In 2001, I attended seminary for one semester. Yes, I really did. This was my introductory essay for Soteriology (the doctrine of salvation), assigned so the professor would get an idea of our background on the subject. My grade was “C”.
Players of Utica’s final production of the season is a pretty big swing… featuring solid, very funny ensemble acting, clever use of space and wittily minimalist set, sound and lighting.
Jaws was released on June 20, 1975… When Hitchock saw it, he remarked “[Spielberg’s] the first one of us who doesn’t see the proscenium arch.” Watch the movie with that comment in mind – although Spielberg often constructs various frames for his shots (he builds the arch like Frank Capra used to), in many others the camera tracks so wildly through the action you can’t conceive how the blocking was accomplished.
Keep on whining, Seinfeld. It’s actually funny how yet another out-of-touch multi-millionaire doesn’t like how the world is changing around him, without him. Political correctness is definitely not killing comedy, but if it finishes Seinfeld’s stale schtick, good riddance.
Lee Siegel’s most recent book is called Are You Serious? How to Be True and Get Real in the Age of Silly. I doubt any irony was intended when the New York Times published his essay Why I Defaulted on My Student Loans last Sunday. Those NOT asking “are you serious” can only be others who have or might want to default. Deeply silly, this guy.
Springsteen’s harmonica work on the song is beautiful. He plays mostly single, pristine notes, high above the melody. These create an air of wistful loneliness during the beginning and ending; in the middle passages the harp bounces around the voice.
1) State of the Island
2) Why College Should Not Be Free
3) Irish Marriage
4) Sarah and the Bullies
5) An Imaginary Conversation
6) Signal to Noise
7) The Girl on the Train
8) The Girl With All the Gifts
9) Green Eggs and Ham
10) Mothers
I used to read this to my kids, almost exactly like this. (Almost.)
I’m concerned that modern media, shaped as it is by the Internet, is destroying our ability to know or be known…Critics write quickly because their employers need clicks to sell ads. We don’t like the system (“the media”) but it’s the one we asked for (free, ad-supported.) “Going viral” is considered a good thing, although most viral content really is the electronic equivalent of the flu.
The Sugarland Express has a lot in common with Arthur Penn’s Bonnie and Clyde (1967) – both share a rollicking, episodic comedic structure that devolves into tragedy. Both feature a strong woman who drives men to actions they might not otherwise commit. Both feature crowds of “common people” expressing support for outlaws. It seems likely Spielberg was sincerely flattering Penn, although Spielberg can’t resist sentimental touches…
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