Tuesday, June 28, 2005
Dancing at Lughnasa
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I consider this movie chiefly a tour de force for Streep. It is an incredibly dark movie, almost too dark for me, although I can't resist Michael Gambon's performance. I've gone back and forth over whether I'll keep this movie or trade it in. I doubt that I'll ever think to show it to Mom. I may not ever watch it again, either.
Stay tuned for my final decision, which I will report.
Update 2/11/21: And, Dear Reader, I didn't ever watch this film, again, and took it to the library during my first culling of my collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Meryl Streep Kate Mundy Michael Gambon Father Jack Mundy Catherine McCormack Christina Mundy Kathy Burke Maggie Mundy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Pat O'Connor.
Labels: dramaA, meryl-streep, period5
Kramer vs. Kramer
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This, as is turns out, is one of my mother's favorite movies, for Dustin Hoffman's performance and the character he plays. She is of the generation who considers men a little retarded (as compared to women), naturally thoughtless, not very quick, but necessary. "They have their place and are potentially redeemable" would be an excellent summation of her thoughts on men.
Interestingly, she seems not to notice Meryl Streep's character and her actions in regards to the shared child at all. I think this is a reflection of the fact that, for much of Mom's adult life, women were the do-it-alls and men were the family-moneytary-supports, so, you know, "we" know how much women do. We don't need to rehash it. "We" also know how little of consequence men do. That deserves some contemplation.
She also likes the boy, especially when he's being difficult.
She has never, by the way, expressed any opinion about the couple's divorce proceedings.
I like this movie, too. For some reason, the Bach guitar at the beginning imprinted on me.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Dustin Hoffman Ted Kramer Meryl Streep Joanna Kramer Justin Henry Billy Kramer Jane Alexander Margaret Phelps Howard Duff John Shaunessy George Coe Jim O'Connor JoBeth Williams Phyllis Bernard Howland Chamberlain Judge Atkins
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by Robert Benton.
Labels: dramaA, gender-bender, meryl-streep
Adaptation.
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is part of that "Meryl Streep" set. I was pleased about this addition because I love this movie. It's one I've done instant replay in order to cull quotes from it.
My recollections, dim as they are, inform me that Mom did see (and, I use that word, purposely, instead of "watch", the words of which imply lesser and greater levels of mental involvement, the former more appropriately describing Mom's engagement in this film) this movie. She likely dozed through it, or worked crossword puzzles. This type of comedy and satirical rendering of character and motivation do not appeal to her. She's a Real Life Woman.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nicolas Cage Charlie & Donald Kaufman Meryl Streep Susan Orlean Chris Cooper John Laroche Cara Seymour Amelia Kavan Brian Cox Robert McKee Tilda Swinton Valerie Thomas Ron Livingston Marty Bowen Maggie Gyllenhaal Caroline Cunningham
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up on this movie.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Spike Jonze.
Labels: chris-cooper, dramaA, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, nicolas-cage, satire2
Postcards from the Edge
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie is one of four "Meryl Streep" movies I deliberately bought in a set, the other three being: Adaptation, Kramer vs. Kramer and Dancing at Lughnasa. It does not contain one of my favorites, Sophie's Choice, but that'll come later. My favorite part of this movie is the Country & Western video at the end, but there are many aspects of this film I enjoy, including the chemistry between Meryl Streep and Shirley MacClaine.
This movie is distinguished in that it is the only movie I've ever watched with the commentary overdub. I felt compelled to do this, considering the stature of the mother-daughter-actor duo Street and McClaine were playing. It was worth it. I would recommend listening to the overdub (during a second watching ... please, don't spoil your first watching with it) to anyone who enjoys this movie, and I say that knowing that this movie likely has a somewhat specialized audience.
BTW, the reason I included so many actors in the table, below, is because it seems that everybody and their dogs insisted on being in this movie. It's quite astonishing, considering the low profile of its release, and subsequent viewings. I think this whole movie, and the book upon which it is based by the way, can legitimately be considered a vanity project of high order. It's like, "It's about HOLLYWOOD, Guyzzzz ...", so everyone jumped on board for a piece of the action. And, they found a role for everyone!
