I Heart My Job.

Work has been busy busy -- to say the least -- but I can't complain too much because the payoff is fantastic. For example, last night, Glenn and I watched a great movie, part three of "The Man with No Name" trilogy, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. It was this film and its two predecessors which really put Clint Eastwood on the map. It's no wonder since Clint fits the role of "The Man with No Name" perfectly. But, I digress. Getting to the good part: This morning, I had a phone call with Tuco himself, yes, the wonderful Eli Wallach. I am a pretty big Eli fan, and how can I not be? His autobiography is titled The Good, the Bad, and Me -- too cute! He's just too adorable for words and an all-around great guy. Plus, not only did he tell me how much he loves TCM and thinks it is the "cleverest" idea, but he also said he loves me! Eli Wallach said that to ME! I had to pinch myself after that phone call!

Side note: Because of my infatuation with Eli Wallach and Sergio Leone, I have seen The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly before, but not in a long while. Since I'm trying to branch out and expose myself to more Westerns, Glenn was smart enough to grab the Spaghetti Western for our Friday night viewing. Of the Westerns I've seen to date, I have to say, I'm coming around. The genre is actually really great, and I'm starting to believe that one of my grad school professors had it right: When you think about it, pretty much every other genre is a Western at heart. But, that's an analysis which will have to wait until a later post. Another reason we went with that movie last night also had a lot to do with the fact that I've been yammering on about Eli for a while now. I can't help it -- I'm so excited!

Now, you're probably wondering why I'm having Saturday morning phone calls with Mr. Wallach. True, Eli and I aren't good pals -- yet -- but I did meet him once. During my senior year of college I took a Cinema Studies class devoted to director Elia Kazan. Well, my class was fortunate enough to attend a screening of Baby Doll at the Film Forum which was followed by a Q&A session between Eli and journalist Patricia Bosworth. There were less than 50 people at the screening, and 15 of them were NYU students. Eli was nice enough to come over and shake hands with each of us and answer questions we had. He was 90 then, and sharp as a tack. Well five years later, 95 years young, Eli will be this December's TCM Guest Programmer, produced by yours truly, and hence, the Saturday phone call and my enthusiasm for work! Eli is energetic as ever and very excited to be involved with TCM. I'll be re-introducing myself to him this coming Wednesday, and I am incredibly stoked. For all the running around I've been doing at work in recent days, I'm looking forward to this next week. It'll still be hard work, but it's gonna be tons of fun!

And speaking of my TCM work, well, I suppose reiterating some of my work: June 29th will be the 100th Anniversary of the birth of Frank Loesser, the lyricist/composer for musicals such as How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying and Guys and Dolls; and songs such as Baby, It's Cold Outside and Heart and Soul. Surely if you don't know the name "Frank Loesser" you know his music. Well, Robert will be co-hosting a night of Frank Loesser films on June 29 with Robert Morse, the original star of How To Succeed, and a current cast member on one of my favorite shows at the moment, Mad Men. He plays Bert Cooper, and in person, Morse looks more like baby-face J. Pierrepont Finch than the older half of Sterling-Cooper. Anyhow, you can decide for yourself:

Robert Morse is a fantastic co-host -- a bundle of energy, that's for sure. Sadly, he would not release any information pertaining to next season, nor did he offer me a walk-on role. Oh well. That's quite alright with me. Luckily, I really like my day job. Watch TCM!

Bye-bye LOST. Sad face.

Holy cow, it’s June! Summer will officially be here in only a few short weeks! Crazy! I hope your weekends were lovely. One of the highlights of mine was by far Glenn’s birthday dinner where I had the BEST meal of my life -- just incredible -- 3 1/2 hours of deliciousness after deliciousness. Ahhh, my mouth is watering from the memories. Anyhow, while I’m sitting and waiting on my cast iron pans to be seasoned (Yay! Finally! Their first seasoning since I received them for my birthday -- months ago!), I figured here’s my chance to catch up on some posting.

Now, as I mentioned last week (yes, I’m way off, but hey! It’s been a busy week! And did you not read that sentence where I said I’m seasoning pans I received 3 months ago?), I watched the series finale of LOST on Sunday, May 23, 2010. Like many viewers, I felt rather unsatisfied, and my reasons for this dissatisfaction do not differ from other viewers’ own reactions. But at the same time, I’m a bit conflicted because I LOVE the show. First of all, I must admit, I re-watched the finale -- yes, all 105 minutes (that is commercial free) -- and as I re-watched with the expectation that I would receive no answers, I enjoyed the episode much more. Therefore, let me start with the positive. Just as the first episode of the series (and really, most of the first season) illustrated and to which the last episode was circling back, LOST is a series about relationships and the effects people have on one another. In many respects it was a show about love. On my second viewing, LOST’s emotional impact really got to me. It seemed that with each flash, more tears came to my eyes -- yes, even when Sayid reunited with Shannon, this viewer felt a tug on her heart strings. And especially at the end, even though I was anticipating all of it, as Vincent jumped out of the bamboo to be with Jack as he died (and in the same place where we first encountered both characters), I bawled my eyes out. I mean, Vincent came to be with Jack because he didn’t want him to die alone! GEEZ -- tears just thinking about it! Jack said in that first episode, “If we don’t live together, we’re gonna die alone." Luckily, they did live together and not one of them, not even Jack who appeared to be all by himself, was going to die alone. The writers  sure did go for emotional overload and managed to make me realize that I truly am sad the show is over. As the final episode proved how important everyone was to one another, how their actions affected each and every one of them, the other elements of the show fell into place: The acting was great  -- probably some of the best of the series -- and the story telling was very well done. For a stand alone episode, it was fantastic.

Now, had LOST not intentionally planted clues all along the way as an attempt to create a complex mythology to the whole series, had they NOT done that, I probably would have loved the finale. But they did do that! ALL THE TIME! The mythology, the religion, the science, the philosophy! The Easter eggs and the red herrings!  LOST had been built up to be so much more than just simple storytelling, and in the finale, so much got swept under the carpet. And that’s where my sadness and disappointment come in. Whether it was with characters or with objects or with subjects discussed, LOST was a show all about clues. I mean, I thought that everything meant something. I loved trying to unravel the mystery of the island, which still begs the question -- what is the island??? I just don’t get it! I mean, from the beginning I thought that the characters were all in Purgatory, but the creators said, “NO! They are not!” REALLY?! Because you know what -- they are! Sure, it wasn’t an island Purgatory -- they couldn’t have it be THAT obvious -- so instead they were like, “We’ll create a sideways universe, and that -- THAT will be Purgatory. We’ll fool everyone!” So, yes, everyone’s dead. And you know what, JJ et al? That sucks! That is such an easy out! If you’re going to do that, at least answer some questions that are still lingering out there in the island atmosphere. I mean, throw us a bone! What exactly was MIB? Why electromagnetism? Why could Jacob go off the island but MIB couldn’t? Why was Walt special? What does DHARMA stand for? Where is the island? Who first encountered it? Did the “constants” really matter? What about time travel? And Faraday? And everything sciencey and philosophical? WHAT ABOUT THAT?? There seemed to be so much brilliance wound up in LOST -- the mystery of it all. But was it all for naught? I mean, the show easily could’ve been told in just a few episodes -- couldn't it have? Alright, don’t get me wrong, I still love the show, and I’m glad it wasn’t told in just a few episodes -- it was so much fun! But I am sad there wasn’t more to it than what it ended up as. It was a bit of a let-down, but it was still an amazing ride, with a few bumps along the way, but fun nonetheless.

