Agitron: January 2010

A detective story, but really a story about idealism. What is a flatfoot, but a mobile package of morals and codes? Elliot Gould embodies those codes by never shedding his tie, by ignoring the sex and drugs floating around him, by driving an anachronism and, ultimately, by shooting his best friend in cold blood. Sterling Hayden is drunk muscle with a beard attached. Wish I could find the soundtrack.

Screened at the Brattle Theater with Elliot Gould in person

IMDB

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Paradise Lost - John Milton (1667)

More Info

Bull of the Woods - J.R. Williams (1920s)

one-panel cartoons set in a machine shop. Structured in a similar way to William's more popular strip, Out Our Way.

More Info

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

She - Lansing C. Holden & Irving Pichel (1935)

Produced by Merian C. Cooper, a worthy adventure/fantasy followup to his King Kong.

Screened w/ commentary by Ray Harryhausen

IMDB

Quintet - Robert Altman (1979)

Allegorical science fiction set in a future Earth ice-age. Indifferent acting, goofy costumes. Missing the ambiguous themes and ambiguous audio mix that I expect from Altman. Interestingly shot with a fuzzy ring around the edges of the frame, giving a sense of frost encroaching on the world.

IMDB

Sunday, January 17, 2010

The Blue Gardenia - Fritz Lang (1953)

Raymond Burr is suitably sleazy as a scheming lady's man. Film noir with comedy elements. Felt like it was going down a deep dark hole as Anne Baxter can't remember if she committed a murder or not. She is proved innocent in the last 5 mins of the movie, but no clue/setup was ever hinted at. Seemed like Lang wanted to end it there, but was forced into adding the 'happy' ending.

IMDB

Rebecca - Alfred Hitchcock (1940)

3rd time I've seen it. Prepping for my next visit to Sleep No More.

IMDB

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Sleep No More - American Repertory Theater and Punchdrunk

6th time!

At the Old Lincoln School in Brookline Village

More Info

Friday, January 15, 2010

Harvard Art Museum - Re-View

A chronological exhibition with selections from the Fogg, the Sackler and the Busch-Reisinger while some of the Harvard museum buildings are being renovated. Nice to see old friends in a new setting.

More Info

GATZ (part 2) - American Repertory Theater and Elevator Repair Service

At the American Repertory Theater

More Info

Thursday, January 14, 2010

The Patsy - Jerry Lewis (1964)

I'm surprised that Lewis was able to make 10+ movies in a similar vein. I find small portions funny, but overall a real drag.

IMDB

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Mystery of the Double Cross - Louis J. Gasnier & William Parker (1917)

Finally watched the last two chapters in this 15 part silent serial (6+ hrs). Infused with Victorian morals. Interesting that the chapters end on questions/mysteries rather than on cliff hangers like most later serials. Interesting to see bits of 1917 suburban New Jersey: street cars, houses, shops.

IMDB