by Sam Juliano
The devastation is real, and the heartbreaking photos and personal stories have painted a bleak picture. The New Jersey shore, and sections of Staten Island, Long Island and Brooklyn were decimated, and the human loss and financial damage has diminished every other aspect of life, typically bringing on questions about mortality and perspective. Here in Fairview, New Jersey (just minutes west of the Hudson River and Manhattan) the town is still beset with power outages, with about 50% still in the dark. (update: On Sunday night at the posting of this MMD, the town is about 85% back) My 82 year-old father remains without heat (he was restored this morning) as the temperatures plummeted to the 30’s, and I finally convinced him to spend a weekend night in Lucille’s School, which is the only one in town that has power until Friday. I waited almost three hours to fill my car gas tank, and witnessed tempers flaring and line cheaters all over the place. It even took a half hour waiting on a line for a cup of coffee. The domino effect has impacted every aspect of one’s daily routine, and the storm’s aftermath is really all everyone has been thinking about. This sad reality won’t be disappearing anytime soon. The only silver lining for many of us in this northern New Jersey community is that we didn’t get anywhere near the amount of rain that was expected, and as a result our basements were bone dry. This scenario was much different last year when the Halloween snowstorm caused power outages that ultimately flooded basements, my own included. Manhattan movie theaters have been closed, though lower Manhattan has slowly been getting power back. The classic movie mecca, the Film Forum has been closed all week, though Broadway theaters have been moving back into action. But putting things into proper perspective, it almost seems like a guilty focus to think too hard on it, as so many have so much more on their plate at this time. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my dear friends and close blogging associates for the e mails of concern and support. The overwhelming majority of those associated with the comedy countdown have sent me personal e mails during and after the storm, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation. The compassion and concern sent my way has been extraordinary. The first photo taken near our high school is captured on a video that boggles the mind. I have it up as the first comment of this thread. This is right alongside the high school I attended, and the one my two oldest kids presently are students at.
Tomorrow is Presidential Election Day stateside, and the end of six months of endless adds and political polling and analysis is reaching the end. We are all Barack Obama supporters here at Wonders in the Dark, and I again offer up the site endorsement for his re-election. We believe Mr. Obama won two of the three debates, and will carry the election in the all-important Electoral College, even if Romney should edge out the President in the popular vote. A big question remains as what effect Hurricane Sandy’s aftermath will have on some of the polling places in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. I am hoping next week’s Diary will be highly celebratory. Over in the U.K., Allan favors Obama as by far “the lesser of two evils” while both Joel Bocko and Mark Smith have early voted for the Democrat. Dennis Polifroni too has a very strong preference for the President has has made some impressive arguments. Same for Jason Giampietro in Brooklyn.
Needless to say, we in the NYC area have had to deal with this terrible event over the past week, and watching movies was not part of the equation. I’d love to hear from those of our friends who did manage some viewings.
Lucille, Broadway Bob and I did get over to the recovering Manhattan on Saturday night, attending an 8:00 P.M. showing of THE DETAILS with Toby Maguire. This black comedy overlap was laughable (and not in a good way) and Maguire was horribly miscast.
The Details * 1/2 (Saturday night) Angelika Film Center
Links will return next week.
The transformer explosion next to Cliffside Park High School was miraculously captured on video!
Jesus Christ.
This video has been a hit on you tube. Blood-curdling, when one considers how bad it could have really turned out. Fairview and Cliffside Park are among the few districts in Bergen County that do have school in session today. I read that there are 57 of the 73 Bergen County school districts closed today. And another fairly major nor’easter is heading this way for Wednesday, which could severely complicate the situation further.
The Republicans are now saying Pennsylvania is in play. If so this could spell disaster for Obama, but frankly I can’t see it happening. The President has held a constant lead in that state right along. The only thing that could hurt Obama are the areas that are still out from the storm. Most of these are Democrat areas.
Aye Jaimie – that’s a valid response there!!!!
Thanks Peter for those remarkable stats. It’s incredible that so many power outages were outstanding this morning to force all those school closings. And yes the damage from that disaster could have been catastrophic. I think the idea that Romney has shot in Pennsylvania is as Axlerod says a ‘desperate maneuver’ in view of the numbers in Ohio not adding up for him. I am even thinking at this point that Virginia is Obama’s and Florida very much in play.
Thanks as always my friend.
Hopefully we can put this whole sad period behind us in the near future. I spent all of Saturday volunteering by bringing food to Rockaway and parts of Brooklyn like Red Hook and Coney Island. I did see one film in the theaters today and two at home during the week…
Argo ****
Oslo August 31st ****1/2
The Girl ***
Aye Maurizio, we want to put it behind us badly, though there is some concern over a follow-up nor’easter that may hit us on Wednesday. We can only keep our fingers crossed. That was a fantastic service you performed, and I salute you for it! Now that is the way to perform for those who were unfortunate. Bravo my friend! I did figure you would go for ARGO, and the strong rating confirms it. As far as American films go I’d say it was one of the best of this year. Completely agree on THE GIRL, which I even went a half star less on. OSLO is simply one of the best films of this year! A top 10 for sure. Thanks as always my friend, and hope and anticipate we’ll all be smiling from ear to ear tomorrow night when the President is re-elected!
Wow I am surprised both you and Sam are so big on Oslo. I saw that at home a few months ago and was very underwhelmed by it. It seemed very satisfied with itself, very predictable, filmed with an air of condescension both for the characters in the film and for the audience. It had nothing to offer from a cinematic language or from a thematic angle.
Jon, you and I rarely disagree, and even rarer still disagree to this extent. But here is an instance where we are on completely different floors. Not only do I find this spectacularly-reviewed film one of the best films of the year, but a viable contender for the top spot. It’s an acute, heart-breaking character study, that uses the magnifying glass to examine a prism of resignation, loss and guilt, and in the end it moves mountains. Trier’s direction is observational and compassionate, Jacob Ihre’s stylish cinematography establishes mood and setting compellingly, and the central performance of Anders Danielsen Lee is provocative and and underlined with verisimilitude. I understand the hows and whys of not liking a film that everyone else loves as it has happened to me more than a few times this year. But for me this one really matters.
Oh I definitely get your point of view Sam. I also realize it’s gotten a lot of praise. For me, I never felt anything for the character….was at a distance from him even though the film seemed to be asking for me to care for him. His journey and outcome were telegraphed and I knew what was going to happen from the get go. Once it got to the end I was like, yep sure enough. I also felt like the film asks us to feel for this guy, even though he does not deserve it. We’re expected to perhaps feel like rehab and society and the state have abandoned this guy….so what? The film for me fails to draw upon any importance either within the character in question, or in a thematic way. The topic of addiction has been done sooooo many times. The whole heroin angle feels very 1990s. I thought the direction was manipulative and anti-climactic, and is presumptive that one can engage with the film through this character. This guy doesn’t care….then why should I? The film’s structure doesn’t allow me to ever view him in a positive light, or even in a sympathetic light…..there are never any examples for why I should care, other than that he is a human being. That’s far too general and I’m not that generous of a movie-watcher to give this guy or this film the benefit of the doubt. I found the whole thing to be a vapid exercise in prolonged predictability.
