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I can't believe that it's been almost seven weeks since I last posted something here. Without intending it, I'm afraid that my poor blog is, as with so many others, at risk of becoming obsolete. Unfortunately, that's what happens when you allow work to get in the way of your non-paying interests. But, even with impending deadlines for my current guide, Moon New Orleans, I've found time for sources of relaxation, such as biking, hiking, yoga, swimming, going to the movies, and reading on my in-laws' hammock.
As for movies, my husband, Dan, and I have recently seen X-Men: First Class and Super 8 – both of which we enjoyed immensely. As for books, though, I'm not at all embarrassed to admit that I recently read A. A. Milne's beloved Winnie-the-Pooh, and I was shocked to discover that Tigger doesn't make an appearance in this first collection of stories about the Hundred Acre Wood. Even Dan was surprised when I told him that Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga, and Roo meet Tigger in the second book, The House at Pooh Corner. How silly we both feel for thinking that Tigger and Eeyore – our favorite characters – had always been friends. But memory is a funny thing – childhood memories are especially susceptible to distortion and manipulation – and it makes me wonder if it's better to stay ignorant or realize the truth.
Perhaps, in the case of Winnie-the-Pooh, it's just better to enjoy the stories and forget all the fuzzy memory business.
For the next few weeks, I'll be hard at work on my Moon New Orleans manuscript, but that doesn't mean that I (a professed perfectionist) can't stop and smell the roses every now and again. Just to prove my point, Dan and I did two fun things this week: a wine tasting class at the Wine Institute of New Orleans (a.k.a., W.I.N.O.) on Tuesday night and a free screening (thanks to the New Orleans Film Society) of Source Code last night. And I must say, despite initial trepidation about this flick, Dan and I both found it most enjoyable, far more entertaining, for instance, than the insipid Insidious, which we also got to watch for free. Not only were the performances in Source Code solid (especially those of Jake Gyllenhaal, Michelle Monaghan, and Vera Farmiga), but the plot, even with its rather predictable turns, was also more riveting and less convoluted than I anticipated. Plus its 93-minute running time was the perfect length for such a sci-fi, time-travel yarn. So, all in all, a good way to spend an evening away from the laptop.
Although I've enjoyed working on my latest travel guide, Moon Florida Keys, I have to admit that I'm missing my regular blogging schedule – which, rest assured, will be back in full force once I've finished this latest project. Of course, while the guide has taken over my life as of late, I've certainly made time for fun – realizing, of course, that, without some necessary down time, my brain would pretty much explode.
So, guess what?! After expressing my desire for a movie break last Friday, I'm finally headed to the theater with my hubby. In just a few moments, we'll be on our way to the Krikorian in Monrovia (a small, picturesque town in southern California) to see a double feature of Shutter Island and The Crazies – two spooky films that just might make me forget about my impending deadline... at least for a little while.
What a week this has been. Between slaving away on my Florida Keys travel guide and battling a stomach virus, I've had little time to relax – and right about now, I'm itching to see a good flick. Has anyone seen Shutter Island yet?
If so, what did you think of it? Dan and I are eager to know – we've been anxious to see this Martin Scorsese thriller for months now.
In late October, I wrote a post about literary trips – that is, traveling to places that have featured prominently in classic and modern literature. As I wrote then, it's hard to walk through the historic streets of New Orleans and not think about a slew of famous stories, from A Streetcar Named Desire (1947) to Interview with the Vampire (1976).
Equally fun, though, is traveling to places that have featured prominently in the movies, and though New Orleans is a popular backdrop, it's certainly not the only American city to have made an appearance on the silver screen. While traveling through the Florida Keys with Dan, I discovered that Key West has witnessed its share of film crews, too. For instance, the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum – a lovely, two-story house where the famous writer penned some of his greatest novels – was used in the film License to Kill (1989). Hint: It's where M revokes James Bond's “license to kill,” and Bond (played by Timothy Dalton) subsequently defies M by leaping over the second-floor balcony and fleeing away on his own mission.
Of course, even cooler than that was the fact that, while staying in Key West, we heard that our hotel – The Eden House – had served as the main location for a film called CrissCross (1992), starring Goldie Hawn. In fact, Michael Eden, the longtime owner of the Eden House – which is essentially a collection of breezy buildings centered around a stunning pool area – even had the chance to dine with Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell during the making of the movie, but he turned it down. (When I told Dan that story, he just about fainted – Kurt Russell, after all, has been one of his favorite actors for decades.)