No, I did not watch LOST from its beginning; Elisha, a coworker from the NYU Bookstore let me borrow season one when I took vacation, and I remember buying the first four episodes of the second season on iTunes because I just could not wait to have the second season in my hands. From the beginning, I was hooked, and I remember feeling the pain of having to wait NINE MONTHS until the next season began. The show really hit the emotional chords: LOST could be make me laugh, bring me tears of sadness, make me happy, and yes, infuriate me to no end. At times it was incredibly manipulative, but then it would come to light that it really just had no clue what it was doing. I think its intentions were good, but the delivery wasn’t always there. There were moments when I thought I’d had enough, but the show would turn around and reel me back in. I suppose I did consider “breaking-up” (I term I’ve seen with many LOST reviewers in recent times) with the show, but really, that was never an option. I had every intention of seeing it through to the end. And while I have been left unsatisfied, I am glad I stuck with it, and I am very sad to see it leave, even if I know it’s for the best. I’ll miss Sawyer's jabs at Hugo, and hearing Desmond say “See you in another life, Brother.” Luckily, the show will live on in DVD and Watch Instantly scenarios. And, of course, for the really really die hard fans, the box set -- with ALL the answers so they say, and to which I say, HA, yeah right! -- will be available in August. So for now I’ll leave you with some super awesome silkscreens that came up in my reader, and images that make me happy for LOST’s inspiration on others. So Bye-Bye, LOST. It was fun, it was wild, and above all, it wasn’t real. (I don’t know if that makes any sense, but I think the confusion is fitting for saying fare-the-well to this specific show).

(Thank you, Design Sponge.)

The End? REALLY?!

Hi all! As this Monday work day is coming to an end -- YAY! -- I am so ready to get my nap on. I had a fantastic weekend, pretty action-packed, but I am too sleepy to write about Iron Man 2 and the LOST series finale -- though waiting on the latter is probably best because I'm still trying to sort out my feelings concerning "The End." I'm realizing after scouring the interwebs for some other reactions to the episode that I am not alone in my "Really?!" I mean, I'm not a big SNL watcher, but I kinda wish they would do a Weekend Update this Saturday just for a "Really?!" sketch all about LOST. Otherwise, I should do my own because I have a lot of "Really?!" remarks to make. I mean, we re-watched the pilot Saturday night, then spent all Sunday evening watching the 2-hour re-cap, followed by the 2.5 hour episode, then came back and watched some of the cast on Jimmy Kimmel Live. I mean "REALLY?!" Why did I get out of bed to watch JKL half awake, then continue to have dreams where I was discussing LOST with others? (Not THE others, but that would've been cool.) Obviously, I need some rest, so I think that I'll go into more depth tomorrow -- perhaps in lieu of when I would normally be watching LOST on Tuesday night (I must admit, regardless of the less than stellar finale, I am sad there are no new episodes) -- then later in the week I'll review Iron Man 2 -- which was a lot of fun! So, have a very lovely evening. Just 4 more days to go before a nice, long, holiday, celebratory weekend! Woo hoo!

Happy Birthday Jimmy Stewart!

This month has certainly been chock-full of celebrations! Today marks the anniversary of the birth of one of my most favorite actors of all time -- James Stewart. From the 1930s all the way up to the 1990s, Jimmy possessed the best reactionary technique of any actor to come before or since. I think the film Harvey (from which the above image comes) is a prime example of just that. I mean, Jimmy makes you believe there's a giant rabbit sitting, standing, talking to him every step of the way. A tall, lanky guy from Indiana, Pennsylvania, Stewart was roommates and best pals with Henry Fonda in New York, ventured West to Hollywood where he made such classics as You Can't Take It With You, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Philadelphia Story (for which he won his only Oscar), and The Shop Around the Corner; left movies to fight in WWII where he became a decorated pilot in the Air Force; then returned to Hollywood where he continued making exceptional films such as It's a Wonderful Life, Harvey, as well as the Hitchcock classics Rear Window, The Man Who Knew Too Much, and Vertigo, and do not forget the Anthony Mann Westerns such as Winchester '73, The Naked Spur, and The Man From Laramie. I mean, an incredible career Stewart had, and one I have never ignored -- as he made a significant contribution to my thesis -- and a filmography that makes it excruciatingly difficult to pick a single favorite Stewart movie. Really, it's impossible! Anyhow, I wanted to pay tribute to this fantastic actor and, from what I've gathered, all-around nice guy. Happy Birthday, Jimmy! I'll be watching you on TCM all day today!

Pomp and Circumstance. Yay Me.

So yesterday I was so excited about my blog turning 2 that I completely forgot to mention something just as important: As of Sunday, May 16, 2010, I am no longer a student. That's right. Yesterday I graduated from Boston University with a Master of Fine Arts in Film Studies. I know, I know...It can't be too surprising, right? I mean, as this blog attests, I am obviously a master of Film. Now, though, I have the documentation to back it up. Woot woot! And while I did not partake in the commencement exercises (I'm still working on my teleportation skills), I did feel the huge weight leaving my shoulders, and today I am able to breathe a little easier and focus on the really important things in life: Being awesome. Being brilliant. And the topper: Being able to sleep. So, we should all celebrate how awesome and brilliant I am after I wake up from a much needed nap. Perhaps when that happens, I'll also possess a little bit of modesty.

In all seriousness, going back to school made me realize how fortunate I am in this life (as well as how much I do not miss the "work" part of being a student -- I loved my classes, but when it came time to write essays and take tests, ugh, what a pain those were). Just a few short years ago as I was filling out the applications and writing the essays for Masters programs, they each started with a quote from Robert Osborne and ended with "After I receive my MFA, I would like to work for an organization such as Turner Classic Movies or American Film Institute." Well, now I'm working with Robert Osborne at TCM. It doesn't get much better for me (other than perhaps running the network -- but that'll come in time). Had it not been for BU, the Film Program, and the connections I made, who knows if TCM would have ever happened. I just have to remember how incredibly fortunate I am and how thankful I am for my grad school experience. Deciding to go to BU really changed my life in so many respects, and while not everything has been easy, it has most definitely been worth it.

This Southern Belle Turns Two Years Old!

Along with Mother's Day and graduations (and of course humidity and pollen), May is a month filled with very happy celebrations -- birthdays! As May continues on, not only do my sister, my Nana, and my Sweetheart each turn a year older, but so too does my blog! Yes, today, May 16, A Southern Belle is 2 years old! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

And I mean, WOW! A lot has changed since post numero uno. When I started this blog, my adventures as a lowly intern at TCM had just begun, I still had half of my coursework left to complete, and I had a Massachusetts license in my wallet. Well, no more! After 73 posts (which I know seems like NOTHING in two years), I've watched a lot of movies (but still definitely not enough), wrote some semi-coherent papers concerning filmdom, learned how to use Final Cut Pro and After Effects (but still have TONS to learn), and have taken on the role of producer at work. You know, I do think I'm outgrowing those baby steps and maturing into a pretty healthy kid. Nonetheless, I'm very interested to see what the Terrible Twos bring...

