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"Serenity"
Feb. 23rd, 2006 09:51 amFans of "Firefly" might enjoy this excellent (and long) recap-cum-analysis of the Big Damn Movie at Television Without Pity. (The reviewer, Jacob, is also the current TWoP recapper for "Battlestar Galactica".)
Boo! Hiss!
Jan. 16th, 2006 07:21 amJames Lileks is dead to me.
In his most recent Bleat, not only does he dismiss the brilliant Witness for the Prosecution as "[f]airly ordinary stuff", but he manages to pull a threefer by dissing Elsa Lanchester, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton in the same sentence. (He also misspells Lanchester's name and claims that the source material is an Agatha Christie novel, rather than - correctly - a short story.)
Charles Laughton (together, if you insist, "with his jowls") was the greatest ugly film actor in history. Dietrich's character, Lileks claims, was made "entirely of dry ice", despite the fact that her every action in the movie is emotionally driven. And how could anyone possibly consider Elsa Lanchester unlovable? Shame on you, Mr. Lileks!
In his most recent Bleat, not only does he dismiss the brilliant Witness for the Prosecution as "[f]airly ordinary stuff", but he manages to pull a threefer by dissing Elsa Lanchester, Marlene Dietrich, and Charles Laughton in the same sentence. (He also misspells Lanchester's name and claims that the source material is an Agatha Christie novel, rather than - correctly - a short story.)
Charles Laughton (together, if you insist, "with his jowls") was the greatest ugly film actor in history. Dietrich's character, Lileks claims, was made "entirely of dry ice", despite the fact that her every action in the movie is emotionally driven. And how could anyone possibly consider Elsa Lanchester unlovable? Shame on you, Mr. Lileks!
Miscellany
Nov. 23rd, 2005 08:54 amTurner Classic Movies has been good to me lately. A few days ago they ran a Harold Lloyd marathon, and I recorded The Freshman, which I've wanted since forever. Alas, I didn't act quickly enough to get Safety Last. (That's the one with the famous clock scene.) Today they're featuring the Marx Brothers, and I'll be adding Duck Soup and Horse Feathers to my collection.
The last month or so has been really bad for us hayfever sufferers. Under normal circumstances, I take a couple of Benadryl before going to bed, and occasionally one during the day; lately I've been taking between one and three during the day, every day. Everyone I know with allergies reports the same problem, so it's not just me.
I have to remember to send O. my Christmas wish-list today. I'll probably go with DVDs again this year. Maybe some Lubitsch...
In a little while I'll be going out to pick up the fixings for paella. I don't have a paella pan; I'm going to cut the recipe in half (to four servings) and hope my wok will serve the purpose.
The last month or so has been really bad for us hayfever sufferers. Under normal circumstances, I take a couple of Benadryl before going to bed, and occasionally one during the day; lately I've been taking between one and three during the day, every day. Everyone I know with allergies reports the same problem, so it's not just me.
I have to remember to send O. my Christmas wish-list today. I'll probably go with DVDs again this year. Maybe some Lubitsch...
In a little while I'll be going out to pick up the fixings for paella. I don't have a paella pan; I'm going to cut the recipe in half (to four servings) and hope my wok will serve the purpose.
The End of October
Oct. 30th, 2005 12:32 pmToday's lesson: it is unwise to try to tape something overnight on a night when Daylight Savings Time begins or ends. I attempted to tape Sea of Love and wound up with half of that movie and half of the next.
Still, the schedule and the tech gremlins have been kind to me lately; over the last few weeks, I've added Vincent and Theo, Monster, Koyaanisqatsi, Talk to Her, Malcolm X, Avanti!, On the Beach, Goodfellas, Monkey Business (the Marx Brothers movie of that name), The Lavender Hill Mob, Deliverance, and The Devil and Miss Jones to my collection.
I don't think I'll go along with the "two days of Hallowe'en" bit tonight. I'll just leave my porchlight off. (Well, really, it's because I forgot to pick up candy when I went to the grocery store today. I'll get some on the way home tomorrow.)
