Considering author and director James Franco’s idiosyncratic ways, gives me permission to start my Palo Alto blog with an analogy; that even beginning this review is like trying to mount a gigantic marshmallow…what the hell should be my form of attack? As I skulk around the marshmallow, deliberating, how about a ‘fun fact’? (an expression… Continue reading Palo Alto: James Franco’s Atmoshpheric Dystopia
Philip Seymour Hoffman God’s Pocket, what an encore!
I was devastated from announcement word one of PSH’s death, not only because he was from my neck of the woods (Rochester area), but I met him once as well, at the hometown debut of his film “Flawless” at the Little Theater in 1999. He was two people; just a guy who seemed sweet and… Continue reading Philip Seymour Hoffman God’s Pocket, what an encore!
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….
Once you go “Pho 2”, there’s no Joe to go back to
Once you go Pho2, There’s no Joe to go back to An ironic epitome of a film, Nymphomaniac Vol. 2 is continued ridiculous absurdum, yet totally worth watching. To begin, lessons I learned: #1. Shia Labeouf can act, so he should burn that paper bag. #2. I needn’t have hidden that oh so cute teaspoon… Continue reading Once you go “Pho 2”, there’s no Joe to go back to
Mama Mia, Andy Garcia!
Saw “Rob the Mob” at my favorite popcorn theater in the world, The Little in Rochester, New York and have to begin by saying that Andy Garcia must have been cast by his mom , or similar such person who thought he could portray ‘Big Al’, the mafia boss-gone soft. Just saying Big Al and… Continue reading Mama Mia, Andy Garcia!