500 DAYS OF SUMMER….3.5****
The film can be pretty much summed up in one of the first lines of the film. "This is a story of boy meets girl. But you should know up front, this is not a love story." 500 Days of Summer is not your typical romantic film. There's something to it.. Maybe it's the style. Maybe it's the realism. Maybe it's the wonderful music? Maybe its the beautiful cinematography? Maybe, its Tom and Summer...
Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Zooey Deschanel are the leads, Tom and Summer. These are real everyday people. Tom, a believer in true love. Summer, a doubter. Tom falls in love with Summer from the start. She doesn't. Tom is like every guy, and every guy has known a girl like Summer. The girl they want, but can't have. They try, to no avail. It's frustrating, and Tom is frustrated. He's happy then sad. He doesn't know what to think. Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel have great chemistry together and give solid performances. You really believe their relationship and hardships. It makes you notice the little things in relationships. The film also highlights two young stars on the rise.
The story is not in chronological order as its jumps back and forth from different days as Tom remembers his life and relationship with Summer. When remembering he, as we, may not remember every detail in the in exact order in which it occurred. We choose what we want to remember. That may be the good, or bad. For Tom, it's a lot of both . The film shows the good and the bad of love, of relationships, and life. There's something about it that sets it apart from the usual romantic comedy.
Gordon-Levitt and Deschanel are perfect in this movie. He is tossed around both emotionally and physically, from extreme highs to terrible lows, and if you don't cheer for him, then you have no heart. She owns the screen, and everything about her makes it easy to see why a guy would spend (500) days pining for this woman.
Clark
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
THE HURT LOCKER 3.5*** ( almost 4.0*** and, yes 4*** for a War Movie) What a strange movie title . Whatever does it mean. Well for this movie it can mean 2 things…..generally, a soldier’s slang for a real bad place or perhaps more specifically for this movie, a small locker where the Explosive Ordinance Disposal expert, Sgt. James, keeps souvenirs from the bombs and IEDs ( “Improvised Explosive Devises”) that he has disarmed….that could have “hurt” him or more likely blown him to smithereens.
This is a frighteningly, up-close look at the terror of the Iraq war especially through the eyes of this elite bomb disposal squad. The movie puts you in the “boots” of these 3 soldiers and you slowly and methodically experience the near-death walk they must take daily …the fear… that never-ending-in-your-bones fear of dying at any moment . They must not only try to survive the disarming of the bombs and IEDs but the constant danger of being a target for a sniper… they don’t know who is a friend and who is a foe.
This is a very well made war movie that tackles a very difficult subject head on . There is a constant, almost unbearable tension whenever the EOD squad is in action…you literally hold your breath waiting for the sniper’s bullet or the bomb explosion. Amazingly, this near masterpiece of suspense and unrelenting intensity is the excellent work of Director, Kathryn Bigelow. She nails it by deploring an excellent cast of unknowns headed up by Jeremy Renner, the bomb specialist, and Anthony Mackie, as Sgt. Sanborn and Brian Geraghty, as Specialist Eldridge, as his cover men for snipers….she and creates a gritty, beyond realistic contemporary war story… the best since “Saving Private Ryan”.
When it’s over, you wonder how these young brave soldiers do it over therein Iraq or Afghanistan..or wherever…how can they go out there in harm’s way day after day never knowing but constantly fearing that it will be their last day. Such courage..such overwhelming courage..well we owe them SO much yet they get SO little credit. There are many reasons to see this film....certainly because it is an excellent, well done and well acted film…but also because it is one that everyone should see so you too can truly appreciate and revere the contributions and sacrifices that these young men are making for ..all of us…they deserve our praise and out prayers.
Clark
This is a frighteningly, up-close look at the terror of the Iraq war especially through the eyes of this elite bomb disposal squad. The movie puts you in the “boots” of these 3 soldiers and you slowly and methodically experience the near-death walk they must take daily …the fear… that never-ending-in-your-bones fear of dying at any moment . They must not only try to survive the disarming of the bombs and IEDs but the constant danger of being a target for a sniper… they don’t know who is a friend and who is a foe.
