Sidestepping Hollywood Landmine

I know you can't completely leap over this landmine, but there are people in this town (and I suspect in most corporate entities) where people will ask you benign questions such as "got any plans for the weekend?" Which isn't remotely about what they care about what you do on the weekend. It is strictly so they gather information on you. The dumbest part about these people are...they are too stupid to remember what you told them.

If you've been in this town long enough, you will know, a lot of outreached hands with the promise of friendship is total garbage. People are so insecure they file away this information to bring up later in some passive/aggressive mode. For instance, this idiot who I work with...he's completely useless to the company only that he can shuffle paperwork and kiss a ton of ass (note to self, to excel, one must learn NOT to speak directly on what's on one's mind). This jackass loves getting into people's business solely to tap a nerve. And waits in anticipation for you to react.
Said dum-dum's wife makes STUPID videos. They are amateur at best. I, of course, deal with film and have worked on massive productions (and small insignificant ones as well). He knows this but will never acknowledge it. As far as he's concern, he is in charge.

In the interim of my own projects, I extend my help to many other people who shoot their movies on film. I've cleared it with HIS boss. And so what happens? This insecure ape suddenly...decides I need to check everything in with the vault. Now...this isn't his rule, it's mandated by some powers that have nothing to do with him. But this spineless turd had the audacity to pass on this observation to do personal work on as if the guy above him had been watching. I know this is horseshit, simply because I've talked to that guy above him. He's kindly and quite charitably extend so much help to me for this endeavor, I'm ashamed I would even mention him offhandedly here.

What can I gather from this? It came directly from his sense of failure...if I happen to succeed. Never mind that I use to scream at people like him back when I was still shooting movies. So for that reason, yeah, perhaps I've got a little bit of entitlement when it comes to being told what to do by what was once a minion. He's in his 50's and has no clue what I've accomplished (or in my mind, haven't accomplished). In that sense, his ability to ply information is to his benefit to twist the screws.
"Doing any more of those projects?"
"Yeah, here and there" I says.
"Freebies?" he gingerly implies subpar projects
"No. Actually I was surprised I got paid on the last one. Wasn't even expecting it. More on that one than I do here at work."
"That's good" that flat voice tells me everything I need to know. He's envious and can't stand that a pissant such as myself would ever think I could do anything of merit.

So is the dance of the miserable. Petty miserable fucking loser.

Many people in this town only hear what they need to hear in order to get a leg up on your business, so the inferior person can feel superior. It's a bit ruthless, and a game I don't care to play. I just put people like that in their place, when I can. The worse part, most don't even realize that comes from very deep insecurity. Pity them.

Rebooting "The Rocketeer" With A Black Woman

I really hope they do this with Paula Patton. Gott-damn! I would watch her read a phone book. But the people may not accept her as "Black enough" similar to how they kilt Zoe Saldana on the Nina Simone movie.

I really liked "The Rocketeer." It was meant to be a re-tread of the serials of the 40's. A test pilot who gets hooked up with a scientist and becomes a flying squirrel. Or cannon fodder. He then gets mixed up in some weird Nazi plot. Nazis are hated no matter what color you are.

Maybe they can update it to the 1960's or 70's. Get some Civil Rights shit in there.

The Circus Has Begun

It's official, our election is now a gameshow.

I know, it was before, but it wasn't as...variety show as it is now. The Dems like to bring out their celeb friends, whilst the Repubs like their rich buddies. Young people like liberal ideas, old people like conservative values. So the dog and pony show begins.

Do I care who wins? The choices are awful. Just awful. And as I've blamed Americans in the past, I don't anymore. Why? Because the machine is built on money. And I've got none. And I'm guessing a large part of America doesn't either. So you shitheads who are for one party and not the other...guess what?...you're going to lose either way. I know...cynical. But it's just the truth. Hillary doesn't give a shit about you, Trump REALLY doesn't give a shit about you.

Does America want the bully or the shrew? In the immortal words of Thunderdome..."spin the wheel, take the deal."

Adrian Zmed

You think he's gay. Convinced even. No, that's Travolta. But they most likely tried for the same part.

So, what the fuck happened to Adrian Zmed?

He was a massive star back in the 1980’s with “Bachelor Party,” AND “Grease 2” and…well any place they needed a greased up jheri curled White boy. The guy could dance. He played Italian types that weren’t even Italian. He was also T.J. Hooker’s partner. Holding your own against Bill Shatner deserves its own pedestal in history.

If you ever needed a sidekick that didn’t overshadow your lead (in the 80’s ANYONE blond/blonde). Zmed was your man. The guy still works…looks like.

You will remember this dude. He just pops up. Personally, I think he overshadowed Tom Hanks in “Bachelor Party.” He was okay to play second banana, but his ability to take photographs of a tied-up old guy with hookers is committed.

Being constantly oiled in movies...man...THAT is commitment.

Unsung Heroes: Character Actors Of Yesteryear

I’d actually like to start a few blogs about actors you look at a know you’ve seen them somewhere and then they disappeared only to return somewhere else. Or that they just gave up acting. They’re mostly character actors. And though most people don’t really aspire to be these types, character actors are constantly working. Peter Lorre is famous for being one. And his modern day doppelganger, Steve Buscemi actually jumped the line and went into stardom in “Boardwalk Empire.” For me, I’ve always respected those “that guy!” As in, “hey, it’s THAT GUY in that movie, watsa’ he doing in this movie.” I love these characters because people don’t know their names. Nor should you. They have a face and recognizable but very few people can place them. Let’s get something clear though…in movies, they are seen as…flawed or weird looking. In reality, they are probably more attractive than 50% of the population. They are “Hollywood ugly.” Another thing, they are necessary. John C. McGinley said it on Kevin Pollak’s chat show, if you want to be a working actor (and not a star) strive and do your best to be the guy who explains the shit the lead actor won’t. In other words, you fill in the gaps. It’s a real skill to make exposition NOT sound like…um…corny. Lead actors don’t want it. They want to be silent and strong. They’ve learned (or more accurately, their agents have discovered) the less they talk the more their value. That’s why you have the guy who will do the talking. Oliver Platt has made a living like that. As has Kevin Pollak. They are that character in the movie that breaks down everything that is going on. According to McGinley, you find a way to be that guy, you will never stop working. AND with big name actors. The other thing about these few blogs too, is that there are some of these types of actors that are just plain forgotten. That saddens me the most. Because they brought so much joy to my childhood, in one that had so very little answers. People like Scott Valentine, or Mary Cordorette become really obscure and just…they’ve elected to move on with life. Jan Smithers (“WKRP In Cincinnati”) comes to mind at being supremely hot then fizzling just as quick. Lastly, I would hope that these people would be still alive to do more. Some obviously have gone as far away from the entertainment industry as possible, others still do the convention circuits. I lost an opportunity to meet the cast of “WKRP” when my car was stolen the weekend before they had a convention in Los Angeles. If anything is less forgiving, it’s that.

So, to begin with G.W. Bailey.

I recall watching him in “Police Academy 4 Citizens on Patrol.” Yeah, I didn’t watch any of the other ones prior to it, because I was too young. This one actually was just clean enough for me to see it in a theater alone. It’s terrible. Even at that age I knew it looked and felt like garbage. Anyway…the police captain Lt. Harris, the blustery ball buster of parts 1 and 2. He is a bulldog of a man, with broad shoulders and no-neck to speak of. He is distinct in his facial expressions that are so over the top, it would make silent film actors blush. But THAT is his charm. He’s pretty much been a cop in everything he’s done. Or security. In “Short Circuit” he’s security force sent to shut down Johnny 5 and…of course…”Mannequin” he’s security to shut down…mannequin love. Yep, he’s THAT GUY! Recently I saw him turn up in a serious role in “The Closer.” Serious?...kinda. When I see his face, I smile. He cracks wise on the show and you see the years behind him. But it has been awesome to know he still works in this business. He has that face like R. Lee Ermey that will always need a camera to capture it. He’s a great character actor.

