April 24, 2024
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It shows how out of it I was in trying to be in it, acknowledging that I was out of it to myself, and then thinking, “Okay, how do I stop being out of it? Well, I get some legitimate illogical narrative ideas” — some novel, you know?
So I decided on three writers that I might be able to option their material and get some producer, or myself as producer, and then get some writer to do a screenplay on it, and maybe make a movie.
And so the three projects were “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep,” “Naked Lunch” and a collection of Bukowski. Which, in 1975, forget it — I mean, that was nuts. Hollywood would not touch any of that, but I was looking for something commercial, and I thought that all of these things were coming.
There would be no Blade Runner if there was no Ray Bradbury. I couldn’t find Philip K. Dick. His agent didn’t even know where he was. And so I gave up.
I was walking down the street and I ran into Bradbury — he directed a play that I was going to do as an actor, so we know each other, but he yelled “hi” — and I’d forgot who he was.
So at my girlfriend Barbara Hershey’s urging — I was with her at that moment — she said, “Talk to him! That guy really wants to talk to you,” and I said “No, fuck him,” and keep walking.
But then I did, and then I realized who it was, and I thought, “Wait, he’s in that realm, maybe he knows Philip K. Dick.” I said, “You know a guy named—” “Yeah, sure — you want his phone number?”
My friend paid my rent for a year while I wrote, because it turned out we couldn’t get a writer. My friends kept on me about, well, if you can’t get a writer, then you write.”
~ Hampton Fancher
“That was the most disappointing thing to me in how this thing was played. Is that I’m on the phone with you now, after all that’s been said, and the fundamental distinction between what James is dealing with in these other cases is not actually brought to the fore. The fundamental difference is that James Franco didn’t seek to use his position to have sex with anyone. There’s not a case of that. He wasn’t using his position or status to try to solicit a sexual favor from anyone. If he had — if that were what the accusation involved — the show would not have gone on. We would have folded up shop and we would have not completed the show. Because then it would have been the same as Harvey Weinstein, or Les Moonves, or any of these cases that are fundamental to this new paradigm. Did you not notice that? Why did you not notice that? Is that not something notable to say, journalistically? Because nobody could find the voice to say it. I’m not just being rhetorical. Why is it that you and the other critics, none of you could find the voice to say, “You know, it’s not this, it’s that”? Because — let me go on and speak further to this. If you go back to the L.A. Times piece, that’s what it lacked. That’s what they were not able to deliver. The one example in the five that involved an issue of a sexual act was between James and a woman he was dating, who he was not working with. There was no professional dynamic in any capacity.
~ David Simon
hey guys,
what are all of your thoughts on landmark theaters?
i have had a lot of uncomfortable and not so great experiences there, and i know that they’re a chain, but I had enough tonight.
couple next to me drinking vodka and looking at their cell phones the entirity of last screening of ‘man who fell to earth.’
do you guys feel it is up to patrons to police other patrons?
should landmark theaters cater to an older set besides simple film choices?
how do you guys feel about them shoving commercials down our throats like it was a regal or amc?
anyone in philadelphia who resents the hell out of them for taking over the ritzs?
feel so alienated from everyone right now…
they laughed when candy clarke urinates herself…
Just saw what I think was a national TV spot for Midnight in Paris during Late Night With David Letterman. Wow. Guess they’re really still pushing that one just to show David that he was wrong when he…
[Ducks when Poland throws telephone at him]
Who else is too tired to go to the gym tonight? Hands?
So, I’ll tell you what I did do earlier. Has anyone been to a movie theater for one of those Fathom Events broadcast? I went to check out Renee Fleming performing with the Israel Philharmonic. It was kinda like seeing one of the PBS concerts on a gigantic screen. I don’t know what I was expecting, soundwise, cuz I knew it was supposed to be a simulcast of a live performance. Well, that’s what they called it. In each time zone the thing was to begin at 7 PM. Obviously, they weren’t going to have time to really mix it but overall, while I could hear clear enough, it wasn’t much better than the days of watching a concert on TV then turning to one of the local rock station to get the stereo simulcast. Stereo but I was sorta longing for my cd’s.