And before I say bye-bye, I did watch a movie with the parents last night (yes, my parents are in-town until... well, I'm not quite sure when...and yes, that's why I'm up at 9AM on Sunday blogging). We watched A Serious Man -- the Coen Bros. Best Picture nominee from this last round which had very little "serious" in it. I gotta say, I really had no clue what to expect from this movie. It is a bizarre, little film with no well-known A-list movie stars, and it starts out strangely and ends just as weirdly. But you know what? A Serious Man turned out to be incredibly entertaining and I was laughing constantly. The Coen Bros. have a very distinctive style when it comes to dialogue -- fast-paced, witty, and really really funny. They also know how to cast a movie and get actors who are dead-on with delivery. The lead actor, Michael Stuhlbarg, was fantastic along with the rest of the cast which also includes Richard Kind and Adam Arkin. If you're looking for a funny, strange, and overall different movie, go with A Serious Man. You might, like my Mom, think it's utterly stupid, but just like Mom, you'll be laughing out loud.

Go Get Your Kate Stamps!

USPS Stamps On Sale Now!

Make It a Double.

As I was catching up on my NYT reading this morning, I came across this fantastic article that pairs drinks with movies, not the exact same as my idea of pairing meals with films, but close enough, and an excellent addition to complete any meal. The article is also great because it was semi-inspired by bourbon drinking Robert Mitchum in Out of the Past as well as the excessive imbibing on the show Mad Men. 

Tangent: I have to tell you, Mad Men now holds a special place in my heart because I worked with (Mass native, holla!) Robert Morse last week, otherwise known as Bert Cooper, the older partner in Sterling-Cooper who is very into Japanese culture. I'll just say, Robert Morse is quite a character -- more so than the ones he plays -- and (yes, I'm making a TCM plug) if you catch TCM the night of June 29, you'll see just how energetic he is. 

Anyhow, back to the article: I love how Wendell Jamieson focuses on the classics -- not only films but drinks, too. I'm not big into hard liquor since my constitution just can't handle it all that well, and while I appreciate the thought that goes into a lot of these drinks and the mixology that has grown in recent years, I really appreciate the simplicity that makes certain drinks classics. For instance, a martini has so many variations, yet, the 007 style has such a sex appeal to it (which might also have something to do with Sean Connery saying "Shaken, not stirred"), that those cosmos that the SATC girls drink seem so over the top and a little too, well, pink. A martini should be clear, no? Made with Gin or Vodka, whichever you prefer. For me, I love Gimlets, another take on the martini, and a drink that my Aunt Maryann introduced to me. I suppose I'll have to search my own DVD collection to see which characters drink Gimlets.

Overall, I love how movies inspire drink choices. Take for instance The Big Lebowski. Now, how many people were really into White Russians before 1998? I mean, other than moms and grandmas? Not many, and NOW there are Big Lebowski parties that go on around the country where they only serve that sweet concoction. I mean, incredible! The Dude influenced a whole generation of frat boys to drink Kahlua! Amazing! It's similar to the way Pinot Noir sales skyrocketed while Merlot sales fell after the release of Sideways. I mean, how many of us have uttered Miles classic line, "I'm not drinking any F***ing Merlot! If anyone orders Merlot, I'm leaving!" Apparently, people took heed and refused to order anymore Merlot. Crazy, no? Anyway, the bottom line seems to be that peoples' drink choices are influenced by the media, movies especially. Now the challenge has become: What drink shall I pair with my movie of the night? I guess I have to choose the movie first. Or the drink. Wow, it's almost like the chicken and the egg. What's a girl to do??

Mom's The Word.

Well, it's a rather blegh Monday here in Atlanta, but after a very lovely weekend, I can't complain too much. Saturday and Sunday were a little cooler than I was expecting, but the sun refused to go away and the wind didn't blow too much out of control. I suppose for now I can tolerate the rain...

Of course, Sunday was the day to honor Mom. Sadly, I did not spend Mother's Day with my own Mom since she and my Dad enjoyed the day down in Florida while her daughters remained in their respective locales. But I will do my best to make it up to her next week when she's here decorating for me (I get the feeling that one of the best presents I can give her will be to stay out of her way as she does what she wishes with my apartment - but I'll make sure she takes a break). I did, however, spend the day with two very lovely mothers and their families, and I experienced first-hand (even though I was more the sous chef in this instance) the trials and joys of homemade bbq -- which by the way turned out quite delicious. Next time, I have no doubt, will go quite smoothly. Regardless, the weekend was lovely, and I just want to give a belated Happy Mother's Day shout out to all you Moms out there, and to say: Thank You Gail for being the most awesome Mom -- Thank You Nana for being the best Nana ever -- and Thank You Karen for being the coolest Godmother any kid (or adult) could ask for. I'm so very lucky to have such amazing women in my life!

Speaking of Moms: I'm here in my AVID session at work editing some pieces that will air Wednesday, May 26. This May's TCM Star of the Month is Donna Reed - a name synonymous with TV Moms - and on the 26th her daughter Mary will be talking to Robert about 4 of the films her Mom made concerning World War II. So, in case you want to set your DVRs, the films airing May 26 will be From Here to Eternity, They Were Expendable, See Here, Private Hargrove, and Faithful in My Fashion (those first two are serious dramas while the second pairing are very light and enjoyable comedies). The reason Donna Reed was picked as May's Star of the Month is because during World War II, Donna received over 300 letters from GIs, and she saved every single one of them. Just as popular as Betty Grable and Rita Hayworth were to the men in uniform, so too was Donna Reed - who knew?? So, as part of our Memorial Day tribute, Donna Reed and her letters are spotlighted this month.

Now, while I was somewhat familiar with Donna Reed before this project, I honestly hadn't seen too many of her films -- other than It's a Wonderful Life about 1,374 times. Also - being the Gilmore Girls fan I am, I love the episode all about The Donna Reed Show - if you don't know it, check out episode 14 from Season 1 titled, "That Damn Donna Reed" - great stuff! Anyhow, I have to give props to Donna Reed for all the unfairness she had to put up with from the men in her industry - including the fact that many people blamed her for the lackluster box office performance of It's a Wonderful Life - and the restrictions placed upon her just for being a woman. Well, The Donna Reed Show gave her the opportunity to take control of her career and do things her way. And that's saying a lot seeing that the show started in 1958 and lasted for eight seasons - incredibly impressive for any television series! I think of the films I've seen her in thus far, I have to say I love her in They Were Expendable - especially having to share the screen with John Wayne, not to mention being pushed around by John Ford - a director who had a reputation as being a pretty unfriendly fellow, especially with his actresses. But Donna held her own and her performance is wonderful. They Were Expendable is terribly harrowing, but for a Memorial Day film, it's perfectly fitting. 

