Lions and Louts

Out of Africa - (1985) Directed by Sydney Pollack;

Starring Meyrl Streep and Robert Redford

Beautifully acted and filmed. I haven't much to say

other than I loved it.

I also just saw this on TCM.

All Fall Down - (1962) Directed by John Frankenheimer;

Starring Warren Beatty, Angela Lansbury, and Eva Marie Saint

Young Warren Beatty as an asshole who can't help but be self-destructive even though it usually hurts others more than it does himself. Eva Marie Saint plays his love interest, Echo.

I've never seen Eva Marie Saint before in a film, for some reason I mistook her for Mia Farrow whom I've only seen in Allen's Broadway Danny Rose. Brandon De Wilde plays yet again the younger brother to the jerk as he does to Paul Newman in his next film, Hud.

Warren Beatty's character, Berry-Berry Willart, is an angry young man, its never really explained why though, I almost wonder if the story was in response to the british movement of "angry young men" films. Frankenheimer is good as a director but I'm not too fond of the script which was adapted by William Inge from the novel by James Leo Herlihy. I could see this story work in a book where, with words, Berry-Berry could be explored with more depth, Beatty provides this for the character but it would've been nice to have some sort of reason for rhyme, even though Beatty had plenty of rhyme.

Confessions of a Crap Artist: Monetary Diet

I should get another job. Something that I could use to pay rent with or pay for a plane ticket or some synths and midi controllers. But I can't stand the idea of dressing up a resume or the nerve sucking anxiety of the commute to an interview, the pretense, the forced smile that sticks in place like a stiff neck, I don't know how to convince someone that I want a job when I actually really don't.

"So what would you contribute to

this company to help it grow."

I don't care about any job, I just want the money and I'll gladly pretend or at the very least keep my thoughts to myself and refrain from any difficulty towards allowing my employers to get out of me what they want in exchange for what I want in return. But I can't say that in an interview and its getting really hard to keep my mouth shut, trapped tight within in a smile.

"I won't bring anything to the table, I'll just do whatever job

it is I'm applying for and I'll do it well. I really don't care for

it but it pays decent enough that I could do the things I

want on my off time and forget I work here."

Son, Whatever You Do, Don't Sell That Cow!

Bonnie and Clyde - (1967) Directed by Arthur Penn;

Starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard,

and Gene Hackman.

Watched Bonnie and Clyde yesterday night. I need a

Bonnie Parker, if Faye Dunaway's portrayal was any

bit close to the approximation of truth then its clear

why I'm single. I haven't found a Bonnie to rob banks

with. Thats all a life could be, even though it'll be a

short lived life. And if we can't rob banks, if the banks

have become too powerful, too protected then there is

something to take into account there, something about

how little power we truly have allowed ourselves to possess.

The Trail's End

poem by Bonnie Parker

You've heard the story of Jesse James

Of how he lived and died

If you're still in need

Of something to read

Here's the story of Bonnie and Clyde.

Now Bonnie and Clyde are the Barrow gang

I'm sure you all have read

How they rob and steal

And those who squeal

Are usually found dyin' or dead.

They call them cold-hearted killers

They say they are heartless and mean

But I say this with pride

That I once knew Clyde

When he was honest and upright and clean.

But the laws fooled around

Kept takin' him down

And lockin' him up in a cell

Till he said to me: "I'll never be free

So I'll meet a few of them in Hell."

If a policeman is killed in Dallas

And they have no clue to guide

If they can't find a fiend

They just wipe their slate clean

And hang it on Bonnie and Clyde

If they try to act like citizens

And rent them a nice little flat

About the third night

They're invited to fight

By a sub-guns' rat-a-tat-tat.

Some day, they'll go down together

They'll bury them side by side

To a few, it'll be grief

To the law, a relief

But it's death for Bonnie and Clyde.

Treasure in The Garden

Charade - (1963) Directed by Stanley Donen;

Starring Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant.

Today I finally saw Charade, thus completing my Donen Directs Hepburn list.

