Hours later, Fran "knocked the sound guys on their asses" (their words) with these horrid, banshee-like screams. That's pretty much what you're hearing on the soundtrack: a woman's scream. I'm glad my wife doesn't scream like that. *shudder*
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Sunday, November 30, 2003
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Extended Edition - The Appendices, Part Two: Well, I'm finally through the appendices. What a fantastic package they put together. Some of my favourite stuff was on the soundtrack and the score. Apparently the sound guys were having a hell of a time with the Ringwraiths; they couldn't produce anything bone-chilling enough. So during one of Peter's visits, they play what they have for him, talking vaguely about what they were really aiming for. Just like that, Peter says, "Fran can scream like that." (Fran is Peter's wife, involved in all the writing, co-author of the script, you name it.)
Hours later, Fran "knocked the sound guys on their asses" (their words) with these horrid, banshee-like screams. That's pretty much what you're hearing on the soundtrack: a woman's scream. I'm glad my wife doesn't scream like that. *shudder*
Hours later, Fran "knocked the sound guys on their asses" (their words) with these horrid, banshee-like screams. That's pretty much what you're hearing on the soundtrack: a woman's scream. I'm glad my wife doesn't scream like that. *shudder*
Adaptation: I loved this movie. This is the Nicolas Cage that I love. I haven't seen him since Leaving Las Vegas (although I have high hopes for Matchstick Men). I couldn't help wondering how strange it would be to act opposite yourself; not because I didn't believe that he had a twin brother, rather because my mind always drifts to how I would shot or act a scene. Add to that, as sad as it is, my relating to Charlie (Cage), and it's no wonder I'm smiling.
Meryl Streep was amazing, as usual. Chris Cooper won an academy award for his supporting role. This movie was enjoyable at every turn. I saw Being John Malkovich, so the scenes on the set of that movie were really neat. Speaking of Malkovich, both it and Adaptation really muck with your perspective. This movie follows the development of screenplay (an adaptation of a novel), but the screenplay is this movie's screenplay; so when the screenwriter's done, the movie ends. It's hard to explain, and more than a little trippy, but it's so lively and funny that I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Meryl Streep was amazing, as usual. Chris Cooper won an academy award for his supporting role. This movie was enjoyable at every turn. I saw Being John Malkovich, so the scenes on the set of that movie were really neat. Speaking of Malkovich, both it and Adaptation really muck with your perspective. This movie follows the development of screenplay (an adaptation of a novel), but the screenplay is this movie's screenplay; so when the screenwriter's done, the movie ends. It's hard to explain, and more than a little trippy, but it's so lively and funny that I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Saturday, November 29, 2003
The Master of Disguise: Essentially, this movie was a little over an hour of impersonations. I'm a fan of Dana Carvey, and I love his impersonations, so I had a lot of laughs. Apparently, Brent Spiner felt the same way; it's the reason he signed on to play the bad guy. There was a great scene where he ends with Lore's facial twitch. I was in stitches.
It Runs in the Family (2003): Amongst the cast are three generations of the Douglas family, including both of Michael's parents. Really amazing, when you think about it. Kirk Douglas gives an inspired performance. I haven't heard him speak in many years, so I don't know whether his speech impediment was exaggerated for the role of Mitchell (both actor and character suffered strokes, Douglas in 1995), but the character was great, and dominated every scene he was in.
While I really enjoyed some scenes, much of the story seemed a bit contrived; enjoyable for one viewing, but not a keeper. It's unfortunate because most of Mitchell's scenes were fantastic; heartbreaking, in fact, as the movie progressed. I would... like to watch them again some day. I was going to say "enjoy watching them," but that's not true. They were hard to watch, very poignant. I'm lucky enough to have a very special woman in my life, and Mitchell's scenes remind me to never take that for granted.
Of course, the fact that my dad and I aren't on the best of terms right now probably coloured the movie as well. It's not like I'm going to pick up the phone after watching this kind of movie. It's more to do with feeling strange because I don't want that relationship with him right now; movies like this make those feelings seem wrong. Ah well, not the first time I've felt a bit freaky.
While I really enjoyed some scenes, much of the story seemed a bit contrived; enjoyable for one viewing, but not a keeper. It's unfortunate because most of Mitchell's scenes were fantastic; heartbreaking, in fact, as the movie progressed. I would... like to watch them again some day. I was going to say "enjoy watching them," but that's not true. They were hard to watch, very poignant. I'm lucky enough to have a very special woman in my life, and Mitchell's scenes remind me to never take that for granted.