Alright, that's my plug this post for TCM. I hope you all are able to check out at least one Donna Reed film this May. They're pretty terrific!

LOST Finale Update

News Flash LOST fans! Glenn just informed me that the LOST series finale has been extended from 2 hours to 2.5 hours, and that immediately following the show, ABC will re-air episode one, but this time with bumpers which will "prove" (Glenn's quotations) how central that episode is to the ENTIRE series and how connected it is to the final episode. So, the game is on, JJ Abrams - you have just raised the stakes. With this new information, I'm expecting to be beyond satisfied! Otherwise, the pain is headed your way. And PS: If you kill Desmond off, it'll hurt twice as much! I don't care if you sacrifice Kate (how haven't you already), but not Des. Thank you!

Two of My Favorite Actors

Last night, as I was enjoying one of the most delicious mixed drinks that has ever passed my lips at Canoe's River Bar in Vinings (a basil-rhubarb concoction that was simply heavenly), my Dad and I were discussing two of my most favorite actors: Sir Alec Guinness and William Holden. These Academy Award winning actors are two people I would have loved to have met. Some of their film roles are so iconic, so memorable, so fantastic that I urge everyone to check out their movies - if you haven't done so already - including the one in which they co-starred - The Bridge on the River Kwai (has the whistling in your head started yet?).

I think this next line goes without saying, but most people know Alec Guinness as Ben Obi-Wan Kenobi from the original Star Wars films. Now don't get me wrong, I love Star Wars and I love that character! But for Guinness, it was a role he almost regretted doing because after that, people focused solely on Obi-Wan, and overlooked his previous filmography. Which is absolutely blasphemous! Guinness starred in a number of the classic Ealing comedies, from Kind Hearts and Coronets (where he played 8 different characters) to The Lavender Hill Mob to The Lady Killers, then won his Best Actor Oscar for his fantastic performance as Col. Nicholson in The Bridge on the River Kwai before continuing on to work with director David Lean in Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. I mean, MY GOD! Brilliant! He made other films with Lean, but those three are probably his most memorable, and easily the most epic. He also worked with Grace Kelly in a film called The Swan in which Grace played a princess, just before becoming a real-life one. Guinness worked  both in film and television until his death in 2000, but for me, the films mentioned here are his best. I mean, honestly, if you've only seen him in Star Wars Episodes 4-6, get your act in gear and watch at least one of the ones discussed in this post. 

And William Holden. Oh Bill Holden. Like Lorelai Gilmore, William Holden will always have a special place in my heart. There's just something about him. I mean, whatever IT is, Bill Holden had IT. My first exposure to him was probably in The Bridge on the River Kwai where he plays the American POW annoyed with the British commander played by Guinness. And he's fantastic. Just brilliant. But my most favorite Holden role and movie is as Joe Gillis in Sunset Blvd. It's a film that stands the test of time, with its cynicism and insight into what Hollywood pressures entail, issues that still ring true today just as they did in 1950. I also love him in Sabrina, even though his character is such a playboy, and of course Network - a film late in his career - but another powerful and prophetic film about the dangers of the media. My Dad says that his favorite Holden film is Executive Suite - also fantastic - and of course there's Stalag 17 for which he won his Best Actor statuette. Then there's The Wild Bunch which, I can't say is a movie I love, but I did thoroughly enjoy watching him, Robert Ryan, Edmond O'Brien, and Ernest Borgnine battle it out - all four such fantastic older actors assimiliating to the new wave of the late 60s American filmmaking. Again, check out any and all these Holden films - they're fanastic!

Anyhow, I got to thinking more about last night's conversation with my Dad, and I had to share with you all. These two men are two of the greatest actors of the 20th century, and their films are ones you each should check out. Right now. Go. Go. GO!

Dear LOST: You're Making Me Mad.

G'morning All. It's May! FINALLY! A good month! Summer's fast approaching, days are getting longer, and I no longer have coursework hanging over my head - yay! And while I'm not quite back to normalcy, I am getting there. I do want to fill you all in on the changes and triumphs in the life of Yours Truly, but as of right now, my thoughts - though they shouldn't be - are on the series LOST. 

Yes. I enjoy LOST. At least, I usually like LOST. I have to say that this last episode puts me on the brink of break up - but because it's almost over, I can't tear myself away. I think this last episode was, hands down, the WORST this season, and with just a few hours left EVER, I'm losing hope that JJ Abrams and crew are going to step it up and wrap it up nice and tightly. With a bow. And maybe a little bell. Instead, it's probably going to be wrapped in newspaper (and NOT the Funny section), and have lots of rips and tears. Or, most likely, they're just going to throw it in the bag. Or maybe they won't even spring for a bag. It'll just be dropped in our laps. Oy.

Well, I got to thinking about the show more last night after Glenn, his sister, and I had a conference call concerning this week's episode (yes, we "3-wayed" the phone call, something I haven't done since elementary or middle school). Anyhow, paired with a brief convo I had with my sister Rita, the consensus seems to be that we're all very very very concernced about how the series is going to end. May 23 is the series finale - that's less than 3 weeks away - NOT enough time to explain the oodles of ambiguous and mindboggling storylines the creators have teased us with. I've enjoyed  the puzzle and mystery of the series, the parallel timelines, the majority of the characters, the creative ways the writers plant clues; but it has gotten to the point where the show has been way overextended, the answers so far have been rather unsatisfactory, and there are just so many lazy, erroneous errors. As my boss Sean pointed out after this week, "Ummm, don't they know it takes more than 5 minutes for a sub to surface? Did anyone think of that?" Apparently not the LOST writers.

Alright, WARNING: Spoiler Alert. so this week, 3 of the major characters were killed off. And I couldn't have cared less. I mean, I'm sure they're not dead-dead because of the whole alternate reality going on, but still, just as lackluster Jin and Sun's reunion was a couple weeks ago, their deaths were just as boring. And as for Sayid - one of the most interesting of the Oceanic 6 - he's been so weird this season and there have been a few theories around him, that I'm fearing he got the axe as a way to give the creators an out and not have to explain that confusion. I just, I don't know. Honestly, the things I love most about LOST concern the whole myth of the series, the discussions and theories that arise after every Tuesday, and the Jezebel re-cap posts that arrive every Wednesday afternoon. They all usually help me make sense of why, say, Jin, Sun, and Sayid were killed off, but not this week. I think we're all just like, "WTF?!"

In conclusion, I'm hoping that LOST doesn't disappoint, but I'm quickly finding myself creeping over to Glenn's side, thinking that the show is going to make me want to injure JJ Abrams, Damon Lindelof, and Carlton Cuse. They've said in many interviews that all the answers are in season 1. Well, I borrowed season 1 from Glenn, and go back to it now and then on Netflix Instant Play, and I haven't found the answer. But, I'm hoping that come May 23, I won't be hanging my head because I am horribly disappointed; instead, I hope to be overcome with complete admiration, wonderful relief, and satisfaction for my investment in the world of LOST. But I'll have to update you on the outcome May 24. I'll be honest: I'm nervous! Eeek!