Because movie-making is a big business in this country, it's probably true that most American cities have played host to a film crew at one time or another. So, what are your favorite film-related spots – in this country or otherwise?
It hasn't taken long for James Cameron to break his own box office record. Avatar has now beaten Titanic for the top-grossing film of all time, and I couldn't be happier. Oh, wait, I could be happier – after missing our chance to see Avatar on New Year's Day – due to unforeseen circumstances like, well, hangovers – Dan and I are finally going to see it again tonight! Yahoo!
So, I guess we'll be adding our wee share to Cameron's ever-growing mountain of money. Who said perfectionism doesn't pay? (A fact I should remember the next time I rue my obsessive-compulsive tendencies.)
For a long time now, I've wondered about the hype surrounding the salacious prime-time television show Desperate Housewives. In my mind, the popular soap opera never seemed like the kind of show I'd like. But being sick can really upend a person's tastes and priorities, and it just so happened that this week, while I've been recovering from the flu, the Lifetime network has been running episodes from the fourth season – episodes that just so happen to feature Nathan Fillion, one of my favorite actors. And I must admit – in the haze of sinus overload, I've found the melodrama, intrigue, and fairy tale-like vibe strangely alluring – and I've even begun to entertain the notion of renting the earlier seasons. Please, somebody, shoot me.
I have a small confession to make. Although Dan and I had every intention of seeing the 3-D IMAX version of Avatar today – which would have been our second viewing since this awesome movie was released – the universe, sadly, had other plans. You see, last night, we decided to celebrate New Year's Eve in true New Orleanian fashion – by slamming back tequila shots and Abita beers and dancing the night away at a burlesque-style French Quarter bar called One Eyed Jacks. As mentioned on my American Nomad blog today, we ended up boogieing for four hours straight – all the while dressed for a 1980s-style prom. (By the way, I'd post a photo, but alas, I didn't have my camera with me, so you'll just have to imagine me with teased hair, gold eyeshadow, a bright green dress, and black go-go boots).
So, long story short, we didn't get home until well after four in the morning – a great way to kick-start the new year, but not such a great way to guarantee that we'd make it to an afternoon screening of Avatar. Fuzzy heads and 3-D glasses just didn't seem like a smart combination.
Although we're bummed to have missed the screening (for which we'd already purchased tickets – poop), we had such a wonderful time hanging out with my stepbrother and his wife last night that we really don't care. Besides, despite the fact that we'll be in southern Florida for the next month (while I research for my Florida Keys travel guide), I'm sure we'll find a movie theater somewhere down there. After all, Avatar can wait, but New Year's Eve celebrations only come, well, once a year.
So, what did you do to ring in 2010?
P.S. And, this might go without saying, but nevertheless... Happy New Year!
Since I started this blog in July, I haven't missed a post. Oh, I've been late a few times, but I've never skipped one... until now. Thursday is normally my day to reflect on thoughtful things. But yesterday, I was focused on one thing only, and if you read my post on Wednesday, you might already know what that one thing is...
Last night, around nine o'clock, Dan and I headed out to Harahan – a suburb of New Orleans – for the nearest IMAX theater that was showing a midnight screening of Avatar, James Cameron's long-awaited 3-D extravaganza. The rain was coming down something fierce, but we made it there in one piece. When we arrived at the theater, it was nearing ten, and no one was there yet. We were even told to return around eleven-thirty. Given that we used to live in Los Angeles, where it wasn't impossible for folks to arrive several hours before a midnight screening, we were a little surprised, but in lieu of waiting in the lobby, we decided to kill some time at a nearby Best Buy. The hilarious thing is that, as we strolled the aisles, salivating over new Wii games, I was the one that began to get anxious – even though Dan had been looking forward to this flick for far longer than I. Finally, my whining wore him down and we returned to the theater around ten-thirty, only to find that forty or so moviegoers were already in the theater. Good thing we hadn't listened to the twerp who told us to come back at eleven-thirty.
