Screen cap from Anthony Mann's El Cid shown at Film Forum on Thursday July 8th with intermission and overture
Here in the Northeast, temperatures have cooled just a bit in the past few days, but it’s a sure thing the baking will resume all too soon. The Soccer World Cup has come down to Spain vs. Holland, and the results will be well-known by the time this particular thread is actually published. Yankee fans are on cloud nine and the defending world champs are presently holding the best won-loss record in major league baseball.
On the movie front, I have become gloriously addicted to the Anthony Mann Film Festival winding down at Manhattan’s premiere revival house, the Film Forum, attending nine more films for a total of 26 of the 26 offered. I have all intentions to see the remaining 6 over the next four days, and will even be heading to the Film Forum on the festival’s Tuesday off-day to see the first two films in the just-launching “Hollywood on the Hudson” series which will feature a double feature of Crime Without Passion (1934) and The Scoundrel (1935). I managed to squeeze in three newly-released films as well, making for 12 films seen since Tuesday in theatres. Seeing the epic El Cid on Thursday night with Lucille, Sammy and Voting Tabulator Extraordinaire Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr. was a special thrill, as was the family outing to see the animated Despicable Me. I saw the following:
The Furies **** 1/2 (Tuesday, July 6th) Anthony Mann Festival
The Tin Star **** (Tuesday, July 6th) Anthony Mann Festival
The Glenn Miller Story *** 1/2 (Wed., July 7th) Anthony Mann Festival
Strategic Air Command ** 1/2 (Wed., July 7th) Anthony Mann Festival
El Cid ***** (Thursday, July 8th) Anthony Mann Festival
The Far Country **** (Friday, July 9th) Anthony Mann Festival
The Tall Target **** (Friday, July 9th) Anthony Mann Festival
Desperate **** (Sunday, July 11th) Anthony Mann Festival
He Walked by Night **** (Sunday, July 11th) Anthony Mann Festival
Despicable Me **** (Saturday afternoon) Edgewater multiplex
The Kids are All Right **** 1/2 (Saturday night, July 10th) Chelsea
Lisa Cholodenko’s wise, perceptive, homorous and poignant The Kids are All Right stands as one of the best American films of 2010, and it contains superlative performances by Annette Bening, Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo. These are the most three-dimensional characters we’ve seen in a while, and it shows how the success in family life is one that’s hard-earned.
Despicable Me is the third outstanding animated film released this year, and it’s a stylish and devilish confection with a deep emotional center. In large measure the animation is audacious, the voice work distinguished and the characters engaging. And it’s neither a Pixar, nor a Dreamworks release!
I will withold further commentary on the films I saw in the Anthony Mann film festival for the final (massive) wrap up post in about 10 days. The festival ends on Thursday, July 15th with an 8:30 P.M. showing of The Fall of the Roman Empire.
Filmmaker and ‘sweetheart of a guy’ Jeffrey Goodman has accelerated his blogging and firmed up plans to begin shooting Peril by the beginning of 2011, as he explains in an engaging interview with the Dallas Film Society. Dallas was the city his first film, The Last Lullaby opened in, and the experience there was thrilling: http://cahierspositif.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-dallas-film-society.html
In her latest post at Creative Potager the nature-loving artist Terrill Welch is showcasing a fascinating post on ‘painting trees’ complete with a great lead-in about owls: http://creativepotager.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/if-i-were-an-owl/
John Greco has another delightful ‘Newspaper Movie Ads’ post up at Twenty Four Frames which includes an overview of classic movies on the big screen: http://twentyfourframes.wordpress.com/2010/07/08/newspaper-movie-ads-of-yesteryear-3-revivals-and-rereleases/
Dave Hicks’s noble venture, where he examining the ‘Top 30′ directors of all-time at “Good Fellas” continues with inspired choices and a few surprises. He has reached the Top 10 with a stellar consideration of American director Sam Peckinpah: http://goodfellamovies.blogspot.com/2010/07/10-sam-peckinpah.html
Marilyn Ferdinand has penned an impassioned and beautifully written and referened essay on Akira Kurosawa’s I Live in Fear at “Ferdy-on-Films”: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=5355 and
A late update at Ferdy-on-Films showcases another magnificent review on Dance With Me, which Ms. Ferdinand resurrects with style and appreciation: http://www.ferdyonfilms.com/?p=5404
Jake Cole’s latest in his remarkable prolific run of outstanding film reviews is a consideration of the “plodding bore” The Last Airbender by M. Night Shyamalan: http://armchairc.blogspot.com/2010/07/last-airbender.html
Roderick Heath has penned another remarkable essay on his English One-O-Worst literature blog on Jran Racine’s Phaedre. Racine was one of three 17th Century French geniuses, with Moliere and Corneille. http://englishoneoworst.blogspot.com/2010/07/impossible-choices-moral-tragedy-of.html
And Mr. Heath has also penned a terrific takedown of Jason Reitman’s Up in the Air at “This Island Rod”: http://thisislandrod.blogspot.com/2010/07/blog-post.html
A splendid interview by Alta Rigaud of California film buff extraordinaire, R.D. Finch is headling at The Movie Projector. It’s a piece all true film lovers should check out: http://movieprojector.blogspot.com/2010/07/interview-with-author.html
At Movie Classics, lovely Judy Geater has been checking out Shakespeare film adapatations, which continuing her incomparable coverage of early American cinema titan, William Wellman. She is headling a review of the Olivier As You Like It at MC: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/as-you-like-it-1936/ and she speaks about her plans to visit Stratford-von-Avon (not far from her Ipswitch home) to take in a production of The Winter’s Tale at her costume review blogsite: http://movieclassics.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/as-you-like-it-1936/
Just Another Film Buff has followed up his magisterial treatment of John Ford’s earlier films with yet another brilliant multi-part post on the middle to later films. It includes of course most of the seminal director’s masterpieces. Is as essential a post as you’re likely to find anywhere by anyone: http://theseventhart.info/2010/07/03/the-westerns-of-john-ford-part-22/
Troy Olson has taken a look at a few more horror films in preparation for the upcoming poll at WitD, with some rather obscure titles for non genre-lovers. As usual, authoritative stuff!http://troyolson.blogspot.com/2010/07/fun-with-bad-horror-movies-part-2.html
Samuel Wilson’s latest outstanding essay at Mondo 70 is on a 1974 film titled Emergency Squad by Stelvio Massi: http://mondo70.blogspot.com/2010/07/emergency-squad-squadra-volante-1974.html
Longman Oz has presented an intriguing view of Brooklyn’s Finest, a film that has received some middling critical reactions: http://noordinaryfool.com/2010/07/12/brooklynsfinest/
Kevin Olson continues to pen top-drawer horror pieces in preparation for the upcoming polling: http://kolson-kevinsblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/summer-of-slash-alone-in-dark-1982.html
Indiana’s most delightful and animated citizen, Michael Harford, has been trying to cope with the heat himself as of late, but he’s always providing his appreciative readers with his own special blend of image and music at his popular Coffee Messiah blogsite: http://coffeemessiah.blogspot.com/2010/07/art-forms.html
Screen cap from animated gem 'Despicable Me'.