Turns out it was, much to my surprise after I watched it, a critical coup. Yeah, it was a fun movie, but nowhere near deserving of the praise and the push it received. To quote one of Roger Ebert's comments on the movie (cited the the Wikipedia post about this movie), "...its heart is not in the right place."
Update 8/16/21: Weird, that I've never obtained a copy of Sophie's Choice. I just checked prices and it seems everybody who has it for sale is selling it at a whopping high price, or, it's unavailable. I think I never really wanted it, anyway, even though I remember enjoying my one watching of it and marveling at Meryl Streep's and Kevin Kline's performances. If I ever really want to see it, I'm sure my library probably has several copies of it. But, I probably won't seek it out. Not sure why, but, there you have it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Meryl Streep Suzanne Vale Shirley MacLaine Doris Mann Dennis Quaid Jack Faulkner Gene Hackman Lowell Kolchek Richard Dreyfuss Dr. Frankenthal Rob Reiner Joe Pierce Annette Bening Evelyn Ames Simon Callow Simon Asquith Gary Morton Marty Wiener Mary Wickes Grandma Conrad Bain Grandpa Oliver Platt Neil Bleene C. C. H. Pounder Julie Marsden Anthony Heald George Lazan Dana Ivey Wardrobe Mistress Michael Ontkean Robert Munch
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1990
Directed by Mike Nichols.
Labels: annette-bening, biography2, meryl-streep, popcorn-and-soda5, richard-dreyfuss, satire2, shirley-maclaine
Deadwood - 1st Season & The Entire Series
- Who's watched: M & G, avidly
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3* *4*
- Commentary: I've talked quite a bit about this series and my mother's and my interest (separate, mostly) in it.
Aside from that, if you're eschewing this series because of the language, sexuality and violence, you're missing a great production on many levels, not the least of which is its take on American History and the American Character.
My mother goes back and forth in her feelings about this series. Sometimes it fascinates her. Sometimes it repulses her. At this point I feel we will continue to collect the seasons.
Update 2/7/18: We did not collect the other two seasons. She, in fact, made the decision that we didn't need to own the other two seasons of Deadwood. I was (and continue to be) satisfied with that decision.
Update 5/5/21: I did, finally, on my own, obtain the entire Deadwood series. A few months ago I decided to watch the first season again, and found myself hungering, yes, for the other two seasons. Unfortunately, our library system does not have any of the seasons, although, curiously, it does have the movie, which was made a full thirteen years after the series was cancelled.
I've watched all three seasons, now, and the movie. Although I'm not one to ever claim that any movie or series is "the best ... of all time", as more than a few critics did, I mean, how foolish, considering that time continues and humans have no quotidian, reliable or accepted way of peering into the future. That being said, I remain riveted to the series and astonished by the quality of acting, writing and production that characterizes this series right up to its cancellation.
If she wants it, I'll probably pass my original set of the first season onto MCN. If she doesn't, clearly, my local library system could use it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Timothy Olyphant Seth Bullock Ian McShane Al Swearengen Molly Parker Alma Garret Jim Beaver Whitney Ellsworth Brad Dourif Doc Cochran John Hawkes Sol Star Paula Malcomson Trixie Leon Rippy Tom Nuttall William Sanderson E. B. Farnum Robin Weigert Calamity Jane W. Earl Brown Dan Dority Dayton Callie Charlie Utter Keith Carradine Wild Bill Hickock Powers Boothe Cy Tolliver Kim Dickens Joanie Stubbs Anna Gunn Martha Bullock
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2004-2006
Directed by various people, none women.
Labels: brad-dourif, dramaB, historical3, john-hawkes, me-favorite3, TV2, violence3, western
Northern Exposure 4th Season
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: none, yet
- Commentary: We've only watched this season informally in TV reruns. It's just one of our "must haves". I know we will watch it, probably in a marathon.