This is a very well made war movie that tackles a very difficult subject head on . There is a constant, almost unbearable tension whenever the EOD squad is in action…you literally hold your breath waiting for the sniper’s bullet or the bomb explosion. Amazingly, this near masterpiece of suspense and unrelenting intensity is the excellent work of Director, Kathryn Bigelow. She nails it by deploring an excellent cast of unknowns headed up by Jeremy Renner, the bomb specialist, and Anthony Mackie, as Sgt. Sanborn and Brian Geraghty, as Specialist Eldridge, as his cover men for snipers….she and creates a gritty, beyond realistic contemporary war story… the best since “Saving Private Ryan”.
When it’s over, you wonder how these young brave soldiers do it over therein Iraq or Afghanistan..or wherever…how can they go out there in harm’s way day after day never knowing but constantly fearing that it will be their last day. Such courage..such overwhelming courage..well we owe them SO much yet they get SO little credit. There are many reasons to see this film....certainly because it is an excellent, well done and well acted film…but also because it is one that everyone should see so you too can truly appreciate and revere the contributions and sacrifices that these young men are making for ..all of us…they deserve our praise and out prayers.
Clark
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE 3.0 *** It is not often that I have read the book before seeing the movie. This is one of those times. I loved the book… an excellent blend of an intriguing Sci-Fi concept with a dramatic love story. So how was the movie ?? There are many, many readers of the best-selling novel who will compare the two, as did I. Well, I thought the book was better although I liked the movie too. The reason for favoring the book…when you’re reading a story with such a fascinating concept as time traveling overlaid with a sweet love story, a free ranging mind-generated imagination has less restraints and more freedom to explore the story and, thus the feelings. Trying to achieve this through the visual/audio of a film is quite difficult, if not impossible. So it comes down to a difference in the artistic mediums of how to present the story and each has its own strengths and weaknesses. The movie does strive mightily to capture the feel of the book and comes close. It is a beautiful film with excellent performances…you quickly become involved with the characters, their love, their dilemma and you feel their joy, their pain and especially their love.
The story is about a twisty, time-bending romance of Henry (Eric Bana ) a Chicago librarian, and Clare (Rachel McAdams) an artist. Clare is six years old the first time she meets Henry, although he is 30something. And Henry is in his mid20s the first time he meets Clare, when she’s around 20. This weirdness of this is because Henry is an unintended time traveler: he suffers from a genetic aberration that causes him to become displaced in time, at random moments, and he has no control over it. He melts away, leaving his clothes behind, and journeys back to moments in his own past, or ahead to moments in his own future. Henry and Clare fall in love, but that’s not so unusual. People fall in and out of love every day. No, what makes this one unique is Henry’s predicament and Clare’s unwavering willingness to accept it. Her husband is frequently floating through time like a ghost unsure of where – or when – he’ll end up while she goes on with her linear life patiently hoping someday his odd condition can be cured and come to an end.
The early stages of their adult relationship are particularly stunning and more so on the screen... each step, a testing of feelings and commitment as they come to love each other .There is an ease to the pair, a familiarity that is smooth and intoxicating. It is almost like watching two old friends waltz their way to the type of lasting love we like to dream everyone gets to experience…and then celebrating in the happiness of seeing them achieve it ... while, at the same time, being troubled by our concerns about Henry’s unpredictable condition.
You can enjoy “The Time Traveler's Wife” for what it is: an endearing love story with an unusual sci-fi premise. It may not be exactly like the book but even so, the premise of the story and the excellent performances by the leads make this movie well-worth the “travel”….and even after the “travel is over, you will find your imagination continuing to linger.
Clark
The story is about a twisty, time-bending romance of Henry (Eric Bana ) a Chicago librarian, and Clare (Rachel McAdams) an artist. Clare is six years old the first time she meets Henry, although he is 30something. And Henry is in his mid20s the first time he meets Clare, when she’s around 20. This weirdness of this is because Henry is an unintended time traveler: he suffers from a genetic aberration that causes him to become displaced in time, at random moments, and he has no control over it. He melts away, leaving his clothes behind, and journeys back to moments in his own past, or ahead to moments in his own future. Henry and Clare fall in love, but that’s not so unusual. People fall in and out of love every day. No, what makes this one unique is Henry’s predicament and Clare’s unwavering willingness to accept it. Her husband is frequently floating through time like a ghost unsure of where – or when – he’ll end up while she goes on with her linear life patiently hoping someday his odd condition can be cured and come to an end.