Sam, glad to hear you got your power back on. The scenes on TV have been unfathomable. As a former New Yorker, in my heart I will always be a New Yorker, it was heartbreaking to see the destruction, the desperation and the sadness. I have been able to contact some of my cousins who still live in New Jersey or Staten Island and most have only gotten power back within the last day or so. My 92 year old Aunt was still without power as of this morning according to her son who managed to hook up a generator to get her some heat. Sadly, she has dementia and has no idea what is going on.
It’s going to be a long fight back for many and I wish all the best. I managed to se four films this week. Below are some thoughts…
Flight (****1/2) Definitely a different direction for filmmaker Robert Zemeckis. This is an on the edge of your seat, nerve twisting thriller. Denzel Washington pilots a plane, and along with his life, are both spiraling downward and out of control due to his alcoholism and drug abuse. While the crash is an extremely thrilling, rough and frightening ride, you may never want to ride in a plane again, most of the film deals with its aftermath and Washington’s addiction and his refusal to come face to face with it. Denzel is excellent but John Goodman steals the show in a small part as his drug supplier.
The Kid from Brooklyn (**12/) Early Danny Kaye film based on Harold Lloyd’s THE MILKY WAY. Some good scenes in between plenty of mediocre musical numbers. The one entertaining number is the fast talking, double talking, word twisting, “Pavlova,” written by his wife Sylvia Fine. Eve Arden also excels with some wonderful lines.
All The King’s Men (*****) Strong film on power and corruption with a commanding performance by Broderick Crawford as Willie Stark, a poor backwoods, idealistic young man out to fight for the disadvantaged against the corrupt politicians in his local county. We watch as Stark goes from a idealistic innocent man of the people to a corrupt political realist.
Airport (**1/2) I gave this film an extra 1/2 star purely for it great snow scenes. I have a fondness for movies with snow scenes and this entire movie takes place during one major storm. That said, this is a cornball piece of trash cinema, and can be enjoyable on that level, but actors like Lancaster, Helen Hayes, George Kennedy must have been in this purely for the paycheck. In many ways a typical glossy, bloated Ross Hunter production.
John—
I know well you are a New Yorker to your core, and I know how disconcerting this storm was to you for all kinds of reasons, including the concern for the safety of relatives. They had predicted it would be a calamity, and it turned out they were accurate. Everything came together to bring the worst scenario-the full moon, the other two cold fronts, the storm surges, the widespread power outages. Young people will certainly remember this for the rest of their lives. But yes, full recovery from this calamity will take months. Thanks so much for the kind words and support.
AIRPORT? Everything you say is true, though as a guilty pleasure this offers some degree of fun. Mind you *** tops (your rating is hard to dispute) but I always get a kick out of Helen Hayes. (the Oscar was preposterous though!) Yes ALL THE KING’S MEN is a major American classic, and much appreciate the great framing. Wow, you really liked FLIGHT, eh? I hope to see this soon! As far as THE KID FROM BROOKLYN, you are dead-on as far as I’m concerned.
Thanks again my friend! Have a great week!
Hi! Sam Juliano, Allan, WitD writers, and readers…[and to all people who live in all the areas affected by Hurricane Sandy.]
I hope that you soon will be on the road to recovery. First Of all, Sam Juliano, Thanks, for sharing what is currently, happening in the area in which you, and some Of the WitD readers as well as writers live…Now, when it comes to the images they are…horrific!
Secondly,
I’m so happy that your father decided to follow your advice and seek shelter in a warm and safe place.
Finally, I’m happy that you,your family,and friends are all safe…However, I do send my condolence to all the people [living in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy] who lost family and friends during the Hurricane.
On a somewhat “lighter” note: To add insult to injury you, Mrs.Lucille Juliano, and Broadway Bob, had to sit through Toby Maguire in the film called The Details [which obviously rated a * 1/2 on your Richter scale.]
Once again, Thanks, for sharing and I hope that you, your family, friends, and all those who were affected by Hurricane Sandy can return back to some form Of normalcy in your lives.
deedee
Dee Dee—-
Again I can’t thank you enough for your exceeding words of concern and good will. Yes the photos and that horrifying video are part of the proof, but so many have been displayed and devastated. Our school psychologist, Dr. Leanne McLean lost both her cars and the water reached the first floor of her home in flood-ravaged Little Ferry, New Jersey, a town only 12 minutes west of us. We were very fortunate in Fairview to be spared water damage. It was all about wind here, but that was ferocious. Yes, my father finally heeded my urgings and agreed to spend one night at Lucille’s school (where I actually am right now responding to you) which was extremely necessary with the temperatures dropping into the 30’s. My father lives in my own town just minutes from my house, but he was unlucky as far as quick restoration went. But yes, when you think what others lost you can count yourself fortunate. I had never figured the NYC area to get such a monstrous storm, but this is another wake-up call to the changing weather patters. I know a few teachers who lost their Jersey shore homes. It’s beyond words. And yes, a bad movie over the weekend to boot! Ha! Thanks again. Your deep concern is cherished my friend!
Sam – I have been thinking about you and your family a lot during Sandy and am so glad you are all ok and your property undamaged. The physical and psychological damage will take time to heal, but know you’re not alone. I hope things get back to normal sooner rather than later. We’ll all be here to help keep your spirits up!
Marilyn
Marilyn—
Thanks so very much for your deepest concern, and I know well you and Shane were thinking of us all. We were indeed very fortunate that we didn’t sustain severe damage, averting the water we expected in our basement when the sun pump was disabled by the power loss. Incredibly, we got a ton of water last year during the Halloween snowstorm, but nothing now. I agree that the physical/psychological damage can’t be set aside so easily. There was real fear here for days, and so much uncertainty, what will friends and families in the war zones. It is extremely unusual to get this here, but it’s a wake up call for sure. Our schools here in Fairview opened today, though as Peter has confirmed, we were only one of 16 districts of the 73 in Bergen County that were able to do so. Again I thank you for your kind words, concern and support my friend!
I went without power myself from Monday to Saturday, thus keeping me from writing my piece this week. As for what I saw– I checked out “Cloud Atlas” again to get a better impression of it (I still think it’s pretty good, but I’ll get to my reservations later, maybe), and saw the new documentary “The Flat”, which was interesting. I also saw a screening of John Frankenheimer’s “Seven Days in May” just this afternoon at the Jacob Burns center presided over by Jonathan Demme. It’s an okay film, not as good as the classic “Manchurian Candidate”, but it’s definitely improved on the big screen versus television, and the Q&A was worthwhile at least.
Bob—-
That was a long stretch for you I know. You were very unlucky, but at least no property damage. I know this kept you from your piece, and I was figuring the root of the problem. I’m not a fan of CLOUD ATLAS, but have agreed to see it again and applaud your solid response. I did like the documentary THE FLAT quite a bit (I saw it at Tribeca earlier this year) and envy you for seeing the Frankenheimer under Demme’s hosting. I love the Jacob Burns Film Center, and once got to ask Demme a question during a screening of BALTHAZAR, which was also part of the weekly series that the Frankenheimer was included on. Great to hear the Q & A was well worth it. Thanks very much my friends, great to see you can finally get on with your life now.
