RITA's XLII: For the Turnstiles

[jessecuster3]

Ok holy shit is this cool:

http://i11.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/bc/99/c7d9_12.JPG



This guy (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Replica-of-Transformers-Optimus-Prime-Peterbilt_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ63743QQihZ013 QQitemZ230181106980QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW) made the Optimus Prime from the movie.

[Justin D.]

Jared, I'm back. Had to run to Subway for lunch. Mmmmm.

There was a Doctor Who episode called "Blink" that was BRILLIANT suspense.

I loved that episode. So freaky. Even the prologue was creepy. I think that's the one Stephen Moffat won a Hugo for.

[thespianphryne]

I'm not into horror films either. If I want to be scared, I'll look at my bank statement.
I just come to CBR.


-Das

[Chris Nowlin]

I just come to CBR.


-Das

Hey, it's Das!

[thespianphryne]

What's up, new guy?


-Das

[Chris Nowlin]

Just got back from my morning jog. About to head to school.

Once one more person votes in Survivor game.

[jessecuster3]

Just got back from my morning jog. About to head to school.

Once one more person votes in Survivor game.

Which topic?

[Chris Nowlin]

Which topic?

Marvel Team-Up.

But superheroic went, so it's all good.

Off to school!

[Ray R.]

I see we lost both Deborah Kerr and Joey Bishop in the same day.

That's too bad. Deborah Kerr was, and remains, one of my favorite actresses.

[Tadhg]

There was a Doctor Who episode called "Blink" that was BRILLIANT suspense.

Steven Moffat is a brilliant writer. He's the guy that wrote Coupling. He also wrote "The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances" in Series 1 and "Girl in the Fireplace" in Series 2. He's writing 2 episodes for Series 4.

[Tadhg]

I loved that episode. So freaky. Even the prologue was creepy. I think that's the one Stephen Moffat won a Hugo for.

He's won Hugos for his other two Dr. Who stories, Blink would be up for the 2008 award

[Ed Cunard]

I see we lost both Deborah Kerr and Joey Bishop in the same day.

And so ends the core of the Rat Pack.

[Ray R.]

And so ends the core of the Rat Pack.

Peter Lawford.
Frank Sinatra.
Sammy Davis, Jr.
Dean Martin.
Joey Bishop.

You're right. That's it.

[Agent Helix]

I don't think its faulty to expect a good movie.





It was a good movie. You just wanted to be something that it wasn't.

[Puma]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128346488213125000.jpg

[jessecuster3]

It was a good movie. You just wanted to be something that it wasn't.

Ok, do you consider it as good or even in the same ball park as Deliverance?

[Jared_Humpherys]

Jared, I'm back. Had to run to Subway for lunch. Mmmmm.





Sorry. Went to lunch myself.

[Agent Helix]

Ok, do you consider it as good or even in the same ball park as Deliverance?

What does Deliverance have to do with it? That's the point. THE MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERANCE WITH BOOBS.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Ok, do you consider it as good or even in the same ball park as Deliverance?

I consider it to be in the same ball park as the original "Alien," which more closely resembles it in tone.

[darkhanamaru]

good afternoon bitches!

btw, the billy bragg interview on bbc2 is really good!

[Tadhg]

Well Yahtzee has pretty much convinced me to buy the Orange Box for Portal.

[Michael P]

Well Yahtzee has pretty much convinced me to buy the Orange Box for Portal.

I'm sure that sentence makes sense to someone.

[Slam_Bradley]

What does Deliverance have to do with it? That's the point. THE MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERANCE WITH BOOBS.


Deliverance with boobs sounds ok.

[Agent Helix]

It's seriously that good. Even the short length, I can't criticize that. It felt like the perfect length for that particular game.

[Agent Helix]

Deliverance with boobs sounds ok.

Sure does, but The Descent wasn't it.

[Slam_Bradley]

I'm sure that sentence makes sense to someone.

I wouldn't bet the farm on it.

[Ed Cunard]

Deliverance with boobs sounds ok.

I don't want to see naked inbred banjo plucking women.

[Slam_Bradley]

I don't want to see naked inbred banjo plucking women.

Yeah...but you have a vagina.


Just shut-up and finish kicking my ass at Scrabble.

[Agent Helix]

"Yahtzee" is the guy that does Zero Punctuation Reviews, which are just funny little reviews of games where he speaks very quickly, accompanied by funny graphics to illustrate his points. His latest, which went online yesterday, was about Valve's "The Orange Box", which is a software package containing several games, one of which is a puzzle/platform game called Portal. He basically spooged (rightfully so) over it for the last half of yesterday's review, and that's what Tadhq is talking about.

[Michael P]

I don't want to see naked inbred banjo plucking women.

Well, then why do you live in Pennsylvania?

[Tadhg]

"Yahtzee" is the guy that does Zero Punctuation Reviews, which are just funny little reviews of games where he speaks very quickly, accompanied by funny graphics to illustrate his points. His latest, which went online yesterday, was about Valve's "The Orange Box", which is a software package containing several games, one of which is a puzzle/platform game called Portal. He basically spooged (rightfully so) over it for the last half of yesterday's review, and that's what Tadhq is talking about.

This one here is a bright one, he is.

[Agent Helix]

I'm helping! Hooray!

[Valmore]

Yeah...but you have a vagina.


Just shut-up and finish kicking my ass at Scrabble.

You're a lawyer and can't win at Scrabble?

[Tadhg]

I'm helping! Hooray!

Well your and Jared's love odes to Portal did also help warm my cold cold Valve-hating heart.

[Agent Helix]

Are you planning on getting it for the PC or 360? If it's for the PC, honestly just buy Portal seperately, save yourself some money.

[Ed Cunard]

Well, then why do you live in Pennsylvania?

I came for the culture.

...

I was misinformed.

[Ed Cunard]

You're a lawyer and can't win at Scrabble?

Against me, even. My record is five wins, fourteen losses.

[Tadhg]

Are you planning on getting it for the PC or 360? If it's for the PC, honestly just buy Portal seperately, save yourself some money.

I also want Episode 2. For time spent, the two aren't probably worth 50, but what the hell, I'm affluent.

[Agent Helix]

I also want Episode 2. For time spent, the two aren't probably worth 50, but what the hell, I'm affluent.

Well, considering how short single player games are getting these days, you could do worse than 10 hours for 50 bucks.

[Justin D.]

You're a lawyer and can't win at Scrabble?

I'm an editor, and I'm getting my ass kicked by just about everyone. Hey, if you want to feel good about yourself, play me in Scrabble.

[Ed Cunard]

Have someone teach you the strategy. It's helped me a lot.

[Matt Algren]

You know what's awesome? When you have a big project due and the entire network goes out for the entire fucking day. No email. No files. No phone numbers. No fax numbers.

What a great day!

[jessecuster3]

What does Deliverance have to do with it? That's the point. THE MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERANCE WITH BOOBS.

Ok, hmm lets evaluate this shall we....

Deliverance: 4 guys go on vacation canoeing on the river, where they are hounded and terrorized by locals.

The Descent: 4 girls go on vacation spelunking in caves, where they are hounded and terrorized by locals.



No, they have nothing in common at all, why would I think that?

[Agent Helix]

Never mind, Jesse.

[Puma]

You know what's awesome? When you have a big project due and the entire network goes out for the entire fucking day. No email. No files. No phone numbers. No fax numbers.

What a great day!

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128346821708593750yourproblemsar1.jpg

[jessecuster3]

Never mind, Jesse.

Hey, last I checked you were the one shouting at me, I don't see Jared or Justin getting all worked up over it. A discussion can be just that sometimes, you know.

[Agent Helix]

I'm not worked up over anything.

Your argument is simplistic and completely reductionist, and I'm not going to try to hammer a nail into concrete anymore.

[howyadoin]

I'm sure that sentence makes sense to someone.Not I.

Deliverance with boobs sounds ok.Deliverance had boobs.

The sad part was, they were Ned Beatty's.

[Tadhg]

You know what's awesome? When you have a big project due and the entire network goes out for the entire fucking day. No email. No files. No phone numbers. No fax numbers.

What a great day!

Sorry. That was my fault. I accidentally rewrote the Router's Operating System and installed Galaga on top of it.

[Agent Helix]

Sorry. That was my fault. I accidentally rewrote the Router's Operating System and installed Galaga on top of it.

Yeah, but Galaga's fuckin' awesome.

[howyadoin]

Morning people.

