2010/05/les-parents.html
Andrew Wyatt’s excellent review of Roeg’s Bad Timing is still heading up at “Gateway Cinephiles”: http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2010/05/26/film-diary-bad-timing/
Stephen’s latest post, Romance Language, which includes some terrific screen caps, still headlines at his place: http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2010/05/romance-language.html
Best Wishes to Dan Getahun and his lovely bride during Dan’s blogging hiatus: http://getafilm.blogspot.com/2010/05/personal-pause.html?showComment=1275352611162
Anu is still headling with an outstanding review of Kurosawa’s Kagemusha at his place: http://theconfidentialreport.wordpress.com/2010/04/10/kagemusha/
Joel Bocko soon plans to return to his various blogs with new updates, but he’s still here at WitD posting his fabulous new entries in the 21st Century series!
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
Wonders in the Dark 
Thanks for the pointer, Sam. Still continue to be largely off the internet. Hopefully I can catch up with Allan’s countdown this week…
Thanks JAFB! I know you’ve been on partial sabatical, and I can’t say I blame you, as the outdoor prospects are abundant. I know you have other events planned to. But I’ll be checking in regularly at “The Seventh Art”.
Thanks, Sam for the plug… the directors series has kicked off with a great start. I dare say that the discussions concerning the first entry (Spielberg) has been the best discussion thread ever at Goodfella’s. It is precisely for debates/discussions like those that I wanted to do the series and it’s been great fun thus far.
If I reveal too much about what I’ve been watching, any suspense at all in the countdown will be ruined. But I will say that I’ve been watching a lot of films lately and it has been fun.
On the sports front, my Reds continue to keep pace with the Cardinals in the NL Central – as I type this, they are a half game out of first, but the Cardinals are currently losing so they could very easily be tied by the end of the night. The Reds have a history of doing things like this, contending until June and then fading, but this year feels a bit different since it hasn’t been entirely flukes. Their starting pitching has, for the first time in a long while, been outstanding.
As for books, I’m still plugging through the Chaplin bio, but have also been reading a bit in a Peckinpah bio by David Weddle called “If They Move… Kill ‘Em.” Just started it, but it is a nice read thus far.
Dave: Peckinpah was one of the most anti-social of directors, so I’m surprised that book was published, but like you I’d love to read it. The Roinson CHAPLIN is one of the great biographies, and what fantastic preparation for you to present your essay on the Little Tramp.
Your director series has been a grand slam, and yes that Spielberg thread is the greatest ever at Good Fellas, but to be frank you deserve it. Your work has been tireless, the quality of the top rank, and the passion really something to behold. I am very very happy for you my friend! I dare say you will probably have a few others that go even further in this latest project!
I must agree that the success of the Reds this far is real. I try and follow the standings while listening to some Yankee games during the week, and I’ve noticed the tenacity of those guys. I’d love to see them in, as St. Louis has had enough titles in that division (though I should talk as a Yankee fan! Ha!) Good Luck.
Again, your series has been a ton of fun! Keep up the good work, my friend.
The whole week I’ve been attending to FIDOCS (Festival Internacional de Documentales de Santiago), seeing many documentaries, a retrospective on Patricio Guzmán, a talk with him and the showing of his last work: “NOSTALGIA DE LA LUZ” (Light’s Nostalgy), about the north of Chile, it’s a movie about memory, stars and death, which I’d love to critic for you guys, besides my own review in spanish.
That’s great stuff there Jaime, and I would welcome a critique from you for Wonders in the Dark. I do look on at your site, but unfortunately I don’t speak Spanish, though I teach in a school district that is about 80% Spanish-speaking.
You can reach me at:
TheFountain26@aol.com
Sam,
thanks again for the mention. Just got home from the Carol King/James Taylor concert and while I am not fan of James Taylor the show was good. I especially liked Carol King though who was one of the great songwriters of the early 60’s (Up On The Roof – one of my favorites) before she started her own singing career later on.
HARRY BROWN played here at one theater last week and disappeared before I could see it. Glad to see the four star rating. I am looking forward to seeing HOWL at some point in time. For me my movie viewing was strictly a home affair this week.
They Shoot Horses, Don’t They ? – Sydney Pollack (****) One of the most bleak films to come out of the late 1960’s. Superb acting led the entire cast led by a career making performance by Jane Fonda. Makes you wanna dance! Full review coming soon at 24frames.
Haunted Gold – Mack V Wright (**)What starts out as a seemingly old dark house spook fest is in fact a John Wayne western and after a slick and unique opening gradually slides back into the standard low budget western of its day. The interesting opening can be credited to the work of cinematographer Nick Musuraca. A full review will be up this week at 24frames.
Buck Privates – Arthur Lubin (***1/2) Growing up I was a big fan of Abbott and Costello watching them on WOR-TV almost every Saturday. I still have a soft spot for their antics and vaudeville routines which they always executed so perfectly. “Buck Privates” is one of my favorites with a combination of classic comic bits (the dice routine) and some excellent musical numbers from the Andrew Sisters including their hit version of the “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Abbott and Costello were never revered by the film intelligentsia like the Marx Brothers or Laurel and Hardy have been but one thing is undeniable, at their best they were just plain funny.