The early stages of their adult relationship are particularly stunning and more so on the screen... each step, a testing of feelings and commitment as they come to love each other .There is an ease to the pair, a familiarity that is smooth and intoxicating. It is almost like watching two old friends waltz their way to the type of lasting love we like to dream everyone gets to experience…and then celebrating in the happiness of seeing them achieve it ... while, at the same time, being troubled by our concerns about Henry’s unpredictable condition.
You can enjoy “The Time Traveler's Wife” for what it is: an endearing love story with an unusual sci-fi premise. It may not be exactly like the book but even so, the premise of the story and the excellent performances by the leads make this movie well-worth the “travel”….and even after the “travel is over, you will find your imagination continuing to linger.
Clark
Monday, August 17, 2009
DISTRICT 9 3.5 *** for general film category but 4.0*** for a Sci-Fi film. “District 9” is a fantastic, gritty, realistic science fiction movie that goes way beyond your typical ”lot of action and no story’” Sci-Fi film. Not since "Blade Runner”, “Star Wars” or "Alien" have we seen a Sci-Fi film with such a unique vision and presentation.
The movie abandons the usual Hollywood sci-fi setting and places us in the harsh slums of South Africa ( much like “Slumdog Millionaire”) Then we are given an stunningly original screenplay which takes risks in the way it tells its story. Finally, there is no overused, overexposed celebrity in sight to detract from the exhilarating plot. And, the “stars” of the show, the aliens are brilliantly created trough the magic of computer generation (CGI), and done so well done, you actually believe them to be real.
District 9 takes place in an alternate timeline where, twenty years ago, an alien spaceship came to a halt above the City of Johannesburg, South Africa (remember “Apartheid”). The aliens( thousands of them ..this is a monstrously huge spaceship) are unable to operate the ship anymore, so they are taken off by an international police force and segregated in their own ghetto-slum..called District 9.. on the outskirts of the city. Eventually, the international government calls for a resettlement of the aliens (nicknamed "prawns" due to their appearance) and this is where the story gets complicated…but I dare not tell you anymore as it is better to walk into District 9 knowing as little as possible. I will say that the movie/story achieves an incredible balancing act. It is blends science fiction and political drama flawlessly, fusing them together with a lot of in your face action and violence.
The best thing about District 9 is that it always manages to stay fresh and surprising throughout . It starts off as a mockumentary in order to establish the background for the storyline. The film gradually crosses over to being a more conventional film, although still having a very documentary feel…using news interviews and TV footage. You don't really notice these changes in style the because you're so wrapped up in the ingenious story.
“District 9” has so much to like and literally is a sight to behold. It's spectacular, darkly funny, entertaining and thoughtful all at the same time. For Sci-Fi fans, it is a MUST see and for others it is an excellent adventure…a lot of action, some violence but no real gore…it does have an “R” rating but this is not a hard “R”.
Clark
NOTE: All the shack used in District 9 for the alien ghetto/slum were actual shacks that existed in a section of Johannesburg which were to be evacuated and the residents moved to better government housing, paralleling the events in the film. Also paralleling, the residents had not actually been moved out before filming began. The only shack that was created solely for filming was Christopher Johnson's shack.
The movie abandons the usual Hollywood sci-fi setting and places us in the harsh slums of South Africa ( much like “Slumdog Millionaire”) Then we are given an stunningly original screenplay which takes risks in the way it tells its story. Finally, there is no overused, overexposed celebrity in sight to detract from the exhilarating plot. And, the “stars” of the show, the aliens are brilliantly created trough the magic of computer generation (CGI), and done so well done, you actually believe them to be real.
