How I wished it could be...

Not much more exciting than Elementary school basketball tournaments

2009-12-20T18:07:02Z

I went to see the kids play last night (in the cold and the rain) and the game was wild. We won at the very end of the first overtime after getting fouled on the last second shot after we stole the ball. The other team's coaches were so pissed, but the call was pretty obvious (our kid got knocked pretty hard). Before that the game went back and forth and we won and lost it about 20 times either way. Now they get to play again Monday night.

Got my final grades

2009-12-19T01:07:03Z

I got an A for student teaching and an A+ for Capstone. Overall, I had a 9.4 GPA through grad school, my only B coming in the Intro class (which was graded in a very shady way). In high school, I had a 9.5 GPA, my only B coming in PE.

Now I just wait for my diploma (and I have to get all my stuff together for getting my temporary teaching certificate).

Also, my Mom officially retired today from teaching. It was sad, but hopefully she'll get some rest and that will help her feel a little better.

Some music for the season

2009-12-14T02:28:41Z

You can add Christmas to the list of things I hate. Its just one long reminder of how little you have, lol. I do not need that right now.

However, I do like some Christmas related things, particularly Christmas movies with Barbara Stanwyck. Turner Classic Movies played two a while ago, and I just love them. I watched "Christmas in Connecticut" all the time (its one of my favorites for some reason) but I had never seen "Remember the Night" before.

They cancelled "As the World Turns"

2009-12-08T23:59:42Z

Yet another reason why I hate life, lol. This is not what I needed at all. No more Carly!? I don't think I can go on.

Oh, and I finished graduate school. Overall I had all A's and one B (for all the classes I had to take).

Technology

2009-12-05T17:33:06Z

So, this week my DVD player died, my laptop went crzy and wouldn't stop hibernating, and I broke a lamp by barely touching it. I bought a new DVD player and the Geek Squad fixed my laptop this morning (and didn't charge me any money, which was very nice of them). I had to throw the lamp away.

I finished the actual teaching part of student teaching and got hugged about 400 times. The kids were so sweet and cute, and I felt bad about leaving (I always do, as I'm such a sucker). They all (ALL) made me cards, and since I go to five different classes a day that is a lot of cards. All I have to do now is finish my giant portfolio of busy work and write my other reflection (also busy work) by Monday (and give a presentation Monday night). I will be so happy when its over I can't even explain. I need a vacation so bad, but I'll have to wait until summer (though Christmas break will help a little).

I got "The no.1 Ladies detetive agency" season 1 on sale from Barnes and Noble (50% off plus another 20% coupon and free shipping). It is so cute and happy, and is just the feel-good stuff I've been needing. Jill Scott is great, and Anika Noni Rose (who plays her secretary) is a hoot.

Last week

2009-12-02T01:23:41Z

This is finally my last week of student teaching. I have to finish my portfolio (busy work that will nevr end), but after that I'm completely done with grad school. I am so glad. Grad school has just been awful, and I hate Spalding so much I can't even tell you. Thankfully, the people in my cohort turned out to be pretty nice, because other than that the time was just painful. I still want to be a special ed techer though, so that's good. If this didn't kill it I should be okay for at least a while.

To get me through, here is something that can't be missed:

Checking In

2009-11-15T23:19:26Z

My mom got in a car wreck. She is fine, but the car is not. I've been driving her everywhere, but we had finally gotten home and I was exhausted, but she forgot she had to get something at Walgreen's and I let her drive. She got out to the intersection in front of our apartment complex and tried to pull out, but some kid who was going too fast snuck up on her and wrecked into the front driver's side. The front wheel and the hood are all messed up--we don't know if they can fix it. Mom thought it was all her fault, but the driver drove off without stopping, so he was obviously not blameless. The next day Mom went to the hospital (she has a huge knot on her head) and they said she has a mild concussion, but is okay otherwise.

Fun. I've been in such a great mood lately (obviously) and then this happens. She's a mess emotionally (as am I), and now we have no car (we're using a rental for now).

Before all that though, Barnes & Noble had another 50% off (plus 15-20% more when you use some coupons) sale, and I bought:

All for a little over $100 (about $125). The MSRP for the Rohmer set alone is $90-ish.

I should probably return them, but I had opened them already, and $100 won't help the car very much.

Stuff

2009-10-25T04:41:02Z

This is so dorky and cute:

Oh, and one of the kids at school accidentally spilled bright orange paint all over me. The kid felt really bad, but I thought it was fitting.

I hate life

2009-10-08T01:32:38Z

Like, I get mad when I have to get up in the morning.

Anyway, I wanted to post this (I have probably before, but who cares) :

I want to slow dance with him; put my head on his shoulder and have him sing in my ear.

My Morning

2009-08-29T00:01:40Z

To my left: the 6:20 McDonald's crew consists of two barely competent people that serve both the drive through and inside. I read my order slowly and carefully, as it is large this morning due to the fact I promised the 6 kids I teach in the morning breakfast because of how well they did during my observation (and they did do very well). However, the lady working the drive through can't get it right no matter how slowly and clearly I relay the order.

Behind me: This jackass of a man in some giant car starts yelling me after I start reading my order and he decides that it is too much for the drive through (I like barely started when he started yelling at me). I continue, but as the lady taking the order continues to screw it up, he yells even more, eventually screeching his tires all over the place and speeding his car out of the drive-thru lane (and seriously, I wasn't even there 2 minutes and I've had to wait a heck of a lot longer in the drive-thru lane before).

To my right: My mom, having enough of the man behind us, attempts to get out of the car to confront this man, who undoubtedly could hurt her if they were to fight (and my mom was ready to throw down).

I was able to contain her (barely) and complete the order, but when I had to pull up front so they could get my order Mom went inside, found the guy, and had it out with him.

I did eventually get the food, and the kids did enjoy it (unlike other kids who complained no matter how nice you tried to be). The man apparently was still inside trying to get his food even though we had finished and got the order (for the most part).

I don't know

2009-08-17T01:11:09Z

Well, two days into the new school year and so far I haven't been beat up or cursed at...yet. It hasn't been so bad, but its still very early (and I haven't had to really teach anything). I like the sixth graders most (as they are pretty much still elementary kids). The older grades not so much, but I like 8th better than 7th. The Spalding part of the class starts tomorrow from 6-9, so I won't get home till close to 10 (which is when I have to go to sleep so that I can get up when I need to (around 5:45 if I go fast). I really don't want to go to that.

