I assisted in the transfer for "Jack Reacher" and despite what you feel about Tom Cruise, the guy is professional. If anyone saw the movie, Robert Duvall is in the movie. And, let's be clear, this isn't the wheelhouse of someone who did "Tender Mercies." BUT, I'm always excited to see someone of his caliber in these movies. There was a night scene in the movie, where Duvall struggled to get the lines down. It was a long take. It went on and on until they ran out of film. Meanwhile, Cruise patiently and sweetly allowed him to keep going. Of course, some would say...Duvall is who he is, NO ONE tells Tom Hagen what to do. But, you've seen this type of abuse constantly. The blow out in front of Dustin Hoffman that David O'Russell had with Lily Tomlin for example.
Anyway, it got me thinking about a Sidney Lumet book called "Making Movies." In it, he recounts Marlon Brando's way of testing a director (which he doesn't recommend doing, for you actors out there). Basically he does two takes IDENTICAL. Then he changes one thing and waits to see which the director decides to print. If it's the take Brando wouldn't have chosen or didn't "give his all" he'd make the director's life miserable. Because he lost all faith in the director being able to see his performance. Again, not recommended when starting out. But Brando is Brando.
Despite the Scientology thing, Cruise is a gracious person. There have been stories of his intensity, but I have respect for someone who is whole-heartedly committed to a project. There was a story said about Cruise during "Jerry Maguire" by Artie Lange who was briskly spoken to by Cruise. I don't think it had anything to do with Artie being a minor character, but Cruise seems to respect the crew's time. If you take into account what this guy makes per minute, it's a no-brainer the guy is serious. Goofing off on set is money ticking away. A LOT of actors (like Brando) don't seem to give a shit. "Superman" (1977) people were walking on egg shells to protect the $4 million dollar behemoth. You work his way. And that's that.
As William Goldman concisely put it, I'm not sure what makes a star a star. Brando was a star. Tom Cruise is a star. They get people to see movies. The responsibility it seems to Cruise seems to touch a more fundamental humanist quality I know is dismissed through his beliefs (Scientology). I don't know much about it, so not sure what they train. But, for him to sacrifice some sanity and control is...I doubt anyone would trade lives. Maybe. All I can say is I wouldn't. Cruise's life is manufactured from all aspects. There was a questioned asked years ago about what makes someone like Cruise launch to that status versus, say...Emilio Estevez who's disappeared behind the camera. I think it's wanting it more. Cruise LOVES movies. I'm not sure Brando did. He'd rather (and proven later) live on an island away from humanity. There's got to be a Brando biopic somewhere down the line. Not sure Cruise benefits from one. He's so earnest for you to enjoy movies too. And not ball washing the guy, but I wish I had half his energy (despite the fact that he is years older than me). You HAVE to get into this business with that tenacity. He doesn't have the time to Tweet or update his status. He's busy making movies. Back to back. He keeps going. Name another person in the early 80's that can pull that weight (maybe Clint Eastwood, but he was never a teen heart throb). I'd say pretty amazing.
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Thanks World...Ya' Dopes
You want to see another sign of how media controls the
intake of tragedy…consider this, the same night the attacks on France by ISIS
terrorist, there was a total and complete barrage of support for their country.
There were over 120 people murdered that night. Meanwhile in San Bernardino,
California, 14 people were murdered by ISIS terrorist, and not even a moment of
silence in ANY…yes I said ANY of the college divisional games. Motherfucker.
How much does this country and the rest of the world suck. And it got me
thinking, where’s the pricebreak on lives taken versus attention given? I guess
you’re not going to sell shitty t-shirts from it. Or get your lemming Facebook
friends to change their profile pic to overlap a city of San Bernardino seal on
it. But…c’mon…not one mention in any major sporting event.
That’s bullshit, America. And fuck you all for not even
caring. I guess San Bernardino isn’t as cool as Paris. I didn’t think I would
ever get to this point of not giving a shit, but Barack Obama’s presidency is
total garbage. The overcompensation this dumbass does to ensure “fairness”
makes him look like a complete idiot. His PR guy or girl should be canned.
Anyway, congrats to:
Clemson
Alabama
Michigan State
Oklahoma
Stanford
Bowling Green State
Great way to end the regular season. I can watch the championship games stress free. Unless they pay respect to our tragedies.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Sister Of San Bernardino Killer Wants To Adopt
Awwww...