Still, the schedule and the tech gremlins have been kind to me lately; over the last few weeks, I've added Vincent and Theo, Monster, Koyaanisqatsi, Talk to Her, Malcolm X, Avanti!, On the Beach, Goodfellas, Monkey Business (the Marx Brothers movie of that name), The Lavender Hill Mob, Deliverance, and The Devil and Miss Jones to my collection.
I don't think I'll go along with the "two days of Hallowe'en" bit tonight. I'll just leave my porchlight off. (Well, really, it's because I forgot to pick up candy when I went to the grocery store today. I'll get some on the way home tomorrow.)
Viva Lang!
Oct. 8th, 2005 05:45 amEven when I was younger, I wasn't one for the wee hours. Now, in my late forties, I'm even less so. Fortunately, last night wasn't a school night.
A few weeks ago, I finally finished cataloging my movie collection and wish list. (I'd had it once before, but lost the data when my last computer died.) Since then, I've resumed taping, adding The Incredibles, The Devil and Miss Jones, and Deliverance to my collection.
( Dr. Mabuse )
A few weeks ago, I finally finished cataloging my movie collection and wish list. (I'd had it once before, but lost the data when my last computer died.) Since then, I've resumed taping, adding The Incredibles, The Devil and Miss Jones, and Deliverance to my collection.
( Dr. Mabuse )
Headscratching
Oct. 4th, 2004 07:02 pmSometimes, one learns the oddest things about oneself, via the oddest sources.
This afternoon, I flipped on the TV just in time to catch the ending of "Count Yorga, Vampire". (That was what happened to be on the channel it was set to, honest. I didn't seek it out.)
a) I took one look and thought, "Hmm. Looks like the '70s." Hit the "info" button: 1970.
b) I was momentarily disconcerted when Count Yorga was staked and did not immediately turn to dust.
c) I was not at all startled by the "shock ending", because it was essentially the same as the ending of "The Fearless Vampire Killers".
I think I've seen too many movies, and too much about vampires.
This afternoon, I flipped on the TV just in time to catch the ending of "Count Yorga, Vampire". (That was what happened to be on the channel it was set to, honest. I didn't seek it out.)
a) I took one look and thought, "Hmm. Looks like the '70s." Hit the "info" button: 1970.
b) I was momentarily disconcerted when Count Yorga was staked and did not immediately turn to dust.
c) I was not at all startled by the "shock ending", because it was essentially the same as the ending of "The Fearless Vampire Killers".
I think I've seen too many movies, and too much about vampires.
Dog Days, concluded
Jul. 27th, 2004 04:36 pmA-a-a-nd we're done. Murphy had his teeth cleaned this morning. He seems in good spirits, though perhaps a bit subdued. It was a fairly quick operation; I dropped him off at about 7:30, and they called me around 9:00 to say things had gone well, but they wanted to hold him until noon. (Getting the phone call that quickly frightened me for a moment, I'll admit.) During the several hours that Ben and I were home alone, Ben kept demanding affection. A chance to be petted two-handed, without Murphy nosing in for a share, is not to be passed up, I suppose. I think I satisfied him, though.
This morning I happened to turn on the TV just in time to watch 84 Charing Cross Road. It was the first time I'd seen the movie, but the book is an old favorite. The movie had quite a few good touches; Helene's squeal of joy when she saw the first package of books was, well, familiar. A lot of it, though, was more-or-less irrelevant "business", which I guess was inevitable, given the movie's origins. Still, it was a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half.
Still reading Wodehouse: I've moved on to The Code of the Woosters.
This morning I happened to turn on the TV just in time to watch 84 Charing Cross Road. It was the first time I'd seen the movie, but the book is an old favorite. The movie had quite a few good touches; Helene's squeal of joy when she saw the first package of books was, well, familiar. A lot of it, though, was more-or-less irrelevant "business", which I guess was inevitable, given the movie's origins. Still, it was a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half.
Still reading Wodehouse: I've moved on to The Code of the Woosters.
Ben was rather clingy yesterday; he wanted a lot of petting. I'm not sure I gave him as much as he wanted, but he seems to have forgiven me.
