THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT (Another Confession)

Syl Says:
Ivan my dear—when it comes to entertainment, we have both lived long enough to have compiled extensive lists of “faves.” Why, even despite my terrible persnicketiness, the catalog of my absolutely, positively, unequivocally favorite movies is endless. Concurrently, however, the list of movies I detest is equally long I’m afraid.

What I Hate:

I simply loathe movies with more than a scant amount of—slashing, chase scenes (the exception being the O.J./white Bronco chase scene), gunplay, comedy (of the “There’s Something About Mary” ilk), Special Effects (you know--the bubbling, oozing,slimy green stuff and such), and any movie featuring Karate.

What I Love:

The film genres I adore most include: old movies, bad old movies, cult films, sci-fi, animation, westerns, documentaries, comedy (“campy” and “dark satire”), epic sagas, most "chick flicks,” drama (and, yes, melodrama), and any film starring dogs.

What You Don’t Know (another confession):

So Ivan, after reading your last post, I am now ready to confess my avid viewing of anything “Judy” and my love of the “Judy Garland Show” of the 60’s. I can remember being fascinated by her frail frame and her sadly beautiful (and boozy) voice. I failed to admit to this in our youth my dear old friend, for the dreaded fear of being perceived as being UNCOOL-for she was part of the “cocktail generation” and not ours, after all. And, although I understand that just the mere mention of her name can cause great excitement in the gay male carriers of the J.G. gene, I believe that I may at least have the J.G. recessive trait. I like Judy Garland too! To quote Margaret Cho, “Where's MY parade?”


One More Thing:

A brief review of the movie “Life With Judy Garland: Me And My Shadows.”: I remember looking forward with great anticipation to this “made-for-tv” movie /miniseries in 2001 and I was in no way disappointed. With the magnificent Judy Davis magically transforming into Judy Garland, this movie more than satisfied my curiosity about the life of Judy Garland. It has been said that Judy Davis “gave possibly the best performance of her brilliant career.” Based on the memoir of Judy Garland’s daughter Lorna Luft, this authentic portrayal of Judy Garland left me acutely feeling the pain of this greatly tormented woman and entertainer addicted to alcohol and amphetamines. Now “that’s entertainment.” Brava!
Posted By Syl 5/30/06

Syl Posts a POP QUIZ

While I am diligently working on my next post--please examine the photos below and tell me: 1. who the actor is ( in the first and last photo the actor in question is indicated by the yellow arrow), and 2. what movie it is from. Yes, how did you guess, these are 4 more of my all- time faves !

How Does One Choose ...?

Ivan says:

Surely, you must have been reading my mind. Colleen Dewhurst --- OH MY GOD, she's one of my all time faves. Of course, anyone who has read any of my posts will ask "How the hell can he have so many faves?" I guess I have a high threshold when it comes to movies and entertainment, in general. Go ahead, call me a "star fucker". For me, it's all about having a good time, feeling good and enjoying the moment. So, to summarize many of my posts, just sit back, relax and enjoy the show! (read all about it in one of my previous posts, "Entertainment versus the Message"). That's what it's all about for me -- the sheer ecstasy of getting lost for two or three hours. And that's why I have so may faves ... if it's out there, I can usually find something to enjoy about a movie, play, musical, or whatever.

OK, OK, OK -- here's my confession since they seem to be in fashion this month: there's also a certain amount of "that could be me up there on the screen/stage" going through my head. If I hadn't turned out to be an IT guy, "I woulda been a contenda" --- singing and acting my heart out. "The Emperor's New Clothes" and "Brigadoon" barely scratched the surface of my inner ham/performer/entertainer!

Bottom line --- it's impossible to choose an absolute fave when the variety is endless and there's just so much to be enjoyed. Yes, I have a favorite ice cream (coffee) and a favorite meal (rare Prime Rib) and a favorite libation (GIN martini, VERY VERY VERY dry -- actually, make it a Bombay Sapphire on the rocks with 4 olives --- vodka martinis are for girls and cissy boys!). So, please indulge me when I carry on about my "fave" of the moment. It's just impossible to choose.

Anyway, I find it interesting that you have to "confess" your fondness for the "Anne" movies. You certainly can't think that I would ever pass judgement on your likes and dislikes. I've never seen the "Anne" movies but I have heard many wonderful things about them. And even though I've never had a desire to watch those two films, I'm happy to hear that they bring you such joy.

Even more interesting is the fact that if you add these two movies to the list of movies you included in a previous post, it would seem that your taste runs the entire gamut of moviedom. But it's what I would expect from any well-informed and well-rounded human being. Which brings me to my second confession of the evening: I always watch "The Joy Luck Club" when it's shown on the tele. As well as "Now, Voyager". And also "The Day the Earth Stood Still". And I really liked "War of the Worlds" with Tom Cruise (isn't Dakota Fanning the most charming little actress?). So see, you aren't alone out there. There's a bit of something for everyone.

One last point, as a counter-statement to a previous post where I ask why you and I have so much in common. I remember you so well growing up, you had a fondness for the more traditional type of literature, stuff that had a message or had something profound to say. I on the other hand had a taste (and flair) for drama (and melodrama) ... must be my "Judy Garland" gene. But, you know what, based on your statement, I might be inclined to rent the "Anne" movies, just to see what I'm missing.

