This week, my Cinefolks, I was going to have a review of ROLAND EMMERICH'S latest uberdisaster, 2012, however, I have not seen it, as of yet. Instead, let's go to the live theatre, for a look at MORRIS PANYCH'S SEVEN STORIES.
I have to admit, that until recently, MR. PANYCH, was below my radar, with regards, to his theatrical credits and achievements. That was until I saw a production of his play, VIGIL, which was a delightful, black comedy, starring BRENT CARVER and MARTHA HENRY. Once I started to investigate PANYCH'S credits, I became aware just what an accomplished, playwright and director, he really was.
This production, of SEVEN STORIES, was celebrating its 20th anniversary and starred its original protagonist, PETER ANDERSON. To appreciate, this play, it helps to be familiar with the theatre of the absurd, and some of it's most celebrated playwrights: PIRANDELLO, IONESCO, BECKETT and PINTER. As well, one should be aware of the artist RENE MAGRITTE, whose influence on the piece, is felt in the production design, costumes and thematic aspects of this theatrical work. As well, it can't hurt to know that 70's landmark comedy series, LAUGH IN (really).
So, what's it all about ALFIE? You see, there's this dapper chap, who is standing on the top of a seven story, (get it)? building and appears to be about to jump, only to be interrupted by the wacky denizens of this edifice. Except, for ANDERSON, the actors get to essay multiple parts, and run the gamut of emotions, from A-Z.
Its a very enjoyable work, that works on multiple level and I have to admit I frequently laughed out loud. Like all the best theatre, it makes one laugh, but also think. Just some of the themes touched on by this farce: alienation, conformity, suicide, aging and others. The cast is top notch and it is a great ensemble. They are all fabulous and deserve to be mentioned by name: DAMIEN ATKINS, CHRISTOPHER HUNT, MELODY A. JOHNSON and REBECCA NORTHAM. Kudos to all.
Until next time...
T. T. F. N.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
A TALE OF TWO MUSICALS
Well, Cinemammals, today for your delight and general amusement, I have 2 films for you. The first is the much-ballyhooed, MJ flick, THIS IS IT, directed by KENNY ORTEGA the second is PIRATE RADIO, directed by RICHARD CURTIS. Now, these movies, really aren't musicals, in the strictest sense of the world, but they'll have to do until ROB MARSHALL'S NINE, comes out.
Alright, now I'll be honest with you. I thought the MICHAEL JACKSON, film, THIS IS IT, - which is composed of rehearsal footage for his concert tour, which as we all know never happened, was nothing more than a naked ''cash grab,'' and that I would shun it the way I would the new SARAH PALIN, memoir, (she's a rogue, like I'm a squirrel).
I have to say, I was wrong.
It is a fantastic film. His dancing alone is worth, the price of admission. One forgets, what a phenomenal, dancer he was. His body is so fluid, he is like rubber. Also, to see the joy on his face as he dances is so wonderful and of course, so sad. The editors do a fantastic job, of combining the footage into a seamless, coherent whole and I was enthralled throughout.
Now, from the sublime...
On to PIRATE RADIO. Now, let me preface my remarks, by stating that it's director and co-writer, RICHARD CURTIS, has been involved with some of my favourite entertainments. From BLACKADDER, to FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, to NOTTING HILL, to one of my personal faves, LOVE ACTUALLY, he has always provided smart, funny entertainment. With this film, he has provided a kick-ass soundtrack, but not much more.
Even surrounded by members of his usually reliable, rep company: BILL NIGHY, RHYS IFANS, EMMA THOMPSON, as well as yeoman's work from PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, PIRATE RADIO, founders on the seas of banality. To be honest, I did laugh a few times at this tale set in the 60's about a pirate radio station in Britain, that provided rock n' roll, in those repressive times, from a boat in the water. Also, I'm sure KENNETH BRANAGH, had fun as the scrooge-like Government toady, who tries to shut the operation down. One reviewer likened it to a sub-par ''carry-on,'' movie, I'll second that emotion. It is too long, padded with too many music montage shots of grooving teens and nuns and not enough funny!!! Better luck next time MR. CURTIS.
And as for next time..
T.T.F.N.
Alright, now I'll be honest with you. I thought the MICHAEL JACKSON, film, THIS IS IT, - which is composed of rehearsal footage for his concert tour, which as we all know never happened, was nothing more than a naked ''cash grab,'' and that I would shun it the way I would the new SARAH PALIN, memoir, (she's a rogue, like I'm a squirrel).
I have to say, I was wrong.