District 9 takes place in an alternate timeline where, twenty years ago, an alien spaceship came to a halt above the City of Johannesburg, South Africa (remember “Apartheid”). The aliens( thousands of them ..this is a monstrously huge spaceship) are unable to operate the ship anymore, so they are taken off by an international police force and segregated in their own ghetto-slum..called District 9.. on the outskirts of the city. Eventually, the international government calls for a resettlement of the aliens (nicknamed "prawns" due to their appearance) and this is where the story gets complicated…but I dare not tell you anymore as it is better to walk into District 9 knowing as little as possible. I will say that the movie/story achieves an incredible balancing act. It is blends science fiction and political drama flawlessly, fusing them together with a lot of in your face action and violence.
The best thing about District 9 is that it always manages to stay fresh and surprising throughout . It starts off as a mockumentary in order to establish the background for the storyline. The film gradually crosses over to being a more conventional film, although still having a very documentary feel…using news interviews and TV footage. You don't really notice these changes in style the because you're so wrapped up in the ingenious story.
“District 9” has so much to like and literally is a sight to behold. It's spectacular, darkly funny, entertaining and thoughtful all at the same time. For Sci-Fi fans, it is a MUST see and for others it is an excellent adventure…a lot of action, some violence but no real gore…it does have an “R” rating but this is not a hard “R”.
Clark
NOTE: All the shack used in District 9 for the alien ghetto/slum were actual shacks that existed in a section of Johannesburg which were to be evacuated and the residents moved to better government housing, paralleling the events in the film. Also paralleling, the residents had not actually been moved out before filming began. The only shack that was created solely for filming was Christopher Johnson's shack.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
JULIE AND JULIA 3.5*** (almost 4***) As you’ll learn from this delightful movie, you can never have too much butter for cooking, and also you can never have too much of Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. “J & J” is based on two best-selling memoirs, one from famous cook and chef, Julia Child, and the other by Julie Powell, a woman whose life was greatly affected by Child's cookbook. Director and screen writer Nora Ephron handles the material well, blending the two narratives, the two different time periods and locations, and the comedy and drama into a delicious tale of a deliriously cheery woman and a typical, practical city girl who are liberated and empowered by cooking.
In 1949 France, American Julia Child (Streep) settles in with her diplomat husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) to a new environment and tries to sort out what she wants to do with her time. After determining that she has an uncanny love of food (shopping for groceries is as much fun to her as other women find buying a new dress), she takes up schooling in French cooking, eventually teaches a few students, and then for 8 years works on her enormous French cookbook.
In 2002, Julie Powell is adapting to a new apartment in Queens, N.Y. with her writer husband Eric (Chris Messina) and her depressing job as a government agency secretary. Her spare time is devoted to food. When her day job starts to really wear away at her soul, she sets a unique goal for herself: to prepare every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook - 524 recipes in 365 days. Along the way she must deal with the strain on the relationship with her husband, a lobster killing ordeal, and, for her, the dreaded, formidable task of boning a duck.
Streep is marvelous as Julia….her transformation into the character is nothing short of brilliant...a masterful performance that is so multi-layered and natural that it’s easy to forget that Streep is not the chef herself. Her voice is perfect, her characterizations are absolutely stunning, and the spirit she brings to the character shines forth as lovable and endearing. Amy Adams is, as well, terrific in a simpler, plainer way. She is one of Hollywood's truly great up-and-coming actresses (and one of my favorites). Adams embodies Powell with an almost heartbreaking beauty that surrounds a fragile vulnerability...so, as she struggles with her project, you want to just give her a great big ole' hug. Streep and Adams blend together to become the perfect recipe for a delicious and delightful feast of heart, humor and wondrous storytelling. It is easily one of the best movies in 2009, a crème de la crème.
Bon Appétit !!!
Clark
TRIVIA NOTE: Consider this, Meryl Streep has been nominated 15 times for an Oscar and has won 6 times. It’s interesting to note that her first movie in 1977 was “Julia”, her first nomination was in 1978 for “The Deer Hunter”, her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress was in 1979 for “Kramer vs. Kramer” and her first Oscar for Best Actress was in 1982 for “Sophie’s Choice”. Since her cinematic debut in 1977, and during the past 32 years, she has never gone more than five years without an Oscar nomination. She also holds the record for the most Golden Globes nominations with 23, and along with Angela Lansbury and Jack Nicholson, holds the record for the most Golden Globe wins with 6.