Anyway, for an hour and a half, we sat among other Cameron fanatics, chatting with one another, joking about what nerds we were, twiddling with our 3-D glasses, and waiting impatiently for the movie to start. My mother – who'd been in town earlier in the day – could have been there with us, but she'd scoffed when we asked if she, at her age, was up for a midnight movie. The joke was on her when I spotted one of her friends there, with her grown son. (So, see Bane, you're never too old – or too tired – to be a little crazy.)
About an hour before the film was set to start, the house lights came up suddenly, and we all squinted in minor agony. Apparently, some of those seated had either snuck into the theater – or “accidentally” come into the wrong one (for there was another screening, the non-IMAX version, happening in another theater down the hall). Some ushers and managers began checking tickets, several sneaky folks were busted, and the lights were dimmed again. Somehow, our row was skipped – and Dan and I joked that we could've snuck into the sold-out theater after all... which, of course, we'd never do. Hehe.
By twelve-ten, the natives were restless. (The movie was supposed to have started at twelve-oh-one.) But then, the room went dark, a few previews played (How to Train Your Dragon, Alice in Wonderland, and Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief among them), and it was time to put on our 3-D glasses. You should've heard the collective sigh of joy at that moment.
Now, without giving too much away, let me just say this... The movie was freakin' amazing. As you might already know, it's essentially about Jake Sully, a paraplegic human soldier who is dispatched to the planet Pandora in order to infiltrate the native Na'vi (as a “dreamwalker”) and force them to relocate – allowing a greedy corporation the opportunity to mine a precious material from beneath the Na'vi's sacred tree. As expected, Jake begins to bond with the native tribe and must choose sides in the escalating battle. Basically, this is Dances with Wolves (incidentally, one of my favorite movies) on an alien planet – complete with bizarre plants, strange animals, and incandescent colors.
The landscape is rich with detail, and the CG characters seem incredibly real – helped, of course, by Cameron's ground-breaking 3-D technology, which utterly immerses you within the story. Honestly, this is the finest example of 3-D filmmaking that I've ever seen. Not once did the 3-D waver (which I've heard is even better in the IMAX format, as we saw it) – not once did I notice blurring or shadows. I felt that I was standing in the forest with them – or flying through the air as the Na'vi do. Beyond the colors and the details, though, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It's moving, poignant, spiritual, magical, exciting, amusing at times, even tragic – and all the actors are wonderful. Sam Worthington (who plays "Jake") and Sigourney Weaver are especially good – considering they're each playing human characters as well as their Na'vi counterparts (which, due to Peter Jackson's incredible motion-capture technology, look and move just like them). Other talents are equally terrific, including Zoe Saldana, who voices Jake's love interest; Michelle Rodriguez, who doesn't usually impress me; and Wes Studi, whose voice helps to solidify the Dances with Wolves comparison.
Some of the negative reviews have claimed that the 3-D imagery is better than the "2-D" characters, but I completely disagree. As with most Cameron films, the technology, story, and characters go hand-in-hand, and this story resonated long after the movie sadly ended. I'm still reliving the best moments – and needless to say, Dan and I are planning to see it again on Monday. (After all, how often does a movie fully deliver on its promise?)
As many of the comments on my Wednesday post indicated, not everyone intends to see this film in the theater (much less three or four times, as we plan to). Believe me, I understand how difficult it can be to schedule such a trip – especially for those who have children. I also know that not all movie lovers – even those without kids, like me and Dan – are as, uh, committed as we are when it comes to “proper” movie-going experiences. But I must admit – without bias or agenda – that seeing Avatar in IMAX 3-D is the best way to see this film. No doubt about it, seeing it on the small screen just won't do it justice.
So, Steph, for the love of whatever, I hope you get the chance to see it this weekend as you and Dom intend – and see it right. I'm dying to know what you think.
Despite my growing to-do list, I’m happy to report that, for two nights in a row, Dan and I have taken the time to venture out with friends. On Thursday night, we went out for dinner and drinks with a pal and her new boyfriend (who, interestingly enough, spent several years as Anne Rice’s executive assistant), and last night, we had a similar "date" with another couple. It was a lot of fun, although I’m paying for it now – awake in the wee hours to tackle my long list of tasks.
But, hey, everyone deserves a break from time to time – even me. In fact, despite the fact that I have to turn in a sample chapter of Moon Florida Keys before Christmas, Dan and I have every intention of doing fun things this week, including the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival on Sunday, a Harrah’s buffet feast on Thursday with my mom, a raw oyster extravaganza at my dad’s house next week, and, of course, an opening day viewing of James Cameron’s much-anticipated (at least in our family) Avatar. Obviously, we’re working around our “stupid diets,” but more importantly, we’re going to see Avatar in all its 3-D IMAX glory! We can’t wait!