Well you know Sammy when I used to drive down to Target I would see those trees by the high school and I said that someone should look into them because they could be dangerous if they fell and when I told Paulie and other people that trees should not be allowed to grow so high nobody said I was right but now you see what I was talking about. What if there was a group of kids leaving the high school right when the tree fell down? It’s a devastation but the truth is people don’t want to plan for devastations they just want to be shocked when they happen but when they do happen can you really be that surprised? In Florida we know a lot about hurricanes here because they happen and when I moved in my neighbor Marjorie said what you need to do is get a flashlight, get a lot of batteries and get water and canned goods and make a disasters kit so that’s what I did I was prepared and people don’t always want to be prepared. This is a tragic situation but Christie is doing a great job I saw on the news when he was interviewed he was very confident and people made a big thing about him riding in the helicopter with Obama that he was abandoning his party but what can he do Obama is the president and it will all be forgotten tomorrow once Romney wins, people won’t hold it against Christie because he did what he had to do. It’s all over the news down here in Florida, the polls have mostly been focusing on the minority groups because they are the swing voters, they have not focused on the white upper class people because they all know who they are voting for already, they don’t wanna waste their time. So on the news down here they say you can give Romney an extra ten to fifteen percent based on the polls and that will be enough. I am sorry because I know you and many other people are liberal but Obama has not done enough for the economy and at the end of the day that is what matters because with money you can solve problems. And Obama is soft on Iran and he doesn’t back Israel enough and without the Jewish vote he only has minorities and people know that they don’t usually turn out at the polls even when they say they are going to. I am glad that you and Lucille and the children are safe because I was concerned I was going to call but I didn’t want to tie up the phone lines because in case your father needed to call you you didn’t need to be on the phone with me because you have the news you know that I am safe here down in Florida. I wish you and the people of New Jersey and New York who were affected by the hurricane prosperity and good fortune in the near future. Peace and Blessings.
Not as dangerous as if you fell on people, Jack. Or indeed continued to breathe…
You know, its comments like this that make me glad that Jack (who only lived a few minutes from my home and frequently sat in with me and Sam for Thursday nite dinners) moved hundreds of miles away from us here in Jersey (he’s now infecting the poor state of Florida, which I try to cut from travel plans when I vacation away from home). The level of imbecility that Jack still displays never ceases to amaze me and cause my stomach to flip-flop. I can remember occasions that Jack was, reluctantly, invited to and the memories of their destruction by his presence has me hoping for the same kind of mind wipe Jim Carrey undergoes in ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND or someone sympathetic enough to lend me a firearm to help unload my brain all over the new curtains I just put up in my apartment. The thought of having to read one of these idiotic rambling essays could make a good man go violent.
I’ve not met Jack so am at a disadvantage as all I have to go on is his comments at this site — which in the past I’ve enjoyed immensely for what I consider to be their satire. If, on the other hand, his comment above is on the level, I suppose there’s a tad cause for concern. . . .
Trust me, Pierre…
There is enough cause for concern when it comes to Jack that were he to ever again visit the state of New Jersey weds be having a fund-raiser to procure enough money to get him the much needed electro-shock therapy he is in demand of…
That and a can of under-arm deodorant.
electro-shock therapy
Oh no – you mean we’d have to call in Dr. Sugar (Monty Clift) from Lion’s View?
and a can of under-arm deodorant
Well, I do drawn the line when it comes to personal hygiene.
Unfortunately Jack has NEVER drawn the line on personal hygiene or social grace. He smells like a bag of assholes and often drank chicken soup as a beverage when he used to attend a local buffet restaurant in order save on springing for sodas.
Some would call him a sad, sad, sack. I only call him a sad representation of humanity. Whenever I finsihed a session of time in his company the only thing I could think afterwards was: “There’s two hours of my life that I’ll never get back.”
I’ve suggested solutions to remedy all the ills that Jack has provided me and many of other people in my neighborhood. However, a can of gasoline and a box of “single strike” matches was always turned down.
Pity… All I keep thinking of is all the money I wasted on marshmallows.
Well, all I can do is reiterate that I’ve enjoyed Jack’s comments in the past. He doesn’t seem like the type of guy to jump in and defend himself.
If Jack Marsh ever leaves his Florida swamp, or wherever the hell he hangs around these days, state borders will have to impose quarantine. The man is a walking advert for euthenasia.
Jack—
You are always welcome to comment, and you certainly had me going here tonight. The way it looks your man Romney will fall short (thank goodness for that!) though he may well carry your home state of Florida. Your observations and warnings about the storm are sobering, and yes it does look like there is a new friendship budding there with Christie and Obama. I suspect if you lived up here Christie would be your man. You certainly have me thinking about the visit to Target and seeing all those trees by the high school. Ha! Thanks for the engaging response my friend! We;ll have to touch bases when the election is over!
I’m hoping that things in your area, Sam, continue to improve so that you can return to your regular routine. Glad to hear you’re all safe.
During the week I saw Cloud Atlas, which I found entertaining and enjoyable though of uneven quality, and Seven Psychopaths, which I also enjoyed despite Martin McConagh’s occasional tendency to get a little precious when it comes to plot twists and turns.
I’m also hearing tidbits here and there about the embellishments of truth in Argo, which tend to chip away bits of my regard for the film. I realize that many many films embellishment true events to make a more compelling narrative, but when I hear, for example, that the climactic sequence on the airport runway never happened at all, I sigh.
Pierre—
With school having resumed today I’d say we have a semblence of the old routine back, but it’s sobering to know that so many in the county are still waiting for their power at a time when the temperatures are plummeting in the 30’s. It will be a madhouse tomorrow with the election, and here in town because of two of the schools not getting power until the weekend they have moved two of the polling places to the public library. I’ll be out tomorrow on the election beat.
I did rather like SEVEN PSYCHOPATHS too. You offer a telling insight on it. CLOUD ATLAS was problematic for me, but I can see why a good deal of it would still entertain. At some point I’ll tune in again and see what else I can make of it. I read your submission here earlier today, though I am only now responding, but I did tell someone at the Democratic worker’s meeting who approached me afterwards about ARGO and conveyed to him what you relate here about the airport scene. As said person really liked the film he kind of agreed on what you say about the inevitability of embellishments. I still think it’s one of the better American films of this foreign cinema-dominated year to this point, but your obnservations here are food for thought to say the least. Thanks as always my friend. I’ll be touching bases with you later today on the election!
Pierre—
Rachel Maddow was at the top of her game tonight with her expose on the ‘people of color’ and how they must guard against disenfranchisement, and how one could hardly expect Obama to undue teh damage in four years what the Republican accomplished in many terms.
Sam, so glad you are all safe and I do hope things return to normal in your area as quickly as possible. The photos and the video clip you have put up of the transformer exploding are shocking sights indeed. We will be following your election closely and hoping Obama wins – I must say that I think there is a lot more interest in the US election here than there is in our first UK elections for police commissioners, an idea copied from your side of the Atlantic! I will vote, but a low turnout is expected.
This weekend my daughter came home from her job in London and she and I went to Aldeburgh Poetry Festival, where we heard several poetry readings together. I also heard a talk by actor Greg Wise and poet Christopher Reid about how they adapted Reid’s poem ‘The Song of Lunch’ for a short TV film starring Emma Thompson and Alan Rickman. The film was then shown on a big screen. It is a bitter-sweet tale of old flames meeting up over a boozy long lunch, and I found it compelling viewing.
