Hideaway (Le Refuge 2009)

Bizarre Story: A drug addicted woman is found barely clinging to life, is unknowingly pregnant,  with her dead boyfriend laying close by. She leaves, rents a lovely cottage, and welcomes the dead boyfriend’s adopted gay brother to live with her during her pregnancy. They party. She watches him make love to his lover. She and the gay brother make love. They all think her body is lovely in this state. Meanwhile she slams down methadone in the bathroom while all this is happening. Wow.

Lame Ending: She sends the gay brother away. He reluctantly departs-she has the baby. We see none of the childbirth. In this Paris Hospital room, tiny baby girl in a little bin beside the bed, in walks the gay brother for a visit. She suddenly needs a smoke – borrows a cigarette from him and walks outside where after smoking wearing an overcoat, we see a glimpse of her breasts from the sheer gown underneath – not withstanding she jumps on a train and disappears into the countryside.

Finale: She gazes out the window while she narrates the letter she left for the gay brother that the baby would be best left in his hands.

The End?… skip this..and save your netflix queue.

by Marsha Leigh St.Claire-B

This memoir piece is posted with permission from:
The Palo Alto Review ( Spring 2007 issue)

Archie,Veronica, Jughead and Me.

Tuesday afternoons began like this. I’m sitting near my front door with a folder full of piano music propped against my feet. The door is slightly ajar so I can peek around it from time to time to see if the taxicab has pulled up in front of our apartment…..

I check if I have everything — folder, music for today’s lesson, small bag of quarters. The change has been carefully counted out to ensure a seven mile ride to Braveroff’s on E Street, a couple more quarters for the tip, and one precious leftover for my reward…..

The yellow cab pulls up out front and I gather my things, lock the front door, and carefully slip the key inside my folder. I get in and tell the man where I’m going. It’s approximately four in the afternoon — I’m eleven years old…..

Some of the drivers recognize me from previous weeks. They are always polite — they don’t talk much and neither do I…..

In those seven miles I inhale my surroundings like I’ve always done — the integral part of my nature, recording for future reference, the scent memories like a time machine taking me back to this very hour…..

Some of the oddest odor combinations are found inside taxis — people’s fading perfumes, musty leather seats and stale cigarettes. The back seat always seemed to swallow me up, like an Alice in Wonderland story, such a tiny girl as I, never sitting up straight, preferring to slouch down or put my feet up if I could get away with it — always the desire to hide…..

Arriving at Braveroff’s, I would slide across the leather seat, part with a few more quarters, and then watch the taxi speed away. ….

Once inside the piano store, every corner buzzed with activity — music playing from different rooms would clash and assault your eardrums — people listening to demonstrations of pianos for sale, while children were coming and going, all with their neat little folders, in and out of tiny lesson rooms…..

One hour later, emerging from my own small room, depositing more coins on a piano bench for my teacher, I’d gather up my things and walk across the street…..

On the opposite corner from Braveroff’s a gigantic sign looms high above the store front like a beacon in a storm. It reads SAGE’S. The SAGE’S sign has bright green and white stripes; a color scheme that is seen inside and throughout, including the waitresses’ uniforms…..

SAGE’S was similar to a Target Store of today, but much classier. SAGE’S had an adjoining restaurant. They also had a detached toy store in the back. Sometimes I might take a walk there, if time permitted, where just a stroll through the door would be like stepping into heaven…..

But most Tuesdays I walked to the very back of this enormous building, my satchel of books swishing to and fro as I shuffled along — past cosmetics, past clothing for all ages, photo processing and prescriptions, finally arriving at my next stop for the evening…..

I had arrived at the coffee shop…..

I always learned to politely wait for the “hostess” to notice me…..

“Heeeey, hi ya honey,” the hostess would smile looking down from her podium…..

“Hi,” I whispered back, almost embarrassed that I actually had to talk…..

Some nights, Evelyn was the hostess on duty. She was always the sweetest to me, and always smiled real big when she talked…..

Evelyn escorted me back to the booth on the far north corner. This was my booth. I felt very special getting to sit there as customers were not seated in this area, being an unassigned station, and out of their view — I could pretend my celebrity status…..

My favorite part of the evening was getting closer. I would tell Evelyn my dinner selection, and it was always the same thing, at least from what I remember. It was a French dipped sandwich and a coke. The only thing on the plate besides the sandwich and dipping juice was a large dill pickle half and a sprig of parsley. The coke came in tall glass with no ice and a straw. This was the only time I remember eating out as a child…..

