Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/georgia-rule/25985/main
Monday, December 31, 2007
The Worst Movie of 2007
Friday, December 28, 2007
'Starting Out In The Evening' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/starting-out-in-the-evening/25084/main
We saw this movie today and were very impressed & moved by the story & the performers about a forgotten writer pursued by a pushy admiring student who wants to interview him for her thesis and ingratiates herself into his private life. Since my wife and I hold M.A. degrees in English, we know something about writers, the writing process, and writing theses, so this movie rang true for us. In '79 we saw Langella on Broadway as Dracula, which he repeated in the film version, and a few years later as Sherlock Holmes, and have seen most of his movies. He was thinner then but he has aged gracefully filling into character roles. He is one of our greatest actors and his talent elevates any project. And what a marvelous voice! Check out his bellowing Skeletor in Masters of the Universe, unhindered by his heavy mask & costume.
Starting Out In The Evening has one of his best performances earning great reviews and is not to be missed. Here he holds back as he cautiously conceals his past to the student but when he releases his reticence for an emotional outburst, he does it in a restrained but powerful manner that still moves you. Lauren Ambrose as the insistent student and Lily Taylor as his daughter occasionally at odds with him hold their own as actors in balancing the drama that never becomes maudlin.
I fully agree with the NY Times reviewer's perceptive comments below except for his remark about the movie score being 'vulgar and obvious.' We thought it was complimentary and never overpowering to distract us. We were so absorbed in this quiet drama that I hardly noticed it. This is an understated movie that packs a punch when it's over. http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/23/movies/23even.html
And yes the movie is based on another novel I haven't read....
'Charlie Wilson's War' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/charlie-wilsons-war/23212/main
I've read how this movie is based on a true story. I'll have to watch the History Channel's show about the real Charlie Wilson and compare both versions. As a film it's entertaining and sly, and highlighted with deft performances by the three leads. While watching Charlie Wilson's War, you might begin to think it's only a wicked satire on Washington and global politics but since all of it is supposed to be true.... gawd help us! There's a history lesson buried in this well-crafted movie: How our nation armed the Afghanistani to defeat their Soviet invaders and then abandoned them when they needed help in reconstructing their country is what lead them to turn against us and let the Taliban take over, a big mistake we're still paying for. This point is briefly brought up at the end and you almost miss it as you leave the theater still reeling from earlier scenes of snappy dialogue, caustic humour, and the surrealist wheeling & dealings of government bureaucrats. Only a sophisticated director like Mike Nichols, with a background in edgy comedy routines, could juggle history, humour, and satire without it all come crashing down on the audience's heads.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
'I Am Legend' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/i-am-legend-2007/23760/main
Once again, this movie is based on another novel (by Richard Matheson) I haven't read. Next week I'm getting the unabridged Audio Book with a Borders' discount coupon. After I hear it, I'll compare it to the movie while both are still fresh in my mind. For now I must say this movie was good and I see why it's clobbering the competition at the box office. There are two earlier versions, the first with Vincent Price: http://www.amazon.com/Last-Man-Earth-Vincent-Price/dp/B000WC3A0I/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198794373&sr=1-1
and a better second one with Charlton Heston that's closer to the latest one: http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Man-Anna-Aries/dp/B000P0J0BU/ref=pd_bxgy_d_img_b
I listened to the Audio Book version and it was pretty good. The main difference is that the book's creatures are more like vampires. The latest movie avoids that premise but they are scary enough. A lot of money has been spent here and it's all on the screen. There's plenty of suspense and last minute nerve-wracking escapes by Will Smith who spends a lot of time talking to himself and his dog. Oh yes there's a dog in the novel but he's used differently here. That goes too for the woman he meets. There If you're looking for edge-of-your-seat thrills, this movie will not disappoint. Smith gives a good performance since he has to almost carry the film on his shoulders with lots of dialogue and stunts amid the high tech digital effects. You feel the desolation and loneliness he feels.
I Am Legend is probably the biggest hit of recently-released movies. A few weeks before it opened, I read an article listing actors including Smith who are considered overpaid because their movies don't make big profits. Well guess who's laughing all the way to the bank? As someone once said, success is the best revenge....
Monday, December 24, 2007
'Sweeney Todd' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/sweeney-todd-the-demon-barber-of-fleet-street/26627/main
I was fortunate to see the original Broadway show/cast with Angela Lansbury in '79. How will this new version compare? I've read there's more emphasis on the Grand Guignol & gore as if the idea of Tim Burton's girlfriend Helena Bonham Carter taking over Lansbury's role isn't scary enough. And what about Sondheim's operetta-ish score? Will Burton's visual fireworks compensate for Sondheim's truncated music? Here's his thoughts on its reworking: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/16/theater/16gree.html?_r=1&ref=movies&oref=slogin
We caught a matinee showing of Sweeney Todd. Yes the dark visuals are first-rate as you expect in a Burton film and oh yes there's gore galore. If you think you're going to see something like The Sound of Music, this one's not for you. The story is as faithful as I remember and there's enough of the original score warbled by the two leads. Johnny Depp's vocals are adequate but moving. His piercing eyes and chiseled features cut through the film as he relishes his role as the razor-wielding barber seeking revenge against the evil judge who ruined his life and family.