Still with films, at home I watched ‘Algiers’ (1938), which I was very interested to see after having seen the French original, ‘Pépé le Moko’, a few months back – I definitely prefer the French film, but found it fascinating to see how the different personalities of the actors in this one, with Charles Boyer taking on Jean Gabin’s part, and some slight changes affect the feeling of it. There is an interesting review at Rod Heath’s blog where he discusses how ‘Algiers’ bridges the gap between French and American noir. Speaking of which, I also saw a low-budget noir which is in the same DVD set as ‘Algiers’, Tay Garnett’s ‘Cause for Alarm!’ (1951), starring Loretta Young as a wife whose neurotic, dying husband is trying to frame her for his own murder.
I also saw ‘Smiles of a Summer Night’ (1955), which I loved, after reading R.D. Finch’s review here, and, last but not least, Lubitsch’s ‘Angel’, (1937) an underrated sophisticated romantic comedy with Marlene Dietrich torn between Herbert Marshall and Melvyn Douglas – hoping to put a review of that one up at my blog later today.
I do hope this is a better week for you and all in your area, Sam, and here is wishing all the best to all at Wonders.
Judy—
Thanks so much for the very kind words and concern! Yes the video clip is chilliong, especially when you consider that traveling cars barely got through beforehand. There are too many stories of handship, deprivation and destruction to relate here, but as someone who has been foloowing the sad events you know the extent of it. Interesting what you say there about the UK following the US system with the commisioner vote! I am already hearing some ugly reports of voter suppression of minorities in some of the states conducting the early voting, and typically it is targeted at the minorities by “Republican” officials. It does sicken me. But as I say I am optimistic on the outcome despite these despicable tactics. The poetry festival does sound like a big winner Judy! And that follow up film to boot. Fantastic! I have seen CAUSE FOR ALARM and liked it, and have always had the highest regard for PEPE LE MOKO, and still like ALGIERS well enough. Great to hear you watched Bergman’s SMILES OF A SUMMER NIGHT, which was brilliantly reviewed by R.D. Finch for the countdown! I am looking forward to your review of Lubitsch’s ANGEL at MOVIE CLASSICS! As to the rest of the week I do believe things will steadily improve, and a happy result later tonight would be the perfect start. Thanks as ever my friend! Your responses here are always cherished!
Sam,
I have not been a big follower of the blog as of late but I am very aware to the storms destruction and the constant need for power in many areas. If there is something else we can do for you please let us know.
Prayers and blessings!
Jeff—
I can’t thank you enough for stopping by my friend! Yes as you note the storm did bring mnisery to so many in this area. I know where you are too, and I am assuming you got your share as well. I appreciate the generous spirit and offer for help, and for the kindness. It’s at a time like this that one knows who her friends are. Thank you!
Wow, that transformer explosion could have been so much worse! Thank goodness someone wasn’t driving under it. My thoughts have been with you as we have had daily newscasts on Sandy and the election…I.m sur you’ve had your hands full just keeping the show on the road. Line jumpers! Reminds me of ‘War of the Worlds’.
As for films and TV,
Looper**** four stars out of four – is one of the handful of films that will be deemed one of the great films in decades to come. Both as a SF film and in general it hits it targets with a panache and style, and has powerful things to say about the human condition, the importance of raising children. It’s only the directors third film and just like Billy Wilder did with ‘Double Indemnity’ – he has hit the ball out of the park.
Killing them Softly**** is a crime thriller from Andrew Dominik which is his first film since ‘The Assassination of Jesse James’ and with the same star. A five year wait but it’s just as good and a powerful indictment of US capitalism with small time crime being dwarfed by the theft by Bankers in the background. A devastating and quite brilliant crime movie. The type of film that is the complete opposite of Tarantino – with depth and style and something to say about the real world.
Chopper*** – after ‘Killing them Softly’ – I had to go and watch the director’s first film, which reminded me of ‘Raging Bull’ – a close up and intimate view of a sociopath, very, very grubby and yet compelling, like watch a scorpion tearing though anything in it’s path.
Source Code** – a very good film which I dug up after having watched ‘Looper’, it zips along well with a feeling of ‘Groundhog Day’ but reminded me just as much of ‘The Twilight Zone’ pilot ‘Where is Everybody’. What lets it down is the optimistic ending which really doesn’t make any sense whatsoever and seems to have concocted by either the studio or a director without the courage to follow the natural incline of the storyline, which should have been the pulling of a plug and the fading of the cyber-life.
Have also been watching the new cgi episodes of ‘Star Trek’ which sometimes go over the top in their refurbishment and at others are just right. Another show that I’ve recently caught some episodes of is ‘Car 54, Where Are You?’ an early ’60s show starring Fred Gwynne and Joe E. Lewis, but it’s one criteria for being watched by anyone is that it was the second sitcom creation by one of the few geniuses to have worked in TV, Nat Hiken. The show is alive in the way that ‘Bilko’, ‘The Honeymooners’, ‘The Addams Family’, ‘The Dick Van Dyke show’ – i.e. it’s one of the best sitcoms of mid ’50s and early ’60s.
As for the election, I think Romney will steal it and by steal – I mean STEAL. They stole 2000 and 2004. The Koch brothers and other dirty tricksters have already disenfranchised the minority and youth vote by dubious voter fraud laws. We live in interesting times.
BOBBY-I recently procured every episode of the “classic” STAR TREK on Blu Ray and I have to say that I feel the new effects, in my opinion, greatly add to the experience. Seemlessly blended into each episode, the people behind the new CGI shots have faithfully recreated the feel of the original show while all the time detailing what has, in the past, only been seen as slight and poorly exectued with the technology of that time. Those involved were very careful to keep the simplicity in the designs of the spaceships and crafts and, yet, were correct and adventurous enough to layer enough detail into some of the lanscapes as to create a real illusion of reality. The lanscapes of the planet Vulcan, for instance, in the second season episode AMOK TIME, added greatly needed dimension to the set designs created for the show back in the late 60’s and enrich the scope of the show as originally intended by creator Gene Roddenberry. I think Mr. Roddenberry would have been smiling from ear to ear had he lived to see what the few tweeks todays special effects wizards did for this great classic of American television.
The HD presentation on Blu Ray, I must add, is absolutely astounding.
However, if you thought they looked good, you should invest some time into the episodes of the first season of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION they also, recently released in HD Blu-Ray… I got them in a few weeks back and I was floored by the picture qualirty and sound presentation in DTS.
As for both series on Blu???? They have, simply, never looked better!!!!!
Thanks Dennis for the heads up on the ST: TNG blu-ray release.
I really liked Chopper. Among other things it was a good introduction of Eric Bana to the US audience – in all his beefed-up glory.
Bobby—-
I can’t thank you enough for the deep concern for my family. As I did explain to others it was a trying time, and we feel all things considered that we were fortunate. The shore areas got pounded, and even two towns only about 12 minutes west of here were partially underwater. Low lying areas were sitting ducks. The power outages, long food and gas lines however, woke everyone to the reality that indeed THEY were affected. As of today Election Day, things in my immediate area are better and continuing to improve. Speaking of the election, wow, you do really believe the dark side will “steal” this one again? That is a dire outlook, but in the end you could well be right, with the election very close. To do this Romney would have to steal Pennsylvania or Ohio, two unlikely scenarios that could still occur if the Democrats don’t come out in sufficient numbers. Obama of course could still win if he were to carry either Virginia or Florida, but they are too close to call. I do agree with you that 2000 was stolen, though Kerry who I did vote for was more behind the eight ball in 2004. But you are right to site the GOP tactics, and word is it was happening again this morning in Florida with the voter suppression. Bobby, I love LOOPER, and regard it as one of the best American films of the year! Absolutely! I have not yet seen KILLING yet, but will as soon as I can. I did like CHOPPER with SOURCE CODE a bit less. I love the original STAR TREK EPISODES, and at some point down the line will upgrade to blu-ray. Thanks for the extensive insights! it’s always a treat to have you on this thread. I hope to be celebrating tonight with Obama’s re-election, but we will see. Thank you my friend!