I watched the DVD version of 1776 last night. It's a considerable improvement, I think, on the videotape. The "Cool Considerate Men" number doesn't do much for me, but the restored bits elsewhere were good. Scene transitions were less choppy, and there were some nice architectural elements. For instance, both versions include an exchange between John and Abigail in which he grouses about his shortcomings and she reassures him; the last item on his list is pigheadedness, and she admits defeat. ("There you have me, John.") The DVD version, though, also includes a roughly parallel scene much earlier but running in the opposite direction. It's a good movie, despite my reservations about historical inaccuracies, some of which I mentioned in a post some time back.
I'm not doing much else. The weather has been intermittently stormy all weekend, and will continue to be so through Wednesday. I'm going to schedule the vet trip for Thursday or Friday. It's a fairly long walk, and I don't relish being caught by a storm half a mile from home with one of the dogs. Thursday's supposed to be nice. In the meantime, I've been making quick progress through In the Bleak Midwinter and rather slower progress through Jurgen. I'll probably have comments to offer on both when the time comes.
I watched the DVD version of 1776 last night. It's a considerable improvement, I think, on the videotape. The "Cool Considerate Men" number doesn't do much for me, but the restored bits elsewhere were good. Scene transitions were less choppy, and there were some nice architectural elements. For instance, both versions include an exchange between John and Abigail in which he grouses about his shortcomings and she reassures him; the last item on his list is pigheadedness, and she admits defeat. ("There you have me, John.") The DVD version, though, also includes a roughly parallel scene much earlier but running in the opposite direction. It's a good movie, despite my reservations about historical inaccuracies, some of which I mentioned in a post some time back.
I'm not doing much else. The weather has been intermittently stormy all weekend, and will continue to be so through Wednesday. I'm going to schedule the vet trip for Thursday or Friday. It's a fairly long walk, and I don't relish being caught by a storm half a mile from home with one of the dogs. Thursday's supposed to be nice. In the meantime, I've been making quick progress through In the Bleak Midwinter and rather slower progress through Jurgen. I'll probably have comments to offer on both when the time comes.
"The Blue Angel"
Jun. 27th, 2004 03:42 pmLast night I decided to go with another oldie, and watched "The Blue Angel", a 1930 German film starring Emil Jannings and Marlene Dietrich. (It was Dietrich's first major role.) It's a rather sordid story about a professor whose life is ruined when he gets involved with a cabaret singer. (I have a bit of a quarrel with the translators. My German isn't very good, and the sound was rather muddy, but it was clearly stated that he was a professor at a gymnasium, which I believe is more like a high school than a college; the subtitles, though, suggested that he was a college professor.)
It occurs to me to compare the situation in this movie with one popular theme in modern USAn film and song - the idea that people from the lower classes are freer, more alive than the educated and the genteel. I'm thinking of, for instance, Billy Joel's song "Uptown Girl" and the TV series "Moonlighting", but there are plenty of other examples. In "The Blue Angel", by contrast, Professor Rath's infatuation with Lola Lola is presented as an absolute disaster for him. I have to wonder: is the popular view today (and its relative, the appeal of the "bad boy") any better - any more realistic - than the view presented in "The Blue Angel"?
Actually, one could probably box the compass by looking at stories where someone lower-class is elevated by the attentions of someone upper-class ("Sabrina", or "My Fair Lady", for example - and yes, I know that Shaw didn't intend for Henry Higgins and Eliza to be romantically involved, but the film clearly does), or where someone lower-class is destroyed by involvement with someone upper-class. That last is rarer; the only example that comes to my mind is Sholom Aleichem's "Schprintze". (Tevye had more daughters than appear in "Fiddler on the Roof"; Schprintze was the eldest, and her story is a sad one.)
I wish I knew more. It would be interesting to look at the times and places where these different sorts of story were popular.
It occurs to me to compare the situation in this movie with one popular theme in modern USAn film and song - the idea that people from the lower classes are freer, more alive than the educated and the genteel. I'm thinking of, for instance, Billy Joel's song "Uptown Girl" and the TV series "Moonlighting", but there are plenty of other examples. In "The Blue Angel", by contrast, Professor Rath's infatuation with Lola Lola is presented as an absolute disaster for him. I have to wonder: is the popular view today (and its relative, the appeal of the "bad boy") any better - any more realistic - than the view presented in "The Blue Angel"?