Vice Squad – Arnold Laven (***) standard cops and criminal “B” film. Made in 1953, it is the kind of routine movie that the advent of television killed off. Edward G. Robinson past his heydays but still big enough to command the lead in this kind of film stars as a police captain who does not mind bending the law if it means capturing two cop killers. Co-starring is the beautiful Paulette Goddard. Definitely worth a look for those who like crime films from this period.
Magic – Richard Attenborough (***1/2) The plot has been used before as far back as 1945 in the excellent horror anthology film “Dead of Night” and again in one of the most memorable “Twilight Zone” episodes, “The Dummy.” Still writer William Goldman and director Richard Attenborough created a decent enough psychological horror story that keeps you interested. Full review coming soon at 24frames.
Strange Affair – Alfred E. Green (**1/2) – Another THIN MAN wanna be with Allyan Joslyn and Evelyn Keyes. Decent enough with some laughs . In this one Joslyn is a cartoonist who constantly getting involved in police business. In 1943 the same two actors played similar characters in “Dangerous Blondes.” Neither film will make you forget Nick and Nora.
John: I envy you for your attendance at the Taylor/King concert, as I am a lifetime fan of “You’ve Got A Friend,” “Fire and Rain” and King’s seminal TAPESTRY album, which is one of the most successful ever released by a femal artist (do you agree Tony D’Ambra and Jamie Uhrer?) On that album are several big hits including her biggest ever, “It’s Too Late.” But your favorite is great too John, in my view. That is really a tremendous live trip down memory lane there. I hope you’ll speak about it at your second site.
I have received some opposition from my pal Craig Kennedy at LIVING IN CINEMA on HARRY BROWN, but I will stand my ground. It was a harrowing film, that had some rooting interest, and Caine’s performance was dominating in every sense. I will soon have the Region 2 DVD. We’ll talk. HOWL would definitely interest you, as you know this period quite well. Luckily it was a solid effort in large measure.
I’ll hold much of what I think about THEY SHOOT HORSES for your upcoming 24 FRAMES review, but I can’t blame you for your appreciative response, as that film has gained in stature. I haven’t seen HAUNTED GOLD, but like Tony, I am a huge fan of DP Musuraca, and that alon would make it a must-see. Again, I’ll watch for the write-up, though the rating is unsurprising. BUCK PRIVATES is one of the boys’ most popular films, and that rating is fair enough. I would say my own personal A & C film is THE TIME OF THEIR LIVES, but this one and HOLD THAT GHOST push close as does the beloved ABBOT AND COSTELLO MEETS FRANKENSTEIN. Never cared all that much for VICE SQUAD, though you do size it up well here. And what a great discussion there of the works that influenced MAGIC. I know that TZ episode well, and I am a huge fan of that Michael redgrave segment in the omnibus DEAD OF NIGHT. Great stuff there John, and excellent summary rating. STRANGE AFFAIR is average, but you really don’t claim it’s much more here.
Spectacular wrap once again, my very good friend!
I had King’s Tapestry album in my LP collection for years. One great song after another. King and Taylor did a great duet on YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND toward the end of the concert.
HARRY BROWN is one I look forward to seeing. As for Abbott and Costello the three other films you mention are also among my favorites.
You had a fantastic week yourself my friend.
Hey Sam, thanks as always for the plug.
I have just posted another entry in the Cinematic Cities series: Moon Over Harlem. It is a video clip of the opening establishing scenes of the Edgar G. Ulmer cheapie Moon over Harlem, a ‘black race’ movie shot in 1939 by Ulmer in just four days for US$8,000 for poverty row studio Meteor Productions. It is noirish in theme: a shady gambler marries a wealthy widow to get his hands on her money – and her daughter. The opening scenes are from Harlem at night and have the Ulmer touch, with a camp musical score.
This week I saw The Secret in Their Eyes (El secreto de sus ojos) at the cinema, and I found it a powerful exploration of memory, the consequences of clinging to the past, the nature of justice and retribution, and the courage required to pursue love and true passion. What is the right course in the face of the state failing in the obligation to enforce justice? There are flaws but the emotional embrace of the film in its totality leaves you overwhelmed. At the end of the film there was total silence in the audience and no-one moved until near the end of the lengthy closing credits.
Tony, that Ulmer post sounds terrific, and I will be heading there with bells on tonight to check it out! Of course I am an enthusiastic Ulmer fan, even if my familiarity with this one is only of the ‘heard of’ variety.
As far as SECRET, that is simply a magnificent, insightful appraisal of a film that most revere passionately. I will watch it again when it comes out on DVD, as I suspect I was way too harsh in my original evaluation. Too many people I respect have issued glowing praise for this film!
Thanks as always for the excellent submission, my very good friend!
Interesting thoughts on “Exit Through the Gift Shop”, Sam. To the extent that I think in terms of numerical values for films, 7/10 seems about right. However, your potted remarks above mostly focus on the 30% negative, rather than the 70% positive! 🙂 I thought it was a reasonably funny satire of all and sundry from a notorious trickster. The fact that many people are not sure whether what they saw was fact or fiction is what it was all about! I thought that the opening montage to the sound of “Tonight The Streets Are Ours” was fantastic.