Of course, the fact that my dad and I aren't on the best of terms right now probably coloured the movie as well. It's not like I'm going to pick up the phone after watching this kind of movie. It's more to do with feeling strange because I don't want that relationship with him right now; movies like this make those feelings seem wrong. Ah well, not the first time I've felt a bit freaky.
Thursday, November 27, 2003
Better Off Dead...: Ah, those 80's teen movies... It's really quite amazing how little John Cusack has changed. O.K., he's a little less goofy (I don't expect to see him stick Q-tips in his ears, nose and mouth again in my life, for instance), but his mannerisms and gestures are still the same today.
While not a cinematic masterpiece, this movie gave me a lot of laughs. I think my favourite part was when Lane (John Cusack) talks himself out of hanging himself, only to have his mother accidentally knock him off the garage steps as she's vacuuming. It's all the funnier because you can't hear his choking over the vacuum. You just watch him flailing around for a few minutes. It actually reminded me of the opening scene in Harold and Maude.
There was also a nod to that famous shot in The Graduate, as Lane walks in on his little brother's trashy-women party. :-) And, get this, there's a whole Web site dedicated to that beautiful '67 Camaro. Ah, the wonders of the Internet!
O.K., I just took a break from blogging to read a bit of that guy's site, and gotta say, the privacy advocate in me just cringes. Go read how he managed to track down and buy the very Camaro used in the movie. It's amazing what you can find with some forms and private investigation services. *shudder*
While not a cinematic masterpiece, this movie gave me a lot of laughs. I think my favourite part was when Lane (John Cusack) talks himself out of hanging himself, only to have his mother accidentally knock him off the garage steps as she's vacuuming. It's all the funnier because you can't hear his choking over the vacuum. You just watch him flailing around for a few minutes. It actually reminded me of the opening scene in Harold and Maude.
There was also a nod to that famous shot in The Graduate, as Lane walks in on his little brother's trashy-women party. :-) And, get this, there's a whole Web site dedicated to that beautiful '67 Camaro. Ah, the wonders of the Internet!
O.K., I just took a break from blogging to read a bit of that guy's site, and gotta say, the privacy advocate in me just cringes. Go read how he managed to track down and buy the very Camaro used in the movie. It's amazing what you can find with some forms and private investigation services. *shudder*
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Extended Edition - The Appendices: Well, I guess I'm about an hour and a half into the second disc of the appendices; less than halfway through the second disc, if you can believe it. But, you know, you need this much material to appreciate what they managed to do. I just finished watching the bit on scale, and how they shot the film to reflect the hobbits' and Gimli's shorter stature, and they really used every technique at their disposal (big, mechnical, stilt suits in the case of the Prancing Pony). But the funniest part is how well it works, and how little you think about it, sitting in the theatre.
The Weta Workshop was just amazing! They had their own forge, for goodness sake! These beautiful swords, complete suits of armour, all real, quality pieces made by smiths on staff. Sauron's gauntlets are so intricate, and they work! Moving so smoothly. It's truly a wonder. So detailed with their Elvish runes, Glamdring and Sting are really works of art, but then perfectly balanced as well. Apparently, Viggo (Aragorn) all but slept with his sword.
Actually, speaking of Viggo, there's some funny material on the set of the battle at Amon Hen. Richard Taylor, the director of the Weta Workshop, gives this impassioned speech - lots of bloodlust, maiming, no mercy, etc. - to the hundreds of Uruk-hai who Aragorn must battle single-handedly. Viggo relates how he's standing there with his head in his hands thinking, "I've got lots of shooting ahead of me. I'm not going to be too ashamed to just turn round and run for my life if things go badly."
Just amazing... And I guess they had three other directors, in addition to Peter, shooting simultaneously to make their 15-month deadline. That sort of surprised me; not once I thought about the volume of shooting they had to do - Peter estimates 6 or 7 years as the length of time it would've taken him on his own - but when I thought about the consistency of the films: the style, the mood; they're solid, and I wouldn't have guessed that so many different minds could match them.
One day I'm going to visit New Zealand, visit all the locations. The footage of Alan Lee and John Howe (Tolkien artists whose previous works were Middle-earth for many fans, including Peter) on location at what would become Hobbiton, sketching away, was really breathtaking.