Dan Getahun has jumped back in to the blogging business with a post that covers several films he recently watched including the Dardennes’ L’Enfant, Pixar’s Toy Story 3, and The Wo Escobars. Welcome back Dan!: http://getafilm.blogspot.com/2010/07/getafilm-gallimaufry-robin-hood-lenfant.html
Donophon’s ongoing series on Jean-Pierre Melville is showcasing an excellent capsule review on Le Circle Rouge at “The Long Voyage Home.” http://thelongvoyagehome.blogspot.com/2010/06/jean-pierre-melville-le-cercle-rouge.html
David Schleicher has won a major writing award for a short story he published! Kudos from all of us at WitD!: http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/07/05/the-ballerina-in-battery-park/
Ed Howard is headlining one of his typical exhaustive and beautifully written reviews of classic cinema with a consideration of Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom at “Only the Cinema”: http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2010/07/peeping-tom.html
Our dear friend Pat resumed her blogging several weeks back, and it’s business as usual at Doodad Kind of Town, where her latest post is a discussion on some recent at-home watching of Mel Brooks flicks. As always it’s engaging, quality stuff: http://doodadkindoftown.blogspot.com/2010/06/hey-torquemada-whaddya-say.html
Dee Dee has officially gone on hiatus at Noirish City (Darkness Into Light) and while it’s a sad occassion for her readers, it a well-deserved respite for all that she done for so many. She indicates she’ll return, but for now, it’s important that she take advantage of some R & R. Have a great summer, my dear friend: http://noirishcity.blogspot.com/2010/07/taking-breatherfrom-noirishcity-but-i.html
Shubhajit is away at school, but he still gets some time here and there to post his excellent capsule pieces, the latest of which is one on Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot: http://cliched-monologues.blogspot.com/2010/07/some-like-it-hot-1959.html
Craig Kennedy continues to inform the movie going public of upcoming projects at Living in Cinema: http://livingincinema.com/2010/07/10/update-friday-deadline-for-up-country/
Jeopardy Girl’s reflections of her grandfather are poignantly related in her lovely essay, “When I Was Just a Little Girl”: http://jeopardygirl.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/when-i-was-just-a-little-girl/
Adam Zanzie celebrates his one-year anniversary at Icebox Movies with a celebratory post on the launching of the site, his meeting with David Lynch, movies with snow and the upcoming John Huston blogothon: http://iceboxmovies.blogspot.com/2010/07/icebox-movies-turns-year-old_07.html
Drew McIntosh, ever the prowler for unheralded or forgotten gems, has his typically fecund work on display in a rare review of 1988′s Candy Mountain at “The Blue Vial.” It’s a must-read for all serious film fans: http://thebluevial.blogspot.com/2010/06/candy-mountain-robert-frank-rudy.html
Jon Lanthier has penned a superb review on the Greek film Dogtooth at “Bright Lights”: http://aspiringsellout.com/
J.D. at Radiator Heaven has composed a stellar piece on Unfaithful, a Diane Lane starrer from 2002 that was actually a remake of La Femme Infidele by Claude Chabrol: http://rheaven.blogspot.com/2010/07/unfaithful.html
Jason Bellamy has penned his typically thoughtful preparatory lead-in to what will be a full review in the near future on the critically-lambasted new film by M. Night Shyamalan: http://coolercinema.blogspot.com/2010/07/getting-bent-after-last-airbender.html
Andrew Wyatt at Gateway Cinephiles has captured the essence of the critically-praised inde hit Winter’s Bone is a marvelous capsule: http://gatewaycinephiles.com/2010/06/29/quick-review-winters-bone/
Dave Van Poppel has written a superlative review of Winter’s Bone, a realist film he discusses in effusively-favorable terms: http://visionsofnonfiction.blogspot.com/2010/06/winters-bone.html
Tony Dayoub has posted a review of Brewster McCloud in a 70’s revival series at Cinema Viewfinder: http://www.cinemaviewfinder.com/2010/07/seventies-cinema-revival-brewster.html
Stephen’s new post up at Checking on my Sausages is in the classic film realm, and it’s titled Golden Age Girls. http://checkingonmysausages.blogspot.com/2010/07/golden-age-gals_07.html
The cast in a screen-cap from Lisa Cholodenko's 'The Kids are All Right', one of the best American films of 2010.
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Writers/Founders
Sam, thanks again for the shout out. Just an FYI, my latest post is actually a review of The Treasure of Sierra Madre. You have been extraordinary with your attendance to the Mann festival, one excellent film after another though I too can do with “Strategic Air Command.” I am glad to hear that you liked “The Kids Are Alright” (same title as a very good documentary on The Who), one film I am looking forward to.
My wife and I just came back from seeing WINTER’S BONE, certainly one of the most impressive films so far this year. Below is a recap of the week’s viewing.
Winter’s Bone (Debra Granik)****1/2 Jennifer Lawrence is stunning is this Modern time Ozark family feud. Lawrence manages to articulate the plight of a teenager strong enough to take care of her almost catatonic mother and two young siblings yet still show the vulnerability and helplessness of a child. We are in July and this is one of the best films so far this year. Hopefully, this young talent is not forgotten come award time.
THE MESSENGER (Oren Moverman) **** Powerfully acted by Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and Samantha Morton. A well written, intelligent, touchingly human story about the effects of war on people and how they affect each other’s lives.
DARK ALIBI (Phil Karlson)*** – “Dark Alibi” a low budget Monogram Charlie Chan film distinguishes itself by the fact that it is directed by Phil Karlson and a opening bank robbery scene that is a nice piece of classy noir lit filmmaking. The only other distinguishing factor is the appearance of the great black comic Mantan Moreland who as Dave Kehr states on his blog “in a more just world, would have had Bob Hope’s career.” Decent enough for what it is.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Blake Edwards)***1/2Audrey Hepburn is delightful in this lightweight version of Capote’s novella. Poignant, funny and captivating. The film’s downside is Mickey Rooney’s embarrassing take as a bucktooth Japanese photographer who lives is the same apartment house as Holly.
The Cat and the Canary (Elliot Nugent) ***1/2 Nice thrills and laughs in this remake of the silent Paul Leni classic. The plot is old hat but works well for a still emerging Bob Hope. If you like old dark house horrors with a few laughs this film will fit the bill. With Paulette Goddard.
The Ghost Breakers (George Marshall )**** One year after “The Cat and the Canary”, Hope and Goddard reunite in this 1941 comedy horror film. The Bob Hope persona is more developed here than in earlier film as he portrays a radio broadcaster who stows aboard a ship after he believes he killed a gangster. Hope meets Goddard who inherited an old “haunted house” just off Cuba and is threatened with her life if she decides to spend the night. Lots of laugh and eerie atmosphere.
Nothing But the Truth (Elliot Nugent)**1/2 The third and final teaming of Bob Hope and Paulette Goddard. Similar in concept to Jim Carrey’s “Liar Liar”, Hope makes a bet that he will not lie for twenty four hours turning his life and Goddard’s upside down. The weakest of the three films they made together. Strictly for Hope fans.
You’re A Big Boy Now (Francis Ford Coppola)***1/2 A frenetic absurdist sometimes surrealistic romp that encompasses the craziness of the 60’s. Coppola admits that his style here was influenced by Richard Lester’s work in “A Hard Day’s Night.” As a result the film is somewhat stuck in a time capsule, still the film is a standard coming of age story, a tale of a teenage boy obsessed with sex and getting laid. Some things do not change. This film is the first to use rock music in a movie soundtrack. John Sebastian wrote the music which blends in very well with the rest of the film. Songs include the Lovin’ Spoonful’s “Darling Be Home Soon.” Released before “The Graduate” and “Easy Rider.”
Yeah, every time I see that title I think of Townshend & co.!
Thanks for the shout-out, Sam. A fun post is coming in a couple days (I’ll be posting on Tuesdays instead of Wednesdays for the rest of the summer) – stay tuned.
John, did you ever see The Rain Man – Coppola’s 2nd film? Interesting movie, but a lot stronger in direction than writing, I thought (ironic since 1 year later Coppola won the screenwriting Oscar for Patton).
Er, The Rain People.
“Qantas never crashes…”
MM – yes I have, a couple of times. That is true what you say, I have always found the script a bit uneven though there are some strong performances. I especially liked Shirley Knight, not to take anything away from Duvall and James Caan.
Guys I second the (almost sacrilegious) THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT use! It’s a favorite early single for me, and recent (say like last 10 years or so) Pete has been doing it on stage quite a bit and giving it quite a different reading– and extending it to 7 plus minutes many times. The song’s had 2 or 3 lives.
Joel, I’ll be looking forward to your posting for this Wednesday!!
First of all John, thanks so much for the kind words regarding the Mann festival. It has been a sacrifice, but it’s never been less than a great deal of fun and excitement. And having the family along for a number of teh screenings has been terrific too.
Like you, I thought WINTER’S BONE a raw, and unsettling film with great direction and that terrific central performance by Ms. Lawrence. I also agree that this deserves to be remembered at awards time.
I also agree with your four-star rating on THE MESSENGER and on your perceptive capsule assessment. Harrelson turned in his best performance ever, methinks. I liked BREAKFAST a bit less, but you were certainly fair enough there (true what you about Rooney) and I agree with you completely on what you say there on DARK ALIBI. I have not seen NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH (and apparently no big deal according to your review) but the other two Hopes are dead-on from where I am standing.
The Coppola film deserves just what you have given it!
This is an incrdible wrap and yet another example of extreme passion and comittment. Thanks as always my very good friend!
Thanks for the mention, Sam, and for your comment on one of my weekend views, Dance with Me. We have done a lot of movie viewing this week, including the rather lame Dorothy McGuire/Van Johnson sudser Invitation; The Bat Whispers, a really fun film from 1930; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; and the great surfing documentary Billabong Odyssey. Sunday was the real movie day, however. The super jam-packed movie day included the new indie film Breaking Upward at Facets and a movie collectors night featuring Borzage’s fine Man’s Castle and bunch of fascinating shorts, including an industrial film promoting telephones directed in living color by Gower Champion, and a super-rare reel from 1939 featuring the Warner Bros. animation staff, including Tex Avery, Bob Clampett, and the voice of Mel Blanc, in a bunch of skits for their Christmas party.
