Rebecca Miller is the daughter of Arthur Miller and Inge Morath (his third wife, his second was Marilyn). Miller is married to Daniel Day Lewis.
"Personal Velocity" (2002) - A strong female vehicle, writer / director Rebecca Miller gives this film strength and insight with out compromising character events. Starring the amazing Parker Posey and the equally wow Fairuza Balk. Not given the theater push it deserved, available on DVD.
"The Crucible" (1996) - This okay version of Arthur Miller's play offers incredible performances by Wyonna Ryder & Daniel Day Lewis. Intense, in the moment look at the emotional side of witch hunts.
Sofia Coppola is cousin to Nicolas Cage (who was married to Elvis's daughter, Lisa Marie and Patricia Arquette, sister to David and Rosanne)AND Jason Schwartzmann,(Who's mother is Talia Shire of "Rocky" Fame). Sofia's Father, the infamous Francis Ford Coppola and Ex-Husband Spike Jonze are also writer directors.
"Lost in Translation" (2003)- Beautifully written and filmed, by far one of Bill Murray's best performances. Coppola pulls Scarlett down to her most inner depths of acting.
"Being John Malkovich" (1999)- This could have been a horrible farce, instead Director Spike Jonze captures the serious side of the silliest of concepts and turns Kaufman's insanity into a perfectly understandable and reasonable rant. Wonderful!!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Buscemi is not just a Sandwich
Slightly creepy, slightly sexy, just a pinch of smirky bad boy and an occasional peek of innocent dumb ass .....The many sides of Steve Buscemi:
"Reservoir Dogs"(1992) - The first time watching all that stands out is the ear ....but watch it again and all the subtle aspects of Tarantino's script become more than the blood bath he hides behind.Then we can argue about the best character - which by the way is Mr. Pink, take that Harvey Keitel.
"Trees Lounge" (1996)- So perfect a vehicle for Steve Buscemi (Write, Director and Star) - this character study is a quiet simple film with a stellar cast.
"Ghost World" (2001) - There is always a few hesitations when seeing a comic book come to life...this time they did okay. We have to wonder if 'Seymour' was written with Buscemi in mind? Thora Birch is amazing, Scarlett Johansson gives a us a look at building into a great actress...Again, a quiet, uneventful film built on character study and life experiences that shape us (not appropriate for younger audiences). The wonderful Illeana Douglas and the late Brad Renfro also show up with incredible moments.
"Reservoir Dogs"(1992) - The first time watching all that stands out is the ear ....but watch it again and all the subtle aspects of Tarantino's script become more than the blood bath he hides behind.Then we can argue about the best character - which by the way is Mr. Pink, take that Harvey Keitel.
"Trees Lounge" (1996)- So perfect a vehicle for Steve Buscemi (Write, Director and Star) - this character study is a quiet simple film with a stellar cast.
"Ghost World" (2001) - There is always a few hesitations when seeing a comic book come to life...this time they did okay. We have to wonder if 'Seymour' was written with Buscemi in mind? Thora Birch is amazing, Scarlett Johansson gives a us a look at building into a great actress...Again, a quiet, uneventful film built on character study and life experiences that shape us (not appropriate for younger audiences). The wonderful Illeana Douglas and the late Brad Renfro also show up with incredible moments.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
When you Wish Upon a Star ....
Ooops, Will I have to pay Disney for comping part of their song?
We head now stumbling into a topic that honestly, has no beginning and no end and offers so many angles its difficult to settle the brain on one portion. The only choice is to begin....June 1, 1926 Norma Jeane Mortenson (or Baker if you prefer) enters the world. An unstable mother, an absent (questionable) father welcome Norma Jeane to flutter aimlessly from rock to rock. Later becoming Marilyn it is conceptualized by a fan base that she is two people,never reconciling one or the other. While no doubt some emotional and psychological issues exist (hello, don't we all?) the binding of Norma vs. Marilyn is hardly one of them. The perfect blend of naught/nice and childlike/sophisticated Norma was no victim not even to herself. Jogging the alleyways of Hollywood, claiming a town (and a country) as her own - the strength, focus and determination are obvious.
As a Happy (Belated) Birthday tribute - 3 films that still cling to my mind as they did when viewing them in my preteen years:
"The Asphalt Jungle" (1950) - One can't imagine the thrill for a young woman who craved becoming more than a movie star to work with Sterling Hayden, Jean Hagen and John Houston. In a simple yet intriguing role, Norma really becomes Marilyn for the first time on film- her mild yet firm delivery offers a new level of Noir to this crime caper.
"Don't Bother to Knock" (1952) - With incredible skill and conviction Marilyn plays this role with such intensity it has become associated as part of her real life character. The impressions of her delicacy are so true to life it carried itself with her through out her career. oh- right...its a terrific creepy film - another rewatchable.