In 1949 France, American Julia Child (Streep) settles in with her diplomat husband Paul (Stanley Tucci) to a new environment and tries to sort out what she wants to do with her time. After determining that she has an uncanny love of food (shopping for groceries is as much fun to her as other women find buying a new dress), she takes up schooling in French cooking, eventually teaches a few students, and then for 8 years works on her enormous French cookbook.
In 2002, Julie Powell is adapting to a new apartment in Queens, N.Y. with her writer husband Eric (Chris Messina) and her depressing job as a government agency secretary. Her spare time is devoted to food. When her day job starts to really wear away at her soul, she sets a unique goal for herself: to prepare every recipe in Julia Child's cookbook - 524 recipes in 365 days. Along the way she must deal with the strain on the relationship with her husband, a lobster killing ordeal, and, for her, the dreaded, formidable task of boning a duck.
Streep is marvelous as Julia….her transformation into the character is nothing short of brilliant...a masterful performance that is so multi-layered and natural that it’s easy to forget that Streep is not the chef herself. Her voice is perfect, her characterizations are absolutely stunning, and the spirit she brings to the character shines forth as lovable and endearing. Amy Adams is, as well, terrific in a simpler, plainer way. She is one of Hollywood's truly great up-and-coming actresses (and one of my favorites). Adams embodies Powell with an almost heartbreaking beauty that surrounds a fragile vulnerability...so, as she struggles with her project, you want to just give her a great big ole' hug. Streep and Adams blend together to become the perfect recipe for a delicious and delightful feast of heart, humor and wondrous storytelling. It is easily one of the best movies in 2009, a crème de la crème.
Bon Appétit !!!
Clark
TRIVIA NOTE: Consider this, Meryl Streep has been nominated 15 times for an Oscar and has won 6 times. It’s interesting to note that her first movie in 1977 was “Julia”, her first nomination was in 1978 for “The Deer Hunter”, her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress was in 1979 for “Kramer vs. Kramer” and her first Oscar for Best Actress was in 1982 for “Sophie’s Choice”. Since her cinematic debut in 1977, and during the past 32 years, she has never gone more than five years without an Oscar nomination. She also holds the record for the most Golden Globes nominations with 23, and along with Angela Lansbury and Jack Nicholson, holds the record for the most Golden Globe wins with 6.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Well, I finally came down to earth again, and I mean literally when on Saturday I got down and dirty and sweaty doing some heavy yard work at home…so much for being a movie star..that ego got pruned and mowed right down. AND back to my movie reviewing: .
G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA 2.5***(but barely) Anyone who’s seen one or both of the Transformers movies may think they know what to expect from” G.I. JOE ”So it may come as something as a surprise to say that “GI Joe” may be more enjoyable than the last “Transformer” movie, which, in truth, isn’t saying a lot.. “G.I. Joe” is purely and simply an action fantasy aimed squarely at kids and anyone who remembers playing soldiers in their back yard.
Based on the adventures of American toy ranger GI Joe, the film focuses on an elite, secret military unit led by General Hawk (Dennis Quaid) whose goal is to rid the world of all terrorists, enemies and general bad guys. (GIJOE is an acronym for the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity). When top US soldiers Duke (Channing Tatum) and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) are recruited into the unit, they team up with the likes of Breaker and Scarlett (Rachel Nicols) to take down the evil MARS corporation, headed by megalomaniac McCullen The Joes come up against enemies like Storm Shadow and Zartan, and the situation is complicated by the fact that, before she turned to a life of international crime, the deadly Ana (Sienna Miller) used to be Duke’s lady love.