I had seen her live a couple of times in the past. Both recitals which I prefer to joining in w/an orchestra. I had good but not great seats. I was kinda hoping for Transformers type volume to really blow my face back but uh, no. I kinda wondered if they thought old people would like the volume too high but then I wondered if they wouldn’t want it a bit louder to hear.
About 45 mins in or so, they drop a few commercials in. One was for Joseph Calleja, who was also performing, another for one of Renee’s CD. They had one for EL AL and The Met. Plus upcoming Fathom events. It must’ve last about 6-9 mins. I thought it was weird. I thought it was BS. I was just waiting for the pledge drive but at least that didn’t come. I got there right as it was starting so I don’t know if they didn’t already show that sorta “pre-show entertainment” already.
It was a little weird hearing people clap after each song. But it was cool that people could be so into it. What I was really digging was not getting a halogen flash in my eyes from idiot texters or someone sticking his or her feet up beside my head. Well, I didn’t until like 20 mins left. Some loud obnoxious lady comes in and sits down and starts talking to some people who I guess were waiting for her. She sticks her feet up, starts bopping them around. She’s like 60 and could NOT sit still or be quiet for 2 mins. Seriously, she brought down the energy of the entire room. I was so close to letting the expletives fly. Why come? You know what kind of music it is. Just meet them at the restaurant after. It shouldn’t be that hard to sit and listen to music w/out shifting in your seat, rustling your necklaces and braclets, sticking your feet up and talking. How fck’n miserable would the quality of life have to be to be entering the retirement stage of life and need Ritalin to make it through anything longer than an Amber Alert? Stay your ass at home, you cultureless slough!
I’m not sure if I’d do it again. I got free tix so it wasn’t such a big deal but volume was crinkling and popping towards the end. I few other hums and broadcast glitches as well. Not enough to really complain, complain about but enough to where you probably wouldn’t say “I didn’t notice.”
I don’t go to Landmark that often. Last times I went they didn’t show commercials, maybe something for an alt radio station but I wanted to come back because of that.
I was just bitching about crowds. I hate having to say anything to anyone. I wish someone could sit up in the projectionist booth and flick an electro charge under people’s seats when they start acting up.
A couple of landmarks I go to I don’t find their seats too comfortable cuz it’s so old. They can be more expensive but sometimes there’s not choice for being able to see the movie I want to.
I could not be a bigger fan of Landmark Theaters. I have been going to Landmark since fall 1997. Milwaukee has 2 (Downer and Oriental) and I believe my first Landmark movie was The Myth of Fingerprints at the Downer. The Downer only has 2 screens, and the seats aren’t the most comfortable I’ve ever sat in, but I still love seeing movies there. The Oriental has been voted one of the 10 best places to see a movie in America and is my favorite theater. Absolutely gorgeous. Their main theater seats 1000+ and is wonderful. On Friday nights an old man plays a pipe organ before the show starts. By and large the crowds are great. No loud talking, no cell phones ringing. Just serious film lovers. I’d say the same about the Landmark in Chicago, where I’ve also seen quite a few movies.
I’ve generally liked all the Landmark Theaters I’ve been to. Sounds like you’re problem was with a dickish couple which is not a Landmark issue but a problem with modern-day moviegoing in general.
I don’t think my Landmark shows commercial other than the slides they show during the pre-show.
I used to be a huge fan of the Landmark at the Westside Pavilion, but I haven’t been back since I’ve had to suffer through several seat-kicking incidents during 3 different movies. I’ve decided there’s too many entitled jackasses that attend that theater. To make matters worse, they don’t even bother whispering a sorry after they repeatedly kick your seat.
in retrospect, i’m sure it is just the city of philadelphia in general. At large, there isn’t much respect for performers or experiences. Lots of heckling during small intimate concerts. Lots of self-exceptionalism and entitlement issues. I have had this happen before specifically at these theaters, but who am i to self-exceptionalize my awful experiences?
I just wish there was some way in any theater to report disrespectful film-viewers without it being painfully obvious that you were the prick reporting the abusers, or the fact that I have to miss out on a part of a film just because some one else doesn’t respect it. In addition, I feel like I would be disturbing others by telling someone to be quiet (in addition to, in Philadelphia anyway, having the tar beat out of me for saying anything). I heartily agree with the electro shock conditioning suggested by triple option, but that wouldn’t be to fair either, i guess. Maybe their should be some sort of cinematic citizen test, where if you pass a certain cinematic respect level you could get into a better theater (a boy can dream, right?).
