Finally Saw "Breakfast at Tiffany's" Plus "Slither" (Good ol' Fun)
Wednesday night, I took another trip down to Boston for, yes, another concert. This time around, I went to see ZZ Ward (an up and coming bluesy, soul, rock, r &b white girl with a bunch of spunk and heart). I saw her just a few months ago here in Portland. She puts on a great live show, so after that first time, I was hooked. Since she's new to the scene, tickets are cheap, so I decided to see her again. These kind of performers build their fanbase on their live performances, and so they seem to tour endless just to gain support. And it's working, because both times, the house has been packed. And people sing along and have a great time.
Before the show, I went to Sunset Cantina on Comonwealth Ave. and had some delicious Mexican food and drinks while reading outside. Such great fall weather we've been having, I feel a need to take advantage of it as much as possible.
Anyway, check out ZZ Ward's setlist:
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Film 273
"The Boxer and the Bombshell"
starring: Hugo Weaving, Rose Bryne
This could be a rather pretentious film, if you look at a synopsis: Iris (the most beautiful Rose Bryne) plays a young woman caught at the apex of a love triangle between one man who is her English lover and a boxer promoter with rogue techniques for getting the best out of his boxers as well as getting money owed him, since he is a bookie on the side. This man (Hugo Weaving) suspects Iris of having a torrid affair with a new boxing protege (Matt Le Nevez). In a flawed moral landscape (of the boxing world) each person struggles to retain their personal sovereignty as McHeath (Weaving) is provoked to acts of jealousy and violence. In the end, Iris' desires lead everyone involved to an unexpected and destructive finality. Is the end result of any love triangle predestined?
Despite its pretension, the film is visually beautiful. It's a melodramatic film that really uses its sets to its advantage. The environment the characters find themselves in really help form the story and the feelings. It all allows the audience to feel a sense of haunting and surrealism throughout the film. Unfortunately, the films greatest strength is also its weakness because you are awed by the cinematography so much that you do not really get involved with the characters. When you should feel scared and/or sorry for Iris, thanks in large part to Rose Bryne's ability to appear quite vulnerable, you actually don't feel much for her. It's a story/film that should really engage the audience and get you involved, but it falls short of meeting that expectation.
The backdrop of 1920s Australia is the setting for this story that involves three all too different people involved in the love triangle that brings out human frailty from greed and jealousy, as well as ambition and pride. Hugo Weaving proves he is more than just the two most memorable characters he's played in "The Matrix" and "V for Vendetta" as he is the least bit an enigma, rather lets his character become exposed with human emotions like jealousy and greed. He also shows his violent side when his pride takes a hit, thanks to Iris' affair.
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Film 274
"Breakfast at Tiffany's"
starring: Audrey Hepburn
I haven't read the Truman Capote novel that this brilliant and oft-referenced 1961 film is based on, but after watching director Blake Edwarads' and actress Audrey Hepburn's interpretation of the story and main character, respectively, I'm left with a certain intrigue that makes me want to pick up the book next.
The story focuses on one man's fascination with and love for a fellow, female inhabitant of his New York City apartment building. I don't know why I haven't seen this film until now (I know, I know), because so much of my own experiences with girls/ladies/women that have come and gone in my life are kind of like this man's own story. A lot of my experiences stem from a fascination and/or intrigue I get from a minimal interaction with a girl or a simple glimpse in the same direction as a girl, and then my mind decides to create a (love) story and it's all downhill from there. Anyway, enough about me.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is really a showcase for Audrey Hepburn who was in the prime of her acting career with this film, at the tender age of 32 (whoa, that's how old I am). Audrey Hepburn clearly had a charisma and screen presence (even behind those large sunglasses) that cannot be denied. It's a shame that Marilyn Monroe, the more buxom, peppy blonde actress whom you may have heard of was at the peek of her career around the same time. I don't think Audrey Hepburn was a great actress, but I can see a lot of her in actresses like Natalie Portman these days.
