We're Doing It!

Last night I went and saw Zack and Miri Make a Porno. Today I have a sinus headache. As a result I’m having trouble formulating all my different ideas about the film into one intelligent and coherent review. So here’s the basics…

I really enjoyed the film. It was awesomely funny and also rather sweet. There are a few points where the sweet almost tips the scale into schmaltz territory but those moments are few and far between AND a great funny line always comes along to restore balance to the force. If you like Kevin Smith’s stuff you will love this film. If you don’t like Kevin Smith stuff you still might like this film. It’s a cute date movie. Go give it a try.

Here are some aborted attempts at introductory paragraphs and angry rants:

Many reviews of this film have spoken about the synergistic relationship between Kevin Smith and Judd Apatow. They mention how Kevin’s early films lead the way for Judd who in turn made the whole obscene/touching dynamic commercially viable with hits like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Knocked Up. While all of this is true, it must be noted that before Kevin Smith...there was another. “Pope of Trash” John Waters has made a career out of films about a scrappy bands of outsiders and it is in that tradition which Zack and Miri Make a Porno finds itself firmly placed.

Kevin Smith’s films exist along a spectrum. At one extreme you have Chasing Amy and at the other you have Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Aside from a few shared characters and verbal rhythms, the films could not be further apart. One is a nuanced meditation on love and sex, while the other is a broad slapstick cartoon. Located precisely in the middle of these two poles, is Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

The following are excerpts from Lisa Schwarzbaum’s review of Zack and Miri Make a Porno for Entertainment Weekly:

“…a visual eyesore, as if compositional coherence signifies selling out to the man.”

“…an intimate scene that even bad cinematography can’t ruin…”

I seriously feel that Ms. Schwarzbaum was watching an entirely different film than the one I saw last night. Cinematographer David Klein, working in harmony with production designer Robert Holtzman, created a wonderful dirt-smeared palette which perfectly compliments the film’s ‘down on your luck’ vibe.

And as for accusations of shoddy composition? I do not see how this film is any worse compositionally than 90% of the dreck unspooling on screens every week. I’m not saying that it is Antonioni-esque or anything, but it is also extremely far from compositional incoherence.

I’d be interested to see how many film reviews by Ms. Schwarzbaum over the last 15 years have included the word “composition”. Something tells me not many, and the few that do are probably Kevin Smith movies.

I get that she didn’t like the film, but why does she have to rely on old "truisms" that are no longer true? Sure Kevin had less than stellar meis en scene when he started, but after working with the likes of Vilmos Zsigmond can you really still make such claims? It comes off as reaching.

Hopefully reading all of these disparate parts in quick succession will give some semblance of what I would have said in an actual review. Time for Advil.

Hee Hee. This is my 69th blog post.

5 Days Out

The election is less than a week away and things are not looking too good for Mr. McCain. Don't believe me? Check out the following clips -

Wow even Fox "News" callin' a brotha out. I know it's great to watch and bodes well for our side, but don't let it make you cocky. A lot can happen in 5 days so don't let me catch you resting on your laurels.

Get out there and rock the motherfuckin' vote!

ULTIMATE FAIL!!!

OK everyone. It's time for a special celebrity edition of America's favorite failure based game show...

ULTIMATE FAIL!

Today's contestant is Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin. We now go live to special political correspondent Brian Williams.

Not quite sure where she went wrong?

Read This -

terrorist: noun - A radical who employs terror as a political weapon; usually organizes with other terrorists in small cells; often uses religion as a cover for terrorist activities

Now Click & Read -

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Robert_Rudolph

OK now.

Everybody say it with me...

ULTIMATE FAIL!!!

I'm sorry ma'am but you just lost the right to even be CONSIDERED for the office of Vice President. Thank you for playing.

Tune in next week for more failure-ific fun.

What have you done for me LATELY?

A brief observation:

Whenever a conservative decides to jump ship and endorse Barack Hussein Obama the immediate reaction is to begin denigrating that person as not a ‘true conservative’. This all hit a fever pitch on Sunday when Colin Powell decided to endorse Obama while speaking on “Meet the Press”.

Colin Luther Powell served as a National Security Advisor to Reagan, Chaired the Joint Chiefs of Staff under Bush Sr. and acted as Secretary of State to Bush Jr. For most people, a resume like that would buy a lot of Republican street cred.



Oh and let’s not forget the fact that Powell is pro-choice and his mother dresses him funny.

I don’t get it.

Had Powell chosen to endorse McCain the Bill Kristols and William Bennetts of the world would be extolling his virtues as a wise and respected conservative man of principle. He's their negro as long as he's useful. After that -

'To the wolves with you. We have Alan Keyes.'