I have to admit Helena Bonham Carter acquitted herself singing the difficult score as she matched Depp's performing skills as his partner in revenge but with an agenda of her own. Alan Rickman plays the judge with his usual refined nastiness in portraying villains. The rest of the cast is splendid (and better as singers) in aiding the somber mood. If you like this film, you might want to check out the filmed stage version with Lansbury: http://www.amazon.com/Sweeney-Todd-Demon-Barber-Street/dp/B00005JL6V/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1198705750&sr=1-1
Saturday, December 22, 2007
'The Golden Compass' Movie
Friday, December 21, 2007
'Blade Runner' revisited...
Above are the different versions available. I purchased the bottom one, a two disc set with an excellent documentary about the film's history. More on the other sets. Here's a good article about the film's making and revised restoration: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/30/movies/30kapl.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
I saw Blade Runner in the theater in '83. I liked it but didn't think it would go over with the Star Wars/E.T crowd. It proved to be too dark & heavy just as Dune would meet the same fate. Later on through video releases and cable showings, these two films found new audiences that appreciated what earlier ones rejected: Their detailed visuals, aural fireworks, and deep plots that required repeated viewings which offer more rewards with every showing.
Tonight I watched 'The Final Cut' on my 32'' set and wished I saw it in the theater like the first time. The visuals are better than ever but cry out for the big screen. The letterbox format is the only way to savor this feast for the eyes and a good surround sound system lets the music and effects breathe more life into the story. What's missing from the orginal version? Harrison Ford's weary voiceover that was added because test audiences had trouble following the plot but I didn't miss it this time. Maybe it's because I seen the movie a few times and own a book about the making of the movie and also read many articles. I think today's viewers are more sophisticated in handling the narratives that aren't spoonfed. Also missing is the 'happy' ending that isn't really necessary but also felt needed by the studio. All this & more is explained in the three hours + documentary. If you really want to know how movies are made from beginning to end, this is where to start.
What 1982's Blade Runner attempted was to make a 1940's film noir detective story and place it forty years ahead in 2019. Some of the clothing and, most noticably, Sean Young's hairdo look like they escaped from a Bogart movie as they mingle with the urban/punk outfits of a decaying Los Angeles. The entire look of the city has been copied in many futuristic movies portraying a negative utopia. What's also amazing is thatthe visuals were painstakingly created before there were computer generated graphics. What also impressed me was Rutger Hauer's performance. He was also physically perfect for the role. I forgot how good he was here and it's too bad he never went on to more or better leading roles in better movies. The same goes for an inexperienced Sean Young....
Some films get better with age like a fine wine and this one is no exception. What was original way back then has been copied in almost every sci fi film and TV show. If you're a super fan, get the deluxe set that includes the original/voiceover version. Actually I think that version and this latest one both work on their own terms. My next viewing will be listening to director Ridley Scott's commentary. How many of you ever take the time to explore the bonus features of DVDs? You should because you're missing so much that will enhance your knowledge and pleasure of a good movie.
'Atonement' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/atonement/26636/main
This movie will easily remind you of The English Patient. Both were based on acclaimed novels and made into stately period pieces set around/during WWII. Both films use magnificent sets & scenery and costumes that never dwarf the plot and acting while an impressive music score underlines the drama.
Of course some critics have complained that the film doesn't capture the totality of the novel but I haven't read it and can only judge what's on the screen. This is an intelligent, thought-provoking work that slowly catches you offguard as it plays tricks with the time line to evoke surprises. The cast is splendid, including the three actresses who play Brione, the child whose cruel lie sets the tragic events in motion and how she later tries to make amends. It's good to see Keira Knightly not in Caribbean pirate drag, playing an English aristocrat from another period and James McAvoy understated performance has your support & sympathy as her wronged lover. The true meaning of atonement comes full circle with Vanessa Redgrave's brief appearance at the end.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
'Spring Awakening' on Broadway
Saturday December 15, I went to NYC with a co-worker on one of two buses hired for the day by our company. Our bus had mechanical troubles starting out and we switched to another waiting one in Bridgeport. Our NYC arrival time was a half hour later (10:45AM) but it was better than being stranded later on a broken-down bus. As we drove down 5th Ave.my buddy Russ got dropped off at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and I went for the Rockefeller Center dropoff. I went to a deli for a fast brunch and then across the street to Barnes & Noble. I checked my shopping list and found one of three opera DVDS and a two CD anthology of Duncan Sheik's music. Since he wrote the score for the Broadway show we were seeing at 2:00 and I knew nothing about him, this was a practical choice. I did recognize his one (?) hit 'Barely Breathing.'