DID ANYONE SEE LAST NIGHTS EPISODE OF “THE WALKING DEAD”????
HOLY SHIT! IT COULD HAVE WELL BEEN THE BEST SHOW OF THE SERIES SO FAR!!!!!!!!
Up there with Sofia coming out of the shed for sure. No cast member is safe on this show. I just hope my favorite character Darryl can make it to season four somehow lol. This season has been utterly brilliant. And Boardwalk Empire has slowly picked up the last two episodes as well.
MAURIZIO,
I think this one blew the Sophia/Barn Massacre out of the water and the reaction of Rick towards Carl, and what it means, was devastating in it’s heartbreak. Just when I thought the show was going to plant itself firmly in the compound with the new characters of “The Governor” and “Mischonne”, the screenwriters veered another treacherous turn and delivered a knife to some of the soulfulness of the show. By doing this (and I will not SPOIL the episode with the nitty gritty details), they toughened the character of Carl and defined, in a heartbeat, what it is that will be necessary in every individual to survive the dawning and settling of a new, barbaric age. I am in total agreement that this THIRD season, only on it’s fourth episode, easily eclipses anything we’ve seen so far. I am fascinated because each episode going forward offers up so much potential in story, theme and added character development.
BOARDWALK? I didn’t have half the problems with the start up of this THIRD season as you did. I agree that some of it was slightly heavy-handed (but, that’s always been part of the mantra of the show), but for the most part it’s been a vast improvement not only over the past two seasons but in the development of Enoch’s character and Buscemi’s performance. The last two episodes, agreed, were terrific, but the 4th episode, entitled BLUE BELL BOY (that finds Enoch and Owen hiding in the basement of an illegal booze stash house with it’s charming 19 year old proprietor) is, definitively, the best episode of the series so far. Particularly for its quick establishment of yet another side of Enoch’s character: heartless judgement and reaction.
My only wish for BOARDWALK EMPIRE is that they start spreading the time of each episode between Enoch’s life and business in Atlantic City WITH more plot and character development of Van Alden’s character (who, a complete lunatic, is played by the best actor on the show, Micheal Shannen, and could add so much), my favorite presence on the show.
Oh my gosh, Sam, the devastation! Your photographs do, indeed, speak volumes.
I’m reading your post from the airport in Leon, Mexico as I wait for a connecting flight to Dallas/Fort Worth, where I have a layover before heading to Chicago’s O’Hare airport.
I am ever so grateful that you and yours are okay.
Laurie—
Thanks so much for checking out the post from the plane! I expect you will already be at O’Hare at the time I respond to you here. Yes, the photos are chilling, and will always be a reminder of this terrible time. I’ll certainly be touching bases with you soon, and greatly look forward to your discussion of the Mexican trip, which I know was fantastic!
Good luck again, Sam, with that nor’easter bearing down on you. My part of upstate got off easy but Irene is recent enough for us to empathize with downstate and Jersey’s troubles. Previews of coming attractions, I’m afraid.
Once I realized that I’d have power last week, I watched some movies. Boned up on 1964 with Red Desert, Intentions of Murder, Three Outlaw Samurai and Black Sun. I liked the Imamura best of the lot, but all were fine. Antonioni went just a little overboard on the painterly side but his was still a powerful milestone; with the emphasis on a sort of sensory overload it ought to be paired with Juliet of the Spirits. Gosha’s samurai film was a dynamic debut with a belligerent class consciousness anticipating the more political spaghetti westerns, while Korehara’s Black Sun was incisive in showing how idealizing someone gets as much in the way of truly knowing the person as negative stereotypes. I’ve started my research on 1965 with Bellochio’s Fists in the Pocket, a slow-burner that grows on you in a creepy way. Also got the Norman Mailer box set at the latest Criterion sale and have reviewed 1968’s Maidstone; in short, of historical interest only, though that’s fine for me. Actually watched more DVD than DVR this week but did watch my recording of Borzage’s Lucky Star, a late silent with a preposterous finish that nevertheless works exactly as desired because the film as a whole succeeds so completely on the level of craft. At the theater I saw Flight, which was strong stuff on the pop level. Denzel Washington gives a mighty performance and I liked the picture despite its insistence on breaking the hero’s will rubbing me just slightly the wrong way. The film’s own point of view is argued strongly enough to keep it compelling throughout.
May you be back in the theaters ASAP, Sam.
Samuel—
I well know you have gotten more than your share of weather related calamities in your upstate abode, and can only say you fully deserved to be spared what the NYC and Jersey areas got pummeled with. Yes it is telling what you say about ‘coming attractions’ what with the weather patterns changing and the terrible cumulative effects of global warming. The terror this storm wrecked on so many is a wake up call that our area is no longer one of the safest on the map.
Yes you did take fine advantage there of the power privilege but watching some impressive films, led by the Imamura you rightly annoint and RED DESERT, a film that does stand as one of Antonioni’s most ravishing. You may have a point though about the overly painterly style. Antonioni’s masterpiece is L’ECLISSE, with LA NOTTE and L’AVENTURA right there. Haven’t seen THREE OUTLAW SAMURAI, but I love FISTS IN THE POCKET (I hope you have either seen or plan to see Jansco’s THE ROUND-UP in preparation for the 1965 polling. I have it as #1 film.) Nice to hear the reasonably favorable assessment for FLIGHT, which I do hope to see soon. Thanks as always for the terrific wrap my friend and for the kind words and deep concern.
Your post of full of the movie of your life and times right now – it must be very hard and patience must be in short supply by now. Glad the basement did not flood… Yes I know how tempers must flare…I was heartened to see that folks standing in life for 8 hours – 12 hours to vote in Florida kept supporting each other…I think as the gas lines shorten people will be more supportive of others in your area too – but they have to switch out of survival mode and back to human mode, which usually takes a good listening ear or a great blog post telling one’s story…
I am so very glad that you and yours are doing fine…and that my neighbor’s family in NYC and Long Island all survived too. They were planning on running the Marathon, but were relived when it was cancelled…Hoping they can get back to assist family by Thanksgiving. My newest neighbor works for the weather channel and was supposed to be in your woods last week, but he is able to work from his home and help from here.
I know 40 power crews and shoreline management crews have headed your way from our State….and our Department of Ecology folks are very busy with the Mayor’s office and the Governor of New Jersey. – We truly know this kind of pain and devastation.