Apparently I am the only one here who doesn't like horror flicks.I love them. I just wish more studios still knew how to make 'em.

[Tadhg]

Yeah, but Galaga's fuckin' awesome.

It is though it's no Stargate Defender.

[jessecuster3]

I'm not worked up over anything.

Your argument is simplistic and completely reductionist, and I'm not going to try to hammer a nail into concrete anymore.

I suppose your CAPS LOCK was broken?

What does Deliverance have to do with it? That's the point. THE MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERANCE WITH BOOBS.

Well, then explain me to me what you saw, that I supposedly missed, I really am curious and would consider revisiting the movie.

[Agent Helix]

It is though it's no Stargate Defender.

I'm not familiar with that one. Is that like regular old Defender?

[Agent Helix]

I suppose your CAPS LOCK was broken?



Well, then explain me to me what you saw, that I supposedly missed, I really am curious and would consider revisiting the movie.

It was for EMPHASIS, and no, I'm not going to explain it to you. I'm not going any further with this. For the second time: never mind.

[Tadhg]

I'm not familiar with that one. Is that like regular old Defender?

It's Defender 2. An episode of Newsradio had Dave obsessed with it.

[Matt Algren]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/10/128346821708593750yourproblemsar1.jpg
I sent that around to everybody here. But then I realized that we didn't have any fucking email.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Well your and Jared's love odes to Portal did also help warm my cold cold Valve-hating heart.

You hate Valve? Why?

[jessecuster3]

It's Defender 2. An episode of Newsradio had Dave obsessed with it.

I love that one.


Have you watched any of Big Bang Theory, yet?

[Puma]

http://static.dropline.net/cats/images/in-ur-ivory-towers.jpg

[Tadhg]

You hate Valve? Why?

They are soooooooooo slow.

[Agent Helix]

Better to be slow and produce spectacular games than to squirt out a new, mediocre one every year like most publishers.

[Justin D.]

Has anyone here read I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets: The Comics of Fletcher Hanks (http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Destroy-All-Civilized-Planets/dp/1560978392/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_58/002-2287883-0564854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0KNESGN4XGW85AAB45QW&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_p=258372101&pf_rd_i=list)? I'm adding stuff to my Amazon wish list and thinking about this one. It seems... well, wacky.

[howyadoin]

Oh, American Werewolf in London is spectacular.Absolutely.

I've never heard of SILVER BULLET.Only thing I remember from it is the "hee haw" joke.

Don't you mean American Werewolf in Paris? I thought London sucked by comparison.Heathen.

[Ray R.]

Deliverance had boobs.

The sad part was, they were Ned Beatty's.

He sure had a purty mouth, though.

[Ed Cunard]

Has anyone here read I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets: The Comics of Fletcher Hanks (http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Destroy-All-Civilized-Planets/dp/1560978392/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_58/002-2287883-0564854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0KNESGN4XGW85AAB45QW&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_p=258372101&pf_rd_i=list)? I'm adding stuff to my Amazon wish list and thinking about this one. It seems... well, wacky.

It's on my Amazon wishlist too, but I haven't read it.

[Tadhg]

Better to be slow and produce spectacular games than to squirt out a new, mediocre one every year like most publishers.

Oh I know. It's just waiting for the episodes has made me hate them. Of course, I hate everyone and everything except Chris Taylor. I love him.

[howyadoin]

He sure had a purty mouth, though.Soooo-eee!

[Ray R.]

Better to be slow and produce spectacular games than to squirt out a new, mediocre one every year like most publishers.

Thank you. Amen.

[Agent Helix]

Oh I know. It's just waiting for the episodes has made me hate them. Of course, I hate everyone and everything except Chris Taylor. I love him.

Do you see, Tadhg? This is me, giving you an internet flower. An internet flower of LOVE.

(> ^_^)>*

[Ray R.]

Soooo-eee!

Squeal for me, boy. I want to hear you squeal.

[Matt Algren]

http://static.dropline.net/cats/images/in-ur-ivory-towers.jpg
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress.com/2007/04/469758086_051b1dd752.jpg

[Ed Cunard]

Some friends of mine are convincing me to get BULLY.

Yes, I'm far behind the times in terms of games.

[Chris Nowlin]

I saw something cool today, possibly a bobcat. It was definitely a large feline of some kind. It darted across the path this morning. I had no idea we had such animals near me.

I thought about following it, but the chances of me finding it in the brush were unlikely, and it's not clear that my finding it would have ended well for me.

[howyadoin]

Some friends of mine are convincing me to get BULLY.

Yes, I'm far behind the times in terms of games.Have you discovered Pong yet? It's awesome.

[Jared_Humpherys]

Oh I know. It's just waiting for the episodes has made me hate them.

Ah, so the content is so good that the wait for it is unbearable.

I can excuse that sentiment.

[Agent Helix]

Some friends of mine are convincing me to get BULLY.

Yes, I'm far behind the times in terms of games.

Bully's fun. It's worth picking up, and you can probably get it cheap now.

[HomerJay]

I love them. I just wish more studios still knew how to make 'em.
Amen to that.
He sure had a purty mouth, though.
To be accurate that statement was made to/at Jon Voight. Which is ironic when you consider his offspring who indeed has a purty mouth.

[jessecuster3]

That does remind me of an interesting question, do you think the '70s were the best era of filmmaking?

I mean, George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, etc. changed the landscape of motion pictures more than any other era since at least the '40's.

[Michael P]

So apparently some guy got arrested a few years ago because he and his friends were just standing and talking on the corner of 42nd and 7th, blocking pedestrians.

Now, I'm against police abusing their power, but boy do I find it hard to sympathize with this guy. I wouldn't mind at all if the cops started handing out tickets to the slack-jawed yo-yos who keep blocking the damn crosswalk when I'm trying to cross the street.

[HomerJay]

That does remind me of an interesting question, do you think the '70s were the best era of filmmaking?
It was certainly the most innovative until the indy boom of the early 90's.

[Tadhg]

Do you see, Tadhg? This is me, giving you an internet flower. An internet flower of LOVE.

(> ^_^)>*

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful Internerd friendship.

[Agent Helix]

You can get arrested for loitering. It's a crime, and sometimes the cops don't look the other way on it. Like when it's obstructing pedestrian traffic, which can lead to hazardous conditions. (Okay, maybe that's pushing it a little, but still.) That's not really an abuse of power. I mean, they'll probably only spend a night in jail and get a fine.

[howyadoin]

That does remind me of an interesting question, do you think the '70s were the best era of filmmaking?I wouldn't have a problem with that statement. Especially when it comes to movies with endings that weren't determined by focus groups.

[Ed Cunard]

I think this is the beginning of a beautiful Internerd friendship.

Dum da dum da dum da DUM da da, dum da da DA da daaa...

[howyadoin]

So apparently some guy got arrested a few years ago because he and his friends were just standing and talking on the corner of 42nd and 7th, blocking pedestrians.The solution's pretty simple - don't block the goddamn pedestrians.

[Tadhg]

Some friends of mine are convincing me to get BULLY.

Yes, I'm far behind the times in terms of games.

You should also get Ico and Psychonauts if you can find them.

[JeffreyWKramer]

That does remind me of an interesting question, do you think the '70s were the best era of filmmaking?

I mean, George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, etc. changed the landscape of motion pictures more than any other era since at least the '40's.

I think one can certainly make a good argument in favor of this POV. Myself, I'm not sure I would go so far as to call the '70s the "best" era in filmmaking, but it was certainly the first - and last - time so many films have been daring and original, and actually about something more than commercial entertainment.

[thespianphryne]

So apparently some guy got arrested a few years ago because he and his friends were just standing and talking on the corner of 42nd and 7th, blocking pedestrians.

Now, I'm against police abusing their power, but boy do I find it hard to sympathize with this guy. I wouldn't mind at all if the cops started handing out tickets to the slack-jawed yo-yos who keep blocking the damn crosswalk when I'm trying to cross the street.

You know what I hate? Sense deficient morons who have cell-phone conversations on the subway entrance stairs. Streams of people trying to get to their trains and they just stand there on the stairs, talking.


-Das

[Ray R.]

That does remind me of an interesting question, do you think the '70s were the best era of filmmaking?

I mean, George Lucas, Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Woody Allen, etc. changed the landscape of motion pictures more than any other era since at least the '40's.

Yes. 40's followed by 70's. I'd go 60s next, then 30s, then 80s, then 50s, then 90s. 00s aren't making the top 5 so far....



