Well, dear readers, it is what it is. That is the only way to think these days. It is what it is. Without going into detail, it is what it is. It is what it is, and to put a fine point on it, let me put it another way – it is what it is. One doesn’t necessarily like that it is what it is, but it is what it is, like it or lump it, not necessarily in that order. Right now, I am sitting here like so much fish, listening to Mr. Ormandy and the Philadelphians do various and sundried ballets from various and sundried operas like Faust and Aida and Les Troyens (The Troyens). It’s quite a nice program and even somewhat calming after a somewhat irritating day. But as the old song goes, it is what it is. Is there a song with that title? Interestingly, the answer is yes but I can find only two and both are of very recent vintage. Isn’t that weird? And they’re both what you’d expect, being of recent vintage. So, I think I shall sit at the piano like so much fish and write a snog entitled It Is What It Is. After I finish writing the snog, perhaps I’ll write a song. What the HELL am I talking about? Anyway, I did watch two count them two motion pictures last evening, neither new to me. The night before, just before bed, I just happened to watch the start of Annie Hall and was enjoying it so much that I ended up watching the first thirty-five minutes. So, I finished that last night. Now, here is the fascinating thing – when Annie Hall came out, I didn’t really love it. I enjoyed it certainly, and certainly I laughed. I’ve only seen it a couple of times since and I always felt the same. I really don’t know why. But watching it again, it really is a wonderful film. I think my initial reactions were due to knowing its history, starting out as one thing, and then becoming something else during the editing. But none of that matters, really. And my heavens, how many films have ripped it off over the years. Countless films, most of them coming nowhere near it, and only a handful actually coming close. When you look at When Harry Met Sally, it’s so obvious everyone knows they’re making their Annie Hall. While I prefer Manhattan, which is where I feel all of Mr. Allen’s strengths were molded, Annie Hall is VERY funny, very clever, and Allen and Diane Keaton are just wonderful in it, as is everyone else. You’ll spot Jeff Goldblum speaking one line, you’ll catch Sigourney Weaver speaking no lines, and you’ll catch the comic Muledeer sitting in a restaurant. In fact, we were working together when Annie Hall was filmed. I wish they’d do a new 4K transfer of it – it needs and deserves it.
After that, I watched Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney, Sydney Pollack, Tilda Swinton, and Tom Wilkinson. I quite liked it the first time I saw it – for a 2007 film, it’s actually one of the best of that decade. I enjoyed it the second time I saw it, too. This was my third time and I still enjoyed it – this time I felt there were a few too many plot strands, but it all works, and everything does pay off at the end really well and the ending is very satisfying. It’s very well written and directed by Tony Gilroy. If you missed it, it comes recommended by the likes of me. Other than that, I did get a little over eight hours of sleep, had an it is what it is e-mail, had to answer a lot of other e-mails, the computer was spazzing out the entire day and evening until I finally shut it down – it’s fine now. For food, I had a Chinese chicken salad from Stanley’s – very good, but for the very first time ever, I couldn’t quite finish all of it. That’s all I’ve had all day, but I’m about to have a few potato chips, which is better than ordering a sandwich or whatever at this hour. I had one semi-irritating telephonic call that ended up okay, and that’s pretty much the day and evening.
Today, I’ll be up by eleven, I’ll do whatever needs doing, I’ll relax, I’ll shave and shower, and then I suppose I’ll mosey on over to the theater to make sure everyone gets their show energy and JEF on. Not sure I’ll stay for the show – we’ll have to see how I feel. I’ll eat something at some point, and certainly I will pray for a modern major miracle.
Tomorrow, I’m not sure what’s what and I’ll play it be ear as to whether I’ll attend the show. Sunday, dear reader Jeanne is coming to see it, and I know a few other folks, so I’ll definitely see that one.
Well, dear readers, I must take the day, I must do the things I do, I must, for example, be up by eleven, do whatever needs doing, relax, shave and shower, go to the theater and perhaps stay for the show, I’ll eat something at some point, and pray for a modern major miracle. Today’s topic of discussion: It’s Friday – what is currently in your CD player and your DVD/Blu and Ray/streaming player? I’ll start – CD, the last of the big Ormandy box. Blu-ray, the other two French crime films. Your turn. Let’s have loads of lovely postings, shall we, whilst I hit the road to dreamland, and then it is what it is.