I honestly believe that if Ronald Reagan were to suddenly rise from the dead and endorse Barack Obama, every dittohead from here to Timbuktu would be decrying him as not a ‘true conservative’ and would repeatedly regurgitate the fact that he was a registered Democrat until 1962.

I sure hope Andy Griffith is ready for the onslaught:

See more Ron Howard videos at Funny or Die

Movies Of The Future!

Next Tuesday will mark the DVD release of “Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead” and though I have not seen the film myself I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Some of you might be wondering: "What could give him such unbridled enthusiasm for an unseen film?"

For you I have two words: "LLOYD KAUFMAN!!!"

Many out there (close friends of mine included) like to dismiss Troma© as schlocky trash with absolutely no redeeming value. On one level they are correct. Troma© has released its’ share of “goat shit”, but when it comes to actual Lloyd Kaufman productions, you are in for a treat.

Lloyd is no dummy. He attended Yale alongside the likes of Gary Trudeau, Oliver Stone, George W. Bush and John Kerry. He also knows his cinema. As a young man he worshiped at the altar of art filmmakers like Andy Warhol and Stan Brakhage and it is this anti-authoritarian/underground streak that shines through in all of his films.

Unlike so much of the shit cluttering out multiplexes in this day and age, Lloyd actually makes films ABOUT something. He makes films about AIDS, abortion, women in the arts, our consumerist culture, etc. Of course it all gets related through the prism of a gory horror comedy but that just makes it all the better. A spoon full of sugar helps the medicine go down.

Even the ramshackle/low-budget nature of the productions serves as a plus. Godard isn’t the only one who can effectively used Brechtian devices in film. A particularly fake looking head explosion is an excellent way to remind you that you are watching film. An aware audience is much better able to interpret and discuss the ideas they are being fed. Unlike “Forrest Gump” et al, these films are not propaganda.

Now of course Troma© isn’t for everyone. Those with weak stomachs might want to take a rain check and that’s to be understood. But for those of you out there who consider yourselves serious cineastes, there is absolutely no excuse.

Lloyd is quite simply the most inspiring individual currently working in film. His passion is so intense that regardless of the medium, he is able to reach out and grab you. His prose can be just as inanely infectious as his cinema.

Recommended Viewing
-The Toxic Avenger
-Troma’s War
-Tromeo & Juliet
-Terror Firmer
-The Toxic Avenger IV: Citizen Toxie

Recommended Reading
-Make Your Own Damn Movie

NOW LET’S GO MAKE SOME ART!!!

Casting Couch

Over the years the gap between a film’s theatrical release and its’ appearance on video and TV has grown smaller and smaller. So small in fact that many consumers opt to just skip the theatrical run altogether.

Good news for DVD and cable sales, bad news for theater owners. That is unless you’re 2929 Entertainment®.

Owned and run by billionaire Mark Cuban and his business partner Todd Wagner, 2929 Entertainment® consists of:

- Magnolia Pictures
- Landmark Theatres
- Magnolia Home Entertainment
- HDNet
- HDNet Films

Yep. They own the means of production as well as the means of distribution.

It is with this in mind, that back in 2005, 2929 Entertainment signed a deal with Oscar® winning director Stephen Soderbergh, to produce six feature-length films for simultaneous release on pay cable, DVD and in theaters.

Within a year of the deal Soderbergh had produced “Bubble”, an excellent film about murder in a small town, starring non-actors who all work at a doll factory. Definitely worth a rental.

Now, nearly four years and four non-2929 films later, Soderbergh is ready for another go around. This one will be titled “The Girlfriend Experience” and will center on the world of high-class call girls.

When the project was first announced Soderbergh stated that his intention was to use a girl from the world of adult film as his star. Yesterday he announced his choice:


I don’t know exactly how to feel about Sasha Grey.

She’s pretty, insisted on being photographed by Terry Richardson for Penthouse, pals around with the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins and The Roots, she’s a feminist (though some might dispute her on that) and loves art cinema.

So what’s the problem right?

My problem is with this tough yet aloof exterior she presents. She’s confrontational yet blasé about EVERYTHING! She’ll talk about the taboo of interracial porn or about empowering herself by pushing her personal sexual boundaries and I'm sure she really means it all, but it all comes off feeling false.

Yeah I know she’s got an image to maintain but that image really prevents me from taking her seriously about anything she has to say. Regardless of the topic, it all sounds the same. Who finds that interesting let alone sexy? Perhaps I’m just too square.