CGI killed the cinema star.

[howyadoin]

You know what I hate? Sense deficient morons who have cell-phone conversations on the subway entrance stairs. Streams of people trying to get to their trains and they just stand there on the stairs, talking.On a related note, doorways and hallway intersections seem to be favourite gathering places for doofuses and douchebags, too.

[Ray R.]

So apparently some guy got arrested a few years ago because he and his friends were just standing and talking on the corner of 42nd and 7th, blocking pedestrians.

Now, I'm against police abusing their power, but boy do I find it hard to sympathize with this guy. I wouldn't mind at all if the cops started handing out tickets to the slack-jawed yo-yos who keep blocking the damn crosswalk when I'm trying to cross the street.

Tickets to the tourists with their thumbs up their asses blocking both sides of the Metro escalators might alleviate the problem somewhat here in D.C. as well.

STAND TO THE RIGHT, CLETUS.

[Matt Algren]

You know what I hate? Sense deficient morons who have cell-phone conversations on the subway entrance stairs. Streams of people trying to get to their trains and they just stand there on the stairs, talking.


-Das
"What're you doin'?"

I hate that.

[howyadoin]

STAND TO THE RIGHT, CLETUS.Apparently that rule isn't too well known in Vancouver.

[Ed Cunard]

Yes. 40's followed by 70's. I'd go 60s next, then 30s, then 80s, then 50s, then 90s. 00s aren't making the top 5 so far....


Don't forget the '10s--the movement from shorts to longer films, the movement from actualities to narratives... a lot of big stuff happened then.

[jessecuster3]

I wouldn't have a problem with that statement. Especially when it comes to movies with endings that weren't determined by focus groups.

Oh yeah, they took tons of chances, hell, Polanski and Kubrick both made their marks.

[Ray R.]

Don't forget the '10s--the movement from shorts to longer films, the movement from actualities to narratives... a lot of big stuff happened then.

Right. My experience is limited to only a few films though. I've seen a pretty good number from all the other decades.

Where might you rank the '20s and '10s (as well as your list of the decades)?

[thespianphryne]

"What're you doin'?"

I hate that.

Once there was this young woman who insisted on having an entire conversation about these sexy heels she bought at Macy's and oh my god this really cute shirt she found at H&M. 5:45pm. Herald Square. The 33rd street entrance to the MTA and the PATH. This conversation was so vital she stood there for more than three minutes talking about her cute shirt or whatever. Until this huge guy bumps into her and asks her to get the fuck out the way, bitch. And then she clambers out of the way and proceed to bitch to her girlfriend about how rude some guy was to her for no reason.


-Das

[HomerJay]

Speaking of 70s filmmaking, Francis Ford Coppola is ironically calling out DeNiro, Pacino and Nicholson for their "laziness":

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20071018/ap_en_mo/people_francis_ford_coppola_3

He's absolutely right, but talk about hypocritical.

[jessecuster3]

Yes. 40's followed by 70's. I'd go 60s next, then 30s, then 80s, then 50s, then 90s. 00s aren't making the top 5 so far....



CGI killed the cinema star.

I am surprised you put the '50s where you did. But do you think this is a result of the McCarthyism?

Also, science fiction film really came into its own in the '50s.

[i_mmmchocolate]

Don't ask me why, but I'm going to make 100% homemade pumpkin pie this weekend- as in no canned pumpkin. I found a pretty good recipe just now.

[HomerJay]

As far as themed desserts go, pumpkin comes in a very close second to apple for me.

[Justin D.]

Here are a couple more books I'm looking at on Amazon for a wish list:

The Littlest Hitler by Ryan Boudinot
Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis

Anyone read those?

Also, just for shits and giggles, here's a link to my Amazon wish list (http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/wishlist/2JD2N04743FFH/002-2287883-0564854?reveal=unpurchased&filter=all&sort=title&layout=standard&x=8&y=13).

[Ed Cunard]

Right. My experience is limited to only a few films though. I've seen a pretty good number from all the other decades.

Where might you rank the '20s and '10s (as well as your list of the decades)?

I'm not sure. It's an interesting exercise, though.

[Ray R.]

Oh yeah, they took tons of chances, hell, Polanski and Kubrick both made their marks.

Kubrick was a good director in the sixties as well (and did Paths of Glory in '57).

Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove and 2001 were all sixties films.

I generally agree though.

Others you haven't mentioned are Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Hal Ashby, William Friedkin, Stephen Spielberg (Duel, Jaws), John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Brian DePalma (Carrie).....

[Puma]

Don't ask me why, but I'm going to make 100% homemade pumpkin pie this weekend- as in no canned pumpkin. I found a pretty good recipe just now.

I've never done that; let's us know how it turns out.


anyone here know how to knit?

[i_mmmchocolate]

I've never done that; let's us know how it turns out.
No prob. I'll take a photo of it, too.

[Matt Algren]

As far as themed desserts go, pumpkin comes in a very close second to apple for me.
Pumpkin is ALWAYS first for me. Mom didn't make any last year, and I just about cried.

[Spike-X]

Speaking of 70s films, I finally watched Dog Day Afternoon the other night.

[thespianphryne]

Apple pie with a little sharp aged cheddar kneaded into the crust.

And a nice tawny port, if you like that sort of thing.


-Das

[Paul McEnery]

I think one can certainly make a good argument in favor of this POV. Myself, I'm not sure I would go so far as to call the '70s the "best" era in filmmaking, but it was certainly the first - and last - time so many films have been daring and original, and actually about something more than commercial entertainment.

*ahem*

French New Wave.

To mention just the one.

[jessecuster3]

Kubrick was a good director in the sixties as well (and did Paths of Glory in '57).

Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove and 2001 were all sixties films.

I generally agree though.

Others you haven't mentioned are Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Hal Ashby, William Friedkin, Stephen Spielberg (Duel, Jaws), John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Brian DePalma (Carrie).....

I mentioned Scorsese, and Speilberg when I first posed the question. I would never mention Brian DePalma, he is a hack.

Kubrick had Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon in the 70's, The Shining was 1980, like Raging Bull, but I consider those '70's.

But yeah, we could rattle off great movies and their directors from the '70s all day.

While I agree about the 40's for the most part, I don't think there was as wide a range of actors and directors as there was in the 70's.

[HomerJay]

Others you haven't mentioned are Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Hal Ashby, William Friedkin, Stephen Spielberg (Duel, Jaws), John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Brian DePalma (Carrie).....
I'd put Michael Cimino in there too.
Pumpkin is ALWAYS first for me. Mom didn't make any last year, and I just about cried.
My mom makes THREE different pumpkin desserts for Thanksgiving: standard pumpkin pie, pumpkin cake (with cream cheese frosting) and pumpkin torte (a layer of pumpkin, layer of cream cheese, with a sugary graham cracker crust).

Sadly, I'm married to a woman who hates pumpkin, so she rarely makes anything like that. I'm forced to settle for her pumpkin-sized breasts.

[Spike-X]

You know what I hate? Sense deficient morons who have cell-phone conversations on the subway entrance stairs. Streams of people trying to get to their trains and they just stand there on the stairs, talking.


-Das
They must be related to the people who get through the turnstile to enter the supermarket, then just stand there, wondering which aisle to head to first. Because it's not like there's anybody behind them, also trying to get in.

And they would, I'm sure, be distant cousins to the folks who love to stop for a chat in the middle of the path while walking their dogs down by the river, and who act all startled and shit when I have to swerve off the path to go around them on my bike.

[Paul McEnery]

Apparently that rule isn't too well known in Vancouver.
Regretably, the solution is not fire.

They don't really get up a good blaze until they're already off the escalator.

The way I look at it, anyone who ever goes out in public should be shown the escalator scene from Total Recall.

[Ray R.]

I am surprised you put the '50s where you did. But do you think this is a result of the McCarthyism?

Also, science fiction film really came into its own in the '50s.

Have you heard of the Hays Code? Also known as the "Production Code?" It's heyday was in the 50s before TV was a real threat for asses in the seats.

The official code was:

1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin.

2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented.

3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.

"Some Like it Hot," which Billy Wilder made, and which many consider one of the best comedies of all time, was released without the Production Code certificate of approval.

There were lots of good movies produced in the fifties, from "The Searchers", to "Seven Samurai" to "Vertigo" but the Hays Code emasculated lots of good directors.

