Can a Dead Man send Broken Flowers to Strangers in Paradise?

The 80's. Worst decade for clothes, hair and cars. Fairly interesting decade for music and books. Magnificent decade for independent films in which nothing happens except life. The onset of true independence with singular characters shifting through a torrent of coming to age discoveries entering the ME decade. No more of your mother's flashbacks or your grandfather's grand narratives. Simple, momentary sections of life in the postmodern era with technology glaring into your soul."Stranger than Paradise" (1984)  is officially Jim Jarmusch's first film - it culminates and captures his style both in dialogue and film technique. A gritty example of the 80's need to move beyond its me-ness and into self and societal discovery. Just as Wren ("Smithereens, 1982) exhibits the altering of the female perspective - Willi and Eddie take on and twist the ideals of male roles and expectation. Jarmusch continues this road style film making in an obvious attempt to find answers to 80's questions. There are no long grand narratives, but small pieces and segments that can't find the question much less the answer. 

"Dead Man" (1995) - Yes, you may want to run out to rent this because Johnny Depp is hott- but really watch it. In a quiet room, turn off the phone, lock the door and pay attention. Gary Farmer, Crispin Glover, Jared Harris and Robert Mitchum don't act, don't memorize words, don't enter and exit a frame. Nothing happens.

"Ghost Dog: Way of the Samurai" (1999) - Forest Whitaker glimmers - way more interestingly than new age vampires. 

"Limits of Control" (2009) - This was one of  those lone box rentals that always beg to be watched (yes, they chant Pick me, PICK ME). It wasn't until half way through with the 'lone man' in the plaza waiting that it dawned to check "Who made this?" and....well...Its slower and more lacking in 'stuff' than even Jim Jarmusch is famous for, but it still intrigues and tugs at your brain. 

Crazy Brilliant

In the echos of Hollywood, some place spot lit with murky edges lies Vincent Gallo. Teaming with angles of dueling elements. Is he brilliant / crazy, ugly / beautiful, talented / awkwardly lucky? We would safely choose all of the above. Frantic / quiet, stony / gregarious- Gallo is painter, musician, film maker, actor, model, street boy, friend, enemy. 

"The Perez Family" (1995) - A stellar cast and director, this film of immigration shows the blending of the new American family. Gallo captures the moments he is on screen - the camera loves him but he is surrounded by actors who's craft and ability to hold the camera is in abundance.It is slightly jarring through editing - there is a stilted element that stops it from being a great film. 


"Buffalo 66" (1998) - Agonizingly strong story telling - Ricci and Gallo are painful to watch yet riveting. As are Houston and Gazzara, holding the frames in solid watchable moments that are with out redemption. Raw, amusing and tender. 


"Get Well Soon"(2001)- Awkward, stumbling, choppy. Film mavens and Gallo fans have to  absolutely watch this and enjoy, other wise can't really recommend it.

Bunnies are Evil

If you are an avid television "Buffy" fan, you know the truth- Bunnies are evil, just ask the revenge demon Anya. Not wanting to scare everyone for life here are only two evil bunnies and one lovable adorable one.

"Night of the Lepus" (1972) - What is up with the first few years of the 70's ? Can we plan bad acid trips?? Here is a youtube link to the trailer from this one, if you can stand it then watch the whole flick......  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yww2x3bm9k

"Monty Python's Holy Grail" (1975) - yes, it really must have been the drugs......This one you need to watch for its iconic throwback status - check out what formed your parents sense of humor! And watch out for Bunnies, i'm just say'n. 

"Harvey"  (1950) - Now after all that evil rabbitness, sit quietly, relax and watch the delightful Jimmy Stewart in one of his best roles. Don't question it or try to figure anything out. Just go with it and enjoy. An innocent sweet comedy with quiet mid-century sensibilities.

Earth Day

Joyous Earth Day everyone!! 