Even if this film consisted of only the first 5 minutes, I'd be enchanted. Two of my favorite stars and one of my favorite directors. Cary Grant really was one if not the best, of hollywood's leading men. Two things I love seeing Audrey Hepburn do on screen 1. Get surprised or excited, and 2. Get hungry.

3. and this:

If My Mind Has Been On My Phone All Day And My Phone Is Lost Then My Mind...

So I've misplaced my cellphone today. Its in my apartment because I haven't left the front door today until about 15 minutes ago for a breath of less steamy air, which is apparently all thats available in my apartment. I noticed that the cellphone was misplaced sometime this afternoon, it is now 10:18 PM. I remember waking and unplugging the little cretin from the charger, resurrecting the mini-christ from the death that disconnected me from my friend the night before. I remember reading the text sent by that friend asking about my disappearance, as I went stealth, a crucified silence. I got up at about 11:12 AM, my first trip to the bathroom was met by failure as it was occupied so I visited my niece in another room before heading back to the direction of the living room and distracting myself in some form of thought. I may or may not have relocated my copy of the novel I'm currently reading; this may or may not be a clue to reproduce that mysterious strand of memory that is giggling in some dark recess of cranium.

I'm upset. Much less at the possibility of a missed call or text or desire to, myself, text or call someone. I'm sure there were no calls as I'm sure there is no one I'm in any particular need of contacting. In the case that I would really worry about either, I could easily email or use the house phone. No, the possibility of a missed contact doesn't do much for my disposition. My issue is more about not being able to find a piece of personal property. It is my cellphone, my possession and I should know where it is, it should be in my memory which is also of my disposal to recall such information. Not being capable to do so, exhibits within me, a paranoid manifestation of self-consciousness and lack of self-control; not being able to know where your possessions are, and not being able to establish an adequate mean for retrieving these belongings.

A vexation that has taxed me all throughout the day under a scorning sun that has dismissed a sky of clouds and a ground of shade. At the end of my thinning tether with no more success than the night has had against the heat the sun left behind, I have finally decided to write about it. How frustrating to be played into a puzzle one can't ignore? For I must find my phone, especially since its misplaced location is so limited. It could only be in the apartment from which I, and the others who were approximately about at the time of the victim's disappearance, have not left. Its a simple enough crime with only a few likely suspects, that I have thoroughly interrogated with both hands and eyes, both who wore trench coats and hats with a shared, antiseptic, cold, film noir wit. However, to no avail. My room, the bathroom, and my mother's bedroom are these suspects, and apparently, I am Inspector Clousseau.

I've become tired of searching the same areas over, and all the more so angry at the discouraging result this strategy is so hurriedly committed to repeat. Regardless of my stubborn inclination to review these re-searched areas to obtain a fresh look that may now be less attached emotionally than earlier when the incident occurred, these areas insist on offering me no success. Apparently things remain missing in the same places from which they were missing, regardless of how mad you are or aren't.

And The Ever Expanding Universe...

Adam - (2009) Directed by Max Mayer;

Starring Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne

Just saw Adam tonight at Angelika.

I hate it when I watch movies like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind or Science of Sleep in theatres and the audience laughs at the weird, awkward protagonist on the screen...I don't really hate it, it just annoys me but I can't take it too deeply since I've further noticed that the audience at theatres are usually spangled with individuals who are the unfortunate possessors of a dislocated funny bone, which causes them to cackle at any little occurrence.

I should've expected this to happen in Adam. Directed by Max Mayer and starring Hugh Dancy and Rose Byrne, Adam was a good film and introduced me to Asperger's Syndrome. The only problem is now I'm wondering if I may have some of the symptoms of Asperger's gone undiagnosed all these years. Not picking up on social cues, such as reading body language (I'm practically dyslexic), starting or maintaining a conversation, and taking turns talking. Then there's the dislike of changes in routine and lack of empathy. Preoccupation with only one or few interests (in my case music and film and they're the only topics I can really talk about). There is also heightened sensitivity and overstimulation is easily triggered by loud noises, lights, or strong tastes, scents, or textures.

Another main problem of mine is interacting with another person and not truly being able to tell what that person is trying to communicate to me, it has to be really clear for me to understand and usually when its not I pretend that it is to avoid embarrassment or awkwardness.