For a list of recurring actors/characters, see this post.
Here is the Wikipedia write-up for the fourth season.
Release Date: 1992-1993
Directed by various people, one woman.
Labels: bibi-besch, dramedy2, dylan-baker, female-director2, shared-favorite, TV2
Northern Exposure 3rd Season
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: We've only just received and begun to watch this season. I think this is the one where they do lots more dream work. I'm hoping this is the season when they produced the episode with Maggie and the bear.
Update: 9/23/21 Yes, this is the season in which Maggie receives a visit from a bear; a cool, sweet, mythological episode in which a lot happens to the other residents, as well. The episode is called Wake-up Call. I've linked to a complete rundown of the episode, although I don't know how long the link will exist. I hope I remember to check back, every once is awhile. Perhaps I'll need a wake-up call ...
For a list of recurring actors/characters, see this post.
Here is the Wikipedia write-up for the third season.
Release Date: 1991-1992
Directed by various people, one woman.
Labels: bibi-besch, dramedy2, female-director2, shared-favorite, TV2
Spellbound
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This is a ditty of a movie, and this little ditty is a delight. This is my idea of a cartoon, even though it's a docu-drama in the best sense of the word.
It is this type of movie that is responsible for turning my idea of what movies are for and can do for me. There are, for instance, movies that one would want to have in one's own collection for pure enjoyment. My mother and I, for instance, spell the words along with the participants (we've seen the movie twice).
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Jeffrey Blitz.
Labels: documentary1, mom-favorite2
Das Boot
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I originally watched this movie some years ago when I was self-studying war. I've now watched the series (which Wolfgang Petersen put together by adding a lot of his raw footage to the original theatrical cut of the film) since my sister sent it to me, all together and going back over bits that have stuck in my mind, when I desperately need to be reminded of everyone's essential humanity and of the root of all conflict.
As the Wikipedia article, linked below, explains, there are several different versions of this film in circulation on home video. Mine is the director's cut.
I believe I saw the theatrical cut during my first viewing, since it was all of a piece (a somewhat long piece), before My Florida Sister sent me this one. This one seemed, the first time I watched it, slightly different than the one in my memory. Aside from its length and it's presentation as a series of episodes, I think the director's cut is more engaging and affecting, in part because it gives you a chance for breathing/thinking room between sections and, in part, because the individual characters in the film are clearer, which enhances the effect of the series.
This film/series continues to have an impact on all who see it. In 2011, 14 years after Ebert wrote his initial review, one of the companion reviewers at Roger Ebert's site was moved to publish this review.
Roger Ebert, by the way, reviewed the director's cut, released the year he wrote his review.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jürgen Prochnow Kapitänleutnant Herbert Grönemeyer Leutnant Werner Klaus Wennemann Leitender Ingenieur Hubertus Bengsch 1st Watch Officer Oberleutnant
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981/1997
Directed by Wolfgang Petersen
Labels: dramaB, haunting2, historical3, me-favorite3, political4, war2
Waking Life
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Now, this is my idea of a comedy! I laughed and laughed all the way through this thing, and then was stunned at the end! I never think to watch this movie when Mom's awake. I don't know if she'd like it or not. She surprised me with her devotion to My Dinner with Andre so, you never know. If she ever sees it, I'll be sure to report.
Roger Ebert reviewed this movie twice. His initial review is linked in the title to this post. He reviewed it again when he christened it as one of his Great Movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Wiley Wiggins protagonist Eamonn Healy self Ethan Hawke self Richard Linklater self
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2001
Directed by Richard Linklater.
Labels: animated, dream1, fantasy3, film-art2, me-favorite3, pseudo-cgi-animation, satire2
What the Bleep Do We Know?
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This movie is seductively misleading. Many of the ideas are tantalizing to contemplate, but there are inconsistencies and contradictions that show that this movie is more a travelogue for New Age Meta-Physics. It is colorful, though, and provocative to watch. Much less so, though, than, say, Cosmos.