It is a fantastic film. His dancing alone is worth, the price of admission. One forgets, what a phenomenal, dancer he was. His body is so fluid, he is like rubber. Also, to see the joy on his face as he dances is so wonderful and of course, so sad. The editors do a fantastic job, of combining the footage into a seamless, coherent whole and I was enthralled throughout.
Now, from the sublime...
On to PIRATE RADIO. Now, let me preface my remarks, by stating that it's director and co-writer, RICHARD CURTIS, has been involved with some of my favourite entertainments. From BLACKADDER, to FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, to NOTTING HILL, to one of my personal faves, LOVE ACTUALLY, he has always provided smart, funny entertainment. With this film, he has provided a kick-ass soundtrack, but not much more.
Even surrounded by members of his usually reliable, rep company: BILL NIGHY, RHYS IFANS, EMMA THOMPSON, as well as yeoman's work from PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, PIRATE RADIO, founders on the seas of banality. To be honest, I did laugh a few times at this tale set in the 60's about a pirate radio station in Britain, that provided rock n' roll, in those repressive times, from a boat in the water. Also, I'm sure KENNETH BRANAGH, had fun as the scrooge-like Government toady, who tries to shut the operation down. One reviewer likened it to a sub-par ''carry-on,'' movie, I'll second that emotion. It is too long, padded with too many music montage shots of grooving teens and nuns and not enough funny!!! Better luck next time MR. CURTIS.
And as for next time..
T.T.F.N.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
STARING AT AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY
Folks, today I have a double-bill for your enjoyment. I saw a fabulous play and a really wacky movie. Firstly, the play: I had the privilege to see some of the finest acting I have ever encountered, in the Pulitzer and Tony-award winning Broadway hit, AUGUST OSAGE COUNTY, by TRACY LETTS, starring ESTELLE PARSONS, in a bravura tour de force performance.
This is a theatre piece that puts the fun, in dysfunctional. Just some of the topics this play tackles: suicide, pedophilia, incest and adultery, and that is just act one, of a 31/2 hour show!!!
PARSONS, essays the dowager of a southern clan, which has more problems than heinz has sauces. Throughout, the course of the evening, many truths will be told and many lives will be ruined, leading up to a shattering denouement. To say anymore, would ruin the fun. Let me just say that the ensemble cast, is in every way as dazzling, as Miss PARSONS.
Now, on to the film, my cinephiles. This has got to be one of the most off the wall flicks, I have ever seen. The title of the film is called: THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, which is the auspicious debut of GEORGE CLOONEY'S writing and producing buddy, GRANT HESLOV.
This movie has a fantastic ensemble cast: GEORGE CLOONEY (how did they ever get him)? EWAN MCGREGOR, JEFF BRIDGES (the dude lives)!!! and KEVIN SPACEY.
The plot, such as it is, is apparently based on the true story of an experimental United States army that did experiments in mind control and stuff like that, during the BUSH, era. It really doesn't matter, what the plot is, because like the best shaggy dog stories, half the fun is how it all unfolds and unfold, it does.
As. for it being funny, let's just say there was a real possibility that I might have choked on my popcorn (isn't that how all movie critics, want to go)?
However, I did survive to see another movie and so until next time, fellow LEBOWSKI'S:
T.T.F.N.
This is a theatre piece that puts the fun, in dysfunctional. Just some of the topics this play tackles: suicide, pedophilia, incest and adultery, and that is just act one, of a 31/2 hour show!!!
PARSONS, essays the dowager of a southern clan, which has more problems than heinz has sauces. Throughout, the course of the evening, many truths will be told and many lives will be ruined, leading up to a shattering denouement. To say anymore, would ruin the fun. Let me just say that the ensemble cast, is in every way as dazzling, as Miss PARSONS.
Now, on to the film, my cinephiles. This has got to be one of the most off the wall flicks, I have ever seen. The title of the film is called: THE MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS, which is the auspicious debut of GEORGE CLOONEY'S writing and producing buddy, GRANT HESLOV.
This movie has a fantastic ensemble cast: GEORGE CLOONEY (how did they ever get him)? EWAN MCGREGOR, JEFF BRIDGES (the dude lives)!!! and KEVIN SPACEY.
The plot, such as it is, is apparently based on the true story of an experimental United States army that did experiments in mind control and stuff like that, during the BUSH, era. It really doesn't matter, what the plot is, because like the best shaggy dog stories, half the fun is how it all unfolds and unfold, it does.