My next stop was The Virgin Megastore on Times Square. I did better than expected on past visits. I was looking for four Joni Mitchell CDs and they had ALL of them! B & N had none. I finally found the elusive Mitch Ryder Greatest Hits (see HippieFest blog). There were many bargain tables of CDs & DVDs for $10 where I found an acclaimed Russian horror film called Night Watch and the Broadway Soundtrack for Wicked for my wife. Another must-buy was the movie soundtrack for Curse of The Golden Flower, an epic Chinese film and I also got a good deal on James Taylor's recent CD/DVD concert. I couldn't find the other two operas but I'll get them for Xmas gifts.
I met Russ at the theater for our 2:00 matinee of Spring Awakening. We were seated in the second to last row but it was a small theater. Here's the website. Watch a video for a song:
http://www.springawakening.com/home.php
And what a show! Most of the original cast was there and so were all the original band members onstage in the rear keeping the energetic choreography pumping. The 'Bitch of Lving' video is the perfect example. The score switches easily between rocking showstoppers and yearning ballads, This musical is based on a controversial play: Here's a description and comparison of both: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_Awakening_%28play%29
There were graphic simulations of sex that are central to the drama but they never overshadowed the performers and musical numbers. As I write this, I'm listening to the Sheik anthology, I can hear the similarities in his show. A minimal set vibrated with constant lighting changes to evoke different moods for different scenes. This was adult entertainment at its best and I can see why this musical swept the 2006 Tony Awards, Broadway's equivalent to the Oscars. Our only quibble was that the closing number should have been an up tempo one. Broadway shows are $$$ but are worth it to us.
We dined again at a famous restaurant that we tried last year. They have a good prix-fixe dinner deal we devoured with a nice bottle of white wine. Check out their site: http://standrewsnyc.com/
We did some last minute shopping before leaving at 7:00. We saw the huge Xmas tree from Shelton, CT., outside at Rockefeller Center. It was a good day for us and although it was cold, we were home before a snowstorm arrived overnight.
Friday, December 7, 2007
'Bella' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/bella/27497/main
Today we saw this small low budget film that's popular with audiences but has been knocked by critics for being overly sentimental. A good example is this review: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/10/26/movies/26bell.html
Readers blogs for this review and others have been raving about Bella and I can see why. It's a simple story about love, sacrifice, and atonement with strong family values & support at the core. Each main character faces a challenge and will they overcome it is the plot. This movie will restore your faith in humanity as you watch family and friends help them in their time of need. Yes there is some goodness left in their world and we want these characters to benefit from it.
Some critics don't understand that there are all kinds of movies for all kinds of audiences. I went to Bella expecting to see a nice little, feelgood movie and was not disappointed. I wasn't expecting great art and not every movie is a Citizen Kane. The performances were good and the story kept you interested all the way. Was Bella overly sentimental? I didn't think so and neither did the audience. The movie made its points without hammering them. You wanted a happy ending and this one has one but with a slight twist so it wasn't predictable.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
'Enchanted' Movie
Watch the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/enchanted/24547/main
Unlike Tin Man, here's a good example of a revisionist work that succeeds on every level and is proving it at the box office. The film is a loving tribute to the classic animated Disney films like Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty as well as a gentle poke at them. Children will devour the fairy tale plot and adults will appreciate the satire and parody. The humor is never mean spirited and you will laugh along with the movie and not at it.
Amy Adams easily wins you over as the wide-eyed damsel in distress and James Marsden, who was so good as the TV host in Hairspray, is even better here as her goofy Prince Charming seeking her in Manhattan. The musical numbers will have you smiling as you recall similar moments from the Disney films. Patrick Dempsey's soupuss widower/father gets a bit tiresome playing against the fun but you learn why his character acts that way and he is eventually won over. Susan Sarandon has fun sinking her teeth into her part as the evil queen. Everything works out in the end and I guarantee you will leave the theater happy.
Sunday, December 2, 2007
'Tin Man' TV Miniseries
Starting tonight The Sci Fi Channel is broadcasting an ambitious six hour reworking of The Wizard of OZ called Tin Man. See if you can figure out who's who from the above pic. Read about it here: http://www.scifi.com/tinman/
How this adaptation will succeed we'll soon discover. Meanwhile you can read this review: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/30/arts/30tin.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
Well after watching six hours of this revisionist saga, I will say it was too long and dragged out. It was interesting to spot the references to the original and see how they were changed. The computer-generated graphics were very good and the acting was fine. But what was the point of making this miniseries? If anything it made you appreciate the book and movie version. You need to be a diehard OZ fan to slug through Tin Man. I was tempted several times to change the channel. My wife gave up after the first installment and thought it was a ripoff of Stephen King's Gunslinger series.