Sometimes during the meal, in which I ate entirely alone, the faint smell of the most wonderful ..Avon.. perfume would cause me to smile — I would even chew slower than I’d been doing. It was Edith…..

“Hi mom!” I would say muffled, with a mouthful of sandwich…..

“Hi honey,” she’d say, almost out of breath. Then she’d beam a smile at me as she glided past. She sometimes had a minute to talk before she had to run (and run she sometimes did) but mostly it was the fast paced walk the very best waitresses would do if they wanted good tips. And Edith always made good tips…..

After my stomach was full and the plates cleared away, I would slip out of my booth for a walk to my second favorite spot in the store (the toy store being my first):   the magazine aisle…..

I would then catch a glimpse of the bright colored rack that would have me standing in a trance of complete concentration. These were no ordinary comic books. These little newsprints would change my life, give me endless comfort, and put me in a world far away from this troubled one, but unfortunately also give me an udder distain for my appearance…..

After a time of flipping through pages, this would become a place of much indecision, a weight upon my shoulders which was hard to bear. The small issues were 10 cents and the giant issues were 25 cents. Most of the time I had one quarter left from my “tip” money that paid for my lesson and taxi. I could spend my quarter for either one giant or two regulars.  This was sheer agony every single week, which of those choices to make. There were so….

many — like freshly caught fish that must be thrown back — I could choose only one. ….

My favorite comics were about  “Archie.” Some were entitled “Archie and Veronica.” Others were “Archie and Jughead.”  Although each issue featured the titled names, all of the aforementioned characters attended the same high school — Riverdale, which was the same name as the school in ….New York…. that Archie’s creator, John L. Goldwater attended…..

These cartoon characters dressed in 50′s outfits, and drove hot-rod cars very much like “Happy Days” shows. Archie always loved and pursued Veronica, who was the richest girl in school…..

Betty, the not-so-rich average girl, always loved and pursued Archie, who was ambivalent to her; there by creating the endearing love triangle I would soon learn to crave…..

I became enamored of Veronica and Betty, and after careful study of their art, could soon scribble and draw them from memory all the while being troubled by their appearance, their interchangeability, the switching of Veronica’s dark hair to Betty’s blonde hair, everything else being exactly the same, a delicate turned up Michael Jackson-like nose, an unbelievably small waist and bulging breasts…..

I could never read enough stories about them and every Tuesday I looked forward to the last part of the night, past the taxi ride, past the noisy music store, and the French dipped sandwich — a journey to a world full of exciting high school dances and gobs of pretty clothes and boyfriends; a wonderful escape — a picture perfect life…..

In that last booth, with my comic book close to my face, my shoes slipped off and lying underneath, I would devour with delight every tiny conversation inside little cloud-like text bubbles, until the lights dimmed and my mother, finished with her shift, would sit down next to me…..

She began counting her tips on the table top with me lying next to her. I would read and read some more silently, walking the halls of Riverdale High, as she would lay each bill out like dealt cards and whisper,….

“Five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty five, thirty…”

Hey men – this is easy really when you consider what our (women) weakness is . We are helpless when you tell us things – using words — even better.

The story is old, I realize that women talk “too” much and men are always waiting for the bottom line – all the while their minds are drifting to something else until you finish your yammering. For women, we continually agonize that you never say anything, or don’t say enough, or don’t let us in on what you’re thinking. Now that we’ve cleared that up, here are some pointers from my experience to help you.

If you like a woman, for any reason regardless if you just want a close friend, or you are attracted to her, or you just want a playmate, whatever the case is listen up.

Even if you are getting unwanted attention, or you’re not sure how to discourage her from being interested in you – this list should work like a charm as well.

On the discouragement scale 1-5 these will work great on her.I would say most score at least a 3. :]

TEN WAYS

1. When close to her be sure and point out as many women as possible in the area that look amazing.  Regardless if you do this to just a “good friend” that hangs out with you- the problem is we women are born with a nature that constantly needs reassurance on our own attractiveness. Even if we are “helping” you look for possible dating material, this is still painful.

2. Never tell her she looks good, never notice what she wears, or her hair, or any detail you like- just keep it to yourself. When you say nothing – in her mind she thinks you don’t approve.

3.  Always talk about yourself and never ask her about her life, or anything she’s involved with.

4. Always ask her for help, favors and other tasks you know she is good at.  Even you if you thank her, be sure and not pour too much on and tell her how much she’s helped you – how much she means to you.