And finally ... "How does one choose" what to watch tonight?

PS: I watched "American Idol" for the very first time tonight ... I've fallen truly, madly, deeply and desperately in love with Taylor Hicks! Tomorrow night, I get to choose another man to fall in love with.

Truth be told, I love you, Syl --- always have, always will!

"The Confession"/ But I Must Digress

Syl Says: Ok--Who the hell IS Stanley Tucci? Ivan, I had NO idea so I did a little GOOGLE search and came up with the following: a picture of a tall, balding ,middle-aged guy with a bio. that reads: "...upstate NY native began his career when Colleen Dewhurst , the mother of Tucci's high school pal -Campbell Scott, helped him land a role as a soldier ..." And among his film acting credits were: "The Lucky Number Slevin" --a movie I'll probably not see solely due to the title and "Shall We Dance?"--a movie I now remember I really wanted to (and will) see.

Ok,ok--but now, as I read the name Colleen Dewhurst, I MUST digress (I can because I have ADHD and it's my nature you know).

Sooo here it is--the "movie confession" I must make at this time; a movie I absolutely love but never told anyone about for fear of a raised eyebrow or two, or perhaps a snicker, chortle or guffaw. So "The Lake Of Shining Waters" is actually a reference to two movies I just love to get lost in: "Anne Of Green Gables" and "Anne of Avonlea." With the great (late) Colleen Dewhurst as Marilla Cuthbert and the sweet Megan Follows as Anne Shirley--the charming little orphan girl with the colorful imagination and the fiery temper (and hair)-- I am always magically whisked away to the beautiful Prince Edward Island of 1908--replete with the the "White Way of Delight" and, yes, "The Lake Of Shining Waters" --not to mention readings of "The Lady of Shalott" and" The Highwayman."

Finally--how I relate to the aforementioned movies--I do not know; I just know that they enchant me. Personally,of course, I would have chosen to marry the distinguished Mr. Harris over the dumb bumpkin Gilbert Blythe--but,hey--that's just me.

Also--now I know who Stanley Tucci is.

* On either side the river lie Long fields of barley and of rye, That clothe the world and meet the sky; And through the field the road runs by To many-tower'd Camelot...*

Good Night.

Posted by Syl 5/22/06

Syl Gives A Hint:

Any Clue?

You've Been Sorely Missed ... But Allow Me to Digress

Ivan says:

Well yes, it's been a very long while since we've heard from you, my beautiful and talented friend of many, many, many (did I say many?) years! But, let's allow our pictures at the top of this page to speak for themselves -- we certainly were cute as buttons, weren't we?

However, I digress!

I'm completely bowled over with your very astute examples of message versus entertainment.

• "Soylent Green" -- it was just on TCM.
• "West Side Story" -- one of my all-time faves.
• "Amadeus" -- another of my favorites. Trivia question for you: Did you know that the name of the company I work for is called "Amadeus"? I just couldn't help sharing that tidbit with you.

However, I digress!

• "Hairspray" -- you gotta love Divine (I just saw the "Hairspray the Muscial" here in Miami a few weeks back).
• "Bowling for Columbine" -- I agree with the message but don't like the person delivering it.
• "Eraserhead" -- didn't understand it
• "Dirty Dancing" -- mad crush on Patrick Swayze
• "Grease" -- Do you think Eve Arden was a drag queen?

The list goes on and on, doesn't it?

Which got me thinking, we agree on so many things. Why do you think that is?

• Spending all of our formative years (6-18) virtually inseparable?
• Growing up in New Jersey?
• Same generation (we're only 36 days apart in age)?
• The ethnic influence of our families (Italian/Polish for you and French-Canadian for me)?
• Proof of my point: Didn't your family flash before your eyes as you watched "My Big Fat Greek Wedding"? My big fat revelation: It's all the same for every family -- except the food, right?

However, I digress (yet again)!!!

I won't get into my "Midnight Cowboy" spiel this time, but stay tuned.

Love you madly!

I'm Baaaaaaaaack...

Syl writes:

Hi Ivan...back from a little vacation...DOES a movie REALLY need a message to be enjoyed?

In my attempt to answer this question honestly (actually, I initially thought it was a rhetorical question), I have been on both sides of the fence. I have finally come upon a conclusion of sorts.

Ponder THIS:


"Bowling For Columbine"

"Plan Nine from Outer Space"

"Planet of the Apes"

"Soylent Green"

"Eraserhead"

"Hairspray"

"Dirty Dancing"

"Grease"

"West Side Story"

"Amadeus"

"The Yule Log"

A Lava Lamp


Above is a partial list of things I can (and do) watch over and over again. In some, the message is implied, as in "Soylent Green." In others, the message is stated outright, as in "Bowling for Columbine." And in yet others ("Amadeus" for example), there is simply "a tale to be told and we can reflect on it accordingly "(I can't remember who this quote is from). Finally, there are some forms of entertainment that are essentially pure entertainment, as in "The Yule Log" or a lava lamp (although, I must admit, there were times in my misspent youth when I even found a message there ).

I'm in agreement with you-darling: Screw the "contingent." And a "Two Thumbs Up" for entertainment for entertainment's sake!
Posted by Syl 5/9/06