I helped my Mom sign up for Facebook so that she could see pictures of my Aunt's trip to Slovakia. I have not signed up for Face book and never intend to do so. But, after she was finished I used her account to look up some people (just to see who is on). That will be the last I do that, lol. It is just so depressing and made me feel so bad about myself in just the couple minutes I spent browsing around. Like, this girl in high school I was so jealous of--she was validictorian (while I was in 2nd), a cheerleader, and had a cute boyfriend who she smooched and giggled with all the fu&*^(ing time. Plus she was really nice and likeable, which of course made it even worse. Well, she married that boyfriend and they have the cutest little baby. Sigh. I just hate life. People do so well (and I don't begrudge them that really) but my Mom is in tears because her legs hurt her so much and no one can do anything, and then I can't find a job for anything so that she can at least retire and I can help support her (instead of her supporting me). Then, I looked into getting a car (finally), and they told me I already have $37,000 in debt (from college loans). I mean, might as well be a million for christ sakes. I'll never be able to pay that off, but they'll rake me over the coals till I do. I just, again, hate life.

Mad Men starts its new season tonight. Hopefully this season is as good as the first two.

Oh, and Rick Pitino just needs to stop. UofL football is depressing enough, I don't need to lose basketball as well.

A little bit of both

2009-08-09T18:48:45Z

-So, school starts this week (well, I had to go to an all day inservice this past Thursday too, but anyway). I have inservices Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday then the kids start Thursday. According to the teacher I will be working with, our kids are "intense", lol. The good thing (maybe) is that we will be working most with the new sixth graders, so hopefully they are still in fifth grade mode (and I am more comfortable working with that age group).

-I bought a new printer (I haven't had a printer in a very long time), but I'm too afraid to set it up just yet. Printers are so fragile and expensive, and I just want it to work and not give me problems (which isn't very likely).

-I've been watching my "Criterion DVD Mania OMG I Spent So Much Money But Paid a Ridiculously Low Price for Each One Extravaganza". I really love the Shimizu Box set (which, having now seen the films, is worth the regular price, as that is the only way to see those films in the US and they are so good). They are (mostly) very light and start off with a very leisurely pace, but kind of unfold as they go along and by the end turn into really beautiful, complex, and moving pieces. I also loved "2 or 3 Things I know About Her" (which once again somehow manages to make philosophy and academic political discussion surprisingly emotional and tender). I'm not articulate enough to explain Godard, but I loved this film (and it made me cry several times, even the second time when I was primarily listening to the commentary track).

-Have you heard of Judy Canova? If not, you're missing out. She's a much needed "new favorite"; a kind of country Joan Blondell if she only stuck to comedy, could sing, and looked a little like Lily Tomlin.

Here is a TCM page with some clips for her movies.

The End of Summer (not that it ever started really) or How I spent all my money

2009-07-23T22:41:20Z

I haven't posted in awhile, but here's some of what's going on with me:

-I start student teaching next week (maybe? I have to see when the teacher I am working with wants to set up her room). My first assignment is at a middle school in a self-contained BD/MMD room (so, that should be fun) and then my second assignment is in a primary (k-3) resource room (much more my speed and what I hope to do when I finish). I wasn't supposed to get paid for student teaching, but since I'm a lowly assistant (who makes very little money), the school board let me keep my job if I still need it after student teaching and will pay me my regular assistant salary while I student teach. So, that's a relief as far as that goes. I'm nervous about student teaching, but not as much as others seem to be (and that makes me a little more worried, especially considering my assignment is in a seemingly more difficult place than theirs).

-I have finished all of my classes except for student teaching and capstone (which are combined). I just finished last week, so I have gotten a whole 2 weeks summer vacation (after going non-stop since Christmas through TWO hydroplane classes and then this joke of a technology class I ended with). I am so tired.

-I am fat again (maybe not as big as before I started, but close). Stupid school(s) took all my time and TWO hydroplane classes was just too much for me to take (the teacher was pretty much my father's twin). I started working out again this week, but I've got a long long way to go before I am respectable again. In a way, being this way again is soul-crushing, but I'm trying to ignore those feelings right now. Hopefully student teaching won't take up all of my days/nights/weekends like normal classes and working did for the past year.

-In the meantime, I've tried to stay sane by dreaming of apartments, cars, and less embarassing times ahead. I'm going to apply to schools in Savannah and see if they'll hire me (since there are no jobs here). I was ready to buy a car, but the IRS got after my mom and I had to help her out (so the car will have to wait). I've been finding a lot of cool design blogs that are very distracting (in a good way), particularly Design Sponge.

-Barnes and Noble is having a ridiculously good sale on Criterion DVDs. The sale is 50% off the regular price, but there are tons of online coupons that end up taking anywhere from another 5 to 20% off. So, I've gone a bit crazy and pretty much crossed off everything on my wishlist. I got:

There are four films in the set, and I've already watched two and loved both (especially 'Mr. Thank You")

I've watched "Street of Shame" so far and it was great.

Haven't watched these yet, but they look so cool and I am very excited to see them.

I had seen this already and it was really fun (though not earth shattering or anything). I need something fun, lol.

This has both versions, and I watched the Sirk version (pictured on the cover) so far and thought it was very good.

Will watch this next.

And this after that.

This was surprisingly good (I had never seen any of Rossellini's films before)

This is in process of being shipped

As is this one. I haven't seen any of his films and this is my only risky purchase, but it seems too interesting too pass up (especially given the sale price).

Sp, I got all of these for a little over $100 total (and I couldn't have gotten the first two items alone for $100 paying the normal price). Criterions are so expensive normally, but are really great if you can get your hands on them. I usually troll eBay and buy them used, but this sale is the lowest I've ever seen them and I got them for about the same as I would if I got them used off of eBay.

Now I have something to keep my mind occupied for the foreseeable future (besides student teaching and all that stress).

"You ain't my woman. Don't touch me."