Not so sure about your review of “Harry Brown” though… I think that the director and writer could both have bright futures ahead of them in mainstream cinema. However, the premise here was ugly and unrealistic and I did not care for it. As I wrote at the time, if this is the solution to the undeniable social ills on our council estates (in our projects), than we have failed utterly as societies. Yes, Caine is great (a real favourite of mine!) and the film is well made, with some memorably lurid sequences. However, the relatively shallow reactionary “Daily Mail” plot just made my skin crawl.
In brighter news, I saw Elia Suleiman’s “The Time That Remains” and Werner Herzog’s “The Bad Lieutenant” (finally out on general release here!) last week. Really liked both!
Thanks for the link. Not the best review that I have ever penned, but a film that I like greatly. Now, I had better go chase this damn iguana out of the room!
Aye Longman. Those “potted” remarks did accentuate the negative site, but I guess that’s typical when you are appraising a film that received such overwhelmingly positive critical response from the establishment. I was slightly underwhelmed, as my expectations were through the roof, but this is still a solid and engaging documentary with soem dazzling editing and contemporary art. I only wished it had probed deeper into the motivational side. You are quite right there when you say that many weren’t sure “whether what they saw was fact or fiction.” Music in general was very well employed in this film. Longman, I am normally uninterested in the the genre that HARRY BROWN falls into. In fact those kind of films are normally my favorite punching bags. There was an elegiac underpinning here which I found impossible to shake, and Caine’s performance literally dictated the ebb and flow of the film. It was an extraordinary turn. The sordid elements were terrifying and the menace palpable, and as a depiction of the social degradation (extreme I know) of one area, it was harrowing. But I know the opinion here is divided, and what you say makes much sense from where you are standing.
Love that final comment about chasing the iguana out of teh room, especially after seeing BAD LIEUTENANT!!!! Good one Longman!!! LOL!!! I also liked Herzog’s film, but so far I haven’t seen THE TIME THAT REMAINS.
Thanks as always for the exceptional comment on this thread! It’s always a treat coming from you.
Sam, thanks a lot for the mention. I’ll be jobless till the end of this month, so you may very well expect cinema to be somewhere near the top of my priority list right now 🙂
Anyway, here’s what I watched over the last week:
1. Dangerous Money (Charlie Chan boxset)
2. The Trap (Charlie Chan boxset)
3. The Chinese Ring (Charlie Chan boxset)
4. 2001: A Space Odyssey
5. Annie Hall
6. Mahanagar@Kolkata (Metropolis@Calcutta), a new Bengali release.
7. Watched the remaining episodes 24 – Season 8 upto the series finale.
Reviews of all that have been listed above are already up at my blog, with the latest being an overview of the entire 24 series.
This may be a bit of a blessing Shubhajit, as you will be able to do what you want at least for this brief hiatus. Watching films is always better negotiated when you don’t have to share the time with other responsibilities. I’ll be looking in at your upcoming reviews as well as the present one on 24. Again you’ve managed an interesting diversity, though we do seem to be in agreement that the Charlie Chan films are somewhat of a mixed blessing. 2001 of course is masterpiece territory, and again I’ll b elooking in.
Thanks as always for the splendid wrap, my very good friend.
Sam, thanks so much for the incredibly kind words. You had quite the prolific week. I’ve been curious for awhile about HOWL and am looking forward to seeing it.
I’m on a tennis league team, and we had our state tournament this weekend so that slowed my film-watching a bit. But I did see Dreyer’s VAMPYR and Hawks’ CEILING ZERO. The latter particularly impressed me and was a gap in my Hawks viewing until now. I thought it featured an incredible Cagney performance and had one or two of the most suspenseful moments I’ve ever seen on screen. I just look forward to the day that I can see some of the other hard-to-find Hawks titles.
Here’s to another great week. Thanks so much, Sam, for all that you do.
Jeffrey: Thanks again for brightening up this thread. It is always an honor to have you here. I can’t blame you for opting for tennis, as one needs some diversity, and a change of pace. But as it was a tournament, that makes it doubly important. I’m sorry to say I’ve never seen CEILING ZERO, though I have seen most of Hawks. Your appraisal makes it essential, especially with that Cagney revelation! I do love Dreyer’s VAMPYR exceedingly, as I do anything by that genius of the cinema, so it appears you saw some great films there!
Have a great week, and hope to hear some more news about PERIL.
Just want to agree that Cagney’s performance in ‘Ceiling Zero’ is wonderful – one of my favourites out of the early Hawks movies that I’ve seen so far. Also interesting to watch alongside ‘Only Angels Have Wings’ as there are a lot of similarities.
Sam, I am very interested in ‘Howl’ though I see I’ll have a wait. Ginsberg’s free-wheeling poetry has always fascinated me. I don’t see your review of the play ‘Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson’. Are you aware that it isn’t posted?
I was thinking you’d have something to say about ‘Splice’.
Me too Frank. Seems that as of late there have been a number of beat generation features and documentaries. This one does have the right people involved. Sam is lucky to have seen it this early.
Frank, I never finished the review last night as the “Diary” took hours to prepare (as it always does) I will give it another crack tonight, and if I can finish it, it be up tomorrow under Joel Bocko’s latest excellent essay in his 21st Century series. Hence if I do post it, it will be the second one from the top.
