Dino Risi’s 1962 “Il Sorpasso”
by Sam Juliano
R.I.P horror film legend Tobe Hooper passed away on Saturday at age 74. His terrifying Texas Chainsaw Massacre was one of the most influential films ever made, and Poltergeist has likewise earned his classic status. The last few months has been sadly tough on horror icons
Labor Day is only one week into the future, so the summer respites being enjoyed are reaching their conclusion. Weather-wise it doesn’t seem like autumn is close at hand, but at this time of the year anything can change fast. Halloween decorations and back-to-school displays are all the rage. Interesting films are beginning to show up at the art houses, and serious film buffs are beginning to take note of the films they think will be in the running for year-end awards. But this may be jumping the gun as we have four culturally rich months ahead, that we need to nurture not rush.
As to the ongoing Top 80 Television Countdown, all is going extraordinarily well. Solid essays, active comment threads, impressive page view totals point to a successful project as we approach the final 30 leading up to the late September unveiling of the Top 5. Plans have been finalized for Part 2, which is even more massive than the one we doing at present. Additions have been made numerous times, and the currect number is 141 shows for Part 2, meaning a grand total of 221 when the currently-running 80 is added on. The tentative starting date for the second part will be around December 21, and it will run everyday until sometime around May 9th or 10th. To say it the most massive and auspicious project in the history of the site would be an understatement. As always, ace writer Jim Clark has been and will continue to post his great essays every third week.
Writing and viewing for the Television Countdown has prevented me from seeing more films in theaters, but I am determined to reverse that this coming week. My son Danny, a friend Tony Lucibello and I did attend a great double feature of Italian black and white masterpieces at the Film Forum – Dino Risi’s Il Sorpasso and Mario Monicelli’s The Passionate Thief in gorgeous restored prints:
Il Sorpasso (1962) ***** Film Forum/Thursday
The Passionate Thief (1960) ***** Film Forum/Thursday
Mario Monicelli’s “The Passionate Thief”
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Television viewing is indeed a major commitment (raises hand) but the rewards can be just as great as cinema.
Aye Adam, quite right, and we are seeing the living proof in this countdown obviously.
Loving the countdown Sam! We have some of the greatest television shows ever made coming up soon! And what you have planned for the winter is pretty amazing.
Indeed Frank! Thanks always for your support and enthusiasm.
God damn it, the grim reaper takes another Horror legend. First Romero now Tobe Hooper. If all he did was TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE his position would be secure.
RIP.
Indeed Jamie. I’ve lamented his passing several times on socail media, but now that you mention it he should be included in this MMD proper. I will deal with that tight now. Yes a legend for sure if just for that one incomparable and gruesome horror classic.
RIP Tobe Hooper. In his field he was a titanic figure.
He was for sure Peter. Thank you.
Rest in Peace Tobe Hooper. Anymore I think of 74 as being young.
Aye Laurie, certainly before his time. Thank you so much my friend.