Hey Marilyn! I just added your terrific review of DANCE WITH ME to the link round-up, as that is indeed your most recent essay! I must say I am 100% in agreement with you on THE BAT WHISPERS, a hoot of a Bela Lugosi feature from the early sound era, and likewise the admittedly lame INVITATION, even with Ms. McGuire. That particular Harry Potter film isn’t half so bad methinks, but I’m sorry to say I have not see that surfing documentary, though it’s great you say it.
Your Sunday was fantastic, and you packed an unbelievable volume of films and shorts in there! I must say I love BREAKING UPWARD, though I’ve had to defend with a friend (site regular Jason Giampietro) who is always razzing me that it’s lackluster and a bore. For me it was one of the year’s best inde efforts. The Borzage is indeed lovely, but it seems that the late night assortment there was the crowning jewel with the program on Avery, Clampett and Mel Blanc.
What a spectacular weekend, and thanks Marilyn for sharing it here!
I really enjoyed Breaking Upward; it could have been too clever by half, but it really had the breath of real life in it, even if I wondered how Zoey could afford that apartment and all those designer clothes (I don’t think she wore the same outfit twice in the whole film) with only an off-off Broadway gig as her visible means of support. Andrea Martin and Julie White were unbelievably good. I’d watch a film just about them!
The Bat Whispers wasn’t a Lugosi film. It starred Chester Morris and many people I’d never heard of.
Sunday was special. It is my fortune to have made friends with some film collectors; there would be no other way to see some of these titles.
Marilyn:
My bad on BAT WHISPERS! I confused it with WHITE ZOMBIE, which in itself is ludicrous. I am losing it, I’ll admit it.
I completely agree with you on Andrea Martin and Julie White. That is a great connection there with those film collectors for sure!!!!
Thanks for the link, Sam. SO the Mann festival goes eh?
I’ll try to compile my decade list later this week. I sure hope the poll is open for at least a couple of days after Allan wraps it up, because I do hope to see a handful fo films before I draw the line.
I think Maurizio will have much to say about the Espana victory. And Paul the Octopus is the new Messiah.
*Argh: “So the Mann festival goes on, eh?”
And on…and on…and on…it’s like the flaming Ariston adds of old. Enough already!!!
Well, Thursday is the final day, so just a few days left, but six crucial films.
Aye JAFB, the festival is actually 32 films, and this was all crammed into three weeks, meaning on most days two films played for just one day. This didn’t always give me much choice, but it’s been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding cinematic ventures I’ve ever embraked on.
Your list is welcome and much appreciated whenever you are ready. Usually we allow for six (6) extra days, so figure on Sunday evening July 25th at 11:00 P. M. EST as being the closing time and date. I see Maurizio has indeed chimed in, and will be getting to him momentarily.
LOL on Paul the Octopus!!!!!
Thanks as always my very good friend!
Hola a todos!
Thanks for the link Sam. Another crazy week for you, it seems. The trailers for “Despicable Me” have looked fairly funny alright. I may go to see it, as it opens here soon. However, for better or worse, “Inception” fever is definitely kicking off here now. Given that the promotional material is aping the style of “Dark Knight” quite a bit, I am retaining a healthy degree of scepticism about me that this will just be more hype than anything else. Still, as discussed on the site during the week, this is a director who has been assembling a solid enough canon of work to date.
Pleased for Spain in the World Cup. However, whilst they did put the boot in a bit too much and perhaps someone in an orange shirt should have been shown a second yellow card earlier on in the game, I do not have a major problem with how the Dutch approached the game. In fact, I found it to be an absorbing contest of contrasting styles, in a high-stakes game, complete with many goal-scoring opportunities. People do not always appreciate such tense and sometimes negative drama, though, as it does not make for pulsating TV viewing.
Indeed, partially due to the sharp end of the World Cup having been reached, I did not go to the cinema much this week. I did see “Predators” though, because I really liked Nimród Antal’s “Kontroll” and was curious to see what he might do here. Even so, despite only having modest expectations for this work, I found it simply to be an inferior reheat of the first two films, with no redeeming features of any real substance…
As always Longman, an engaging and insightful re-cap broaching several important events and developments. My 14 year-old daughter Melanie is a huge Di Caprio fan, so she has really been talking this one up, and we’ll surely be seeing this on Friday afternoon or evening (opening day). The early notices have been impressive, and Nolan will surely bring up THE DARK KNIGHT comparisons! Most are saying this is the film of the summer, but the proof will be in the pudding.
I didn’t see the entire game, but you would appear to be dead-on with what you say about the way the Dutch approached the game. Just about everyone here stateside were saying that this was Spain’s year, and that they’d be surprised if the Dutch scored a goal, but prior wins by Holland portended otherwise. It almost seemed a given that the game would end 1-0. In any case I am hardly the soccer expert at this site.
I am definitely not surprised at what you say there about PREDATORS!!! Ha! I’m sure things will soon pick up, if not on the cinema front, at the Projects Art Centre!!
Thanks as always my very good friend!
The game had very little drama for me as I knew that Il Pulpo Paul had basically eliminated the chance of a surprise ending. This little germanic cephalopods mollusk took away all the mystery of the beautiful game with his irrefutable prognostications. The spunky underwater oracle has proven his worth and greatness for the whole world to see. I hope he can somehow avoid the knives and plates of angry Argentines, Germans, and Dutch everywhere.
The game itself was not the best that South Africa has provided during this month long tournament. Spain is capable of playing beautiful soccer but only if the other team decides to comply. Since no coach was stupid enough to supply them with the proper ingredients for a Spanish football fiesta we instead got Italian catenaccio. Both teams played hard and left it all out on the pitch but in the end the best team won. Spain’s midfield is incomparable and dominant to an almost unreal level. Novices can keep their Messi’s, Ronaldo’s and Ronney’s, I’ll take Alonso, Xavi, and Iniesta as the best football has to offer. They are like a midfield dream team who’s film equivalent would be Bunuel, Almodovar, and Berlanga. I may be exaggerating and indulging in some hyperbole but noone can discount the radical tactical adjustments every team drastically made to combat them. Along with their sidekicks Villa, Pique, Torres, Bisquets, and the singer of Anvil they are worthy World Champions.
Films I saw this week……….
Collateral ***
Hot Tub Time Machine *
Downfall ****1/2
Odd Man Out *****
The Fog (80) ***1/2
Flame And Citron ****1/2
The Outlaw Josey Wales ****
The final should have been that semifinal match between Spain and Germany.
David, methinks that the Dutch were just as good as the Germans, but I’ll let others hear speak their piece!
Sadly the World Cup will always be flawed because of its knockout systems and seedings. I would like to see only the top team of each group go through to the next phase and then have all 8 group winners play each other over the space of four weeks in a league system. Then the top 4 to go through to semis, with 1st playing 4th and 2nd playing 3rd.
BENEFITS – teams would not be considering drawing or losing games in the last of the first round ties to get an easy draw in the next round (thus leading to terrible matches such as Brazil/Portugal when they both were going through, they’d have to play to win. Each team would need to keep winning to guarantee winning its group. That way the lesser teams still get their games but the good stuff should win out.
Then the top 8, say, would not go out after 1 bad game but would still have the chance to progress. In this tournament this would have been a league with Spain, Brazil, USA, Uruguay, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands and Paraguay. A player picks up two yellow cards, they miss one game, no biggee, same if they get a dodgy red card from an incompetent referee.
So the 1st round would last around 10 days as before. The 8 team league would last 4 weeks, with each side playing 2 games a week. Then a rest of 4 days before the semis and then the final. It would extend the tournament by nearly two weeks, but it’s the only way it would be a proper test. The rugby world cup lasts longer than a month and so should the football one.
Maurizio, I am not nearly in your league to discuss the techical aspects of teh game and the individual lineups, but what you say does make quite a bit of sense. Il Pulpo Paul did prevail now, didn’t he? Ha! I read that the six goals that Spain scored was the least ever for a cup winner!
Well, Maurizio, as far as I’m concerned the three best films of that very fine lot are the ones you gave the highest grades for: ODD MAN OUT, DOWNFALL and FLAME AND CITRON, and those ratings are dead-on. And God did I hate HOT TUB! You got that right too! OUTLAW JOSIE WALES is a fine Eastwood.
Thanks as always my good friend!
Thanks Sam!
BTW, heat/humidity (90+) to return in the next day or so into the weekend. I enjoy and embrace the change of seasons, but the humidity is too much for this bay area kid.
Saw Mirage – Chloe (at the start, I thought it was going to be a porn film and almost turned it off, but thought, it wouldn’t have been sent to me if it was ; )…)
And the Remastered Metropolis a great joy to see again.
Stay cool! Cheers!
Hey Michael!!!
Aye, I hear what you are saying, and I feel much the same. It’s always the humidity that is the biggest issue, and in these parts we rarely are spared it at this time of the year. But yes, being raised in the Bay area would not prepare you for what you’ve had to endure in landlocked Indiana!