For those OZ purists, here's the best DVD edition of the 1939 classic. The bonus features are worth every penny: http://www.amazon.com/Wizard-Oz-Three-Disc-Collectors/dp/B000ADS64E/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1196622440&sr=1-3
Friday, November 23, 2007
'No Country For Old Men' Movie
Watch the trailer here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/no-country-for-old-men/25145/main
Javier Bardem, the actor featured above also stars in the Cholera film and another one, Goya's Ghosts, that got disappointing reviews and a limited showing but we liked it: http://movies.aol.com/movie/goyas-ghosts/26832/main
There are two ways of judging an adaptation: One can compare it to the source for better or worse, or one can ignore the original and judge the adaptation on its own merits. Since I haven't read Cormac McCarthy's 2005 novel, I'll base my opinion on what I saw at a packed matinee. The media reviews have been good but readers blogs have been trashing it for its inconclusive ending. When it was over, one guy near me shouted: "WTF??" Many around me laughed and grumbled as we knew what he meant. Some reviews say this movie is the best thing the Coen Brothers have done since Fargo but I thought that one was overrated.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
'Love In The Time Of Cholera' Movie
Here's the trailer: http://movies.aol.com/movie/love-in-the-time-of-cholera/25302/main
I haven't read Colombian author Marquez's novel, the source of this movie. From what I heard about the novel, it's another of his densely textured works that I've read. The NY Times reviewer complained that the movie "sets itself the elusive task of translating Gabriel GarcÃa Márquez’s masterpiece of magical realism into an upscale art film with popular appeal. Faithful to the outline of the novel but emotionally and spiritually anemic, it slides into the void between art and entertainment, where well-intended would-be screen epics often land with a thud. Stripped of multiple layers of philosophic and poetic implication, the metaphorically loaded story of a man’s lifelong passion for a beautiful woman who marries another man emerges as a weightless, picturesque gloss." For more of his comments: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/movies/16chol.html?ref=movies
I understand the reviewer's complaints but anytime a complex novel is adapted for the screen, there's always a lot of things that can't be shown due to time limitations and budget. And there's the added danger of making talky philosphical passages undramatic and boring. How much was left out here I don't know but there were enough snippets about the nature of love scattered into the story. The visuals (sets, scenery, costumes) looked ravishing on the big screen and the story and acting were more than satisfying. The characters were fleshed out enough to meet the restrictions of the adaptation and the aging makeup was about as good as it gets. Native Colombian Shakira's non-hipswinging songs helped enhance the contemplative mood.
I guess if you are unfamiliar with the novel, you will enjoy this movie as a grand soap-operish love story set in the cities and jungles of 19th & 20th century Colombia. The movie version of Doctor Zhivago had the same criticism of being stripped down to a travelogue romance with snippets of politics and still pleases audiences. You can always read both novels to see what you missed. Meanwhile treat yourself to a journey to another time and place.
Saturday, November 17, 2007
'Beowulf' Movie
Watch the Trailer here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/beowulf/23494/main
Here's the New York Times review: http://movies.nytimes.com/2007/11/16/movies/16beow.html?ref=movies
After having read the original Early English epic poem and this review, I'm expecting to see less literature and more of a visual extravangza. However the thought of Angelina Jolie as the monster Grendel's mom already gives me the shivers; not because of her frightful role but for what she'll do to the role. She already helped trash another lousy epic, the not so great Alexander the Great where she played the title character's mother. Listening to her weird Eastern European accent as she chewed up the scenery and seeing how she didn't age in her later scenes had me gnashing my teeth when trying not to laugh. That entire movie is a mess but that's another story...
We're back from seeing Beowulf and we enjoyed it. I would basically agree with the Times review It's probably better the original Beowulf author is unknown because he would be rolling in his grave if he saw what was done to his epic poem. The movie sorta follows it but with added subplots and distortions of characters. The visuals have an almost 3-D effect. Some theaters are showing it in 3-D but I think almost two hours of visual bombardment would tire your eyes. I've seen IMAX short films wearing those special electronic glasses and that was plenty. Director Robert Zemeckis used the same video style of The Polar Express but this time it's more refined and detailed. I didn't see 300 because it looked like a video game and it was historically inaccurate; The History Channel's version is the one to watch. Beowulf's visuals were impressive on the big screen although the dragon scene looked a bit cartoonish/video gamelike. Here's an article about how the visuals were created: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/18/movies/18kehr.html?_r=1&oref=slogin
The acting was generally good and even Angelina was OK although in the beginning she seemed to be speaking Early English to her son Grendel or was it another of her weird accents. I had to strain my ears to understand what she was uttering. Her character was unlike the one in the poem, including parading around nude for what unknown reason except to bring in the audience. Actually her character lives in water so wearing no clothes seems logical but she sure spent enough time on land flaunting her supple body to lure men to their doom. Overall this movie was a decent action/fantasy epic and should be seen in a theater to appreciate the visuals. If you haven't read the epic poem, try reading a good translation for a comparison. I'm sure my late college professor who lectured us on this work is rolling in HIS grave.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Norman Mailer 1923 - 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
'Dan In Real Life' movie
Before I mention the movie we saw today, let me tell you about my latest purchase I'm listening to as I write this. It's the second collaboration ('77) of two masters of music - just Tony Bennett's voice & Gil Evans' piano. Nobody else and nothng short of amazing. Their first pairing is a classic and this one is just as good. http://www.amazon.com/Together-Again-Tony-Bennett/dp/B0000BWVCK/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/105-3203825-8570002?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1194745100&sr=1-2
Now about this movie. Watch the trailer here:
http://movies.aol.com/movie/dan-in-real-life/23761/main
The story is more serious (without being too heavy) than the trailer leads you to believe. Steve Carell gives a likable performance as a widower raising three daughters, writing an advice column, and dealing with his large family who wants him to be happy. But there's a price he soon learns; he can give advice to others but can't apply it to his own life.