So Looking Forward to May!

Whew. I think, I hope, I have completed my coursework at BU for my Masters. I submitted my last paper just today, and it felt GREAT (and a little scary)!!! I'm hoping to have that degree in, oh, I guess 2 weeks time - just a year delayed.

The month of April has been INSANE - super hectic on all fronts - hence the lack of blog posts since April 8. There was this little event called the TCM Classic Film Festival (1st ever) out in Hollywood - and though I did not get to go - the week proved to be the busiest I've been at work in a loooooooooooong time. The quiet was nice, the extra money was awesome, but I've put my bid in for next year, and I plan to have first-hand documentation of the 2nd Film Fest. The out pour of appreciation for the Festival was overwhelming. I mean, I know people like TCM, but I never knew HOW MUCH! I have a job that actually means something to a lot of people. It's nice to know that my obsession with Classic Movies is not in vain, and a ton of folks out there feel the same way!

Mainly as a way to avoid the work I should have been doing, I've been watching movies and tv shows via the beauty of Netflix Instant Play (most especially WEEDS which I am a bit addicted to - haha, funny, get it, Addicted to...). However, one date night consisted of a trip to the cinema to see a movie I did not choose, and one I'm still trying to decide about. The movie was Kick-Ass, and I have to say, I did not hate it. It was pretty hilarious in parts, horribly violent and graphic in others, but overall, it made me laugh at the absurdity of it all. And  yes, Nic Cage was in it, but he didn't ruin the movie! When the usher tore the tickets and saw Kick-Ass on them he said, "Ah yeah - I liked this movie." Which I replied, "Really, even though Nic Cage is in it?" And laughing, he responded with, "It works because he's got the weird mustache going on." Indeed. And I have to say, the usher was right: I kinda liked the movie, too. I'm sure you all know, but just to be clear, Kick-Ass is definitely NOT a kids' movie. The best description I can give, which is not mine, but I'm stealing it: "It's kinda like South Park for superhero movies." Tru. Nuff.

Okay, that's all I can post right now. I'm looking forward to May, and hopefully the return of normalcy. We have a shoot on Monday, and I'm producing two of the pieces. Lots of work, but the people are really great! I'll write more about that later. Enjoy the weekend!

My Most Favorite Shoes

I had to share this great article Dr. Martens Article I just read from the NYT Magazine because it conjures up such good memories for me. God, I can't even begin to explain how much I loved Dr. Martens back in the day. The Nineties were AMAZING. The music. My So-Called Life. Bill Clinton. No REAL responsibility yet. Dr. Martens! You know, sometimes being a kid has its perks.

Of course there was the time when I thought my life was over. My parents, younger sister, and I moved from Georgia north to Illinois in the middle of my freshman year of high school, and a month or so before my 15th birthday. Let's just say, I took the move hard. Though I never saw a therapist, I'm pretty sure I could've been diagnosed as clinically depressed. It sucked. But the purpose of this post is not to vent my teenage woes; rather it's to share that in the center of our new town was a store that specialized in Dr. Martens (pretty much my mecca at that point in life other than the 5 story Dr. Martens flagship store in Covent Garden in London which, like the small store in Geneva, no longer exists. Le sigh). For my birthday that year I really, really wanted this specific pair of Docs. They were rusty, orangey wingtips and while they may not have looked it, were uber comfy. Because he felt somewhat guilty and bad about uprooting my sister and I, my Dad fulfilled my wish and bought me the (overpriced) shoes. I wore those things out. I wore them EVERYWHERE not really caring if they went with the rest of the ensemble or not. I mean, I wore those soles out to the point that when my parents moved to Cape Cod 7 years later, my mom gladly took it upon herself and threw those puppies out -- probably a moment of pure satisfaction for her because she hated those thick soled British-made shoes. But God. I loved them.

Those wingtips were not my only pair of Docs. I had boots and sandals which I also wore to the point of death -- I trekked all over Europe in one pair of Doc sandals and never got a blister. But those rusty orange wingtips are very dear to my heart and I'll remember them fondly. The above picture is the closest thing, syle-wise, I could find. But the color's way wrong. If you knew me back in the day, you know the footwear to which I'm referring, and I'm sure you loved them almost as much as I :)

I Wish I Could See It On The Big Screen.

I think the title of this post sums up my view of Days of Heaven really well. The 1978 Terrence Malick period drama, photographed by Academy Award winning cinematographer Nestor Almendros, starring a young Sam Shepard and an equally young Richard Gere, is one of the most beautifully filmed movies I've seen in a long, long time. Not surprisingly, my 26 inch television could not do it justice. The lighting, the angles, the close-ups --- each shot was so well thought out and so well composed, that it becomes clear that only a filmmaker as meticulous as Terrence "I Make a Movie Once Every 20 Years" Malick could make it. 

The story of Days of Heaven takes place during the 1910s and follows a brother (Richard Gere), his younger sister, and the brother's girlfriend -- who they tell everyone is also a sister (could this perhaps cause a conflict?) -- as they make their way from ultra urban Chicago to the really rural Texas Panhandle. The train they're on brings them to Texas during harvest season, and there they meet a young, rich Farmer (Sam Shepard) who, the brother soon discovers, is dying. When the Farmer takes an interest in the brother's girlfriend, the brother persuades his girl to oblige the Farmer because, well, what's the harm if the poor guy is close to Death's door, right? At least, so he thinks, and as we, the intelligent moviewatchers know, if it seems too easy, it probably is.

Malick both wrote and directed the film, and he took his time doing both. Production went on for over a year with most scenes being filmed during "magic hour" and at one point with Malick throwing the script out and letting the actors work out the story for themselves. Malick then took over two years editing it down into its final product. But it was for sure a team effort: Not only did Nestor Almendros win his Oscar for this film, but legendary Haskell Wexler lent his own expert eye when Almendros could not be on set. Additionally, with Art Director Jack Fisk's incredible design and Ennio Morricone's hauntingly beautiful music score, this film is hands down a technically awesome motion picture. Absolutely gorgeous and a film which really should be seen as it was meant to be: On the big screen, and not a 26 incher.

Fortunately, right now something will be on my TV which works just fine: LOST. And it's a Desmond-centric episode. Ahhhh, heaven.

"You Say I'm Related To Whom?"

As I mentioned earlier this week I saw the new doc Prodigal Sons, a film which touched on many fascinating subjects but whose overall theme was that of familial relationships. The doc's director/producer/editor and overall main subject is Kimberly Reed - a New York based transgendered magazine editor/filmmaker who is about to attend her high school reunion in Helena, Montana - a place she has yet to be as Kim, and no longer Paul McKerrow, who in high school was captain of the football team and object of many teenage girls' desires.