Seems we have to really be specific lately. Unless it's about people's faith, then you switch it because you may offend. The title should say "Muslim Killer" like they do when they say "White Cop Kills Black Teen." Oh well...
Anyway, the sister of the guy who went on shooting rampage wants to adopt the 6 month old left behind. It took me by surprise, since...well, they are of the Muslim faith as well. A typical parent in America has to deal with so many hoops to jump through for adoption...this specific one...I'm not sure how that works. I get if the tragedy worked the opposite direction. Such as, they were the victims. But they are related to the perpetrators of a heinous crime. I'm certain the powers that be will see to it that the sister will get custody. Shit, the president invited a briefcase bomb maker to the White House. By the way, the pop in that story wants $15 million dollars now after he moved to Qatar. Who does that? It's an insult to people who do invent real things.
Do you think the victims' families of this shooting will be invited to the White House so the prez can explain how vetting works?
Seems we have to really be specific lately. Unless it's about people's faith, then you switch it because you may offend. The title should say "Muslim Killer" like they do when they say "White Cop Kills Black Teen." Oh well...
Anyway, the sister of the guy who went on shooting rampage wants to adopt the 6 month old left behind. It took me by surprise, since...well, they are of the Muslim faith as well. A typical parent in America has to deal with so many hoops to jump through for adoption...this specific one...I'm not sure how that works. I get if the tragedy worked the opposite direction. Such as, they were the victims. But they are related to the perpetrators of a heinous crime. I'm certain the powers that be will see to it that the sister will get custody. Shit, the president invited a briefcase bomb maker to the White House. By the way, the pop in that story wants $15 million dollars now after he moved to Qatar. Who does that? It's an insult to people who do invent real things.
Do you think the victims' families of this shooting will be invited to the White House so the prez can explain how vetting works?
Friday, December 4, 2015
The Death Of Scott Weiland
Frontman for Stone Temple Pilots died at 48 years of age.
I don't remember much about him, except, my college girlfriend had a massive crush on him and I'd bought "Purple" at a second hand record store when I was in high school. Worked at K-Mart at the time and saved enough to buy that and No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom." Sort of understand how long ago that was.
I also believe, he lived in the shadow of grunge. Whereas, Mudhoney had the low-fi sound, he was constantly compared to Pearl Jam, a more popular grunge band. Stone Temple Pilots to me always seemed like the Go-Bots to Transformers. A day late and a dollar short.
From what I gathered, shortly after their massive success of "Big Empty" on the soundtrack of "The Crow" he seemed to plummet into heroin abuse. It was pretty common in the early to late 90's for those rockers to still live that lifestyle. Today, the rockers are sort of...nerds. Now, they lived that Motley Crue style debauchery. Which comes as no surprise that Scott died so young. Why live to old age being a weirdo like Paul McCartney or Jimmy Page? It's a sad decline when you live past your bandmates. I would think it being equivalent to being the last at the party. People hold you to high esteem but pity you for living in the shadows of the dead they can speak of.
He died on a bus on tour in Minnesota. Which...in some odd way, I suppose, fits the extinguished youth lifestyle former rockers maybe always believed they would go out as. You're doing what you want to do. Made enough to prove nothing. And being at the break line between the decline of music stolen on the internet. The road seems to have claimed him. And maybe remember him in a bus that will never stop.
I don't remember much about him, except, my college girlfriend had a massive crush on him and I'd bought "Purple" at a second hand record store when I was in high school. Worked at K-Mart at the time and saved enough to buy that and No Doubt's "Tragic Kingdom." Sort of understand how long ago that was.
I also believe, he lived in the shadow of grunge. Whereas, Mudhoney had the low-fi sound, he was constantly compared to Pearl Jam, a more popular grunge band. Stone Temple Pilots to me always seemed like the Go-Bots to Transformers. A day late and a dollar short.
From what I gathered, shortly after their massive success of "Big Empty" on the soundtrack of "The Crow" he seemed to plummet into heroin abuse. It was pretty common in the early to late 90's for those rockers to still live that lifestyle. Today, the rockers are sort of...nerds. Now, they lived that Motley Crue style debauchery. Which comes as no surprise that Scott died so young. Why live to old age being a weirdo like Paul McCartney or Jimmy Page? It's a sad decline when you live past your bandmates. I would think it being equivalent to being the last at the party. People hold you to high esteem but pity you for living in the shadows of the dead they can speak of.
