5 Stinky Thoughts on the
2007 Countdown's Leftovers
2007 Countdown's Leftovers
in alpha order
click image for more delights (like trailer, if available)
click image for more delights (like trailer, if available)
The premise of the film - characters singing Beatles tunes as "they experience the sweeping changes of the 60s" - does reek of the worst popsical tendencies. But then there's that Taymor factor...that exhilarating theatrical directorial sensibility audaciously discovering the possibilities in all modes of cinematography. The whole project reminds Lu of a kooky idea to remash "La Boheme" with songs by Elton John & The Police & Madonna - well, that sounded pretty lame at first too. So, for this bold mix of animation, musical numbers and political subtext, StinkyLulu says: Bring it on, Taymor!...............................................................................
After a lifetime of not quite "getting" Julie Christie, several recent screenings of LaChristie in her 1970s-era prime have led to something of an infatuation with her unparalleled facility with something Lulu can only describe as "melancholy effervescence." And by most reports (Exhibits A, B & C), this project - even as it's most noted as Sarah Polley's directorial debut - seems an ideal Christie vehicle. So, at the risk of getting all schoolgirly here, StinkyLulu has only one thing to say about Away From Her: JULIE CHRISTIE!!!!!...............................................................................
Musical biopicness aside, this one's got Lulu's lil latin heart all palpating. First, Hector Lavoe was the first salsero to really open StinkyLulu's ears to the heart-squeezing soul of salsa music. Then, Marc Anthony is so formidably talented, yet so egregiously underrated by the U.S. media. (Plus, Lu's convinced he's got the makings of a truly great actor - maybe on stage, maybe screen - hopefully time will tell.) And Jennifer Lopez might just still be an actress underneath all that glama. Finally seeing the trailer for this long-delayed project not long ago actually had StinkyLulu hyperventilating a little. (Hey. Just hearing Jennifer say "Hectuh" in the trailer? Makes me giddy. No reason. Just does. Shut up.)...............................................................................
One simple reason brings this Aussie indie to StinkyLulu's list: Stale Popcorn. His review makes all kinds of reasons clear but, truly, 'twas that profile of Deborra-Lee Furness for the Supporting Actress Blogathon that officially reeled Lulu's fascination in... Indeed, that Kamikaze Camel likes the same kinda actresses at the edge as Lu &, with this Jindabyne thing, StinkyLulu's all prepped and ready to be bulldozed by a boozy dame who can swipe a movie out from under LaLinney. Ahhh, good times await..................................................................................
Few Hollywood screenwriting talents have as magnificently uneven track records as Mike White. With White scripts, it's ever a question of tone, a tricksy mix of snarkysweet with just a touch of malevolent melancholy. For every project I love, there's another I loathe. With this "black comedy" about mourning, however, White may have finally found the director to maneuver those tone problems: himself. (Reports suggest he's wrenched some real actressing from, of all people, Molly Shannon.) With Stinky faves Regina King & Laura Dern & Peter Saarsgard in comic supporting roles... Well, Lu's ready for some dead dog lovin' now................................................................................
2 comments:
I voted for Year of the Dog too! Big Mike White fan, and I think Molly Shannon's got untapped genius just waiting to be brought out. I never thought she'd get the chance, though, and she'd disappear like so many of "The Ladies Who've Left SNL," so I'm reeeeeally hoping this one gives her the chance to shine.
Thanks for the shoutout.
I hope you're as impressed with Jindabyne (and with Furness in particular) as I and many others were.
It still ruminates in my mind.
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