While the documentary begins as a way for Kim to process and accept her feelings about facing her former classmates (who welcome her warmly), the film refocuses on Kim's attempt to reconcile with her older, adopted brother Marc. The McKerrow family has 3 boys: Marc, Paul, and the youngest Todd. Paul and Todd - and later Kim and Todd - have always had a strong relationship, but both have strained relationships with Marc. The doc makes it plain that their rivalry stems from the fact that Marc - though 11 months older than Kim - was held back a grade, and therefore, grew up side-by-side with Paul, thus graduating the same year. As we learn almost immediately, Marc has issues of his own in addition to his estranged relationship with Kim and his adoptive past. When Marc was 21, he was in a horrific car accident which resulted in brain damage and an eventual partial lobotomy. He goes through drastic mood swings which turn violent, and he often threatens suicide. At times the film becomes increasingly difficult to watch and you start to feel helpless knowing that this person is unwilling to accept help from the people who love him.

But things take a very fascinating turn once Marc discovers his biological familial lineage. He makes contact with his mother, Rebecca Welles, and soon learns that Rebecca is the daughter of Orson Welles and Rita Hayworth, making Marc the grandson of the two movie legends. While plans are in the works for Marc to meet Rebecca, she passes away before the reunion can occur. The son attends his birth mother's funeral, "meeting" his mother as she lays in her casket. Not long after all of this occurs, Marc becomes somewhat of a local celebrity, telling the story of his ancestry, and soon meets Oja Kodar - Orson Welles' companion upon his death in 1985. She invites Marc, his wife and daughter to Croatia to get to know a little something of his grandfather. Kim also takes the trip with Marc and documents this story, hoping that by embracing his famous lineage, Marc will be able to put his issues with Kim aside and move forward into a much healthier relationship.

I don't think I can say too much more without giving away all of Prodigal Sons. The film is a very low-budget doc which captures the unease of its subjects but also easily pulls its viewers into the story as it offers glimpses of much darker and complex relationships within the McKerrow clan. Kimberly Reed got much more than she bargained for when she embarked on this project, and I would be interested to find out how she has been doing since the film wrapped.

I Heart Coffee.

I may not be a devout or even practicing Catholic, but the Lenten tradition of giving up something between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday refuses to leave me alone. Each year I do my darndest to sacrifice a little something, so this year, I went back to giving up coffee and soda, two things which have proven to be my biggest vices -- although, I personally do not really think of coffee as a vice. Really, I don't see anything wrong with it -- unless it's just a horribly bad brew. I  mean, I guess the caffeine isn't "all that good" for me as some people have pointed out. And while I usually respond with, "Pfft," I did decide to cut out the hard stuff. Since February I haven't had any carbonated beverage or any coffee. I thought about cutting out caffeine completely, but hey, I'm not completely nuts-o (keep comments to yourselves), and therefore, have been keeping up my tea routine. Anyhow, this Sunday, April 4, is EASTER! FINALLY! Or as I like to refer to it: The Day the Madness Ends. I am beyond excited to brew that first cup of joe, then head up to a coffee shop or two and really reconnect with that little, magical cup of pure bliss: Coffee! Coffee! Coffee!

Anyhow, the reason I write is because I came across an image that speaks to me and reminds me that the end is near. So very near.

And if anyone has any coffee stories they'd like to share with me, please refrain until Monday. I'll be fully caffeinated and functional by then ;)

Heartbreaking, Yet, Hopeful

So I have two new movies to share, but since both were dramas to the max, I think I'll break up the posts. 

First, Precious, the 2009 Academy Award winning film about a 16-year-old girl - named Precious - growing up in Harlem with an abusive and hateful mother and not one, but two children - her children conceived after she was raped - by her own father. Yes, heavy stuff. However, as horribly sad and angering the narrative may be, the film contains a lot of humor and joy - mainly through the imaginative nature of Precious (played wonderfully by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe) and the characters she meets outside of her cold, dark apartment. The film follows Precious on her journey to self-discovery and education, meeting a social worker (Mariah Carey looking way rough) and a teacher who fill in the void left by her uninterested mother. There are also her classmates who add much laughter to her life and allow her to see just who she is and will become. 

Similar to Tarantino, director Lee Daniels' passion for film shines throughout Precious. My most favorite scene occurs when Precious and her mom - played brilliantly by Mo'Nique who won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for the film - are watching Two Women - the Italian masterpiece directed by Vittorio De Sica and starring Sophia Loren - who won her Best Actress Oscar for that film. The Italian movie is about a mother and her 13-year-old daughter who are trying to survive in World War II Italy. The mother does everything to protect her daughter; yet, in a horrible turn of events, both are raped by soldiers in a church. The film is a true testament to the human spirit, as Precious strives to be. But what makes this scene in Precious so memorable is that while she watches the TV screen, Precious transplants herself and her mother into the movie, and we the audience watch Monique and Gabourey re-enact their own vision of the Italian scene - in black and white and with subtitles. It's so well done, and the fact that the American actresses speak in Italian truly enhances the power of Precious' imagination.

I have to say, I'm so glad I saw this movie. I had some trepidation after I heard the premise and thought to myself, "I just don't know if I can handle it." But honestly, the backstory is far  worse than what plays out on screen. I'll give you fair warning: There are a few tough moments, but I do not think they are enough to warrant staying away. I recommend this movie. Precious is a figure who has been through more than anyone, let alone a 16-year-old girl, should ever endure, yet, she manages to stay positive and hopeful. Also, I really hope to see more from Mo'Nique and Gabourey Sidibe. Honestly, I want to be friends with Gabby - if you had the chance to see any interviews with her this last year, I'm sure you feel the same. She's just too adorable!

The other movie I recently saw is a new documentary called Prodigal Sons - also, not a light, breezy film - and a post that will come later this week. Stay tuned!
 

We All Make Mistakes.

http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/29/commercial-free-channel-runs-a-commercial-and-apologizes/

Last night, Sunday, March 28, 2010, became the first (and hopefully LAST) time TCM ran a commercial. As explained in Stuart Elliott's blog post (click above link), the coding for the Toyota spot was similar to the coding for one of our promos. With the size of our Broadcast center and the number of networks which air out of the building (TNT, TBS, CN, Peachtree TV, TruTv), I gotta say, that's a pretty good track record --- in 16 years of the network, only one commercial has ever aired. Fortunately, there are no plans for TCM to continue this trend, and this matter will hopefully be a one time event. I just wanted to reassure all of you die-hard TCM fans.

And I know what you're ALL thinking, but no. I had no role in this mis-hap. I was on vacation. But now I'm back and keeping tabs.

And hey, WATCH TCM!

A Happy, Little Monkey!

For anyone who knows me, it is quite clear that I have a soft spot for Curious George. Well, last week, the Jewish museum in New York opened an exhibit: Curious George Saves the Day: The Art of Margret and H.A. Rey. What many people don't know is that Curious George grew out of the darkness of World War II France, where Margret and H.A. Rey lived and eventually fled because, well, they were German Jews. While the couple was seeking refuge at an old chateau in southern France, the authorities raided the place, suspecting the Reys of hiding explosive devices. Instead, the authorities found the illustrations of a monkey and let the Reys be. In 1940 the couple embarked on a life-saving journey which brought them to New York where they continued to illustrate, write, and publish the many adventures of Curious George. 