Hepburn plays Holly Golightly (what a great name) to near perfection. She's stunningly beautiful, while not being too in your face about it. She is perhaps the quintessential and literal girl next door. Holly goes through changes through the film and when we first meet her, Hepburn plays her so well that we totally believe she's slightly airheaded, a jet-setting social-ladder-climbing socialite who could also be a bit of a gold digger. But as we get to know her, through her interactions with Paul (George Peppard), we can see and understand there's more under the surface. There's some pain within and she's having to deal with loss, as well. Her past has forced her into the life(style) she's living today. Holly Golightly really has low self-esteem, when you take the time to dissect her, and that's the reason why she's decided to surround herself with bright and gaudy things in her life. She's a bit of a phony, and Paul can see through her and calls her on things (which pushes her away). George and Audrey, as Paul and Holly, have such great chemistry on screen that their interactions and relationship with each other feels natural. You believe in them.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" uses a simple story quite effectively. It's nearly perfect. I even read somewhere that Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly is considered one of the first, original Manic Pixie Dream Girls. And here's why, she inspires Paul to write again. He'd been suffering through a hard case of writer's block when he moved into his new apartment building. As his relationship progressed with Holly and they continued to spend more and more time together, his mind opened up again and he was able to write. They even spend a day doing things neither of them have done before, together. She pushes him outside his comfort zone. The thing is, Holly and Paul are perfect for each other (which he sees but Holly wants and expects more of her life), because they are both flawed people, doing things that maybe they shouldn't be so proud of. Paul is for all intents and purposes a gigolo, and this new apartment is a gift from one of his "best" or wealthiest clients. Holly is more concerned with marrying a wealthy man who can financially support her expensive way of life. She has her heart set on marrying a rich South American man whom she meets at one of her parties.
As a character-driven film, "Breakfast at TIffany's" is nearly perfect. I absolutely loved this film, and if I'd been a teenage boy in 1961, I know for a fact I would have fallen in love with Audrey Hepburn (aka Holly Golightly) instantly. I'm so predictable.
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Film 275
"Slither"
starring: Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Tania Saulnier
written and directed by: James Gunn
"Slither" is James Gunn's baby and it's almost like he's paying homage to some of the greatest aspects of Troma films (like The Toxic Avenger)- even the head of Troma Films makes an appearance in the film. The gross alien-infected creature that Michael Rooker's character Grant Grant becomes is classic Troma-esque. In the beginning of the film a slimy grub crash lands on Earth from space. Grant is out in the woods with a skanky woman when they discover it and the slimy grub shoots itself into his mouth. You know from that point on, it's all over. But the film gets so much better from than on, too. Grant Grant is married to Starla (played by Elizabeth Banks, with an irritating Southern accent, but not bad enough to get sick of it). For some reason, she is completely devoted to her husband, Grant, who really just takes advantage. In this small town, there's also a sheriff, Bill Pardy (played by the always stellar and underrated Nathan Fillion) who has been holding a candle for Starla since junior high school.
These creatures slither and crawl their way down people's throats and turn them into creatures not too far removed from zombies, but they can somehow keep their memories. Interesting fact, though, they begin to crave raw meat, lots of raw meat. And from their chests spring/burst suction tentacles (a big sexual innuendo, especially in the scene where Grant kills his lover). They kill livestock and eat them right up for the raw meat.
This is a story line that could be overplayed in the grotesque horror genre, but in the right hands here it works really well. There's plenty of humor throughout the entire film. It takes itself just serious enough to let the audience know they're in on the joke as well. The action is great and highly entertaining. Yes, the characters are small-town idiots who all act rather stupidly, but regardless, you never seem to care, because the ride is fun. "Slither" is a competent horror film. One that you can appreciate, because the obligatory horror scenes are manipulated just enough to not come off as trite.
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Film 276
"Done the Impossible"
(The Fans Tale of "Firefly" and "Serenity"
starring: (narrator) Adam Baldwin
For fans of Joss Whedon, but more specifically, his too-soon-cancelled TV show "Firefly" and its subsequent movie "Serenity," you will love this movie. In fact, you might be in it. It's a film made by and made for fans of "Firefly" who have dubbed themselves Browncoats. It's more an ultimate expression of their love and devotion than a true documentary. If it is a documentary, it's very one-sided, and composed solely of warm and sweet feelings towards the cancelled television show. The film chronicles the rise and quick fall of "Firefly" despite the passionate fanbase's movement to get it reinstated by the powers that be.