[Paul McEnery]

Kubrick was a good director in the sixties as well (and did Paths of Glory in '57).

Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove and 2001 were all sixties films.

I generally agree though.

Others you haven't mentioned are Martin Scorsese, Robert Altman, Hal Ashby, William Friedkin, Stephen Spielberg (Duel, Jaws), John Carpenter, Wes Craven, and Brian DePalma (Carrie).....

It's interesting that this is being thought of as America's "art movie" phase, when really what you've got is American directors directly taking French directors' ideas and commercializing them.

Gets a bit obvious when you call your movie The French Connection, though.

[Paul McEnery]

I mentioned Scorsese, and Speilberg when I first posed the question. I would never mention Brian DePalma, he is a hack.

You don't get to be the worst director of all time ever by just being a hack. That takes talent.

[K'Nort]

I'm REALLY, REALLY looking forward to Frank Darabont's adaptation of Stephen King's THE MIST this November too.

Is that the one with a decent chunk set in a grocery store?


Apparently I am the only one here who doesn't like horror flicks.

I don't either. That's why I have no useful recommendations. I went through a phase from about age 10-13 of reading a lot of horror (and then permanently lost interest) but I've never enjoyed watching it.


There was a Doctor Who episode called "Blink" that was BRILLIANT suspense.

We've started watching Dr. Who. From the very beginning. It should take a while.

[Ray R.]

I mentioned Scorsese, and Speilberg when I first posed the question. I would never mention Brian DePalma, he is a hack.

We'll disagree on DePalma. Flawed, yes. Hack? Absolutely not.

Kubrick had Clockwork Orange and Barry Lyndon in the 70's, The Shining was 1980, like Raging Bull, but I consider those '70's.

Spartacus, Lolita, Dr. Strangelove and 2001 all are superior to Barry Lyndon and The Shining. Clockwork Orange and Full Metal Jacket are comparable but not superior to Kubrick's sixties films. He was NOT a trend-setting seventies director. He was setting trends before most of them got out of film school.

But yeah, we could rattle off great movies and their directors from the '70s all day.

While I agree about the 40's for the most part, I don't think there was as wide a range of actors and directors as there was in the 70's.

We could rattle them off. Some more then others.

The very late thirties and all through the forties in terms of overall advancement in technique, story-telling, acting craft, motion picture technology, and the overall studio system of producing movies can't be matched. It was the golden age.

[jessecuster3]

Have you heard of the Hays Code? Also known as the "Production Code?" It's heyday was in the 50s before TV was a real threat for asses in the seats.

The official code was:

1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin.

2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented.

3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.

"Some Like it Hot," which Billy Wilder made, and which many consider one of the best comedies of all time, was released without the Production Code certificate of approval.

There were lots of good movies produced in the fifties, from "The Searchers", to "Seven Samurai" to "Vertigo" but the Hays Code emasculated lots of good directors.

Oh yeah, I know all about it, that's why the subversion in science fiction took off the way it did. A lot of Sci Fi in the 50's was also inspired by the Avant Garde from the 40's, from Kenneth Anger and Maya Deren and others.

[Tadhg]

That takes talent.

Snake Eyes would disagree with you.

[Ed Cunard]

Pumpkin is ALWAYS first for me. Mom didn't make any last year, and I just about cried.

I've never acquired the taste for pumpkin pie.

Have you heard of the Hays Code? Also known as the "Production Code?" It's heyday was in the 50s before TV was a real threat for asses in the seats.

The official code was:

1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it. Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin.

2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented.

3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.

"Some Like it Hot," which Billy Wilder made, and which many consider one of the best comedies of all time, was released without the Production Code certificate of approval.

There were lots of good movies produced in the fifties, from "The Searchers", to "Seven Samurai" to "Vertigo" but the Hays Code emasculated lots of good directors.

I'm oddly fond of the Hay's Code. While it did make certain things difficult to film, some filmmakers found ways around it, and I appreciate the subtlety they used to do it.

[K'Nort]

What does Deliverance have to do with it? That's the point. THE MOVIE IS NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DELIVERANCE WITH BOOBS.

This is one of those areas where the internet has made it harder to have conversations about films. You always had some people who read up on movies ahead of time in magazines, but they weren't as prevalent.

If all you saw of the film ahead of time was trailers on tv or at the movies, yes, it was totally marketed as Deliverance with boobs. That was the impression I got too. It wasn't until the reviews came out that I knew there were mutants or whatever. But it's so common to find all the extra data online, that people forget that not everyone is gathering the same info that they are.

A lot of people had the wrong impression of From Dusk 'Til Dawn going into it too. It didn't make them morons. It was based on deliberately vague advertising. Which is also not a bad thing.

Not everyone reads all the same stuff.

Thank god.


Has anyone here read I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets: The Comics of Fletcher Hanks (http://www.amazon.com/Shall-Destroy-All-Civilized-Planets/dp/1560978392/ref=pd_ys_ir_all_58/002-2287883-0564854?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0KNESGN4XGW85AAB45QW&pf_rd_t=1501&pf_rd_p=258372101&pf_rd_i=list)? I'm adding stuff to my Amazon wish list and thinking about this one. It seems... well, wacky.

I keep seeing interesting things about it but haven't come across a 'real person' who has read it.


anyone here know how to knit?

No, although half my library school class got into it towards the end. My mother has also revived her interest so I get plenty of stuff via her.


Speaking of 70s films, I finally watched Dog Day Afternoon the other night.

I liked that. It was stranger than I was expecting.

[jessecuster3]

We'll disagree on DePalma. Flawed, yes. Hack? Absolutely not.


Oh geez, he never met a shot that Hitchcock didn't find first.

[Ray R.]

It's interesting that this is being thought of as America's "art movie" phase, when really what you've got is American directors directly taking French directors' ideas and commercializing them.

Gets a bit obvious when you call your movie The French Connection, though.

Easy, tiger.

Yes, there is influence from Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut and other French New Wave, but the direct rip-off is definitely overstated.

And weren't the French ripping off the Italian neorealists anyway?

And if I remember correctly, the French New Wave directors lauded John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks and other non-traditional American and Brit directors as influences as well.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[K'Nort]

Speaking of newish books, has anyone (I'm thinking the NYC crowd is most likely) read Maynard & Jennica?

[Ed Cunard]

We've started watching Dr. Who. From the very beginning. It should take a while.

The beginning-beginning, or the newer ones that have been airing on sci-fi?

[Ray R.]

Oh geez, he never met a shot that Hitchcock didn't find first.

And?

I like Scarface. I like Body Double. I like Carrie. So, I guess I have bad taste.

I don't give a shit if he copied Psycho shot for shot. (Oh yeah, that was Gus Van Sant....it's been done....sorry)

[howyadoin]

Is that the one with a decent chunk set in a grocery store?Yup, that's the one.

I've never acquired the taste for pumpkin pie.Ditto. Nasty stuff.

Easy, tiger.

Yes, there is influence from Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut and other French New Wave, but the direct rip-off is definitely overstated.

And weren't the French ripping off the Italian neorealists anyway?And then there's spaghetti Westerns...

[K'Nort]

The beginning-beginning, or the newer ones that have been airing on sci-fi?

The stuff that aired in 1963.

[Ray R.]

Oh yeah, I know all about it, that's why the subversion in science fiction took off the way it did. A lot of Sci Fi in the 50's was also inspired by the Avant Garde from the 40's, from Kenneth Anger and Maya Deren and others.

And 98% of 50s SciFi deserved MST 3000 treatment.

The other 2% like The Day the Earth Stood Still and Invasion of the Body Snatchers rocked.

I stand by my rankings.

[HomerJay]

Is that the one with a decent chunk set in a grocery store?
Yup.
Think NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD with the survivors pinned down in a small-town grocery store with weird-ass mutant monsters instead of zombies. What makes it work is the realistic ways the characters try to "deal with" the problem and like NOTLD, the problem is never adequately explained outside of rumors and speculation by the characters.

[Paul McEnery]

Easy, tiger.

Yes, there is influence from Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut and other French New Wave, but the direct rip-off is definitely overstated.

And weren't the French ripping off the Italian neorealists anyway?

And if I remember correctly, the French New Wave directors lauded John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks and other non-traditional American and Brit directors as influences as well.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Did I say rip-off?

And I reckon the greatest influence on the French New Wave was indeed American directors, absolutely. Never underestimate the French love for American culture.