As we all go about our day picking up trash, prepping our garden space, working with neighbors to plant rain gardens, joining in city groups to combat blight or contributing to treehugging associations to repair loss of rain-forests, let's take a few moments to acknowledge those who's hard work and awareness brought these issues to light:

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, at first thought to be a little kooky, Ms. Carson's research and observations has proven to be one of the most important in eco-balancing awareness. This 1962 book is just as readable today. An American Experience did an incredible documentary very much worth watching  - 

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/films/RachelCarsonsSilentSpring/

 Naturalist John Muir also provides writing for us to change the way humans view the natural world.starting the Sierra Club and providing written accounts of our national parks.  The film "The Boyhood of John Muir" as well as an American Masters documentary offer insight and intrigue into the mind of a classic American adventurer. 
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/john-muir-in-the-new-world/about-the-film/1789/

 Environmentalist Aldo Leopold writes of nature from the inside - participating in the being, sound and rhythm of a unified existence. "A Sand County Almanac" rolls off the page into a readers vision. Below are links to a portion of his book and a site dedicated to the film inspired by Leopold, "Green Fire", take advantage of both.

http://home.btconnect.com/tipiglen/landethic.html 


http://www.greenfiremovie.com/

Be the Change you Want to see in the World -MG.

Today is change the world day. 

My own special holiday of documentaries.

"Food Inc." (2008) - Not as gross or surprising as you might think. Informative with out being exploitative, interesting with out being preachy. Its all the stuff we know but really don't want to think about.  Its TIME to think. http://www.foodincmovie.com/

 "Grown in Detroit" (2010) - Don't let the D-word scare you. This lovely, timely, important film doesn't gloss over the realities of teen motherhood- but allows a peak into the solutions and creative aspects of teaching children how to be grown. It took the vision of Dutch documentary filmmakers to show what the media will not share with you - Detroit revolutionizing the world. From Urban Farming to food safety to local Agri-Business Catherine Ferguson Academy is utilizing the greatest most important natural resource we have to make change for a better way of life, our children.

http://www.grownindetroitmovie.com/

 Help save their school - Insist the media give proper coverage, sign the petition, buy local.

Ignore the "List" but read mine

Lists are boring. When a list comes out, ignore it. Don't bother with some experts must see, top 100, worst ever, Cus lets be real - THEY are always wrong. Your personal list is always better .......


Someone asked the other day for everyone to pick their top 5 films ...UGH.....there is no way to pick only 5 and on any given day the top 20 is a fluid live being. After 100 years of movies (SOME of which I haven't seen) how can anyone narrow it to a chosen number of 'top' anything? Its like picking your favorite child. Impossible.........


That said since today is 4-20-11, I give you my list of favorite stoner films (for the moment). Ask me in an hour, you'll get a different list.......

"Reefer Madness" (1936) - An education film that encouraged many drive-in goers to indulge and were they pissed off when they couldn't figure out how to get the mind altering green the film folks were smoking.  


"Half-Baked" (1998) - Silly, poorly acted but extremely funny and entertaining. The guy on the couch is the best bit. Wait for it..........


"Up In Smoke" (1978) - Is it funny or do I just have fond memories of many drive in viewings?  I admit to seeing this one endless times and most of it going completely over my head. A bit choppy in the editing style, repetitive gags, but watchable, rewatchable and iconic. 


"Clerks" (1994) - IF I were to participate in a top film list this would be number 14 or 16 depending on my mood. An incredible first film in several given genre's - Silent Bob and Jay are culminations of several guys I went to high school with and one I dated. You gotta love it. Watch it once for fun, then again to study the style, dialogue and characterizations. There are obnoxious subtleties here.

If it must be broken down.....details and possible Spoilers?

There is nothing more annoying (on a personal note) than a movie review that gives blow by blow details of a film, including details that give things away. Avoiding information and opinions about a film is almost impossible these days, if you friends don't ruin it then some radio or television personality makes a snide or uninformed comment. 

In a review, opinion and a basis for that opinion with out TOOOO much detail is all we really need. Right? 

Saturday Night Specials

For a First date @ your house

"Grease" (1978) - Fun, silly, so many  great celebs (Sid Caesar, Eve Arden & Dodie Goodman, everyone!), really great songs and the love story doesn't give any 'hints' to the new guy/girl. 


For a few dates down the road but I don't really know you yet 

"The Transporter" (2002) - Ladies don't be shy about showing off your 'guy flick' addiction (or is that just me?) - Fast cars, gorgeous European landscapes and yes, Jason takes his shirt off in every movie he is in. Plus, its really a fun movie! 


For I'd really like you and you might be able to spend the night date 

"Breathless"  (1960) - Its French, its black and white, its slightly mysterious but romantic but she isn't stupid. And there is this thing he does with his thumb......


or 

"My Beautiful Launderette" (1985) - Luscious, Seriously romantic, pretty film.