I hope you liked CHLOE moderately, and of course METROPOLIS is a masterpiece. Will speak to you soon by e mail!
Thanks my very dear friend!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, and WitD readers,
My Lead-in: DeeDee said, “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.”
…It appears as if “The Furies, The Tin Star, The Glenn Miller Story, Strategic Air Command, El Cid, The Far Country, The Tall Target, Desperate, and He Walked by Night” are all strong…
(Wow!!!!…Sam Juliano, I guess you didn’t watch too many of Mann’s films this week!!!! ( Oops! Just kidding…considering the fact, that you, don’t know me personally… 🙂 )
…and it doesn’t appear to be any weakest link of the two current films (Despicable Me (animated or animation) and The Kids are All Right (I hope to check this film out…because it seems interesting.) neither that you, your family, and that Voting Tabulator Extraordinaire Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr. viewed …I’am quite sure that you all had an enjoyable time too…Merci, for sharing!
…Sam, here is what happened on my (Oops! I mean her “front”…)
Films on the shelf:
…Once again, I have been very busy being a co-administrator on a message board…and believe me that is no easy task…
I ordered a film called…The Hidden Room…aka Obsession…(Starring actor Robert Newton) and ordered an obscure film entitled Secret of Convict Lake…(Starring Glenn Ford, Gene Tierney and Zachary Scott…) a western noir…from her film noir seller, She made me say this…“who reside in Canada, not Havana.”
I also plans to watch Flame and Citron, Chloe, and The Headless Woman
(All courtesy of DeeDee’s good friend…Can you guess who that is…?!?) I also watched… Call Northside 777, The Saint Meet the Tiger, Escape in the Fog, Secrets of Scotland Yard and a WWII propaganda film title Code Of Scotland Yard (Because she like a good mystery…)
By the way, I made a “slight threat” to her if she tried to watch…Ratatouille again…
Sam Juliano…Fox Movie Channel plan to air two obscure films on July 13th 2010…(At least they are obscure to me…I mean “her”…and they are Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence and The Iron Curtain…Therefore,
Fire Up The DVD Player/recorder…
On Tue July 13 00:00:00 EDT 2010
HEAVEN WITH A BARBED WIRE FENCE…Is a unique film because actor Glenn Ford is the star…but yet he didn’t receive top billing…look for actor Richard Conte and Irving Bacon (I have heard the name-but I’am not familiar with Bacon.) and most definitely “Dalton Trumbo” (If the truth be told…I must admit that I wasn’t familiar with Trumbo neither) in the cast and it was directed by Ricardo Cortez.
A store clerk (Glenn Ford) from NY hitchhikes west to his newly purchased land in Arizona, meeting up with characters and adventures along the way.
Cast: Jean Rogers, Raymond Walburn, Marjorie Rambeau, Richard Conte, Eddie Collins, Ward Bond, Irving Bacon, Dalton Trumbo, Glenn Ford…Director: Ricardo Cortez
7:30 am
THE IRON CURTAIN
This taut espionage thriller follows Russian agent, Igor Gouzenko (Dana Andrews) and his wife (Gene Tierney) who defect to Canada, only to have their lives in continual peril from Soviet assassins. Based on a true story.
Cast: Dana Andrews, June Havoc and Gene Tierney…
Director: William Wellman…1948 TV-PG FS
Sam, this film don’t appear to be available on DVD…Therefore, you know who I’am planning to turn to for help in locating this film.
Books on the shelf:…
author Dennis Lehane’s Shutter Island
(Let us see how long Lehane’s book stay at number one…Let us see if Satterfield’s Tale can bump his book off the top spot.
2.Diane Satterfield The Thirteenth Tale
3.authors Alan Moore and David Lloyd… V for Vendetta
4.Frank Millers…The Dark Legend:Beginnings
5.A Panorama of American Film Noir (1941-1953)
by Raymond Borde, Etienne Chaumeton, James Naremore…
and 6. Mystery,Suspense, Film and Detective Movies and DVD:A Best Guide to Crime Thrillers…By the way, did I mention that she “like” a good mystery?
DeeDee said, “Music on the shelf:
I’am listening to a song by a group called the GooGoo Dolls…that I discovered while visiting C.M. blog…
Food … Hmmm…a very light touch…as usual…and due to the fact, that I also have dental work looming around the corner soon.
Ouch!
Sports: Yay! Go Spain…Woot! Woot! Sam, I knew that they were going to win…because they (Spaniard) are almost born with a futbol (Sp) (football) in their hands. (my relatives visited Spain last year and that is were our good friend from Canada pick-up some of his Region 2 DVDs…methinks…but I’am not sure…I have to talk to him in order to confirm this as a fact…
Politics…No Comment…Really?!? Oops! this is her “post” and not mine…
I guess that about wrap up “her” week in review for this week.
By the way, Sam Juliano thanks, for mentioning the non-happenings on “her” blog.”
Take care…
DeeDee’s Older sister Artesmia,
I am pleased to meet you my dear Artesmia! I have been a good friend of your younger sister for quite some time, and have seen her as a clear example of the beauty that still exists in the human race. Her absence (for entirely logical reasons) has been depressing, as is the temporary silence at DARKNESS INTO LIGHT (a standard bearing site for so long in the blogosphere) one of my favorite stops. Your sister is a large reason why we’ve been enriched by the community spirit here at WitD for almost two years now (our 2nd anniversary is next month) and she has taught so many by example how kindness and humor are two most vital ingredients in blogging and connecting with others.
Meeting her Artesmia, has been the greatest happening in my blogging career, and I can’t count the many instances where I and so many others have been on the receiving end of her love and kindness.
When you say this Artesmia:
“It appears as if “The Furies, The Tin Star, The Glenn Miller Story, Strategic Air Command, El Cid, The Far Country, The Tall Target, Desperate, and He Walked by Night” are all strong…
(Wow!!!!…Sam Juliano, I guess you didn’t watch too many of Mann’s films this week!!!! ( Oops! Just kidding…considering the fact, that you, don’t know me personally….”
I feel as if I’ve known you for a long time, although we both know that isn’t possible. You see, you have the same kind of thinking patterns as your esteemed sister, and the same kind of disarming humor.
And what you say here does remind me of your younger sister too:
“…..and it doesn’t appear to be any weakest link of the two current films (Despicable Me (animated or animation) and The Kids are All Right (I hope to check this film out…because it seems interesting.) neither that you, your family, and that Voting Tabulator Extraordinaire Angelo A. D’Arminio Jr. viewed …I’am quite sure that you all had an enjoyable time too…Merci, for sharing!”…………….
…as she always shoowed an interest in all those who jopined in the fun from my end.
And my what similar tastes you have with your sister too, Artesmia! Those thriller/noirs are just what the doctor would order for Dee Dee, but you are right to stop her from watching RATATOUILLE, as she has admittedly overdosed on that one. Still, I can’t say I blame her, as that Pixar film is pure bliss! And I see you love SHUTTER ISLAND too! I am glad to hear that Dee Dee’s friend sent her copies of CHLOE, THE HEADLESS WOMAN and FLAME AND CITRON, and I’m thinking as to whom this may be?!
I know Dee Dee wasn’t such a big soccer or sports fan, but it’s great to see that enthusiasm for Spain from you! Perhaps you can help your beloved sister appreciate that big win. I do agree what you say there about the Spaniards being born with a ball in their mouths!
And Dee Dee must be proud that you have V FOR VENDETTA on your shelves and that you have picked up on some of that great music being showcased at Michael Harford’s COFFEE MESSIAH blogsite. I’ve discovered some great stuff there too!!!
I am flattered and honored that a second member of this lovely family has graced this site, and I ask you to please thank your sister Dee Dee from the bottom of my heart.
In this sense your have really spread the good will and spirit of good at a most opportune time.
I love your family so much. Please give my best regards to your sister for me.
Oops! I forgot to say…as usual!
and add these two smilies “thing”ies”(Sp) for her…
😉 🙂
Artesmia,
LOL Artesmia!!! You are the best!!!!
This will be some achievement if you are able to attend every Mann film. You would think that something would interfere during this long run to prevent it from happening. But you are a bonafide maniac.
I really want to see The Kids Are All Right. Looks like star chemistry really kicked in.
Too bad the Dutch played so aggressively. It apparently backfired.
I think Spain was destined to win Frank.
Frank: My apologies for the late response.
Well, as far as the Mann festival I have seen 30 of 30 with the final TWO tomorrow. However it will be no easy task watching MEN AT WAR and THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE back to back, as the latter film is over three hours. MAW starts at 6:25, which FALL goes off at 8:30, so I do have my work cut out for me, but I’ll be there, that’s for sure. I’ve come this far.