5. After doing something you’ve asked – be sure and complain about something she left out.

6. When you see a flaw in her, find out she messed up, noticed she’s embarassed – be sure and ignore it and don’t offer any comfort whatsoever.

7.  Notice a day she withdraws her attention from you and then say something.

8. Invite her to lunch and then during -  act detached.

9. Check your phone a lot while sitting with her.

10. Be sure and clam up every day or so – especially after being attentive.

Here are the truths that I’ve discovered. I welcome comments if you also live as I do.

One: I have learned to understand that I will never be truly content with most decisions I make about -  well, just about everything. We are the people that have unfinished work because we are too frustrated. We might justify storing our salad dressings alphabetically because “order” (not to be confused with OCD) is a result of wanting everything to look & feel perfect.  My mother had both OCD and perfectionism (see wiki link below) and I was never quite sure if the two were interrelated or even if it matters.

Two: We see it in other people and it might appear annoying when it’s someone else. The result is normally beautiful work (should they be artistic) although it may take forever to finish their projects.  If they don’t have an artistic bent they may live in such an orderly fashion as to drive their friends crazy.

Three: We are stuck with indecision constantly. This leads to depression. We are never “happy” after a decision. We will shop endlessly for the perfect “whatever” and then go back and buy the 1st one we saw. Our grass will never be green enough. The person we date will never live up to the expectations of what we “think” we want.

Regarding love. Let me say this and be done with it. Stop looking for it like you shop for a car. by the time you get all the accessories you want  and place your order – a newer, better car will hit the market. You will never win.  Do this – let love find “you” instead.

I will end here because I will never be satisfied if this article is too extensive or too short with not enough information.  I will probably check the spell-check six times before the end of this sentence. *checks*

I have learned over time to relax and let the world revolve without me, let my 5th draft be the last, save my painting as the “final” even though I’m never “sure” if it’s done, and give my friends a break when I see flaws in them. In fact, lately, the more flaws- the more I love you.  I am learning – finally – that there can be peace. Embrace your life the way it is.

note: My dressings are not in alpha order…..    anymore. Okay- they ARE all on the same shelf at all times or I -sigh- .

2nd note: We are the only ones that add 2nd notes. Also don’t be confused if you see visible dirt in a perfectionist’s home. We probably got stuck at the market 6 different times figuring which cleaner was best to get that out.

some good reads:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perfectionism_%28psychology%29

http://quinncreative.wordpress.com/2007/07/01/the-exhausted-perfectionist

The Fall

A tribute to movie making.  A fairytale.   A love story.   A work of art.  A labor of love.

After my 4th viewing of this amazing film, I decided to put it up there with all the timeless romantic classics I’ve purchased,  The Wizard of Oz,  Wuthering Heights, Casablanca, The Time Machine (2 versions) etc. I suggest if you are the least bit interested, watch the film first, don’t read anything about it, then return here.  I’ve included links to other well written reviews and a few other tidbits.

You really must read Roger Ebert’s review. It’s worth some background on the mind-boggling sets and locations, including Tarsem giving an entire city Jodhpur, already “the blue city” – free blue paint in order to enhance the film.

Ebert’s short review and interview with Tarsem: Ebert\’s review

Gorgeous still photos + trailers:

http://www.thefallthemovie.com/

This blog-site did a nice job compiling several  film locations with photos: I was surprised where the hospital was actually located. (L.A.?. nope.)

locations used in The Fall

Good site for a quick visuals ~ screen-shots as well as each costume by award winning Eiko Ishioka. \”The Fall\” costumes

If you google costumes “the fall” you’ll see most of them.

The first time I watched The Fall I had no idea of the storyline, the background, not really seen any images.  In the 1st 20 mintues I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen.  And after “she” spoke, Alexandria that is, I was in love. Tarsem basically took an unknown and naturally gifted child, who didn’t speak English – but let her tell the story. She narrates the way a child would in broken English. The sheer perfection of this is the most poignant element of this film.

Roy was broken in more ways than just physically. Alexandria was broken too. Together they weave a beautiful and sometimes painful story and take us along for the journey.

I cry every single time I watch.  And I plan to watch again soon…  I keep finding tidbits that Tarsem has strewn about in this epic tale – a film he made as a gift to himself and the world.

“One of the treasures of the film is the sound of the dialog by Catinca Untaru. We understand every word, but she sounds as if she’s inventing them as utters them.” ~ Tarsem

Song Only: Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – The Platters

This film was a remake of another old WWII fav or mine “A Man Named Joe” with Spencer Tracy- an actor that I love and vow to own or tape everything he every made. Spielberg updated the story for 1989 and made it his own. It’s wonderful.