Actually, one could probably box the compass by looking at stories where someone lower-class is elevated by the attentions of someone upper-class ("Sabrina", or "My Fair Lady", for example - and yes, I know that Shaw didn't intend for Henry Higgins and Eliza to be romantically involved, but the film clearly does), or where someone lower-class is destroyed by involvement with someone upper-class. That last is rarer; the only example that comes to my mind is Sholom Aleichem's "Schprintze". (Tevye had more daughters than appear in "Fiddler on the Roof"; Schprintze was the eldest, and her story is a sad one.)
I wish I knew more. It would be interesting to look at the times and places where these different sorts of story were popular.
To smooth my ruffled feathers, I decided to rewatch Pirates of the Caribbean. I have to say, I don't understand how anyone could dislike that movie; yet there are two members of my own family who do. The fight in the smithy is hilarious, and there are plenty of fun riffs on tradition. If only Johnny Depp could rid himself of that distressing tendency to mumble...
I feel somewhat better now. Here's hoping the Bosox can knock off the Dodgers tonight.
I note in passing that Jerry Pournelle repeated someone's negative comments about Firefly in his blog and was apparently bombarded by indignant fans. He caved, and has ordered the DVDs. Ha!
I feel somewhat better now. Here's hoping the Bosox can knock off the Dodgers tonight.
I note in passing that Jerry Pournelle repeated someone's negative comments about Firefly in his blog and was apparently bombarded by indignant fans. He caved, and has ordered the DVDs. Ha!
Movie Night again
Jun. 11th, 2004 07:38 pmI just watched The Blackboard Jungle. This was apparently the parent of a string of films such as To Sir, With Love and Up the Down Staircase - naive new teacher takes on tough students and ultimately prevails. I haven't seen UtDS, but The Blackboard Jungle is definitely grittier than To Sir, With Love. Apparently it was a groundbreaker when it came out (1955), but a lot of it seemed predictable to me. Also, the about-face in attitude by the teacher's wife seemed unmotivated to me. But it's a pretty good film nonetheless.
"Beauty and the Beast"
Jun. 3rd, 2004 08:42 pmThis evening I watched Cocteau's version of Beauty and the Beast. It's quite a film; it isn't flashy like, er, certain other versions, but it packs considerably more emotional punch. There's really a clear sense of the Beast's suffering as a result of his attachment to Belle, for example. There's also a scene in which Belle sees the Beast lapping water from a pool; a bit later, she offers him water from her own hands, and he drinks. It's a distinctly intimate scene, and lends credibility to the idea of her growing affection for him. The special effects are quite good, as well.
I've been leafing through the Encyclopedia of Fantasy. It's recent enough to mention the film version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but not the series; Hercules and Xena are likewise absent. (It's rather odd; there is an entry for Achilles, but none for Hercules - not even for the animated series, ca. 1970. Surely Hercules is a more significant figure in the history of fantasy than Achilles?) There is no entry for George Meredith, which is a shame; The Shaving of Shagpat has nearly as good a claim to appear as any of the versions of the Aladdin story, I should think. (Heck, if Dumbo deserves an entry...) Not to say that it's a bad book; I've enjoyed what is there, but I wish some of what isn't were.
I've been leafing through the Encyclopedia of Fantasy. It's recent enough to mention the film version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, but not the series; Hercules and Xena are likewise absent. (It's rather odd; there is an entry for Achilles, but none for Hercules - not even for the animated series, ca. 1970. Surely Hercules is a more significant figure in the history of fantasy than Achilles?) There is no entry for George Meredith, which is a shame; The Shaving of Shagpat has nearly as good a claim to appear as any of the versions of the Aladdin story, I should think. (Heck, if Dumbo deserves an entry...) Not to say that it's a bad book; I've enjoyed what is there, but I wish some of what isn't were.
I'm still indulging myself in idleness, but the workaday world is drawing near again. My class starts Monday, and I really should take care of some of the prep work - drawing up the syllabus and the like. I have been doing a little work, taking part in an e-mail discussion among the Policy Committee members, but I haven't been on campus for about three weeks. Tomorrow, yes.