Because of that genesis of Curious George, the title of the exhibit is perfectly apt; had it not been for those drawings, who knows what could have happened to the Reys. But what's striking is that while reading their many tales, you'd never suspect that Curious George was born out of such a dark and dangerous time. Never do his misadventures allude to war or persecution, and I find it absolutely remarkable that Margret and H.A. Rey were able to create such a happy and adorable character during such a horrible period. 

For me Curious George has always been a constant source of happiness and joyfulness. I own many of the books, as well as the 2006 film, Curious George, which is actually pretty enjoyable - unless you really don't like Jack Johnson - as well as a number of stuffed Georges  - one of which rides in my car with me. Also, my most favorite store is a bookstore on Harvard Square called "Curious George Goes to Wordsworth." It's a fantastic bookshop that caters to children's books - not just The Adventures of Curious George - but ALL the stories my generation grew up with - from Amelia Bedelia to Eric Carle to Where the Wild Things Are to the Bernstein Bears - I mean EVERYTHING. It's a fantastic shop where you can relive your childhood memories and recall the stories you loved once upon a time.

I really hope to make it to NYC this summer to see this exhibit. It seems very educational, and I love that they have so many of the original illustrations that the Reys sketched in the 1940s and beyond. If you happen to find yourself at the Jewish museum, please let me know what you think of the exhibit! Until then, I'll be a Curious Courtney!

Food Fun for Me!

Okay, I have to share that I just ordered 2 new cookbooks from Amazon, and I'm super stoked! I promise, this blog will not turn into a Julie & Julia (or Courtney & Martha) blog. It will remain true to its cinephilia, but if I happen to pair a meal with a movie, please do not hate me for mentioning or elaborating upon what I prepare. Perhaps I'll start movie nights based around a dish - or vice-versa. I mean, it would be very easy to pair food and wine with, say, The Godfather, as I've done before. Hmmmm...I wonder what I could come up with for, say, 2001: A Space Odyssey - this could be a fun project! Anyhow, we'll see how successful I am with the recipes sans films. I really do hope I'm able to make Nana proud! 

Oh - and from Netflix today I received Precious and Days of Heaven. I'm really looking forward to both! I'll write more once I've watched.

Birthday Greetings All Around!

Today, March 23, is a very special day - all around! First, it's my mom Gail's birthday - Happy Birthday Mom! Also, it's Rachael Berube's 30th birthday - Happy Birthday Rachael! And it would have been the 100th birthday of master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, born on this day in 1910 in Tokyo. 

Because of Kurosawa, the world has been blessed with some of the most beautifully shot films of the 20th century. These include Rashomon, Seven Samurai (later remade as The Magnificent Seven), Yojimbo (later remade as A Fistful of Dollars), Red Beard, Kagemusha, and Ran - just to name a few. Kurosawa was a huge fan of American Cinema - especially the Westerns of Ford and Mann - and the influence that this country's filmmakers had on the Japanese writer/director/movie genius is easily noticed. It also comes as no surprise that his films made for fantastic Western remakes - even by Italian filmmaker Sergio Leone. Kurosawa is a filmmaker who should be watched and studied in order to gain an appreciation of what the filmic medium is able to accomplish. Happy Birthday and Thank You, Akira Kurosawa. You left an incredible filmography, and the world is better because of it.

Ratatata-BAM!

Happy Monday all! Today starts my week-long vacay of cleaning, organizing, and attempting to write a final paper. On this first day, however, the weather is horribly dismal, and my motivation has quickly vanished. I mean, as of Saturday, it's Spring! Friday and Saturday were in the 70s! But today is in the 40s with rain, rain, rain (and some snow)! Sigh. Well, at least while I'm not checking off the to-do list, I thought I'd squeeze in a quick post.

Sadly, I have not watched anything new in the last week, well, other than television shows. I caught the season premiere of South Park (taking advantage of the Tiger Woods debacle), watched some new The Office (with some green screen like whoa), and was introduced to Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares - which, I must say, made me a tad scared about restaurants' kitchens. Perhaps that is why a lot of the weekend was spent making meals instead of ordering in or eating out, something at which I am making a concerted effort to do both for my wallet and health. 

Well, in order to get into the culinary spirit as well as incorporate some movie watching, while dinner and dessert - by me! - were being prepared, Pixar's Ratatouille played on screen. I really, really, really enjoy this film. No, this was not my first viewing (I did see it when it was in theaters), but I always learn something new about wine or cooking each time I watch. The whole premise is pretty strange but awfully entertaining and adorable. I mean, how many movies are able to pull off a rat being cute and sweet and able to make you want to dine on his culinary creations instead of being completely repulsed by the site of him? Answer: None, other than this one. I feel that this is a Pixar film that really speaks to the adult audience more than the tiny tots. For anyone who enjoys food, you must see this film. It is so well told and beautifully animated, and probably one of the only Pixars that'll make you wish you had a glass of wine in hand while viewing. It'll also make you want to go to Paris or at least get out your Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking and trying your hand at a recipe or two.

And while I did not venture to Paris or break out the ole' French Cooking book, I did enjoy some delicious meals this weekend. My sole contribution were my homemade cookies paired with some Moosetracks ice cream. I initially planned on baking my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies, but alas, it is not the season for pumpkin. So, I quickly re-imagined the dish and went with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies. It was fun playing with the recipe and not going by a book - I think Remy would've been proud. Plus, my taste testers were 100% satisfied. So BAM!
 

Erin Go Bragh!

Happy St. Patrick's Day my lads and lasses! I hope this March 17 finds you happy, healthy, safe, and in green! The weather here in Atlanta is rather dismal, but I feel that the excitement for the day will make it cheery. For TCM's Daytime Programming today you'll be able to find a number of Irish-American classics. For instance, at this very moment, I'm watching The Irish in Us - a great Jimmy Cagney, Pat O'Brien (REPRESENT!), Lloyd Bacon collaboration. The stereotypes are abundant (police officer, firefighter, boxer, momma's boys), but the film is still extremely enjoyable - and how could it not be - it's got Jimmy Cagney!

In addition to the shamrocks and leprechauns racking my brain, I did see a couple movies last weekend. First, Tim Burton-Johnny Depp's Alice in Wonderland. Sadly, I must report, the movie was not good. Disappointment cannot even begin to explain my feelings on the film. I was SO excited for this one, and alas, Tim and Johhny did not deliver. It was sloppy, awkward, and just plain strange. There were scenes that did not make sense and dialogue which was indecipherable. So sad. Many younger audience members liked it - they were clapping at the end - so I suppose that says something since some folks enjoyed this version of Alice. But not I. Sigh.

I also watched a documentary called No Impact Man - though really, it should have been No Impact Family. The doc poses the question: To what extremes would you go in order to live and have no impact on the earth for a year? Well, New York City family Colin Beaven, his wife Michelle, and their 2-year old daughter Isabella take (some drastic) measures over the course of 12 months to figure out what can feasibly be done to answer that question. They only eat food grown within 250-miles of their home (so bye bye coffee and meat); they do not take elevators, trains, cabs, planes, etc (so hello stairs, bikes and scooters!); and they go without electricity (in their home) for 6 months - that was probably the craziest part of the project. Overall, the film brought up some interesting talking points and made me wonder what - if any - of those measures I could take. As of right now, I'm going coffee-free (and it sucks), and I rarely take elevators. But I do live in Atlanta, so I'm a slave to the automobile. Perhaps if I ever live in a more urban, pedestrian, walking friendly city I'll be a little less impact lady.

