by Sam Juliano
The latest discussions in regard to a possible new project for the late spring have revolved around the possibility of a “Greatest Television Shows of All-Time” countdown. We were thinking of Top 60. If the project happens it is posed to include all shows – including mini-series like The Civil War, I Claudius, The World at War and Pennies from Heaven among others. Obviously it would mix American, British and any other shows released around the world. This particular project has been discussed for years, and it seems 2017 may be the time to launch it. The poll on the greatest War Films is certainly still on the table, but perhaps for another year. The TV poll will strictly remain at 60, which is still a most formidable venture.
January weather in the Metropolitan area has been comparatively mild, though with February and March ahead it could change quick enough. The political climate though is pretty dreadful, but I’ll save further discussion for the comment section should anyone desire to broach it.
Lucille and I have been heading to the theaters frantically to see all the essential films remaining ahead of my own Top Ten Films of 2016 posting, set for Monday, February 6th. We saw a bunch for a second time as well, including Oscar nominated films like The Arrival, Manchester by the Sea, Moonlight, La La Land and Jackie. If I were to add those to the two first viewings in theaters my total this past week would be seven (7) films. And that doesn’t include several I watched on amazon prime and netflix streaming.
We saw:
Neruda **** 1/2 (Saturday night) IFC Film Center
Paterson **** 1/2 (Wednesday night) Lincoln Plaza Cinemas
“Paterson” may well be Jim Jarmusch’s best film yet. Jeremy, Sammy and I attended a screening of the film on Wednesday at the Lincoln Plaza Cinemas as I continue to play catch up on the year-end releases in advance of the Ten Best of 2016 posting sometime next week. That unflappable English bulldog and the poet-bus driver played by an especially introverted Adam Driver – one who reads Emily Dickinson- are the center of an enveloping, meditative drama that in some ways recalls “Night on Earth.” Of course the tour of that well-known city, about thirty minutes drive west of Fairview is worth a ticket alone.
Lucille, young Sammy and I attended a screening of Pablo Larrain’s “Neruda,” which is based on the life of the iconic Chilean poet Pablo Neruda from 1948 onward, at the IFC Film Center in Manhattan last night. This is the second great film in 2016 from Larrain (Jackie), who in my view is now the top artist of the year. Neruda is a Chilean communist, egomaniac, and womanizer who under any microscope envisions a fascinating persona, but his mostly made-up predator in a Hugo vein, Oscar Peluchonneau (the superb Gael Garcia Bernal) is the film’s most brilliant creation as a detective-novel obsessed stalker, who counts his pursuit of Neruda as his life’s purpose. The final segment set in the snow on a mountainous terrain is utterly brilliant. The film’s poetic elements, deftly woven into the narrative arc, help to bring the entire film to a remarkable literary appreciation.
Click on names for archives
Writers/Founders
The political climate though is pretty dreadful
You said it. I feel ashamed in the eyes of the world, while at the same time we’re facing the fact that we can’t for the foreseeable future think of popping across to see #1 Grandson in case, in our absence, our Beloved Leader and Toddler-in-Chief decides Brits are the enemy, yah boo sucks, even Brits who’ve made their homes here for the best part of two decades. But we’re lucky to have this trivial worry. Imagine being a refugee from the total hell on earth that is Syria and finding that the richest nation on earth is slamming the door in your face and essentially telling you to fuck off and die.
Trump has, of course, huge support among Evangelical “Christians.”
John, I can’t see it getting better anytime soon either. That is a telling point you make about the proposition of visiting your grandson, though it looks like the courts are intervening against him since you posted this comment. Even Bush appointees are siding with his opponents. And again since your penned this, things overall are better better as many are uniting against these heinous polices.
I’m game for the tv poll. As for politics…you know that sound Lurch makes on Addams Family?
Thank you Adam, if this project flies your involvement will truly be invaluable.
Sam, I do look forward to your Best of the year list as always. I have a good idea of what what films will occupy the top positions.
I have been hoping the site would host a television poll, so count me in to cast a ballot if you decide to go forward with it. Can’t wait to see Paterson and Neruda.
Peter, this is one year where I must say you may NOT know what occupy my top positions. I am changing my mind daily in fact as I see some of the major contenders on repeat viewings and discover some films that eluded me on catch up. As of last night my Number 1 is a virtual tie between two film, and I may not in the end be inclined to break that tie. 🙂
You will surely love Paterson and Neruda. Thank you!