Not that the French were the first to overintellectualize the medium. Good god, no. You should try reading (hell, watching) Dziga Vertov's stuff, or a lot of the Russian work that came out early in the revolution before Stalin stomped all over it.

Then again, the French were in pretty early with Surrealist movies, which, last time I looked, predated Coppola by a year or two.

[Tadhg]

The stuff that aired in 1963.

I'd stay away from the Lost in Time DVDs. They're the incomplete stories due to missing episodes, not really new viewer friendly.

[HomerJay]

Easy, tiger.

Yes, there is influence from Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut and other French New Wave, but the direct rip-off is definitely overstated.

And weren't the French ripping off the Italian neorealists anyway?

And if I remember correctly, the French New Wave directors lauded John Ford, Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks and other non-traditional American and Brit directors as influences as well.

Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
"If this is anyone but Steve Allen, you're stealing my bit!"
Krusty the Clown on the phone

[jessecuster3]

And?

I like Scarface. I like Body Double. I like Carrie. So, I guess I have bad taste.

I don't give a shit if he copied Psycho shot for shot. (Oh yeah, that was Gus Van Sant....it's been done....sorry)

I think his best movie was Untouchables, actually. Body Double and Dressed to Kill are such ripoffs of Hitchcock its ridiculous. And now I just read he is making a sequel to the Untouchables, are you fucking kidding me?

[Tadhg]

And now I just read he is making a sequel to the Untouchables, are you fucking kidding me?

Yes, they are kidding you. It's a prequel.

[Ed Cunard]

The stuff that aired in 1963.

What did you start with? I'd like to check out some of the old stuff--I never watched DOCTOR WHO until the new stuff.

[Tadhg]

What did you start with? I'd like to check out some of the old stuff--I never watched DOCTOR WHO until the new stuff.

Speaking of, ever get a chance to listen to Invaders from Mars

[Paul McEnery]

This is one of those areas where the internet has made it harder to have conversations about films. You always had some people who read up on movies ahead of time in magazines, but they weren't as prevalent.

If all you saw of the film ahead of time was trailers on tv or at the movies, yes, it was totally marketed as Deliverance with boobs. That was the impression I got too. It wasn't until the reviews came out that I knew there were mutants or whatever. But it's so common to find all the extra data online, that people forget that not everyone is gathering the same info that they are.

A lot of people had the wrong impression of From Dusk 'Til Dawn going into it too. It didn't make them morons. It was based on deliberately vague advertising. Which is also not a bad thing.

Not everyone reads all the same stuff.

Thank god.



Bat people! Bat people! Aargh! Holy living fuck! Bat people!

I'm glad I didn't know what was going to happen.

[Puma]

http://static.dropline.net/cats/images/darwin-award.jpg

[Paul McEnery]

What did you start with? I'd like to check out some of the old stuff--I never watched DOCTOR WHO until the new stuff.

I am older than Doctor Who.

I am older than Dr. Strange.

I am older than Hippocrates hissone self.

Fuck.

[Matt Algren]

I've never acquired the taste for pumpkin pie.Mi madre has a special recipe. It's delectable.

[Tadhg]

I am older than Doctor Who.

I am older than Dr. Strange.

I am older than Hippocrates hissone self.

Fuck.

You're older than Dr. Who? That's Fup.

[Ed Cunard]

Speaking of, ever get a chance to listen to Invaders from Mars

Oh, that's right. I did. I kind of loved it, what with the WAR OF THE WORLDS vibe.

[Ray R.]

Did I say rip-off?

You said this: "directly taking French directors' ideas and commercializing them." Ergo, rip-off. That's hardly putting words in your mouth.

And I reckon the greatest influence on the French New Wave was indeed American directors, absolutely. Never underestimate the French love for American culture.

Not that the French were the first to overintellectualize the medium. Good god, no. You should try reading (hell, watching) Dziga Vertov's stuff, or a lot of the Russian work that came out early in the revolution before Stalin stomped all over it.

I've seen Eisenstein's "Battleship Potemkin" which is genius, and Aleksander Nevsky (which came in the forties). Not much beyond that.

Then again, the French were in pretty early with Surrealist movies, which, last time I looked, predated Coppola by a year or two.

Well, they were probably working with Luis Bunuel, who had been doing Surrealist movies in Spain, long before that.

[Paul McEnery]

Oh geez, he never met a shot that Hitchcock didn't find first.

Yes, but it's impressive the way he uses the same idea but manages to drain out all the suspense before pumping in the embalming fluid of contempt.

[Paul McEnery]

You said this: "directly taking French directors' ideas and commercializing them." Ergo, rip-off. That's hardly putting words in your mouth.

Jesus fucking Christ you people can be oversensitive.

Fine. In your head, that's just FREE! THEFT! HOW DARE YOU! So never ever watch any of their films again.

In my head, that's just transferring ideas to a different arena.

[Tadhg]

Oh, that's right. I did. I kind of loved it, what with the WAR OF THE WORLDS vibe.


I know the Whispers one was scratched, but if you find ...Ish, you'll probably dig the concept of that one even more, though the execution is a little flat.

[Paul McEnery]

Well, they were probably working with Luis Bunuel, who had been doing Surrealist movies in Spain, long before that.

Bitch.

Yes. Spanish.

[Paul McEnery]

You're older than Dr. Who? That's Fup.

I'm pretty certain that unless I was snoozing in the cot that I watched the first episode live.

I certainly saw the first movie in the theaters. Cruelty. No sofa to hide behind.

[Ray R.]

I think his best movie was Untouchables, actually. Body Double and Dressed to Kill are such ripoffs of Hitchcock its ridiculous. And now I just read he is making a sequel to the Untouchables, are you fucking kidding me?

I hated Untouchables. The direct ripoff of the Odessa Steps sequence from Battleship Potemkin made me want to puke. And Costner can't act his way out of a paper bag, which is even harder when Sean Connery chews scenery like a starving goat.

What's the sequel to Untouchables? The part where Capone gets syphillis in prison and dies?

Again, you want to compare Lucas pre-CGI and post-CGI era? Should we get into Michael Bay? You like who you like, I'll like who I like.

[K'Nort]

What did you start with? I'd like to check out some of the old stuff--I never watched DOCTOR WHO until the new stuff.

This is what we're watching : http://www.amazon.com/Doctor-Who-Collection-William-Hartnell/dp/B000CNESV2



And I agree with the Untouchables dislike.

[Tadhg]

I'm pretty certain that unless I was snoozing in the cot that I watched the first episode live.

I certainly saw the first movie in the theaters. Cruelty. No sofa to hide behind.

The Doctor was playing Cricket when I was in my crib. Just to make you feel older.

[Ed Cunard]

What's the sequel to Untouchables? The part where Capone gets syphillis in prison and dies?


I thought he had syphillis before prison.

But that would be an awesome movie. Maybe it would work as a musical.

How'd I get into this dreary mess?
Crime stopped me from being bored.
I wish I were fighting Eliot Ness
and not the infection in my spinal chord.

[Slam_Bradley]

And I agree with the Untouchables dislike.


I like The Untouchables in spite of what it is rather than because of what it is.

[Ray R.]

I thought he had syphillis before prison.

Well, it was Chicago.

But that would be an awesome movie. Maybe it would work as a musical.

How'd I get into this dreary mess?
Crime stopped me from being bored.
I wish I were fighting Eliot Ness
and not the infection in my spinal chord.

Dude. No.

[Ray R.]

I like The Untouchables in spite of what it is rather than because of what it is.

That's how I feel about "The Fish that Saved Pittsburgh" and anything to do with Ron Howard.

[Matt Algren]

I'm too white for free legal aid. Rock on!

[Ray R.]

I'm too white for free legal aid. Rock on!

We legal types here on CBR got together and kind of put our foot down. Sorry about that.

You're much too white.

[Tadhg]

For Ed:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/ManchesterTrix/PA160058.jpg

[Matt Algren]

We legal types here on CBR got together and kind of put our foot down. Sorry about that.

You're much too white.
I didn't mention the gay thing. It's gonna be awesome to finally be a minority, but I thought it was a bit soon.

[Paul McEnery]

I didn't mention the gay thing. It's gonna be awesome to finally be a minority, but I thought it was a bit soon.

Someone needs to explain this to all the anti-immigration freaks. As soon as all the white people are swamped, they'll get to be whiny minority victims.

Instead of just playing them on TV.