He died on a bus on tour in Minnesota. Which...in some odd way, I suppose, fits the extinguished youth lifestyle former rockers maybe always believed they would go out as. You're doing what you want to do. Made enough to prove nothing. And being at the break line between the decline of music stolen on the internet. The road seems to have claimed him. And maybe remember him in a bus that will never stop.
"Die Hard" (1988)
No, I'm not going to review the movie. Instead, I think it should've won the Best Picture of 1988. "Rain Man" did, and while it is great for retards to get their due...ahem...FUCK YOU ACADEMY!
Having watched this movie again, it is insanely good. It's groundbreaking movie making. Just the basic logistics of making a movie about terrorism (for money) in 1988 is now relevant then back then. AND they did it with German terrorist. Actually, I called them the United Colors Of Terrorist, since they had an Asian dude and a Black computer wiz, and the dude who looks like Huey Lewis. This movie is great. But...of course Academy voters LOVE story with heart (read: gays or retards). SO we have to award them. I'll actually throw whores in that mix too. Since it speaks deep into their own psyche.
If you consider that the message in "Die Hard" is saving his wife to fix their failed relationship, it trumps any "Birdman" or "Boyhood." It actually entertained while it gave you a wholesome message. Again, fuck the Academy, since it was shrouded in balls out action. Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber is...the quintessential baddie of that era. He's suave, smart and is a total sociopath. AND he gets minions to do his bidding with just a simple walkie talkie. But he isn't above blasting a corporate raider in the face if he doesn't get the right answer. THAT'S BADASS. The movie still holds up. "Rain Man" does too. In the sense of being your brother's keeper message, but it's hardly getting sucked into on a slow Sunday.
So, anyway, I'll tell you why it wasn't even nominated (side bar..the movies that were nominated that year "Working Girl", "Dangerous Liasons", "Mississipi Burning" "Accidental Tourist") I don't get "Accidental Tourist" that movie is dull as paint drying. I do get "Mississipi..." it's a fascinating story. And true. But Best Picture? Also "Working Girl"...I think that was a soft spot vote for Mike Nichols.
But again "Die Hard" changed the industry game. I'll give you a few reasons why it didn't get even a serious consideration.
1) too many gays in Hollywood. Men with guns. Ewww...
2) Bruce Willis (you'd think a guy named Bruce would trump the first reason) he was a bartender turned t.v. actor, turned movie actor. Actors vote on the major ones. Out of work actors. You want to talk about resentment. Back in the 80's you couldn't do that. Be a t.v. actor AND a movie actor. The logic being why pay to go see you when they can see you for free. Public did, so go shit in your hat. Bruce broke the mold for others in t.v. to be taken seriously, in big budgeted movies. Will Smith has a lot to thank Bruce for.
3) action movies are like comedies. If done well, it's often times seen as easy. And the dreaded "how hard is acting by just screaming while gunfire blasts by you?" Or "one liners isn't acting." Eat shit. That's the hardest ones. The glib lines when you cap someone digs DEEP into the psyche of someone attempting to diffuse fear. The absolute brilliance of it was to have a palooka cop spit them out in frustration.
Now some of you may be saying well "Lethal Weapon" (1987) cracked that code. Not really. I watched that movie again. It's dark buddy cop drama. The wising off doesn't occur until much later (and amplified in the sequels). Bruce is a one man army, alone and figuring it all out. He picks off the baddies one by one, but not because he set traps, but because he's just trying to get to his wife. They come after HIM.
But whatever. I'm pretty much given up on the Oscars. BUT, I do have predictions. This year will be all about women (as if the other years weren't). I think two movies that stand out so far have women in the title. "Joy" & "Carol" will grab a ton of attention. It's no "Die Hard" but it's got...girls kissing and something about a mop.
Having watched this movie again, it is insanely good. It's groundbreaking movie making. Just the basic logistics of making a movie about terrorism (for money) in 1988 is now relevant then back then. AND they did it with German terrorist. Actually, I called them the United Colors Of Terrorist, since they had an Asian dude and a Black computer wiz, and the dude who looks like Huey Lewis. This movie is great. But...of course Academy voters LOVE story with heart (read: gays or retards). SO we have to award them. I'll actually throw whores in that mix too. Since it speaks deep into their own psyche.