Underpaid Servants Are Dickwads

Here's the problem...you either have work ethic or you don't. The young people of today...from what I see, lack it to an extent of making me ill. I wish that there was suffering with these fucking youngsters, but there isn't. A poor person in India can't drink water without getting dysentery. A poor person in America complains about having a 25" flatscreen 1080p television.

It occurred to me, as I was telling our vault that the database THEY'VE created is incorrect and will cause THEM bigger issues in the future. Did I get a "thank you." Fuck me. Of course not, I got defensive backlash. Why? Because I suggested they do their job...correctly. Back when I worked in the vault, I would've been so ashamed, I'd jump to fixing the problem. Instead, the punk fucking kid with sunglasses shrugs "can you tell me which rolls are wrong?" No motherfucker! It's a lottery. Or weren't you listening the first time. Oh, I get it...all you heard was how retarded I thought you were. Even though I never once implied that. In fact, I volunteered to help. Did that bridge the gap? Nope. This fucker proceeded to give me the security reasons as to why I couldn't help. Why? I'll tell you...so he can NOT do it. See, the minute I left, he probably sat and seethed at how the Big Bad Man had told him how stupid he is. The point being....WHY should I even walk on eggshells on someone so incompetent. But I did. Placating people like this is why this country is going to shit. Use to be, this guy would've been shit-canned. So now we gotta' play a passive-aggressive game. Company wide email to force this jerk to...do his job.

So now I'm back to my work ethic theme...when you pay people so little, the majority will work DOWN to that level. Whatever that means. No one ever thinks that...you took the dough that was offered...then proceeded to half-ass your job. Really? How stupid are these people? I dealt with someone similar to this a few years back. I trained the asshat in my department, only to have him refuse to do as much work as he was required. Because why? No one appreciated him. THAT is such a young person thing. They don't get recognition, so they throw a tantrum (or what would be an equivalent, which is not do anything). Who ends up picking up the slack? Unfortunately those who care about the process. To make the company better. To improve. Money or no money. I never complain about work, UNLESS it's unnecessary. For instance, doing things three or four times is a waste of time. Complain. I don't mind figuring it out the first time. That takes as much time and work. I'm not entirely sure how or why this happens. Only that I have no clout to really tell these assholes what I really think of them. They're WAY too stupid to figure it out anyway. I get it now. As an adult, one must balance the blank look as you berate a person to how much you want to sock them in their stupid faces. Or is it "temper."

PC Police Fucked You

About "Ghostbusters"...I completely understand your outrage, if you thought it was your movie as a kid. But it's not that great a flick. And it's silly as hell. But that's not what I'm talking about. There was this outrage that women playing the roles was the answer. Now...back in 1994, they rebooted another much beloved adolescent movie called "The Next Karate Kid." No one said shit. Why? Because you fucking PC assholes didn't make such a big deal about everything. See, back then...rebooting a series with women didn't draw the same attention because you didn't lavish yourselves with so much attention. You essentially put a target on your back. Was there outrage in the first "Ghostbusters" that Winston Steadmore was Black? No. Because it just was. It wasn't even part of the story. Should I tell you that Ripley in "Alien" was written for a guy? No, it didn't matter.

So you fucking crybabies who want to re-write history with the gender change...YOU are the problem. You make people resent the world. So the only course of action is to double down on their disgust for the remake. It draws a ugly sense of entitlement AND makes you believe Hollywood isn't trying harder. The spotlight hasn't been on "White" movies being remade with a Black cast. Has anyone been outraged. NO! Perfect way to play it. This mass amoeba known as Hollywood is playing you as much as they're getting played. So stop with the outrage about movies you loved and cherished as children. They aren't out to squash your memories. They're out to make money. By the way...and as a side note, this new reboot of "Ghostbusters" is, frankly the ONLY thing this fucking stupid ass town can make. Because you don't go see movies like "The Lobster" because you can't franchise it. SO fuck you and the horse you rode in on.

Another side note, rebooting KNOWN characters. My Wonder Woman will ALWAYS be Lynda Carter.

 Aachie foccia bread!
She gives that 13 year old version of me massive boner material. God, is she hot. When Gal Gadot was cast as Wonder Woman I ENVIED the teen boys today. They get to have that fantasy re-imagined. I don't want to compare the two NOR do I want a replica. I understand why Gal is the...um...Gal. She is sexy, feline, sex-kitten that can also break rifles with her toned back. Don't tell me no teenage boy didn't plotz themselves when she was getting hammered by Doomsday in "Batman V. Superman" (2016). Shit, I'm going to get the DVD JUST for that reason alone.

"Infiltrator" (2016)

There were an odd amount of gay dudes at the Laemmle where I saw this movie. Perhaps they thought it was something else.

You know why drug cartels will always fail? Greed. There was no reason for Pablo Escobar to go for the record breaking cocaine seizure only of a simple theory that money makes money. How about “enough is enough”?

So it stands to reason, with that all that money you really need to launder it. Enter Rober Mazur, a low grade set-up man with the DEA. His operations are nailig people at…bowling alleys. He was destined for more. So instead of retiring, he decides to get close to the man who’s getting all the junk in, circa 1985. But it isn’t easy. He has to finesse a lot of unsavory, scary people…but he also befriends one that gets nice face and mean even faster. This dynamic is oddly placed and seems like a longer movie, but…this is what we get.

Bryan Crantson plays Mazur. But he goes undercover as a banker named Robert Musella, a name he found in a graveyard. He lives the lifestyle of a gangster, though he is but an accountant. His plan is to get to the money and the money leads to the bad people. He is paired up with a street wise Latin guy played WONDERFULLY by John Leguizamo. In fact, I wish the movie were more about him. He gets in deep with street informants, and isn’t the slightest bit effected by taking them down. Is there a reason for either of these guys to do what they do? Seems they can’t explain it. Nor the movie. But, if you like strong performances…it’s a great watch.

Unfortunately this movie has too many confusing moments that service the plot. Diane Kruger is brought in as the fake undercover fiancée of Cranston. She’s charming and book learn but we never figure out what a sweet girl like her is doing in the mud with animals. Perhaps her love of excitement. I found myself explaining most of this movie away saying “This WAS 1985.” Which is convenient in the world they made, but irritating circa 2016.

There is a tag line about how the drug cartels were created by America to supplement a war against Russians. Money came from one hand and went out to the other. I’m not sure most Americans understand WHY Middle Easterners hate us…because we can’t commit. If we’d just stayed true to our word, a lot of terrorism wouldn’t have inflated the way it does now. Many people think it’s religion (as I have). In essence it is and it isn’t. We support poppy fields in Afghanistan to make money to fight Russia. When that was over, we decide that was now hurting us. Because…it wasn’t before? Only when it serviced the U.S. Government had they ever enacted the ability to create monsters. And we judge the pusher (supplier) NOT the addict (demander).

Frankly, this movie leaves you cold. Not knowing the good people from the bad gets you a queasy feel. Which is fine, just that it didn’t answer anything NOR take a point of view. A fine watch on television…the theater is harder to justify. To me, Mazur painted himself (which the movie is based on the book he wrote) as a family man crusader who sacrificed a lot to do good. IN reality, you feel as though we’re going after the wrong people (ahem..politicians)…so not much changes.

Michael Moore: Trump Is Going To Win Presidency

He probably thinks Trump supporters are so dumb they'd vote against him because Moore believes his opinion matters. His opinion matters as much as mine. Which you really shouldn't believe a fucking thing I say.

You know...it was interesting as I was sitting here thinking...you don't have to have a Civil War with muskets. We've been waging one without even realizing it. Pitting class systems and color lines. And who is REALLY responsible? Politicians. Would it surprise you how DUMB they are? They have puppet masters who pull their strings. Then clip their legs out. IF they ever went in wanting to do good, they went out evil. Can you blame them? Imagine the hottest Playboy models grinding themselves on you. At what point do you break?

