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Movie Catch-up
He took the bride about the neck
And kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack
That at the parting all the church did echo.
-- William Shakespeare
Sunday, April 25, 1999
One year ago: Sociability
After dancing until late Friday night, I was able to sleep in Saturday morning, then have a lazy morning with email and journals. I was frustrated that I couldn't get Imagine Radio to work correctly at home -- I have something wrong with my Real Audio installation. I downloaded Real Audio and tried to set it up again, but it crashed, which annoyed me. But Imagine Radio can be set to use Windows Media Player, so I did that and now I've been enjoying Miss Anita's Tunes on this machine. I was tickled that Jorn Barger of Robot Wisdom weblog (try his backup site for the most current stuff; he's having a technical problem right now) was so excited about the Imagine Radio possibilities on Friday and Saturday.
When I went to take a bath, I noticed that the place on my left foot that had been stepped on Friday night (a stiletto heel - ouch!) had actually had the skin broken! But it wasn't too bad; just bruised, no bones broken. I did have sore muscles from the workout, so I soaked in a hot bath.
It was such a mild, sunny afternoon, that I decided to return the library books that had been sitting on a shelf by my front door -- for two years! I timed it just right for the bus. My film buddy A--- got on the bus when we were in front of the Egyptian Theater. He'd been to see a documentary about Chiapas in Mexico. He said it was good, but I'm not wanting to see it. We chatted as we headed downtown, getting caught up and making sure we'd each heard the latest about the people we have in common. He said he was getting off to go see "Go". I let him actually get off the bus, then I decided to tag along and see it too! I caught up to him after half a block.
We went to the Meridian 16. I'm glad they finally settled with the projectionists' union! It's one of those downtown multiplexes that are vertical, rather than horizontal. You go up and up to get to the auditorium. At first, we were the only ones there! but a few more folks came in before the movie started.
* * * * * * * *
A--- described "Go" as a "Tarenteeny" movie, and I can see that! It's from Doug Liman, the director of "Swingers", which I liked. The unusual structure of this film didn't bother me; it starts out following one of a group of characters, then goes back to the beginning and concentrates on another character. (Better than that horrid Hal Hartley movie I saw at the film festival that told the exact same story three times with different casts and locations!) I can't find the other journaler's review (I thought it was Diane, but maybe not) that warned of the danger of getting rid of your most appealing character one third of the way into the movie. I really do like Sarah Polley -- I've enjoyed her work as a child actress on Canadian TV in "Road to Avonlea"! (But I'd never have recognized her from the picture on the poster.)
The movie overall is a movie about stupid people. If you can accept that and go with it, there are some good things here. The director isn't really in control of his material, though, with changes in tone that career all over the place. I did enjoy it, in a mild sort of way, though.
* * * * * * * *
After the movie, I still had time to walk to the downtown library. A--- walked partway with me; he lives downtown. The library clerk seemed very perplexed by my wish to return books that were so far overdue that they'd been removed from the active listings and marked as "lost" on my account, but he took his time and got it straight. I paid for the one book that hadn't been with the others. If it turns up in my cleaning efforts, I'll return it then. I was very proud of myself for resisting any impluse to check out any more books. It's just so evident that going to the library isn't on my regulary scheduled activities list these days. Why check out books and not bring them back? (This isn't the first time I've had books out for a ridiculously long time.)
I walked back to where the buses run, stopping off for a cruise through Loehmann's on the way. I bought nothing, because the accessories and home decor items weren't great bargains, and they had nothing for plus sizes in the clothing. Phooey on them!
* * * * * * * *
I took a different bus home -- the Seven goes up Broadway, but it was the first one that came by. I decided to stop at Twice Sold Tales to reward myself for not checking out any books -- I'd buy some instead! I was surprised to hear the owner talking about how the horrid proposed light rail was going to tear down her building, thus probably putting her out of business. That would be a real shame! I bought "How the Irish Saved Civilization" by Thomas Cahill, J.G. Ballard's "A User's Guide to the Millennium," and, my fav, "Merrill Markoe's Guide to Love." I've always enjoyed her humor.
I ran into two of my neighbors on the bus ride up the hill, just back from buying a wedding dress! They are in the building, but I don't remember their names, darn it, much less that they aren't already married. So much for the community of living in a co-op building. But they are a very nice couple in their thirties.
I decided to stay home and rest, instead of going to the Beach burn at Golden Gardens park. I'm glad Wally had a good time, at least!
* * * * * * * *
This morning I got Friday's entry (about self-described "world's only professional Chinese-American swing bandleader" George Gee) written and posted, then wrote to Jack saying I want to see him soon! (What, me coy?) I haven't seen him since last Monday, and it looks all too likely that he'll soon be moving father away from me, not closer.
I decided to see another movie this afternoon, and managed to get a few things done before it was time to go. I did some hand laundry -- the trouble with white tights is that the feet don't get really white after one has worn them once with black shoes -- and picked up in the bathroom generally. I was pleased to find an earring that I thought I'd lost! I've had good bus karma recently, and the number 10 pulled up just after I got to the stop once again today.
I'd been mildly interested in "10 Things I Hate about You" ever since I learned that that was the movie that used the Century Ballroom as a location last spring. The prom scenes were filmed there, but not the scenes just outside on the stairs. The building isn't that fancy! Hallie, the ballroom proprietor, got some redecorating out of the deal. I knew that Jack didn't want to see it, so it was a good choice for today. I don't like starting a title with numerals, a relic from when I worked on Cinemania. It's apparently correct in this case, though.
The movie wasn't terrible, but could perfectly well wait for video. The "bad guy" teen is probably the weakest link. I've always enjoyed David Krumholtz since I saw him in "Addams Family Values" and he was still funny here. I was relieved that the tiny girl sitting in the row next to me only asked a few questions ("What's 'therapy'?") but I don't think this is a good movie for young kids! I wondered why they made the choice of having the mother having left three years ago, instead of being dead? I think it would be an issue either way, and her just being gone made me think they ought to be dealing with it, which they wouldn't if she'd died long ago.
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