As. for it being funny, let's just say there was a real possibility that I might have choked on my popcorn (isn't that how all movie critics, want to go)?
However, I did survive to see another movie and so until next time, fellow LEBOWSKI'S:
T.T.F.N.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
HE'S THE (ALT)MAN!
Good Morning film fanciers. Well, yours truly is hoping to see a new film today - and we hope it will be, SPIKE JONZE'S WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE. Fortunately, I do have something to write about. I have recently, finished reading a fantastic new film book: ROBERT ALTMAN: THE ORAL BIOGRAPHY, by MITCHELL ZUCKOFF.
This is one of the best film bios I have ever read. It was engrossing, it was entertaining and it sure was gossipy. Best of all, it was not a hagiography, but it was a ''warts and all,'' portrait of one of the greatest directors of our time. Best of all, because it's an oral biography, it features pretty much anyone who knew or worked with, ALTMAN.
From his earliest days, ALTMAN, showed a flair for directing. He started off in television and then moved on to industrials, (where he had already started using his trademark overlapping dialogue), and finally to film. His first big film, was of one of his biggest: MASH. We find out in this section from various players, how that he was not, the first choice to direct the movie, how both ELLIOT GOULD and DONALD SUTHERLAND, tried to get him fired from the flick - you see he was spending too much time concentrating on the background characters - they didn't realize his genius back then. These background players, would go on to do many film with him, as his ''rep'' company. Ironically enough, while MASH, was nominated for many Academy Awards, including, Best Picture, it would only win for "best-adapted " screenplay.
ALTMAN, would go on to direct some of the greatest films of the 20th century: MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER, NASHVILLE, THE PLAYER and SHORT CUTS.
The book reads like a who's-who of Hollywood: WARREN BEATTY, JULIE CHRISTIE, PAUL NEWMAN, CAROL BURNETT, TIM ROBBINS, LILLY TOMLIN, MERYL STREEP, to name just a few. Of course we also hear from his film favourites: BUD COURT, JOHN SCHUCK, SHELLY DUVALL, KEITH CARRIDINE, PAUL DOOLEY, RENE AUBERJONOIS, et al...
He had a tempestuous life as his wives and children attest to. He was a larger than life, and he loved to party, drink and toke. To him life was a party and he certainly did. The book also documents how he could he could be quite cruel at times and his neglect of his kids, though they did work on his films (his son, actually made alot more money, than him, for writing the lyrics to the MASH SONG: SUICIDE IS PAINLESS.
It is really an incredible read and alot of fun to boot.
until next time..
T.T.F.N.
This is one of the best film bios I have ever read. It was engrossing, it was entertaining and it sure was gossipy. Best of all, it was not a hagiography, but it was a ''warts and all,'' portrait of one of the greatest directors of our time. Best of all, because it's an oral biography, it features pretty much anyone who knew or worked with, ALTMAN.
From his earliest days, ALTMAN, showed a flair for directing. He started off in television and then moved on to industrials, (where he had already started using his trademark overlapping dialogue), and finally to film. His first big film, was of one of his biggest: MASH. We find out in this section from various players, how that he was not, the first choice to direct the movie, how both ELLIOT GOULD and DONALD SUTHERLAND, tried to get him fired from the flick - you see he was spending too much time concentrating on the background characters - they didn't realize his genius back then. These background players, would go on to do many film with him, as his ''rep'' company. Ironically enough, while MASH, was nominated for many Academy Awards, including, Best Picture, it would only win for "best-adapted " screenplay.
ALTMAN, would go on to direct some of the greatest films of the 20th century: MCCABE AND MRS. MILLER, NASHVILLE, THE PLAYER and SHORT CUTS.
The book reads like a who's-who of Hollywood: WARREN BEATTY, JULIE CHRISTIE, PAUL NEWMAN, CAROL BURNETT, TIM ROBBINS, LILLY TOMLIN, MERYL STREEP, to name just a few. Of course we also hear from his film favourites: BUD COURT, JOHN SCHUCK, SHELLY DUVALL, KEITH CARRIDINE, PAUL DOOLEY, RENE AUBERJONOIS, et al...
He had a tempestuous life as his wives and children attest to. He was a larger than life, and he loved to party, drink and toke. To him life was a party and he certainly did. The book also documents how he could he could be quite cruel at times and his neglect of his kids, though they did work on his films (his son, actually made alot more money, than him, for writing the lyrics to the MASH SONG: SUICIDE IS PAINLESS.
It is really an incredible read and alot of fun to boot.
until next time..
T.T.F.N.
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