But, let’s not get carried away. “G.I. Joe” is first and foremost an action movie with bombastic effects and exciting sequences and larger-than-life characters who only need to fit into their environment; there’s no need for a back story or character development when all you have to do is fight like a ninja and look damn good doing it. Which is fairly lucky for Channing Tatum since, although he certainly looks the part, he has the emotional range of one of those plastic Hasbro figures. “G.I. Joe” does not pretend to be high art or even a memorable movie; it’s purely conceived for commercial entertainment with its jaw-dropping gadgets and fairly good CGI. If you’re looking for a good, quality film, go and see something else. If you’re looking for a fun movie for kids, of all ages, you may just enjoy this non-thinking, action outing with the “Joes”
Clark
G.I. JOE THE RISE OF COBRA 2.5***(but barely) Anyone who’s seen one or both of the Transformers movies may think they know what to expect from” G.I. JOE ”So it may come as something as a surprise to say that “GI Joe” may be more enjoyable than the last “Transformer” movie, which, in truth, isn’t saying a lot.. “G.I. Joe” is purely and simply an action fantasy aimed squarely at kids and anyone who remembers playing soldiers in their back yard.
Based on the adventures of American toy ranger GI Joe, the film focuses on an elite, secret military unit led by General Hawk (Dennis Quaid) whose goal is to rid the world of all terrorists, enemies and general bad guys. (GIJOE is an acronym for the Global Integrated Joint Operating Entity). When top US soldiers Duke (Channing Tatum) and Ripcord (Marlon Wayans) are recruited into the unit, they team up with the likes of Breaker and Scarlett (Rachel Nicols) to take down the evil MARS corporation, headed by megalomaniac McCullen The Joes come up against enemies like Storm Shadow and Zartan, and the situation is complicated by the fact that, before she turned to a life of international crime, the deadly Ana (Sienna Miller) used to be Duke’s lady love.
But, let’s not get carried away. “G.I. Joe” is first and foremost an action movie with bombastic effects and exciting sequences and larger-than-life characters who only need to fit into their environment; there’s no need for a back story or character development when all you have to do is fight like a ninja and look damn good doing it. Which is fairly lucky for Channing Tatum since, although he certainly looks the part, he has the emotional range of one of those plastic Hasbro figures. “G.I. Joe” does not pretend to be high art or even a memorable movie; it’s purely conceived for commercial entertainment with its jaw-dropping gadgets and fairly good CGI. If you’re looking for a good, quality film, go and see something else. If you’re looking for a fun movie for kids, of all ages, you may just enjoy this non-thinking, action outing with the “Joes”
Clark
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Well I’m back home in Raleigh even though I left a small part of my “Hollywood heart” in Milwaukee. My feet are not entirely back on the ground yet…I’m still floating from those 3 days of movie making magic. Movie: "NO GOD, NO MASTER"
FIRST DAY ON SET (Friday)
How to begin. On Friday I walked on the perimeter of the set for the first time and lo and behold before me sitting in those classic Hollywood set chairs were none other than 2 of the stars of the movie…David Strathairn and Sam Witwer. I thought I had died and gone to movie heaven. And that was just the beginning. Also on set that afternoon was the lead actress Mariano Klaveno who is doing her first movie ( she has a prominent role recently on “True Blood”, the HBO vampire series as a vampire who is the “maker” of Bill, the lead vampire). She’s a lovely young actress whom I chatted with that day. I told her she looked lovely, especially without the vampire teeth…she chuckled.
They were filming on a street next to the beautifully renovated Milwaukee Town Hall during the afternoon then moved inside for 2 courtroom scenes, one of which I was in as a non-speaking lawyer extra. I sat immediately behind the Sacco and Vanzetti characters. Let me tell you , Alessandro Mario, who plays Vanzetti, is a genuine Italian from south of Sicily . He a very popular Italian TV star but this is his first American movie. And he is hot and intense. You ladies are going to like this guy. Sacco is played by James Madio, an Italian/American actor who you’ll recognize from some movies but especially from the HBO series, “Band of Brothers”. I chatted with both of them and they were nice and charming.