On Wednesday we will have Jim Clark’s latest fascinating essay up headlining on Antonioni and Wong Kar-Wei.
Thanks as always my friend.
Thanks for the link, Sam. I quite enjoyed your review of HOWL. I’m a huge fan of the Beats (Kerouac in particular) and so I was very curious to know what this film was like. I am eager anticipating checking this one out so I’m glad to see you gave it such an enthusiastic thumbs up.
Aye, J.D. Thank You! There are some small quibbles, but to be honest it does live up to the positive advance speculation, at least from where I stand. Franco was surprising too.
Thanks as always my very good friend.
I am happy to read that “Harry Brown” is worth seeing. Michael Caine is one of my favorite actors, and this subject is potentially explosive. I missed it when it played in Montclair. Rats.
I missed it too, but it’s still in some area theatres. I loved Caine in ‘The Quiet American’.
He was great in that film Peter, no question about that.
Joe, I’m getting the DVD from the U.K., so perhaps we can have a screening here, no?
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, and WitD readers,
My Lead-in: Sam, once again some very interesting films that you watched this week on your weekly quest to let your readers, know what films that you experienced at the theatre and on stage events.
Now when it comes to the films that you watched…It appears as if the film The Adults in the Room was the weakest in the bunch and Harry Brown Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Undead, Howl, Ondine, and Exit Through the Gift Shop the strongest…5 out of 6 that is not bad…not bad at all…
…Sam, here is what happened on my “front”…
Films on the shelf: Nothing, Zero, Nil, Zilch, Naught, etc, etc, etc…Great titles? huh?
I must admit that I have been to busy to watch films…because I have been assisting friends, one with his message board, and another friend promote his artwork…while preparing to interview Tony, after I complete counting down 11 of the 31 films that Tony d’Ambra, think are the most influential films (or films that “merit” special attention in his opinion) that are considered noirs.
(Unfortunately, “The Goggler” have made other plans…
…It appears as if “The Goggler” don’t want me to complete my look at Tony’s last 11 films…
Because they are upgrading “some” (new templates, modern gadgets, etc, etc, etc…) blogs and I’am unable to post.
(When I went over to “The Goggler” forum it appear as if 327 plus Google bloggers are experiencing this same problem.)
I’am not sure if this is occurring across the blogosphere…Hmmm…I wonder if they are going to start “charging” bloggers to use their blogs?!?) 🙄
By the way, Sam Juliano, if you are wondering why I didn’t complete my countdown on May 31, 2010…Well, I don’t post every day and I wasn’t actually counting down 31 films per day as much as I was just taking a “peek” at 31 film that Tony, think merit special attention. Most definitely, at a “leisurely” pace…While adding extra “touches” such as interviewing a guest (Paul D. Brazill,) and promoting books that tied in with the Film noir theme.)
Books on the shelf:…Needle Magazine (Magazine for fan of film noir) will soon be added to my shelf…which feature my recent guest blogger(s) Paul D. Brazill, Eric Beetner, Patti Abbott (Megan’s mother) and More…
Food … Hmmm…a very light touch…as usual.
Sports… No Comment…
Politics…No Comment…
I guess that about wrap up my week in review for this week.
By the way, Sam Juliano thanks, for mentioning the happenings on my blog…as usual.
DeeDee 😉 🙂
Aye Dee Dee, it is inevitable that the NYGLBT Festival will include some clunkers, and Lucille and I have urged our friend Broadway Bob to “limit” the selections to around 4 or 5 films, though this festival does have some showcase features like HOWL, which has been widely-anticipated. I “limited” my appearances at the Tribeca Film Festival a few months back as well, as you wind up dividing yourself in different directions. In any case, THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM was worse than Chinese “water torture” methinks! And yes, 5 passable films out of six isn’t bad for any week.
I can well understand Dee Dee, why you haven’t been able to see many films as of late, but you’ll find that you will move from one ersuit to the next, and film viewing will happen again, maybe a few months down the road. I know you are helping others and to that extent I always tip my cap to you.
I did notice that google has some facelifting but I am shocked to learn that some of your work isn’t negotiating. Tony may have an idea as to what happened here. It may be just a temporary setback though. See what happens in a few days.
And I actually think the leisurely pace is the way to go with Tony’s interview, especially that you needed to interview Mr. Brazzil as well. (and one a spectacular post that was!)
I appreciate all that you do and your boundless energy and enthusiasm my very dear friend. I will be sending you an e mail tonight on another matter.
“Waiting in the wings, the horror poll chairpersons are preparing to launch the first of the site’s ‘genre’ polls sometime in late July or early August.”
I’m not sure if this is what we’ll make; I was hoping to start early September to have the number one entry end on Oct. 31. (September 7th to be exact– 5 days for 100-51 [ten each day], then one a day from 50-1)
Jamie, that’s fair enough. I do actually remember now that you had proposed that date so that the polling could wind down to Halloween. That makes a lot of sense, methinks. We’ll be able to fill that in-between months with a lot of material that thus far hasn’t been broached.
ok great, I was hoping it wouldn’t be an issue. I may or may not have a post for friday (to celebrate the world cup kick off but we’ll see!)