The rest of the cast is fine. John Mahoney of Frasier & Diane Wiest of Law & Order as his parents provide the advice Carell needs to hear. The luminous Juliette Binoche who's usually seen in foreign films comes between him and his brother played by Dane Cook. Again Emily Blount (seen dancing with Carell in the above pic) impressed me playing another character unlike her others in The Devil Wears Prada and The Jane Austin Book Club. She keeps doing good supporting work and it's time for her to take on leading roles.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
'American Gangster' movie
Tuesday is Bargain Night/$5 at our local cinema and this new movie was packed. Not because of the price but because it's a very good movie from beginning to end. Last weekend's opening made it the #1 film and this week should be another moneymaker. Watch the trailer here:
http://movies.aol.com/movie/american-gangster/19137/main
The movie lasts over two and a half hours and never drags due to Director Ridley Scott's typical visual panache combined with a solid script. His earlier films were more style over substance but not the case here. The surround sound was the best I've heard in a long time and the choices of 60's & 70's funk/soul period music blended well with the dramatics. Denzel Washington's smoldering intensity festering under his cool, controlled facade erupts at times with a chilling effect. One surprising outburst of violence caught the audience offguard. Every scene with him is memorable. He casts a shadow over the film when he's not onscreen. Russell Crowe as the detective tracking him has the less showy part but is equally good in his own way. The film slowly builds to their final and only scenes together at the end and is worth the wait. The rest of the cast does fine work, inclusing a few rappers.
Their world is a gritty, corrupt cesspool of drugs, slums, bad cops, rival gangsters, and dirty money. The American Dream of hard honest work as the road to success has become a nightmare: it's Horatio Alger turned on his head. Family loyalty only serves their sordid aims except for the great Ruby Dee as Denzel's mom whose big moment is saved for near the end when she tries to make him not seek revenge. The movie's title suggests an epic with its fusion of facts, history, and larger than life characters.
Yes facts. Washington's character is based on a real person. Here's an interview with the real Frank Lucas:
http://nymag.com/guides/money/2007/39948/
Sunday, November 4, 2007
TWENTY-FIVE REASONS WHY YOU “SHOULD, TOO!” GO TO THE OPERA
(OK folks. As I promised you. I wish I wrote this one but I added a few items)
1. It’s the only place you can watch dying people sing. And they usually take a long time to die so you get to hear some beautiful music before they croak.
2. It’s the only place you can watch singing people make love.
3. It’s the only place you can watch people making love and not get in trouble for watching.
4. It’s the only place you can watch other people watching people sing, make love, and die -- without their minding that you’re watching them watch.
5. You can wear fancy clothes if you like and people think it’s O.K.
6. You can even wear jeans and a sweatshirt if you like, and people will think you’re eccentric, or maybe even intelligent.
7. If you like lavish scenery, it’s at the opera.
8. If you like big, fluffy costumes with lots of jewelry, they’re there.
9. If the sound of a symphony orchestra playing the world’s best-loved tunes thrills you, you can hear it at the opera.
10. If you like exciting singing -- high sopranos, deep basses, big choruses -- there’ll be some of that, too.
11. Opera has the longest history of any of the performing musical arts and...
12. ... it’s not any more difficult to understand than, say, West Side Story or Les Miz or Miss Saigon.
13. The story line of Miss Saigon is taken from an opera plot, anyway. Guess which one?
14. Every great community supports its arts organizations -- a drama company, a symphony orchestra, a theater company, an art museum, and an opera company -- and you should be a part of this support group, too.
15. If you’re afraid you won’t understand what’s going on, most companies nowadays run a simultaneous translation on a screen right above the stage. They call these translations “supertitles,” because you can read them by a very slight nod of the head upwards, not just because they’re great little titles. It's like watching a foreign or silent film so don't let a little reading scare you.
16. No commercial breaks but needed intermissions; how many depends on the length.
17. It’s more cultural than boxing, and the outcome is more certain than a hockey game ...
18. ... and fewer people wear face guards.
19. Every great composer has written at least one opera, and you owe it to the geniuses of the past to acknowledge this fact at least once.
20. Some operas have a lot of dancing.
21. Some even have acrobats.
22. One even has live horses on the stage.
23. In the early days of opera, singers acting like gods and goddesses came down from the heavens in little flying machines. Sometimes an opera character disappears though a trap door in the floor of the stage. And all the time, they keep on singing...
24. ... which provides excellent material for you if you’re dummy in a bridge hand.
25. Opera can lift the soul out of the day-to-day grind of life and, with the combined wonders of orchestral music, great drama, stage spectacle, vocal singing, and imaginative lighting, it’s one of the greatest 5-for-1 combinations invented in the last four hundred years. And you get the most for your money.