I do believe you will LOVE The Kids Are All Right.
Thanks as always my very good friend!
I finally got to see something the same week as you. ‘Despicabe Me’ was a lot of fun, especially the pill-shaperd furries. Maybe they went too heavy with the emotional side. Carroll’s voice was a hoot. I didn’t see the film in 3D, but in the conventional presentation.
Joe, that’s great we got to see the same movie on the same weekend. We also saw it in 2D, as we are all getting tired of this scam. But wouldn’t you know it, may are saying this is one of teh best examples of 3 D they have yet seen. Go figure!
Everyone compares this movie to the work of Charles Adams, which I can see. But am I the only person who gets a strong Prohias vibe from it as well? There’s the obvious “Spy Vs. Spy” aspect with dueling supervillains and 60’s chic, but I also caught a strong “El Hombre Siniestro” style from the trailers as well. I’ll probably catch this on TV, all the same.
El Cid on the big screen must have been the highlight. I would imagine you’ll be on board for The Fall of the Roman Empire, which should be seen this way.
Fred: That was quite an unforgettable night seeing EL CID that way. My 13 year-old son Sammy was spellbound by the whole thing, and God what a gorgeous print! Yes I will be there Thursday for ROMAN EMPIRE (8:30), but that will be a tough day, as MEN AT WAR will be playing before it at 6:25, making for the marathon last evening of the festival. Thanks my friend.
Sam, I would have loved to be able to see “The Tall Target” in this way. Several of the others are rarely if ever offered on the festival circuit. There is an added discipline seeing the films in a darkened theatre without interruption that always makes this the ultimate way to see classic films.
Good luck in your quest for completion this week. I know you’ll do it.
I just checked the Film Forum schedule and was surprised that ‘Railroaded’ isn’t there. The find of the festival remains ‘Reign of Terror’ on Wednesday. There is hardly a decent print of this anywhere.
Bill, that’s an excellent point. It’s possible that tickets that day will be hard to come by.
Sam, once again, I’m so envious of all the Mann films you’re seeing. What a treat.
Thanks so much for the kind words. My week was moderate in terms of film watching. This week I saw SYLVIA SCARLETT, A STORY OF FLOATING WEEDS, EASY LIVING, and MAKE WAY FOR TOMORROW. The McCarey film, in particular, really affected me. What a haunting and probing work, and a great Criterion release to boot.
Thanks, Sam, for all the infectious cinephilia. I always look forward to Mondays!
Hey Jeffrey! It’s been a grind Jeffrey in the sense that crossing the Lincoln Tunnel at rush hour – as I’ve had to do in some instances – is a draining routine, but it’s really been well worth it and a lot of fun.
No wonder you favor the McCarey of that fine lot. It’s an extraordinarily moving film, crafted with artistry and conviction. The Ozu is the other one of that quartet that I love especially.
I appreciate all the nice things you always say my very good friend!
I’ve actually been terribly lazy the past two weeks so thanks for providing the illusion that I’ve actually been working, Sam.
Rod, by your standards yes, that was a recent show of laziness. But by everyone else’s this was prolific writing that few will be able to match! Ha! I am hoping my comments to your spectacular review of the Racine play will be accepted by word press. An odd technical glitch, for some reason.
Sam, ‘SCREEN CAP’ MEANS TAKEN FROM A DIGITAL SOURCE. That is just a 4:3 picture just taken from an awful old VHS print of the film. Remind me where in the film this is so I can rectify.
OK, have replaced. Also, Sam, you said new 35mm print. That was The Far Country, whereas El Cid would be 70mm.
I see you have made the change. Many thanks.
Bill Riley said,”The find of the festival remains ‘Reign of Terror’ on Wednesday. There is hardly a decent print of this anywhere.”
Hi! Bill Riley,
Check out! these two links…from over there at Amazon.com and the Amazon customers’ comments…
Info On The Alleged Restored Version
Info On The UnRestored Version
…and when DeeDee’s (By the way, she made me say this…Man in Canada, and Not Havana, ) returns from his vacation… she can check and find out if he can locate a nice copy for you, to send on to Sam Juliano, to send to you…
…By the way, he located a really nice copy of that western noir titled “Secret of Convict Lake” for her…I’am so sorry, for being a budinski, (Sp) but I just though I would pass this infor(mation )along.
Thanks for adding those links “Artesmia!”
I second Sam’s enthusiasm for The Kids Are All Right. Based on the trailer I thought it was going to be another flabby Sundance softball bringing fake arty pretensions to a wide audience – at least that’s how Focus has marketed it – but it was much sharper than that. Yes, it’s a crowd pleaser, but it never panders and it’s genuinely funny and moving. Between this and her performance in the underseen Mother and Child, Annette Bening deserves 2 Oscars this year.
Craig, Thank you and I do quite agree with all your perceptions there! Ms. Bening surprised me here, and I am definitely interested in seeing MOTHER AND CHILD, which I haven’t squeezed in to this point. Anyway, I did see how THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT worked on a number of levels, and I bet future viewings will enhance it.
Mother and Child had problems, but it was better than I expected and Bening was terrific.
As for another Shitamalan film being panned. Are any of us surprised? When his best film The Sixth Sense is mediocre and everything else he’s made has been irredeemable shit, the man should be run out of Hollywood and forced to open up his own fertiliser business where mass manufacture of shit can be appreciated.
It’s too bad, because the cartoon it’s based on is actually fairly good. It deserved better than having its name stolen from James Cameron and mojo polluted by Shyamalan and his gajin actors.
I would say THE VILLAGE is an exception to the rule here, with an often compelling, if bizarre Twilight Zone type story, and some terrific lensing and music by Roger Deakins and James Newton Howard, respectively. And Bryce Dallas Howard is most fine.
“The Village” is okay, but Adrian Brody’s character and Shyamalan’s unwillingness to call a retro-dystopian spade a spade undermines it. “Unbreakable” is the best thing he’s ever done, but he’s long since limped away from ever being able to do something like that again. “The Happening” ALMOST had something going with it, but thanks to Mark Wahlberg’s acting and Shyamalan’s hamfisted writing, it’s only tolerable as an ironic so-bad-it’s-brilliant piece of faux-pas cinema. “Be scientific, douchebag!”
I wonder how “Shitamalan” can still be making movies?? Haven’t all his recent films tanked at the box office? The Sixth Sense is the most hollow film ever made. It only exists to unveil its twist ending which any numbskull can figure out rather quickly. At least The Usual Suspects is a rather nifty noir thriller that entertains before it unleashes the final “shock surprise”. It also still works on multiple viewings which the Willis vehicle fails to do on every possible level.
There is no defense for praising any Shitamalan film. The Sixth Sense is the idiot’s intellectual movie.
I actually don’t know what’s the dumbest thing, that anyone over 5 didn’t see the laughable twist coming or that Willis’ character didn’t realise he, too, was a ghost.
LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Agreed on TSS, it’s pretty much the most predictable twist ending since– come to think of it, there really is no precedent for it, nothing to compare it to from before. I maintain that “Unbreakable” is underrated– at least there, he’s doing more than biding time until the ending arrives. It’s a clever and heartful play on superhero origin-story conventions– I wonder if it might’ve fared better, both in terms of critical/audience appreciation and his own creative execution, if he’d waited a few years, to mid-decade. By then, there would’ve been enough comic-book movies released so filmgoers would’ve been able to better understand what he was doing, and Shyamalan himself might’ve had a better grasp of the tropes and archetypes he was appropriating. At any rate, it’s all been downhill from there, which isn’t saying much anyway.
Lady In The Water was one of the most dreadful cinematic experiences I ever had. My girlfriend still bothers me about that one. Every time she wants to do something that I’m not interested in she pulls out the…… “remember that time you made me see that stupid movie Lady In The Water”. Naturally I concede and end up doing whatever she wants. I’ve never been mugged before but that’s what M. Night did to me that night. Its no different than if he hit me with a Louisville Slugger and ran off with my wallet. On top of this I have to cater to my girlfriend’s every whim. Hate can’t begin to describe what I feel for that guy lol.
Maurizio: Try and bring your girlfriend to see THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT. I do believe she will be back in your best movie graces after that one! But (LOL!!) I hear you on LADY IN THE WATER, though believe it or not my wife Lucille rather liked it.
Thanks for the plug, Sam – glad you are still enjoying the festival and also interested to hear you liked ‘Despicable Me’, as we saw a trailer for that the other day and my son is keen to see it. (I suppose it is another one being released in 3-D?)
I haven’t done much movie viewing this week – my local multiplex has packed every possible screen with ‘Twilight’, which doesn’t appeal as my daughter is past that sort of age, and the latest ‘Shrek’, which I liked ok but once was enough! On DVD I have watched Olivier’s ‘Hamlet’ (my latest review on Movie Classics) and Welles’ ‘Macbeth’, both from 1948. Also John Barrymore in ‘Svengali’ from 1931… just brilliant, I love him.
