Okie Noodling (2001)

It was just by chance that I caught this documentary on my local PBS station. It was by sheer fascination that I actually watched it.

Noodling--a type of fishing that requires a participant to use his/her hand to blindly feel along river banks and beds in hope that some prehistoric sized catfish will bite you--is quite a sight! The oddly endearing doc exposes a cultural phenomenon in the Midwest. It's actually banned in most states, but here, it is celebrated.

What I found most fascinating where the people. There was a genuine passion for this unusual event; the interviewees were consumed by the thrill of grappling in murky water will God knows what. One gentlemen even states his priorities as family, farming, and noodling--in that order.

Okie Noodling highlights Oklahoma with it's noodling tournament and the generations of men that have engaged in the 'sport'.

As I see it, Okie Noodling is an authentic piece of Americana perfectly preserved for posterity. It's an unforgettable eccentric tale that celebrates the passion of a people.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

An evening of cocktails between couples becomes a forum for hateful games and spiteful fun in this classic drama. History professor George (Richard Burton) and his charming wife Martha (Elizabeth Taylor) engage in an unrelenting discourse of stinging barbs and ugly secrets while newly wed guests Nick (George Segal) and Honey (Sandy Dennis) look on in horror. As the alcohol content increase, so does the ugliness. Before long both couple are spiraling into a hangover riddled morning.

What a film! Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an oft-heralded classic and after tonight's viewing, it's easy to see why. It's an uncomfortable drama to watch as George and Martha spar unmercifully, constantly trying to top one another. The emotions weigh heavy and with the one, two of Burton and Taylor... the film is powerful.

The chemistry between these former lovers is brilliant. Elizabeth Taylor is venomous, but beautiful. Set in B&W, she pops onscreen with class. But in this role, she's borderline insane. Richard Burton is perfect foil. Burton plays the bespectacled George as quiet, but calculating and perfectly undercutting. These two are cold-hearted. Underneath it all, you sense a perverted joy from the couple.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is essentially a two hour diatribe between Burton and Taylor. It's a two hour, emotionally-wrenching diatribe. The setting is simple--a quaint home on the university campus, a car, parking lot (in a scene that contains some of the film's greatest dialogue), and small bar. Director Mike Nichols (The Graduate) had great foresight to just stand back and let the actors fly. The screenplay is certainly weighty, but it's the casting that really makes this film. Can't believe this is the same guy behind Closer. {Ugh!}

As I see it, the film is deserving of it's praise. However, I wonder if the nuances would be lost on modern cinema. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is an unforgettable character driven drama thanks to fine performances by Burton and Taylor.

Titans Vs Bucs (2009)

Yet another opportunity to watch the Titans from the promenade. Nice. The preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was fun. I'll admit, thanks to great company, my attention wasn't on the game. Much.

With a moment of silence for Steve McNair {which I found overly cliched thanks to Green Day's Time of Your Life (Good Riddance)}, the game got off to a slow start. QB Kerry Collins had a few issues and youngster Vince Young was convincing, but it was the rookie receivers that shown. Javon Ringer and Ryan Mouton ran for touchdowns in the second half.

Final Score: 27-20. Titans Win! All it all, it was an entertaining game.

Overheard on the Promenade:

• That's what she said.
• The grass is always greener on the HDTV.
• Stylez White?! Is that a real name?!
• Kenny Britt? Yes, please.
• I'm not going on that elevator by myself.
• In the event of an emergency, we're screwed!
• Getting hot and sweaty with a bunch of women--can't imagine a better evening.

The Man in the Iron Mask (1998)

The three Musketeers: Aramis (Jeremy Irons), Athos (John Malkovich) and Porthos (Gerard Depardieu) have moved on. D'Artagnan (Gabriel Byrne) remains in the employe of tyrannical King Louis (Leonard DiCaprio) with much chagrin. The young king wields his power for his own good and vices--not for his kingdom. After the death of Athos' son at the hands of the jealous king, the Musketeers reunite to usurp the king and replace him with his benevolent twin brother.

The Man in the Iron Mask is not a true rendering of Alexander Dumas' novel, however, it is great fun. The period film is lavish with costuming and other detail, but it's smart casting that makes the film. The likes of Irons, Byrne, Depardieu, Malkovich--these heavyweights play with a marked nimbleness that brings credence to a fluffy story. Leonard DiCaprio is young and stiff here, but supported well in the ensemble cast. It's fun to see Peter Sarsgaard and Hugh Laurie pop up in small roles.

Writer/director Randall Wallace pulls from great source material to create a fresh, continuing story of the famed trio. The film doesn't take itself seriously, but unfolds with conviction.

As I see it, The Man in the Iron Mask is memorable period entertainment. It makes a stuffy novel approachable and perhaps more inviting.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999)

Stanley Kubrick's final film is one of two things: a debauched sexual thriller that examines the human psyche or a steamy turd. Eyes Wide Shut stars Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in what would become their final performance as a couple. Interesting, no? No... it's not.

As I see it, melodramatic performances from our leading couple overshadow a beautifully rendered film. The Cruise/Kidman combo is laughable at best. Where is the tension and desire required?! The casting is ineffectual.

Kubrick is commanding behind the camera. The cinematography--the lavishness of the production is simple gorgeous, but that doesn't make it worth watching.

Eyes Wide Shut--honestly, that's what I wish I'd done..

Postscript 08.16.09 ~ I didn't exactly revisit the whole thing. I did reexamine the final scenes. I get, now, what Kubrick was aiming for. While I don't think he was successful due to poor casting, it's sufficient. Unless you're a fan of his, I wouldn't bother.