Hey…
I have had some computer issues, so I have just read the bloody mess around the fun conversation about the old HBO days when movies played 50 times and there were few other channels. (Homebodies, anyone?)
I will try to get it together on this end. Please use this space for good, not evil. Namecalling is weak, even when I feel the need to smack down a pompous regular now and again.
Be nice.
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BYOB: 235 Years Of Relative independence
BYOB Weekend: Hop, An April Fool’s Gag?
BYOB: Beware The Day Before The Ides Of March
“I don’t really think, Sean, that you need to know about my various sexual liaisons. Or that anyone else needs to. I did write about them. I filled a hundred pages of Moleskine notebooks with my one-night stands, my affairs. But I decided they didn’t belong in a professional memoir. First of all, these are real people we’re talking about. Many of them were enjoyable. Some were abject failures. My wife said to me when she read the pages, ‘Of what purpose is this in a memoir? Of what purpose is this other than to titillate?’ The point is, I never see them. It’s because I have nothing in common with them, frankly. And probably didn’t at the time. I could not provide a sensible reason why I married these women. The thing is, in the case of my marriages, it takes two people to fuck up a marriage. It wasn’t simply the fault of these women that I lost interest in them and realised they were insignificant relationships. Which is how I look at them right now–as being insignificant. I see them as blips.”
~ William Friedkin On Cutting Interviewers Off At The Sass
“I have to imagine from Mr. Spielberg’s point of view, the paradigm shift in the 1970s was just the new “normal,” a “halcyon era” from which we are straying in the 21st century–because theatrical exhibition is tenuous (as it has been since the 1940s), the home video market has dried up and people are watching pirated movies on their phone. Spielberg’s coming-of-age era was for him the halcyon period that the 21st century “implosion” will cause to go “crashing into the ground.” But he is wrong. The market for movies is actually diverse and highly segmented–although from the top-down movie industry vantage point and media punditry you would not think this to be true. Would we really mourn for Mr. Spielberg or ourselves if Lincoln would have been made for cable or had played on public television? Is it bad for humanity that cable television is creating wonderful, resonant stories in long-form series that people want to watch at home on TV (or streamed onto their computer)? I don’t think so, but it is a paradigm shift and it might affect people’s theatrical moviegoing habits. Televisions in people’s homes have had that effect for seven decades–it is not a new phenomenon. As Art House cinema impresarios we need to focus on what WE can do at our theaters and in our communities. It is not productive for us to fret over what pundits say or about what well-meaning filmmakers like the Stevens–Spielberg and Soderbergh–say. We should fret about what we can do in our communities. What we can do to support filmmakers.”
~ From A Response By Russ Collins, CEO, Michigan Theater–Ann Arbor And Director, Art House Convergence, To Mr. Spielberg
Speaking of HBO, I’m loving JOHN ADAMS thus far. the first three parts I would rate as exeptional well done, considering that most of the action of the series are men arguing different philosophical view points. The art direction and costumes are phenomenal, as well as the make-up.
For the record I never caught Hanks’ other HBO series, From Earth to the Moon or Band of Brothers, so I can’t compare but I feel for that venue JOHN ADAMS is pretty top notch.
All time favorite TV mini-series: Lonesome Dove.
My parents are loving John Adams, though I’ll be waiting until DVD to watch it. From the Earth to the Moon was just okay, but I loved Band of Brothers. My old roommmates and I would break it out every six months to watch the whole thing through.
Lonesome Dove was great, but watching it again recently, some of the production elements really suffered from the budget, and the pace was hurt by the serialized form.
While I was in high school, I adored Stephen King’s The Stand.
There’s a lot of good miniseries out there worth searching out.
You know what recent mini-series was really unexpectedly good? Sci-Fi Channel’s The Lost Room. I am not a regular watcher of Sci-Fi Channel’s programming (I tried BSG, but could never get into it) and I TiVod The Lost Room after reading an article that piqued my interest and man, that was six hours of pure fun.
I also really dug From the Earth to the Moon, although some of the stories were better than the others. The one with Hanks as George Mellies was super corny especially.
As for the recent John Adams, I watched the first forty-five minutes of part 1 and had a bit of trouble getting into it. I’m going to give it another go this weekend though.