I wanted to share with you that I went to the movie ARGO yesterday but I had to make 2 tries to get there. in the morning they were not showing it because a 4 Square Pentacostal church has rented one side of the complex to run there church on Sunday Mornings. When we arrived they were lined up at the door and surrounding tables with the ballots and being told how to vote but a man at the tables. Helping them with their mail in ballots….They were not being instructed to vote for Obama…or the Marriage Equality Amendment or the right public lands manager….I was furious – I would have my ordination suspended if I tried to pull a trick like that…They are the first to dump garbage on my lawn or yell at my small children that I am a murderer because I started a women’s health care clinic and a planned parenthood here in my town 20 years ago….hmmmm
We finally made it back at 4:30 to see ARGO and thought it was excellent. I did have to turn around and tell the fellow sitting behind me that his assessment of all the Canadians getting credit and not shouting out that it was not them…was the smarter thing to do and that it appears that Canadians are not as fearful and arrogant as the American passing judgement sitting behind me. Why do people feel the need to do a running commentary and be so judgmental – How will we ever find peace.
One thing that you may have missed with the power outage…Is that When Bloomberg was endorsing Obama….Fox news was running the script that Bloomberg was endorsing Romney on the bottom of the screen….
I sure hope I voted for a few winners….and that our Scott Walker Governor style candidate does not get into office… and maybe SANDY will help us all work together – that would be a nice outcome of a horrible and tragic event.
Patricia–
I can’t thank you enough for the kindness and concern during this most difficult of times. We were lucky to come away unscathed as far as physical damage, and the lack of water in the basement is impossible to believe. The wind was the big problem, obviously, as the power lines went down all over. As you know from the photos, the New Jersey shoreline has been altered forever, and so many lost their homes. That’s quite a story you tell there about the voting. I do hope that Scott Walker candidate doesn’t make it in your state. Washington state is heavily Democrat so this should not happen, and an Obama win is imminent there, thank God. I did see that Blomberg endorsed Obama, though I did wonder what that meant since New York was in Obama’s pocket from day 1 as is every other national Democrat. But still an honor to get it for sure. Thrilled to hear you loved ARGO, though I was sure you would. That whole ‘Canadien’ thing you describe is crazy! Happy to hear the people you know in this area were not adversely affected by the storm, and I do agree Blomberg was right to cancel the marathon, in view of the far more important matters needing attention, and the ire of those who felt they were being slighted. I thank you again my friend for your compassionate and support.
We are in a tight race here – sorry to say…the earth friendly Democrat here ran out of money a week ago…so the calling and foot work began…he was already 6 million behind the Walker style candidate, who is getting huge amounts of money from Karl Rove and the Koch Brothers…the extra $2 million in ads this last week were phenomenal….I do not think any one can take anything for granted this year. My eye is on the Supreme Court possibilities too…the Governor’s race is tied in the polls…but so far only 1/3 of the people have returned their ballots. The Mormons and Catholics are pouring money into the state to defeat the marriage Equality Act and Candidate Jay Inslee….It is actually scary….
I put up a peace full, grate full, compassionate blog post this week…to assist me in calming down inside and out….
I am still waiting to hear how the Quaker Community I lived with in Cape May is doing….I am assuming no news is good news and as of yet no power?
Thank you for your gracious reply
Hello Sam and everyone!
First of all I’m enormously glad that everyone is safe up there, and I hope that the worst parts of this catastrophe are in the past, so everyone can enjoy the times to come. Good luck with the election, I shall be following through the media and here I am, crossing my fingers, for a re-election.
My week, well, I finished with the 31 Horror Days at my blog and at the same time with the overall period of 100 days of Horror, and now it’s time to move along. I have a post coming about what I saw in the Valdivia Film Festival, something I couldn’t do before due to the fact that it was in October and I was doing the whole horror month thing.
So, my week movie wise:
– 21.04.02 (2002, Jean-Gabriel Périot) ***1/2 Ahead of its time in the way of making a montage of still images in this short film, still it can be now done practically automatically, so it brings it down a bit.
– The Delicate Art of the Bludgeon (2009, Jean-Gabriel Périot) ***1/2 A short film about police, violence and music, done in a rythmic way, maybe one of the most obvious shorts from this director.
– The Bay (2012, Barry Levinson) ***1/2 An interesting experiment in faux news and ecological terror, it chronicles how a town in US is suddenly attacked by an unknown sickness that starts to make them rot from the inside out. It is all connected in this mixture and montage of different video sources (cellphone cameras, TV cameras, news footage, etc) all to narrate a series of unfortunate events that are tied in with the recording of certain scientific explorations recorded 2 weeks from the day that the film chronicles. A bit long, but still interesting for what it is, and where it’s coming from.
– Between Dogs and Wolves (2008, Jean-Gabriel Périot) **** Half hour short film about a young french man looking for a job… or maybe not, it also features the current state of economics, as well as reminding us of Haneke and Bresson in certain shots and final subject matter. Interesting and one of his best works.
– Gay? (2000. Jean-Gabriel Périot) *** The director talks into the camera, gives a brief speech about what really means to be a gay person today. Interesting but visually boring.
– Holy Flying Circus (2011, Owen Harris) ***1/2 A made for TV movie chronicling the controversies regarding the film “The Life of Brian”, featuring actors making incredible impressions (and resemblances) to the original Python members, using some of their jokes and going out of the way saying inmediatly that this work is not based on reality, it’s fairly funny at many times, but I can’t help but feel that it depends way too much on the image and jokes of the Pythons, might as well be watching them, do we?
– Inside ‘The Fountain’: Death and Rebirth (2007, Niko Tavernise) ***1/2 An interesting making off on one of the best and most interesting films from the past decade, it chronicles its first attempt at filming and at the same time the work on effects, cinematography and script sorrounding this marvelous film. Choppily edited, that brings it down from being one of the most interesting making off features of them all.
– Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988, Stephen Chiodo) ***1/2 Reviewed at my blog.
– Looper (2012, Rian Johnson) **** An interesting sci fi film that goes around with one of my favorite subjects: time travel, but I wished it was exploited a bit more, instead focusing more on the other sci-fi element of the story: telekinesis. Still, it’s violent and forward towards its subject matter and it has some interesting cinematography, editing and acting. Overall, I hoped for a bit more, even if the script was good and the overall sense was great, I think it kinda stalls once the protagonist stays in one place and stops moving forward.
– Naran Ja (One Act Orange Dance) (2012, Alejandro González Iñárritu) *** A dance routine filmed in VHS by the famous director, doesn’t bring anything interesting to the cinematography nor to the sound work. Still, there is some beautiful dancing involved.
– The Picture of Dorian Gray (1945, Albert Lewin) ***1/2 Reviewed at my blog.
– Puppetmaster (1989, David Schmoeller) *** Reviewed at my blog.
– Skyfall (2012, Sam Mendes) **** One of the most over-hyped Bond films of the latest years, and I think that while there are some interesting moments, the film in overall lacks something really spectacular, and I think that maybe the pieces were great, but there were some pacing problems that prevented them from becoming the great spectacle that it should’ve been. Still, this has the best cinematography of the year, as well as some great acting from Judi Dench and Javier Bardem. Great moments and action, as expected.
– Under Twilight (2006, Jean-Gabriel Périot) ***1/2 A sound and image experimentation regarding the violence and how it can generate beauty. Good short.
That’s all Sam, have a good week!
Jaimie—
I appreciate all the support and kind words you extended during the run of this disaster both at the site and in private e mails. It’s been a trying time for so many, but my family got through this will minimal inconvenience. But so many others as you know got hurt badly, and others till remain with power, even in my hometown. We all did get a temporary reprieve from the weather yesterday, celebrating Obama’s glorious victory. It was quite a day yesterday ringing bells and making phone calls in the President’s behalf and enjoying the state-by-state returns and that fabulous victory speech to that ecstatic crowd in Chicago. This was a great day for America and democracy. But now we have yet another storm bearing down on us that again promises string winds and heavy rain. It is due here in a matter of hours, and I see it’s already getting dark out there as I respond to you from a school computer.