So, the opinion of Fat Moore is that Trump will win, as we're mirroring Brexit (whatever the fuck that is). I think it means we're sick and tired of entitlement. To be honest, I should probably scale back on my shit talking too. I'm a 40 year old dude with a chip on their shoulder...due to...pride. People say dumb shit all the time. I can just accept it and not assume anything past that. Otherwise, overthinking idiots is like running a race against a 4 year old. You may win, but it doesn't feel all that great.

Leslie Jones

She's the Black lady in the reboot of "Ghostbusters." Someone should've told her nerds are relentless.
A lot of angry racist comments on her following this project. It's simple, you messed with "classic" dumb lonely virgins attack.

Everyone needs to make a living and it's a shame that one has to be so public that opens doors for people to be so cruel. Blame that oversized Muppet Paul Feig you nerds, NOT the woman who just needs earn money.

And, by the way, if you think you're remotely funny, stick your stupid fucking face in camera and let people trounce all over it. Stupid assholes.

Hey You, Director

If you’re just starting out and wanting to direct movies, short films specifically, I’d like to suggest that you don’t direct. Sounds funny, right?

I mean, don’t direct, just cast well and watch. Your job at this point is to just…watch. The goal is to be consistent with the entire movie, not just moment to moment. Small framing notes are fine. Continuity issues…if it matters, the rest…that intense motivation, background, all that shit…just don’t do it. Certainly DON’T ever direct an actor over 50. Instead, talk and ask questions. Actually, ask how that person is feeling at that moment. Not for the character, but as the person sitting, or standing. What benefits the story is all that matters. Just as directors get TOO involved with the nuances of acting like a director, instead of…directing, actors can rely on directors acting like directors too. Don’t fall for this trap. There is no motivation if the script is properly structured. It’s all there.

Michael Pare, star of “Streets Of Fire” which I consider an odd duck of a musical directed by Walter Hill, but still underrated…felt needy when it came to pleasing Walter Hill. He would pester him with a thousand questions, dissecting the script to it’s core and then go over this treaded ground. Not sure what he was hoping to accomplished but this was suppose to be a trilogy that probably left a sour taste in Hill’s mouth. Pare seemed to have gotten in his own way.

It’s simply because Hill was trained under Sam Peckinpah, where once he sees it through the eyepiece, he moves on. No fruity…explanation. Just move on. Robert Zemeckis is the same way. Though his issues are more for technical things, than performance. Though he often leaves actors in the cold. Especially if they ask questions about the character. I think very few actors understand that once they are casted, they are the right person for the role. When questions are asked, that’s when they start to dig themselves into more trouble. Think of it like trying to talk up a girl to fuck you. They already know they want to fuck you, the more you talk, the less they want to.

I digress. I think directors think they need to say something. I think as I do get older, I can feel or see what I want and move on quicker. A piece from here and a piece from there (as an editor’s brain as well). It works. You’d be surprised what people put together these days and pass off as a short. They aren’t short story films, they’re just…moments. I feel fortunate to have made many projects with people who don’t fall for the dissection stuff touted by Meisner or Stanislovsky or whatever. That’s bullshit you need to deal with before getting on set. What I noticed about Pare, was his questions were…good. It wasn’t “my character wouldn’t say that!” (which actor’s FREQUENTLY say). Instead he approaches it as “can we go over this line..?” He gives it a few test runs with the director, and then he adjust so it sounds more natural. I LOVE that. It’s non-combative, defensive garbage that goes with “my way or the highway” attitude. I like after a take to ask “whaddya’ think? You like it?” I think that takes some actors by surprise. Usually, I should KNOW if I like it. I can’t speak for actors, but I think it puts into light the question they ask themselves. Oliver Stone asks his actors if they “want one for safety.” Which is HIS way to have a take for him and another for them. Everyone is satisfied.

One note…in a studio movie, the director sometimes doesn’t get to choose. Some are really headstrong and REFUSE to shoot another take for fear a “throwaway” one will be used. I think the solution to that is to conspire with each other as to possibly shoot on the certainly would never use (like a grip walks through the shot).  Let that be the last take. I have a theory that…most of the times, IF you are sitting through dailies, the last take is horrible, they will backtrack to the second to last take. Or just go with the first (since it’s the most natural before adjustments).

I’ve also stopped yelling on set. Not that I ever screamed…except, as a cameraman when the actor wouldn’t stop fidgeting. Anyway, shouting is odd, since it’s aggressive. Silence gets questions answered and people moving forward. Some things to consider.

The Dream Factory

The man handed me a check and thank me profusely for making his dream of 30 years come true. NO, it’s not getting a BJ from a guy who looks like a Cambodian drug lord. I worked on this short film that was a translation of a novel he wrote. The story is…it’s a bit outdated. But he’s actually a solid writer, considering he isn’t classically trained. He’s a nice guy from Illinois who brought his wife and kids out to watch us make a movie of his book. Weird, right?

Apparently there’s a market for people who’ve gotten on in age, have money, no one to leave it to, and are bored. SO they invest in films from stories they wrote. The only stipulation is…well, that could be ala carte. In this case, it was that he got to cast who he wanted in the film. His daughter and wife casted the hunky lead male. Who is a great looking dude, but  can’t act. Don’t get too weirded out by that. The story is THAT is precisely how Johnny Depp got the role in “Nightmare On Elm Street.” Wes Craven’s daughter thought he was dreamy.

Well, believe it or not, it’s not a bad price to pay for fulfilling your lifelong dream. Think about it…what price tag would you have to be in a movie with Marilyn Monroe? Or dance with a young Ginger Rogers? At least this guy’s dreams were within reach. And I would say…for the price he paid, he got MORE than his money’s worth. We got to give him the whole film making treatment. Which is essentially…making a film ON FILM. That’s right we shot it on 16mm film. Though, no one on set had ever really touched or worked on film. IT was exciting to watch them all marvel at the medium. Though grueling and frustrating, it still provided SO much more joy than had we shot on digital. Think about that…some people on set were living their own dreams. I even lent them my 35mm motion picture camera to shoot. It was great to see the joy working with film.

You know…in a strange sense, this has renewed my love of filmmaking. To watch someone so enamored by the process from a completely new way, was…I never saw someone so giddy about it. I was so tired I wanted to vomit. He was watching a live action version of his characters and story come alive. And happy to spend every cent he had on it. Strange, considering he seemed to just like to view it from afar watching the lumbering process never seemed to bore him like it did me. Everyone should work with a producer like that. It’s a hoot.

Young man's game

Making low budget movies is for young guys. Long hours are taxing on old bones. I get real unnerved by the extent of what people will push others to. Though I noticed this time things have changed. Everyone on their cell phones. Even during a take. The obvious fact is...film sets are boring. Though we've lost the art of communicating. Don't get me wrong I'm as guilty since sometimes the crew doesn't really seem interested. A paycheck is a paycheck. I recall one of my first gigs on "Saw" cell phones didn't give u world access. At best they texted. But back then that shit costs money. It is remarkable how distracted people are now. Specifically this younger crew. The assistant camera guy on this was texting DURING a take. Unreal. What is to become of this industry. Seems the intrigue of filmmaking is dead. They just want the glory. Dues were paid then. Not so much now. I'm actually sicken by this new breed. Thy will move forth. As if it mattered to any of us. The end product is what matters. But I your wondering why you haven't moved up in the world...try paying attention to it

Nice Attack

Of all places...why can't they blow up some place like...Pittsburgh.
Anyway...can we just admit now that Islamic terrorist have won. We keep turning the other cheek and NOT judging, yet we've been smacked again.
And again.
and again.
And the leaders of this "civil" minded don't-judge mentality are getting innocent people killed. For what? To keep pandering to our core ideals. The fact is, the Islamic terrorist are waging guerilla war. The same shit that got our asses kicked in Vietnam. But we refuse to change tactics because of some asshole who aren't convinced the Muslims are the problem. I don't know. I guess in some pockets of the world, our military presence is just as bad. I'm so confused.