I don’t get HBO but my HDTV occasionally picks up what the neighborhood’s watching, though starts and stops are unpredictable. So clicking through to see what I might find last night, there all of a sudden were Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney in bed conversing about something. Yikes! Without any more context than that it could just as well have been an M. Night Shyamalan joint. Quick click away.
part 1 has been my least favorite, Noah. I feel part II really is where it takes off.
Noah, I would second what Hopscotch says. The second part is when John Adams really comes alive.
I’d also recommend Band of Brothers for anyone who hasn’t seen it.
DP, this is war.
Noah, thats a great point about Lost Room. It was a lot of fun, and well made. Didnt it end on a cliffhanger of sorts? I thought it was coming back.
Hmm, maybe I’ll just jump ahead to part II of John Adams then. The one thing I did notice, though, was how great Laura Linney is. She’s one of those actresses I take for granted and I’m always surprised by how wonderful she is. She never does anything too showy, but she always seems to be confident in who her character is.
Aris, I think it ended on a semi-cliffhanger but I don’t know if it was ever supposed to be more than a mini-series. But I sure would love to see a sequel. It really did such a great job of creating a world and abiding by its own rules, didn’t it? I mean, it’s such a fantastical premise but it doesn’t shy away from it.
Heat: someone has to be Ben Linus because someone has to be the people on Widmore’s boat. That aside; the first episode of John Adam’s is tremendous. If you are a twenty something and find it too slow. It’s your generation. If that’s not it. I am puzzled at the dislike of an episode which establishes — in rather strong context — why Adams was such a proponent of INALIENABLE RIGHTS. It also has great SAM ADAMS AND JOHN ADAMS CONFRONTATIONS!
I simply found the first chapter to be a bit dull and cold; it had absolutely nothing to do with the pace (or for that matter, the craft which was impeccable). My favorite kind of movies are ones that are
deliberately paced. Just because something’s intentions are noble does not necessarily make it captivating viewing.
I’m willing, though, to trudge through the first part, confident that I will be grabbed further by the second.
Noah, I was just fishing for a reason. I simply disagree that the Boston Massacre, Adams defense of the British Soldiers (which pretty much established our justice system in more ways or not), and the Boston Tea Party are boring. The entire first episode establishes the reasons why Adams fought so strongly at the Continental Congress. Why do I feel this is another freakin ANH/EMPIRE situation? You at least like it. Huzzah for some young folks having a sense of history.
IOIOI, I believe you are younger than Noah.
Speaking of TV, I just got through Dexter season one in three days. I had planned to stretch it out because there’s so little on TV these days (AUSTRALIAN TV) since I’ve given up on so many shows (not because they’re bad, necessarily although some are, but just because they’re not good enough and I can’t be bothered watching Brothers and Sisters just because I can.) I ended up getting ill and bed ridden for a day and a half and voila. Next up I think I’m gonna try my hand and Battlestar Galactica.
Sorry to break the peace, but:
“IOIOI, I believe you are younger than Noah.”
is the kind of BS comment jeff got called out for by DP on the other thread.
Way to stick to form!
You’re pointing out an (allegedly) BS comment that I made and not pointing out any one of many BS comments that IOI made? Like the one that I’m specifically responding to?
Let me put it this way: I apologize for being a shit-stirrer…but I am far from being one of the shittier posters in these here parts.
hey KCamel! would be interested in hearing your take on Battlestar Galactica! in my view it’s one of the best things on TV lately! ;o)
Ebertfest schedule was finally announced…. anybody going to this? I assume DP will make his annual appearance…
jeff:
The irony of your posts is astounding. You are always first to accuse DP of taking a defensive, holier-than-thou stand (ON HIS BLOG!!) when someone points out a perceived flaw.
What’s the difference between your initial post in this thread, and all the ones that came before it (even IO’s)? [Hint: substance.]