I look forward to SKYFALL, and may see it over the next few days. Agreed on PUPPETMASTER. I think I like KILLER KLOWNS, which is delirious campy fan more than you and even just recently upgraded to the blu-ray. There is some priceless dialogue in that one, and some spirited sight gags. Will have to check out your review. I liked LOOPER quite a bit and went with a half star more. DORIAN GREY is dead-on. Thanks for all the terrific capsules all so well-observed and excellently written. Thanks again my friend for your peerless friendship and constant support!
Hi Sam,
I’m glad to hear that your town is getting the power back on. That surely has to boost morale for lots of folks. It’s hard to be positive when you have no power, you’re cold, you can’t make you’re own coffee etc. I really do wish you all the best as you continue to clean up and try to get things back to normal. Lord knows this may take some time. But best wishes to you and your family. I have faith that the kids will be back in school and you’ll be back to filling up the gas tank in the normal period of time very soon.
Last week I was able to check out Gremillon’s Lumiere D’ete. It’s part of the new Criterion Eclipse. Fascintating film. Well acted and some fine set pieces. I will be watching the rest of the films in that set soon enough. I also watched Take This Waltz, which contains another brilliant performance from Michelle Williams, who for me, can do no wrong these days. The films was a bit uneven at times…..and the actor who played her love interest (his name escapes me) was far too flat. But it was a film with an interesting tone and I did admire it especially in stretches.
It of course was a 2011 film in Canada. This got me thinking though….and I wonder if cinema in 2012 is a bit lacking compared to 2011. By this time last year we were all debating Tree of LIfe, Drive, and Melancholia. So far this year? Maybe The Master? But even that one I feel the proponents weren’t that in love with it. I don’t know and the last bit of this year seems to have maybe only a few promising films that I’m aware of. For me, 2012’s best film is actually a film from 2011 in the UK, The Deep Blue Sea. If 2012’s best film is from 2011, that says something about the quality of cinema in 2012, IMO. What do you think?
Jon—
Thanks very much for your rightful assessment of how things are when one has to live in the cold, especially when the power outages persist as they have over the past week for many. The gas station situation did seem to improve on Monday and as I have noted in my lead-in the schools in my hometown where I teach were open. I must agree with you that TAKE THISALTZ is uneven, though also as you note this can not be attributed to the always impressive work of Michelle Williams. I saw that film in Tribeca and also had a rather divided opinion. As far as that Gremilion, your estimation is excellent–the Eclipse set is finally giving this great French Golden Age director the attention he has long deserved. Jon, THE DEEP BLUE SEA is definitely one of the very best films of 2012 for me too! I’d add THE TURIN HORSE, HOLY MOTORS, THE KID WITH THE BIKE, WAR WITCH, OSLO AUGUST 17TH, MONSIEUR LAZHAR, ARGO, BERNIEand a few others to this mix, with LINCOLN, LES MISERABLES and LIFE OF PI major possibilities of the films yet to open. As to your question I’d say “American cinema” for 2012 has been unusually weak (though there are a few very good ones) with foreign-cinema solid. Thanks as always my friend. Have a great week!
Hey Sam. Good luck with your GOTV’ing. Though it looks the whole deal will be settled in Ohio, and to a lesser extent in Virginia, and Florida. A big majority of us Aussies are for Obama. The choice is clear if you value social justice and take the environment seriously. The big challenges facing us all need finesse as well as firmness. I don’t agree with Obama on everything and I wished he had done more in his first term, but despite the lament about politicians being all the same, here there is clear choice not only for the US but globally. I heard Obama’s speech in Ohio tonight and he admitted not even Michelle agrees with him on everything 🙂
Tony—
For months now the political eyes of the nation have looked on Ohio as the crucial state in this equation. Obama had held small but persistent leads in the state, and few are thinking Romney has any serious chance there. This is why his campaign has pressed the desparation button by going into Pennsylvania yesterday. The math just doesn’t add up for Romney and barring some unforeseen silent support (some stateside refer to this as the ‘racist’ vote) it seems he is doomed. Those following the election do as you note see Florida and Virginia as players in this game too. I believe Obama at the very least can carry the latter. But with Ohio, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Wisconsin and Michigan seemingly headed Obama’s way it’s just inconceivable that Romney can pull this off. The Democrats traditionally have the stronger ground game, and in close states like Nevada, Colorado and New Hampshire this could make the big difference. Rachel Maddow just mention on her late night pre-election show that Hispanics and African-Americans are lining up in Florida! Michael Moore (I know, I know, he is a character for sure) seems to believe that the whites who work in the auto industry wil come out indroves to vote for Obama in the rust belt after Romney’s China comment. Love what you say there about Michelle (ha!) and true that Obama must pick up the pace for his second term. Thanks very much my friend. Will speak later in the day about the progress of the election.
Sam, I am glad to hear that all of you are alright. I have seen some of the shocking pictures and it is hard to still believe. The video that you link is chilling. All of our friends and relatives in NY & NJ are fine with trees falling in their background the extent of the damage.
I am still amazed that you got out to see one film. If there was a week where you could have not seen a single film, this was it. But you managed to brave the gas lines and traffic to not get shut out 🙂
I just hope the voting is not negatively by this.
Sachin—
I am happy to hear your own friends and relatives in the area are fine! Yes the trees falling was a big part of this frightening picture, and of course were the main culprits in the massive power outages. I appreciate all your concern behind the scenes, and for your great compassion. Well, when Lucille, Bob and I decided to go to Manhattan on Saturday I can’t say it wasn’t out opf curiosity how the city was doing, and what we got was an up and functioning ghost town, where the masses were probably unaware that the theatres were finally open. Even our weekly eatery The Dish had very few customers. It appears that the people are ready to vote, and I am most optimistic as to the outcome. Look forward to speaking to you my friend. Many thanks as always!
Sam, glad to hear you guys are safe and coping. This whole thing has been astonishingly scary to witness. Hang in there.
Thanks so much for the concern and support Drew! Things have been moving along well since yesterday, and I’ve been touring the polling places this morning to see lines out there casting ballots. Power has returned to the vast majority, and schools did open in my own hometown yesterday. There is another relatively minor nor’easter heading here tomorrow, but word is it will not be a major event. Ha! I have my fingers crossed. Thanks again my friend!
Sam,
I am happy to hear that your family is safe. Even for those who have not suffered tragedy or whose homes have been unaffected, this storm would have been a cause of much shock and worry. Best wishes.
Stephen—
Many thanks to you for your deep concern! My family spent the height of the storm in one of the schools, though we did return by car hours later to our powerless home to check on the animals. You are quite right in citing the stress/anxiety factor, even aside from the tangible losses. Recovery is moving along nicely now. Thanks again my friend!
Sam,
Uprooted trees and knocked down poles everywhere. Scarce electricity and internet connections. Three hours to fill gas. Waiting in a long line to buy something you usually buy in 1 minute. Line cheaters. Even though all sound too familiar to me, experiencing it right now is a different matter. It is never easy, though you know it’s going to be alright in the meantime. Everybody is frustrated, strange tension fills air. But, Sam, you sound as calm and observant as usual, making right turns at critical moments. I am very moved by your courage and resilience, in the middle of this on-going disaster.