The Weta Workshop was just amazing! They had their own forge, for goodness sake! These beautiful swords, complete suits of armour, all real, quality pieces made by smiths on staff. Sauron's gauntlets are so intricate, and they work! Moving so smoothly. It's truly a wonder. So detailed with their Elvish runes, Glamdring and Sting are really works of art, but then perfectly balanced as well. Apparently, Viggo (Aragorn) all but slept with his sword.
Actually, speaking of Viggo, there's some funny material on the set of the battle at Amon Hen. Richard Taylor, the director of the Weta Workshop, gives this impassioned speech - lots of bloodlust, maiming, no mercy, etc. - to the hundreds of Uruk-hai who Aragorn must battle single-handedly. Viggo relates how he's standing there with his head in his hands thinking, "I've got lots of shooting ahead of me. I'm not going to be too ashamed to just turn round and run for my life if things go badly."
Just amazing... And I guess they had three other directors, in addition to Peter, shooting simultaneously to make their 15-month deadline. That sort of surprised me; not once I thought about the volume of shooting they had to do - Peter estimates 6 or 7 years as the length of time it would've taken him on his own - but when I thought about the consistency of the films: the style, the mood; they're solid, and I wouldn't have guessed that so many different minds could match them.
One day I'm going to visit New Zealand, visit all the locations. The footage of Alan Lee and John Howe (Tolkien artists whose previous works were Middle-earth for many fans, including Peter) on location at what would become Hobbiton, sketching away, was really breathtaking.
Wednesday, November 26, 2003
Survivor: Wow! That was a Survivor first! Lying about the death of a family member! My jaw hit the floor!
I have so much admiration for Jon right now. That man is a master liar. Even at tribal council, "I'm going to be honest with you, Jeff..." Oh, wait, no, I'm lying again. :-) Incredible! This guy has come to play, plain and simple. All's fair in this game, as far as I'm concerned. I find myself wondering if Rob could've come up with that one, had he had the opportunity for more than letters from home; I don't think so. Jon's hit a new level in my mind.
But let's not forget Sandra. Cold as a stone with her man, she coldly calculated her options when the fish shit hit the fan. Christa was floating down the river before she could blink. I gotta say, though, I was pretty choked up when Christa's fiancé came into view. I felt really bad for her when she was being blamed - I could only imagine how alone she felt - and then she gets to see and hold a part of her real, sane world. Hey, it tugs at the heartstrings.
I have so much admiration for Jon right now. That man is a master liar. Even at tribal council, "I'm going to be honest with you, Jeff..." Oh, wait, no, I'm lying again. :-) Incredible! This guy has come to play, plain and simple. All's fair in this game, as far as I'm concerned. I find myself wondering if Rob could've come up with that one, had he had the opportunity for more than letters from home; I don't think so. Jon's hit a new level in my mind.
But let's not forget Sandra. Cold as a stone with her man, she coldly calculated her options when the fish shit hit the fan. Christa was floating down the river before she could blink. I gotta say, though, I was pretty choked up when Christa's fiancé came into view. I felt really bad for her when she was being blamed - I could only imagine how alone she felt - and then she gets to see and hold a part of her real, sane world. Hey, it tugs at the heartstrings.
Tuesday, November 25, 2003
The Mummy Returns: You know, I'd forgotten about this one when I was ranting about that Agent Smith fiasco in The Matrix Reloaded. As in that one, the animation completely snaps you out of most of these scenes. Of course the final scenes with the scorpion king qualify like no others in the movie, but, watching it the second time, even scenes like those with the dirigible look terrible. Actually, before I leave the scorpion king, I think the most grotesque part of the whole production was the way that thing tried to imitate Dwayne's expressions. *shudder*
All that aside, though, I did enjoy the movie. I don't think I got over my disappointment at Dwayne's small part the first time around. I could appreciate the good in it this time, like Oded Fehr's performance; where the heck did that come from? It stood out sharply amongst a lot of over-the-top performances, in my opinion. I loved that curved sword of his; some sort of scimitar, I guess.
And speaking of the good, how can we forget watching a girl give undying love the boot to save her own skin (momentarily)? Hollywood's just never been big on that sort of thing, even from evil wenches. :-)
All that aside, though, I did enjoy the movie. I don't think I got over my disappointment at Dwayne's small part the first time around. I could appreciate the good in it this time, like Oded Fehr's performance; where the heck did that come from? It stood out sharply amongst a lot of over-the-top performances, in my opinion. I loved that curved sword of his; some sort of scimitar, I guess.