It seems like it mostly has to do with the pre-existing theater that the Landmark has chosen. I have never been to a landmark specifically built to be a landmark. But what is the use of branding and chains in general if not to instill some sense of continuity in quality across their venues? They are using the brand equity of pre-existing theaters. Is that right? Is that a good business model?
Before Landmark owned them, the Ritz theaters (in Philly) would show slides of local exhibits, artists, etc… now all it is are one of those Mayhem ads (“I’m a Raccoon” ha I kind of like those) and Adult Swim commercials. If I want ads shoved down my throat I’d rather stay at home.
It’s just sad that to get the real independent cinema experience I have to drive to Landsdowne, PA to Cinema 16:9, which is roughly 30 minutes outside the city (and has it’s own problems). There are other places to see limited-run, classic, and foreign film in Philadelphia, but not on a consistent basis.
c’est la vie?
PS— I need to visit Milwaukee!
Please do. Milwaukee is awesome.
The Landmark Century Centre in Chicago is one of my favorite places to see a movie. Although spassky is right: we did sit through the Adult Swim and Mayhem ads (twice, for two features) he mentions. But the moviegoers there are all quite respectful — unlike, say, the Davis in Lincoln Square, where you may be subject to a barrage of expletives if not flying fists if you dare to suggest that the guy taking a call in the middle of a show might want to take it outside.
The other Landmark Theatre is serviceable, but has the great disadvantage of being in Highland Park — where there is absolutely NOTHING to do before or after the show.
I kind of love Milwaukee. Definitely a place I’d consider moving to (sooner than Madison, for sure). Someday I will make a trip to the Oriental.
Plus, one of my fondest memories is nearly getting into a bar fight in West Allis after a long, beery day at the State Fair.
Stallis! And State Fair is right around the corner, ready to serve all your food-on-a-stick desires. Century Centre is great, despite the sort of odd location (building, not neighborhood).
Seems we move in similar circles, Paul.
The Century Centre is a bit weird — like a multiplex with a mall in it, and not the other way around — and a seriously odd selection of stores, to boot.
If you’ve never been, the Duke of Perth is a great place to visit before or after the show, if you’re into single malts and the like.
Looks that way NDB. I live in Milwaukee now but lived in Chicago for about 2 years, Rogers Park and then Logan Square. As much as I love the Landmarks here, I miss the Century Centre. Love the theater and that area.
I *adored* CRAZY, STUPID LOVE. Absolutely one of my favorites and one of the best of the year so far.
This weekend is so overstuffed, can’t believe nobody balked and pushed to next week or the 12th– CSL, Cowboys, Devil’s Double, Attack the Block, The Guard, and, er The Smurfs.
Too much. Just too much.
A couple of paragraphs on Chicago’s Diversey Theatre, built in 1925, which became the Century, here.
Yeah Lex but if you think the release schedule is packed now, wait until December which, especially once the awards contenders are slated, has multiple MUST SEES every single weekend.
Is it just me or does TOWER HEIST actually look like it could be funny and amusing? The cast is great, it has an amusing populist premise, and Eddie is doing his first non-family comedy since…maybe METRO. I’m also curious to how he and Stiller will play off each other. I know it’s cool to hate on Ratner, but this looks very much in his wheelhouse. I’m intrigued, if not sold.
Also, CONTAGION looks incredibly intense and probing. So excited for that.
Contagion indeed looks awesome. I’m no Ratner fan, but Tower Heist has a good cast and could be breezy entertainment a la After the Sunset. I know critics shit all over AtS, but my wife and I found it to be highly enjoyable home viewing.
attack the block – saw some review footage … i have a hard time understanding the accents – it hits dvd September 19 2011 ..
the good part – over dozen new actors ..
the bad part – none of them have done a dp/30
dp can sure fly to New Zealand but not over to the uk to
find these people for a dp/30
and none of the actors want to spend hours flying just for a dp/30
DP should become fake friends with Donald Trump then DP can use Trump’s private jet to fly around for more dp/30s.
it’ll take years before Trump finds out that DP isn’t is real friend…which is okay then he’ll end up using Mark Cubans private jet ..