The film is full of fan commentary, cast and crew interviews (they even speak with Joss Whedon, the man himself- although interestingly enough, Summer Glau is the only star not in the film). Adam Baldwin (one of the stars of the show) narrates the film in front of a screen adorned with the obligatory woolen winter hat from the show.
The television show was on Fox for a brief 13 episode stint, during which time the episodes were shown out of order and never really given a chance, for whatever reason (perhaps because it was actually more intellectual than the figureheads expected or wanted, they do have a demographic to meet, but they never really seem to give shows a chance). This is the same network that canceled "Family Guy" originally (only to bring it back after fans and DVD sales demanded it-- which is interesting, because the fight fans put up for "Firefly" did not have the same desired effect, although they did greenlight "Serenity" (the film that extends the "Firefly" story and gives everyone closure). This is the same network that canceled "Undeclared" a Judd Apatow look into college life.
And I feel bad for Joss Whedon. It seems like people in charge of studios don't really have faith in him. Look at his history: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as a movie was a complete failure (even though I loved it). Luckily enough, though, the TV series was a huge success- and it is still my favorite TV show of all time (and I've had a major crush on Sarah Michelle Gellar, thanks to that show). Networks weren't good to that show, either. It moved from the WB to UPN, and once it hopped networks, it kind of lost steam. It did get an appropriate ending, and not an abrupt ending. Hell, the show was so popular, they actually extended the story in comics for an extra season.
He gained a spinoff series, "Angel" which lived a good life on TV, but definitely didn't have the same steam as "Buffy."
Then, Joss Whedon had a show called "Dollhouse" which starred Eliza Dushku, but that was a bit of a failure, lasting only 2 seasons.
Television hasn't been kind to this guy, but apparently he's made a name for himself because certain studio heads put him in charge of some important projects. He wrote the original "Toy Story."And then, there's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" which was a miniseries starring Neil Patrick Harris, during the Writer's Strike in Hollywood. Pure genius. And recently, he's gotten back into films with the rather inventive, horror-spun-on-its-head genre "Cabin in the Woods" which I loved (but I've been a Whedon fan for awhile). He also wrote and directed the long-awaited and anticipated "The Avengers" movie from a couple summers back. This past summer, he released his version of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," which was shot at his home over a few weeks. I haven't seen it yet, because here in Maine, we miss a lot of these under the radar, indie films.
Whedon is back on TV, giving it another shot with "The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (which furthers the story of the Avengers, without the superheroes). And next summer, we get the next "The Avengers" film which is sure to be a blast.
In short, I'm definitely a fanboy, when it comes to anything Joss Whedon is involved in. That being said, I haven't seen "Firefly" or "Serenity" but I definitely can appreciate the fans involved in "Done the Impossible" because I know what it means to love something so much that you don't want to see it disappear. I've wanted to watch both the show and the film, so this film didn't sway me either way, but it certainly enticed me to put it up closer in my Netflix queue.
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Film 277
"La Corona" (short film)
directed by: Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
This is a documentary short film about a beauty pageant in a prison for women in Colombia. I watched it recently during a "movie night" with a couple of buddies who are film fans as much as I am. It was included in the short films collection titled "Wholphin" which is put together by Dave Eggers' magazine called McSweeney's. Although these facts sort of breed pretension, this short documentary was really interesting as it focused mainly around 4 of the contestants, although 2 of them get the majority of the attention. You can tell it's going to come down to them, and so it's decent of the filmmakers to draw your attention to them.
The contestants for this beauty pageant are murderers, thieves, hitwoman, and guerrilla. Yes, the woman who wins will be crowned Queen, but she won't get to tour the world as a role model for young girls and preach about how to become a productive and successful member of society. No, in fact, just the opposite. They will be escorted back to their jail cell, with just the knowledge that they are Queen of the prison, as far as beauty is concerned.
Films like this kind of bother me, because I think it glorifies life in prison. It actually doesn't seem so bad. And I know better than that, not because I've been there, but because let's be honest, jail is supposed to act as a deterrent. And it bothers me that prisons cost taxpayers so much money, especially if these kind of extra-curricula activities are going on. I guess the good thing about this beauty pageant was that everything got donated.