2009-04-03T01:06:33Z

Okay, so the men's team didn't make the Final Four in basketball (stupid Michigan St), but the women's team did for the first time ever! So, they had a big party/send-off for the team yesterday and Mom and I went to see them. We got there 3 hours early (to get up close) and had lunch. While waiting in the big open area (where the party was) a wide varitey of interesting people went by. One was this buisnessman who had the most over the top snooty look on his face. Not only did he have a stick up his ass, but it went clear on through to the top of his head. Then, a homeless man walked by, giving me a crazy look and then telling a woman near him "You ain't my woman, don't touch me" (and she wasn't really near him or touching him at all, lol). Later, when Mom went into the Hard Rock Cafe to get a coke, he was in there and was next to her at the bar. He told her the same thing (even though she was far away from him). However, we then saw Chase Cain, the new reporter on the local TV station, who we both think is cute as hell (lol). He's like our own little Anderson Cooper, and his name is really fun to say. He was there to report on the party, so we got to watch him and his crew set up and everything. He did not, however, interview us (what a shock, lol).

The party itself was fun. A lot of people showed up (because the men lost and the town has been a bit depressed about it, I was worried people wouldn't come and support the women) and we got some free stuff. Oh, and I took some pictures (and played around with Photobucket's new picture editing--lol, sorry, I even embarass myself with my pre-teen like behavior).

Chase Cain (obviously, lol)

Our All-American Angel McCoughtry (she is ridiculously good; she reminds me a lot of Sheryl Swoopes)

Chauntise Wright (my favorite--gotta support the big girls-- but she got injured this year) and Angel

Its Spring Break for me, so I don't have to work this week. However, I still have ridiculous amounts of work to do, so I'm not getting much rest. I did my taxes too, and I won't be getting much of a refund (I make like $200 more than the cutoff for the tax credit--so I'm broke and at poverty level, but not poor enough). I've got to set up Student Teaching for next year as well (where I will lose my job, because I can't work and student teach at the same time). Laaaaaame.

I did see "Chungking Express", and it was fantastic. I love Tony Leung, and he has the best "star enterance' I've ever seen. I also can't get the Cranberries "Dreams" out of my head. And I want a giant stuffed animal, lol.

Man in the Moon

2009-03-26T23:43:55Z

So, I found "The Torkelsons" on YouTube. I love this show so much, lol. Its what life should be like. Mom and I would watch it when it was on TV and both of us would be crying at the end of pretty much every episode.

School is god awful, and takes up all my time. UofL's basketball teams (both the men and the women) are playing in the tournament (and the men are the overall #1 seed), and I've been stressing over them too (as if I didn't have enough stress already). Hopefully they'll win though and I can have something to be happy about for a little bit.

Happy Birthday to Me or How I Got Totally Embarassed at Buca di Beppo

2009-02-22T20:17:56Z

As is tradition, some personal eye candy for my birthday...

Jon Hamm ("from Mad Men")

David Wright

Brazilian volleyball star Gustavo Endres (who I learned of during the most recent Olympics)

Dwyane Wade

Chris Evans

Tim Tebow

Tony Leung

pro wrestler AJ Styles

John Barrowman

Rafi Gavron (who plays the gay leader singer of the band in "Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist")

Mark Lawson (from "One Life to Live")

Alain Delon

Jean Paul Belmondo

Massimo Girotti

Jean Gabin

Will Estes

and, last but absolutely not least, my husband...

*****************************************************************************************************************

I went with Mom to Buca di Beppo for my birthday and got squeezed into this tiny little table by the bar area (the place was packed and far more crowded than I have ever remembered seeing it). On the little placemat paper they listed all the specials and events they were having, and on there was listed that if its your birthday you get a freee cake (Red Velvet cake no less) and a ten dollar gift card. I already had printed off an e-mail they sent me for a free dessert on my birthday (I'm on their mailing list apparently) but this was even better. I told our waiter (who was ridiculously handsome and looked like like a beefier Will Estes) when it was time that it was my birthday, explaining about the coupon and all that (so they'd believe me). Another lady must have said it was her birthday as well, and I got to see her get the cake and the giftcard. I was expecting the same, but low andbehold our waiter came out with cake, a candlelabra, and preceded to get the whole place to sing happy birthday to me. Tey did not do that for the other lady, and had I known I wouldn't have told them in the first place, lol. It was nice but I hate that kind of thing.

Oh, and

8:00pm		Devil and Daniel Webster, The (1941) A farmer sells his soul for seven years of good crops. Cast: Edward Arnold, Walter Huston, Jane Darwell, Simone Simon Dir: William Dieterle BW-106 mins, TV-G
10:00pm		East Of Eden (1955) Two brothers compete for their father's approval and a woman's love. Cast: Julie Harris, James Dean, Raymond Massey, Burl Ives Dir: Elia Kazan C-118 mins, TV-PG
12:15am		Sounder (1972) Black sharecroppers during the Depression fight to get their children a decent education. Cast: Cicely Tyson, Paul Winfield, Kevin Hooks, Carmen Matthews Dir: Martin Ritt C-105 mins, TV-PG
2:15am		Southerner, The (1945) A sharecropper fights the elements to start his own farm. Cast: Zachary Scott, Betty Field, J. Carrol Naish, Beulah Bondi Dir: Jean Renoir BW-91 mins, TV-G

Check out 10pm...eerie ain't it! :) And its on just as I get back from class (so I won't miss it). Plus, The Southerner is on @ 2:15 (and its ne of my favorites).

An excercise in procrastination (Part 3)

2009-01-12T00:39:41Z

And now presenting the top ten and wrap-up...

10. La Bete Humaine

Jean Renoir’s foray into film noir centers on Jean Gabin, who plays Jacques, a train conductor with a mysterious mental illness. He is known to fall into sudden violent rages, but has learned to manage these moments buy working on the train, which has a calming effect on him. He eventually begins an affair with the train station manager’s wife, and tragedy ensues in fine noir fashion (though not in the way I’d expected). Renoir is one of my favorites, and this film is yet another example of why. The direction and visuals are beautiful, but never overbearing—the typical noir mood and contrast is there, but is blurred by the smoke and haze created by the trains and deepened by the humanistic way Renoir portrays the characters. Simone Simon plays the cheating wife, and she does a great job of playing the part but still keeping her character sympathetic. The rest of the cast is fine, and Gabin is fantastic as usual. His gentleness and vulnerability coupled with his characters violence make him more tragic than scary.