"Bus Stop" (1956) - Over the top play rather than film- big on PERFORMANCE rather than characterizations....fun to watch. Marilyn appears to be acting alone, other than her few delightful scenes with Eileen Heckart the others seem to be acting at her instead of with her.......(?) a classic must view movie.
We head now stumbling into a topic that honestly, has no beginning and no end and offers so many angles its difficult to settle the brain on one portion. The only choice is to begin....June 1, 1926 Norma Jeane Mortenson (or Baker if you prefer) enters the world. An unstable mother, an absent (questionable) father welcome Norma Jeane to flutter aimlessly from rock to rock. Later becoming Marilyn it is conceptualized by a fan base that she is two people,never reconciling one or the other. While no doubt some emotional and psychological issues exist (hello, don't we all?) the binding of Norma vs. Marilyn is hardly one of them. The perfect blend of naught/nice and childlike/sophisticated Norma was no victim not even to herself. Jogging the alleyways of Hollywood, claiming a town (and a country) as her own - the strength, focus and determination are obvious.
As a Happy (Belated) Birthday tribute - 3 films that still cling to my mind as they did when viewing them in my preteen years:
"The Asphalt Jungle" (1950) - One can't imagine the thrill for a young woman who craved becoming more than a movie star to work with Sterling Hayden, Jean Hagen and John Houston. In a simple yet intriguing role, Norma really becomes Marilyn for the first time on film- her mild yet firm delivery offers a new level of Noir to this crime caper.
"Don't Bother to Knock" (1952) - With incredible skill and conviction Marilyn plays this role with such intensity it has become associated as part of her real life character. The impressions of her delicacy are so true to life it carried itself with her through out her career. oh- right...its a terrific creepy film - another rewatchable.
"Bus Stop" (1956) - Over the top play rather than film- big on PERFORMANCE rather than characterizations....fun to watch. Marilyn appears to be acting alone, other than her few delightful scenes with Eileen Heckart the others seem to be acting at her instead of with her.......(?) a classic must view movie.
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Blazing Sun
A good story thrives on isolation, desperation and the building up to a good explosive emotional catharsis add to that the never ending overwhelming heat of sun, an emptiness of landscape and creation of empathy for Why don't the GET THE HELL OUT OF THERE?......and you have:
"Gas, Food, Lodging" (1992) - Fairuza Balk, Ione Skye and Brooke Adams all carry the load of desperation and cantankerousness to a new level. A terrific study of love, loneliness and search for identity.
"Bagdad Cafe" (1987) - Such incredible performances, Jack Palance is both endearing and creepy, CCH Pounder is frighteningly lovable and Marianne Sagebrecht is both incredibly sensual and stiffly remote while maintaining a ladylike wisdom.
"Tremors" (1990) - Kevin Bacons stars with Fred Ward who was in "The Player" with Tim Robbins who was in .....oh, wait, thats a different thing all together....This is one of those silly but exciting films that everyone needs to see.
"Gas, Food, Lodging" (1992) - Fairuza Balk, Ione Skye and Brooke Adams all carry the load of desperation and cantankerousness to a new level. A terrific study of love, loneliness and search for identity.
"Bagdad Cafe" (1987) - Such incredible performances, Jack Palance is both endearing and creepy, CCH Pounder is frighteningly lovable and Marianne Sagebrecht is both incredibly sensual and stiffly remote while maintaining a ladylike wisdom.
"Tremors" (1990) - Kevin Bacons stars with Fred Ward who was in "The Player" with Tim Robbins who was in .....oh, wait, thats a different thing all together....This is one of those silly but exciting films that everyone needs to see.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Got that Ol' Time Feelin'
Overcome with nostalgia for Drive in movie theaters....the past few days have been more than perfect weather here in the midwest...with that slight breeze and freshness to the air...there was a scent so familiar, so wanting......cool steel, warm blanket, buttery popcorn, the wooshclank of a metal top off of a glass bottle, squeaky last swish of a swing abandoned, then the sudden brightness and mechanical creeeeaak of speakers one by one coming to life......a dancing candy bar...2 movies for one price.....
"Attack of the 50ft Woman" (1958) - Terrible editing, some terrific effects, decent emotional drama and laughable dialogue..what more can you ask for in Drive in science fiction?
"The Fly" (1958) - oh dear, what can go wrong when you mess with the transportation of molecules? Only Vincent Price could play this out in all seriousness and make you want to watch....
"The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming" (1966) - One of the first in a long long line of throw everyone you can think of into a film and make them do and say silly things even if there is no continuity ...
