Monthly Archives: September 2010

3 things about Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman’s HOWL

Posted on September 14, 2010 by robchristopher

Howl [2010] 1. The typewriter punches out handwriting. 2. Next to the phonograph, an LP by Dinah. 3. An arm emerges from the bottom corner of the frame to accept the cup of tea.

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STORIES FROM THE GRID: Chicago/Rush

Posted on September 13, 2010 by robchristopher

Being part of a series involving Chicago and its surroundings. The family was sitting outside around a black metal table. An older gentleman set down a tray of food in front of them. In a deep, rolling cadence he recited, … Continue reading →

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3 things about James Cameron’s AVATAR

Posted on September 13, 2010 by robchristopher

Avatar [2009] 1. “You’ve contaminated the sample with your saliva, Norm.” 2. Quick cutting neutralizes 3D. 3. Chest hair, green filaments.

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9/11.

Posted on September 11, 2010 by robchristopher

My own memories of 9/11 are (blessedly, considering what’s come later) self-contained. Working a full day at the coffeehouse, not wanting/wanting to be there, spending a few hours at home glued to the TV, then going to a Laurie Anderson … Continue reading →

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3 things about Fred Zinnemann’s ACT OF VIOLENCE

Posted on September 11, 2010 by robchristopher

Act of Violence [1948] 1. The slow scrape of his shoe on the sidewalk. 2. She cradles the bottle of milk, nervously massaging it. 3. Alongside the train tracks they approach one another, like a shootout in a western.

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3 things about Tobe Hooper’s LIFEFORCE

Posted on September 9, 2010 by robchristopher

Lifeforce [1985] 1. Frank Finlay has the Christopher Lee role. 2. “Every blue spark is a human soul.” 3. A flattened pile of twitching corpses on the stairs of the cathedral.

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3 things about Mel Brooks’ YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Posted on September 7, 2010 by robchristopher

Young Frankenstein [1974] 1. It begins to rain. 2. “There. Now I’ve touched it. Are you happy?” 3. Sssst!

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3 things about Andrei Tarkovsky’s IVAN’S CHILDHOOD

Posted on September 6, 2010 by robchristopher

Ivan’s Childhood [1962] 1. Chicken on a chain. 2. Suddenly, a blinding flash on the water. 3. Hanging from the rafters is a line of wire nooses.

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3 things about Gregor Jordan’s THE INFORMERS

Posted on September 4, 2010 by robchristopher

The Informers [2008] 1. Looping, looping, looping. How much of this movie was dubbed because of bad location sound? 2. Mickey Rourke’s unconvincing mustache. 3. Is the final shot supposed to be some kind of weird, inappropriate homage to Whatever … Continue reading →

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3 things about Edgar G. Ulmer’s DETOUR

Posted on September 3, 2010 by robchristopher

Detour [1945] 1. “What’d you do? Kiss him with a wrench?” 2. The torn label of the liquor bottle. 3. “You hurt me.” For the briefest of moments she appears bewildered and astonished.

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