I haven't even been reading all that much. I finished Buddy Holly before leaving for Baltimore. I chose Connie Willis' Passage and a history of Brazil as my airport reading, and finished the former (which I love; it takes a long time setting up, but the final third or so is rewarding, and the final payoff delights me). I also just finished Roger McBride Allen's The Modular Man (a very talky book; many of the characters seem to be little more than mouthpieces for various philosophical stances), and I'm contemplating taking another pass through the Liaden books.
On the cinematic front, I gave Babette's Feast a try yesterday. I think I didn't give it close enough attention; I find subtitled films more demanding in that respect, if I really want to get the most out of them. It was pleasant enough, and funny in places, but I don't quite see it as rating four stars. Another viewing (not soon, though) may change my mind, of course. I think I'll go with Ball of Fire tonight; I've seen it twice before, but I love '40s-vintage Barbara Stanwyck.
I haven't even been reading all that much. I finished Buddy Holly before leaving for Baltimore. I chose Connie Willis' Passage and a history of Brazil as my airport reading, and finished the former (which I love; it takes a long time setting up, but the final third or so is rewarding, and the final payoff delights me). I also just finished Roger McBride Allen's The Modular Man (a very talky book; many of the characters seem to be little more than mouthpieces for various philosophical stances), and I'm contemplating taking another pass through the Liaden books.
On the cinematic front, I gave Babette's Feast a try yesterday. I think I didn't give it close enough attention; I find subtitled films more demanding in that respect, if I really want to get the most out of them. It was pleasant enough, and funny in places, but I don't quite see it as rating four stars. Another viewing (not soon, though) may change my mind, of course. I think I'll go with Ball of Fire tonight; I've seen it twice before, but I love '40s-vintage Barbara Stanwyck.
As a result of late-inning lightning from the bats of Khalil Greene and Phil Nevin, the San Diego Padres are now in sole possession of first place in the National League West. This, from the team with the worst record in the NL last season...
It's been a lazy couple of days. Yesterday I watched Finding Nemo and the 1935 Anna Karenina. Nemo was new to me, but I realized halfway through AK that I'd seen it before. Ah, well, with the good ones multiple viewings are worthwhile.
I've also been weeding out less-than-favorite songs from my playlists. I've had to dump several of Don Henley's songs; his explicitly political work, with the exception of "End of the Innocence", doesn't appeal to me. It's not the politics; they just aren't very good songs. I also dropped about half the songs from The Best of Jefferson Airplane. I don't much like stoner stuff (although I did keep "White Rabbit", for the sheer weirdness).
Tomorrow I'm heading for Baltimore; this'll probably be my last post until Monday.
It's been a lazy couple of days. Yesterday I watched Finding Nemo and the 1935 Anna Karenina. Nemo was new to me, but I realized halfway through AK that I'd seen it before. Ah, well, with the good ones multiple viewings are worthwhile.
I've also been weeding out less-than-favorite songs from my playlists. I've had to dump several of Don Henley's songs; his explicitly political work, with the exception of "End of the Innocence", doesn't appeal to me. It's not the politics; they just aren't very good songs. I also dropped about half the songs from The Best of Jefferson Airplane. I don't much like stoner stuff (although I did keep "White Rabbit", for the sheer weirdness).
Tomorrow I'm heading for Baltimore; this'll probably be my last post until Monday.
And the answer is...
May. 25th, 2004 08:51 pmNothing. Instead of watching something tonight, I decided to tape Finding Nemo. One more for the collection... One of these days I'm going to have to see if I can recover my movies database from my old computer.
A bit of a busy day today. After looking at the Balticon schedule, I realized that I was going to have to get a watch before leaving. I don't like wristwatches; I've tried all kinds of straps, and they all chafe my wrist. What I do like are the kind that clip to your belt; I had one for quite a few years before it died on me. (Yes, I could have gotten a new battery. I have my reasons for not doing so.) I stopped by Target on the off chance that they had one, and, lo and behold, they had just gotten a small shipment in, so I was able to get one. Now I need to get a belt that fits to clip it to...
