Monday, November 14, 2005
Saturday Night Fever
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I have, for a long time, been shy about mentioning my adoration for this movie. Something about the way it's put together from the beginning. Something about its nonmusical musical quality. Something about its datedness, which was dated when it was made and thus makes it a period piece. Something about the coarse vulnerability of the characters. Something about the title song. Mom likes watching it because it's a dance movie. That's good enough for me.
Update 2/6/18: Roger Ebert wrote two interesting reviews of this movie: one about his own feelings toward the movie and one about Gene Siskel's veneration of this movie in one of his "Great Movie" reviews. I've included both. Sadly, I was unable to find a complete review of this movie by Gene Siskel. There are bits and pieces all over the internet, mostly of his October 1999 review of the movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role John Travolta Anthony Manero Karen Lynn Gorney Stephanie Mangano Barry Miller Bobby C. Donna Pescow Annette
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1977
Directed by John Badham
Labels: coming-of-age2, dramaA, john-travolta, me-favorite3, musical1, period5, popcorn-and-soda4
Unbreakable
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This movie has an hypnotic effect on me. Aside from enjoying the super hero theory postulated in the movie and loving the way the father/son relationship is portrayed, I have a strong response to its technique, including the choice of shots, film editing, the way the story unfolds, the direction of the understated performances...every time I watch it I discover something new. It is, so far, my favorite Shyamalan movie. Mom likes its atmosphere but finds the story disturbing although she sticks with it when I watch it.
By the way, in addition to Roger Ebert's review of this movie, linked to the title of this post, there is an intriguing article on the cinematographic composition of this movie by Jim Emerson that is fascinating to read, if you're into understanding why this movie keeps you captured, scene to scene.
Update 2/10/18: This movie began my curiosity about and interest in super hero movies and stories. Not all of them, mind you. I'm a picky customer so there are many I don't like, often, for instance, later installments in super hero series, like Iron Man. I can only stand the first one. Be that as it may, I have a small, particular collection accruing and this is the first.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bruce Willis David Dunn Samuel L. Jackson Elijah Price/Mr. Glass Robin Wright Audrey Dunn Spencer Treat Clark Joseph Dunn Charlayne Woodard Mrs. Price Johnny Hiram Jamison 13-year-old Elijah Eamonn Walker Dr. Mathison Leslie Stefanson Kelly
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by M. Night Shyamalan.
Labels: dramaA, fantasy3, haunting2, m-night-shyamalan, me-favorite3, mystery2, samuel-l-jackson, super-hero2, suspense2, violence3
Marvin's Room
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I absolutely had to own this movie. Read the mention linked above to see why. Mom tolerates me when I watch it and usually reads her tabloids. I think it's too quiet for her.
Miscellanous Notes: It is interesting, and curious, to see how many high profile actors were successfully solicited to perform in this relatively low profile film, even though it features what, at the time, would have been a high profile subject. Without them, this film could have turned maudlin, as so many "caregiver films" often do. This film is what I imagine must be called a "small" film, a gem surrounded by rhinestones.
In addition, Carly Simon wrote and performed the theme song "Two Little Sisters", with Meryl Streep adding background vocals.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Meryl Streep Lee Leonardo DiCaprio Hank Diane Keaton Bessie Robert De Niro Dr. Wally Hume Cronyn Marvin Gwen Verdon Ruth Hal Scardino Charlie Dan Hedaya Bob Cynthia Nixon Retirement Home Director Margo Martindale Dr. Charlotte Kelly Ripa Coral John Callahan Lance
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1996
Directed by Jerry Zaks.
Labels: caregiver, cynthia-nixon, diane-keaton, dramaA, hume-cronyn, leonardo-dicaprio, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, robert-de-niro
The Big Lebowski
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: What can I say? The Coen Brothers. Jeff Bridges. John Goodman. John Turturro. Steve Buscemi. The characterizations are over-the-top excellent. The humor is right up my alley. I can watch this one in whole or in part and never get tired of it. This is my definitive Up in Smoke movie.
In the Development section of the Wikipedia write-up, third paragraph down, there's a list of all the actors who were solicited for this film and turned it down. No snide remarks, here, just noting this and wondering, if any of them experienced, you know, regret, after the movie took off and became a literal classic.
I also want to mention The Nihilists, Peter Stormare, Torsten Voges, and Flea as Uli Kunkel/Karl Hungus, Franz, and Kieffer, as they are, depending on your outlook, key to the film, but I didn't have enough room above, so many were the actors who I thought deserved to be recognized for their performances in this film.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeff Bridges Dude Jeffrey Lebowski John Goodman Walter Sobchak Julianne Moore Maud Lebowski Steve Buscemi Donny Kerabatsos David Huddleston Big Jeffrey Lebowski Philip Seymour Hoffman Brandt Tara Reid Bunny Lebowski John Turturro Jesus Quintana Sam Elliott The Stranger David Thewlis Knox Harrington Ben Gazzara Jackie Treehorn Jon Polito Da Fino
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Joel Cohen.
