''RENT, SINGLE , HEART''

Well my Cinekinder, I have some catching up to do Cinewise, as I have just seen 2 fabulous flix, as well as a great musical. In order of appearance they are RENT by JONATHAN LARSON, A SINGLE MAN, directed by TOM FORD and CRAZY HEART written and directed by SCOTT COOPER.

Firstly, to RENT. This is a touring production of the broadway hit and by the time you read this, it's short run is sadly over. It was a fabulous production, with the added bonus of the two broadway stars, ANTHONY RAPP and ADAM PASCAL. It was a very high-energy show, and the cast was terrif. The show is not dated at all, and it holds up very well. I have seen the musical a number of times as well as the movie and this was the best production, I have ever seen.

On to the next. I became aware of A SINGLE MAN, when it premiered at TIFF, in Sept. Since then I have heard nothing but raves for TOM FORD'S direction, and especially for COLIN FIRTH'S much-lauded, bravura perf.

The film is based on a novella by CHRISTOPHER ISHERWOOD, whose BERLIN STORIES, formed the basis of what became the musical, CABARET. The basic story is of a repressed homosexual teacher (FIRTH), who loses his lover in a car accident and loses his will to live. However, it is the images captured by FORD'S camera, that makes this movie really something special. Considering that this is his first film it is one of the most-assured ones I have ever seen. His visual mastery is nothing short of astonishing. His imagery is by turns menacing, sensual, menacing, lyrical and surreal. As mentioned, FIRTH, gives an astounding performance. It is one of the best films of the year, and FIRTH, will definitely nominated for best actor.

Lastly, but certainly not leastly, is SCOTT COOPER'S CRAZY HEART, which contains a fan-dam-fabulous performance by JEFF BRIDGES. He plays a grizzled c & w, star and seems to be channeling WAYLON JENNINGS. The supporting cast is wonderful as well: MAGGIE GYLLENHALL, COLIN FARRELL and the wonderful ROBERT DUVALL. The soundtrack is fabulous as well, produced by T BONE BURNETT and BRIDGES sings all original tunes. It sorta reminded me of THE WRESTLER, as they are both tales of redemption and this could be the year that BRIDGES, finally gets his Oscar.

Well, Cinehommes et Cinefilles, dats all for now, as you can imagine I am full.

T.T.F.N.