I think the swallows may have abandoned their nest. At any rate, I haven't seen them in a day or two. Rats.
I just noticed that I didn't tighten one of the nuts on the toilet enough after fixing it. Fortunately not too much of a mess - just two towels' worth of water.
Over the weekend I reread Mojo and the Pickle Jar, and I'm now in the middle of Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede. I bought the two at about the same time and always think of them together, and there are some interesting parallels. Maybe I'll do a compare-and-contrast later.
A bit of a busy day today. After looking at the Balticon schedule, I realized that I was going to have to get a watch before leaving. I don't like wristwatches; I've tried all kinds of straps, and they all chafe my wrist. What I do like are the kind that clip to your belt; I had one for quite a few years before it died on me. (Yes, I could have gotten a new battery. I have my reasons for not doing so.) I stopped by Target on the off chance that they had one, and, lo and behold, they had just gotten a small shipment in, so I was able to get one. Now I need to get a belt that fits to clip it to...
I think the swallows may have abandoned their nest. At any rate, I haven't seen them in a day or two. Rats.
I just noticed that I didn't tighten one of the nuts on the toilet enough after fixing it. Fortunately not too much of a mess - just two towels' worth of water.
Over the weekend I reread Mojo and the Pickle Jar, and I'm now in the middle of Buddy Holly Is Alive and Well on Ganymede. I bought the two at about the same time and always think of them together, and there are some interesting parallels. Maybe I'll do a compare-and-contrast later.
Little Pleasures
May. 25th, 2004 10:55 amNow that the television season is pretty much over, I've started in on my (rather extensive) video library, watching a movie every night or two. I watched the Disney Aladdin on Saturday, and All About Eve last night.
Now, I'll admit that Aladdin is mere froth; there is very little substance to it. But it's fun to watch, and there are a few nice winks at the audience. One of my favorite bits comes just after "Prince Ali's" successful wooing of Jasmine, when Aladdin is having second thoughts about his dishonesty. The genie tries to congratulate him, and bursts into a momentary chorus of "Hail the Conquering Hero" - which is double-edged; the movie Hail the Conquering Hero centers on a man who is mistakenly puffed as a war hero. I love stuff like that.
All About Eve is, of course, one of Bette Davis' finest performances, and I've watched it three or four times. This time I was struck by the opening sequence, as Eve (Anne Baxter) is receiving an acting award. As the presenter praises Eve for her talent and dedication, the camera pans across Margo Channing (Davis) and Karen Richards (Celeste Holm), both of them victims of Eve's machinations. Richards' face remains in a studied blankness; Margo grimaces and drops her eyes. Just some nice, wordless work there. The scene in which Eve gets her comeuppance from a conniving critic, and the closing scene, in which the possibility arises that she'll be hoist on her own petard, are also wonderful. (What the heck, the whole thing is wonderful; snappy dialogue, twisty plotting, and fine performances by the entire cast...)
Hmm, what shall I watch tonight?
Now, I'll admit that Aladdin is mere froth; there is very little substance to it. But it's fun to watch, and there are a few nice winks at the audience. One of my favorite bits comes just after "Prince Ali's" successful wooing of Jasmine, when Aladdin is having second thoughts about his dishonesty. The genie tries to congratulate him, and bursts into a momentary chorus of "Hail the Conquering Hero" - which is double-edged; the movie Hail the Conquering Hero centers on a man who is mistakenly puffed as a war hero. I love stuff like that.
All About Eve is, of course, one of Bette Davis' finest performances, and I've watched it three or four times. This time I was struck by the opening sequence, as Eve (Anne Baxter) is receiving an acting award. As the presenter praises Eve for her talent and dedication, the camera pans across Margo Channing (Davis) and Karen Richards (Celeste Holm), both of them victims of Eve's machinations. Richards' face remains in a studied blankness; Margo grimaces and drops her eyes. Just some nice, wordless work there. The scene in which Eve gets her comeuppance from a conniving critic, and the closing scene, in which the possibility arises that she'll be hoist on her own petard, are also wonderful. (What the heck, the whole thing is wonderful; snappy dialogue, twisty plotting, and fine performances by the entire cast...)
Hmm, what shall I watch tonight?