And speaking of the good, how can we forget watching a girl give undying love the boot to save her own skin (momentarily)? Hollywood's just never been big on that sort of thing, even from evil wenches. :-)
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Extended Edition - The Appendices, Part One: Two and a half hours on this disc alone! I'm only about an hour in, truth be told, and I'm loving it. Everything about these films is so polished, right down to their packaging and organization. The Play all feature on these appendices is brilliant.
I didn't realize that both Tolkien's parents were dead by the time he was 12. And then to lose all his mates in The Great War... It certainly puts his stories in a different light.
I'll probably have more to say on this as I work my way through the discs.
I didn't realize that both Tolkien's parents were dead by the time he was 12. And then to lose all his mates in The Great War... It certainly puts his stories in a different light.
I'll probably have more to say on this as I work my way through the discs.
Sunday, November 23, 2003
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Extended Edition: I love this edition. I don't think any of the extra 43 minutes were in the battle of Helm's Deep (other than the trees' part in finishing off the rabble). Every one of them added that little bit more to the experience.
I really enjoyed the extra scenes with Faramir. He truly was a man in this edition, flesh and blood. But even the smaller additions, like Theodred's funeral, were powerful. When Theoden says to Aragorn, "Let today be the day we ride together," we know he's thinking about a day of his childhood, when Aragorn and his grandfather rode into battle, thanks to Eowyn's conversation with Aragorn.
It's been a while since I saw The Two Towers in the theatre, but I don't think that was the only reason for my difficulty in identifying the original material from the extra; this edition simply flows, at a perfect pace. More so than most movies, it has the feel of the crackling hearth, of being tucked in bed, of stories as they're meant to be told. And they cannot be rushed.
I really enjoyed the extra scenes with Faramir. He truly was a man in this edition, flesh and blood. But even the smaller additions, like Theodred's funeral, were powerful. When Theoden says to Aragorn, "Let today be the day we ride together," we know he's thinking about a day of his childhood, when Aragorn and his grandfather rode into battle, thanks to Eowyn's conversation with Aragorn.
It's been a while since I saw The Two Towers in the theatre, but I don't think that was the only reason for my difficulty in identifying the original material from the extra; this edition simply flows, at a perfect pace. More so than most movies, it has the feel of the crackling hearth, of being tucked in bed, of stories as they're meant to be told. And they cannot be rushed.
Saturday, November 22, 2003
The Thomas Crown Affair (1999): What a fantastic movie. It's one of my wife's favourites. Neither one of us have seen the original, but, judging by this evening's conversation, we'll be looking to get our hands on it in the very near future. Actually, I haven't seen any of Steve McQueen's movies - that's right, I haven't seen Bullitt - so I have more than a bit of catching up to do.
But enough about the original. Brosnan and Russo bring so much to their scenes; their bodies speak volumes. As McTiernan points out in the commentary, Brosnan's gait alone convinces the audience that he own his office building. And as a couple, well, it's like the camera isn't even there; especially their casual nudity at Crown's house in Martinique.
I really enjoyed the cinematography as well. Little things, like using the same angle, through a window in the police station, to capture Crown, and later, Banning, running to his car. Or, as my wife really liked, catching the shadow of the helicopter's rotors on the floor of the museum. Early in the commentary, McTiernan talks about his preference for dolly shots, and they're used to great effect throughout.
I'm hoping for a special edition at some point. McTiernan comments on a significant amount of deleted material, most notably around the special briefcase that Crown uses to spirit the Monet away in. Apparently a lot of work went into its design, but the associated shots offended audiences with the clear folding of the painting. Go figure.
But enough about the original. Brosnan and Russo bring so much to their scenes; their bodies speak volumes. As McTiernan points out in the commentary, Brosnan's gait alone convinces the audience that he own his office building. And as a couple, well, it's like the camera isn't even there; especially their casual nudity at Crown's house in Martinique.
I really enjoyed the cinematography as well. Little things, like using the same angle, through a window in the police station, to capture Crown, and later, Banning, running to his car. Or, as my wife really liked, catching the shadow of the helicopter's rotors on the floor of the museum. Early in the commentary, McTiernan talks about his preference for dolly shots, and they're used to great effect throughout.