[Slam_Bradley]

I think you're being a little hard on the 50s, Ray. Not necessarily disagreeing with your placement of the decade, but there were a lot of American directors that were doing pretty high quality and cutting edge work within the strictures of the Hayes Code. And I'm only talking about American directors because I'm very unqualified to talk about foreign directors.

Billy Wilder brought noir to its zenith with Sunset Boulevard and Ace in the Hole.

John Ford took the western as far as it would go until Sergio Leone came along.

Don Siegel got more out of a stipped down budget than most directors with 10 times as much money and was a huge influence on Pekinpah, Cassevetes and Eastwood.

There was an awful lot of impressive stuff happening.

[darkhanamaru]

Someone needs to explain this to all the anti-immigration freaks. As soon as all the white people are swamped, they'll get to be whiny minority victims.

Instead of just playing them on TV.

"But it's America Paul and it looks just like it does on tv"


what the fuck does white mean anyway? i mean ray isn't white. he grew up in the tri-state area outside of the east side gold coast didn't he?

[Justin D.]

I'm having the most awesome conversation with a 9/11 conspiracy theorist on MySpace, and I'm tempted to put up on the board as a thread because it embodies so much internet/extremist/looney awesomeness.

[thespianphryne]

Someone needs to explain this to all the anti-immigration freaks. As soon as all the white people are swamped, they'll get to be whiny minority victims.

Instead of just playing them on TV.

This was the immigration handbook handed out as late as 1993. Pay special attention to item #4 under PROBLEMS.

ETA: I've always been curious about #24, which was so bad it was repealed.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m262/phryneateleusis/CBR/PROBLEMS.jpg

[Slam_Bradley]

This was the immigration handbook handed out as late as 1993. Pay special attention to item #4 under PROBLEMS.

ETA: I've always been curious about #24, which was so bad it was repealed.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m262/phryneateleusis/CBR/PROBLEMS.jpg


Numbers 2, 5 and 8 would seem to preclude anyone from Ireland.

[Ray R.]

I think you're being a little hard on the 50s, Ray. Not necessarily disagreeing with your placement of the decade, but there were a lot of American directors that were doing pretty high quality and cutting edge work within the strictures of the Hayes Code. And I'm only talking about American directors because I'm very unqualified to talk about foreign directors.

Billy Wilder brought noir to its zenith with Sunset Boulevard and Ace in the Hole.

John Ford took the western as far as it would go until Sergio Leone came along.

Don Siegel got more out of a stipped down budget than most directors with 10 times as much money and was a huge influence on Pekinpah, Cassevetes and Eastwood.

There was an awful lot of impressive stuff happening.


You're right. It's kind of a tough intellectual exercise, as I really respect Wilder, Ford, Hitchcock and Siegel (who I tip my hat to you for basically re-introducing me to his films). And as Ed intimated, getting around the Hays Code in subtle ways takes more talent than just simulating a sex act. I may be grading too hard on a curve.

It's just in comparison where the fifties come up a bit short. I think it's hard to put them before the 40s, 70s, 60s or 30s in terms of overall breadth and width of quality of film and in terms of directorial or technological innovation. I might rank them ahead of the 80s, although I think the 80s, for comedy in particular, is underrated in terms of film.

[Ray R.]

what the fuck does white mean anyway? i mean ray isn't white. he grew up in the tri-state area outside of the east side gold coast didn't he?

We didn't have silver spoons, so my mom used a white plastic one when I was born.

Still can't get that taste out of my mouth. Wish she had washed it first.


Plus, I'm of Irish, Welsh and Italian ancestry. The African-Americans of Europe.

I'm sick of The Man keeping me down, dammit.

[jessecuster3]

I hated Untouchables. The direct ripoff of the Odessa Steps sequence from Battleship Potemkin made me want to puke. And Costner can't act his way out of a paper bag, which is even harder when Sean Connery chews scenery like a starving goat.

What's the sequel to Untouchables? The part where Capone gets syphillis in prison and dies?

Again, you want to compare Lucas pre-CGI and post-CGI era? Should we get into Michael Bay? You like who you like, I'll like who I like.

Ok apparently its a prequel, but either way to inhabit that world 20 years later is pretty much doomed from the start.

Oh I much prefer pre-CGI Lucas, but as for Bay, the first and only movie of his that I have liked is Transformers and that's more credit to the guys who made the robots than anything Bay added. You will NEVER hear me defend him.

But, I do not think Bay is anywhere in the same ballpark as DePalma, because Bay knows he is making drivel, DePalma wishes he was a REAL AUTEUR.

Lucas is a frigging genius, by the way. Yes, he can only write stories and not screenplays and maybe should only produce, but he singlehandedly revolutionized special effect in the movies. I mean, is there even an effects movie made that doesn't rely on ILM?

[Ray R.]

Numbers 2, 5 and 8 would seem to preclude anyone from Ireland.

I think 1 through 30 apply to ANYONE from Cuba.

Miami would be a ghost town if they enforced that.

[Tadhg]

I mean, is there even an effects movie made that doesn't rely on ILM?

The ones that rely on WETA or Sony Imageworks

[darkhanamaru]

I think 1 through 30 apply to ANYONE from Cuba.

Miami would be a ghost town if they enforced that.

sometimes all you need is a boat and relatives with a political action committee...


i recently read an article that indians in california were studying jewish PACs so they could learn how to advocate for India the same way the jewsih lobby in america advocates for Israel. Very smart.

[Slam_Bradley]

You're right. It's kind of a tough intellectual exercise, as I really respect Wilder, Ford, Hitchcock and Siegel (who I tip my hat to you for basically re-introducing me to his films). And as Ed intimated, getting around the Hays Code in subtle ways takes more talent than just simulating a sex act. I may be grading too hard on a curve.

It's just in comparison where the fifties come up a bit short. I think it's hard to put them before the 40s, 70s, 60s or 30s in terms of overall breadth and width of quality of film and in terms of directorial or technological innovation. I might rank them ahead of the 80s, although I think the 80s, for comedy in particular, is underrated in terms of film.


Totally understand. And as an intellectual exercise I really haven't sat down and thought about how I'd rank the decades. And I could be knee-jerking, because an awful lot of my favorite films (The Searchers, Invasion of the Body Snatchers) and favorite directors (Ford, Siegel, Wilder, Hawks) are from that time.

But what do I know. I think Paths of Glory is Kubrick's best work.

[darkhanamaru]

ack, some Bombs went off near Bhutto, missing her but killing 100s. couldn't even wait a day...

[jessecuster3]

The ones that rely on WETA or Sony Imageworks

Well that's only in the last 6 or 7 years. And they are all still using Skywalker Sound, as well.

[Ray R.]

Oh I much prefer pre-CGI Lucas, but as for Bay, the first and only movie of his that I have liked is Transformers and that's more credit to the guys who made the robots than anything Bay added. You will NEVER hear me defend him.

But, I do not think Bay is anywhere in the same ballpark as DePalma, because Bay knows he is making drivel, DePalma wishes he was a REAL AUTEUR.

Really, Bay knows he is making drivel? Are you sure about that? He went to the same university I did (a small liberal arts college) and as far as I know he sure hasn't said anything to that effect on campus. He is seen as an AUTEUR.

Lucas is a frigging genius, by the way. Yes, he can only write stories and not screenplays and maybe should only produce, but he singlehandedly revolutionized special effect in the movies. I mean, is there even an effects movie made that doesn't rely on ILM?

You can look at that two ways, you know. That special effects may have set movies back a bit.....

[thespianphryne]

[...]

i recently read an article that indians in california were studying jewish PACs so they could learn how to advocate for India the same way the jewsih lobby in america advocates for Israel. Very smart.

Resist them. Resist.

I mean... the reason I came to the US is to get away from other Indians.


-Das

[Ray R.]

sometimes all you need is a boat and relatives with a political action committee...


i recently read an article that indians in california were studying jewish PACs so they could learn how to advocate for India the same way the jewsih lobby in america advocates for Israel. Very smart.

Absolutely. Power is not given willingly, power is taken or bought. That's Political Science 101.

[Royal]

What's up everyone.

[darkhanamaru]

What's up everyone.

royal, who is your avatar? I think I know who it is but not sure.

[Slam_Bradley]

Resist them. Resist.

I mean... the reason I came to the US is to get away from other Indians.


-Das


We should only let in the hot Indian wimmens.

[Ray R.]

But what do I know. I think Paths of Glory is Kubrick's best work.

