Category: Uncategorized

Craig Johnson & Ej Manuel, any relation?

I saw Skeleton Twins at an almost empty theater on a freakishly gorgeous Sunday for Rochester, New York. The Bills were going down to the Texans during my film immersion and I wondered after if Craig Johnson, co-writer of Skeleton Twins was fall guy for the oddly paced first half of the movie. I tend… Continue reading Craig Johnson & Ej Manuel, any relation?

Labor (Day) of Love, Battle of the Two Indies: Land-Ho and A Short History of DK

For school teachers, Labor Day weekend is the last chance at running with the bulls, before the 40 week long monastery cloister. And while I’m on the topic of ‘get thee to a nunnery’ (Shakespeare’s Hamlet), may I beg anyone in driving distance to Geneva, New York, to PLEASE get to the Smith Opera House,… Continue reading Labor (Day) of Love, Battle of the Two Indies: Land-Ho and A Short History of DK

Sophie Fienne’s Documentary “The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology”

What’s not to like about Slavoj’s Zizek’s “The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology” (available on Netflix) which had its Rochester, New York premier at the majestic George Eastman House Dryden Theater on May 17th? And yet how do I impart the vast knowledge that Sociology and Psychology Scholar Zizek imparted in his two hour plus documentary?… Continue reading Sophie Fienne’s Documentary “The Pervert’s Guide to Ideology”

Jim Jarmusch: Only Lovers Left Awake (Alive)

Despite being somewhat disentranced through much of Only Lovers Left Alive, I did enjoy the film. Jarmusch made darkness and despair look attractive, proof of his early trainiing at Columbia, NYU and Cinematheque Francasie. The sets were gorgeous even in their centuries old accumulation of books and instruments. Romance exists even in dimly lit disorganization… Continue reading Jim Jarmusch: Only Lovers Left Awake (Alive)

Le Weekend: How Do I Loathe Thee, Let Me Bark the Ways

Ok, my title isn’t true to the film’s last fifteen minutes, but I couldn’t resist. Le Weekend’s directed by Roger Mitchell (never saw his other films, Notting Hill being one) and stars Jim Broadbent (from my favorite Moulin Rouge), Lindsay Duncan (a new actress to me, but could play Julie Delphy’s mother in a heartbeat, … Continue reading Le Weekend: How Do I Loathe Thee, Let Me Bark the Ways

Mistaken for Strangers, Sibling Rivalry Galore!

Having been quite jealous when my little brother ‘showed up’ when I was just 3, I was fascinated with the documentary “Mistaken for Strangers” about The National’s lead singer Matt Berninger and his younger un-leaded brother Tom. (Aside, I love my brother to death, see photo of us as concert chums for Paul Simon and… Continue reading Mistaken for Strangers, Sibling Rivalry Galore!

Under My Skin, an original

My last night of vacation could not have been spent better than at Under the Skin, directed by Jonathan Glazer.  Positive vibes flowed even before the opening sequence began since I loved the feel of Sexy Beast way back in 2000.  For me to watch a violent film twice tells just how alluring the gorgeous… Continue reading Under My Skin, an original

Elaine Stritch: Do Not Go Gentle….

I frugally (and ridiculously) hemmed and hawed over the $6.99 on demand price tag for the documentary “Elaine Stritch:Shoot Me”, but am glad to report the money was well spent. And since I’m CEO of this blog, I decided that I’ll make my Lessons Learned (from my Nymphomaniac Vol 2 blog) a regular feature. Lessons… Continue reading Elaine Stritch: Do Not Go Gentle….