If you consider that the message in "Die Hard" is saving his wife to fix their failed relationship, it trumps any "Birdman" or "Boyhood." It actually entertained while it gave you a wholesome message. Again, fuck the Academy, since it was shrouded in balls out action. Alan Rickman as Hans Gruber is...the quintessential baddie of that era. He's suave, smart and is a total sociopath. AND he gets minions to do his bidding with just a simple walkie talkie. But he isn't above blasting a corporate raider in the face if he doesn't get the right answer. THAT'S BADASS. The movie still holds up. "Rain Man" does too. In the sense of being your brother's keeper message, but it's hardly getting sucked into on a slow Sunday.
So, anyway, I'll tell you why it wasn't even nominated (side bar..the movies that were nominated that year "Working Girl", "Dangerous Liasons", "Mississipi Burning" "Accidental Tourist") I don't get "Accidental Tourist" that movie is dull as paint drying. I do get "Mississipi..." it's a fascinating story. And true. But Best Picture? Also "Working Girl"...I think that was a soft spot vote for Mike Nichols.
But again "Die Hard" changed the industry game. I'll give you a few reasons why it didn't get even a serious consideration.
1) too many gays in Hollywood. Men with guns. Ewww...
2) Bruce Willis (you'd think a guy named Bruce would trump the first reason) he was a bartender turned t.v. actor, turned movie actor. Actors vote on the major ones. Out of work actors. You want to talk about resentment. Back in the 80's you couldn't do that. Be a t.v. actor AND a movie actor. The logic being why pay to go see you when they can see you for free. Public did, so go shit in your hat. Bruce broke the mold for others in t.v. to be taken seriously, in big budgeted movies. Will Smith has a lot to thank Bruce for.
3) action movies are like comedies. If done well, it's often times seen as easy. And the dreaded "how hard is acting by just screaming while gunfire blasts by you?" Or "one liners isn't acting." Eat shit. That's the hardest ones. The glib lines when you cap someone digs DEEP into the psyche of someone attempting to diffuse fear. The absolute brilliance of it was to have a palooka cop spit them out in frustration.
Now some of you may be saying well "Lethal Weapon" (1987) cracked that code. Not really. I watched that movie again. It's dark buddy cop drama. The wising off doesn't occur until much later (and amplified in the sequels). Bruce is a one man army, alone and figuring it all out. He picks off the baddies one by one, but not because he set traps, but because he's just trying to get to his wife. They come after HIM.
But whatever. I'm pretty much given up on the Oscars. BUT, I do have predictions. This year will be all about women (as if the other years weren't). I think two movies that stand out so far have women in the title. "Joy" & "Carol" will grab a ton of attention. It's no "Die Hard" but it's got...girls kissing and something about a mop.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
One Person Nuts, Two People Ideology
I heard this statement yesterday and it just struck me. That it wasn't so hard to determine why two people conspired to kill. Most don't want to assume or jump to conclusions, but the odds of one person being a quack is one thing, when two people are involved and there isn't a robbery, or anything else, we can only think that it is ideology.
I gripe and grumble a LOT about the pieces of shit in society. For the most part, it's mostly to joke about my own intolerance. I'm getting older and seeing the same thing over and over again. It's a rub. So I blog to vomit it out. Hopefully no one takes what I say completely seriously. My main gripe is California's inability to see how dumb we are. I guess being so dumb, you can't really hold a mirror to ourselves. Shit, we'd kill ourselves if we knew how much waste or stupidity we were involved in. That's from the leaders down. Laws these days are mostly to harass citizens. If you can't pay a fine, you get fined more. How the fuck does that make sense? You can't pay so...you have to pay more. That's how stupid fines are. And they lean on people who CAN pay rather than, illegal people in this town who completely ignore these rules. And seems to work in their favor anyway. The government doesn't have the capacity to regulate or follow up on any of the bullshit they attempt to enforce, so they require you at least meet them halfway. Makes us idiots as well.