9. I, Fidanzati

The little blurb on the back cover descirbes the plot as “the tender story of two Milanese fiancés whose strained relationship is tested when the man accepts a new job in Sicily—with the separation comes loneliness, nostalgia, and, perhaps, some new perspectives that might rejuvenate their love”. That pretty much sums it up, but for me the star of the film is the way the story is told. The pacing of the film feels almost musical; the film begins slowly in a dancehall, with townspeople making their way in, the band setting up, and the workers throwing down wax powder on the dance floor. It mirrors an orchestra warming up before playing a piece. As the dancing starts, the camera eventually lands on the fiancés, neither looking very pleased to be there or with each other. Over the next ten minutes the film flashes back and forth between the present and flashbacks, each from different character’s perspectives. The sequence culminates with a sweeping dance between the couple, spinning in an almost dizzying way—tears in Liliana’s (the woman) eyes. Then, a second later, its over, and Giovanni (the man) has flown to far away Sicily for a job that marks maybe his one and only chance to ever get ahead. The sequence is romance at its best, and builds to such a point that when its over you too feel the letdown and loneliness Giovanni feels moving away. The next segment is long and follows Giovanni exclusively as he tries to adjust to his new life. These scenes are very true to life, and like the character you are slowly made to feel more comfortable in the new setting. The last segment I won’t spoil, but the sweeping romance of the first segment gets a bit of a reprise, and then concludes on a very touching (though mysterious) note. The greatness of the film is the pacing and humanistic way all the characters are portrayed. The flashbacks and dream sequences are used wonderfully, and the gorgeous black and white visuals sparkle. The performances hold up their end as well, particularly the actress who plays Liliana.

8. Blast of Silence

Allen Baron wrote, directed, and stars in this low-budget film noir that follows a hit man on his final job. I had never heard of this film, but I read on the movie’s back cover that it took place in New York City during Christmas time, and that peeked my interest. Christmas has a way of heightening a person’s feeling of loneliness and creates a quiet and solemn atmosphere. This added to a noir seemed like a brilliant idea with a lot of potential, so I gave the film a shot. The film introduces Frankie, our main character, to us in gritty voiceover--the voice rough and bitter and violent towards the rest of the world. However, as the film progresses and the reality begins to set in, the real Frankie is slowly revealed. He dreads human contact and interaction, but when he runs into a pair of childhood friends (one a attractive and friendly woman) his longing for it is overwhelming. The film’s best moments come when Frankie, not wanting to spend Christmas Day alone, accepts his female friend’s invitation for dinner. He so badly wants have a meaningful and positive time with her, but his social ineptness turns the dinner into a nightmare, with Frankie eventually forcing himself on her (though he stops himself before it goes too far). The assassin façade is momentarily destroyed and Frankie panics, contacting his employer and telling them that he can’t go through with the job and that he wants out. This moment of disclosure ends up being very costly, regardless of the actions he takes thereafter. Baron’s performance is natural and very fitting of his character. His direction is the real standout though, as the city during Christmas is used to its maximum effect—creating a unique and haunting atmosphere appropriate for the requiem of a killer. I had trouble deciding where to place this in the top ten (I had it as high as #2), but while it may not be as complex and polished as the other crime noir’s I saw, it’s emotional impact was greater than any other and stuck with me for weeks afterward.

7. The Magnificent Ambersons

Its been a long time since I’ve seen this film, and since it is not available on DVD I haven’t been able to see it again. So, my memory about the films specifics is a little fuzzy. However, what I do remember is being wowed by Orson Welles direction (I wrote down in my notes that I preferred it to his much ballyhooed work in Citizen Kane) and the way the changing times that the main characters lived in was shown onscreen. There is a scene towards the end of the film that goes along a street, showing how the town has changed and modernized into something unrecognizable to those who had lived at the times of the film’s start. This idea, of dying and changing aristocracies, was also a highlight in Renoir’s “Grand Illusion”, though this film has a distinct American feel to it. The performances in the film are top notch, particularly Agnes Moorehead who plays the tragically envious Aunt Fanny and Joseph Cotten.

6. Ossessione

Luchino Visconti’s film follows the same basic plot as several American film noirs (namely The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity), and each of those films have been somewhat lacking to me despite their reputations. I think the main problem with those films is that I never really believed the primary relationship, and that makes the actions that follow seem excessive and too unrealistic. However, the moment Giovanna (Clara Calamai) and Gino (Massimo Girotti) look at each other, the heat that explodes onscreen silences any concern I might have had going in. I have honestly never seen a film whose couple had such instant chemistry, let alone to such an extent. Visconti’s style is pretty straight-forward and he takes his time unfurling the events that take place. The supporting characters, also unlike other versions of the story, are given adequate attention and personalities. The husband has a great scene where he competes in a singing contest and performs a beautiful aria that sets a perfect mood for what would happen next. The artist Gino meets on the train is also fascinating, and his homoerotic relationship with Gino adds a lot of depth to the story (in a far greater way than the other films). What did Gino really do before we are introduced to him? His later meeting with a dancer/prostitute also adds mystery to his character, and she is given proper attention and is fully formed (where she could have easily been a caricature). Giovanna’s madness and increased paranoia is portrayed wonderfully, particularly with the visual flare Visconti uses as she follows Gino through town (in one of the few flashy touches in the film). The finale differs from the other versions, but does a much better job of bringing a feeling of completion and satisfaction to the story, and the tragic events are given the time to be fleshed out and given room to breathe. The performances across the board are fine, particularly the artist Gino meets. Have I mentioned the heat the leads generated? Again, I’ve never seen two actors have such sexual chemistry. They both do great jobs, and transition to the more serious and internal conflict that comes later in the film very well.