Sam,
I’m anxious to see “Howl” – all the more so after reading your comments here. “Harry Brown” has been on my radar as well, as I am die-hard Michael Caine fan. We watched “Ondine” through On Demand a few weeks back – it was sweet, but I’d agree with you that it doesn’t quite approach the likes of “Local Hero.”
We’re in the grip of Stanley Cup fever here, and although I’m not normally a hockey fan, I did postpone completing a blog post last night to catch the latest game, another victory for the Blackhawks.
I saw only mundane fare at the multiplex this weekend –
“Letter to Juliet” (expect a pan to be up at my site soon) and the final “Shrek” film. The latter had some fun moments, but the franchise is definitely running out of steam. “Please Give” is my next film to see, either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Pat: Methinks HOWL will absolutely be your cup of tea for all sorts of reasons, not the least of which is a grasp of that period and exquisite taste! Ha! Yeah, Caine is really something. One of the best living actors without question, as he uses his eyes superlatively. That’s good that you got to see ONDINE, and yeah it was a modest piece, falling somewhere in the middle of Jordan’s output quality-wise.
I wish the Black Hawks the best Pat, though I’m hoping our friend Dave Schleicher (Flyers fan) doesn’t see this response! LOL!!! I know the excitement as I was a previous season ticket holder to the New York Islanders and witnessed a string of cup wins. I do remember your Black Hawks from the days of Bobby Hull though, and they did have some really great teams back in the late 60’s as I recall. That would be a great thing for the Windy City Pat, and as of this writing they have that 3 to 2 lead, though them pesky Flyers came back from 0-3 to the Boston Bruins after disposing of our beloved New Jersey Devils. But the glory may well be yours!
Lucille and Melanie saw JULIET and thought it was OK, but I refused to go and will definitely be celebrating your upcoming pan! As far as SHREK, I did think it was tolerable, but as you say they are nearing the end……wait…..what’s that I hear? Three weeks in a row at #1 at the box office with 30 million or so this week……and close to $200 million all told so far. Pat we may NOT have seen the last film! Ha! But I’m with you on the assessment!
I’ll be checking up on your site, and again I very much appreciate your wonderful wrap my very good friend. Again, Good Luck to the Hawks!
I’m sorry you didn’t like the anarchic ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ more. Sue and I laughed the whole time, and I was certain you would too. I liked the narrative devise. I’m not expecting too much from ‘Ondine’.
Peter, I definitely liked it. i just didn’t like it to the tune of ‘documentary masterpiece’ and that absurd 96% rating on RT. I had no emotional connection to this film (which I did have for CRUMB) and wasn’t exhilarated like some, but it was still a film with much to recommend, including some dazzling real-life images and superb flash-cut editing. ONDINE was a nice little film, just don’t expect too much.
Well, I WAS going to see HARRY BROWN this weekend but, as fate usually gets its way, SAM promptly forgot to pick me up for the ride to the theatre. I did, however, make good use with the spare time alotted me while waiting for the ride that never came: I sat outside, taking in nature, watched a few squirrels fuck, threw out my garbage and, upon an argument between myself and my landlady over a 25 dollar extra on the rent for use of a broken air-conditioner, had my shoes urinated upon by the land-lords Dachshund (they were powder-blue suede shoes, by the way). After all my “quality” time out-doors, I retired home to some Columbian take-out Schmulee had suggested and, promptly, was thrown into a bout with food poisoning, the results of which required a plumber to fix a backed up toilet. All in all a pretty rotten weekend. But, you know me, I don’t complain…
Never hear anyone speaking about his stroke of rotten luck with such heart-wrenching eloquence. In other words, absolutely loved the cynical humour of your chronicling of “I Still Remember (and perhaps always will) What I Did Last Weekend”. 🙂
Dennis is quite a character for sure, Shubhajit! He is lovable, but is a lifetime teller of tall tales. Case in point: he tells you that Lucille and I forgot to pick him up for HARRY BROWN, but there is only one small problem with this picture. Lucille and I (with Jillian and Danny) went over to Manhattan that night to see GUILDENSTERN AND ROSENCRANTZ ARE UNDEAD and ONDINE, each in a different theare. Much to our chagrin, when we got over to the Village East Cinemas, we found the early show of the former had sold out, so we quickly chose a “default” film, HARRY BROWN, which we had absolutely no intentions of seeing that night at all, nor had we even considered it as a possibility. Ironically, it tuned out to be one of the week’s best films, and I just ordered the Region 2 of the film on DVD from amazon.uk. It has been released. (Dennis, you will soon be able to watch it here! LOL!)
Thanks for the shout out Sam! I also saw Exit Through the Giftshop this weekend, and found it a little more enjoyable than you did. I will post a review soon!
Thank you Dave for that, and I’ll definitely be looking ahead to your take on GIFT SHOP. This is your area of expertise and appreciation, so I’ll be most intrigued at what you say.
This fantastic news about found silent films was just e mailed to me by my friend Kaleem Hasan:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/movies/07silent.html?hpw
Wow, this is amazing news – I’d love to know exactly what they found in that treasure trove! Sounds as if it included at least two Clara Bow films as well as loads of other rare finds. Thank you very much for alerting us all to this, Kaleem and Sam.
