Well, dear readers, once again I must write these here notes in a hurry because she of the Evil Eye will be here all too soon and I shall have to hit the road, Jack, although I will come back. Why is Jack always hitting the road? What did the road ever do to Jack to deserve such treatment, that’s what I’d like to know? Speaking of Jack, yesterday was a cold, rainy day and I rather enjoyed it. I got up bright and early. Beyond that, I can’t really remember a single thing I did. I don’t think I went to the post office. I did package up a couple of new orders, though. I did proof a little of the new book. And I did do a bunch of errands. After all that, I finally toddled off to see another French motion picture entertainment. Prior to my arrival at the DGA, I did stop at Hollywood Sheet Music, where I picked up some Hollywood sheet music. I then arrived at the DGA, took my place at the head of the line and waited until they let us in the theater. I got “my” seat and was quite happy.
Last night, I saw a French motion picture entertainment entitled Twice Upon A Time, starring Mr. Jean Rochefort and Miss Charlotte Rampling. It’s a romantic comedy about a film director and his actress muse, who’ve been apart for thirty years. She’s chosen to give him a lifetime achievement award in London, and it’s the first time they’ve seen each other since she left him. I wish I could say it was the film I’d been waiting for, but too much of it just lays there like so much fish. There are some wonderful scenes and a few good laughs, but too much of it is just ordinary, I’m afraid. The director is not a master at this genre, like Francis Veber is. The performances can’t be faulted, though, and in addition to the two leading players, the film also has nice turns by Ian Richardson and Charles Dance. It’s yet another film that has been made in scope for no reason whatsoever.
So far, I’d say what I’ve seen at the festival has been disappointing overall. Two more to go, though, so I’m ever hopeful. It’s just a shame that they didn’t have the new films of Patrice Leconte and Francois Ozon.
Well, why don’t we all click on the Unseemly Button below because I must soon hit the road Jack, and then I shall be back with bells on.
I finished watching The Best of The Larry Sanders Show DVD. I’d seen a few of these over the years, but watching those again, plus all the ones I hadn’t seen was a complete delight. What a terrific show this was. It had wonderful writing, was well directed, and, above all, had perfect casting. One of the things that makes it so unusual is its unstinting verisimilitude – it’s really a very real look at what goes on in the world of talk shows (and reality shows, too). And Mr. Shandling is not afraid to explore the dark sides of his character. Jeffrey Tambor as his Ed McMahon, is audacious and scary and very funny. Rip Torn just about walks away with the show every time he’s on camera. And the guest stars really allow themselves to look strange and foolish. The Ellen De Generes show is one of the best, as is the Sharon Stone show. And David Duchovney allows himself to go places that no major TV star would go. The final two-part show is very funny and very touching. There are tons of special features – a lot of newly-done interviews, a documentary about the making of the show, and a nice, small and touching tribute to Bruno Kirby, who appeared in the final episode, and who came back to be in the documentary. As most of you know, he passed away last year at much too young of an age. I recommend this set to anyone who is a fan of the show, but especially to those who might no know the show.
Today, I shall be hitting the road, Jack, and seeing a French motion picture entertainment at 12:30. I then have to buckle down Winsocki and get further along in my second proofing, and I must also do some various and sundried errands, as well as ship a couple of packages.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, ship, see a French motion picture entertainment, proof, and then finally catch up on some DVD watching. Today’s topic of discussion: Since the advent of cable, there have been many original cable TV series – what are your favorite original cable series, and what are your favorite episodes of said series? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we?