Overstuffed with films no one will remember after the MPAA credit comes up at the end.
In contrast, I was looking at the Forty Fords thing and realized that in a 4 year span Harrison Ford played these parts in the following movies:
Rick Deckard – BLADE RUNNER ’82
Han Solo – RETURN OF THE JEDI ’83
Indiana Jones – TEMPLE OF DOOM ’84
John Book – WITNESS ’85
Allie Fox – MOSQUITO COAST ’86
There have been summer’s worse than this, but few this boring. Nothing’s that bad, but all of it has been stale popcorn you find the next day and eat without any enthusiasm. CONAN and FRIGHT NIGHT might surprise us, but odds are against it.
Jonah Hex, Wild Wild West, Cowboys & Aliens. Why does any person believe this is a genre mashup that works? Westerns work. Sci-fi movies work. But the combo of them DOES NOT WORK. I knew as soon as the ads started featuring that sci-fi wrist gun that this would flop. A straight up alien invasion of the old west, MIGHT have worked. If all the humans only had weapons and knowledge contained in the time period. But the ads showed some “mysterious hero” with advanced weapons, and that is the point where people’s attention checked out in my opinion.
Also, garlic tea really does work to lessen the severity of colds and make you feel somewhat less crappy. Still left with no energy, but the head cold didn’t migrate to a chest cold, as usually happens.
JKill- Totally agree with you about “CSL:” it reminded me of Jim Brooks and Cameron Crowe (particularly “Jerry Maguire” and “Almost Famous”), which is (almost) always a good thing.
Also agree w/ you that “Tower Heist” looks shockingly good…for a Bret Ratner movie. Terrific cast, fun premise, etc. But would it be churlish of me to wish that somebody else had directed it? I don’t think I’ve liked a single one of The Poor Man’s Michael Bay’s films.
And also love the “Contagion” trailer: sorta looks like “Outbreak” crossed with “Traffic.” I’m still pinching myself that a movie so potentially awesome is opening in the proverbial weekend-after-Labor-Day dumping ground slot.
Cleveland had a Landmark triplex, but it went belly-up nearly eight years ago. I always enjoyed going there, though.
Yeah Movieman, I thought it was just wonderful, and it does really have that relateable, human comedy and drama that J.L. Brooks and Crowe have done so well. Carell is flat-out fantastic in it, and Gosling and Stone are both aces amongst a terrific ensamble. Ficarra and Requa, between this and I LOVE YOU PHILLIP MORRIS, are now directors whose work I’ll always be looking forward to, and it’s definitely a strong piece of screenwriting from Dan Fogelman. A lovely movie.
I think TH is exactly the type of thing that Ratner should be doing, in that his best work is lighter fare like the first RUSH HOUR or FAMILY MAN. He doesn’t really have a dark bone in his body, which is why stuff like X3 or RED DRAGON (which I do *like* and really like, respectively) feel like such odd fits.
One thing I found really interesting about the CONTAGION trailer was that Soderbergh appears to be adapting the flat, off-kilter look and compositions that he used for THE INFORMANT for this new one to bring about dread and menace instead of comedy and quirk, like the earlier film. I’m bummed about his alleged retirment but between HAYWIRE and this, he seems to really be going out (if that’s the case) on a high note.
I don’t know why I can’t get excited for Contagion. It looks like the first half an hour of almost every good zombie movie I’ve ever seen. Okay, I lied, that’s exactly why I can’t get excited for it – I feel like I’ve already seen all this many times before.
with friends with benefits and crazy stupid love coming out
this week.. i found this ..would a movie version work ?
funny and weird at same time .
Kat Stacks speaks out on her relationships – 4 minutes
– warning lots of swearing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EJxjxrz-jVc
571 hour video on youtube .
just a bunch of pictures
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=865S1zMcWMo
watched Ebert at the movies –
worst movie picks – hangover part 2
Ebert picked – transformers 4
would like to know Todd Phillips reaction to this …
DP – where is the entourage reviews …