Anyhow, I’m really interested to see how “The Girlfriend Experience” turns out. If anyone can get behind her façade, it’s Stephen Soderbergh. Who knows? She could end up surprising me.

What's Yr Take on Cassavetes?

If you have ANY interest in/appreciation of fine acting or great cinema, you NEED to see –

“A Woman Under The Influence”

I don’t care what certain members of Le Tigre say. Mr. Cassavetes is in no way a misogynist. This is a story about people doing the best they can to handle a situation they don’t really understand. Of course characters are going to do and say horrible things. That’s life and that’s what John was trying to capture.

Gena Rowlands’ performance is one for the ages. Every line, every gesture, every panicked look comes from a real and honest place. She really should have won that Oscar® (though Ellen Burstyn was pretty damn good in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” as well). John crafted her the perfect role and she played it to the hilt.

Definitely not a Saturday night date movie, but essential viewing none the less.

A New World Of Gods And Monsters!

Aside from heaps upon heaps of troubling economic news, the other big story of this week was the McCain/Palin campaign's decision to enter the character assassination game. At rally after rally the candidates as well as their surrogates, took every possible opportunity to question Senator Obama's patriotism.

The constant repetition of the Senator's full name (Barack Hussein Obama) by surrogates, combined with repeated accusations of Obama "paling around" with a terrorist, has resulted in many crowds chanting things like, "traitor" and in some cases "kill him".

This is INSANELY irresponsible on the part of the McCain/Palin campaign. Sure most of your rank and file Republicans out there will be content with chanting, blogging, e-mailing and voting to get out their aggression - but what about the others? What about that proverbial "lone nut"? I don't think a cleaning agent exists that can even begin to remove that much blood from someone's hands.

At a rally today, Senator McCain attempted to cool every one's collective jets. But is it too late?



Hate is not a faucet that you can simply turn on and off at will. Has John McCain opened Pandora's Box? Has he given birth to a monster not even he can control?



PS: A bi-partisan legislative council in Alaska just released a report stating that Gov. Sarah Palin broke a state ethics law which prohibits public officials from pursuing personal interest through official action.

Read all about it: http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/10/palin.investigation/index.html

Can We All Do This Together?

Back in the mid to late 90s the Dogme 95 movement was all the rage. Developed by Danish filmmakers Lars Von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, the movement and its’ “Vow of Chastity” (http://www.dogme95.dk/the_vow/vow.html) attempted to return filmmaking to what they saw as its’ pure state – telling stories about human beings.

In spite of great successes with films like “The Celebration” and “Julien Donkey-Boy”, the movement eventually petered out in the early 2000s. Both the world and the filmmakers had grown tired of shaky-camera melodramas.

What a difference 5 years makes.

Shot on hand-held digital video with an incidental soundtrack, Jonathan Demme’s “Rachel Getting Married” is shaping up to be one of the better pictures of the year.

While some might try to label it as such, the film’s style is far from a "gimmick". The film tells a story that is both beautiful and ruthless, which the cinematography reflects perfectly. Just as a scene can rapidly transition from heartbreaking to joyous, so too can the visuals switch from fluorescent jaundice to the most vivid and warm palette you can imagine.

Let us also not forget the performers who made this all possible. They are the ones who are able to make a conversation switch on a dime from cutting brutality to blissful hugging. Though Anne Hathaway will deservedly receive a huge amount of praise (and probably an Oscar® nomination) for her un-glamorous portrayal of recovering junkie Kym, we should not forget the rest of the cast. In moments both light and dark, everyone gets a chance to shine and they are all superb.

Last but most certainly not least, praise must be heaped upon screenwriter Jenny (daughter of Sidney) Lumet. Her screenplay is messy in the best way possible. It is content to leave some things unresolved and to ramble like her characters speak - with intense emotion and conviction.

Don’t be afraid.

This film knows where it's going and you really should come along.

PS: Roger Corman has a blink and you miss it cameo. Perhaps this is a sign from the gods that this will finally be Roger's year to get an honorary Oscar®.

*fingers crossed*

The People's Mouse

I just had to share this photo:
Yep that's Mickey and Walt with Soviet Auteur Sergi Eisenstein.

I found it over at http://criterioncollection.blogspot.com/ and apparently it's included on their edition of the "Alexander Nevsky" DVD. Though it by no means forgives my issues with The Walt Disney Company® - it does make Walt a tiny bit cooler. Let's not forget he also hung with Dali.

Now if only we could convince Bob Iger that Walt would have wanted Mickey to go into public domain so that he could become the property of the proletariat.

Oh who am I kidding? When's the last time anyone at that company gave a thought to what a member of the Disney family might want?