But pretending Islam isn't the problem is the problem. Westboro Baptists don't go blow themselves up during Ramadan in Iraq (some would say, there wouldn't be much damage there). But what do I know...we keep getting plied with "don't believe it's ALL Muslims." Hard to swallow when it's been ONLY Muslims.

Oh well, it's for the French to finally admit they've failed as hard as we have. Let's keep pretending everyone is our friend.

Interns

Young folk are so much more sophisticated than I give them credit for. I can see they are much more savvy in terms of…everything. They absorb the newest greatest thing constantly.

We have a young girl recently who came to intern with us. She’s sat in before which is where I found out that she is a conceptual artist. Our business is post editorial. Which is mundane and…well…it could get tedious. Her first surprise is how numbers crunching it is. Having never been on a film production, I COMPLETELY understand. Even the slates used to mark scene and take can get daunting. After 10 takes, it becomes a blur. What were they looking for? In that case, the job is interesting, if you go into editorial OR directing. You get to hear and see how the studio people do it.

In her case, it’s NOT her cup of tea. She’s making the best of it, much like I would having had been thrown into…stupid internships too. For instance, one of my very first ones was for a music video company called CRASH down in Santa Monica. They represented directors. There I met some amazing artists. It was at the time when boutiques like these matched director with music artist and they’d make a movie. There was a woman there who was the producer, desperately wanting to figure out what to teach me. It was all a blur, but she introduced me to some incredibly interesting people. I think at the time, Gerald Casale was the biggest name. “Gerry” was from Ohio like me. He dyed his hair black. And older gent who was soft spoken and really kind. He was also the founder of the 80’s band Devo. It didn’t occur to me then that it does now, but you don’t necessarily always run into people like this. They are icons in their own groups. They have sites dedicated to their work. And people, to this day, STILL consider him the father of modern surrealist music videos. To me, he just introduced himself as “Gerry”. I wanted to pick his brain but not come off as pushy or uncool. To navigate your life at this age (22) is insane. I know, MANY young men back in the day went to war and came back with a deeper voice and thousand yard stares. I was ill prepared to hustle. Which I didn’t. I hid. Making sure no one would single me out. Quietly soaking in the atmosphere. For the most part, people are polite. You don’t get rude, unless you’re someone important. Later when I moved off to intern at A Band Apart, music video…that’s where the swinging dicks came out. I was there when McG, John Woo (yes, he supplemented his features with commercials), Nigel Dick, and Wayne Isham were there. A few others who were feature directors too. Wayne had the reputation of directing THE single most expensive music video (probably still) to date. Will Smith’s “Miami” ($7 million…for a music video).

In this case, there are fond memories. I was nearing my thesis project and realized they had a basement fridge full of short end film. Short ends are film cans that are taken from a shoot where they didn’t use the entire can. So they make them short and recan it for future purposes. The executive producer at the time was a no-nonsense blustery dude named Michael Bonardcheck. I went into his office, hat in hand “Um…I notice you had some short ends down in the basement…um…you throw those out?” He smiled. Knowing my angle. “Go ahead and clear that shit out, kid.” And that’s how I was able to shoot my thesis on 35mm film.

THAT internship was beneficial. As for the girl who is hanging with us, or all you out there hoping to get to do what you want to do in life…go decide where the entry point is for what you want to do and do that. Unfortunately, it means being on the bottom rung. To a lot of old timey dudes like me, it’s sometimes ego killing. BUT, you need to do something that gets your stupid face going. You will meet interesting people who you can grow with. If you stick to what you want to do. People who jump around too much never get a foothold and no one takes them seriously. I’ve self appointed my position as a film expert. If anyone needs to know, they will ask. I hope this is the case with new kids as well…that they pick an interest and make it their mission to be the best at it.

Cops...Pay For Meal

In Pennsylvania, a couple refused to eat next to a group of cops. As a gesture of friendliness, the police paid for their meal with a note that they are good people.

Since when are cops suppose to be your friends? They're not cool parents who let you drink in their basements and buy pot for you. They're authority figures. And I get it, it's your mentality that it's us against them. They should feel comfortable with that line. YOU should feel more comfortable with that line. The whole idea that cops are out to get Black or Brown people is ridiculous. It's just unfortunate that crimes like these are perpetrated by these people. It's not fucking media either.
So now what? Distrust means cops have to be your bestest friend? Even if the feeling isn't mutual?

This all went to shit when kids started calling their parents by their first names. Fucking assholes.

"Backdraft" (1991)

Okay, the movie is corny, but I’m a total sucker for this type of courage. The sight of Kurt Russell running out of a burning building with a child is…well, it’s iconic. Of the bravery of fire fighters. Much like Michael Bay and the military, I doubt director Ron Howard has a problem getting any drinks at the firefighter’s local watering hole. Because this movie not only makes them look like heroes, they look like Gods. And what better way to remember 9/11 than to celebrate the heroism…um…insane heroism of people who just want to stop destruction.

The movie is about the McCafferey Brothers. Played by Kurt Russell (Bull McCafferey), the elder and William Baldwin (Brian) the younger. As a child Brian witnessed the power of fire as he’d got front row seats to watch his Pop get blasted by the animal. This tragedy led to him being on the cover of “Life” magazine as a poster boy (albeit REALLY outdated 50’s style) of the sacrifices these men make for our safety. Turning kids into fatherless youngsters hopelessly waiting for the return of someone taken by tragedy. Needless to say, we flash forward 20 years later and Bull has become the top of his craft. A thrill seeking fearless firefighter, living past the man who died that fateful day, while Brian toiled in different failed ventures wishing he didn’t get pulled back into the family business.

You wonder a few things at this point…he could be a fireman ANYWHERE else in the country. Well, they allude to the fact that he’s bankrupt. He’s a prodigal son returned to the town which both hoisted him to standards he can never live up to, and smack right next to a brother who leans on him so heavily, you’d think he’d rather just face the real fire.

Russell and Baldwin are fantastic as the brawling brothers. There is love with the hate. They are, I assume, orphans at this point. Little is said of the mother. But there’s no time for that. We’ve crammed a lot of personal history into this. For instance, Rebecca DeMornay plays Russell’s long suffering wife who’s moved on with her life without worry of a husband who is a risk taker, but great at what he does. Meanwhile, Brian juggles an old flame played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. On the side there is an arson investigator who, in a no-nonsense matter-of-fact demeanor, resembles the true fear of the “animal” of fire played by Robert DeNiro. Why didn’t he get nominated for a supporting actor Oscar this year for this?...This movie is crammed with support. Including a wild arson Donald Sutherland, whose child-like love of the beast compels him to sabotage his own freedom for his joy of burning down the world.

What I love most about this movie is…it’s just a story. There are great stunts, a plot of the devious nature of politics, but the core thought is the inability for family to really speak their mind unless push to the ultimate limit. Corny…absolutely. But we’re not in the business of truth here. We’re in the business of making heroes. Better than any Marvel/DC movie. Give it a go.

Risk Aversion

If you’ve been in Los Angeles and your goal was to make movies, and you haven’t done anything…you don’t have the heart to work in this town. Hustling is a past time here. You should always get out an schmooze. As much as your wallet will allow you to. That goes against a lot of principles I have. One being begging is for shit. Though, we ARE talking about Hollywood, so forget you had principles, because no one cares, and the people you tell will laugh.

Maybe you’re paralyzed at the prospect of failing. It’s not too hard to get discouraged since as you drive around town, all you see are failures. Their idea of failing meant never getting back up. It’s REALLY easy to get to that point. A fine line between us all. And a single moment. It’s always been that way. Some titans that ran studios back in the day ended up screaming at imaginary birds swarming him at Glassell Park. That fear should be motivating. Though pushing you deeper into the midst of the movie system. Which, if you’re not making things for yourself, you’re dancing with many devils.