5. Summertime

This film, which plot wise is much like Lean’s take on Now, Voyager, does a incredible job of showing what its really like to travel. Katherine Hepburn plays a lonely woman who, after working and saving all her life, finally embarks on her dream European vacation. We join her as she goes to Venice, anxiously arriving on the train (videotaping everything in sight) and then finding her way through the chaos of the train station and then on to her hotel. The film plays these moments in what feels like real time, and the wonder and excitement (and fear) Hepburn’s character feels are communicated perfectly—I actually gasped just as she did at the beauty of the city and its various landmarks. I remember when I went to Europe, and how I felt throughout the trip. I was excited beyond belief, and deeply happy and inspired. Yet, there was also a real loneliness and sadness in traveling alone. Hepburn and Lean show this as true to life as possible as her character wanders around the city for several days. Then, it happens—she meets a man who is almost instantly attracted and interested in her. He’s handsome and a little too suave, but is patient and attentive to her feelings. She (as I would were I in her position) freaks out, not believing such a thing could be true, and the pain from years of being alone overwhelms her and keeps her guarded and suspicious. The relationship plays out wonderfully, mainly because Hepburn’s character acts the way you think she should and makes the same decisions I would have in her situation. The film ends with her moving on to her next city (I won’t tell you if they end up together or not), but the real end deals more with the overall portrayal of travel, both the good and the bad, and what it feels like going back home. Hepburn does a fantastic job, though her performance feels very different than any other I’ve seen. The real star though is Lean, who uses the perfect pacing, visuals, and music to really make the film come to life

4. The Scarlet Empress

Josef Von Sternberg’s wild, over-the-top, and deceptively insightful telling of the rise of Katherine the Great from precocious teen to powerful calculating champion and Empress. Marlene Deitrich plays Katherine, and handles the long transition perfectly. The other performances are very good as well, but Deitrich is the show, especially under Sternberg’s direction. The visuals are so grand and stylistic the film often borders on camp, but the detail and artistry involved keep it from going completely over the edge. The story follows that same pattern, but by the end of the film, the issues presented about women and power end up staying with you. The film is nevertheless extremely entertaining and interesting to watch (honestly, it must be seen to believed).

3. Le Samourai

Much like Blast of silence, Le Samourai follows hired gun Jef Costello, played fantastically by Alain Delon, as he completes his last job. Jef is stone faced and meticulous in his planning, the film begins with the prep work he undertakes—stealing a car, changing the car’s plates, getting a gun, and creating an alibi. He walks into a nightclub and sneaks his way into the back, and then proceeds to shoot the owner. However, on his exit he runs into the club’s pianist and she sees him in full view with the gun still in his hand. They acknowledge each other, but Jef leaves undeterred. He disposes of the gun and the car, and heads to a poker game. The police arrive at the scene and the staff gives them a description to work with. The chief inspector, who is a regular in Melville’s films, orders a roundup, and Jef’s poker game is interrupted and he, because he matches the description, is picked up. Seemingly on his way to getting caught, the suspense builds as Jef answers questions and is part of a line up. He looks familiar to the staff, but they aren’t sure enough to say either way. The piano player tells the police that it is not him, and she and Jef share several intense glances. Because of this, he is let go, but the danger is far from over. Melville’s films all seem to have similar elements—the stylish nightclub, the clever and often scary police inspector, long chase and/or heist scene—but they all seem to come together here in the most effective way (and much more so than his other films). The suspense is overwhelming at times and unrelenting, Jef’s world is closing in on him, and though he appears cool Delon shows how raw his emotions are underneath his façade. His longing for normalcy and a life away from crime peek through, in his affection for his pet bird (who is equally loyal to him), the woman who gives him his alibi, and finally the piano player from the club. Melville injects his trademark style, but in a less intense way, allowing the action and story itself to stand out. The performances (besides Delon) are great, particularly the inspector and the piano player.

2. Playtime

Jacques Tati’s film takes people watching to an entirely new level in his finest of his M. Hulot series. This time, Hulot is not the focus, but instead just another person in the modern city. The humor doesn’t come in big bursts, but instead more subtle gags that happen all over the screen, giving you tons to look at and laugh at each time you see it (I’ve watched it about three times). The movie doesn’t have much of a plot—Hulot fumbles his way through the city with usual mishaps and chaos as a result. The strength of the film, however, is its primary thesis. Our modern world is designed to streamline our lives, increasing speed, productivity, and overall ease. However, the more we box ourselves in, the more our humanity bursts out. The last big set piece shows this beautifully, as a new restaurant, decked out and futuristic, is systematically destroyed by the people, ending in the ceiling crashing down, and a real party ending up as a result. I was reminded through much of the film of my Mom’s struggles with the cable remote control, or how on vacation she ended up purchasing porn and High School Musical on the pay-per-view on accident because she couldn’t figure out how to work it. The film is also gorgeously shot and even awe inspiring at times. The humor comes randomly and sort of sneaks up on you. I never was rolling on the floor laughing, but found so many little moments that it sort of built up into an overall very enjoyable experience. I read that the film was intended to play on an extra-wide movie screen, in an effort to make it difficult to see the entire screen at one time. The intent would then be to have viewers laughing at different times, noticing different things and having a unique point of view. On DVD the effect isn’t as strong (obviously), but each time I watched the film I noticed something new (and my appreciation for the film increased). The other Hulot films have been good, but this works as a kind of grand opus, and does so successfully where so many other films that try such a thing fail.

1. Tokyo Story

I've spent a long time trying to state coherently why I love this movie so much, but no such luck. I don't think I've ever seen a better film (besides Brokeback Mountain of course) and found that I loved it equally as much (usually the "best" movies aren't "favorites"). The story is very simple and straighforward, but pulls from it so much depth, emotion, and insight. The performances are wonderful, the visuals breathtaking (in a very subtle way), and all the other aspects as perfect as they can be (I love the score in particular so much).

So, in conclusion, the films were overall much better than 2007, even though I saw less of them. Tokyo Story immeditaely goes into my all-time favorites list, and the rest of the top ten aren't too far off. Hopefully the coming year will bring as much quality as this year.

Thanks for reading!

An Excercise in Procrastination (Part 2)

2009-01-01T23:25:32Z

Don't peek! Read Part 1 first...

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role

.