Dr. Strangelove is my favorite. I don't know about best work overall. Paths of Glory ranks up there. I think it's one of the best anti-war war films ever made, though.

[thespianphryne]

This was the immigration handbook handed out as late as 1993. Pay special attention to item #4 under PROBLEMS.

ETA: I've always been curious about #24, which was so bad it was repealed.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m262/phryneateleusis/CBR/PROBLEMS.jpg

31. You have helped aliens enter the United states illegally.

32. You are a graduate of a medical school and are coming as an immigrant to practice medicine.

33. You were a Nazi and helped persecute people.

I've always wondered if the list was compiled in order of danger posed to the social fabric of the US.


-Das

[thespianphryne]

We should only let in the hot Indian wimmens.

The ones already here don't want the competition either.


-Das

[i_mmmchocolate]

I've never acquired the taste for pumpkin pie.
Ditto. Nasty stuff.

LOSERS. It's sooooooooo good, when made well.

Anywayz, more for me.

[Royal]

royal, who is your avatar? I think I know who it is but not sure.

It's Steve Biko. Anti-Apartide Activist

[jessecuster3]

Really, Bay knows he is making drivel? Are you sure about that? He went to the same university I did (a small liberal arts college) and as far as I know he sure hasn't said anything to that effect on campus. He is seen as an AUTEUR.
You can look at that two ways, you know. That special effects may have set movies back a bit.....

That kind of shocks me, because he is so freaking low-brow.



I can agree with you on the 2nd part.

[darkhanamaru]

It's Steve Biko. Anti-Apartide Activist

yay i was right~! woohoo Blatant Gold Star (BGS) for me!

[jessecuster3]

It's Steve Biko. Anti-Apartide Activist

Not to be nit-picky, but if he is influential to you, shouldn't you know its apartheid.

[darkhanamaru]

i miss tony wilson


and i wish i was at "in the city" next week :(

http://www.inthecity.co.uk/showscreen.php?site_id=30&screentype=site&screenid=30

[Royal]

Not to be nit-picky, but if he is influential to you, shouldn't you know its apartheid.

Yeah yeah. I always get it wrong.

Apartheid.

[Paul McEnery]

This was the immigration handbook handed out as late as 1993. Pay special attention to item #4 under PROBLEMS.

ETA: I've always been curious about #24, which was so bad it was repealed.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m262/phryneateleusis/CBR/PROBLEMS.jpg

Yip.

I had to swear I wasn't an anarchist or a communist to get in, too.

Then again, in order to become a priest, my Dad had to swear allegience to the Queen of England.

[jessecuster3]

i miss tony wilson


and i wish i was at "in the city" next week :(

http://www.inthecity.co.uk/showscreen.php?site_id=30&screentype=site&screenid=30

I love you. Or at least your taste in British music.

[Michael P]

You can get arrested for loitering. It's a crime, and sometimes the cops don't look the other way on it. Like when it's obstructing pedestrian traffic, which can lead to hazardous conditions. (Okay, maybe that's pushing it a little, but still.) That's not really an abuse of power. I mean, they'll probably only spend a night in jail and get a fine.

That's pretty much what happened. But the guy's fighting it (after having plead guilty), and he's taken it all the way to the State Supreme Court.

[jessecuster3]

Yeah yeah. I always get it wrong.

Apartheid.

Heh, I went to school with Tutu's daughter, I saw it around lots.

[i_mmmchocolate]

For the past couple of weeks, my mother has been working on a mosaic of an owl. It looks pretty good for someone with no artistic background.

[K'Nort]

I think 1 through 30 apply to ANYONE from Cuba.

Miami would be a ghost town if they enforced that.

sometimes all you need is a boat and relatives with a political action committee...

As an immigrant, my mother is legally barred from owning a boat.

She found that out when she remarried about 15 years ago and they were doing up their wills. They owned a sailboat at the time.


And I love how #11 specifies that polygamy is only bad if you're an immigrant.

[K'Nort]

I think you're being a little hard on the 50s, Ray. Not necessarily disagreeing with your placement of the decade, but there were a lot of American directors that were doing pretty high quality and cutting edge work within the strictures of the Hayes Code. And I'm only talking about American directors because I'm very unqualified to talk about foreign directors.

Billy Wilder brought noir to its zenith with Sunset Boulevard and Ace in the Hole.

Speaking of noir,

Ray/Slam: Have you seen Out of the Past? Just saw it a few weeks ago and it was very very good.

[Typo Lad]

So apparently some guy got arrested a few years ago because he and his friends were just standing and talking on the corner of 42nd and 7th, blocking pedestrians.

Now, I'm against police abusing their power, but boy do I find it hard to sympathize with this guy. I wouldn't mind at all if the cops started handing out tickets to the slack-jawed yo-yos who keep blocking the damn crosswalk when I'm trying to cross the street.

I'd taze the fuckers.

[Paul McEnery]

As an immigrant, my mother is legally barred from owning a boat.

She found that out when she remarried about 15 years ago and they were doing up their wills. They owned a sailboat at the time.


And I love how #11 specifies that polygamy is only bad if you're an immigrant.

Well, same with #28.

I figure it's protectionism. American anarchists and communists are rubbish.

[Paul McEnery]

I'd taze the fuckers.

You'd still have to step over them.

A disintegration beam, that's what you need.

[howyadoin]

Jesus fucking Christ you people can be oversensitive.

Fine. In your head, that's just FREE! THEFT! HOW DARE YOU! So never ever watch any of their films again.

In my head, that's just transferring ideas to a different arena.Y'know, you really only get to play the I'm-surprised-at-how-you-interpret-my-words card once, and I think we're well past that point.

Especially considering how often you deliberately word things provocatively.

[Paul McEnery]

Y'know, you really only get to play the I'm-surprised-at-how-you-interpret-my-words card once, and I think we're well past that point.

Especially considering how often you deliberately word things provocatively.

Well exactly. It's not tricky to spot when I'm being confrontational. And I'm pretty obviously not, here. Especially once I stressed the point.

Now, carry on.

[Slam_Bradley]

Speaking of noir,

Ray/Slam: Have you seen Out of the Past? Just saw it a few weeks ago and it was very very good.


Out of the Past is a classic. Easily a top twenty noir. Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas...what's not to love?

Jacques Tourneur, the director is probably somewhat better known for his horror films (Night of the Demon, Cat People, I Walked With a Zombie). But he did another pretty good noir in Nightfall. It's not up to the quality of Out of the Past, but it's good and it has a nice turn by a pretty young Anne Bancroft.

[Ray R.]

Speaking of noir,

Ray/Slam: Have you seen Out of the Past? Just saw it a few weeks ago and it was very very good.

Robert Mitchum, right? Great film noir. The dialogue and pacing just crackle. It's been years since I've seen it. Need to put that on the queue.

I really think Robert Mitchum may be my second or third favorite actor. Compare the two "Cape Fears" and honestly say that Mitchum doesn't blow DeNiro out of the water in menace and intensity.

[Ed Cunard]

For Ed:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b322/ManchesterTrix/PA160058.jpg

Awww. Is that the new little guy?

[Typo Lad]

Working on it.

My walk to the Port Authority takes me past MTV around the airtime of TRL.

It's a good thing they don't let me bring swords to work.

[K'Nort]

I really think Robert Mitchum may be my second or third favorite actor. Compare the two "Cape Fears" and honestly say that Mitchum doesn't blow DeNiro out of the water in menace and intensity.

Oh absolutely. Plus he can be funny. And he has style to spare.

[darkhanamaru]

I love you. Or at least your taste in British music.

i love you too jesse...


now go skate or die

[Slam_Bradley]

Robert Mitchum, right? Great film noir. The dialogue and pacing just crackle. It's been years since I've seen it. Need to put that on the queue.

I really think Robert Mitchum may be my second or third favorite actor. Compare the two "Cape Fears" and honestly say that Mitchum doesn't blow DeNiro out of the water in menace and intensity.


They had a Dick Cavett interview of Mitchum on TCM a while back. The guy was just a God-like figure of manhood.

DeNiro is just an actor.