My perfect fantasy of romance is a combination of what the two quirky-funny-sweet characters Pete and Dorinda have. The charisma between Dreyfuss and Hunter is off the charts. The whole cast is great as seen in scenes here:

There are some scenes I can’t find online, one of which is Dorinda whispering in her sleep. She just says grocery list words………eggs……butter…..mayonnaise… while Pete stares at her in his intense, sexy sweet way while smiling. You watch this scene and know these two are made for each other and very content. But it’s really their humor – silliness & sense of fun that speaks to my own heart very deeply – as this is the type of relationship I’ve never had – but always…..wanted.

If you missed this film – made in 1989 – watch Always ~it never gets old – go check it out.

This post is dedicated to everyone at work today on March 30. Hugs to everyone. We lost a co-worker today. RIP.
(there is no video (black) – just a way to hear the song)

My time on Earth
Long as it seems
Is just a moment
In the grand scheme of things

A short refrain
Of life’s endless song
Sung only once
And then we’re gone

My time on Earth
Each breath I breathe
Is one more chance to share my love
With those around me

We come and go
Like shooting stars
The truth be known,
That’s all we are

The more that I know
The more I can see
The older I grow
The more I believe
It’s not the length of the life
Or the depth of the grave
In the end we’ll be measured
By the love that we gave

So my time on Earth
On fate depends
But all that happens
In the space we’re meant to live

Depends on me
And choices I face
For better or worse
They’re mine to make

The more that I know
The more I can see
The older I grow
The more I believe
It’s not the length of the life
Or the depth of the grave
In the end we’ll be measured
By the love that we gave

So my time on Earth
Will be well spent
And when I leave this world
I’ll leave with no regrets

I’ll live and love
For all its worth
‘Till I live out
My time on Earth

‘Till I live out my time on Earth

I began with an old photo I took in Auckland, New Zealand many years ago. There are always too many cars in my photos. I also wanted to get rid of all the croquet hoops along with some uneven grass areas.
I figured I get rid of the people too. Then a little brightening and color adjustment and that’s more like the photo I wanted to take.

More tweaking – why not remove all the cars- tidy up the lawn

The Cohen brothers are one of my favorite movie makers. They’ve done it again with this one – one that I’ll watch again to find tidbits – too much to chew on viewing only once as usual. Probably the best review was done here:
Roger Ebert’s review

Great choice of a rabbi to cast the “walowitz” character from Big Bang Theory. Everyone cast seems just perfect. Was everyone “high” in 1967?
I loved going back in their (my own as well) world of wall paneling and Avocado green, horrible clashing prints, cars with tail fins & transistor radios. This was a true celebration of that era, that and plus the twisted way the Cohen bros. makes this an anti-pretty MAD MEN look. Fabulous!
And hilarious.

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

While “Death Proof” still remains my all time favorite Tarantino film,  most of his are always always memorable even if I mildly liked it. This one was pretty good for me. The photography, camera angles, were great ~ such an artist.
The fact he wrote this stuff and had 3 (or was it 4?) different languages goin on amazes me. *head spins*

Christoph Waltz was as mesmerizing as Hans Landa. Seriously I see why he won a Golden Globe.

My favorite scene was Christoph and Denis Menochet (fabulous to watch this guy too) in the countryside in the farm scene. I’ve replayed my tape of this three times.
They had light beamed down onto the kitchen table (go rewatch – this is awesome) ~  light bounces up to the two character’s faces – making the tension even more papable plus creating a beautiful almost painting effect.  As the two characters are talking,  you the viewer feel more and more tension knowing people are hidden under the floorboards,  all the while you see a tranquil back drop of the country kitchen and hear cows, birds chirping and are watching a quiet scene knowing soon……well….. (no spoilers)  but that’s the brilliance of Tarantino.

You can google any Tarantino film and see fabulous art made from the stills.
Here’s the scene I was talking about:

His films have a look only he achieves.

I scoured the internet looking for some stills that made an impression on me. I ran across a few that stood out ~ If you’ve never watched a Tarantino film you’ll be surprised at the beauty but don’t be fooled ~ they are over-the-top violent.

Only publicity stills but I liked them better than anything I found with this character – Bridget von Hammersmark; a funny name that made me think he named this character combining Brigitte Bardot and Marlene Dietrich? Works for me. :]

Incredible shot. A man above the rather ugly charicature Hitler creating a gigantic realistic painting of the “real” Hitler. Cool perspective.