Thanks so much for the mention, Sam! I find your more tempered reaction to Exit Through the Gift Shop to be particularly refreshing, as this is one that has been getting talked up to the skies as of late, and though I want to see it I have a hard time believing I will love it as much as many, who have been comparing it to such masterpieces as “F For Fake” etc., Your level-headed and fair assessment goes a good ways towards setting my own expectations back in a reasonable mode. As always, excellent write-ups here in your Monday Morning Diary!
And thank you Drew as well! I’ll admit I went into the Landmark Sunshine Cinema expecting one of the year’s very best films, and it’s best documentary, bar none. This is usually the blueprint for disaster, though it’s a solid film with some great camerwork and editing, and the unveiling of some beautiful art. But some seem to have taken this to some kind of a spiritual level, which I can’t agree with. It’s premise was interesting, but it did eventually lose steam, and these characters on a human level were rather unappealing.
Thanks as always for the great perspective and very kind words my friend! I do forward to your own response.
SHUBHAJIT-LOL!!!!! Thank you so much! Actually, I’m waiting, patiently, for SAM’s text or phone call repremanding me for that commentary bubble (“What the hell’d ya have to go and write that shit for!?”). But, and this is always been my motto: KEEP IT FUN! In all seriousness, though, SAM knows, has dealt with and, more times than not, gotten and agreed with my sense of humor and cynicism. I try to see the humorous in everything (if I didn’t I’d have probably stuck a gun in my mouth by now) and think the world a better place if we could laugh more. One of my favorite memories goes back to Sam’s oldest (Melanie). She couldn’t have been more than a year old. Sam and I used to sit her between us on the sofa as Lucille cooked. We, of course, were watching THE THREE STOOGES. Listening to that little baby giggle, not at the TV but at our hystertical laughter, makes you realize how beautiful and healthy a good chuckle is. I plan, soon, to write up some humorous true stories for WITD in the near future.
Dennis, you have a great attitude toward life! I for one look foreward to those stories!
James Franco as Ginsberg? Huh. I remember David Cross portraying Ginsberg in Haynes’ I’m Not There and looking so eerily like the real man. I think Franco also played James Dean in a TV movie.
Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson sounds like a musical that would make a good film. I’ve always been conflicted on how to judge Jackson as a whole: on one hand, it’s always great to have a rebellious president (who would threaten to go to war with South Carolina for refusing to pay tariffs!), but on the other hand he did some truly nasty things like destroying the national bank, filling the government with corrupt friends in the spoils system, setting up the Trail of Tears, and of course he executed dozens of people. Definitely a president who left a comic book type legacy, though. If not this musical, then maybe Jon Meacham’s book on Jackson could inspire a biopic–which I think is badly needed.
Ah, Adam, BLOODY BLOODY ANDREW JACKSON would definitely float your boat as you’d be bringing the right historical interest and impressive knowledge through the doors of the Public Theatre. I have seen the great work you’ve done at ICEBOX MOVIES with American history (and the Presidents) and would have loved to have you with us the night we saw this! I suspect you are a history major, no? That’s a great and fascinating wrap up of the dubious “contributions” of Jackson, and the treatment of the Indians (at Jackson’s hands) was also a major satiric thrust of this production. I hope to pen a modest review of the play before the night is up, but I do agree with you that as far asw judgement rests, Jackson has many debits.
Franco can’t compare to Cross in looking like Ginsberg, I quite agree! Still, he surprised me with the performance he gave. You mention that Haynes film, which is truly great!
Thanks so much Adam for this great submission!
SAM-thank you for the kind and thought words used to describe me as a MAJOR BULLSHIT ARTIST. Tis, true, there are times when the truth of the mattewr gets stretched. However, I like to think of it less as BULLSHIT and more as ARTISTIC STORY-TELLING ELABORATION. SHUBHAJIT: This small admition doesn’t necessarily mean all my stories contain bullshit. On the contrary, my best anecdotes are 100% authentic. REMIND ME (when I start writing these stories out) to tell the story about getting arrested for “borrowing” a police car (got caught because when my friend and I got lost in Alphabet City we flagged a car down for directions-it was loaded with NYC police) or about how a certain someone explained to me how to always obtain the best parking in Mid-town.. These stories, plus more, are absolutely hysterical comedy gems!
What about the time you said you strolled with Woody Allen in Central Park, and taught a film class at NYU? Perhaps you might want to start with that one?
Sounds as if you had a great week of viewing as ever, Sam – I’m slightly surprised to hear you refused to go to ‘Letters to Juliet’, though. I haven’t heard much about this one but wondered if it might be good as it stars Vanessa Redgrave… should I think again?
I’d really like to see ‘Howl’ as I like Allen Ginsberg’s poems and would like to know more about the whole Beat Generation, and I will be seeing ‘Exit Through the Gift Shop’ this week so am interested in your take on that. My mum and brother loved it but they saw it in a special showing in a tunnel in London so it was probably partly the experience of it.