Jeff… again… you are not exactly a fan-favourite around here. If we were describing TOP HEELS. You would easily have a hand over me. It’s that simple, but thanks for trying to out duel me. When reall… you should not… ever… play.
god will you guys give it a rest already, you are TIRESOME, take it outside.
kam and crazy, i just wanted to put in my two cents and say i’m a huge battlestar galactica fan, but we’ve only had seasons one and two broadcast on tv here (video stores don’t have it to rent, at least the ones i frequent, and to buy the dvd set thru season 3 costs a small fortune) so i’m hanging out to find out what happens to the crew in season 3, i hope there’s some serious cylon ass-kicking
I love parts of BSG. I kind of wish they’d stick to miniseries or movies, as they are good in short powerful bursts, but over 10- or 20-episode seasons, there’s some really draggy, poorly-written stuff. Generally, the season openers (in however many parts) and the closers are amazing, and everything else is hit-or-miss.
Everything else is hit or miss? [faints]
LOL. I love BSG. every episode.
Battlestar Galactica was a show I originally intended to start watching years ago, but I knew the network it was airing on wouldn’t keep it there for more than one season and I was right. After five weeks it had already been taken off the air. It’s been moved around so much that I’m surprised anyone is able to still watch it.
There are “other” ways to watch the show. *wink* *wink*
There are ways to view TV these days. Camel; you might want to check out HULU to see if it’s available for your country. That might be the best way to catch up on BSG.
“i’m hanging out to find out what happens to the crew in season 3, i hope there’s some serious cylon ass-kicking ”
Wow are you in for a ride. Some of the best moments in the entire series happen in 3. Action-wise and character-wise.
Wow, I just checked out the schedule for Ebertfest, and it’s disappointing. “The Real Dirt on Farmer John”? I thought it was OK, but it wasn’t exactly a probing work of journalism – it was more a well-done hippie commercial for community-based farming. And I also thought it was pretty clear John was playing up his “flower child” persona for the cameras.
And also Ang Lee’s “Hulk”? Really???
I actually loved the first two parts of John Adams. I thought the first part was fascinating to see how he struggled to do right in the Boston Tea Party trial. The third part was boring for me – In stead of subtitling it “Don’t Tread on Me,” it should been called “Ben Franklin Fucks 100 French Whores. .. In a Row”
Brack, while many others don’t give a rats arse, I actually really hate downloading tv shows and movies. I’ve done it, but only when things haven’t been available to me such as Planet Terror (only released on DVD two weeks ago), or episodes of The Closer after it got taken off the air after six episodes and replaced with CSI reruns. Even if shows are on what you call cable (which I don’t have, Australia’s “cable” is very different to Americas) I will buy the season box sets or rent them. Plus, I like having the pretty boxes.
Although, ahem, to be completely honest I download enough music illegally (although I have 1000 perfectly legal CDs too so whatever) to compensate.
Camel, I don’t like it either. but my sister is a huge BSG fan, and has bought the seasons, so I didn’t feel bad about it, as I would’ve just watched hers anyway. they’re also all available at my public library for free.
The cd I’ve been listening to the most lately–now don’t laugh, guys–is Jack Johnson’s “Sing-a-Longs and Lullabies for the film ‘Curious George.’”
It’s actually pretty genius stuff: the best soundtrack for a kid ‘toon since Harry Nilsson scored “The Point” for ABC back in the very early ’70s.
Johnson’s “Upside Down” not only deserved an Oscar nomination for Best Song, it should’ve won.
Jack Johnszzzzzzzzz
Sorry, that man makes me snooze.
Brack, I don’t have a problem with borrowing somebody else’s or hiring them from video stores/libraries. Just downloading or getting illegal copies. My moral compass is askew.
Watched the first season of BSG, but I had a real problem with the soap opera pacing. Give me some closure almost every week, please.
That said, I did catch an episode after the invasion-and that episode about the bomber was brilliant! Why does the best political commentary have to be made in Canada?
You’re not going to get complete closure from a show like this, it ain’t CSI or something of that nature. Every episode builds from the last.
Different strokes, Kamikaze, lol.
I finally broke down and ordered a copy of Johnson’s “Curious George” soundtrack from Amazon.com after reading all of the rave reviews for his new cd because they reminded me how much I loved the songs in “CG” (I even stuck around for the closing credits just to hear “Upside Down” in its entirety).
Not saying I’d buy a ticket to a Jack Johnson concert–or even buy any of his other cds–but his “CG” songs, er, lullabies are frigging awesome. And I think Nilsson’s “The Point” score is a perfect comparison; and companion piece.