Books: The Film Snob*s Dictionary (2006)
Despite an off-putting title, The Film Snob*s Dictionary is an informative and hilarious read. A CliffsNotes of film for those looking to deepen their movie related conversations or get a quick refresher course. Chock full of directors and actors from Kenneth Anger to Steve Zahn, behind the scenes factoids, terms, and etiquette every “snob” should know. Did you know that Martin Scorcese has used a female editor, Thelma Schoonmaker for every film since Raging Bull in 1980? They met as film students at NYU. Or that true film geeks consider the third row to be the perfect viewing experience? Filmmaker Peter Kubelka took this ideal to a ridiculous level when he created The Invisble Cinema within New York’s Anthology Film Archives during the 70s. A place where the viewer could sit in a little pod, and have no interaction with other viewers around them (see: here). I’m just happy to get a seat in the back and some nachos.
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11:21 am • 10 October 2011
Found Stills: Dead Calm (1989)
The beauty of this still lies in it’s editorial feeling. The clean line of Kidman’s stretched neck against the seeming peacefulness of the sea until that bloody ‘lil hand creeps into frame.
9:44 pm • 3 October 2011
Props: Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers (1939)
If you’re sick of buying Loubs (and who isn’t?) and are sitting on a cool two million, a pair of Dorothy’s iconic ruby slippers will be auctioned off in California this December. The pair is one of four created for the film. One pair resides at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, another has a private owner (Travolta?), and the fourth was stolen from Minnesota’s Judy Garland museum. Makes the perfect stocking stuffer for the guy or girl who has everything! And look at that sensible heel. You may not even need to be gellin’!
9:30 pm • 3 October 2011
Best of Netlfix Watch Instantly: Cocaine, One Man’s Seduction
Thank you Netflix. For all of your non sequitur suggestions (“Because you enjoyed Annie Hall: You might like Roots”) you really got it right on this one. A PSA style film about cocaine’s effect on a middle class father featuring a young James Spader. Mama likes. Dennis Weaver (a poor mans Burt Reynolds) is Eddie Gant, a middle aged father whose growing paunch, spreading crows feet, family burdens, and dwindling real estate business are all becoming a bit too much. When he’s offered some blow at a party he’s at first defiant, then curious. A few “toots” and a box of Just for Men later he’s talking at the speed of an auctioneer, shirt unbuttoned, and selling luxury home listings like a champ. Yet just like the high, you have to come down and Eddie’s downward spiral continues as he keeps his family and colleagues strapped into his sweaty roller coaster of emotions. Don’t you dare ask dad how his fucking day went. What’s wrong with you?! My only complaint with this film is in it’s sitcom like ending with all of dad’s problems being wrapped up before the 96 minute mark. I was hoping for a more sinister ending. Weaver would hug his family reassuring them that the worst was over. He’d then turn to the camera à la Thriller: red eyed and bloody nosed while Vincent Price manically cackles. His addiction never ends (!!!) Do I smell a sequel? Man, I need help.
9:56 am • 3 October 2011