Both Dan and I are huge James Cameron fans. We’ve loved every theatrical film that he’s directed from The Terminator (1984) to Titanic (1997), and as with many fans, we’ve been waiting breathlessly for his latest film for well over a decade. And while I admit to having some initial skepticism about Avatar, the theatrical trailer has since convinced me otherwise. In fact, I’ve felt a wave of chills every time I’ve seen it.
So, who else will be there on opening day?
Technically, today is Saturday, but this thought came to me, well, yesterday, so I think it counts as a “Friday fantasy.” And even if it doesn’t, so be it. At the moment, I’m too frazzled to think of another blog topic.
For my American Nomad travel blog, I spent the last couple of days working on a two-part article called “Historic Taverns Across America.” It was a lot of fun to remember some of my favorite watering holes, especially the ones that famous writers, musicians, and actors once frequented.
In the first part, I mentioned Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop (pictured above), a cozy, candlelit cavern of a place at the corner of Bourbon and St. Phillip Streets in the New Orleans French Quarter. One of the only original buildings still standing, Lafitte’s is popular among tourists as well as natives (like me!), not to mention celebrities. The dimly lit walls are, in fact, covered with photographs of famous folks visiting Lafitte’s. Of course, the patron that always gives me chills is Tennessee Williams, the playwright who made a habit of stopping by Lafitte’s during his brief stay in New Orleans. Apparently, he was also a patron of another old hangout still in operation: Captain Tony’s Saloon in Key West’s Old Town district, a saloon better known for being favored by the likes of Ernest Hemingway, Truman Capote, and Jimmy Buffett.
In the second part of my article, I shared three more of my favorite American taverns, not the least of which is Boardner’s, a longtime Hollywood landmark. Although the beloved neighborhood dive has since undergone an art deco-style transformation, its historic atmosphere is still palpable. This was, after all, a favorite hangout for some of my favorite performers, from W.C. Fields to Robert Mitchum – and I can remember when it was dark and moody and filled with, as the saying goes, “the Who’s Who and Who Cares.”
So, do you have a favorite hangout with a storied past?
While I dabbled on the computer today, working on my latest American Nomad post and waiting for Dan to come home from his mad Black Friday dash to Best Buy, I could sense, in my post-Thanksgiving haze, that the Christmas season was well on its way. So, to get fully into the spirit, I watched two of my favorite “holiday” movies: Better Off Dead (1985) and While You Were Sleeping (1995), both of which never fail to bring a grin to my face and to make me wish for all the Christmas trimmings posthaste.
So, what are some of your favorite holiday movies?
If you’ve been paying any attention to television ads, movie trailers, and Internet chatter, then you know that New Moon, the second installment of The Twilight Saga, was released to theaters today. So, in honor of my hubby, Dan, and my newfound pal Bane – two of the most vocal Twilight curmudgeons I’ve ever met – I feel that I should admit something: Despite the fact that I read all four of Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga novels, I’m not the biggest fan of her work, and I thought the first film was, well, abhorrent – with the two onscreen lovers lacking any ounce of chemistry they might have had in the books – and yet, and yet, I find myself strangely curious about the sequel.
So, I have two questions: First, does that make me crazy and/or lemming-like (yes, Dan and Bane, I’m talking to you), and second, has anyone seen the movie yet (ahem, Steph D.)? Well? How bad was it?
P.S. If you haven’t already, check out Bane’s nod to Twilight.
Okay, so I’m a little late with Friday’s post. Like, oops, it’s already Saturday. Well, that’s what happens during a hectic film fest weekend. The hours and days begin to melt together, and suddenly, it’s Monday. Wait, is it Monday? ‘Cause that would be kinda cool. I mean, uh, the fest is awesome – not exhausting or harrowing at all. I never want it to end. Honest.
But seriously, folks, the 2009 Big Easy International Film Festival is turning out to be a pretty cool event. Although we experienced some technical difficulties during tonight’s third (and final) screening, the first two films of the night – My McDiet and Trapped in Katrina – came off pretty well, our post-screening question-and-answer sessions were enlightening, and one audience boasted nearly hundred moviegoers, which isn’t bad for a young festival like ours.
