Tuesday, September 03, 2024
Halloween
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, here's the thing: I was born on Halloween. My parents even took a picture of my eldest sister dolled up for trick-or-treating on the evening of the morning I was born. I, of course, was comfortably in hospital with my mother.
Because I was born on that day, I've always had a curiosity about Halloween. I have not, however, particularly enjoyed Halloween, including the act of trick-or-treating. I never understood the connection between Halloween and trick-or-treating and fun when I was a child. I didn't mind receiving candy, of course, but threatening people in order to receive candy, well, that made me uncomfortable. For that matter, even before I was of age for trick-or-treating, I thought it was a mean act to which to pledge oneself. I went, of course. Being the second oldest of four girls, I was, with my older sister, part of the corraling section of the four of us. When I was close to hitting 10 years of age, though, I initiated a discussion with my mother about Halloween, in general, and trick-or-treating, in particular. I was very uncomfortable about all of it and needed to work through my misgivings.
We had a set of encyclopedias at home and I remember my mother and I indulging in an enlightening afternoon searching for everything we could find in those pages regarding Halloween, trick-or-treating and anything else related. That, of course, gave me a completely different perspective on the celebration. From that point on through my childhood I had even more difficulty with trick-or-treating, wondering if, somehow, even though I had never been taught to believe in ghosts and spirits, if they did exist and descended upon the home, so to speak, they'd abandoned at their death, what could it possibly mean to them that I was born on their day? Would these spectres think that I existed as an offering to them?
That mystery, as you can imagine, was never solved. However, when I meet people who were also born on Halloween, I feel a special kinship with them, knowing that they also exist with that mystery inside them.
And, yes, because of my birthday and my mother's and my investigation of the holiday, I have always understood and enjoyed the Peter, Paul and Mary version of "The Souling Song" (which is very old, by the way).
So, you see, I have a special reason for being curious about this film, even though I suspect that it has nothing to do with the traditions of Halloween as I understand them. Doesn't really matter. I'm looking forward to the debut of The Ultimate Scream Queen and the horror, and all. And Donald Pleasence. Can't wait (although I'll have to) to see him perform in yet another role.
More later, I'm sure.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Donald Pleasence Dr. Samuel Loomis Jamie Lee Curtis Laurie Strode Nick Castle The Shape Tony Moran Michael Myers age 21 Will Sandin Michael Myers age 6 Nancy Kyes Annie Brackett P. J. Soles Lynda Van Der Klok Charles Cyphers Sheriff Leigh Brackett Kyle Richards Lindsey Wallace Brian Andrews Tommy Doyle John Michael Graham Bob Simms Nancy Stephens Marion Chambers Arthur Malet Angus Taylor Mickey Yablans Richie Castle Brent Le Page Lonnie Elam Adam Hollander Keith Robert Phalen Dr. Wynn Sandy Johnson Judith Myers Peter Griffith Morgan Strode David Kyle Foster Judith's boyfriend
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1978
Directed by John Carpenter.
Labels: horror3
To Kill a Mockingbird - 60th Anniversary Edition
- Commentary: Under construction.
Why in the world has it taken me so long to add this world famous and beloved movie to my collection? Truth is, I don't really like it. In fact, as I recall (which may be in error) I've never watched the entire film. There are a few standout scenes and sections of dialogue that I like. And, frankly, I love Mary Badham's portrayal of Scout, but never enough to purchase the film. Until now, that is. What caused my change of, if not heart, then thought? Roger Ebert's pointed, two and a half star review, which I'd not read until today, by accident. I was surprised and pleased that he and I were pretty much in agreement about this film. Truth is, I rarely add a movie to my collection that I don't like, unless I dislike it so much that I can't get it out of my head and find myself mentally analyzing why I don't like it, which is usually an indication that I can see how it could have been improved, a lot. Sometimes my opinion resonates with other film makers who then attempt to create a better version and succeed. That is not the case with this film. Roger Ebert certainly disliked this movie at least as much as I did. As well, his analyzation of his dislike lent me a cogent understanding of what bothered me about the film. Turns out, it's easy to find a cheap copy of this film, no doubt because so many people disagree with Roger and me. So, it's winging it's way to my home and will likely arrive within the week.
More, later, when I receive a copy and finally watch it all the way through.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Gregory Peck Atticus Finch Mary Badham Scout Phillip Alford Jem John Megna Charles Baker "Dill" Harris Frank Overton Sheriff Heck Tate Rosemary Murphy Maudie Atkinson Ruth White Mrs. Dubose Brock Peters Tom Robinson Estelle Evans Calpurnia Paul Fix Judge John Taylor Collin Wilcox Mayella Violet Ewell James Anderson as Robert E. Lee Ewell Alice Ghostley Stephanie Crawford Robert Duvall Arthur "Boo" Radley William Windom DA Horace Gilmer Crahan Denton Walter Cunningham
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1962
Directed by Robert Mulligan.
Labels: gregory-peck, mary-badham, robert-duvall