Before the show, I went to Sunset Cantina on Comonwealth Ave. and had some delicious Mexican food and drinks while reading outside. Such great fall weather we've been having, I feel a need to take advantage of it as much as possible.
Anyway, check out ZZ Ward's setlist:
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-
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-
-
-
-
(Son House cover)
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-
-
-
-
- Encore:
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Film 273
"The Boxer and the Bombshell"
starring: Hugo Weaving, Rose Bryne
This could be a rather pretentious film, if you look at a synopsis: Iris (the most beautiful Rose Bryne) plays a young woman caught at the apex of a love triangle between one man who is her English lover and a boxer promoter with rogue techniques for getting the best out of his boxers as well as getting money owed him, since he is a bookie on the side. This man (Hugo Weaving) suspects Iris of having a torrid affair with a new boxing protege (Matt Le Nevez). In a flawed moral landscape (of the boxing world) each person struggles to retain their personal sovereignty as McHeath (Weaving) is provoked to acts of jealousy and violence. In the end, Iris' desires lead everyone involved to an unexpected and destructive finality. Is the end result of any love triangle predestined?
Despite its pretension, the film is visually beautiful. It's a melodramatic film that really uses its sets to its advantage. The environment the characters find themselves in really help form the story and the feelings. It all allows the audience to feel a sense of haunting and surrealism throughout the film. Unfortunately, the films greatest strength is also its weakness because you are awed by the cinematography so much that you do not really get involved with the characters. When you should feel scared and/or sorry for Iris, thanks in large part to Rose Bryne's ability to appear quite vulnerable, you actually don't feel much for her. It's a story/film that should really engage the audience and get you involved, but it falls short of meeting that expectation.
The backdrop of 1920s Australia is the setting for this story that involves three all too different people involved in the love triangle that brings out human frailty from greed and jealousy, as well as ambition and pride. Hugo Weaving proves he is more than just the two most memorable characters he's played in "The Matrix" and "V for Vendetta" as he is the least bit an enigma, rather lets his character become exposed with human emotions like jealousy and greed. He also shows his violent side when his pride takes a hit, thanks to Iris' affair.
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Film 274
"Breakfast at Tiffany's"
starring: Audrey Hepburn
I haven't read the Truman Capote novel that this brilliant and oft-referenced 1961 film is based on, but after watching director Blake Edwarads' and actress Audrey Hepburn's interpretation of the story and main character, respectively, I'm left with a certain intrigue that makes me want to pick up the book next.
The story focuses on one man's fascination with and love for a fellow, female inhabitant of his New York City apartment building. I don't know why I haven't seen this film until now (I know, I know), because so much of my own experiences with girls/ladies/women that have come and gone in my life are kind of like this man's own story. A lot of my experiences stem from a fascination and/or intrigue I get from a minimal interaction with a girl or a simple glimpse in the same direction as a girl, and then my mind decides to create a (love) story and it's all downhill from there. Anyway, enough about me.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" is really a showcase for Audrey Hepburn who was in the prime of her acting career with this film, at the tender age of 32 (whoa, that's how old I am). Audrey Hepburn clearly had a charisma and screen presence (even behind those large sunglasses) that cannot be denied. It's a shame that Marilyn Monroe, the more buxom, peppy blonde actress whom you may have heard of was at the peek of her career around the same time. I don't think Audrey Hepburn was a great actress, but I can see a lot of her in actresses like Natalie Portman these days.
Hepburn plays Holly Golightly (what a great name) to near perfection. She's stunningly beautiful, while not being too in your face about it. She is perhaps the quintessential and literal girl next door. Holly goes through changes through the film and when we first meet her, Hepburn plays her so well that we totally believe she's slightly airheaded, a jet-setting social-ladder-climbing socialite who could also be a bit of a gold digger. But as we get to know her, through her interactions with Paul (George Peppard), we can see and understand there's more under the surface. There's some pain within and she's having to deal with loss, as well. Her past has forced her into the life(style) she's living today. Holly Golightly really has low self-esteem, when you take the time to dissect her, and that's the reason why she's decided to surround herself with bright and gaudy things in her life. She's a bit of a phony, and Paul can see through her and calls her on things (which pushes her away). George and Audrey, as Paul and Holly, have such great chemistry on screen that their interactions and relationship with each other feels natural. You believe in them.
