Well, dear readers, here are some things I learned whilst watching yet another paint by numbers motion picture for free on Amazon Prime. This particular motion picture, if one can call it that, was entitled Hangman. Thing one: Saban Films is desperately trying to be the Cannon Films of today – but they’re even worse. This is yet another cops against a ticking clock serial killer movie. Plucky young New York Times reporter who says “You guys” a lot, then ends up as the final potential victim of the killer – check. Villain in hoodie – check. Wailing female vocal on the soundtrack as if the movie was taking place in Iraq – check. Pointless overhead shot of city at day or night – check. Al Pacino getting a nice paycheck – check. Al Pacino off in some world of his own with a horrible accent and a director allowing it – check. Obligatory person running from cops and finally being knocked down by a car, enabling the cops to finally catch said person – check. Once the cops are trying to figure out what’s next, endless exposition at the top of every scene just to make sure dumb audience “gets” it – check. Ultimate motive for serial killer as dumb as dumb gets – check. Final scene in graveyard – check. At the end of final scene, the shocking moment when the cop gets a message intimating the whole thing could be starting over again, even though that makes no sense – check. Musical score in two modes – ominous minor to minor chords or hyperactive drums – check. Every shot in the film “borrowed” from other films of this ilk – check. A “director” who has not one original bone in his body – check. Direct to video, losing every cent of its cost – check.
One wonders if anyone actually reads a script. One wonders why Mr. Pacino continues to do this crap. Oh, yes, the large paycheck, of course, but also, one must say it, the prostitution of his talent. One wonders why Mr. Pacino even bothers anymore, since he listens to no director (something he would not tolerate were he the director). He recently did a play at the Pasadena Playhouse, playing Tennessee Williams. The director, Pam McKinnon, is a respected director. Upon giving Mr. Pacino a direction, Mr. Pacino’s reply was classic actor arrogance: “I’m not your puppet, Pam.” And from the reviews, he should have perhaps taken the direction, since he was lambasted for his performance across the board. For Saban Films, they pay the going rate and get an Oscar-winning actor for their shlock. And on and on it goes – check.
Yesterday was a sorta-kinda day. I did get almost eight hours of sleep, sorta-kinda. Once up, I had lots of e-mails to answer and answer them I did, sorta-kinda. I had some telephonic calls, did some work on the computer, and then I went and picked up some packages. I decided on Subway for food – a foot-long Subway Club for immediate eating, and then a six-inch spicy Eyetalian for evening snack – total calories for both, 1,030. I came home and ate the Subway Club, which was very good, and then I listened to some music. At some point, I dozed off for about thirty minutes.
Then I watched Hangman and part of another movie that was so bad I couldn’t stand more than ten minutes of it. Something called Miss Meadows or something. Inept. I had more telephonic calls and I will admit that I went and got a couple of sweets at Gelson’s, and then I listened to lots more music, including the music of a very good composer not on anyone’s radar, Ludolf Nielsen, and then Swedish composer Dag Wiren – I had several LPs of his music back in the day, but never got anything on CD – it’s nice to revisit his work. Then it was time to write these here notes, sorta-kinda.
Today, I can sleep in, I’ll hopefully pick up some packages, and then we have our second Kritzerland rehearsal, followed by a very brief pick-up rehearsal for one gal for the Group Rep show, then I’m supping after that.
Tomorrow, we have a Kritzerland pick-up rehearsal for one person, then I’m attending an opening night and after-party, which happens after and is a party. Saturday is our stumble-through, then I’ll eat, then relax and rest my voice, as our sound check for Sunday’s show is at noon and I have to have warmed up and be ready for that and the show. After, I’m sure some of us will dine downstairs. Then it’s right back to the Group Rep show.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, sleep in, hopefully pick up packages, have a rehearsal followed by a rehearsal, and then sup. Today’s topic of discussion: What are your favorite films of Mr. Al Pacino? And what are your favorite serial killer films? Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, where I shall dream sorta-kinda dreams.