Labels: buddy, jeff-bridges, john-turturro, julianne-moore, me-favorite3, neo-noirA, popcorn-and-soda5, satire2, steve-buscemi
My House in Umbria
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: Another favorite of mine. I love luxuriating in Maggie Smith's performance in this HBO movie. I love luxuriating in Maggie Smith's performances in any of her movies and TV productions! What a multifaceted actor she is!
I love the ambiance of the voice over in this movie. I enjoy the story. It takes "character driven" to a new level.
Mom has liked this movie on and off. She has to be in the mood for it. I'm always in the mood for it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maggie Smith Emily Delahunty Chris Cooper Thomas Riversmith Timothy Spall Quinty Emmy Clarke Aimee
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Richard Loncraine.
Labels: chris-cooper, dramaA, dream1, maggie-smith, me-favorite3, TV2
Sleepless in Seattle
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Although the story is pleasant enough and I enjoy the romantic comedy no matter how many times I see it, this movie is a hallmark for me because I lived in Seattle when it was being filmed, saw it during its first run in Seattle and watch it more for its ability to transport me back to Seattle than anything else. Mom enjoys the story.
Update: 5/14/2022: Just want to mention, after all these years, since I first saw this movie, in Seattle, where I was living during its initial release, I not only haven't grown tired of it, I watch it regularly, yearn for it, even, at least once or twice a year. When I learned one of my nephews was relocating to Seattle, I immediately made space in my day to watch this film. It's not the story, although that's entertaining. It's Seattle, the star of this movie, for me. As I watch I rewalk the streets and even mentally insert scenarios that are pertinent to me, and only to me. The story? Eh. The setting? Ahh!!
One final observation. In reading (long after I saw the movie several times) the critical rundown in Wikipedia on this movie, I realized they all missed the subtle satire undergirding the movie, which is what actually lifts it out of the category of "maudlin". Maybe you have to live in Seattle to catch this.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tom Hanks Sam Baldwin Meg Ryan Annie Reed Bill Pullman Walter Jackson Ross Malinger Jonah Baldwin Rob Reiner Jay Matthews Rosie O'Donnell Becky Gaby Hoffmann Jessica Victor Garber Role Name Actor Name Greg Rita Wilson Suzy David Hyde Pierce Dennis Reed Caroline Aaron Dr. Marcia Fieldstone
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Nora Ephron.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, comedy1, female-director2, me-favorite3, meg-ryan, romance3, tom-hanks
Sunday, October 09, 2005
The Women (1939) - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). I've watched this movie three times, once, the first, on TCM. The link, by the way, will take you to TCM's "article links" page for their website, where you can access even more information on the movie.
Mom and I continue to be transfixed by this movie, especially the clothes and the in-color fashion sequence. Joan Crawford is a riot as the seductress. The opening credits alone are worth seeing over and over.
Update 9/23/21: I just want to mention, I remain, since Mom's death, a staunch fan of Joan Crawford and this movie. You might notice that I also have the remake of this movie, The Women - (2008). Although I enjoy Annette Bening's performance in it, I love Bette Midler as The Countess, I'm glad they included a lesbian and I salute the attempt not to pay fealty to the catch phrase on the cover of this version, "It's all about men!", still, the comedy isn't quite as heightened in the 2008 version and the showing of Mary Haine's clothing designs is kind of a letdown. During that scene it's hard not to be distracted by the thought, "Couldn't they have gotten a better designer for this movie?!?"
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Norma Shearer Mary Haines Joan Crawford Crystal Allen Rosalind Russell Sylvia Fowler Mary Boland The Countess De Lave Phyllis Povah Edith Potter Paulette Goddard Miriam Aarons Phyllis Povah Edith Potter Joan Fontaine Peggy Day Virginia Weidler Little Mary Haines Lucile Watson Mrs. Morehead Marjorie Main Lucy Dennie Moore Olga, the manicurist
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up on this movie.
Release Date: 1939
Directed by George Cukor.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, joan-crawford, marjorie-main, me-favorite3, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3, satire2, women's-movie1
Mildred Pierce 1945 film - The Joan Crawford Collection
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This came as one of five in a Joan Crawford Collection (Click the part of the title that says "The Joan Crawford Collection" for a different summary and review). Each of us had seen this at least once before we acquired it. Both of us are fascinated by the emotional violence in the film.