"Breakfast at Tiffany's" uses a simple story quite effectively. It's nearly perfect. I even read somewhere that Audrey Hepburn's character Holly Golightly is considered one of the first, original Manic Pixie Dream Girls. And here's why, she inspires Paul to write again. He'd been suffering through a hard case of writer's block when he moved into his new apartment building. As his relationship progressed with Holly and they continued to spend more and more time together, his mind opened up again and he was able to write. They even spend a day doing things neither of them have done before, together. She pushes him outside his comfort zone. The thing is, Holly and Paul are perfect for each other (which he sees but Holly wants and expects more of her life), because they are both flawed people, doing things that maybe they shouldn't be so proud of. Paul is for all intents and purposes a gigolo, and this new apartment is a gift from one of his "best" or wealthiest clients. Holly is more concerned with marrying a wealthy man who can financially support her expensive way of life. She has her heart set on marrying a rich South American man whom she meets at one of her parties.
As a character-driven film, "Breakfast at TIffany's" is nearly perfect. I absolutely loved this film, and if I'd been a teenage boy in 1961, I know for a fact I would have fallen in love with Audrey Hepburn (aka Holly Golightly) instantly. I'm so predictable.
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Film 275
"Slither"
starring: Elizabeth Banks, Nathan Fillion, Michael Rooker, Tania Saulnier
written and directed by: James Gunn
"Slither" is James Gunn's baby and it's almost like he's paying homage to some of the greatest aspects of Troma films (like The Toxic Avenger)- even the head of Troma Films makes an appearance in the film. The gross alien-infected creature that Michael Rooker's character Grant Grant becomes is classic Troma-esque. In the beginning of the film a slimy grub crash lands on Earth from space. Grant is out in the woods with a skanky woman when they discover it and the slimy grub shoots itself into his mouth. You know from that point on, it's all over. But the film gets so much better from than on, too. Grant Grant is married to Starla (played by Elizabeth Banks, with an irritating Southern accent, but not bad enough to get sick of it). For some reason, she is completely devoted to her husband, Grant, who really just takes advantage. In this small town, there's also a sheriff, Bill Pardy (played by the always stellar and underrated Nathan Fillion) who has been holding a candle for Starla since junior high school.
These creatures slither and crawl their way down people's throats and turn them into creatures not too far removed from zombies, but they can somehow keep their memories. Interesting fact, though, they begin to crave raw meat, lots of raw meat. And from their chests spring/burst suction tentacles (a big sexual innuendo, especially in the scene where Grant kills his lover). They kill livestock and eat them right up for the raw meat.
This is a story line that could be overplayed in the grotesque horror genre, but in the right hands here it works really well. There's plenty of humor throughout the entire film. It takes itself just serious enough to let the audience know they're in on the joke as well. The action is great and highly entertaining. Yes, the characters are small-town idiots who all act rather stupidly, but regardless, you never seem to care, because the ride is fun. "Slither" is a competent horror film. One that you can appreciate, because the obligatory horror scenes are manipulated just enough to not come off as trite.
............................................................
Film 276
"Done the Impossible"
(The Fans Tale of "Firefly" and "Serenity"
starring: (narrator) Adam Baldwin
For fans of Joss Whedon, but more specifically, his too-soon-cancelled TV show "Firefly" and its subsequent movie "Serenity," you will love this movie. In fact, you might be in it. It's a film made by and made for fans of "Firefly" who have dubbed themselves Browncoats. It's more an ultimate expression of their love and devotion than a true documentary. If it is a documentary, it's very one-sided, and composed solely of warm and sweet feelings towards the cancelled television show. The film chronicles the rise and quick fall of "Firefly" despite the passionate fanbase's movement to get it reinstated by the powers that be.
