Letters from the Inside, Michael Swango, #44

Dear KK--

Wow! Much to get to. After receiving your letter late Thursday (8/20), I received another one on Friday...so interesting and sparkling. Since subject matter intersects in both letters I will go back & forth. Needless to say, it will take several letters to cover everything..so let me make a brief beginning today:

The season opener of "Mad Men" was brilliant. Obviously, the scene with Salvatore Romano & the bellboy in the motel room will get a lot of attention, but to me the writing shines through in the follow-up scene on the airplane: Clearly on the flight back, Romano is very nervous, and we can surmise that Don Draper has said nothing so far about what he saw at the hotel. It seems like he is about to, when he instead shows Romano his idea for the new "London Fog" campaign...with the tag line: "LIMIT YOUR EXPOSURE". But we know there is a whole subtext in those three words. Draper is telling Romano- simply be talking to him as before, like two ad-men--that what he saw will not affect their professional relationship, and will stay with Don. But these three words are also his strong advice to Romano: "Limit Your Exposure". In 1963, such a revelation would destroy Romano in the macho world of the MAD MEN. Don is telling Romano "you must be more careful--much more careful. I'm not judging, just advising.

So much is communicated in that brief interaction on the plane...Brilliantly done.

Please feel free to share your comments & opinions on MAD MEN--the first episode and as the season progresses. I am very interested in what you think, Kelly. AND if you see any critical analysis of "MAD MEN" on-line, do send me whatever you can. There must be multiple web-sites devoted to "MAD MEN." Thanks!

Well KK--at least you went to see "District 9". Have to give you credit for that!! You & science fiction really, really don't get along, do you?! Given the extremely positive reviews of "D9" from multiple sources, calling it only brilliant sci-fi, but also a very good film, I thought it might be one you would like. Oh well.

By the way, I have no patience for bad science-fiction, any more than lame comedy, turgid drama, or mindless violence. And as we both know so well, there is an awful lot of garbage out there in all film genres.

Anyway, I won't be looking for your glowing review...but so many more films upcoming...

Wanted to be sure to talk about "Mad Men" and "District 9". Now on to your many other items of interest:

Thanks for your brief comments on some other films. "Public Enemies" did sound like a rehash of 20 other films--but sometimes performances can overcome that. Sounds like Depp * Bale didn't quite make that happen.

Glad that the highly original film "HUMPDAY" was a great movie. I've not seen many of the "MUMBLECORE" films--but they sound like films I'd like to see. Original, talky, filled with ideas.

Once again, your marvelous mind read my own. Thanks for the copy of the "Going Solo Gets Crowded" --now I can read it in more detail. Plus they often condense articles, reviews & op-eds when they reprint them.

And "Assault in the Ring" -- the HBO boxing doc. Did sound good---glad you confirmed.

KK-Did you see that other boxing documentary I mentioned and saw- The Death of Bernie Parr...(sp?) in the ring in the early 1960s at the hands of Emile Griffith.

Must get this in the mail--will write more tomorrow (Sunday). But wanted to briefly mention something we have barely mentioned--the Michael Jackson case. I am quite familiar with Propofal & medications like it--and it is mind-boggling that his "concierge doctor" used it to help Jackson sleep. Talk about playing with fire. And now we see the timeline that shows Jackson was given three powerful sleep meds before the Propafol.

This has all the elements of a mini-OJ if it goes to trial, which I think is doubtful...

You take care, sunshine. Will write more tomorrow, and probably Monday. Much more to talk about.

Be good, Kelly

Yours,

Michael