4. Tony Leung (Happy Together, In the Mood for Love, Lust, Caution)

3. Jean-Paul Belmondo (Pierrot le Fou, Le Doulos, Une Femme est Une Femme, Classe Tous Risques)

2. Alain Delon (Le Samourai, Le Cercle Rouge, L'Eclisse)

1. Jean Gabin

The first four are all becoming my new favorite actor (which is a little problematic, obviously). Gabin is the French equivalent of Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Spencer Tracy combined, and has such a powerful and natural presence in every role I’ve seen him in. In particular, his segment of Le Plaisir, where he plays a simple farmer hosting his cousin and her prostitute employees on their trip to the countryside to see another family member’s christening is just beautiful. Gabin’s character develops a crush (though a bit stronger) on one of the prostitutes, but is unable to admit his feelings before the women return to the city. As the train leaves, Gabin tries everything he can to make their final moments last, and is quietly heartbreaking in the silence after the train has gone. Delon’s stone faced assassin in Le Samourai is equally heartbreaking, as his character completes his final job. Delon shows so much with his eyes and tiny changes in his expression. Belmondo is so likeable and has such versatility. He plays the losing end of a love triangle in Une Femme est Une Femme, a nasty and possibly duplicitious gangster in Le Doulos (and even beats up a woman—yikes!), and a likeable and romantic gangster in the other two. He has such charm and playfulness that he uses to his full advantage, whether it be positive or negative (he’s pretty scary in Le Doulos, lol). Tony Leung, much like Delon, does so much with so little in his performances. All three roles required him to do a lot without dialogue and fill in motivations and changes in feeling that aren’t given in the script. His performance in Lust, Caution was especially impressive.

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role

5. Brigitte Mira (Ali: Fear Eats the Soul)

4. Katherine Hepburn (Summertime)

3. Giulietta Masina (Nights of Cabiria)

2. Hideko Takamine (As a Woman Ascends the Stairs)

1. Marlene Deitrich (The Scarlet Empress, Shanghai Express)

Marlene is one of my favorites, and these are two of her best performances. She has the wonderful ability to combine campy melodrama with subtle and nuanced naturalism, and pulls it off convincingly. Takamine’s turn as an aging prostitute facing an uncertain future is filled with little moments that build into an overall deeply moving performance. Masina’s abrasive Cabiria is both obnoxious and tragic, and in the end a hero and deeply sympatheic figure. Her big scenes at the end of the film are just brutal and unforgettable. Katherine Hepburn’s performance is very different than others I’ve seen from her. She’s awkward, a little annoying, playful, and likeable and Hepburn handles each mood and feeling perfectly. Mira’s character is somewhat similar, in that they both have such conflicting character traits that they have to pull off and doing so in a way that is understandable and sympathetic (thought their character’s actions may not be).

Outstanding Achievement in Direction of a Motion Picture

5. Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger (A Canterbury Tale, The Thief of Baghdad)

4. Josef Von Sternberg (The Scarlet Empress, Shanghai Express)

3. David Lean (Summertime, Great Expectations, Hobson's Choice)

2. Jean-Pierre Melville (Le Samourai, Le Deuxieme Souffle, Le Doulos, Le Cercle Rouge)

1. Yasujiro Ozu (Tokyo Story, Tokyo Twilight)

Powell and Pressburger (better known as “The Archers”) are known for their visuals, and they are on full display, though in very different ways, in both listed films. In The Thief of Baghdad colors and images pop in spectacular fashion, as do inventive special effects (including a giant and very entertaining genie). In A Canterbury Tale (another film that just missed the top ten) the images and tone is more subtle, and the films creates an almost mystical feel to it that I’ve never felt before from a film (and it fits the story perfectly). Sternberg’s two films are so gorgeous to look at and contain so much visual detail. The Scarlet Empress could come off as ridiculous, but Sternberg somehow makes it that all while presenting a serious historical examination. Shanghai Express is not as flamboyant, but still has great style and feel to it. David Lean is my all-time favorite director (as of today anyway), and the three films are perfect examples of why. Summertime is fantastic and does so much with the story. Hobson’s Choice isn’t as visually impressive, but still adds a lot to the story and does so in a very efficient way. Great Expectations shows flashes of his later epic scope, but also highlights his more intimate early work. Melville is so stylish and distinctive with his work, particularly in Le Deuxieme Souffle and Le Samourai. That style is used to add depth to otherwise typical crime films, and the results are fantastic and very satisfying. Then there’s Ozu, who has created such a deep impression, and feels like my new favorite, though I’ve only seen two films. Tokyo Story is just perfect, and his use of establishing shots and camera angles in both films is unusual and creates a rhythm and pace that allows every emotion and idea sink in. I can’t wait to see more from him.

See the Top Ten in Part 3!

An Excercise in Procrastination, 2008 (2009 really, but you know...)

2009-01-01T22:43:50Z

So, last year I did my own little awards after I kept track of all the movies I had seen over the course of the year. That was sort of fun, and I decided to do it again this year (please contain your excitement). I didn't watch as many movies, but I think they were overall a lot better. Plus, this post will be pretty big, so this is just part 1 (lol).

List of films (in viewing order, not quality) :

1.L'Eclisse

2. Sinner's Holiday
3. Ikiru
4. Flight Angels
5. The Fallen Idol
6. The Crowd Roars
7. There Will be Blood
8. Pickup On South Street
9. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly
10. The Ox-Bow Incident
11. I Shot Jesse James
12. Johnny Belinda
13. Scandal
14. The Steel Helmet
15. The Miracle of Morgan's Creek
16. Le Quai des Brumes (Port of Shadows)
17. Great Expectations
18. The Magnificent Ambersons
19. A Man for All Seasons
20. In Good Company
21. The Double Life of Veronique
22. Shoulder Arms
23. Crimes and Misdemeanors
24. I, Fidazanti
25. Summertime
26. Wages of Fear
27. The Scarlet Empress
28. Easy Living
29. The Naked Kiss
30. As a Woman Ascends the Stairs
31. La Roue
32. Suddenly
33. La Bete Humaine
34. My Darling Clementine
35. White Mane
36. L'Avventura
37. Shortbus
38. Playtime
39. Shanghai Express
40. The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford
41. Munich
42. High and Low
43. Lady for a Day
44. Stolen Kisses
45. Female
46. Touchez Pas Au Gribisi
47. The Cranes are Flying
48. Happy Together
49. Wall-E
50. Ali: Fear Eats the Soul
51. Talk of the Town
52. The Dark Night
53. Ace in the Hole
54. Bird of Paradise
55. Ossessione
56. Nights of Cabiria
57. Sansho the Bailiff
58. The Furies
59. Tokyo Story
60. Throne of Blood
61. Vicky Christina Barcelona
62. Le Samourai
63. Classe Tous Risques
64. Mr. Arkadin
65. Fallen Angel
66. Kiss of Death
67. The Earrings of Madame De
68. Blast of Silence
69. Barry Lyndon
70. Brute Force
71. The Thief of Baghdad
72. Band of Outsiders
73. Murder My Sweet
74. All the President's Men
75. They Live by Night
76. A Canterbury Tale
77. Une Femme est Une femme
78. Kiss Me Deadly
79. Pierrot Le Fou
80. Fat Girl
81. Le Deuxieme Souffle
82. Le Plaisir
83. In the Mood for Love
84. Lust, Caution
85. The Ice Storm
86. Tokyo Twilight
87. Le Doulos
88. Hobson's Choice
89. Out of the Past
90. Le Cercle Rouge
91. The Ascent
92. Le Notti Blanche
93. Milk
94. L'Atalante

And now, hear are some moments that are worth mentioning, but I couldn't find anywhere else to put them...