I think ignorance is typically the best. The more you know, the less you are inclined to do much in Hollywood. If your goal is to direct movies, do it and don’t let someone like me tell you otherwise. The minute you lose the edge of going forward without proper knowledge is the day you will wash out in less than five years. People like me have seen what foolhardy productions become. It is MY story not your own. That’s the other thing about guys like me in this town. I regale you with tales of woe in the trenches, but it doesn’t mean your attempt will yield same results. There are no common results here. I think that’s why so many people ignore me about it. The sky is falling.

I’m trying to remember if anyone had told ME about how cruel the movie business can be. A couple of teachers hinted at it. But my professors were failed filmmakers, so what can they say in class? Being ignorant is actually really nice. You have the whole world to explore. People WILL take advantage of you. But, with ignorance, the newbie tends to bounce back from it. It generally takes YEARS for the reality to sink in. And many bad experiences. Then they’ll write poison blogs. I laugh at my stupidity and courage.

Which takes me back to my original point. Have courage and be aware of your risk aversion. Skittish folk wanting to get into movies is like a blind hunter trying to kill a deer with dynamite. It may work, but you’re going to bring down the forest around you to get there.

Not This Time L.A.

The brass ring was within reach. With a surplus of money, I felt comfortable laying down the dough to finally get the mix tracks of my short film “Nick’s Van” completed, and screened. Anticipation came from many people. The promotion was small but strong. Word of mouth, mixed with general interest and plus…after watching many short films within the same genre, it plays more or less much more “Hollywood” than I realized. Short dramatic films deal with a few things that get right to the core: suicides or the death of a loved one. Yes, mine does deal with that, BUT BUT BUT…it isn’t about that. The focus really is to move on with your life and stop trying to outrun your pain. I’m not sure I made this up, or I heard it somewhere but it’s really appropriate…don’t run from your nightmares…embrace them. To run from nightmares means fear. Fear of failure, loss and pain. These things haunt you and the most comforting thing is to flee. It’s also the easiest. The reality is, you must understand your fears and accept them. Hold them as a beacon of your path. In other words, use that to your advantage.

The project imploded a few days before I was about to wrap up this short film. It’s now over a year. My fear now is the same most people who get to the finish line have…it’s now been too long for me to want to feel people won’t like it. Too much effort, time and money. Anger, sadness and a roller coaster beyond explanation. Me dragging my heels simply meant I was just waiting for something terrible to happen. And it did. My car was stolen.

I used this as a crutch long enough. People felt great sympathy but don’t know the truth. It is…

…

…I may not have cared enough. Let’s step back a little before I get admonished for this statement. What I meant was…most people drag people through complete garbage to get to the finish line, then drag them a few inches more. I think my confidence was shaken to NOT take that extra step that is required to sustain momentum. This is the elephant in most rooms. Like another short that mutual friends have worked on that will never see the light. Except, in this instance, I have no other choice. A week ago, the potential was a agonizing mystery. When will I EVER get the money to finish this. Then a lot of uncertainty where others stood on the project. EVERYONE in post-production…failed this project miserably. This is not blame, this is truth. The blame lies in my ability to control the situation. In a big studio world, there is a calendar date to which people MUST be done. My dime, my calendar date. I am disappointed I haven’t treated this as a business. Or rather, my personal life has effected my business. The minute your confidence is shaken, this town is grim. I mean, shadows-with-eyes grim. What’s the solution? Fuck this world. Move forth and cram your talent down their throats.

That’s right assholes, I’m staging a comeback to finish it. A full out assault now. As much energy as I can muster. I’ve sold off a lot of items, slowly climbing back to where I’d been before. And getting this into completion. I am CONVINCED this is the cinder block weight that is making my insides churn.

So friends and neighbors, fuck this town called Los Angeles. I’m better than it and the people who’ve gotten many more chances. I’m here and I’m working and I’ve gotten a second…er…I mean third wind to keep pushing. It’s not when you succeed in life that makes it worthwhile, it’s how many times you get up. Shit, no wonder retards are happy.

The Murder Of Middle Class

The absolute awful thing you have to understand when you live in Los Angeles, is that if a crime befalls you, as a law abiding citizen, you are on your own. The pervasive attitude is…try to be smarter. Yep. It’s your fault scumbags act like they do. They can't help themselves. Or the attitude is scumbags will never change…so YOU must change. Garbage.

Let me put it this way, if we could execute total shitbags when caught in crime, would we be more a problem society or less of one. Who would commit crimes of any magnitude? And who would change first? Them or us? This idea that thieves can act like thieves and it’s the “civil” society to tolerate them is a god-awful perspective. Shit bag criminals have zero effort in society’s efforts for an agreed upon contract with each other. That my existence should NEVER infringe on yours. If your capacity to not understand this simple barrier is too much to learn, then you don’t deserve to be part of a community.

Well, you say…everyone makes mistakes. There are mistakes and intentional assholery. A guy who drinks and drives and kills someone isn’t a mistake. They bought a lottery ticket that potentially could hurt someone. Instead of making this a capital crime, we’ve collectively decided that drinking is a disease. In Los Angeles, compulsion is accepted as the society we deemed fair. Exactly how do we justify stupid behavior? It could be argued none of us would live past our teens if we were judged by our pubescent actions. OR…as people here in Los Angeles love to believe, we adapt to that society. But there isn’t a politician in this city who would ever ascend to any pulpit claiming that the animals in this city need to change for society. Yeah…says this fucking public…which people would you be referring to? The attitude sucks. Sure I’m not planning on changing the mindset of the monsters here. I’d be stoned out of town, like some charlatan. The mere fact that Trump has gotten this far, says people are sick of people who just shrug and accept the filth and scum that has been fashioned by the people who’ve taken advantage of the system. Admittedly, he seems to speak loudly for the middle to upper middle class that is vanishing. Poor people and really really rich people can exist in Los Angeles. Middle class are screwed. Simply because the middle class in Los Angeles is the 40 year old man in Louis C.K. jokes. Overlooked and underappreciated for doing the right thing. The truth is exhausting to repeat. And every year, we’re just cramming more people in here that go one way or the other. Being able to just…exist normally isn’t an option. You either find ways to take advantage of the system and get to the next level, or you take advantage of the system to live on their dime (section 8 housing). I met a Mexican middle class working dude today waiting for our tires. He has been in this country the same amount of time I’ve been in Los Angeles (closing in on 20 years). He had the pompadour of a gaucho, smelled of cheap cologne and I was half expecting him to be very compassionate to the cause of his people. Not quite. He knows the system is being exploited. Desperate to survive gives options. I have no problems with that. My friend Bennie knows of a guy, over 50 years old now, who refuses jobs within walking distances of his home. Since he’s either afraid of humanity, or can’t be bothered with menial labor (the guy lives with his mother). Bennie just shakes his head. He’s lived this long, doesn’t drive and weaved his way through the Los Angeles system. Yet, I’m the whiner who wants people to stop stealing and get to work (even if it means a stupid job…find something good about it…work ethic, ya’ know?).

Just so you know, there is no incentive to reach any simple goal like that here. The rich see you as a problem, the poor sees you as a problem. And no one seems to be wanting to help US out. The poor gets attention and the rich get attention. Just…no one cares. Keep that in mind if you ever try in this town.

By the way, this is a trick blog. In Los Angeles, the middle class would be the rich in any fly-over state. So, why would middle America give a shit about us either?