Also, during a break between the 2 courtroom scenes being filmed, we were introduced to David Strathairn and Sam Witwer and had a chance for pictures and chatting. I spoke briefly to Witwer but spent some fascinating time chatting with Strathairn. Mainly we talked about the book I had just read, “Julie and Julia” which is coming out as a movie this weekend. I mentioned that he was referred to in the book by Julie as an actor she had a crush on before she got married…that she had even cooked him a cake to try to get his attention…then after she was married and doing the Julia Child cooking thing, she sent him cookies when he was performing again in NYC. Well, Strathairn did not know that he was in the book and said he’d have to read the book….that was very interesting.
To finish the first day/night on the set, I was a non-speaking lawyer-extra for the big courtroom scene where Sacco and Vanzetti give their final statements before being sentenced. I will be in the scene as I am sitting on the first row behind S & V.
SECOND DAY ON SET (Saturday)
On the next day they starting filming around 1 PM and went until 11 Pm. It included several Wall Street scenes with an explosion, old 20’s style cars (gorgeous preserved authentic cars), and all 4 of the lead male actors. I met and talked with Witwer’s best friends, his Godson and his Dad, who is also a lawyer. I went to supper with everyone…it was catered in a nearby Church and everyone..ALL cast, crew, extras and visitors go together and eat together for the meals…good food.
THIRD DAY ON SET ( MONDAY)
My last day on set was Monday. It started around 1 PM and went to 1:15 AM…these people really work hard. By the way the last take of the day/night is call “the martini” ..I don’t know why, but it is kinda neat. The location was at the old Pabst Brewery Co site which shut down in the 90s when the company moved its operations to California. The filming included another bomb explosion of a boy on a bicycle and then several night scenes with Strathairn, Witwer and Mario.
GENERAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS
I was given as much free reign on the set as is possible because I was a ‘VIP” investor guest. I was savvy enough to learn quickly so by the second day on set I knew where to be and not be and how to blend in with the crew. My only distinguishing item was my UNC Tar Heel hat that I wore proudly and also for protection from the sun.
This was truly a unique experience due to the friendly attitude of everyone and the fact that they treated their VIPs so very well. The Director’s wife, Anna Marie, and her assistants, Janice and Gayla, were super hostesses and did all they could to make the visit truly memorable. However, I don’t think they had met anyone quite as enthusiastic and in love with movies as I. They could tell that I was in movie heaven and loving EVERY minute of it.
I talked with cast and crew ( from the Director, Terry Green, right down to the assistant to the assistant) as well as the extras and family and friends of the cast, crew and extras, and the other VIP guests.
The shooting of the movie will continue until around August 15-20…all in and about Milwaukee. Then it goes to musical and sound enhancement, other fine tuning and editing. It should be “in the can” by late fall for presentation to film festivals such as Montreal and Sun Dance..even the Berlin festival and hopefully will be in the theatres by mid 2010.
As you can tell this was a dream come true for me and exceeded my greatest expectations by a country mile. My sweet wife, Sara, was uniquely understanding and wise in her decision to let me go do this on my own so I could flit around to my heart’s content without a care in the world. That’s why I love her so.
Well, I could go on and on, and if I have rambled too long it’s because I can’t contain the joy of the experience and wanted to share it with you while it was still so fresh and vivid. At some point I’ll have pictures to share but I must first get clearance and it may not come until the picture is out. I do hope to have at least a couple of pictures of me in my 1920’s suit and tie with buck shoes for my “scene”…I think I look rather dapper.
I’ll keep you posted on the progress of the film.
Clark
:
FIRST DAY ON SET (Friday)
How to begin. On Friday I walked on the perimeter of the set for the first time and lo and behold before me sitting in those classic Hollywood set chairs were none other than 2 of the stars of the movie…David Strathairn and Sam Witwer. I thought I had died and gone to movie heaven. And that was just the beginning. Also on set that afternoon was the lead actress Mariano Klaveno who is doing her first movie ( she has a prominent role recently on “True Blood”, the HBO vampire series as a vampire who is the “maker” of Bill, the lead vampire). She’s a lovely young actress whom I chatted with that day. I told her she looked lovely, especially without the vampire teeth…she chuckled.