Also this weekend my family went to a ‘Best of the Last Night of the Proms’ concert with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in a local park, which was very enjoyable, with Danse Macabre being a highlight. Apart from that I have been sitting out in the garden whenever possible reading Michael Slater’s massive biography of Dickens, which I’m hoping to finish before going away on holiday later this week, as I don’t want to cart it around with me! He mainly concentrates on Dickens’ development as a writer, which is fine by me.
John Barrymore is admittedly one of the greats Judy! He cut down his career with his drinking, but he still managed some extraordinary performances. I love him too. I saw your excellent review on the Olivier HAMLET and I’d be very intrigued to learn how you stand on the Welles’ MACBETH, which I’ve always loved more than most for its brooding, minimalist atmosphere, it’s mesmerizing flow, and that great performance by Edgar Barrier. I have that Slater book in the house (I am a compulsive collector) but I never started it. I would love love love to hear your findings!!!!
The parks concerts there are wonderful, I love doing the same, but missed the one here in Central Park this week due to the Mann festival. And like you, I love that powerful Saint-Saens composition. I like your choices my friend, right down the line.
The trailers to DESPICABLE ME may not have given the right impression, but figuring in some minor issues it is still a wonderful animated film and proof that some other studios other than Pixar can win in this genre. And yes, SHREK was fair enough, but once will do.
Thanks as always my very dear friend, and my apologies for the delay in responding.
Sam, thanks for the nod. It goes without saying The Long Voyage Home is kind of dead right now. I’m gonna get a post on Un flic up sometime (this week for sure) and I might as well let the cat out of the bag…I’m going to do a chronological survey of my fifty favorite films, so every day I’ll post one of the kind of capsules I was doing with Melville. The reason I haven’t been posting is I want the first ten done before I begin it so I have a head start and know I can do it in fifty days. It looks like it’ll begin sometime next week. Thanks as always for the kind words, and Allan’s countdown has been great, I’ve been really following along.
Oh, and I love The Village!
Aye Donophon, I am with you on THE VILLAGE completely!!!!!
I understand that THE LONG VOYAGE HOME has slowed a bit, but this is a VERY tough time of the year to stay focused on blogging, let’s face it. I am thrilled to hear about the decision to have a favorite films countdown. That will surely make for some excellent discussion threads and speculation. Many thanks for the kind words about Allan’s countdown, and all the support and great commentary you have brought to this site my friend!
Had a pretty good all around week here. Despite losing four consecutive one run games to end the first half of the season, the Reds go into the All Star Break with a one game lead in the NL Central. If you had told me to start they year that they would be in this position I would have been ecstatic, but it kind of stings to know that they could easily be 3-4 games up on the Cardinals right now.
For movies, I managed to watch a handful completely unrelated to my favorite directors series and had some good experiences.
– Les Biches (Claude Chabrol): 8/10 – My experience with Chabrol was completely nonexistent, so this was the first of his films that I had ever seen. I really liked it, as it made me look forward to the greatness that came next… (see below)
– Le Femme Infidele (Chabrol): 9/10 – Absolutely LOVED it. Such atmosphere and tension Chabrol creates. What is amazing is that he creates this atmosphere and tension with such a leisurely pace and style. Very chilling and the way it kind of meanders into the tension.
– The Killer Inside Me (Winterbottom): 7/10 – I was intrigued going into this one to see how Winterbottom would adapt Jim Thompson’s classic pulp tale. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel like it lives up to the potential that was there. Having not read the original story, I suppose I’m not the best to judge such things, but it never felt as suspenseful or intense as it was trying to be. That said, I still heartily recommend seeing it for the performance of Casey Affleck. The man is probably my favorite actor working in Hollywood right now and he gives a very chilling performance here.
– The Lavender Hill Mob (Crichton): 9/10 – My favorite Ealing comedy that I have seen, even above Kind Hearts and Coronets. Granted, there are some other major ones I still need to watch (The Man in the White Suit and The Ladykillers), but if they are as good as this one I am in for a real treat.
I agree on your take of THE KILLER INSIDE ME. I liked the central performance, but it, as a whole, never added up.
I offered a one word reaction to it to a friend: ‘Insignificant’. Or maybe ‘incidental’ is more apt after thinking about it for a week. Either way it’s one of those.
I was really excited to see it too.
Dave, I think that the problem with TKIM is that the protagonist offers us nothing other than his sickness and none of the other characters are of any significance. Hence, it is quite a hollow work beneath its brutal façade. Ford appals us far more than he can ever inform us.
Dave: The Reds have has a sensational first half, and you have every reason to be optimistic. I have been following the baseball season because of the Yankees mainly and see what’s going on!
I absolutely love LAVENDER and FEMME INFIDEL too, and agree with those ratings as I do with the one on the other Chabrol. (I might even go with 9 on that too, I am not sure)
I haven’t seen that Winterbottom film yet, but hope to work around the festivals that are apparently dominating my summer. Your rating offers some home, though my wife and Broadway Bob were talking it down after seeing it the same night I saw WILD GRASS. We’ll see! Ha!
My deepest apologies for being late here!
Your countdown is truly fantastic!!!! I am really getting intrigued now.
So I saw WINTER’S BONE a second time (initiating a willing friend) and it was even better this time around. I can’t stop saying enough great things about the film — everyone should go see it if they can. I’m pretty sure it deserves a ***** rating and will undoubtedly land near the top of an end of the year list (right now, it is tops). Jennifer Lawrence is a revelation and writer/director Debra Granik is an auteur to watch. I can’t get that opening “Missouri Waltz” out of my head. I stand firm on my initial review:
http://davethenovelist.wordpress.com/2010/06/20/killing-kin-in-the-ozarks/
Meanwhile, after some gambling, some drinking, some unexpected reunions and run-ins, I watched on DVD:
The Eclipse – *** – Interesting combo of haunting/love story. Slow paced but compelling and gorgeous Irish scenery.
A Single Man – *1/2 – A gorgeously photographed but vapid and painfully banal look at one man’s grief. None of the characters were likable, though Colin Firth’s performance did its best to try to gain some semblances of sympathy from the viewer. Pretentious, inauthentic, glossy and superficial…there seemed to be not one note of truthfulness in this stream-of-conscious nonsense. Great, great photography though (like a picture book of 1960’s LA) and solid acting make it watchable — kinda like watching really really beautiful people dying in a train wreck (a really classy, you know, antique looking train wreck).
WOW. I have the A SINGLE MAN dvd coming from netflix. I saw it in the theaters and have wanted to revisit it ever since. To me it was a fantastic film…
Ah ha David, I see we have a major divergence here! As you may remember I had A SINGLE MAN in my Top 5, and found it achingly poignant, provocative and haunting, and a showcase for the best performance of Colin Firth’s career. The score was my choice for the year’s best too.
Still, you gathered your reactions and presented a compelling case, so that’s all that really counts.
I am with you on THE ECLIPSE pretty much down the line, but far more importantly I am absolutely with you lock, stock and barrel on WINTER’S BONE, which does contend for my #1 position with the likes of LOURDES, UN PROPHETE, TOY STORY 3, MADEMOISELLE CHAMBON, THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT, VINCERE and DOG POUND among others. I really can’t blame you for going bonkers. I want to see it a second time myself.
I hope you won!!!!
Sorry for the delay in the response, and thanks so much for the typically great wrap my friend!
Sam – ah, yes, I recall your talk of A SINGLE MAN — one of the reasons I gave it a shot was your raving about it. You are right — the score was great — maybe I should give it another half-star for that. My major qualm was with the characters. The only sympathetic (and compelling) character was Firth’s lover — he seemed like an OK-Joe just trying to live an honest life and find happiness, but all the rest were self-involved, pretentious prigs (Moore’s character especially). But there was much to admire on the surface (the photography et al).
This week, for this ex-Clevelander now in Chicago, was one thing and one thing only: LeBron’s gone.
As some know around here I’m a large NBA fan (I saw my first Cavs game in 1988 at age 8 and have been hooked ever since) and this was quite a blow. LeBron took me back to being 12–I was excited to watch him play, he’s magic between the lines of the hardwood. The greatest I’ve ever seen, and I lived through Jordan’s prime (the Cavs were often the brunt of Jordan’s greatness after all), and he happened to be from my area (I grew up about 30 minutes from where he did) and play for my team. Not anymore. I feel that I’ll never feel 12 years old watching sports again. Now this is probably both good and bad I suppose, it’s just the end of an era for me, and that area as a whole.