Community Bans Together

He said it was the worse he’s ever seen, and he’s been in a Vietnamese POW camp!! The Admiral lived across from my old place in Van Nuys. Before my insane roommate scared my ass out. He isn’t as old and wizen as I had imagined, but without further ado…

I don’t have a clue as to why they return other than…

…they’ve now experienced loss. How? Because they’ve grown attached to my stolen car. Criminals are so fucking stupid it defies logic. I think they’re masterminds. They’re morons. These two on bikes stood exactly where my missing car was. To which my suspicious upstairs neighbor questioned the girl. The girl being IDENTIFIED by a neighbor, got right into his face and they started screaming at each other. To which he said, he wanted to backhand her. They started going into our compound. That’s when the owner of it, and landlord…the cheap shitbag that he is, started giving chase to the two on bikes. Even snapping a photo of them. Run off like vermin. I am genuinely surprised when people that young are so…brazen.

Anyway, so Larry, my upstairs neighbor comes down talk to me as I was cleaning up the car THEY vandalized and told me about chasing away two people. The girl of the two had juggled her story about being there. For one thing, she started saying how they were there to look for a place to rent. The second story was that they were looking for their stolen car. AH-HA!! I laughed. They my car and felt the sting of having come out of their home to a missing car. Can you believe audacity?! A few things. One, how did they not know I was home. And PISSED. Would these two tap dance the same story. As they know what I look like. Second, what is their thing with my piece of shit car? They gussied it up and fixed a few things. Yet, they ran it into some pole or something, denting it. Vandalized the interior with a Sharpie. Now they come riding up in bikes COMPLETELY convinced THEY were robbed. It’s unbelievable. The one thing that really ills me is that …they have an old driver’s license. This would lead them…into a maze. It’s hard to find where I use to live. So, it’s unlikely, but they will come across a father with two kids. He may be armed, he may not. I hope they find out the hard way.

That aside, I’d always thought they were gangbangers. Maybe they are. Hard to tell. But it also looked like a couple. A young Latino male and a fair skinned Latina OR white trash girl. Judging by the photo, she looked like a punk kid. Here I was thinking it was Russians. Or Armenians. What was odd…the radio was tuned to all Mexican channels. The CD holder I found had classic rock. Like Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix. I kinda’ like these two. Wish they weren’t such punks. Why are these two determined to steal MY car?

So what now? Well, I’ve told the neighbors about their ability to skulk around our complex. I’ve “clubbed” my car and set the alarm. IF they decide to turn on the car, it’s going to be really obnoxious to neighbors. Particularly a formal admiral that is about 70 years old, a little kooky but extremely sicken by thieves. He has the best vantage to the parking structure. And has zero predilections to read young people the riot act. Maura is a neighbor whom I’ve shared this saga with ad nauseum. I’m not sure if she just tolerates me or genuinely enjoys the drama. Kevin, her husband is amused by it all. He and I are soul surfer like zen people. He is a great guitarist whom I’ve heard play. Effortless for him. They all live on the L.A. River side and have perked their senses to anything abnormal. LAPD, to their credit responds quickly to our calls. I know what you’re thinking, why not arm myself? For a under $1K car? I think the principle is what keeps me gunless. The other thing about our community I recently just found out how much I love? They are united in how much we hate crime. It’s amazing. Everyone has heard a few of my stories now. And they’re livid. Much more the Admiral, who has a factory fresh 1964 Mustang. It’s pearl blue, convertible. He’s shipped it out with him on every ride. It’s been with him to the Middle East, China and most of Europe. Wherever his ship has sailed, he told me it sat just below deck. Under the planes. To him, it’s simple “I just like doing nice things for good people.” Which means he hates criminals.

If you asked me why I lived in such a neighborhood that has so much shit happen to me, it’s these small moments of discovery that make it worthwhile. I’m absolutely relieved that I no longer have a faceless criminal in front of me. These two gambled and lost. Maybe they know that, maybe the don’t.

All I know is, it’s time for my baby to go out into the world. It’s done its duty. And very proud of the time we’ve had. Great memories.

Despair?

Luckily I was on a stationary bike sweating. They couldn't see I'd straight broke down like a bitch. Crying till my body was shaking. This after watching the black man shot by police in a car while his girlfriend sat next to him. He was a fucking public school teacher. Prior to shooing he announced to officer he was licensed to carry. When he reached over to get license, the man was shot. The fact the woman sat there compliant and calm next to a dead body was too much for me. It's a combination of everything. I guess. I have t cried in years. But I cracked. Our society just has no sense of peace. Have we concluded that law enforcement is t on our side? This means the real criminals at salivating. Because they gunned down one of us...the unrest will extend to real criminals. In that sense, everything I've done thus far was for nothing. I look behind my back constantly. I've lost the instinct for anger. I mean anger being pointed at the right people. I've lost the edge to want to the right thing. Maybe that's why it is so much more tragic. We, the public have no one to turn to. It's the Wild West. And these assholes who take advantage of the situation new the fall before we did. Call me stupid, but I had hope. Though my criticisms of society seemed to be a evolution chart of why people get...distrustful. At the ground level..not a big deal. The trenches are safe, but there is the inevitbility of eventually poking your head out. I sat with my head on bike, hoping no one realized how defeated I really feel.  Thought I was tough. But we're animals. Peace and love doesn't conquer all. Society bred people brazen enough to feel that a confiscated vehicle they stole is a slight to them! What has happened?!! The day we're paranoid of our brothers, is the day we've lost to our lizard brain. No wonder people stockpile guns.

"We're No Angels" (1955)

Humphrey Bogart, Aldo Ray and Peter Ustinov star in this…could’ve been cool concept but becomes a massive chore to watch thirty minutes in.

I’d sent the 1989 remake (sort of) with Robert DeNiro & Sean Penn in the theaters when I was a kid. The sight of Demi Moore’s boobs was…God bless young Demi. Anyway, this has none of that. They only took the name.

This is about three convicts who are out on parole who buddy up to a shop owner for jobs. Their intention is to murder these people, rob them and get off Devil’s Island. Which seems like a Jamaica or something like that. It’s not really explained for Americans, other than it seems to be some outpost island somewhere with a prison on it. Anyway, the shopowner has a wife who is, naturally, suspicious of hiring convicts on parole. He also has a daughter, whom…let’s be honest, these scumbags would’ve raped a photo of her. She’s in love with a distant cousin. The shopkeeper is grossly inept. Constantly taking credit from customers and allowing people to walk all over him. He’s spineless, but kind. Unfortunately, due to his horrific business sense, his Scroogy cousin, who owns the shop, is coming into town with a nephew in tow whom the daughter is in love with. The three convicts hatch a plan to fix everything that is wrong with this man’s life. Though, still convinced they will rob and murder this family. Uh-huh.

Touted as a rare film where Bogart gets to be funny, it’s an odd duck movie. The jokes are written funny but delivered terribly. And I just don’t think there’s enough screen space for all the wisecracking. I do like the banter, to an extent. But the family seems too naïve to be plausible. I realize this was suppose to be a mix of slapstick with screwball. But it feels out of control. Direct by “Casablanca” director Michael Curtiz, I was shocked how obvious the comedy is. Everyone seems so…worn out. For a comedy, there are some really ugly moments in it. For instance, when a family member dies, it’s not taken with any level of seriousness. A little too dark for this movie. And there’s a touching moment that isn’t really setup. Though I understand why it was a sentimental moment, it just fell flat.

I’m really not sure about this movie. I get the feeling it was a holiday movie. Like TBS would add it to their Christmas play list, for those sick of “It’s A Wonderful Life” or “White Christmas.” I know there is a message about redemption in there somewhere, but, these guys aren’t all that likeable or understandable. IF I were to re-write the script, I would have them try to bump each other off. Like, when they start to realize the family they are contemplating robbing, they slowly come to love them. I believe that may be another Christmas movie though.

These guys aren’t angels. And they’re proud of it. It must’ve really rubbed people the wrong way to see unrepentant Bogey. Even in his gruffest days, it still seemed as if he gave a damn. It felt by the numbers here.