They were filming on a street next to the beautifully renovated Milwaukee Town Hall during the afternoon then moved inside for 2 courtroom scenes, one of which I was in as a non-speaking lawyer extra. I sat immediately behind the Sacco and Vanzetti characters. Let me tell you , Alessandro Mario, who plays Vanzetti, is a genuine Italian from south of Sicily . He a very popular Italian TV star but this is his first American movie. And he is hot and intense. You ladies are going to like this guy. Sacco is played by James Madio, an Italian/American actor who you’ll recognize from some movies but especially from the HBO series, “Band of Brothers”. I chatted with both of them and they were nice and charming.
Also, during a break between the 2 courtroom scenes being filmed, we were introduced to David Strathairn and Sam Witwer and had a chance for pictures and chatting. I spoke briefly to Witwer but spent some fascinating time chatting with Strathairn. Mainly we talked about the book I had just read, “Julie and Julia” which is coming out as a movie this weekend. I mentioned that he was referred to in the book by Julie as an actor she had a crush on before she got married…that she had even cooked him a cake to try to get his attention…then after she was married and doing the Julia Child cooking thing, she sent him cookies when he was performing again in NYC. Well, Strathairn did not know that he was in the book and said he’d have to read the book….that was very interesting.
To finish the first day/night on the set, I was a non-speaking lawyer-extra for the big courtroom scene where Sacco and Vanzetti give their final statements before being sentenced. I will be in the scene as I am sitting on the first row behind S & V.
SECOND DAY ON SET (Saturday)
On the next day they starting filming around 1 PM and went until 11 Pm. It included several Wall Street scenes with an explosion, old 20’s style cars (gorgeous preserved authentic cars), and all 4 of the lead male actors. I met and talked with Witwer’s best friends, his Godson and his Dad, who is also a lawyer. I went to supper with everyone…it was catered in a nearby Church and everyone..ALL cast, crew, extras and visitors go together and eat together for the meals…good food.
THIRD DAY ON SET ( MONDAY)
My last day on set was Monday. It started around 1 PM and went to 1:15 AM…these people really work hard. By the way the last take of the day/night is call “the martini” ..I don’t know why, but it is kinda neat. The location was at the old Pabst Brewery Co site which shut down in the 90s when the company moved its operations to California. The filming included another bomb explosion of a boy on a bicycle and then several night scenes with Strathairn, Witwer and Mario.
GENERAL COMMENTS/OBSERVATIONS
I was given as much free reign on the set as is possible because I was a ‘VIP” investor guest. I was savvy enough to learn quickly so by the second day on set I knew where to be and not be and how to blend in with the crew. My only distinguishing item was my UNC Tar Heel hat that I wore proudly and also for protection from the sun.
This was truly a unique experience due to the friendly attitude of everyone and the fact that they treated their VIPs so very well. The Director’s wife, Anna Marie, and her assistants, Janice and Gayla, were super hostesses and did all they could to make the visit truly memorable. However, I don’t think they had met anyone quite as enthusiastic and in love with movies as I. They could tell that I was in movie heaven and loving EVERY minute of it.
I talked with cast and crew ( from the Director, Terry Green, right down to the assistant to the assistant) as well as the extras and family and friends of the cast, crew and extras, and the other VIP guests.
The shooting of the movie will continue until around August 15-20…all in and about Milwaukee. Then it goes to musical and sound enhancement, other fine tuning and editing. It should be “in the can” by late fall for presentation to film festivals such as Montreal and Sun Dance..even the Berlin festival and hopefully will be in the theatres by mid 2010.
As you can tell this was a dream come true for me and exceeded my greatest expectations by a country mile. My sweet wife, Sara, was uniquely understanding and wise in her decision to let me go do this on my own so I could flit around to my heart’s content without a care in the world. That’s why I love her so.
Well, I could go on and on, and if I have rambled too long it’s because I can’t contain the joy of the experience and wanted to share it with you while it was still so fresh and vivid. At some point I’ll have pictures to share but I must first get clearance and it may not come until the picture is out. I do hope to have at least a couple of pictures of me in my 1920’s suit and tie with buck shoes for my “scene”…I think I look rather dapper.
I’ll keep you posted on the progress of the film.
Clark
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