I’m pooped, of course, but elated that two days are behind us. Of course, there are still two days left, so I should probably toddle off to bed. When the dust has settled, I’ll be happy to share my misadventures in the world of indie cinema. But, for now, let me just say... Happy Weekend, everyone!
In less than a week, Dan and I will be welcoming filmmakers to our third annual Big Easy International Film Festival, so you’d think we’d be “movied out” – but, alas, no. A passion for movies is one of the many things that bind us. We both studied film in college, and together, we’ve happily stood in line for hours to see sneak previews of soon-to-be-released films, attended cinematic events like the Sundance Film Festival, and run three different film festivals of our own. We’ve even set up our own screening room in northern Michigan, complete with a surround-sound system, an enormous screen hanging from the ceiling, and two recliner armchairs.
So, it might come as no surprise that Friday is usually our movie night, and despite all we still have to do prior to the film fest next week, we’re headed out shortly for a triple feature – yes, you heard that right – a triple feature!! Yippee!! Tonight, we’re planning to see The Fourth Kind, The Box, and The Men Who Stare at Goats. No doubt, we’ll suffer tomorrow, but for now, who cares? On with the show!
So, what are your Friday night plans?
For the past several years, Dan and I have operated two very different film festivals: the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival and the Big Easy International Film Festival. It’s time-consuming work, yes, but very rewarding. We especially love being able to share new cinematic voices with audiences that they might not otherwise reach.
Although we haven’t had much time the past few years, we used to love traveling to Park City, Utah, every January for the Sundance and Slamdance film festivals. We got a real kick out of seeing indie shorts and features that might never appear at the multiplex – but often, we were disappointed by the selections, especially regarding the short films. We just knew there had to be better shorts in the world, and for whatever reason – whether the filmmakers lacked connections or the films lacked star power – they just weren’t getting accepted by the “big” festivals.
So, we decided to start our own annual celebrations of cinema, and despite the hard and sometimes thankless work involved, we relish the chance to see new and unusual films. Since the winter of 2006, when we started the Beverly Hills Shorts Festival, we’ve literally watched thousands of films – some admittedly better than others. This year has been no different.
Despite a drop-off in sponsors, due to the poor economy – which has affected cultural events and artistic groups around the country – our third annual Big Easy Film Festival is less than two weeks away, and the line-up is terrific. From Trapped in Katrina, a taut thriller that unfolds amid the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, to The Magistical, an animated tale about an unlikely hero who must save the world from an evil Draken, we'll be presenting 48 eclectic films in all – and many of the filmmakers will be in attendance, which will ensure some very lively, post-screening Q&A sessions (my favorite part of the festival – besides the parties, of course).
So, if you happen to be in New Orleans during the weekend of November 13-15, stop by the Canal Place Theatre to see some awesome films – and say hello, of course!
Last night, Dan and I stopped in Slidell – a town north of Lake Pontchartrain and thirty or so miles shy of New Orleans – ‘cause, frankly, we were sick of the road. But we finished the trek this morning, making it to the bustling French Quarter by mid-morning. After checking our mail and scouring the streets for an apartment, we decided to have our first official meal (this time!) in our beloved New Orleans. So, we strolled to the Oceana Grill on Conti and proceeded to share a dozen raw oysters, a shrimp po-boy, a bowl of seafood gumbo, and an Abita Amber (which, for you non-Louisianians, is a regionally brewed beer).
Afterward, we headed to Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, where we’re staying in a strange little hotel until we locate an apartment. And suddenly, we realized that as much as we’ll miss the beauty and solitude of northern Michigan for the next six or so months, there’s at least one thing that New Orleans has over that isolated region: movies that aren’t widely released! Movies like Paranormal Activity (2007), which we saw tonight.
While this horror flick has received plenty of amazing reviews, I’ve also seen several negative ones, most of which cite the overacting, plot holes, and general ridiculousness of staying in a situation that’s causing such unrest. To such naysayers, I would say that although I agree the acting isn’t always believable, the plot has a few questionable turns, and the whole situation is slightly harder to accept than, say, the documentary-style nature of The Blair Witch Project (1999), I think that overall this is an effectively creepy and suspenseful film, with some genuinely startling moments and several well-done special effects, especially given its extremely low budget. So, I, for one, am pleased that I was able to see it in a theater.