For anyone out there that likes this post and the images ~ help me find more. I’ll host them. I would love to find an image of the “eyes under the floorboards” from “the farm” scene.
Any other cool images from this film? – feel free to leave comments/links.

There are certain actors that for some magical reach middle age and also reach the peak of their talent at the same time. One of those people for me was always Bill H. Macy – but another is Stanley Tucci and he’s the subject of this writing.

This revelation came to me recently after watching Julie & Julia where he brilliantly plays Julia Child’s husband, partner and best friend, and the man who gave Julie her last name, Paul Child.

This scene from Julie/Julia shows the great chemistry and fabulous eye contact he possesses. He is one of those actors that really “connects” with the other actors all while being able to steal a scene.

Julie & Julia scene

Stanley was in Road to Perdition which is an all time favorite film of mine. He didn’t have a huge role but it was there I realized how his characters in films are always so well done, always making me think, wait- who is that again?  And he just keeps getting better.

I ran accross this Levi ad from the 80′s.  Omg – he’s fantastic looking. Can he act too?

501 ad

Then last night I watched “The Lovely Bones” directed by Peter Jackson. After I was blown away with Tucci in this film, I read review after review of why many critics didn’t like this film and I was stunned.  I liked it a lot, in fact compare it to “Little Children” (2006) in it’s creepy yet haunting and well acted story. “TL Bones” is creepy and fantasy-like at the same time. It’s a huge story and a wonderful book and hard to put on film. Ebert thought it was deplorable. Some critics say the film is all over the place.  All I can say is, the prose and horror at the same time is haunting. Tucci is brilliant. His eyes, his eyes, his eyes – he is unforgettable in this.

Interview-quick trailer-The Lovely Bones

And then I just read his wife had just died of cancer during the shooting of it.  Amazing.

Now I am off to look for Blind Date which Tucci stars and directs.

Just by seeing this I kinda love it already.

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

I make screenshots of the scenes too which is verrrry time consuming – but worth it.

Here are the ones I made so far:  If you click the links they play on the JibJab site.

Starring (left to right top to bottom) Jeff, Julio, Rich, Marsh (me), Greg, Mickie

“It’s A JibJab Life”

I made this one for Bec with some MYSPACE/FACEBOOK friends:
starring Bec, Gig, Joe, Dwyane
“You’ll Put Your Eye Out”

Hip Hop Yourself – myspace/facebook/twitter buddies~
Jazzy J-Gig-John-Jer

Hip Hop Yourself – work pals~
Greg – Rich – Sam – Shandra

Then JOE put me in one of his:
A Christmas Carol”

myspace/fb friends: Steve,  John, (me), Dave,  Joe (popcorn lover)

/end <– maybe not — check back later..

The still photos from this vid are stored:
here

I will suffer with you

“All she had to say was…..’she’s twenty’…….and my heart was broken”.

A few days ago I stood like many other days at the counter. The lines had calmed down, nobody was waiting. I was looking down at my screen when a women approached. Our normal response is to spew out sometimes robotic words…”Did someone call you up? You have a boarding pass?” …but before I could utter a single word she simply said in a soft voice…
“Can you help me…please?”
As soon as she spoke I looked up at her tears and immediately stared into a face of pain. I let her continue and only got these very basic facts. She was flying alone to Tel Aviv to rush to her daughter’s side who was intensive care. Her reason for approaching me instead of using the kiosk was pretty simple…”I’m too distraught to concentrate”.

My heart softened. I know I was born to comfort people. My nature and that is when I am called upon in time of need, I respond with great compassion. I can be the most mixed up and confused soul when confronted with my own desires and needs but when someone needs me – I become another person. I gave this woman my full attention and checked her in as quickly and quietly as possible – took her bag – tried to calm her.

The thing I chose to tell her was what she needed and that was……”You are doing the most you can, right here, right now; the distance you have no control over.” She nodded and became quiet for just a few seconds.

The last thing I did was give her a few instructions…tell her I was so sorry to hear this story…then she uttered the thing that shook my soul. “She’s twenty.”

Just typing that out makes me pause …once more.

It was as if someone was guiding her to tell me that fact. Then my own eyes filled with tears and I had a hard time speaking.

All I could say was……”my daughter is also…twenty”. In the instant I uttered those words..my mind flashed a hundred frames per second of my own daughter’s struggle, and the deep pain from it over the last year, all the yet unresolved problems, pain and deep love I have for my own child. And it wasn’t simply because I could now relate to her, but it was the humbling way this situation made me ashamed. There is always someone else…that is in worse trouble than you are -

So just before I sent her to her gate, I asked if I could walk around in front of the counter to her in which she sadly nodded in an appreciative way.