Update 9/23/21: I often watch this version and Kate Winslet's Mildred Pierce mini-series back-to-back. They both feature terrific actors in all parts. The actors who play Veda are both equally electrifying. Despite the fact that Joan Crawford has a penchant for playing "bad women", she was equally effective in this movie as a good woman, a woman who values her cohorts, a woman who expects nothing but the same from her husband but is not devastated when he fails, and a woman who over-values a talented but uncompassionate daughter. Granted, the daughter in this version isn't really much to hang one's hopes on, while Kate Winslet's daughter Veda is promising. And, in the mini-series, no one gets killed. But, the overall effect is the same, and quite delicious to watch!
An added delight with this version is Eve Arden as Ida Corwin, the role Mare Winningham plays in the miniseries. Eve Arden is sassy and smart as Ida Corwin, but we don't get a lot of her character development in the movie. In the mini-series, Ida's trajectory expands and becomes a mini-story in its own right.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joan Crawford Mildred Pierce Jack Carson Wally Fay Zachary Scott Monty Beragon Eve Arden Ida Corwin Ann Blyth Veda Pierce Bruce Bennett Bert Pierce Lee Patrick Maggie Biederhof Moroni Olsen Inspector Peterson
The link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film can be found here.
Release Date: 1945
Directed by Michael Curtiz.
Labels: dramaA, film-noir2, joan-crawford, me-favorite3, melodramaA, mystery2
Don Juan DeMarco
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I'm truly surprised I've never mentioned this film in the journal. Since I saw it in the theater I've rented it for both of us to watch. We are both always delighted with it.
My mother consistently snorts her ironic disapproval during the scenes in which DeMarco talks about women. At one point, the first time she saw it, she rolled her eyes and said, "Oh, brother!" By the end, though, she is always won over. This is one of those movies that makes me wonder which I enjoy more; watching the movie or watching my mother watch the movie.
It is important to note (as I did in the table below) that Selena, yes, that Selena, appears briefly in this movie. It seems this was her only film appearance. It was noted in her Wikipedia write-up, to which I've linked in the table, below.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Marlon Brando Dr. Jack Mickler/Don Octavio de Flores Johnny Depp John Arnold DeMarco/Don Juan Faye Dunaway Marilyn Mickler Géraldine Pailhas Doña Ana Bob Dishy Dr. Paul Showalter Franc Luz Don Antonio Rachel Ticotin Doña Inez Selena Pérez Ranchera Singer
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by Jeremy Leven.
Labels: dramedy2, faye-dunaway, marlon-brando, me-favorite3, popcorn-and-soda5, romance3
Dead Again
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2*
- Commentary: I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out strictly on the strength of my familiarity with Derek Jacobi, Emma Thompson and Kenneth Branagh. What a romp! I fell in love with all of it: The story, the presentation, the delightful performance by Andy Garcia, the suspense, there isn't an aspect of it I don't love. I've rented it and shown it to Mom a couple of times. She is always entranced. Thus, I ended up adding it to our movie collection.
It was this movie, in fact, the watching of which brought out the police on one of two noise ordinance complaints. [The other complaint was during an evening Mary Tyler Moore marathon.] It is worth it. Both times.
Update 5/12/2022: The truth? I recently viewed (and enjoyed) this film again (I think it was the fourth or fifth viewing in my life). Yes, it's fun, very involving, and I have a special fondness for remembering my watching of it with Mom. It also got largely great reviews. But, you know what? When I watched it again recently, I was suddenly struck by the fact that I think it's an elaborate vanity project. I mean, the overwhelming (both in number and reputation) cast? The almost unbearable number of twists and turns? The hint, no, more than a hint, of overwrought acting? But, you know, it's tasty. Very tasty. And, if you ever want to call the police to your house ...
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kenneth Branagh Mike Church/Roman Strauss Emma Thompson Grace/Amanda Sharp/Margaret Strauss Andy García Gray Baker Derek Jacobi Franklyn Madson Wayne Knight Pete Dugan Robin Williams Dr. Cozy Carlisle Hanna Schygulla Inga Campbell Scott Doug
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1991
Directed by Kenneth Branagh.
Labels: andy-garcía, derek-jacobi, emma-thompson, me-favorite3, mystery2, neo-noirA, popcorn-and-soda5, robin-williams
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
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, maggie-gyllenhaal, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, nicolas-cage, satire2
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
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
Monday, February 21, 2005
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I wasn't sure if Mom would like this movie, even though it is one of my three favorite education movies. I needn't have worried. She got it, and she enjoyed it, although she prefers education movies like Stand and Deliver (the link to this movie, by the way, is to a site which details the fate of Jaime Escalante's legendary high school calculus program). She even said, "I've known teachers like that."
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maggie Smith Jean Brodie Robert Stephens Teddy Lloyd Pamela Franklin Sandy Emmeline Mackay Celia Johnson
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1969
Directed by Ronald Neame.