Now open your mind, ears, & eyes, and treat yourself to a new experience. If you can't attend an opera, rent some DVDs. There are many great performances immortalized on video. For starters, watch the movie version of The Who's Tommy. It is a real opera.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
'Tosca' opera
Since we're into all kinds of music, a few years ago we decided to take an adult ed. course about opera because we wanted to learn more about it. We liked it so much we go every term - 2 hours a week for 8 weeks, no tests, watch & discuss videos, just fun & lstening to relaxing music for $50. For those who don't like opera, it's not what you think it is until you see a good production. Later on I'll explain why people like opera.
Tonight a free school bus takes us into Hartford to see a production and brings us home; no driving or parking worries. We only pay for the tickets. We're seeing one that would please almost anyone. It's loaded with lots of passion, lust, intrigue, jealousy, treachery, torture, killings, and Puccini's great music - all in about two hours. Most operas run about three hours and longer; and that's not including the usual two intermissions.
Here's some brief info:
Giacomo Puccini's
TOSCA
Librettist: Giacosa and Illica
Based on a play by Sardou
Cast of Characters
- Floria Tosca,Soprano,Celebrated singer and actress
- Mario Cavaradossi,Tenor,painter
- Baron Scarpia,Baritone,Cheif of Police
- Cesare Angelotti,Bass,a political prisoner
- Sacristan,Baritone
- Sciarrone,Bass,a servant
- Jailor,Bass
- Shepherd,Contralto
- Roberti, Executioner, a Cardinal, Judge, Scribe, Officer, Soldiers and Citizens.
Setting
Rome in June 1800.
Premiere
14th January 1900; Teatro Constanzi, Rome.
Plot
Floria Tosca and Mario Cavaradossi are in love and all they want is to be left alone. Baron Scarpia, however, wants Floria for his physical needs. He arrests and has Mario tortured for aiding a fugitive and tells Tosca she can save him by giving herself to him. She agrees, but the kiss he has so longed for is the fatal kiss of a knife blade. He had promised to setup a false execution for Mario, but the treachery of Scarpia is revealed as Mario is killed. As the police arrive to capture her, Tosca vows to meet Scarpia in front of God as she leaps over the side of the building to her death.
Memorable sections of music
Recondita armonia di bellezze
Qual' occhio al mondo
Te Deum
Act II: Torture Scene
Floria, Amore!
Vissi d'amore
E lucevan le stelle
O dolci mani
Here's links to the local newspaper's rave review & pictures.
http://www.courant.com/entertainment/music/hc-toscarev.artoct30,0,2501196.story
http://www.connecticutopera.org/newsroom/press/WebProofs/ClickHereToView.html
It's midnight here and we're home after seeing a very good thrilling production, probably the best one our class has seen so far and that was their opinion too. Sets, costumes, orchestration, singing, acting: all components melded together to create a highly pleasurable experience. Tosca is the kind of opera that would make anyone who doesn't like opera change their mind after seeing. I pretty much agree with the review and the audience felt the same in their enthusiastic applause. I thought the male leads were a bit better than the female lead in projecting her good voice (the Mrs disagreed), a minor quibble that did not spoil my enjoyment.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Robert Goulet 1933 - 2007
And he did leave us.... too early. Here's his official website:
http://www.robertgoulet.com/index.php
I was fortunate to see him twice onstage at the same theater in Wallingford, CT. The first time I was about 15 (1965) and he was touring with his then wife, Carol Lawrence. He was funny, and charming, and his rich voice impressed a young teenager who first complained he was being dragged to the show by his parents. (Yes they knew better) The second time was in 1984 starring in 'Kiss me Kate.' He was as good as ever and still had that powerful voice until the end. In his later years he reached a new audience by poking fun at himself like William Shatner in commercials, TV shows, and movies.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
'Gone Baby Gone' movie
Today we caught a late matinee for a movie that's getting great reviews, considering who is the director. Before I elaborate, watch the trailer here:
http://movies.aol.com/movie/gone-baby-gone/25301/main
Ben Aflfeck directed this startling film about a Boston private eye hired by the family of a missing child and whose interfence is not wanted by the police. Affleck caught a lot of flack over the 'Bennifer' publicity and made some bad movies. He laid low for a while and redeemed himself portraying TV's Superman George Reeves in Hollywoodland and avoided another media circus by quietly marrying Jennifer Garner, his 'Daredevil' co-star. Now he chose to direct and co-script this small movie starring his brother Casey who is very good here. The deeper Casey investigates, the more his leads take him on a dark journey through what's not the tourist sections of Boston and nearby. The more he learns, the worse it gets for him, and his relationship with his gilfriend/partner, and dealing with the good guys & bad guys (men AND women). Who the real good guys are is another mystery that unfolds.