I put my arms around her and can’t even remember what I said….some lame words about..may I give you some support from the airline you are traveling with today…something an ad writer would think too schmaltzy.

I do remember uttering……”I am so sorry……..” in which the poor woman sobbed on my shoulder.
Her tears literally made my shoulder wet for an hour. I have never been so moved.

The thought of her remained the entire day….so I made the Photoshop creation above in memory of her.

I will always wonder…..what the outcome was.

I just downloaded the haunting soundtrack by Clint Mansell (The Wrestler, The Fountain, Definitely Maybe)

This is a small movie that you have to look for. It only lasted one week at one of my local theatres, pushed out for more summer blockbusters. I found it online yesterday only to arrive at the threatre and it wasn’t posted as playing. After asking, it was there, hidden. About 20 people ended up inside which made us very happy – lots of elbow room.

I loved this and will buy and add it to my sci-fi collection. I liked Roger Ebert’s ( <-- click )review. The film goes beyond a good tale ( a nicely written one too) into deep questions about loneliness, isolation & morality. Sam Bell played by Sam Rockwell is fantastic. The gentle voice of Gerty is Kevin Spacey (whom became forever endeared to me after K-PAX which I've watched about 10 times) and he does a first rate job as the computer.

Some cool facts about this film: A. This is the first film by David Bowie’s son, Duncan Jones. Joey (real name) pursued a PhD degree at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee but left before completion to attend London Film School, where he graduated as a director. B. This film is going to be part of a trilogy. (You get that feel at the end of this one)

Duncan and David Bowie at premiere of Moon.

To hear one of my favorite tracks click here and listen on youtube. Very beautiful~
click here
When the violins start about half way I want to cry. ~

This post is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

Password:

Billy Wilder is in my top 5 favorite directors. I mostly love his work in the mid to late 50′s but his earlier film noir work was brilliant as well. Double Indemnity was nominated for 7 Oscars and probably didn’t win due to the war – where as the voters chose sentiment over murder between two lovers. Regardless, this film is a wonderful tribute to venetian blinds and early Los Angeles (where many “noir-ish” films were born) aka mentions of several beloved L.A. landmarks.

I remember La Brea being mentioned, also Los Feliz.  And of course the scene on top of the hill overlooking the Hollywood bowl complete with a real live performance was included.  Billy uses L.A. as a character much like Woody Allen used New York in so many films.

I love the view from the Glendale street in the opening scenes where a Spanish style home is described as being a popular style about 10 years previous and the sum of 30 thousand made to sound like a million by today’s standards. This was 1944.

Fred MacMurray, very cool and handsome, smoked cigarettes in the macho sexy way men did in their day.
If you notice, there were at least two scenes where both McMurray and Edward G. both struck matches with their finger nails. My dad would have been proud. I recently watched Kate Winslet smoke nervously in Revolutionary Road and was once again struck by actors struggling with trying to look natural while they light and hold a cigarette.  Then watch actors in the 40′s and 50′s  – the effortless way they held their smokes.  No comparison.  Doesn’t anyone study these films?

Barbara Stanwick was the perfect tough girl.  Her sultry voice and great screen presence made a perfect vamp.  The names are comic book-like.  Even Walter Neff sounds geeky by today’s standards. I love the narration – a typical Billy Wilder trademark.

The movie begins as a narration while a man is dying and entering his murder confession into a newfangled gadget that records speech. What will they invent next?

I’ve always loved the last words Keyes says to Walter and the last scene in the film…..and Walter’s perfect reply.

Walter Neff: Know why you couldn’t figure this one, Keyes? I’ll tell ya. ‘Cause the guy you were looking for was too close. Right across the desk from ya.
Barton Keyes: Closer than that, Walter.

(pause while Keyes lights Walter’s cig)
Walter Neff: I love you, too.

[end]

Due to copyright you must view the video on NBC which is ok by me – the quality is superb.

Madonna vs Agelina re: babies

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t scorn women who want lots of children, I am the true supporter of all things Mia Farrow. I do however, scorn women that and rich and famous and seem to want only children from another country.  I ‘d like to see both of them go get a white kid off the streets very much in style of Tracy Ulman who has already done a satire on this very subject.

Tracy\’s Malawi adoption <– youtube link

I only hope he survives giving up Taco Bell – that’s asking a lot. They’ve just added volcano beef burritos.