Labels: dramaB, maggie-smith, me-favorite3, period5, political4, teaching
π
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: This one is my treat, one of my trance movies. I don't know if Mom will ever see this movie. I think it would bore her. She does not find representations of the internal flights of one's mind interesting, not even if a story centers around them. She is a "what did they do", not a "what were they thinking" person. I think this is because she is such a quick study in regards to picking up on what people are thinking...but, considers that what a person is thinking is absolutely no excuse for bad behavior.
Update 5/11/2020: Per my above prediction, and my machinations, Mom never saw this movie. Frankly, if she's "out there somewhere", I think she would still feel that it would have been a waste to time to watch it. Go, Mom!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Sean Gullette Maximillian Cohen Mark Margolis Sol Robeson Ben Shenkman Lenny Meyer Samia Shoaib Devi Pamela Hart Marcy Dawson Stephen Pearlman Rabbi Cohen Ajay Naidu Farouq Kristyn Mae-Anne Lao Jenna
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Darren Aronofsky.
Labels: A24, darren-aronofsky, dramaB, dream1, film-art2, me-favorite3, mystery2, neo-noirB
Sunday, February 13, 2005
Patton
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: Mom doesn't remember this movie from watching to watching, but, each viewing rivets her, nonetheless. Her memory of WWII and her service in the Navy snap to attention in frequent spasms throughout the movie.
Me? It's one of my all time favorites, not just for performance, or other film-making qualities, but I often think of this movie when I meditate on the subject of conflict.
Roger Ebert christened this as one of his Great Movies, the review for which I linked to the title of this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role George C. Scott Lt. Gen. George S. Patton Karl Malden Lt. Gen. Omar N. Bradley David Bauer Lt. Gen. Harry Buford James Edwards William George Meeks
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1970
Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner.
Labels: biography2, historical3, karl-malden, me-favorite3, war2
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
Kung Fu: Entire Series 1972-1975 [Original Series]
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1* *2* *3* *4* *5*
- Commentary: I know, I should be ashamed of how much I love this show. There's a lot of stuff involved: The time period; living on Guam when it first aired; knowing someone who became an instant and serious devotee of the series and what it represented, etc.
I'm not sure why my mother likes it, but I know she does. It has an hypnotic effect on both of us.
Although each of us, separately and together, have watched many episodes of this series many times, neither of us had seen the pilot, so that was a treat.
I think, too, one of the reasons we bond over this series is that both of us have a bit of the monk in us.
I know the story behind the series and know that, in some serious ways, its existence is a travesty to Bruce Lee, the man and the force. I keep this in mind when I watch it.
My mother is not concerned with politically tainted considerations. She just likes the shows. She mistakes David Carradine for his father. Interesting, because I think they look nothing alike, nor do they act alike, especially in this series. At some point David's father is in the series, playing an itinerant preacher. His brother Robert plays the preacher's mute sidekick, Sunny Jim. Another brother, Keith, plays Kwai Chang Caine as a teenage aspirant.
The article attached to the title (it was, btw, incredibly hard to find any writing about the old series, let alone criticism) has two parts. The second part is linked at the bottom of the first part, but the link is easy to miss. Here's a link to part two of that article.
By the way, IRL the third season's cover is actually a deep purple, not a deep blue. I guess it was, or still is, hard to reproduce purple in online photos.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role David Carradine Kwai Chang Caine Radames Pera Young Caine Keye Luke Master Po Philip Ahn Master Kan
→ Dean Jagger - Caine's Grandfather
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972-1975
Episodes directed by several people. I think it is noteworthy that none of the episodes had a female director.
Labels: dean-jagger, jodie-foster, me-favorite3, pat-hingle, TV3, western
Monday, February 07, 2005
The Fog of War
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: I'm sure you'll be surprised to know that my mother (and, thus, me) had a very successful experience with this movie. I continue to use it as a meditation on conflict. Often, when I'm using it for this, Mom will sit down and watch it from wherever it is when she notices I'm playing it.
By the way, Roger Ebert also wrote of a letter he received from Errol Morrs expressing unpleasant surprise at the controversy surrounding not only this movie, but many of his other movies. It's a thoughtful response. Check it out.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2003
Directed by Errol Morris.
Labels: documentary1, haunting2, historical4, me-favorite3, war2
Sexy Beast
- Who's watched: G
- Mentions: None
- Commentary: I am also a devotee of Ben Kingsley's work. I find his portrayal in this movie thrilling. I'm sure my mother would ask, when it was over, "Now, what exactly was the point to that?!?" So, I don't imagine I'll ever invite her to watch it, nor will she express interest in it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ray Winstone Gary Dove Ben Kingsley Don Logan Ian McShane Teddy Bass Amanda Redman DeeDee Dove
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Jonathan Glazer.
Labels: ben-kingsley, dramaB, dream1, me-favorite3, neo-noirC, ray-winstone, violence3