[K'Nort]

http://www.cartoonbank.com/Assets/1/121068_m.gif

[jessecuster3]

Oh god I am going to take a really perverse pleasure listening to this:

VH1 Classic - Metalmania Stripped - Vol 1
===============================

1. Every Rose Has Its Thorn - POISON
2. Sister Christian - NIGHT RANGER (new)
3. Wind of Change - SCORPIONS
4. Don't Know What You've Got - CINDERELLA (new)
5. Silent Lucidity - QUEENSRYCHE
6. More Than Words - EXTREME
7. I Saw Red - WARRANT
8. The Way It Is - TESLA
9. Miles Away - WINGER
10. Ballad Of Jane - LA GUNS (new)
11. When Children Cry - WHITE LION (new)
12. When I Look Into Your Eyes - FIREHOUSE
13. Fly To The Angels - SLAUGHTER
14. More Than Words Can Say - ALIAS (new)
15. Save Your Love - GREAT WHITE (new)

VH1 Classic - Metalmania Stripped - Vol 2
===============================

1. Rock You Like A Hurricane - Scorpions
2. Here I Go Again - Whitesnake
3. Don't Tell Me You Love Me - Night Ranger
4. Talk Dirty To Me - Poison
5. Shake Me - Tom Keifer Of Cinderella With Fred Coury
6. Cherry Pie - Jani Lane, Formerly Of Warrant
7. Heaven's Trail (No Way Out) - Tesla
8. Round And Round - Stephen Pearcy, Formerly Of Ratt
9. Madelaine - Kip Winger
10. Into The Fire - Dokken
11. Smooth Up In Ya - Bullet Boys
12. (Can't Live Without Your) Love And Affection - Nelson
13. Sex Action - L.A. Guns
14. Don't Treat Me Bad - Firehouse
15. Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Great White

VH1 Classic - Metalmania Stripped - Vol 3
================================

1. Unskinny Bop- Poison
2. High Enough - Tommy Shaw Jack Blades of Night Ranger (New Recording)
3. Signs- Tesla
4. Headed For A Heartbreak -Winger (New Recording)
5. In My Dreams - Dokken
6. When I Look Into Your Eyes- Firehouse
7. Way Cool Jr. - RATT
8. Heaven -Jani Lane formerly of Warrnat (New Recording)
9. Turn Up The Radio -Autograph (New Recording)
10. Nobody's Fool - Tom Keifer of Cinderella (New Recording)
11. Don't Close Your Eyes -Kix (New Recording)
12. Just Take My Heart -Eric Martin of Mr. Big (New Recording)
13. The Killing Words -Queensryche
14. Up All Night- Slaughter
15. Balls To The Wall- Accept (New Recording)

[Michael P]

Christ. I think that's more power chords than the human body can physically withstand.

[K'Nort]

Oh god I am going to take a really perverse pleasure listening to this:

Some of those new recordings must have been really embarrassing to make.

[Slam_Bradley]

Some of those new recordings must have been really embarrassing to make.


Almost as embarrassing as listening to the original recordings.


It's like a bad nights cruising in 1988.

[Pól Rua]

"Frighteners."
the "Re-Animator" series.
"Necronomicon"(if you can find it)
"House on Haunted Hill"
"Horror in the Attic"
"From Beyond"

If you're looking for Lovecraft-style gear, I'd have to recommend John Carpenter's 'In the Mouth of Madness'.
Probably the most faithful Lovecraft adaption to screen, and not even adapted from one of his stories.
Plus Sam Neill vs Jurgen Prochnow! Wahey!

[Typo Lad]

I am suffering the rightious indignation of someone too stupid to tell that a web site I run is for the community, not one synagogue.

[K'Nort]

Almost as embarrassing as listening to the original recordings.


It's like a bad nights cruising in 1988.

I picture these paunchy balding guys attempting to rock out one more time.

[Typo Lad]

OH NOES! I am misleading.

Help me out people:

Does this look like it's for just one syangogue (http://www.pelhamparkway.org)?

[Pól Rua]

There was a Doctor Who episode called "Blink" that was BRILLIANT suspense.

Seconded. Glorious stuff, though I felt the execution of the ending was a bit of a let-down.

[Pól Rua]

Oh hi guys - just breezing through.

New column is up - check my siggie!!! =)

I spy someone in the latest Powers lettercol!

[Michael P]

I am suffering the rightious indignation of someone too stupid to tell that a web site I run is for the community, not one synagogue.

I've not been in that particular situation, but yes, stupidity and righteous indignation are an annoying combination.

[K'Nort]

Oh crap.

I somehow got confused at the c-store and thought of sarsaparilla as a variation on ginger ale instead of as a variation on root beer and I've just mixed it with bourbon.

I'm afraid to drink it.

[Pól Rua]

Steven Moffat is a brilliant writer. He's the guy that wrote Coupling. He also wrote "The Empty Child/The Doctor Dances" in Series 1 and "Girl in the Fireplace" in Series 2. He's writing 2 episodes for Series 4.

He also wrote a six-part update/sequel to Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde called 'Jekyll'.
The first 3 episodes are incredible, the last three are execrable.
Grr.

[howyadoin]

Oh god I am going to take a really perverse pleasure listening to this:I will never understand liking things ironically.

[Ed Cunard]

OH NOES! I am misleading.

Help me out people:

Does this look like it's for just one syangogue (http://www.pelhamparkway.org)?

Hmm. Let me check.

"...we have updated information on numerous synagogues..."

Yes. But only because I can't read.

[Ed Cunard]

I will never understand liking things ironically.

I don't think he likes them ironically.

But I don't get it, either. Every shitty thing I like, I like with an utter lack of irony.

[darkhanamaru]

OH NOES! I am misleading.

Help me out people:

Does this look like it's for just one syangogue (http://www.pelhamparkway.org)?

if pelham parkway was just one big SYNAGOGUE!

instead of a recently gentrifying neighbohood

[Slam_Bradley]

Oh crap.

I somehow got confused at the c-store and thought of sarsaparilla as a variation on ginger ale instead of as a variation on root beer and I've just mixed it with bourbon.

I'm afraid to drink it.


You have clearly blasphemed against the Bourbon Gods.

[Typo Lad]

if pelham parkway was just one big SYNAGOGUE!

instead of a recently gentrifying neighbohood
It's actually not gentrifying anymore. The proccess is starting to reverse.

[Matt Algren]

OH NOES! I am misleading.

Help me out people:

Does this look like it's for just one syangogue (http://www.pelhamparkway.org)?Jesus still loves you, Typo.

And there's an easy solution to this. Just get rid of the contact page and stop answering emails. Problem solved!

[darkhanamaru]

It's actually not gentrifying anymore. The proccess is starting to reverse.

really? why? bad economy?

[Pól Rua]

The solution's pretty simple - don't block the goddamn pedestrians.

And also fire.
*nodnod*

[darkhanamaru]

And also fire.
*nodnod*

what have you done lately with fire, fire munkey?

[Slam_Bradley]

And also fire.
*nodnod*


Burn the pedestrians.


It'd be like a Buddhist country.

[Michael P]

really? why? bad economy?

I bet it's the Jews.

[Ray R.]

Almost as embarrassing as listening to the original recordings.


It's like a bad nights cruising in 1988.

Pass the 40, dude.

[Typo Lad]

really? why? bad economy?

Jewish Flight, Mafia moving out and other gangs rivaling for turf.

[K'Nort]

I will never understand liking things ironically.

http://www.cartoonbank.com/Assets/1/123996_m.gif


Although in this case I think he meant more like guilty pleasure.

[Puma]

http://static.dropline.net/cats/images/maybe-some-other-time.jpg

[Matt Algren]

Hm, which Jason Statham movie should I watch first? Ideas?

[Ray R.]

Hm, which Jason Statham movie should I watch first? Ideas?

I'd go with "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels," followed by "Snatch."

Only things I've enjoyed him in, really. I think I fell asleep during separate viewings of "The Italian Job" and "The Transporter." Maybe I was just tired.

[Pól Rua]

OH NOES! I am misleading.

Help me out people:

Does this look like it's for just one syangogue (http://www.pelhamparkway.org)?

This sounds like a job for Cockpunching!

[Typo Lad]

This sounds like a job for Cockpunching!
I think she lacks a cock.

[Pól Rua]

Oh crap.

I somehow got confused at the c-store and thought of sarsaparilla as a variation on ginger ale instead of as a variation on root beer and I've just mixed it with bourbon.

I'm afraid to drink it.

Do It!
You might get superpowers!

[howyadoin]

Although in this case I think he meant more like guilty pleasure.To be honest, I don't really get that, either. If you genuinely enjoy it, then where's the guilt coming from?

[K'Nort]

To be honest, I don't really get that, either. If you genuinely enjoy it, then where's the guilt coming from?

Rita's, usually.