Happy St. Patrick's day once more! Enjoy your pint(s) and be nice to your Irish brethren!

I Am Woman...ROAR!

Hello all! It's been a couple weeks. Lots has happened! I turned a year older and created a title sequence, the Academy hosted its 82nd Oscar ceremony, and a woman won the Best Director Oscar - FINALLY!

First off: Thank you for all the birthday wishes - they were much appreciated. The day was very lovely and low-key. Drove around, listened to podcasts, stopped off at Ormsby's for a beer. One thing Glenn and I learned that day - check which counties in Georgia are dry on Sundays - because you will not be able to enjoy a pint otherwise. Oy.

Second: My title sequence turned out really well. I got an A in the class - yay! I don't know if I exactly channeled David Lynch, but I like the finished project. A couple shout-outs: To the Grimwoods for letting me use your home as my setting - it was perfect! And you saved my sequence. And to Glenn, for being my "Johnny Depp" and allowing me to film your adorable face. Your performance was fantastic! I'll also honor your wishes and not post the video here, but folks, if you'd like to see, let me know - just don't tell Glenn!

Third: This past Sunday was the 82nd annual Academy Awards. Of the 10 nominees, I saw 8 of the films, finally watching Inglourious Basterds the night before. I really enjoyed the movie, though, I did cover my eyes at a handful of parts, and relied on my movie companion to jolt me awake at times - it was a little long, plus we started watching it after midnight, and I was tired! But it was a very interesting film. Tarantino is such a cinephile, and it shows! He has a very distinct style and way of telling stories, and in this case, re-writing history. Brad Pitt should stick to comedic roles only - he was great! And Christoph Waltz who took home this year's Oscar for Best Supporting Actor was phenomenal, really excellent as a maniacal Nazi. Anyhow, the 2 films I have to see from the list of nominees: Precious and A Serious Man

For the Oscars themselves: I didn't think there were that many surprises. I suppose some people were expecting -- from what I hear, both are very good. Avatar to take home more than it did, but I was very happy with the number that The Hurt Locker racked up. Of the nominees, that was by far my favorite. Interestingly, it is the Best Picture Winner with the lowest box office receipts - $14 million. I have a feeling that'll change soon. It probably won't reach Avatar money earnings, but it'll still add to its own pocketbook. The highlight of the Awards for me was by far the prize for Best Director. This was the first time in the 82 years of the Oscars that a WOMAN has won the Best Directing honor - long, long, long overdue, and completely well deserved. Kathryn Bigelow also seemed so shocked and beside herself and very humbled. For the other women winners: I was very happy to see Sandra Bullock win - even if I don't think her performance was the best of the year - I still think she's adorable. Also, Mo'Nique's acceptance speech was fantastic. She was so well composed and articulate. I really really like her - and, she shoots in the studio next to TCM! I'm hoping to meet her very soon!

Looking at the current state of films: I'm interested to see Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland and Shutter Island, but I've heard not so good things about either. I don't know. I hope something worth my $10 comes out soon. I'm itching for a good movie outing!

February is at a close....

Alright, I have my two films to share on this second to last day of February 2010, and I don't foresee myself blogging tomorrow :) Overall, I had quite an enjoyable February! Lots of fun was had even with the crazy amounts of work - which I'm still sifting through. But I am looking forward to tomorrow, though I have NO clue what's in store for me. I hope it's fun and happy!

To the films! I saw An Education a couple weeks ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Carey Mulligan plays Jenny, a high school student in 1960s England who is much too smart and worldly for her small, English town. She falls prey to the advances of a much older Peter Sarsgaard, and from the beginning, you just know something's off about him. Regardless, you become mesmerized with the world Jenny finds herself in and the way her parents - played wonderfully by Alfred Molina and Cara Seymour - allow themselves to become smitten with their daughter's new suitor. The story is entertaining, but the production is fantastic! The film captures the 1960s so well - from the clothes, to the cars, to the music - it really makes you wish you were there. Honestly, I wish I had Jenny's wardrobe - gorgeous! What made this film for me - besides the production quality - was Carey Mulligan's performance. She was brilliant - completely believable and at ease. She very deservedly is nominated for the Best Actress Academy Award, and I'm looking forward to see who walks away with that statuette next week. I very much recommend you add this film to your To See List, and I hope you enjoy it!

Okay, so after weeks on my TV stand, I watched District 9. I thought, alright, this is a Best Picture nominee, I have to see what the fuss is about. Honestly, and I know that someone's going to disagree with me, I'm not quite sure why it was nominated. I mean, it was entertaining - in parts - some of the shots were pretty interesting, and the aliens were cool, but overall, I had some issues with it. First, the trailer for the film was AWESOME. The whole documentary look and feel - had they stayed with it - could have made the film really fantastic; yet, they kept going between doc and non-doc shots, and it was driving me crazy! The non-doc look was too glossy. The film should have stayed gritty and handheld like a documentary. Instead, there were random effects thrown in with framing that was just distracting. Second, the main character, meh, I could've done without. He was pretty annoying. Towards the end of the film I started feeling a tad more sympathetic for him, but overall, I wish the film had focused more on the aliens. They were way more interesting. Last, I get the metaphor, and yeah, it's a pretty creative one, but it didn't do it for me enough. All-in-all, I was a little let down, and I know that overall the reviews were very mixed on this. Of the people I've talked about District 9 with, it's pretty half and half on LOVE IT! or HATE IT! I guess, I'm kind of in the middle. But I do not think it deserves a Best Picture nod, and I'm pretty positive, had the Academy NOT expanded the list to 10 nominees, District 9 would NOT have made the final 5. At least, I'd hope not.

Film Preservation Blogathon

This week (Feb 14 to 21) marks the first Film Preservation Blogathon. It's a way to raise awareness about the importance of preserving some of the medium's most important resources. It also comes at a critical time for me because I'm writing my final paper for my Historic Preservation class on the importance of preserving film. There are a few staggering facts about the state of Classic Cinema. For one, half of American movies produced before 1950 have disintegrated or have been lost - 50%! And even more depressing: only 10% of all films produced before 1929 have survived - TEN percent! That's awful! With the rise in interest from both federal groups (the National Film Preservation Act was passed in 1988) and private organizations (Film Foundation and National Film Preservation Foundation), the preservation and archiving of film has become an important endeavor, and the Library of Congress, the Film Foundation, and companies such as TCM have made it a priority to see to the upkeep of the medium. As of December 2009 there are 525 films on the LOC's National Film Registry, and up to 25 new films (be it feature length, documentary, short, newsreel, etc) are added each year. Film became the 20th century's most important art form, and it continues to grow and morph as filmmakers experiment with new ways to tell stories. I salute those preservationists and archivists who devote their time and energy into maintaining film's legacy. Thank you! Thank you! Now, let's blog away!