The most glaring problem is that the movie doesn't live up to its hype and does not fulfill even the blurb promises. I bought it sight unseen (stupid move, always) on the recommendation of someone whose knowledge of me and opinion, especially in these matters, I value. Unfortunately, it is one of those recommendations that casts an uneasy light on the value of the recommender's opinions.
The second problem lies in its hazy way of sometimes including what we think of as the inanimate world in on the "you create your own reality" scenario, then explicitly excluding it. Example: The narrative cites the experiment done in Japan that involved an experimenter writing descriptions of feelings on pieces of paper, using them to label jars of water, then doing what I imagine is a combination EEC/MRI on the cells of the water; the water, of course, mirrors the state written on its label. This experiment begs several questions, not the least important of which is, what about the reality of the water?
This movie is not going to change anyone's life, I don't think, not directly, anyway, but it's fun to watch. I haven't decided, yet, whether I'm going to keep it or eventually trade it in.
The third is that, in the end, the movie is a promo for a movement. Makes the viewer wonder about the involvement of each of the cast members. Always a bad idea, except in historical perspective.
Mom enjoyed it, especially the sessions with the 35,000 year old basketball hustler.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlee Matlin Amanda Elaine Hendrix Jennifer Barry Newman Frank Robert Bailey Jr. Reggie John Ross Bowie Elliot Armin Shimerman Man Robert Blanche Bob Larry Brandenburg Bruno
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed by William Arntz, Betsy Chasse & Mark Vicente.
Labels: fantasy3, female-director2, science, spiritual1
The Mary Tyler Moore Show 1st - 4th Seasons
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This show has "an incident" to recommend it: See the one "Mention". I have to admit, there is something addictive about this show. And, despite the active argument in which several critics are indulging, this show wasn't so innocent as all that. It still isn't. I'm pissed that they recorded a new cover of the theme. I miss the brightness of the old arrangement and the final chord.
We'll probably collect more of this show's seasons.
This is kind of an update, but I don't want to call it that. Suffice it to say, I'm writing it on 8/15/21. It's often hard to find legitimate reviews of television shows, and this has proved true for this show. I did, however, find reasonable rundowns of the four seasons we own: season one, season two, season three and season four. Be forewarned, about the only reviewy writing I could find is a short article linked to the title of this post. That'll have to do. Or, perhaps, the fact that I have never purchased any more seasons of this show is a review, in itself.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mary Tyler Moore Mary Richards Ed Asner Lou Grant Gavin MacLeod Murray Slaughter Ted Knight Ted Baxter Valerie Harper Rhoda Morgenstern Cloris Leachman Phyllis Lindstrom Georgia Engel Georgette Franklin Baxter Betty White Sue Ann Nivens
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1970-1974
Directed by several men and one woman for two episodes in Season 4. "That's all, folks."
Labels: buddy, comedy2, female-director2, mom-favorite2, TV2
Mary Poppins
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This movie has obsessed me since it was first advertised when I was a nascent teenager. For some reason, I hyped the possible experience up in my mind to the place where I found the movie disappointing and was embarrassed (in the way young teens are) that I liked the movie. But, the summer of the year we (my sisters and I as a group) saw it, we also spent that summer on vacation singing all the songs from the movie, working out harmonies, etc. My decision to buy the movie was of the gut and immediate when I noticed the commercial, last year, for the "limited release" of an edition of this movie. I snapped it up and I'm glad I did. We've watched it maybe four times since then, and sing our way through the movie when we view it. During one viewing I made a savory stew and it was as though The Spirit of Mary Poppins inhabited our house. And, I'm no longer embarrassed to admit this! So there!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Julie Andrews Mary Poppins Dick Van Dyke Bert & Mr. Dawes Sr. David Tomlinson George Banks Glynis Johns Winifred Banks Karen Dotrice Jane Banks Matthew Garber Michael Banks Ed Wynn Uncle Albert Hermione Baddeley maid
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1964
Directed by Robert Stevenson.