Memorable Moments

-Dream Sequence, L’Atalante

This film almost made the top ten, and as I let it sink in it might end up there later on. While the whole film was excellent, the standout moment occurred when the newlywed couple fight and separate, losing each other in the big city. As their anger cools and regret and longing set in, the two imagine making love to each other in their dreams. The scene is not graphic at all and doesn’t show the couple physically together. Instead, the actors act as if they were touching, and each movement is gentle and full of emotion. While on paper this may sound weird, it works out beautifully in the film (go see the movie or just take my word for it).

-Betty Hutton lip-syching, The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek

The whole movie is a hoot, but the hysterics get kicked off early on when we are introduced to Betty Hutton’s character. She works in a record store, and is putting on a little show for some gentleman customers by lip-syching to a record of a man singing with a ridiculously low voice. The scene just put me in stitches, and I actually went back and watched that moment again after the film was over.

-Candlelight March, Milk

Overall, Milk wasn’t as good as I wanted it to be, but the final scenes of the candlelight march were very moving, and especially powerful because of my orientation and the current political battles going on.

-The Wedding, The Cranes are Flying

The whole film is just gorgeous and very unique, but it reached another level as a certain character dies and in his final moments dreams of the wedding that never took place.

-Man’s Best friend, Port of Shadows + Le Notti Blanche

Oddly, both of these films featured subplots about the main character and his relationship with a stray dog. In both films these subplots steal the show, as one dog provides a tiny happy ending admist heartbreak, and the other remains loyal and protective even after the main character’s death.

And now, some of the real awards...

Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role

5. Tatsuya Nakadai (As a Woman Ascends the Stairs)

4. Michel Simon (Port of Shadows, L'Atalante)

3. Emile Hirsch (Milk)

2. Chishu Ryu (Tokyo Story, Tokyo Twilight)

1. Heath Ledger (The Dark Knight)

Nominees for this category were tough to think of at first, aside from Heath’s awesome turn as the Joker and Chishu Ryu’s heartbreaking constraint and nuance in both Ozu films. However, looking back Nakadai and Simon both left lasting impressions, and Hirsch’s sparkplug performance filled out the lineup nicely.

Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role

5. Agnes Moorehead (The Magnificent Ambersons)

4. Ineko Arima (Tokyo Twilight)

3. Thelma Ritter (Pickup on South Street)

2. Penelope Cruz (Vicky Christina Barcelona)

1. Setsuko Hara (Tokyo Story, Tokyo Twilight)

Setsuko Hara’s turn in Tokyo Story is easily one of my all-time favorite performances. Her Noriko is so mysterious, but also acts as the heart of the film. Her final scenes with the couple’s daughter and then the father himself are just awe inspiring, and I can’t wait to see more from her. Penelope Cruz steals the show in Woody Allen’s latest, and once again shows she’s incredibly talented (while speaking in Spanish). Thelma Ritter steals her film as well, and her character’s final scenes are shocking and very moving. Ineko Arima joins Hara in Tokyo Twilight, and is equally hearbreaking in what could have been a hammy and obnoxious performance in lesser hands. Agnes Moorehead’s Aunt Fanny also stands out admist a terrific cast and a great movie.

Now on to Part 2...

Christmas in Dawson's Creek

2008-12-30T02:30:03Z

Mom and I went to Savannah for Christmas, and it was a really nice trip. Savannah is beautiful, and the area surrounding it looks just like Dawson's Creek, lol. We stayed on Tibee Island, and had an oceanfront room. The view wasn't as nice as Virginia Beach (which has a boardwalk that is full of Christmas lights), but the beach was nicer, and there were even dolphins and sand dollars to be found.

The best part, however, was that we got to eat at Paula Deen's restaurant. It is really hard to get into (you have to get in line at 9:30 in the morning to make reservations for later in the day), but we made it fairly easily. Before going down, Mom and I wanted to meet her sons, who run the restaurant. They do a lot of other things as well (they have a show on the food network as well), but they're both really cute and both Mom and I wanted to meet them. We didn't expect them to be there, but joked about seeing them the whole way down. Well, guess who walks in just as we do--both of the sons (Jamie and Bobby). Mom rushed across the street and bought a cheap disposable camera, and then she got her picture taken with them. She was so cute and nervous, and they were so nice to her. Then, as if that wasn't enough, we got to eat the food, lol. My favorite was the sweet potatoes and the garlic cheese biscuit you get at the beginning (from "Brandon the Bread Man", who was really cute himself), but everyhting was just wonderful.

Today my Mom got the pictures developed, and the picture of her and the boys truned out really well (especially for a disposable camera). She was really happy about that, so that was good.

It was so nice not having to go to work or school for a whole week (and then having this week off as well, though being out of town and away from everything was what I needed). And now I want to watch Dawson's Creek.

What I want for Christmas...

2008-12-11T02:23:12Z

I found two new websites (new to me anyway) and now I want to have lots of money to buy things I don't really need (but are pretty and/or cool). lol

Like,

These are special edition books by Penguin classics, that are a reasonable price, but only if you're in England. In American currency, they cost a bajillion dollars.

And

A set of 1001 Arabian Nights (also by Penguin). This is both expensive in England AND in America (though only available in England, but it can be shipped to the US).

And I want an apartment that I can decorate like the folks featured here: http://www.designspongeonline.com/

And then I want Photoshop so I can make things and do stuff (lol) and I want to figure out how people take images and blow them up super-size (like to fill an entire wall). This site (http://vi.sualize.us/ ) has wasted so much of my time (which I don't really have much of in the first place). I want to make alternative movie posters for movies I like, like:

And I want to just be distracted.