The film is full of fan commentary, cast and crew interviews (they even speak with Joss Whedon, the man himself- although interestingly enough, Summer Glau is the only star not in the film). Adam Baldwin (one of the stars of the show) narrates the film in front of a screen adorned with the obligatory woolen winter hat from the show.
The television show was on Fox for a brief 13 episode stint, during which time the episodes were shown out of order and never really given a chance, for whatever reason (perhaps because it was actually more intellectual than the figureheads expected or wanted, they do have a demographic to meet, but they never really seem to give shows a chance). This is the same network that canceled "Family Guy" originally (only to bring it back after fans and DVD sales demanded it-- which is interesting, because the fight fans put up for "Firefly" did not have the same desired effect, although they did greenlight "Serenity" (the film that extends the "Firefly" story and gives everyone closure). This is the same network that canceled "Undeclared" a Judd Apatow look into college life.
And I feel bad for Joss Whedon. It seems like people in charge of studios don't really have faith in him. Look at his history: Buffy the Vampire Slayer, as a movie was a complete failure (even though I loved it). Luckily enough, though, the TV series was a huge success- and it is still my favorite TV show of all time (and I've had a major crush on Sarah Michelle Gellar, thanks to that show). Networks weren't good to that show, either. It moved from the WB to UPN, and once it hopped networks, it kind of lost steam. It did get an appropriate ending, and not an abrupt ending. Hell, the show was so popular, they actually extended the story in comics for an extra season.
He gained a spinoff series, "Angel" which lived a good life on TV, but definitely didn't have the same steam as "Buffy."
Then, Joss Whedon had a show called "Dollhouse" which starred Eliza Dushku, but that was a bit of a failure, lasting only 2 seasons.
Television hasn't been kind to this guy, but apparently he's made a name for himself because certain studio heads put him in charge of some important projects. He wrote the original "Toy Story."And then, there's "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog" which was a miniseries starring Neil Patrick Harris, during the Writer's Strike in Hollywood. Pure genius. And recently, he's gotten back into films with the rather inventive, horror-spun-on-its-head genre "Cabin in the Woods" which I loved (but I've been a Whedon fan for awhile). He also wrote and directed the long-awaited and anticipated "The Avengers" movie from a couple summers back. This past summer, he released his version of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," which was shot at his home over a few weeks. I haven't seen it yet, because here in Maine, we miss a lot of these under the radar, indie films.
Whedon is back on TV, giving it another shot with "The Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D." (which furthers the story of the Avengers, without the superheroes). And next summer, we get the next "The Avengers" film which is sure to be a blast.
In short, I'm definitely a fanboy, when it comes to anything Joss Whedon is involved in. That being said, I haven't seen "Firefly" or "Serenity" but I definitely can appreciate the fans involved in "Done the Impossible" because I know what it means to love something so much that you don't want to see it disappear. I've wanted to watch both the show and the film, so this film didn't sway me either way, but it certainly enticed me to put it up closer in my Netflix queue.
..................................................................
Film 277
"La Corona" (short film)
directed by: Amanda Micheli and Isabel Vega
This is a documentary short film about a beauty pageant in a prison for women in Colombia. I watched it recently during a "movie night" with a couple of buddies who are film fans as much as I am. It was included in the short films collection titled "Wholphin" which is put together by Dave Eggers' magazine called McSweeney's. Although these facts sort of breed pretension, this short documentary was really interesting as it focused mainly around 4 of the contestants, although 2 of them get the majority of the attention. You can tell it's going to come down to them, and so it's decent of the filmmakers to draw your attention to them.
The contestants for this beauty pageant are murderers, thieves, hitwoman, and guerrilla. Yes, the woman who wins will be crowned Queen, but she won't get to tour the world as a role model for young girls and preach about how to become a productive and successful member of society. No, in fact, just the opposite. They will be escorted back to their jail cell, with just the knowledge that they are Queen of the prison, as far as beauty is concerned.
Films like this kind of bother me, because I think it glorifies life in prison. It actually doesn't seem so bad. And I know better than that, not because I've been there, but because let's be honest, jail is supposed to act as a deterrent. And it bothers me that prisons cost taxpayers so much money, especially if these kind of extra-curricula activities are going on. I guess the good thing about this beauty pageant was that everything got donated.
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