That and the player I love(d) on the court isn’t the extreme narcissist that wears street clothes anyway. In other words: LeBron with a jersey on is Superman playing basketball, all the other moments of a day he’s Clark Kent in street clothes– if Clark Kent was an egomaniac that you’d never want to encounter in real life. So maybe this eventual severing will be for the eventual good.
Now the hope becomes the ‘forever rebuilding’ Cleveland Browns. Jeez, I need a drink…
Jamie: I’m assuming this means you support Cleveland teams rather than those based in the Windy City, no? I can empathize with your passions here, as I had much the same for the New York Islanders hockey team (my friends and I literally travelled to other cities to watch them, not to mention season tickets for a number of years and several playoff runs oin the glory years) and continue a strong loyalty to the New York Yankees, listening to games on the car radio to and from the movie and theatre trips! Ha! But as far as the NBA goes, I did have short flings with the Knicks and Nets, and even attended a few games at Madison Square Garden. Why did I turn my back on the NBA and on basketball – a sport I played quite a bit in my younger days (I had a great fade-away bank shot and was a rugged rebounder, but wasn’t a very good defensive player) and supported mightily on a high school level? The NBA became redundant for me. Every game was decided in the closing minutes – you rarely knew who would win until the waning moments, and the game was dominated by inside dunking by giants. The teamwork aspect wasn’t there anymore. Yet, sollegiate basketball still intrigues me.
I fully understand what you say about LeBron being a different person than the one on the court and how a childhood affinity can continue. I’ve been there, and I feel for you my friend.
This is a wonderful, extraordinary anecdote from one of our most formidable deep-thinkers. Thanks Jamie!
Yeah, I was born and raised in Cleveland/NE Ohio until I moved to Chicago when I was 25. So I will root for Cleveland teams over all else until I die, at least the sports I care about.
I really like your basketball background bio: (I had a great fade-away bank shot and was a rugged rebounder, but wasn’t a very good defensive player, the jargon you use here it’s clear to me that you used to follow basketball at least a bit. ‘rugged’ is an apt term in basketball circles. My youth basketball days I always describe as having ‘Eric Snow’ type skills: little to no J, quick feet (an attribute from my soccer days), good defensive player, but ultimately to short. Oh, and as I got older I lost the ability to dribble with my right hand (at least to the point of being somewhat competitive).
I’m in a basketball league who’s season recently ended. My team went 3-7 and lost in the first round of the playoffs (every team advances to the post season). The sad part is I had to go to a rehearsal dinner in N.J. for a wedding and missed the playoff game. I was the third leading scorer on my team with 10-11 points a game. I’m 6 feet tall, but I have absolutely no dribble (mostly due to not playing much as a kid). I’m also a below average defender and rebounder lol. I basically play one side of the court. I’m a streaky jump shooter who can score on the break. I also am good at finding the holes in a defense and getting easy layups. I’ve lost a step and a half since hitting 30, but enjoy playing just for the exercise.
my rec. league playing now is strictly soccer, some outdoor but mostly indoor. any other sport I play (baseball, basketball, football, etc) is just pick up games in the park with friends.
Sam –
Greetings! I’ve been slammed with work lately; no time to blog for a few weeks now. But, as always, I appreciate the shout out for my no-longer-recent post.
That’s a lot of Anthony Mann you’ve seen lately. I’m anxious for “The Kids are All Right,” which is only playing in the city at this point. In the past week, I’ve managed to see “Toy Story 3,” “I Am Love,” and a heartwarming 2007 Israeli film called “The Little Traitor” which is enjoying a long, well-attended run at a nearby suburban arthouse. Has it been playing out your way? I’ve seen no reviews for it that I can recall. I really reveled in “I Am Love” – the oft-mentioned comparisons to Visconti and Douglas Sirk are particularly apt, and the John Adams musical score was amazing.
Other than that, we’ve enjoyed two wondeful programs at the Ravinia Festival recently: an evening of “Ring Cycle Hits” sung by Christine Brewer and John Trevleaven, and the July 3 broadcast of Prairie Home Companion with the delightful Garrsion Keillor and his troupe.
Yeah, Pat, I figured as much. I have been checking at your place very few days, but I know it’s tough to find the time with a full-time job and relationship. You did well to rise from the ashes my friend, and there will be times you can put together your typical high-quality stuff on the things I like myself!!!
Ah I knew you’d catch that John Adams score Pat (again we concur) which was quite an aural driving force behind that film, and excellent referenced comparisons there with Sirk and Visconti.
I’m assuming you liked TOY STORY 3, which is definitely one of my favorite films this year, and as far as that Israeli film goe, you are right – it has not opened in New York yet, but I’ll keep an eye out for it.
The Prairie Home Companion thing is always a joy, but the Ring Cycle hits (you are referring to Wagner here, right?) is always to die for! You have a great Ravinia Festival there!!!
As always a great week, and a great wrap and I thank you so much for it Pat!
Yes, Sam, I did love TOY STORY 3. Believe it or not, I’ve never seen the first two TOY STORY films, but that didn’t dampen my appreciation of this one at all. Those Pixar folks do amazing work. My only quibble is that I thought the 3D effects added almost nothing to the film.
And yes, I do mean Wagner’s “Ring Cycle” hits. I am a Wagner novice, but a good friend of ours is a Wagner afficianado and he talked us into coming along. I have to say the music is a bit much for me (my tastes tend towards Bach and Mozart) but I would love to one day see a film version of the Ring Cycle, with mature operatic voices dubbed into the mouths of appropriately young and gorgeous actors! Our next Ravinia concert is the Stephen Sondheim 80th Birthday Celebration concert wtih Patti LuPone, Audra MacDonald, George Hearn and Michael Cerveris on the 31st – can’t wait!
That Sondheim with LuPone is to die for Pat!!! I hope you’ll write about it at DOODAD KIND OF TOWN. Yeah, Wagner is not to everyone’s taste for sure, but yes anything from the Ring Cycle is ravishingly beautiful as you picked up. Heck Mozart and Bach? I’m with you there too!
I completely agree with you on the 3D for TOY STORY 3. I saw it both ways and actually preferred the 2D. Go figure. Anyway, I knew you’d love the film!
Hey Sam. Still jealous about all those Mann viewings you’ve been able to take in on the big screen (even if there wouldn’t be a chance I’d have the time to watch them if they were in my neck of the woods).
I dabbled a bit this week in trying to finish up my 2000’s viewings, while also checking in on a few more horror films in the meantime.
SLUGS * – Jamie touted this one to me and it was worth it for just how laughably bad it was, with some of the most wooden acting I’ve ever seen.
DOWNFALL ***** – I’ll agree with the consensus around here that this is one of the best films of the 00’s. Easily the best film portrayal of Hitler ever by Ganz.
FAR FROM HEAVEN ****1/2 – Another fantastic film, with melodrama that is emotional without being sappy. I’ve not seen any Sirk, so I can’t really compare it to the works it homages.
HOUR OF THE WOLF ***1/2 – I really wanted to like this more than I did, as Bergman has the seed of a great idea and there are several fantastic scenes, but it fell into the problem of a bit too much navel gazing. However, I’m willing to watch this one again and see if it raises in my estimation.
ZEDER ***1/2 – A fun little horror film from Pupi Avati (HOUSE WITH LAUGHING WINDOWS) that deals with all kinds of supernatural events and is pretty much the same story as PET CEMETERY (but miles better than that horrible movie).
MEMENTO **** – I had to watch this again after seeing it pop up in Allan’s top 20. It’s a fun movie, well made, with a unique gimmick and a very good mystery at its core, but it just doesn’t hold up to repeat viewings as well as I thought it might, nor does it seem worthy of the high praise I’ve seen other laud it with.
Troy: I should really be ashamed of myself for being obsessive to this extent, but that’s me. It has been quite an enjoyable ride though. I see you have marched forward again with amazing stamina and focus once again yourself!
SLUGS? I will hold Jamie accountable for this! Ha!
Just kidding. Well, I haven’t seen it, but I see what you are saying.
Well you know I am a FAR FROM HEAVEN junkie, and I must say I’m thrilled that you saw it and like dit quite a bit to boot!!! As you know there is no film I promote more.
And DOWNFALL is another great one, with that spectacular Ganz lead performance. I haven’t seen ZEDER, but I have seen Pupi’s HOUSE WITH THE LAUGHING WINDOWS and like that one. I own the Image DVD.
I am completely with you on MEMENTO, and even like it a bit less, (I’ve stated my case on other threads) but yes it has many supporters here at Wonders, including Allan (who placed it high on his countdown).
You are right with HOUR OF THE WOLF. There isn’t really a Bergman film I dislike, but HOUR is a disjointed and oddly unsatisfying film, even with soem brilliant moments and technical craftsmanship. It’s not a Bergman that stands with his best for sure.
As always, terrific and much-appreciated wrap Troy! I will look for a version of this at your place!
