Ryan McNeil
You hear that? That’s the sound of me sleeping in. It’s a wonderful feeling really, staying huddled under blankets on a weekday. I think my American friends are on to something with this whole “Weekday off in November” idea.
While my day won’t end with feasting on turkey, it is shaping up to be a lot of fun nevertheless, and might even entail a movie or two!
So I hope you’ll pardon me if I keep things brief, but I have a lot to get to today. To all of my American friends, I hope you have a happy and safe Thanksgiving weekend. To everyone else – Happy Thursday!
For your listening and reading fulfillment, I give you…
The women of Reel Insight return this week with an episode dedicated to the career of Bill Murray. This episode deserves a listen in particular, as both Rachel and Jess discuss Murray movies they weren’t crazy about originally, but took more of a liking to on rewatch. Funny how that can happen, ain’t it?
Remember last weekend when I effused over HOLY MOTORS? Not everyone felt the same way. Case in point, Matthew Brown, who watched the film a mere three seats to my left.
Later today, I should be seeing one of my most anticipated on the year, Ang Lee’s LIFE OF PI. Down in Texas, Marc has already caught up with it, and files this rather positive review.
One week ago, it was Martin Scorsese’s 70th Birthday. In honour of the momentous occasion, Jake Cole has tallied up the master’s ten greatest films (For the most part, he has the right ten…though for my money, they’re in the wrong order)
Earlier this year, Jessica and I recorded a podcast about Lynne Ramsey’s WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN. Jessica has revisited Ramsey’s filmography, and discovered it to be a visual feast.
this week, Sam Fragoso was seeking suggestions for documentary films he should watch. One of my first answers was for him to track down the Up! series, and it appears as though there is even more impetus on that now that 56 UP has been released. Over at Blueprint, David has already tracked it down and given it glowing praise.
One film I’m looking forward to seeing next week is WINGS – the very first Best Picture winner from 1927. Looks like Rich Watson just caught up with it in New York and he wrote down a thought or two.
And at the risk of nepotism, the Tweet of The Week comes from my darling wife…because who says analogue is dead?
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/LindsayRagone/status/271352582159597569″]
Enjoy!
I’m afrid I’m closer to Matthew than to you in the case of Holy Motors.Sure, there were some weird and memorable scenes, but I expect a movie to give me a little bit more than that, something that I could connect to. And this didn’t. I wouldn’t rule out that I’d appreciate it more after revisiting it, especially if I’ll take my time and read some interviews with the director and essays by people who have seen it. I’m in doubt though that I’ll ever do that.
And big thanks for the link love!
I think you left a similar comment on my review of the film, and I’ll say now what I said then: I like that people like you walked away from the film unhappy – it gives us something to discuss!
Films that are universally loved are great, but with no positives and negatives to discuss, there’s nothing left to do with them but put them on the shelf!
If you’re flipping channels one night and come across HOLY MOTORS, give it another look.
Thanks for the mention — should link to the article, as I’d love to receive as much, diverse input as possible.
Off to Thanksgiving.
I’ll fix that – hope your weekend was a good’n.
Yay! Glad you liked it. Feedback?
I sent some feedback, but I believe it had more to do with the Halle Berry episode. Suffice it to say I was tickled pink that you two are coming around on LOST IN TRANSLATION and RUSHMORE.
WINGS is remarkable. You’ll like it a whole lot. Hopefully you’ll have as good an organist as I did.
I’ve actually never seen a film at Lightbox that had an accompanist, so that on its own oughta be a cool experience!
I really like the UP series and although at times it is a bit depressing it is also quite fascinating. I am glad to read that you suggested it to your friend and that 56 UP is now out. I will have to track it down.
Welcome to The Matinee Richard! Not sure how you stumbled across my little soapbox, but hopefully you like what you find here!
The UP! series is indeed fascinating and depressing, and it’s amazing to see how the subjects have taken to having so much of their stories known to the world. My favorite moment is always when the kids have their little band practice.
Hopefully I can catch up with 56 sometime soon!
It’s out in the UK, but I’m not sure about everywhere else. I’m sure it will show up soon though. For fans of the series it’s business as usual, but with a few subtle tweaks to make it one of my favourites of the series (apart from the first two perhaps).
And thanks for the link Ryan!