"How to Steal a Million" (1966) - The kids a are falling asleep in the back of the station wagon, now parents can enjoy a comedy romp about theft, true love and everything comes out perfectly. A very cute Peter O Toole and Audrey Hepburn nonsensical feature.
"Billy Jack" (1971) - oddly dubbed, but compelling film. Socially conscious and wickedly violent.
"Dirty Harry" (1971) - A classic Clint Eastwood fantasy cop film about an over burdened police detective who is judge, jury and .....
"Attack of the 50ft Woman" (1958) - Terrible editing, some terrific effects, decent emotional drama and laughable dialogue..what more can you ask for in Drive in science fiction?
"The Fly" (1958) - oh dear, what can go wrong when you mess with the transportation of molecules? Only Vincent Price could play this out in all seriousness and make you want to watch....
"The Russians are Coming, the Russians are Coming" (1966) - One of the first in a long long line of throw everyone you can think of into a film and make them do and say silly things even if there is no continuity ...
"How to Steal a Million" (1966) - The kids a are falling asleep in the back of the station wagon, now parents can enjoy a comedy romp about theft, true love and everything comes out perfectly. A very cute Peter O Toole and Audrey Hepburn nonsensical feature.
"Billy Jack" (1971) - oddly dubbed, but compelling film. Socially conscious and wickedly violent.
"Dirty Harry" (1971) - A classic Clint Eastwood fantasy cop film about an over burdened police detective who is judge, jury and .....
Thursday, June 2, 2011
An Eclectic Film Career
Considering the idea of a true ACTOR since blurbing a snippet about Leo G. Carroll - it comes to mind that being an actor, developing characters and only performing for the love of the work is much more pervasive than we can imagine. The recent loss of the lovely Clarice Taylor (September 20, 1917-May 30, 2011) brings this idea to fruition.......
"Play Misty For me" (1971) - Intelligently creepy, Clint Eastwood directs and stars in this stalking film. Clarice Taylor plays her small role with a sense of humor.
"Sommersby" (1993) - What is with Richard Gere remaking incredible French films? The story of Martin Guerre is compelling because its true...I'm not sure a translation to the American Civil War does it justice........Clarice Taylor has only moments, I don't think it does her justice either....
"Smoke" (1995) - Based on a novelette by Paul Auster, this quirky major actor film is fun and just weird enough to remind you of characters from your own childhood neighborhood.........Clarice is delightfully well placed with this group.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Leo G.Carroll is a spy and I dream about Robert Ryan
Robert Ryan, top of the line in hardboiled private eyes and stern but fatherly Military men, was in my dream. One of those that leaves such a spooky yet comforting effect that pictures of it linger through your brain for days. Now I can't shake him off because I saw him in at least 3 films over the weekend just by flipping channels.
Leo G. Carroll turned up in this weird documentary style mystery about spies, the FBI and telegrams from J.Edgar Hoover.......(who is being played by Leo DiCaprio in a new film, now why couldn't I have dreamed about Leos???) ......But now the song, "Science Fiction, Double Feature" won't leave my head because there is a line about Leo G. Carroll in it......I'm listening to it through head phones trying to dispel the spell....
"Clash by Night" (1941) - oh its a good day when you can write about a movie and slip in a Marilyn Monroe moment ..Interesting character study about seriously dysfunctional relationships, with Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Marilyn and Paul Douglas.....Robert is especially smarmy in this one.
"The Bad and The Beautiful" (1952) - Leo G. Carroll is the character you are waiting for when you don't even know you are waiting for some one.......As he enters the scene its like a tiny breeze of fresh cool air on still humid night....just for a few moments there is something refreshing you think has passed by ....
"Tarantula" (1955) - This is a must see movie for many reasons, now I've added an extra- Leo G. Carroll...have fun!
Leo G. Carroll turned up in this weird documentary style mystery about spies, the FBI and telegrams from J.Edgar Hoover.......(who is being played by Leo DiCaprio in a new film, now why couldn't I have dreamed about Leos???) ......But now the song, "Science Fiction, Double Feature" won't leave my head because there is a line about Leo G. Carroll in it......I'm listening to it through head phones trying to dispel the spell....
"Clash by Night" (1941) - oh its a good day when you can write about a movie and slip in a Marilyn Monroe moment ..Interesting character study about seriously dysfunctional relationships, with Barbara Stanwyck, Robert Ryan, Marilyn and Paul Douglas.....Robert is especially smarmy in this one.
"The Bad and The Beautiful" (1952) - Leo G. Carroll is the character you are waiting for when you don't even know you are waiting for some one.......As he enters the scene its like a tiny breeze of fresh cool air on still humid night....just for a few moments there is something refreshing you think has passed by ....
"Tarantula" (1955) - This is a must see movie for many reasons, now I've added an extra- Leo G. Carroll...have fun!
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