However here's how I know I might not have Asperger's:

Handwriting is often poor.

Internal thoughts are often verbalized.

Unable to recognize subtle differences in speech tone, pitch and accent.

Unusual facial expressions or postures (I don't know if I have this).

The film was good for its story. I wasn't at all too aware of Max Mayer as director. During the film, the only part that I felt uncomfortable with, was the cupboards that were filled with mac and cheese used as an hourglass. Adam had a healthy stock of Mac & Cheese and to indicate the passing of time Mayer would fade several boxes as a countdown in one of the earlier scenes of the film. I'm not entirely sure why this bothered me but it did. Also, I don't like mac and cheese but that had nothing to do with it.

Keep it Reel, Son!: Introduction and Review

I've been watching a lot of films lately. In fact, every week I watch at least three films I've never seen before. It has recently been an idea of mine to log each film I view. The films can range from any era, from movies currently in theatres to 1920's silent films to everything in between; in any language from any country. This entry is a quick wrap-up of the last two weeks but from now on I will log each film I watch on the same day its viewed.

The Best Man -
(1964) Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner; Starring Henry Fonda and Cliff Robertson both as presidential candidates. Uncle Ben Parker wasn't using his great powers responsibly in this morality film, he was really intense actually. Its a good film about corruption in politics and how the best man is often over-looked due to his image. Hmm. Ron Paul.

The Wrong Man -
(1956) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Starring Henry Fonda and Vera Miles as a married couple that undergoes trouble when his identity is mistaken and he is arrested for a crime he is innocent of. Hitchcock, so its suspenseful but its also based on a true story so I get really touchy when the cops foul-up. When Manny (Henry Fonda) gets arrested and they don't allow him to tell his wife even though he's right outside his home, I nearly wanted to blow up a precinct.

Barton Fink -
(1991) Directed by Joel Coen; Starring John Turturro and John Goodman in this dark film about an intellectual new york playwright in hollywood who undergoes events that may very well be over his head but incidently what he was looking for in the first place. I feel like this and Miller's Crossing which I viewed for the first time only last month, are two secret masterpieces by The Coen Brothers. Both films are dark and quiet, Barton Fink is a bit more exploring and uses symbolism to further illustrate the protagonist's mind and perhaps its deterioration.

Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House -
(1948) Directed by H.C. Potter; Starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy. Cary Grant in a screw ball comedy about a city family that moves out to the suburbs. Cary Grant as victim and butt of the jokes much like in Bringing Up Baby and I Was a Male War Bride. I however, did not enjoy this film as much as the other two aforementioned comedies, it wasn't as mature as the gags that fell upon both David Huxley via Katherine Hepburn or Capt. Henri Rochard via Ann Sheridan. The script isn't as rich either. I understand its a comedy and meant to be fun but I don't think it aged too well, I guess thats why Bringing Up Baby bombed when it made its debut in theatres but is now regarded as a classic of comedies.

The Americanization of Emily -
(1964) Directed by Arthur Hiller; Starring James Garner and Julie Andrews. A war picture thats not on the warfield for 95 percent of the film and follows the religiously cowardice enterprise of Lt. Cmdr. Charles Edward Madison played by Garner. I can't help but like James Garner and this is the first film I've seen Julie Andrews in. It might come across as too preachy but its well rounded and I felt everyone got a word in, it wasn't just one view shoved down your throat. Also all the points were valid and still are, especially about war and the glory of patriotism.

Mister 880 -
(1950) Directed by Edmund Goulding; Starring Burt Lancaster and Dorothy McGuire. NY Secret Agent, Steve Buchanan (Lancaster) Tracks a counterfeiter, Mister 880. I wasn't too crazy about this film but Burt Lancaster is always fun to watch. Also Skipper is how I'm most likely going to end up in about 40 years.

The Seven-Ups -
(1973) Directed by Philip D'Antoni; Starring Roy Schieder. Were the 70's action movies all about car chases? This action crime movie had a really good car chase, pretty long and epic, one got the impression the entire movie was only an excuse for that one scene. It was also great to see NY in the 70's, some of the locations were grimey. Oh, and I removed the color from my TV set just to watch this movie in B/W which as far as I'm concerned is the only way to watch it.