I'm hoping for a special edition at some point. McTiernan comments on a significant amount of deleted material, most notably around the special briefcase that Crown uses to spirit the Monet away in. Apparently a lot of work went into its design, but the associated shots offended audiences with the clear folding of the painting. Go figure.
Friday, November 21, 2003
Third Watch: O.K., no more justifying why TV shows appear here; apparently I watch more TV than I thought.
This is only the second time I've seen Third Watch, but something about it really grabs me. The cops, especially. The scenes are definitely no frills, and the cops make mistakes, but all that makes for some really tense scenes. As my wife said, "Oh man, someone's going down."
When a guy walks out into the street in broad daylight and starts firing an AK-47 (or similar assault rifle) at an approaching cop car, when bullet holes start appearing instead of explosions, it's really scary. The same goes for wood paneling flying from a shotgun blast, right where a cop had been standing a moment before. You look at the aftermath and know that cop would've died.
I'm not saying this show's going on my calendar, but if I happen to catch a glimpse of it while I'm surfing, I'll definitely flip it back.
This is only the second time I've seen Third Watch, but something about it really grabs me. The cops, especially. The scenes are definitely no frills, and the cops make mistakes, but all that makes for some really tense scenes. As my wife said, "Oh man, someone's going down."
When a guy walks out into the street in broad daylight and starts firing an AK-47 (or similar assault rifle) at an approaching cop car, when bullet holes start appearing instead of explosions, it's really scary. The same goes for wood paneling flying from a shotgun blast, right where a cop had been standing a moment before. You look at the aftermath and know that cop would've died.
I'm not saying this show's going on my calendar, but if I happen to catch a glimpse of it while I'm surfing, I'll definitely flip it back.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Survivor: Yeah, I know, another TV show. Trust me, this is exceptional; a weekly date with the wife, if you will. Anyway, on with the show.
Subtitle this episode Intrigue. They were playing the game tonight, more so than any other episode this season. Rob - the Survivor player of last season - would've been proud.
And boy, was Rupert hurt. He started out strong, pirate blood flowing through his veins, but it didn't take him long to show his soft, pink underbelly. I don't think any muscular man can win this game, but he's got a better chance than a strong softy. I wonder what financial troubles await his return? Lord knows a teen mentor can't be making much, but it's interesting that he didn't bring it up - or they didn't edit it in - until he knew he couldn't win.
I'm looking forward to seeing Sandra next week. I think a lot of other people in her situation would give up or sabotage themselves, but she's a smart cookie. Remember how she took control of Drake in the first episode? Bartering like she lived just up the hill? She's not done yet, not by a long shot.
Subtitle this episode Intrigue. They were playing the game tonight, more so than any other episode this season. Rob - the Survivor player of last season - would've been proud.
And boy, was Rupert hurt. He started out strong, pirate blood flowing through his veins, but it didn't take him long to show his soft, pink underbelly. I don't think any muscular man can win this game, but he's got a better chance than a strong softy. I wonder what financial troubles await his return? Lord knows a teen mentor can't be making much, but it's interesting that he didn't bring it up - or they didn't edit it in - until he knew he couldn't win.
I'm looking forward to seeing Sandra next week. I think a lot of other people in her situation would give up or sabotage themselves, but she's a smart cookie. Remember how she took control of Drake in the first episode? Bartering like she lived just up the hill? She's not done yet, not by a long shot.
Well, I suppose I'd better start this right: I've watched lots of good stuff this week, but all I watched last night was part of the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Yeah, I'm not sure if this honesty thing is all it's cracked up to be...
Anyway, I say part of it because the commercials were a force to be reckoned with; twice the norm, it seemed. Somehow I managed to catch all three musical interludes, and about 10 minutes of the fashion show. :-/ My favourite part was when one of the models got some tassles from her costume... er, outfit? Well, you know what I mean... wrapped around her shoe.
"I'll remember this day for the rest of my life," she said, wiping away a tear. She didn't fall down, or even stumble, really; and that was probably one of the worst things that's happened to her, if her expression was any indication.
Anyway, I say part of it because the commercials were a force to be reckoned with; twice the norm, it seemed. Somehow I managed to catch all three musical interludes, and about 10 minutes of the fashion show. :-/ My favourite part was when one of the models got some tassles from her costume... er, outfit? Well, you know what I mean... wrapped around her shoe.
"I'll remember this day for the rest of my life," she said, wiping away a tear. She didn't fall down, or even stumble, really; and that was probably one of the worst things that's happened to her, if her expression was any indication.