Sorry, my dear northern Michigan, New Orleans has won this round, I'm afraid, but the battle's not over yet. Of course, I should add, the food and music aren’t so bad here either.
Two days ago, Moon.com featured a post about “tombstone tripping” – visiting graveyards not with a purpose but with fascination. Perhaps I’m a little disturbed, but I love strolling through interesting cemeteries. I respect the fact that they memorialize others’ loved ones – and I always walk quietly and with care. But I must admit – I’ve long been a fan of cemeteries, especially at this time of year, when Halloween and the Day of the Dead are upon us.
Part of this fascination comes from the thrill of being just a little unnerved, and part of it stems from the curiosity of some cemeteries, especially ones where famous movie stars are buried (like the Hollywood Forever Cemetery) or the architecture is particularly creepy and/or stunning (like the aboveground cemeteries and mausoleums in New Orleans). While there’s nothing quite like visiting a cemetery in person, I often get just as effective a fix from watching graveyard scenes in certain movies – comedies, dramas, thrillers, and horror flicks, it makes no nevermind. Here, in chronological order, are some of my favorite morbid movie moments:
Easy Rider (1969) – Amid a drug-induced haze, counterculture bikers frolic with some lovely ladies within an aboveground cemetery in the Big Easy. After seeing this film as a teenager, I never looked at Mardi Gras – or Dennis Hopper – the same way again.
Harold and Maude (1971) – The intergenerational title characters first meet at a funeral, where neither one belongs, and soon realize their mutual fascination with death. Oh, how I adore this movie – and hope it’s never remade.
Phantasm (1979) – The entire story revolves around a graveyard and a funeral home operated by a lanky alien, bent on destroying humanity. All I can say is... cloaked midgets, flying orbs, and marble walls are one freaky combination.
Poltergeist (1982) – During a torrential rainstorm, Carol Anne’s mommy falls into a muddy pool, filled with corpses. And, seriously, who can forget the line, “You son of a bitch. You moved the cemetery, but you left the bodies, didn’t you?!”
The Return of the Living Dead (1985) – Most of this classic zombie flick takes place in a cemetery, where a small band of young partygoers offer easy access to the undead. Bloody hilarious!
Army of Darkness (1992) – In an utterly memorable scene, Ash, a hero of questionable ethics, ventures into a graveyard to retrieve the Necronomicon, only to misspeak the magic words and inadvertently raise an army of the dead. Oops.
Grosse Pointe Blank (1997) – It’s a brief moment, but I find it hard to forget. Assassin Martin Blank visits his father in a hometown cemetery, only to pour an entire fifth of alcohol into the grass above his father's grave. What a thoughtful son!
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997) – The reporter and the millionaire venture into a creepy Savannah cemetery, where a spiritualist tries to quiet the soul of the millionaire’s murdered lover. There’s no doubting the effectiveness of some well-placed mist and moss.
Stir of Echoes (1999) – A loving mother takes her strange little boy for a walk that ends up in a cemetery, where a touched police officer stalks them, only to demonstrate his psychic connection to the child. Truly an underrated film!
My Dog Skip (2000) – A remorseful young boy finds his beloved dog in a cemetery, where moonshiners have nearly beaten him to death. Don’t worry – the doggy recovers.
Hellboy (2004) – The climax of this entertaining yarn occurs in a Russian cemetery, where the resurrected Rasputin attempts to open a doorway to the Seven Gods of Chaos. Every time I watch this movie, I believe this place is sinister – and cold.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005) – If you’ve seen this movie (or read the book), then you know where I’m going with this one. At the end of the labyrinth lies a portkey that transports Harry and Cedric to a moody cemetery, where You-Know-Who is waiting...
So, what’s your favorite cinematic cemetery scene?
In case you missed one of my very first posts, it bears repeating that I’m a huge James Lee Burke fan. As I explained in that previous post, the irony is that I, a New Orleans native, had never even heard of Burke’s Dave Robicheaux series until my mother-in-law, who lives in Michigan and Florida (far from Burke’s bailiwick), told me about it. Well, so what if I was a clueless Louisianian! At least I know about him now.