So Long At The Fair -
(1950) Directed by Antony Damborough and Terence Fisher; Starring Jean Simmons and Dirk Bogarde. Mystery/Suspense set in 1890's Paris. A young Dirk Bogarde. I can't get over his life-long resemblence to author, Aldous Huxley. I kept imagining Crome Yellow's Denis or Walter Bidlake whenever George Hathaway (Bogarde) was on screen. The film was decent enough but I found myself ultimately not a fan. The suspense was good and the mystery kind of disappointing.

Notorious -
(1946) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock; Starring Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. Cary Grant is a U.S. agent who falls in love with a woman who has been assigned to spy on a group of Nazi friends in South America. Alicia Huberman (Bergman) goes as far as marrying an old friend to report information obtained by her position as his wife, although Huberman loves Agent Devlin (Grant). Tensions rise between the two and so does Hitchcock's suspense as the mission grows more and more dangerous for Bergman's Garbo-esque leading lady. I think this is the first serious role I've seen Cary Grant in. Though, To Catch a Thief is not a comedy, Grant is still charming and suave, in Notorious he is stern and bitingly cold, a side I've never seen before from Grant, need-less-to-say I enjoyed it muchly!

Crisis -
(1950) Directed by Richard Brooks; Starring Cary Grant and Jose Ferrer. Cary Grant as a brain surgeon on a holiday with his wife when they get abducted and forcefully volunteer Dr. Eugene Norland Ferguson (Grant) to perform brain surgery on dictator Raoul Farrago (Ferrer) to save the tyrant's life. I love the music in this film and of course Jose Ferrer but other than that I wasn't too into it. I heard the studio decided to change the script so that Grant could have a love interest, originally Dr. Ferguson was set to be on holiday with his daughter which to me, may've been more interesting. This being Richard Brooks' first film he went along with the studio.

Mr. Lucky -
(1943) Directed by H.C. Potter; Starring Cary Grant and Laraine Day. Comedy with Cary Grant. Same director from Mr. Blandings with a better script. Here Grant plays a fast talking, street-wise hustler who evades the war draft and tries to raise money to get his gambling boat racket off the harbor. How does he do this? Well, he not only tries to con a war relief charity group and partially succeeds by throwing a fund raising, gambling boat party but he also falls in love with one of the directors who slowly begins to trust him. Not to mention that he does all this under the presumed identity of a dead gangster. I really enjoyed this film, here Grant is the charming scoundrel which is quite similar to his mischievous gentleman roles he sometimes played (examples: The Philadelphia Story and The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer). except he uses slang and mannerisms that draw the viewer ever so on the side of the happy-go lucky swindler who happens to carry a "Lady from Bristol." My only complaint, and its not a big one, is the ending. I could have done the end one scene before the actual end but its a romantic comedy and I admit I was happy to see all end well.

The Unforgiven -
(1960) Directed by John Huston; Starring Burt Lancaster and Audrey Hepburn. Hepburn is an adopted kid sister to Lancaster who turns out to be of native american blood in this western drama. It was alright. Like I said, I can watch Burt Lancaster in anything, this was even better because Audrey Hepburn is always good to watch as well and as a secret springle of magnificence, Joseph Wiseman has a minor but key role as Abe Kelsey or the "crazy old man" who reveals Hepburn's origin. Joseph Wiseman is so good, I've only seen him in A Detective Story until now. I'd like to see more of his characters.

The Children's Hour -
(1961) Directed by William Wyler; Starring Audrey Hepburn, Shirley Maclaine, and James Garner. I hate kids and this film makes me even less fond of them. Karen (Hepburn) should've punched Mary's stupid little face in. I'm a huge fan of angry Shirley Maclaine, when she yells or cries I instantly feel like apologizing. Karen and Martha (Hepburn and Maclaine) are two teachers who start an all girls' boarding school and have their lives and reputations compromised when a troublesome student spreads a controversial lie about them.