Alphabetical Movie Marathon - Lonesome Dove

Lonesome Dove - This epic 6 hour miniseries deserves it's own post. Let me start by saying that I'm not big on Westerns but for some reason, this film (and it is a film, despite being made for TV) transcends its genres. It's a romance, a buddy film, a tragedy, a Lear-like end-of-life realization, a father-son drama, a coming-of-age adventure. It's just so big and so real and dirty and gritty and hard and painful. I think it touches me because, while all of the main characters are men, most of them are motivated by the women in their lives. Jake goes on the drive because of Lorena, Gus agrees to go because he might see Clare Allen, July goes after Jake because of Peach, changes course to find Almira and finds his new place in the world because of Clare, Woodrow takes in Newt because of the love he can't admit for Maggie. Jake even falls in with the outlaws and eventually gets hanged because he's avoiding a madam trying to get him to clean up a customer she shot. I can enjoy this film because it acknowledges the meaning and importance of women in these men's lives even though they are rough and tumble cowboys off on their last adventure.

The dirtiness of the production design is also very appealing to me. I love dirty movies. Where the hats are worn, the pants dusty and patched, the hair messy, the faces smudged, the horses sweaty and frothy. Its one of the reasons I didn't like The English Patient. Not dirty enough. It's a metaphor for life, in my opinion. Messy, crusty, dirty life. And it takes a lot of work to get that dirt on screen. There are many different stages of dirtiness as well. You can see the deterioration of the clothing as representative of the breaking down of the characters outer shells as the narrative arc progresses. You also see their attempts at putting themselves back together as they reenter more civilized towns. And one of my favorite lines: "Well, he's never been one to quit on a garment just cuz it's got a little age." The characters acknowedge the role that clothing plays in society quite a few times in the dialogue. It's really fascinating.

I may have more to write on this film later.

Alphabetical Movie Marathon - J, K & L1

Julie & Julia - It's cliche to say, I know, but the book was better. Of course, it was, it always is. It was also snarkier and Julie is bitchier and the kitchen is way messier in your head than they made it in the movie. I was sad that they cut the maggots under the dish drainer scene. That being said, I really did enjoy the movie and all it made me want to do is cook with butter. I love foodie movies. I need to look into more of them.

Juno - A Minnesota film. Gotta love it. Ellen Page is so natural and subtle for such a young actress. And like our other J movie, I love the snarkiness and sarcasm. Have to deride it for brushing off the abortion issue but I think the world needs more teen pregnancy movies. And more adoption movies. It could only be a good thing. That scene at the end after she has the baby and her dad talks to her . . . so beautiful and real and touching.

Karate Kid - Classic! Can't get over how much I loved this film as a kid and it's still so good! I can totally relate to the uncool, picked on kid. I never got to find a mentor and beat the crap out of the bullies but it's always good to see the underdog gain the necessary skills and life wisdon to win against the bad guys. Always try to catch flies with my chopsticks when I eat Asian food.

Ladyhawke - An oldie but a goodie. I love the historic era film mixed with the rock-n-roll/synch background music. And it contains my favorite fundamentalist Christain comeback line ever: "I talk to God all the time and, no offence, but he never mentioned you." I'm a big fan of Rutger Hauer as well. There's something very intense and oddly attractive about him.

Labrynth - I'm not as in love with this movie as I was as a kid but I still enjoy the puppetry effects and the sophistication of it for a movie essentially aimed at children. The hands catching her as she falls down the obelisk and talking to her when she stops is so cool. I see it very much like the Broadway version of Lion King. Very complicated symbolism and simple effects that you see right through and know exactly how it was done, but it doesn't matter. It's just so clever that you go with it.

Alphabetical Movie Marathon - H & I

Hangover - I was not thrilled about having to go and see this movie in the theater and was I ever wrong! I love this film. It's very clever and much like 40 Year Old Virgin, it's a guy flick with a heart. Yes, actual emotions are shown and it's a great example of the relationships guy friends have. Very much enjoyed and didn't hesitate to add to the library.

Hope Floats - Thank God for Speed 2 or this movie wouldn't exist. This has always been one of my favorite films. And while I wouldn't say that I'm a huge Sandra Bullock fan, she really is a driving force to making great movies. I wish she'd do more producing. And Harry Connick Jr. is so sexy and nice and smart. The scene at the end where the dad drives away and the daughter is left screaming at the end of the sidewalk. . . ugh, can't even finish that sentence. So emotional for me. Sniff. Moving on.

Henry V - Mmmm, the rightous anger of the tennis ball scene. Gotta love it. I'm not big into the war scenes in this film but as a whole, I do enjoy it. Makes me feel smart to see it on the shelf next to silliness like Mystic Pizza.

Into The Woods - Sondheim genious strikes again. I don't need to go on and on about this musical but it's really clever and quick and challenging. Like all of Sondheim's work.

Immortal Beloved - Wonderful and intense. And Isabella Rosellini, the most beatiful actress ever! The Ode To Joy scene at the end is just so . . . I don't even know what word to use. Another wonder artist at work film.

Job Update

So, yeah, I'm working again. And haven't written in four months. Maybe that's why I'm so miserable. Need to get all the work angst out on paper. And is there ever angst! Ugh. I'm already looking for another opportunity, as they say. The real problem is doing the contractor thing again combined with the boredom. Why am I there? Did they think I would have stuff to do? At this point, I won't actually get to do any real work until Mid-June and even then it won't be much. The real stuff doesn't start until JANUARY!!! Can you believe it? Are they seriously going to pay me to sit around and read the New York Times online for a year? Not if I have anything to say about it, for crap sake. I'll try to write more and maybe it'll help.