Mahalo

Another day to live through. Better get started.

What is it like to be the last man on earth?

Over the years, many films, books and comics have wrestled this particular question. My particular favorite exploration is Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra's epic comic book series "Y: The Last Man" which I highly recommend to anyone and everyone.

Another staple of the "genre" is Richard Matheson's 1954 novel entitled "I Am Legend". Though famously molded into a Will Smith vehicle last year, this book had already been adapted twice before. Last night I had the pleasure of watching the original, unambiguously titled, 1964 adaptation - "The Last Man on Earth".

Vincent Price's voice is a thing to behold. It's capable of sending tingles down your spine (reciting Edgar Allen Poe's "The Raven") as well as making you want to get your groove on ("rapping" at the end of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"). Though clearly best suited for talking pictures, Price could have easily been a star of the silent screen.

Outside of voice-over narration and the above pictured attempt at radio communication, the first roughly 15 minutes of the film are dialogue free. When you're "The Last Man on Earth" there's not really much need for talking. As a result of disembodying voice from action, the audience is able to better appreciate Price's skilled physicality. With nothing more than posture and a hang dog expression Vincent communicates the extreme loneliness and boredom of Robert Morgan's predicament. The performance is sheer brilliance.

Unfortunately the rest of the film does not live up to the promise of the first third. Once dialogue enters the equation 90% of the film's energy vanishes. Director Ubaldo Ragona suddenly seems content to let the dialogue do all of the storytelling. Le sigh.

It's an interesting catch-22: Without the first act the film is a perfectly watchable (though standard) Vincent Price creep-fest, with the first act it becomes a flawed masterpiece. Is it better to strive for greatness and fall short or to simply be content with mediocrity? Personally I find myself in the 'strive for greatness' camp.

Though I've always loved Vincent Price, I never really took him that seriously. He was always great for creepy/campy fun but nothing more. If it weren't for the opening of "The Last Man on Earth" that would have still been the case. Thank you Robert Morgan.

All Of Them

In a series of interviews over the past week, Sarah Palin has succeeded in making milquetoast anchor Katie Couric look like Edward R. Murrow. Most of the interview clips made me laugh and left me with a sinking feeling about our Nation's future but it was the following clip that really angered me:


Look at her try to spin it like cute little Katie was accusing Alaska of being ill-informed. No Mrs. Palin, she's only talking about you.

I don't think that Sarah Palin is dumb by any stretch of the imagination. She knows how to dodge a question, how to spin it and how to mention as many key phrases as possible. That takes smarts and I'm pretty sure she reads. She holds a BS in Communications-Journalism. If she doesn't read then that's just plain sad. So let's just assume that she is an intelligent and literate woman. Why would someone withhold their reading list? Though I have absolutely no way to prove it, my theory is:

By refusing to name specific periodicals, Mrs. Palin is trying to appeal to the anti-intellectual contingent within the Republican party.

Over the past eight years the middle-class has seen increasing hardship. The rich have become richer while average Americans have found it harder and harder to make ends meet. As a result, a great deal of Americans have a strong mistrust towards "elites". This puts the Republican Party at quite the disadvantage.



What is a political party to do? How can they possibly convince the biggest voting block out there (the middle class) that they are not the party of the elite?

*Light Bulb*

BY CALLING THE OTHER GUYS ELITES!

Look at them and all their fancy book learnin'. They don't know what it's really like. They just sit there judging you in their ivory towers. Rowin' boats and eatin' ivy. Let's go race snow machines and watch "The Passion of the Christ".

By not naming specific newspapers and magazines Sarah Palin sidestepped tarnishing her carefully crafted image as "one of us", by mentioning that she reads periodicals which some might characterize as being part of the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad, eletist - "Liberal Media". Rule #1 of being a VP nominee - do no harm.

Frankly I'm sick and tired of all this shit. There is nothing wrong with being intelligent and informed. Teaching Constitutional Law at the University of Chicago doesn't mean you're an elitist -

IT MEANS YOU'RE SMART!

And that's what I want in a leader. I want someone smart!

PS: Sarah Palin spoke in California today and decided to spout stale talking points from long ago regarding Mr. Obama and former Weather Underground member Bill Ayers. In her harangue Mrs. Palin cited that "old gray lady" of the "liberal media" - The New York Times.

Source: http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93JSBFO0&show_article=1

On a side note...

Since Sarah Palin claims to read "all of them" here are some titles we must assume she reads:

-The Struggle
-Calling Our Nation
-Nida’ul-Islam
-Al Ansar
-Newcummers
-Savage Male
-Uncut

Of course those last three she only reads for the articles.