Hi. When last we spoke, I believe I was trying to defend the brilliant but much-maligned films of M. Night Shyamalan! Curious about your more detailed opinions of both "The Village" and "Unbreakable".
More on films to begin this letter. A couple of months ago I did see a brief review of "Donkey Punch". It was unclear whether it was deadly serious or a black comedy. What a surprise--the girls want to report the homicide, the guys want to dump the body and party on! However, that film reminded me of one I have seen--a pitch black comedy from 998:
"VERY BAD THINGS" starring Christian Slater/Cameron Diaz/Jeanne Triplehorn/Jon Favreau/Jeremy Piven/Leland Orser [actually, fairly impressive cast]: "Black - make that really black-comedy about a guy who goes to Las Vegas with four pals for a bachelor party. The scene turns ugly very fast [i.e.-a dead hooker], leaving the friends to deal with a couple of crimes and raging guilt-as the wedding draws nearer. Extreme, to say the least, but true to its dark mandate, which is awfully grim."
Quite a film to say the least.
I continue to read & hear positive things about "LYMELIFE". I'm a big Alex Baldwin fan [he's brilliantly funny in "30 Rock"]. And I noticed that Jill Hennessey is in the film as well. She's more well-known for TV: 90s Law & Order and that show where she played a medical examiner [title escapes me]. Will be curious to read your "KK Review."
I heard a review [by the "At the Movies" duo on TV] of "THE SOLOIST" -- based on the true-story film with Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx about the newspaper reporter and the homeless cello prodigy. "Too maudlin, too stereotypical, and too many musical montages."
But like all reviews, I take it with a grain of salt. However, I did notice that it co-stars one of my favorite actresses: Catherine Keener (we could easily do two pages on her films.) --Being John Malkovich ++
They also reviewed "Every Little Step", although I wonder how many times "Chorus Line" can be repackaged....
And our boy Mickey Rourke has a supporting role in "THE INFORMERS", based on Bret Easton Ellis's 1994 novel. They hated it. Period. Not surprising--everything by Mr. Ellis is definitely an acquired taste. I'll wait for more info. What is the verdict in New York?
Two more film items:
>I think I saw "The Drowning Pool" with Paul Newman as a private eye (?) before I came here.
>You mentioned Fred Durst's directorial debut a few weeks ago; so I thought you might be familiar with a film I know only from its pay-cable listing:
"POPULATION 436": starring Jeremy Sisto and Fred Durst/"A census-taker investigates why a town's population never changes. Intriguing premise-let me know if you've seen it or known any more about it. *Thanks
***
When you check out Ms. Arbus' photographs, let me know if you see that photo of the family with 12 daughters. By all means print out a few of her more striking photos when you are able and send them. Thank you.
With your "catching up" on HBO, and your mention of James Gandolfini in the Broadway show [God of Carnage], I must mention Marcia Gay Harden is also in God of Carnage. She had a pretty good role as a corporate atty in the just-completed Second Season of "DAMAGES" on FX.
"The Sopranos" I wasn't able to see it until it showed up on A&E, and I must say it lived up to all the hype & glory. As you note so often--it is the outstanding writing that makes it great. Currently they are showing (finally) the final season-leading up to that infamous "blackout" ending.
You could teach a college seminar on "The Sopranos" --so many nuances & levels of understanding...
Given all the coincidences leading up to your dating Eric Schaeffer: If it were a romantic comedy you two would be together today! Thirteen years, etc., etc. Most interesting to say the least. Especially your involvement with the show.
Do send me a brief (or longer) review/commentary on his Showtime series "I Can't Believe I'm Still Single..." It sounds like the male version of your column & blog. "STARVED" was so good. So different/and again--pushed the "basic cable" envelope even for FX. If you ever talk to him or message him--tell him to get another season of that show!
Thank you for the very funny Woody Allen "essay" on Madoff & the lobsters {"I had to wait half an hour to jump, I was twelfth in line."] Obviously we could talk for hours on Woody Allen's films--but although I know he has written quite a bit, I've not read any of his books. If this sis a fair sample, I should definitely add him to my lengthy reading list...
This has already run into Friday-so let me wrap this up. However, I have more to write over the weekend-regarding my situation here, etc., etc. I will start with that so as not to get engrossed in the myriad of fascinating topics you constantly bring up!
Have enclosed an article reprinted from the New York Times--so you may have already seen it. That photo of Denzel is a real shocker. Your thoughts? [Ed.: He is referencing Denzel's weight gain.]
Again, will write more over the weekend. Stay safe & stay well
Yours,
Michael
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