This movie has everything going right for it. It looks like a big production but it cost less than what you would think. Big brother Ben must have learned from being in Hollywoodland featuring a private eye over his head in unraveling a mystery not wanted to be solved. Here he is in control with a self-assurance not found in most first time directed movies. He's from the area and uses locations well. Little brother put his trust in big brother's vision and shines with confidence. The rest of the cast slips easily into their roles and keep sucking you into the imploding plot. Ed Harris is the standout among many other fine performances. The movie ends with a moral dilemma involving most of the cast and kept us debating it for a while after we left the theater, drained from the tension and suprises along the way. This is a dark, ugly movie but will reward you with its seductive power. Imagine a Law & Order: SVU episode without network censorship and you get the idea. Kudos to the Affleck brothers who had a lot riding here and succeeded admirably.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Two smaller movies worth seeing
Saturday, October 20, 2007
'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' movie
Today we saw 'Elizabeth: The Golden Age,' the sequel to 1999's 'Elizabeth' with the same director and two leads. Watch the trailer here:
http://movies.aol.com/movie/elizabeth-the-golden-age/23641/credits
Strategic camera angles let Cate Blanchett command the screen and everyone & everything seemed dwarfed next to her. When she bellows, we quake with her followers and enemies. Geoffrey Rush repeats his role as her faithful advisor and Clive Owen is brought in to 'romance' her. The detailed costumes and sets are best seen here on the big screen. The religious and political intrigue of Queen Mary of Scotland and King Phillip of Spain threaten her and England. Traitors are everywhere as the Spanish Armada (digitalized) approaches the coast. If you enjoy longish, leasurely-paced historical epics, although this one has been criticized for playing with facts, then this movie is for you. Cate is every inch the Queen. The rest of the movie holds up well against this terrific actress who can chew up the scenery when needed but never is hammy. She deserved her Oscar portraying Katherine Hepburn in 'The Aviator' and soon she'll be starring with Harrison Ford in the next 'Indiana Jones' installment.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
'Michael Clayton' movie
This afternoon we saw the legal thriller Michael Clayton with George Clooney and a terrific supporting cast. You can watch the trailer and read a synopsis here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/michael-clayton/27887/showtimes?flv=1&ncid=oyjqUzrKfk0000000465&icid=rbox_movie_titles.M
Clooney gets better with every film. How he's filled out in appearance and in his acting since seeing him as a skinny kid on TV's Roseanne amazes me. I must confess I never watched E.R. not because it's not a good show or because of him, but after following St. Elsewhere I never thought any hospital show could top it. OK E.R. might prove me wrong and I should start watching its endless reruns. Clooney is very good here as a cool 'fixer' who's torn apart by divided loyalties and the topnotch script & direction makes you feel for him all the way even when he does his dirty work for his law firm. We learn enough about his past and problems, and you hope he survives when everything and everyone are against him. This is a powerful drama with enough suspense that's not overshadowed by the good performances and biting dialogue. The reviews have been good and rightly so.
Tom Wilkinson is already being touted for an Oscar as a lawyer who has a nervous breakdown from hiding the evil truth for the client he's defending and threatens to go public. He will remind you of Peter Finch's role in Network. This English actor's last big role was in The Exorcism of Emily Rose where he portrayed a priest on trial for killing a girl while trying to save her from demonic possession. Watch the spooky trailer here: http://movies.aol.com/movie/the-exorcism-of-emily-rose/20747/video/trailer-no-1/1362332
It's great to see the underused Tilda Swinton shine as an anxiety-stricken, high level lawyer who has to do her own damage control in handling Wilkinson and deal with Clooney who's trying to protect him as his mental health worsens and from others who want him silenced. Swinton, an English actress known for usually playing cool or odd characters in little seen movies,was perfectly cast as the Ice Queen in the first Narnia film. But you need to see her in a mind-blowing, gender-bender of a historical romp, so rent 1992's Orlando. Read the synopsis and watch the trailer if you doubt me: http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/122084/Orlando/trailers
Joni Mitchell
Ok why so much interest in Joni Mitchell? I've always been a fan and lately I have been rediscovering her music. In the last few weeks I purchased five of her CDs and plan to buy another one today. Thank gawd for those Borders' discount coupons. Originally from Canada, Joni started out as a Hippie/Flower Child songwriter/singer in the late 60's and branched out of the folk movement into other forms of music. Her songs have become sometimes jazzy but each one usually tells a story. I can recommend lots of her CDs but those unfamiliar with her music should start with her compilation Dreamland, a good collection spanning her career: http://www.amazon.com/Dreamland-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B0002MPQ50/ref=sr_1_6/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1192285885&sr=1-6
A good DVD concert is: http://www.amazon.com/Joni-Mitchell-Painting-Words-Music/dp/6305301824/ref=sr_1_6/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1192285994&sr=1-6
For more info about her, go to her website: http://jonimitchell.com/
For an excellent interview by a longtime admirer who has also grown as an artist: http://www.elvis-costello.com/news/2004/10/elvis_costello_interviews_joni.html
Joni's latest CD is Shine http://www.amazon.com/Shine-Joni-Mitchell/dp/B000UR366S/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/002-8026655-9868005?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1192286378&sr=1-1
She's 64 and years of cigarette smoking has made her voice a bit husky but she she's still one of the great singer/songwriters. More on her later....