"Anomalisa" (2015)

Whatever you say about Charlie "Eternal Sunshine" Kaufman, I don't think you could ever say he doesn't mine neurosis for comedy. This movie is brilliant in that matter. If you're looking for plot, forget it. The movie is a massively skilled study in mannerisms and behaviors. Things like...how we interact with people at hotels. A transient stop-off for many faceless, voiceless strangers. Kaufman has cornered the market on the little human ticks and idiosyncrasies that make us interesting. Or flat out boring and banal. Whatever it is, it's fascinating.

Actor David Thewlis voices Michael Stone, a celebrated customer service speaker (?) who is dumped off in Cincinnati, OH to give a speech. He's clearly troubled by some relationship he's left. He hears the voice of everyone that is also...um...the same. He apparently suffers from a condition where faces all look the same. And that there's a paranoia to the conspiracy. Their voices also sound the same. Men, women, children...they all sound the same. This is all voiced by Tom Noonan. In a very odd taken back moment, we hear everyone's voice is the same, except with a few inflections. Stone is desperately searching for...a less lonely feeling. Which is when he runs into Lisa (voiced by the endearing back-to-Ridgemont High Jennifer Jason Leigh). She has the voice of a woman. Though physically unattractive, she is at the very least...different to him. As he starts getting closer to her, there is a jeopardy of her fading into the faceless society as well. It's not faceless, rather...similar. Clearly he's in love with this woman who seems to have broken the mold. Anyone who's ever had online relationships through phone calls understands this distance yet closeness to people who we relate to on the cerebral level but never in a million years would sense true animal attraction. But she's a sweet girl who has her own dark past. Never mind that. She is a kind hearted person which life has dealt her terrible luck.

The mannerisms of this movie are amazing. Details are what makes this movie. Though it seems to derail a bit at the end, and most likely will leave some emotionally hollow, the ride to the end is a solid jaunt. I love the sensibility of this movie. If someone's affliction makes you feel less lonely in your own pain, I think it accomplishes at the very least, that.

William Goldman On How We Failed In Hollywood

I’ve been reading essays written by screenwriter William Goldman in regards to his predictions in Oscar contenders from early 2000’s. The subtitle to this book was “who killed Hollywood?” A sort of poison pen towards the people who’ve ran the film industry into the ground. But it isn’t as acerbic as you may think. It is heavily cynical. But they are notes about inside industry feelings about stars and the movies that are made. After reading, it’s hard to believe anyone wants to work in this “business.”

It’s reaffirmed everything that gets to me about the movie business now. I explained it last night to a friend. When it was a studio system, actors were put under contract. I think the typical one ran about 7 years. This meant actors got health insurance, dental, and you knew EXACTLY what you were doing from movie to movie. And you were groomed to be a working actor. It meant you could plan your life. Buy a home. Be a human being.

The stars were livid that they couldn’t choose their projects. So when that all went away, so did all their benefits. Oh wait…not the stars’ benefits. Nope. They make the dollars that keep them rich and famous. The other actors who  were living on the fringe, went off the cliff. The studio system had issues, but they made some solid pictures. I bet you if the studio system was reinstated a lot of actors would clamor for it again. After all, nothing more socialist than socialism. But we all fucked that up. Realizing that actors are renewable resources freed up studios to rotate the herd. Same thing happened with film cameras and technology. Once they realized audiences didn’t give a flying fuck about quality, they abandoned any skilled labor positioned that required a living wage. Why should they pay a mechanical engineer who studied motion science when they can pay a straight-from-college schmuck who knows app developments and shit.

It’s great to read his predictions on Oscars. And the suits who ran Hollywood, which illustrates his tried and true theory “No one knows anything” in Hollywood. It’s surprising to even hear how precarious this business is. For instance, a star’s flop at the box office doesn’t make any difference as long as the movie opened the first day. Hollywood don’t hold stars responsible for quality of the movie.

It just makes me wonder why the fuck do we make movies. For me, it’s to recapture that sense of moving an audience when I screened my first movie at The Dorothy & Lillian Gish movie theater. I don’t even remember the reaction, only watching complete well-wishing strangers watch a movie I made. It’s incredible.

But…to be honest, it may be never to get that opportunity again, unless I make that opportunity. Which I figure is the delusion we all live in. I realize a lot of people don’t want to hear this type of negativity for the business they’re attempting to crack into. But I love reading Goldman’s thoughts. Because they mirror my own. Exception that he’s a TWO TIME winning Academy Award winner. So, it does cushion that blow a little better that I’m not alone. And that someone of true talent validates my suspicions of this town.

Those who keep on keepin’ on without a thought of these matters, I’m envious of your ignorance.

"Hush" (2016)

At a certain point in this movie, I’d turn to my friend and said that at that moment I was happy I wasn’t watching this movie in a movie theater of Black folk. Because they would not stand for the shenanigans in this movie. Actually, I take it back, I wish I did so it would at least be entertaining to listen to everyone around me tear it up the way I am about to. Incidentally though, this should’ve been the movie my friends and I should’ve made had we not been partying through life at 30 and been drunks. To their credit, it’s an accomplishment with zero budget and a few known actors. They will have a future.

The movie is about a deaf writer who is in isolation because of…sadness or breakup or something. She is played by Kate Siegel…NOT Katey Sagal. Looks like Angelina Jolie’s younger sister but Sucks for you younger lady. She’s deaf but has friends online that remind her to…um…be deaf. Such as signing every thing…even though she reads lips, but they do it wrong, so there’s a misunderstanding. In case you didn’t know she was deaf. Well, here’s where the “dumb” part comes in. She becomes completely cutoff from the world when a home invader decides to play cat and mouse with her.  Here’s the lesson to be learned here….unless you’re Sigourney Weaver in “Death and The Maiden”, you’re not THAT interesting. It doesn’t even pretend to be. There isn’t really a backstory to…anyone. And you don’t even get the slightest clue what their motivations are. Well, one is simply trying to survive the night. The exposition is way too much at times. For instance when a neighbor comes by and misinterprets the killer as a police officer. Or…and this is odd for a deaf person, her inner voice chimes in with her options (perhaps to let the actress who happens to be the writer as well…act…for the reel). This is fine, but..dammit, you had such a good mood piece.

Also, and this I’ve learned to REALLY hate. Unnecessary cruelty. I can’t tell you how far away I am from telling stories now about torture or gore. I just can’t stomach it like I did when I was younger. It’s a total selling point, and cheap at this level (Netflix). But it’s…like teenagers putting on a music. If you don’t have the budget for the stakes to be high, it just seems cheap to me. What is more strange is that women tend to insist on gore and watching themselves die in gruesome ways over men. Men tend to want to die nobly. Blown to bits at war. Or killed by the machine they’ve built.

I hate this movie the more I think about it. The actress does her best. But it really feels like a school play. The bad guy isn’t even all that bad. He does that crazy guy thing that all actors love to do, go 0-100 in 60 seconds in psycho-sis. It seems so phony, if it isn’t someone who doesn’t have the depth.

I’ll tell you this much…when you have the killer mock a dead body AFTER finding cigarettes in the pocket with the TIRED line “These things will kill you.” Either don’t listen to the actor who insists on this line, or kill the director who suggested it. Whomever let that fly…sums up why this movie is so bland and dumb.

The Suspicious Generosity Of Others

In any other city, maybe I'd feel less anxiety when it comes to...

...the kindness of others. Here...it seems I may've been conditioned to feel things have conditions. I honestly have no idea how I was trained to feel this way.
I think because this town does have a sense of desperation to it. No one can do favors for too long. I do this too, but a guy recently contacted me from New Mexico about a project he wanted to do. After a few minutes of talking, I sensed something odd. He was fishing to see if I'd work on his movie...for free.