Oh, I am accountable on SLUGS. I believe my recommendations was like this: “one of the 5 or so greatest bad movies ever made”
Seriously though, that’s a great bad movie even among other bad movies. A few buddies, beers, and an empty evening can not be spent better (sadly all my friends are getting married and watching these type of films alone is a REAL chore).
I like HOUR OF THE WOLF quite a bit (as troy now knows) and I consider it over many perceived Bergman masterpieces… it seems about as personal as he ever got. But I like my Bergman like that. My favorite of his is probably THE SILENCE, though I know he probably made better films.
this week among other horror films, I watched THE PYJAMA GIRL CASE. It’s not that great, but giallo fans would love it (it is a giallo after all)… and if it was a little better would be a milestone of the genre I believe. I like when giallo’s go a little further, or are oddballs (in in already odd genre this says a lot), this one does but it just doesn’t attain ‘great’ status. Though there are some fantastic images, and an old Ray Milliard (!) is in it. THE CELL, and BAD RONALD (both of these where third and second viewings respectively) .
Jamie: I can’t blame you for loving HOUR OF THE WOLF. It’s bizarre expressionism is actually something Bergman didn’t do all that much, and the film remains a singular experience in more ways than one.
Yeah, I knew you hated SLUGS! Ha!
Thanks a lot Sam for the mention.
Hey Shubhajit! Thanks for stopping in! Hope that all is well in your new residence my friend!
Thanks as always Sam, for the mention.
I know my latest piece is a little long but I’d welcome your thoughts if you have any spare time.
Thanks.
This week I have been supporting Holland in the World Cup and catching up on some Anime.
Hey Stephen!
Great hearing from you! To be truthful, I would have definitely gotten to your new post yesterday, but I got tied up with something, and had to leave for the Mann festival. But today I will be happy to read and appraise it!
Ah, Holland, they came ever so close!
Thanks as always my good friend.
Hi! Sam Juliano,
Thank-you, so very much…For the very kind and generous words…I guess turn about is “fair play” and I must admit that DeeDee…has spoken about you, (Sam Juliano) Allan, (Fish) Tony, (d’Ambra) Alexander, (Coleman) and others…in only a positive and
hold each one of you, in very high regards and she most definitely, think of each and everyone of you, as “beacons that lights” her way…when every it gets “dark.” (In other words, whenever she turn off the light to watch a film in the dark that was recommended by Allan Fish, and the countless of other film critics’ or commenter’s here at Wonders in the Dark. )
She also mentioned how she have acquired a new appreciation for films (from every era be it The Silent Era, Classic Period, and Current Films)…with every visit to your blog site. (Wonders in the Dark)
By the way, Sam Juliano, she also asked me to mentioned something about 4M forever…I don’t know what that mean…and if the truth be told I’am almost to afraid to ask her what do that mean……4M forever…indeed!
In parting, Sam Juliano, I would like to say…Merci beaucoup, and even though…parting is such sweet sorrow I bid you… adieu!
Artesmia, I am unfamiliar with what 4M forever means but I am hoping it is a statement of eternal friendship. Whatever blogging your dear sister can manage will always be greatly appreciated in these parts, but more than that our friendship is indeed forever.
My deepest apologies to Dave, David, Judy, Pat, Artesmia and a few others for taking an unsually long time to respond to your great submissions at this thread. Actually I do not, nor have ever found this to be a chore, as I do love to read and respond at this weekly forum, but this week have been stymied due to my attendance at the Anthony Mann festival on Monday night and our weekly pasta night at my home on Tuesday. I am teaching summer school during the day, so my time over the past few days has been scarce. I will absolutely get to all of the comments still unaddressed by tonight, but this afternoon I will be attending (with my son Danny) a 1:00 P.M. screening of REIGN OF TERROR and a 2:40 P.M. showing of SIDE STREET at the Film Forum.
JUST A NORMAL AFTERNOON IN MANHATTAN!!!!!!!!!!!
I just returned from NYC with my son Danny after a very normal afternoon in the Big Apple. Of course I did see Anthony Mann’s REIGN OF TERROR (THE BLACK BOOK) and SIDE STREET, but when I dashed to my car to fill the muni-meter with quarters for the second film (during the day you can only park for two hours as opposed to the evening where time is unlimited–that’s why I go at night the vast majority of the time) and lo and behold there was a $65 ticket on my windshield as I got back to the car 6 minutes late due to a mental time miscalculation. NYC is the only place in the world where you would pay that much money for a slight parking violation. My entire annual Film Forum membership for two people to get in at $6 instead of $12, is $110.00. Depressing.
And then about a third of the way through the impressive noir SIDE STREET, a loud commotion was taking place about eight rows behind Danny and me, where an elderly man was beating up on another man who appeared to be somewhat younger. The younger man was wrestled and pushed over the seats into the row behind, with profanity wafting through the air! Unbelievable. Eventually Film Forum workers helped to calm everything down.
I am leaving now for the city again to drive Lucille, Melanie and Broadway Bob to a play that was a present for Melanie. I will NOT be going to the play, as I wasn’t part of this equation, so I hope to find an internet cafe to get some blogging in. Ha!
Yikes, $65 for six minutes sounds appalling, especially with a disturbance in the cinema for good measure. I’m glad to hear that at least the movie was impressive, but what an afternoon for you, Sam.
Hi! Sam Juliano…
Wow…My sister mentioned what a very busy man you are…
…What is the saying…Instead of, “seeing” is believing…in this case “reading” is believing…eh?
I ‘am so very sorry…to read that you received a parking ticket…unbelievable, but yet very believable $65.00 …Wow!
Does the city of Manhattan know what you…I take that back what I can do with $65.00…down payment on some Jimmy Choo shoes.
Sam, I ‘am so sorry to read about the incident in the theatre…especially, during the screening of Mann’s Side Street and with your son, Danny presence or in attendance too.
I hope that it did not ruin his movie experience and hopefully, The Film Forum will screen the film again, and (your son, Danny) will get a second chance to view the film in a more peaceful environment.
By the way, my sister, like the film “Side Street” too…its part of her film noir collection. (I ‘am quite sure if she was in attendance when the commotion occurred she would have start crying…Now, I on the other hand, would have just stood up and shouted…Soyez tranquille … S’il vous plaît!…Just kidding…I think! 🙄 )
…Sam Juliano, I hope that your wife, daughter, and friend Broadway Bob…enjoy the play this evening…and I hope that you,
locate an internet cafe.
{Postscript: I really like Jimmy Choo’s yellow (Hunter)rainboot and mocassin called Whitby… I own some tall Hunter-green rain boots from Landsend…Personally, I can’t imagine spending that kind of, money on shoes…Oh! well, c’est la vie,}
Merci,
Jimmy Choo’s Shoes
Artesmia: It was a bad experience, no doubt about it. I am back in Manhattan right now at a TLC Lite Choice cafe that has a half-dozen internet monitors here (on the corner of 21st Street and 8th Avenue) trying to finish my responses to the gracious people who have have kept waiting here due to circumstances beyond my control, I’m afraid.
Actually Danny didn’t see that much as it was dark enough, but I got a good look at the altercation. The main aggressor seemed to be in his mid 60’s, and the other guy maybe 50. Anyway, I have done very well the last few years on the ticket front. There was a time in my youth when I accumulated quite a few over the course of a year due to irresponsible behavior, but I cleaned up my act. This was the first one I got in quite some time, but clearly I committed a time blunder. I very much appreciate your conern. You are exactly like your beloved sister.
By the way, tell your sister I haven’t gotten to some e mails including one from her. I have even neglected to answer my very good friend Dave Hicks, but will do so soon. Tell her that I have not mailed back the Meillias DVDs, but will await her address instructions before doing so.
In any case, Danny and some of the other kids will be attending some of the Chaplin films with me, so any memory of this altercation will be erased.
I must ask Lucille about Jimmy Choo’s shoes! Thanks for that link!
Again, please give my fondest regards to your dear sister Dee Dee for me!
Hi! Sam Juliano,
I can see that my “relation”…did a very good job covering for me…(Nice job, Artsy!) seeing that I ‘am so very busy with other business or task at this moment…
…Sam, there is one little problem when it comes to the Monday Morning Diary…I do not know where her thoughts begin and my thoughts end in that Monday morning round up…
I may have to look at that and straighten that out…Artesmia said, “I ‘am quite sure if she was in attendance when the commotion occurred she would have start crying…”
Ha! ha, that’s not true…I may have “pouted,” but cried…“never” …Sam Juliano, thanks, for welcoming the relation and all the very kind compliments that you “threw” my way too…
I hope that all is well with you, Allan, and your families…and all the commenter’s’ and their families too…here at Wonders in the Dark.
Yay!
I ‘am the 100th commenter on this thread…Woot! Woot!
DeeDee 😉 🙂