A tip on buying new CDs: The first week a new CD arrives (usually on Tuesday) is when you can get the best price. Always compare prices in the Sunday brochures for Best Buy, Circuit City, Target, etc. I bought Shine at Circuit City for $8.99. Later Barnes & Noble sent me an email offering it on sale for $14.99. And Borders has it at its regular price of $18.99! Incredible, huh? It does pay to shop around....
Donovan/Roger McGuinn Concert '05
I immediately called the box office and foamed at the mouth about how we were bigggg fans and were dying to finally see these guys. After I raved with this nice lady, I told her why it was a special night for us. She said she would try to get us front row seats; if she couldn't would second or third row be OK? I thanked her profusely and a few days later I received front row seats! Moral of the story: Always be nice and thankful to people; it pays off in the end.
Since we were unfamiliar with Torrington, we decided to eat at home instead of finding a restaurant near the theater. Parking is on the street so that was another reason for leaving early. We left at 6:00 for an easy highway ride to downtown Torrington and arrived there at 6:50. We found a parking spot about a hundred feet from the theater and grabbed it before the cars behind me could. The stores were closed so we went to this bar across the street for drinks. Some of the patrons were later at the show.
About 7:30 we went to the theater, which has a big balcony, and holds about 1200 people. This was a former movie palace restored to its Art Deco splendor. We didn't see any tour tee shirts so we went to our seats. And what seats they were; a little to the right of center. We sat next to this guy who came alone and talked with him. He was about our age and sees all kinds of concerts so we were trading stories. He said his wife passed on this show so we had a nice chat during the night.
The show started after an announcement and then Roger McGuinn came out playing a cordless guitar singing Dylan's 'My Back Pages,' a Byrds cover/hit. He stood in front of a mike directly over and about three feet from us. The audience gave him a standing ovation and he smiled at us. Well how could he not with me clapping in his face. lol
He recently turned 63 but you would never know. He wore matching black pants, shortsleeve shirt, and vest with a wide brimmed black hat and cowboy boots. He still wears his square trademark granny glasses, and sports a goatee. His voice is as good as ever and jeez how he can play. You've never seen fingers move so fast. He's a master of the 12 string guitar and played it and four others and a banjo during his set which lasted over an hour.
Most of the time he sat about ten feet from us surrounded by his guitars he would switch for certain songs. He charmed the audience with his stories about the songs and instructed us to clap and sing at certain points. Since he was playing solo, I guess we were also making up for the lack of other musicians. But it wasn't really necessary because he sounded like several guitars at once. He played all the well known Byrds songs and a few of his solo works.
He played a special guitar that Martin commissioned for him. It has a seventh string that gives it the janglely sound of a twelve string. He demonstrated what it could also do and Mrs Mu was enthralled since she plays guitar. And yes he played his 12 string which has to be constantly tuned while playing. He wowed the crowd with a finger-blistering, frenzied acoustic electric version of 'Eight Miles High' which sounded like three people playing. After the show we bought an autographed copy of his new CD and a live version is on it. The enthusiastic applause made his return for an encore of two songs. He played his 18 song set for over an hour.
Jeez what fabulous seats. As soon as I saw the large speakers on my right, I immediately installed my earplugs. I had a flashback of four years ago sitting in a similar location when The Monkees reunion show ruined my right ear. To this day I wear them if it's too loud for me. I was able to get pics from where I sat although we were told not to. if they come out OK I'll get them scanned for later.. The audience was mostly an older crowd who grew up during the 60's folkrock era. I saw a lot of grey pony-tailed guys so I guess the that era still exists. During the 20 minute intermission the stage was arranged for Donovan's performance.
Donovan's band first came out: A drummer, a conga player, a gal playing an upright electric bass, and a keyboardist who later played sax and flute needed for certain songs. Then he came out to thunderous applause. He just turned 59 and he still has his baby face smile although slightly pudgy. He's not the skinny kid I remember but he's filled out and not really overweight. He used to look like an elf; now he looks like an aging Hobbit with his bushy grey hair as he slinked around the stage, sometimes doing these weaving hand gestures.
He said he was gonna perform everything and covered all his well-known hits. He kept referring to the Beat Cafe, his latest CD sold in the lobby. It came out last years and his voice sounds the same. He never pushed it by screeching & screaming like most rockers who later lost it. and are sorta embarrassing to hear now. I already bought it in NYC in May and recommended it to people around us.
He started off with his biggest hit 'Sunshine Superman' and the crowd went wild. He played electric and acoustic electric guitar along with this mouth organ/harmonica strapped around his shoulders where he could lean into to play. He stayed in the center of the stage about 15 feet from us. He played for almost an hour and a half with two encores.
What's really amazing is that you get to see the favorite stars of your youth after 40 years and they are still as good as ever.
Roger McGuinn Concert 9/8/07
Thank you for letting me know you got home okay. Roger and I were both
concerned about you. And thank you for being such loyal fans! It is people
like you that will keep the music alive!
I hope to see you again.
God Bless You
Camilla