School is ridiculously lame and stressful, and feels more and more like a moneymaking scheme on the part of both the school system and the university. PLUS, the new superintendent wants to do away with all Instructional Assistant jobs, so not only will they not hire me as a teacher, they're going to take away the crappy though I still like it because of the kids job. And have I mentioned how crappy my job has gotten? They had moved me to a new teacher and team of techers, all of whom believe that even though I have almost the same level of education as they do that they are VASTLY superior to we little wee assistants, and that even though we have tons of children (seriously, its like they multiply every day) and end up re-teaching everything and doing all the crowd control, we are not worthy of being told what the *&^% is going on at any given time and then get pissy when we just make something up in the meantime. This was not the case at all with the last teacher (who had a temper with others, but never treated me as anything other than an equal). Its so frustrating and insulting, and then on top of it they are so snooty and then go and backstab each other and talk shit about each other, but still refuse to do anything logical and helpful.

Plus Spalding sucks and all the classes are terrible. PLUS, if you ever complain they apparently black ball you. The grades are completely shady and arbitrary, yet are supposed to scare us into submitting. One professor I just finished with was okay, but even she wasted TONS of time and ended up not really teaching me anything that wouldn't be obvious to anyone who has spent more than a week or two in a classroom.

PLUS FCCCamp has gone to shit, as I'm exhausted and tired and stressed out to the max (and forced to bite my tounge non stop).

Anyway,

--Kanye's new CD is awesome and I listen to it all the time (though its depressing too, but in an uptempo fashion). I haven't bought Beyonce's CD yet (so add that to the Christmas list).

--I bought "My-So-Called Life" for $20 on eBay (and it usually costs around $40). I love that show.

Oh, and the UofL football team is GOD AWFUL, two years removed from being in the Orange Bowl and a game away from playing for the national championship. That coach left, and the new coach has just destroyed everything, and because he's BFFs with the Athletic Director he's not going anywhere. The mens basketball team, which started the year ranked 3rd in the counrty (and a favorite for the Final Four), lost to the non-ranked Western Kentucky, and it wasn't even close. THEN the women's team, also ranked in the top ten nationally (which has pretty much never happened), lost to an un-ranked Nevada team.

AND (lol) my cat decided he no longer wanted to poop, so we had to take him to the vet. She didn't really have any solution (he was most likely just constipated), but since we had to put down his sister years ago because her digestive ststem broke down (she had kidney problems) I freak out because I think he's going to die soon now. He's not really (that I know of), but I worry about it, especially since he's getting pretty old and him dying now would be just the kind of thing that usually happens at times like these.

Manda, I want to see you and Jaffer and the baby (but won't be able to anytime soon). Say hi to Maya too.

Mo, I want to go to Chicago too and want to hear from you. During Obama's acceptance speech there was a person in the crowd who looked just like you.

LMAO, I'm just a mess (I'm ok, but way too stressed and I don't handle stress and doom and gloom very well).

Oh, and this site is awesome and has lots of free music from old LP's that you'd find at the the thrift store. http://learning2share.blogspot.com/

I found a song on there called "I'd have wrote you a letter but I couldn't spell *yuuuckkkfft*". Its fantastic.

Okay, I've called down a bit...

2008-11-06T00:39:23Z

LOL

Last night was very overwhelming. Mom and I canvassed over in Jeff (that place looks so different now) till about 1:30 or so after voting at home right when the polls opened at 6am (it took about 45 minutes, as the line started in the parking lot of the church). Most of the people we canvassed weren't at home, and we only ran into a pissy republican once (and only one guy who was obviously on drugs). We went to both the trailer park AND the housing project (well, Jeff's equivalent), and the projects were significantly less scary, lol.

Then we went home and I stressed and obsessed on the computer till the coverage began in earnest on the major networks. I was super worried until PA was called pretty early on for Obama, but even then I wasn't going to assume anything. Then, watching all the people start to fill into Grant Park I began to choke up a bit, but still held it together. Finally, Charlie Gibson declared Obama the winner right at 11pm, and I just lost it and sobbed and cheered and was a silly basketcase. I thought about the kids I work with--the little black boys who don't know much, but know Obama and look up to him more than they do Lil Wayne or LeBron. I also thought about the kids who with confused looks on their faces told me about how their parents said "not nice things about Obama", that they heard he kills babies, and that "his middle name is Hussein"--though they didn't know why that was bad. I hope that they will live in a world were such hate is more of a rarity, and the hope that has been created makes up for at least some of the gross damage caused by our country's attitudes for almost a decade. Then, I thought about Steve Schwerner and the Civil Rights Movement class I took with him, and how those people would have reacted to the news. Seeing John Lewis all over the TV in a total loss for words was really moving. Even Jesse Jackson, who has been just an embarassment lately, got to me, as he was a big part of it too (despite his recent ridiculousness). I loved that Obama was able to win states like VA, NC, and IN, as that bipartisan appeal was one of the things I like most about him. He is a liberal, both also very practical, and realizes that he doesn't know everything and that conservative voices are needed (though not in charge, lol). I remember watching him at Kerry's Democratic Convention and just crying, as his words at that time were such a bold dose of reality and rationality that was so very much needed. Hillary would have been a fine President, but their campaign would have been just a full out partisan war, and while Obama vs. McCain wasn't pretty, Obama never slinged the mud and held his tounge for the greater good.

Yet, this morning I learned that gay marriage was beaten in both Florida and California and that African Americans, who so greatly voted for Obama, voted against gay marriage 70% of the time. Obviously, while Obama's victory was a great achievement, there is much work left to do. However, it gives me even more comfort in the fact that Obama is now our President, as he is not shy about stating his case for more liberal causes to not so friendly confines and doing so in a respectful and intelligent way. He can be a great advocate (and has already been so on the campaign trail, talking about the need for LGBT equal rights to many a conservative audience), so there's hope.

Oh, and I liked this cartoon I saw:

History!

2008-11-05T04:09:07Z

Merry christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2008-11-05T02:53:15Z

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

More later...

LOL!!!!!

YES WE CAN!!!!!!!!!

VOTE! (for Obama of course)

2008-11-04T01:41:27Z

Mom and I will vote as soon as the polls open then go work in Indiana from 9am-6pm. In the words of those kids..."I want OBAMA!"