Labels: julie-andrews, kids, mom-favorite2, musical2, period5, popcorn-and-soda5
The Straight Story
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Another absolute favorite. I discovered this movie playing on one of the independent film channels. The entire movie is perfectly luscious, including the music, and the photography. The acting is superb. It should be a Required Viewing film for anyone who cares for an Ancient One.
The first time I viewed this film, I bought it lock stock and barrel. The second time, I was a little uneasy with what hit me as mawkishness in the act featuring the pregnant runaway and some of the Twin Brothers episode. On the third viewing, though, I was fine with everything. Ancient Ones are often mawkish. Sometimes thoughtfulness leads to a kind of mawkishness.
My mother always identifies with the spirit of Alvin Straight, and loves the fact that this man was (and remains in character) an Iowan.
It's funny, too, because I have an astute movie lover friend who absolutely hates this movie, thinks it's the most boring film he's ever seen. I guess you have to be an Iowan to appreciate it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Farnsworth Alvin Straight Sissy Spacek Rose Straight Harry Dean Stanton Lyle Straight Jane Galloway Heitz Dorothy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1999
Directed by David Lynch.
Labels: adventure4, biography2, dramaB, haunting2, popcorn-and-soda5, shared-favorite, sissy-spacek
My Dinner with Andre
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This is one of my all time favorite movies. I treated MCS to this movie (showing at the Valley Art in Tempe, AZ) and dinner, I think, when the movie first came out in 1981. We were both mesmerized by it. I have seen it several times since and never fail to fall under the spell of these two guys sitting at dinner and talking. The waiter is magical, although I didn't really appreciate his performance and character until my second viewing. I searched for this movie for a long time in widescreen format DVD and have as yet been unsuccessful in locating it. In the meantime, I have this version, the only version fit for U.S. consumption of which I know.
Mom was enchanted by this movie, as well, the first time she saw it, even though it has no captioning. When I purchased it (I got a deal) a couple of weeks ago, she had trouble with it, primarily because of the lack of captions. Could be she needs an ear cleaning, again.
Yes, I checked in with Roger Ebert on this movie. He loved it at least as much as me, and wrote two reviews, the first a regular review and the second, one of his Great Movie reviews. Frankly, I would have been disappointed in him if he hadn't considered it a "Great Movie".
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role André Gregory Andre Wallace Shawn Wally Jean Lenauer waiter Roy Butler bartender Cindy Adkins hatcheck girl
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1981
Directed by Louis Malle.
Labels: buddy, dramaB, film-art2, haunting2, shared-favorite
Murder, She Wrote - 1st & 2nd Seasons
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: The truth? Occasionally I'll get caught up in one of these episodes, but it is more interesting for me to watch my mother watching this show. Several years ago she used to say that she liked the series even though she "couldn't stand" Angela Lansbury. As she watched, though, she'd forget that the character is played by Ms. Lansbury and immerse herself in the genteel, nosy, forthright, thoughtful amateur detective who is also a mystery writer. I think my mother likes the reverie of believing that J. B. Fletcher is the epitome, not of what the Ancient One life should be but is. So, I watch the show more carefully, now, when I'm so inclined.
Update 2/11/21: No offense to the show, this is now in my county library system. After Mom died, I just didn't think I'd be interested in watching it, anymore. Yes, it's a great portrait of elders, and I'm an elder, now, officially, but, well, she's not a good role model for me, seeing as how I am a natural-born-hermit.
Update 5/25/23: Although I did not include Andy García in the truncated (because I passed this onto my local library system) list of actors and roles, below, I do include him in the labels at the end of this post because he does appear in the pilot episode of this series, which I, at one time, did own.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Angela Lansbury Jessica Fletcher Tom Bosley Sheriff Amos Tupper William Windom Dr. Seth Hazlitt
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1984-1985
Directed by several people, no women.
Labels: andy-garcía, angela-lansbury, mom-favorite2, mystery2, TV2