Sam, any Super Bowl predictions? I’m casting my lot with the boys down in Atlanta. And I plan to see Paterson by the weekend. I see it is playing in Montclair.
Alas Ricky, my answer came here way too late, but I would have also predicted Atlanta. What a remarkable game, and I can’t say I was pleased with the result. 🙂
The TV poll is an exciting proposition. You have me thinking now, and before long I’ll be putting down my ideas on paper.
Thanks Frank! Looking forward to your input!
Sam — Woohoo! I’m looking forward to your February 6th post because Len and I look forward to your annual Top Ten Film post, print it, and use it as a resource tool throughout the year.
Thank you so much Laurie! Alas, my drive to play catch up, though making remarkable progress needs a bit more time. So I have rescheduled the post for Monday, the 13th. As always I deeply appreciate yours and Len’s confidence. 🙂
Sam, I’d be more than curious to see your ‘Best of 2016’ presentation. I’d like to see how many we are in agreement on. I’d say this was a very good year for movies.
Celeste, as I just said to Laurie, I’ll have the list up for Monday the 13th. I agree with you in that it was a great year for movies.
Have you seen ‘The Salesman’ yet? I am wondering. And will it count for 2016?
Tim, I actually DID see it this past Saturday night and was it was one powerful drama. I may actually opt to include it on the 2016 since it did receive that Best Foreign Film nod. But still that decision is pending. You must see it! It is in Montclair now.
The top ten is always a great post and I am looking forward to seeing it. I really have to admit that I just do not get to the movies very much but I do love story and folks know how much I love to read…. so I will not apologize. I enjoy reading what you share. We have snow predicted for the weekend, but I already have some primroses in bloom after such a warm two weeks. 2016 we set a new record for rain (heavy rain) here and still folks are loving the snow in the mountains. Need to write reviews so will journey on….have a good week ahead
Patricia, I have been forced to delay the Best Of list until a week from today, but that will be the FINAL time. I completely understand your main focus has been reading and I can’t say I blame you. You’ll get to the films eventually and if you don’t it has more to do with your immersion in literature. Hopefully that snow never materialized by you. I’m surprised you got so much rain as this time of year, and yes many love the snow. Often I do myself, though not so much as to cripple our movement. Ha! I am coming to your place later today. The delay has been unfair, and I need to rectify that. Thank you so much my friend.
Hey Sammy,
Hope you and the family are doing well. It is turbulent times right now. We will be attending a rally/protest against the Muslim/Immigrant/Refugee Ban as a family this weekend. I’m also really looking forward to a concert I’m attending next week in Detroit to see the great punk band Priests, whose debut just came out last week. Their new album is must-hear for any punk fan.
Movie updates:
Green Room: Claustrophobic and intense thriller, although the gore added up a little too much for my personal taste. I can see why some really have latched on to this film. 2.5/4 for me.
Born to be Blue: Can’t remember if I discussed this one a few weeks ago, but I thought this story of Chet Baker was handled well. Ethan Hawke is really good too. 3/4 for me.
Sully: Serviceable I suppose, but also rather short and slight considering the subject matter. Would have liked a bit more depth here. 2.5/4 for me.
It does appear La La Land, Moonlight and Manchester by the Sea are the ones vying for best picture and are the only ones with a real shot. I still have yet to see Manchester as I mentioned yesterday but I do understand it’s coming to DVD later this month. We’ll be sure to pick it up right away. I am looking forward to the release of your list next week Sam! Enjoy your weekend and talk to you next week my friend.
I didn’t like BORN as much as you, but it is decent enough Jon. I am COMPLETELY in agreement on SULLY, which I count as one of the most overrated films of the year. Yes MANCHESTER, MOONLIGHT and LA LA LAND are the top contenders and all three films are masterworks. This is the BEST year for Oscar contenders I can remember in a very long time. I didn’t watch GREEN ROOM yet, but know that Jamie is a big fan. So we will see. That is a great move to attend the rally. Since you post the judicial system has rallied against these insane measures, effectively blocking them for now. That upcoming Priests concert sounds like a great venue. I’d love to hear about it my friend. Have a great upcoming week!
Hi Sam, I’m excited to see the news of the latest TV poll. Also good to see that your Best films of the year post will be appearing soon. I’ve always looked forward to that.
Thanks so much Bobby! I know well you would really appreciate the TV poll, and in all likelihood knowing you as I do would want to hand in a ballot what with your expertise on this subject. I will have my own year-end list up on Monday (finally!)!! Have a great week my friend!