So these two Middle-Easterners, the wife/girlfriend from Saudi Arabia, guy shooter is born and raised in Southern California...has to deal with the intolerance of America. Living by their own rules. Or rules of...I'll say it, religion? Unfortunately our ideology and their ideology do not match. Not sure the details of the holiday party they went to. But apparently they were angered enough to leave come back and murder. With assault weapons and flak jackets. I would say...that wasn't just a flip the switch anger, we're talking about Alan Rickman "Die Hard" shit. But there were no bearer bonds to steal. Just...ideology.
I think these two did the worst thing they could possibly do to this country, if they wanted a Democrat in office. Which is prove that our borders are compromised. We can't even blame this on chemical imbalance, as much as gun nuts want to ride. Listen, keep your guns or whatever, but it doesn't prevent people with bigger guns to getcha'. You think you have a fighting chance, but that's comical to believe so. Even with training, the two who orchestrated this assault looked like...well, those model terrorist in "Die Hard." Assuming you can tell the difference between a good guy with a gun and just some lady in the typing pool.
I gripe and grumble a LOT about the pieces of shit in society. For the most part, it's mostly to joke about my own intolerance. I'm getting older and seeing the same thing over and over again. It's a rub. So I blog to vomit it out. Hopefully no one takes what I say completely seriously. My main gripe is California's inability to see how dumb we are. I guess being so dumb, you can't really hold a mirror to ourselves. Shit, we'd kill ourselves if we knew how much waste or stupidity we were involved in. That's from the leaders down. Laws these days are mostly to harass citizens. If you can't pay a fine, you get fined more. How the fuck does that make sense? You can't pay so...you have to pay more. That's how stupid fines are. And they lean on people who CAN pay rather than, illegal people in this town who completely ignore these rules. And seems to work in their favor anyway. The government doesn't have the capacity to regulate or follow up on any of the bullshit they attempt to enforce, so they require you at least meet them halfway. Makes us idiots as well.
So these two Middle-Easterners, the wife/girlfriend from Saudi Arabia, guy shooter is born and raised in Southern California...has to deal with the intolerance of America. Living by their own rules. Or rules of...I'll say it, religion? Unfortunately our ideology and their ideology do not match. Not sure the details of the holiday party they went to. But apparently they were angered enough to leave come back and murder. With assault weapons and flak jackets. I would say...that wasn't just a flip the switch anger, we're talking about Alan Rickman "Die Hard" shit. But there were no bearer bonds to steal. Just...ideology.
I think these two did the worst thing they could possibly do to this country, if they wanted a Democrat in office. Which is prove that our borders are compromised. We can't even blame this on chemical imbalance, as much as gun nuts want to ride. Listen, keep your guns or whatever, but it doesn't prevent people with bigger guns to getcha'. You think you have a fighting chance, but that's comical to believe so. Even with training, the two who orchestrated this assault looked like...well, those model terrorist in "Die Hard." Assuming you can tell the difference between a good guy with a gun and just some lady in the typing pool.
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Collateral Damage
More mass shooting. 14 are dead today in San Bernardino, California. Under a warm day, this crazy killing happens at a social services facility, which appears to be a targeted "mission" to kill someone there. In the movies, we never do see it from the perspective of the internet. It's odd, because if you think about all the crazy things that happen in movies, you never get the news scoop. Maybe a flash to news coverage, but never from the general public's perspective.
I'm not sure what to say anymore. Having guns is a problem. NOT having guns is a problem. Apparently there were three gunmen, who did what they did and disappeared. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a drug thing. Mexican gang? I dunno. Seems pretty well executed. Except for they did stop the SUV. It is very scary when they get away and are out within the public "acting normal" and pretending to be with the rest of the awestruck audience. It's funny, that in movies we never do see the real aftermath of the shooting. Which leaves families without loved ones.
Just an idyllic day in Southern California, now turned into another war zone. I would hope that they would've waited until after the holidays.
I'm not sure what to say anymore. Having guns is a problem. NOT having guns is a problem. Apparently there were three gunmen, who did what they did and disappeared. I wouldn't be surprised if it were a drug thing. Mexican gang? I dunno. Seems pretty well executed. Except for they did stop the SUV. It is very scary when they get away and are out within the public "acting normal" and pretending to be with the rest of the awestruck audience. It's funny, that in movies we never do see the real aftermath of the shooting. Which leaves families without loved ones.
Just an idyllic day in Southern California, now turned into another war zone. I would hope that they would've waited until after the holidays.
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