I just hope this trying time will be over soon, and everything will go back to normal, soon.
MI
MI—
Your descriptive prose does indeed tell the whole story, especially since you have been through such calamities in Tokyo. The tensions and uncertainty as you note is prevalent during the height of the crisis. And I did have my own nearly three hour wait to fill my Honda Odyssey, which near the end of the marathon was running on fumes. And the food store waits of course were mind-boggling. In the end, yes you are driven by the certain knowledge that all will be well. Today, Election day 2012, people are coming out to vote in droves. It’s great to see this in Fairview, where many were without power. President Obama will surely win this town by almost a three to one margin with the heavily Hispanic population. Thanks for the very kind words about keeping things in perspective, which I did try to do. The losses incurred by so many is far beyond the sobering point. I can’t thank you enough my friend.
It’s called climate change, and the troglodyte right-wing is still in denial about it.
Glad you and yours are all OK, Sam. I’ll be nervously watching the election results tonight with Maddow, O’Donnell and company, hoping the endlessly repeated lies of the Republicans didn’t implant themselves in too many voters’ brains. Later.
Indeed Mark, indeed. That is what is happening here, and there will be more to come. Rachel Maddow is a sweetheart, I love listening to her! She is so re-assuring and vigilant! yep, Pinocchio was small potatoes next to that bunch. I am confident but yet jittery! I hope and anticipate some celebratory words tonight my friend!
Sam, I have been thinking about you all over there since the beginning of this horrific event. I sometimes value the perspective “it could be worse” but regardless it is still pretty bad and a jarring shift from life as usual. My heart goes out to those that lost family members and friends and homes. I know that recovery from such a devastating event will take time and that there will be aspects that are not recoverable and must heal. May the required support be there for those that are in need.
I have one film to share…
THE BROWN BUNNY (2003) edited version directed and starring Vincent Gallo. WARNING: I hesitate to mention this movie because of the sexually explicit content in one part of the film. However, it is not out of place and I feel the film taken as a whole is a rare window into the internal intimate grieving process of many men. This emotional process is often characterized with exploration of anger alone which is too simplistic really. This film takes on the challenge of bringing us into the complexity of grief and the private space of loss through the life of one man. This film does not come highly recommended in reviews. It can be confusing and sometimes difficult to watch. I recommend for an adult audience who is open and prepared for a film that does not leave the viewer with a clear right and wrong perspective on how we cope with personal tragedy in our lives. Hopefully, I haven’t given too much away for those that haven’t and wish to see this film. I do believe that at some point, it may become more highly regarded than it is at this time.
All the best Sam to you, your family, your friends and your community.
Terrill—-
I can’t thank you enough for the continuous support, genuine concern and compassion and good will. You are one of the great ones my friend. Yes the disaster was keenly felt by so many, and as you rightly note it will take a long time to full recover. I know of a few people who STILL nine days later have not had their power restored, and others who lost their cars in low lying areas to the west. For son long people in the NYC area thought this kind of thing could never happen in this part of the country, but climate change has kicked in in a terrifying way. Even as I now pen this response to you, we are looking at another potentially damaging nor-easter that is just hours away. This could complicate the previous outages and bring on more displacements, though it is believed it will of course be far less in impact that what we just experienced. In any case the stress and psychological toll is also to be considered.
Your analysis of THE BROWN BUNNY is about the most intricate and thoughtful I have ever read on this film. I’ll admit I was never a fan (you did admit the film problematic, and the reception was rather hostile) but you say much that calls for re-assessment. It’s true that the one infamous sequence has always tainted the film with many, but there is quite a bit more than meets the eye here. Thanks again for your moving kind words and viligence in our behalf my friend. And thanks also for the superb film analysis.
Woohooooooo!
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Party time all night Joel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
One of the great moments in American history!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To bad the House was lost/held. Expect the same old gridlock in Congress in terms of legislation. Perhaps I’m being overly pessimistic at this early juncture of the festivities lol.
I’ll take gridlock over a GOP-controlled executive branch any day…
I hope I’m not too late in joining in this thread. I also hope that I’m not late in posting my votes for the yearly countdown (which I hope to do soon) – as that’s one project I’ve come to look forward to. Its been exceedingly hectic on the work front, and so I’ve become a tad passive on the virtual/social fronts.
Well, first of all, Sam, the devastation caused by Sandy has been really something – and though I live a few light years away, the effects of that storm didn’t escape my attention at all, even though all I could possibly do was to hope that things return to normalcy sooner rather than later. I’m glad, Sam, that you and your family are reasonably fine, given the circumstances.
And well, the big day for US has probably come to a satisfying end – not just for sensible people in the US, but also for all the sensible people around the globe, now that Obama has cemented another 4 years at office. I find it mind-boggling when I see seemingly educated people commenting that US needs to put “pressure” on Iran (which, I can only construe, as wage yet another war with a country for having the temerity of not listening to big daddy’s commands) – or for that matter, not put some leash on Israel. Understandly, Israel exists in a hostile environment, but there must always exist a limit to preemptive aggression. Further, Romney’s apathy to seemingly “socialistic” measures like subsidising industries (e.g. the wind sector) smacks of arrogance & lack of foresight. Despite the economic challenges, US continues to remain the single most powerful country in the world, and a moderate & level-headed person with holistic & inclusive points of view (grounded on realism rather than jingoism) is needed to head the country – and hence among the two, Obama was clearly the more suitable candidate (and that too by some distance). Extremes can never be beneficial for anyone (be it capitalism or socialism) – there’s got to be a judicious blend of the two, irrespective of what the demagogues or the right-wingers might argue.
Anyway, here’s what I managed to watch in the past week:
– The Polish film Night Train – nice mix of a tight thriller & an socio-political critique
– Angelopoulos’ Voyage to Cythera – a really beautiful & tragic film on the memories of a failed revolution, and how the present always has a way of aligning itself with the victors (and shun the other side with utmost callousness)
– the latest Bond film Skyfall – not a great film per se, but an enjoyable watch nonetheless
Shubhajit—
You are never last to this thread of course, and your appearance is always deeply appreciated! What a telling assessment of the political situation stateside. Yes, our man Barack Obama got re-elected last night, and the celebration went on till the wee hours of the morning! We averted potential disaster, keeping Mitt Romney out of office, and Obama now has a second chance to come through for a good number of voters who stood by him, but admitted some degree of disappointment. But yes, there always has to be some compromised as you advocate in your thoughtful response.
Your kind words about the disaster and it’s aftermath are greatly appreciated. We are now facing a lesser storm today, but the power outage possibility is a real one. I plan to see SKYFALL this week, and am intrigued by the Polish NIGHT TRAIN. Will check out reviews at your site. Thanks as ever my friend!
Sam, thinking of you and hoping some semblance of normalcy is returning. I’m so sorry you and all of the state have been dealing with this. You remain in my thoughts.
Thanks very much Jeffrey! Things have been better day by day and even the gas lines are now non-existent. people who own shore houses are just now learning of the damages. Some of course ar eworse off than others. What did complicate things here as you may know was that short but potent follow-up snowstorm that struck on Wednesday night. All things considered I would say my family and my home town were fortunate even with the extended power outages for most. Thanks again my friend! You are one of a kind.