The honest part of me wanted to blast him about how much my time and effort costs. It's a massive effort to manually created cuts points for film scans. It's a pain in the ass. But I would do it for a friend. This is a stranger. He's been in the industry for decades and as amassed credits, but also a union camera card. So...why's he hitting me up for free things? I have no idea. Other than...I do that shit too. If it's coming out of your own pocket, you do try your damndest to keep those costs down. It's scummy, now that I think about it. I hate being scummy. I tend to apologize profusely. Sicken that I would beg. This goes on and on. If you've no ambition in this town, all of this falls on deaf ears. Some people have no shame. My friend that just made a short considers the people who did her a favor as...her perception people did it for their own generosity. I'd like to meet those people. The simple fact is, no one does anything in the movie business without an agenda, how ever small. Actors will be in your movie because they believe in the story, or how your vision comes across. They better have confidence in what you do. To me, making people think they should be grateful to help you is sickening. Though I'd never convince her otherwise. Less she bitched to me about a project she got boned on, in terms of getting paid. That's hypocrisy. You should be grateful to be on other projects. Of course, the spin on that is, her project merited more free help than this action one we were both on. Uh-huh.

I'm borrowing a friend's car now. A loaner from a decent guy. I think. I shouldn't be suspicious, but fuck...this town makes me question every good deed. My own hypocrisy is...I love to do favor for friends...if I could. But I don't know what the world "out there" expects. I would love to do this fella who came with his personal project a freebie. But I'm too broke now and the effort would take too much of time I need to find ways to generate more dough. Incidentally, a piece of advice I've learned over a decade of working in movies. A simple favor in our mind snowballs into other things. They are never happy. We use to joke at work...the ones that paid the least complained the loudest. I do not blame them, I learned from them. Ungrateful people with tunnel vision about their own projects wears on you.

I love people try their hardest to do things. Anything. As I've said in the past. I understand the circumstances. And...a while back I recall a guy screaming bloody murder at me over attempting to haggle with a location. I think he got one too many similar calls attempting the same...maybe. I don't want to get to that point. I never count money until it's in the bank. Seriously folks, the promise of things is based on...excitement without planning, empty promises that are never fulfilled. The new generation, I'm not even sure about. I've been told a few times they want to be in something I'm making, only to disappear into the abyss, never to be heard from again. Go ahead and try and figure that one out. Time, energy, effort is worth something. It's a balance.

So the people out there that seem to have advice about this...the boneheads who say things like "move on to the next project" or "forget and move on." If you truly cared about what you did, banging your head constantly on empty effort will eat you from the inside out. My friend who believes people will continue to do her favors needs only a few more projects to prove this point. But, of course, this only happens to a disagreeable shitbag like me? Tell that to Preston Sturges, who actually had a studio behind him.

"The Palm Beach Story" (1942)

Yes, I'm on Preston Sturges kick...

The opening credit sequence alone should be studied to show how you can illustrate intrigue, with laughs and without a single stitch of dialogue. I’m actually surprised that the opening isn’t talked about as much as the long “Touch Of Evil” shot. It’s amazing, and must watch when you get to the end of the movie again. Unreal that this was innovative then, and hasn’t (but should’ve been ripped-off) technique that would work now.

A ridiculous romp through an insane concept which ends as quickly and as funny as it began. It will have you completely say to yourself “….the fuuuuuuck?” Because if anything ever fell from the sky and solved all their problems, this was it.

Most likely this would never fly today. Unless it was a sitcom. The lines come fast and hard and you really have to pay attention to the nuances of the performances to fully love what the movie is. Logically, it’s just unbelievable. But who cares, I love the silliness.

The story is of a marriage that has shat the bed. After five years Tom (Joel McCrea) & Geraldine (Claudette Colbert) or Gerry as she’s referred to have finally reached rock bottom. As a struggling architectural designer, they’re flat broke, until one fateful day an old deaf gentlemen gives Gerry the idea that being in poverty sucks. She bluntly tells Tom she’s done with him and wants to move on to make the best of both their situations. Gerry desperately runs from Tom, as he’s in chase of her..all the way down to Palm Beach. She runs into rich men left, right and center, but stumbles on a pipsqueak milquetoast weirdo named J.D. Hackensacker III nicknamed Snoodles, played by Rudy Vallee who is the richest of them all. He is smitten with Gerry and is determined to make her his wife. Well…his version of determined anyway. Tom discovers where she is and shows up only to be announced to Tom as her brother (instead of husband). Get it yet? Okay, so now posing as her brother, they have weird incest jokes (for our benefit anyway). And boy…they are racy. Snoodles has a sister named Princess Centimillia. Seriously. She is oversexed, with a cup poureth over with men. Having been married 6 times prior. She intends to make Tom, whom she believes is the sister of Gerry, her next conquest. She’s played by Mary Astor in, what I consider a supporting actress level performance. She’s fun, lively and who wouldn’t want to marry her? Well, common sense be damned. She is the elixir to Snoodles’s joyless uptight demeanor.

The laughs aren’t guffaw laughs. They are smart witty remarks. Intelligent in the characters they instantly create. As a shorter film, this movie is buoyant, as with the rest of director Preston Sturges flicks.

This is a fun breezy film. I equate it to listening to a Michael MacDonald song. You may be poor as dirt, but listening to his tunes makes you feel rich and carefree. I consider this the same feeling.

"The Lady Eve" (1941)

A great smallish romantic movie directed by Preston Sturges and starring Barbara Stanwyck and Henry Fonda. A sweet screwball comedy which is about a ale/beer heir who returns from his trip studying snakes and runs into real reptiles in the form of Barbara Stanwyck and Charles Coburn who are father/daughter grifters/card sharps. Unfortunately, she falls for the naïve sweet guy but he discovers her past and she then goes in disguise as an English woman to win back his love.

This movie could not be remade in any way, and I love that. Because the scenario would have people rolling eyes up and down the aisle, this is preserved, BECAUSE it’s so of its time. I love the smart way this movie is written though. A scene where Stanwyck’s character Eve is attempting to prevent her crooked Dad not to take advantage of the poor dumb sap. Instead of saying it out loud, there are subtextual language that the audience understands. The shit talking here would put rappers to shame. There is genuine fun and genuine off-beat humor. A great mix of seriousness thrown in as well. And, for its time, incredibly dirty innuendos.

Find this movie if you can. It's an opportunity to see Stanwyck evil but nice.

Happy 100th Birthday To Olivia DeHavilland

If you don't know who she is, too bad for you.
She turned 100 years today. The last remaining survivor of "Gone With The Wind" (1939). The sensible one against the raging Scarlett Vivien Leigh.

She outlived them all. By the way, her sister is actress Joan Fontaine, whom they were a little estranged. She lived to 96 and just died a few years back (2013).

Both have won Oscars. But Olivia outlasted her.

So, fucking cool.

Idiots or Insane

After talking to a friend yesterday, it occurred to me the only way to function in the town of LA is to either be insane or a complete idiot. There's no way anyone can see the day to day and be okay with any of it. Much like the San Andreas, it seems we're all waiting for things to really crack before doing anything. Call it the microcosm of America as a whole. The conversation started with my car being stolen to being told "you can't make people do what you want?" How fucking retarded is this person? Common sense is to blame the thief. Yet, this is the mentality that has spiraled this town into a pit. The sunshine fools idiots to see they've found Shangi-la. The solution, according to this shitbag society is "get over it." Smiling dummies as their homes burn down. In what world have we crossed over where suggesting people not steal a car met with accusing me of wanting to change people's behavior. I had no words. I've spent a good time here, the defense mechanism for a lot of people is to give in. In other words, decide that people are thieves so live with it or leave. That, friends, is the core of the issue. I've been complicit as well. Going along to get along breeds terrible people who know the system better than you. California is asleep. No one wants to hear you ever bursting the ugly bubble. Why? To be as bitter and angry by it? We're losing bad and if you analyze your day to day, you would slit your own throat. So, maybe it's best for those who suffer trauma to bury their heads in the sand. The hypocrisy of it all is that the ones who ignore require the most help. People want watch a fool sink to the bottom of the ocean. Then when rescued, the fool believes he accomplished something. That fool has hopes and dreams yet to realize...who wants to wake up a deluded sleepwalker?