While I haven’t read all of his Robicheaux mysteries, I’ve perused (or listened to) many of them, and I’m in the process of reading them (or rereading them, as the case may be) from the beginning of the series. This summer, I read The Neon Rain (1987) and Heaven’s Prisoners (1988), and as soon as I’ve turned in the book proposal on which I’ve been working, I’ll plunge into Black Cherry Blues (1989). Dan and I also plan to while away the driving time between Michigan and New Orleans with a few of the audiobook versions of Burke’s Robicheaux mysteries. The great thing about them, incidentally, is that they’re narrated by Will Patton, one of my all-time favorite actors and, as a husky-voiced native Southerner, a terrific choice to speak as the flawed but noble-hearted Robicheaux.
So, in keeping with the family’s obsession with all things Burke, my hubby, my in-laws, and I watched In the Electric Mist, the latest cinematic adaptation of a Robicheaux novel, last night over a dinner of pepperoni pizza and root beer floats (a cuisine choice that has less to do with the Cajun themes of the story and more to do with a desire to be naughty). Based on the novel In the Electric Mist with Confederate Dead (1993) and starring Tommy Lee Jones as the inimitable Dave Robicheaux, the film is indeed entertaining. After all, it was filmed exclusively in southern Louisiana, so the setting and atmosphere are evocative and true, and the supporting roles are believably portrayed by the likes of John Goodman, Mary Steenburgen, Peter Sarsgaard, Kelly Macdonald, Ned Beatty, James Gammon, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Buddy Guy. The accents are right, the scenes make me hungry and homesick, but still, something is missing.
Afterward, we all agreed that no one – not even Oscar-winning Tommy Lee Jones – has successfully portrayed the complicated Robicheaux. Alec Baldwin, who starred in Heaven’s Prisoners in 1996, seemed far too young at the time, while Jones is far too old and run-down – not so much in appearance but in attitude. Jones is tough at times, violent when necessary, and compassionate when it counts, but for most of the movie, he seems close to retirement – which is disconcerting, given that there are at least eleven more novels after this one.
Should Hollywood ever consider another Burke project, the four of us are all in agreement on who should play Dave Robicheaux – why, Will Patton, of course! His audiobook versions are incredible in every way, and as his on-screen roles illustrate, he has the perfect mix of tenacity, humor, loyalty, and energy. So, what do you say? Think Hollywood’s listening?
As regular visitors here know, I’m hard at work on a book proposal this week. So, it’s probably good that it’s a dreary-looking day in the rain-soaked woods of northern Michigan. Otherwise, I might be tempted to abandon my laptop, go for a stroll in said woods, and search for the last vestiges of blackberry season.
Of course, Dan just walked into my office and tempted me with another rainy-day activity: a trip to the movies! Now, you’d think with two film degrees between us – not to mention our two film festivals and our vast collection of DVDs – that we’d be weekly moviegoers. But, alas, the past few weeks have been a whirlwind of watching independent shorts and features for our upcoming Big Easy Film Festival, so frankly, we were “movied-out,” as my mother would say.
But today, I’ll take any opportunity to forget that phrases like “author credentials,” “competition analysis,” “sample profiles,” and “manuscript specifications” exist – at least for a little while. So, we’re going to the movies! Yahoo!
Here’s the question, though. Whatever should we see? Several films have opened this weekend, including Michael Moore’s latest, Capitalism: A Love Story; the Ricky Gervais vehicle The Invention of Lying; the Coen Brothers’ dark comedy A Serious Man; Drew Barrymore’s directorial debut, Whip It; and, of course, Zombieland. Knowing me, which film do you think I’m most anxious to see? And which do you think I’ll avoid like the plague?
As for movies, my husband, Dan, and I have recently seen X-Men: First Class and Super 8 – both of which we enjoyed immensely. As for books, though, I'm not at all embarrassed to admit that I recently read A. A. Milne's beloved Winnie-the-Pooh, and I was shocked to discover that Tigger doesn't make an appearance in this first collection of stories about the Hundred Acre Wood. Even Dan was surprised when I told him that Pooh, Piglet, Rabbit, Owl, Eeyore, Kanga, and Roo meet Tigger in the second book, The House at Pooh Corner. How silly we both feel for thinking that Tigger and Eeyore – our favorite characters – had always been friends. But memory is a funny thing – childhood memories are especially susceptible to distortion and manipulation – and it makes me wonder if it's better to stay ignorant or realize the truth.