I saw two films at the cinema with my family this week, ‘Robin Hood’ and ‘Prince of Persia’ – didn’t like either of them much, but ‘Robin Hood’ was the worse of the two. The only thing I liked was seeing Eileen Atkins! I’ve come to conclusion that I should probably give Ridley Scott a miss in future. This just takes all the joy out of the legend and turns it into a succession of overblown fight scenes. I thought ‘Prince of Persia’ was reasonable popcorn fun but a bit boring… then again as a middle-aged mum I must admit I’m not really the target audience for either of these movies, and my teenage son enjoyed them both.
At home I saw quite a few films on DVD and TV – I’ve done my own star ratings for once:
Spirited Away (2001) *** My son Max is getting to be a big fan of Miyazaki and loves this, so he would give it five stars, but I’ll admit I didn’t like it nearly as much as ‘Ponyo’.
Johnny Guitar (1954) ***** I watched this to tie in with Dave’s Nicholas Ray post and loved everything about it. Joan Crawford and Sterling Hayden are both great in it.
Dead Reckoning (1947) **** I gather this is thought to be a lesser Bogart noir, but I really liked it, though I found the plot a bit difficult to follow at times. Bogie’s dry voiceover is a joy.
The High and the Mighty (1954) **** A much later William Wellman film than most of his which I’ve been watching lately – I thought it was much better than most airline disaster movies and loved all the scenes with the aviation crew, though there is a lot of overacting among the passengers! I haven’t seen many John Wayne movies but he is very good and understated in this.
Love Affair (1932) ** Very early Bogart, not on DVD – it’s not a very good film but I enjoyed seeing his first lead role, as a shy young aircraft engineer, and he stars opposite Dorothy Mackaill, who is fantastic in Wellman’s ‘Safe in Hell’.
Sorry to ramble on, and many thanks for the plug.
Judy: This is truly one of the greatest extended submissions you have ever made at this blog, and one of the best ever by anyone. It is DEFINITELY a fact that anything with vanessa Redgrave in it, must be seen, and admittedly I was too quick to judge with LETTERS. At some point I’ll see this.
I figured you would be greatly interested in the Ginsberg film, and hopefully you’ll have it by the early fall. Your Mum and brother are in the extreme majority as far as EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP goes. The film is sitting pretty too with a 96% rating at RT, though many here will scoff at any reference to that site. Still, you can’t find a bad or even mediocre review anywhere save for Time Out New York. I’d love to hear your views though.
As far as this observation:
“I thought ‘Prince of Persia’ was reasonable popcorn fun but a bit boring… then again as a middle-aged mum I must admit I’m not really the target audience for either of these movies, and my teenage son enjoyed them both….”
I couldn’t agree with you more. That’s precisely how I felt, although at 55 I am stretching the age barrier of “middle age.” Still, I’d agree with you that PERSIA was a bit more entertaining than ROBIN HOOD. Yeah Mr. Scott is really faltering.
I have a strong suspicion that SPIRITED AWAY will make Allan’s Top 30 of the decade, based on my knowledge of his great love for the film. I remember from a past diary entry here that your son had developed a fondness for Miyazaki, and I did predict that this film might be the particular favorite. Still I can’t blame you for favoring PONYO either. It’s a lovely work.
Of the four classics you discuss, I quite agree that the seminal revisionist Nick ray western JOHNNY GUITAR and that later Wellman are the best of the lot. JOHNNY GUITAR is often mentioned as a #1 ray film by fans, while that John Wayne film is very well crafted. The remastered Paramount DVD is pristine, as I recall.
You never ramble, I assure you. I really enjoy hearing of your viewing experiences my very good friend!
Thank you very much for the kind words, Sam.
Yeah, I took an AP U.S. History course during my Senior year in high school, so I tend to have this fascination with past presidents, events that shapes the United States, etc. That “Presidential” series over at my blog fell through because I quickly lost interest (I realized that my site is more suited to film than it is to history), but that’s why I try to compromise by writing about films of the historical fiction genre.
It’s kind of neat how there’s a Jackson-inspired musical at all… Nixon already got one with Nixon in China. What’s next? Obama in the Gulf? HA!
Ah Adam, NIXON IN CHINA is one of the greatest of all American operas, despite that bizarre and disconcerting title. The work’s showcase soprano aria “Ain’t It Prophetic?” is one of the greatest arias ever written by an American (John Adams) and the entire work is tinged with irony. But the minimalist music here is beautiful. But your sarcasm is dead-on, when you pose “Obama in the Gulf?” Hahahaha!
I never commented at your historical posts, but they were informed and superbly written. I’m sorry you discontinued them, but I can well understand why you felt your blof was more suited for film, and marvel at your expertise in that genre.
Thanks again!
SAM!!!!! I GOT BACK FROM THE CITY APPOINTMENTS EARLY!!!!!!! I WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR TUESDAY NITE DINNER!!!! MEET ME AT 530 PM AT THE USUAL PLACE!!!!!!
What was that you were saying about ‘being available for Tuesday night dinner?’
Sam, in my defense, it hasn’t all been fishing. I have only had semi-steady employment for awhile, but luck kind of jumped my way and I landed a new job, and I’ve been putting in some extra hours for training and all that. When you get back from work at nine at night you’re more liable to fall asleep to The Wild Bunch than write a review on Army Of Shadows…still, I’m sure it’ll be up in a day or two. Things have just been a little hectic, and I appreciate your continued enthusiasm.
Oh, and I REALLY want to see Ondine! Do you know if it’s getting a wide release?
Thanks Donophon, oh I knew it was way more than just fishing, but I figured I’d make a joke there. truthfully I really look forward to what will surely be a tremendous essay on ARMY OF SHADOWS!! I’ll be looking out, and thanks as always for stopping by!
ONDINE will definitely open in more theatres after a few weeks, methinks.
Sam I think I will just take the rest of the week to wander down the various rabbit holes you have pointed out in your dairy. What did I do before I started reading your newsy Monday morning posts? Which I must say are still fresh and engaging when read on Wednesday – much better than a bouquet of flowers:)
Your inclusion of “The Adults in the Room” has me thinking about the 1971 movie “Harold and Maude” and wondering if this topic will ever be handled any better another time. I willing accept your review of “The Adults in the Room” and will give it a miss but I might just see “Harold and Maude” again:)))))
The best of the week to you Sam and as always – thank you.
Ah, Terrell, Hal Asby’s HAROLD AND MAUDE is a glorious trip down Memory Lane. It’s still one of my favorite Ashbys, and i remember seeing it in a theatre when I was about 19. I can watch them anytime, anywhere. THE ADULTS IN THE ROOM was the second feature of the NYGLBT Film festival this past weekend, but I would say it suffered by following the very solid HOWL in the same auditorium. It was late and the film was one-note, and a struggle to stay involved with. I doubt if you would find much value with it, but again, I can only give a personal reaction. It was clear from the after-film comments that most of the audience were disgusted. ha! But to hear of HAROLD AND MAUDE, Terrell! Great stuff!
And great wrap again, my very good friend! You have a great week out there in that beautiful place as well.
Sadly, I don’t have much time to blog or to even keep up with the comments here (a couple great posts up this week by Allan and Joel that I only had time to skim and have been waiting to read through all of the comments). I used to have lots of time during the day to read and blog, but a change in responsibilities at work has sucked up most of that free time. Someday I’ll find the time again 🙂
I am still able to watch a few movies, even while I’m working (two computer monitors is the greatest multi-tasking invention ever) and am continuing with the horror film watching. This week I saw:
(rewatched)
MY BLOODY VALENTINE (1981) **
THE EVIL DEAD ***1/2
EVIL DEAD 2 ****
THE HOWLING **1/2
(watched for the first time)
LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE aka THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE ****
EVILSPEAK *1/2
PREY aka ALIEN PREY *1/2
FOUR FLIES ON GREY VELVET ***1/2
Troy, I fully understand your predicament. Blogging may be a passion, but in the large scheme of things it’s a diversion, a luxury. Sometimes you need to step back, if you aren’t forced to. I greatly appreciate this response, and know well that you will be back when you can manage time, and a regular routine.
I am unfamiliar with a number of these, though I have long been a big fan of both EVIL DEAD films. THE HOWLING and MY BLOODY VALENTINE get just what you have rated them here with. Thanks again for the terrific wrap, my good friend!
Troy, I’ve heard LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE aka THE LIVING DEAD AT MANCHESTER MORGUE is good, perhaps I’ll have to check it out. I actually think the recommendation of it came from your brother originally.
I too have continued the frantic horror pace, watching several films this week. Highlights were 2009’s THIRST, 1982’s PIECES (I had seen this Spanish slasher before– I now firmly believe it to be one of, if not THE Citizen Kane of bad movies. It can bring me to tears of laughter even when I’m by myself. Even the most pretentious among us would still enjoy this one with some friends and some beers I believe), WENDIGO, PSYCHO (first time in about 4 years), HOUR OF THE WOLF, THEATER OF BLOOD (bad but Vincent Price is always a hoot), and the really terrific RAMPO NOIR four film short collection.
I also watched a few that I enjoyed, but can’t declare them ‘horror films’, the best being the very interesting BAD BOY BUBBY and UNDERTOW.
Also the last few weeks I’ve tackled a few of the Showtimes MASTER OF HORROR films/series. I think they did it for 2 seasons (with a third supposedly in the works). There are some decent films in there–all about an hour in length. Highlights are Miike’s IMPRINT (it’s pretty savage), the Argento one, the Carpenter one (called CIGARETTE BURNS I think), and the Stuart Gordon one. (sorry I forget the other titles and I’m too lazy at the moment to double check).
Yeah, I’d rank LET SLEEPING CORPSES LIE as my third favorite zombie film (after Romero’s first two DEAD films, though if I remember correctly you weren’t the biggest fan of those two films). Of course that all depends on what is included in the “zombie” genre, but I’ll stick with this placement for now.
I have HOUR OF THE WOLF and WENDIGO in the queue and remember seeing PIECES back in my high school days, though I can’t remember it much, so I’ll throw that on the list for when I need some background noise at work. Obviously can’t go wrong with PSYCHO.
I watched the first five episodes of Season 1 of Masters of Horror and would agree that the Argento and Gordon episodes stood out as the best of that bunch. What I really remember was just how awful Tobe Hooper’s episode was.
Looking at the synopsis of the episodes, the Carpenter and Miike ones look intriguing. May have to check those out.