No, it wasn't you, of course. Although I have connections to this industry throughout my life, I'm not the end authority. I'm not writing the Movie Gospel in other words. If I disagree it's for a good reason -- I don't think someone has "gotten" the movie or have fallen for some industry hype or both. This movie deserves its accolades although it is rather depressing.
Definitely depressing and dark, Mr. Wizard, as was Nicholson's The Pledge, but somehow, the movie made more sense to me, given the location, etc.
No Letty it was me. I thought the wink would protect me. In all honesty though, I do value LW's criticism and hold it right up there next to Anthony Lane. His choice of "Bird" as Clintwoods best is a perfect example.
Ah, Panz. You and I were funnin' around. Is Bird the movie about Charlie Parker?
loved it loved it loved it
Yes, and Clint's musical gift was in evidence. The score was great as was the acting. One could tell Eastwood is well versed in music history.
Hey, shewolf. I usually like happy endings to movies, but somehow, this movie made sense to me. UhOh.
Panz, I have a cd from Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and Clint is singing a Johnny Mercer tune. Not bad on piano, either. Yes, he is a multi faceted man, all right.
I was shamelessly baiting you, panzade, as a smiley face would have given you away more than the wink? Then, I've known Hollywood executives and believe me they aren't in the business to give the public much in the way of well thought out, intelligent movies but offer the barrage of dubious attempts at blockbusters, some which do well and some that just plain flop. Disney has experienced a bad dry spell even though their profits are up due to the parks and cable. Goes to show that people are going to amusement parks despite the fear of terrorism. Smart people are realizing the likelihood that they could get killed in an auto accident to and from the park is far more likely than from a terrorist attack. Yellow alert! Yellow alert!
I liked "Midnight" more than most critics but nothing replaces the true story. I was more fascinated with the A & E story of the real murder.
The DVD does have some great features so I bought it (for $5.50 at Target!)
At least Clint makes movies for his own artistic gratification and not trying to patronize the mentality of the usual cineplex audience.
I was SO disappointed in "Midnight", altho' Mr. Spacey was great, as always. The book was so much better, IMO. They expanded the transvestite's role just for chucks and I thought that was cheap pandering, to the public's curiosity I suppose, and I was surprised at Mr. Eastwood for that.
One of my favorite Eastwood-directed movies is his directorial debut, "Play Misty For Me."
Hey, eoe. I had forgotten that. Spooky, but good. I guess my favorite of all times was Unforgiven.
Letty you must have never actually seen the Mystic River. If so you would never consider this river and cleansing in the same sentence.
I do agree with you though. The movie was very good, and yes Sean Penn did overact in it. I thought Tim Robbins did an excellent job and was the best actor in the movie. He also did a decent job of the accent.
Linkat, No, I have never seen the Mystic River, but I assume that it's polluted, and thereby hangs the mystique and the oxymoron. Does that make sense? Yes, Tim Robbins was fantastic.
I have to give Kevin Bacon some credit too in Mystic. Someone had to be the grounded schmuck and that's not an easy role. He played it so he wasn't competing with Robbins and Penn
Eastwood didn't really expand the transvestite role in "Midnight" as much as pick that part of the book out amongst other comedic elements as being more cinematic. I thought it was too much artistic license and the change of the multiple trials that Jim had to endure down to one did not make the heart attack as believable. I remember on reading the book that after his ordeal it was no wonder he had a heart attack. Other than that, I still enjoy the film for its atmosphere, great music and the performances.
Eastwood is really good at creating the atmosphere -- from "Play Misty for Me" to "Mystic River." The scripts are always the problem. "Midnight" had a good script as far as most of the dialogue but the story flow was episodic and stumbeled. I kind of get past that when I've watched it because the movie makes me remember those parts left out from the book. Spacey was one of the best casting moves I've seen in years. Too bad it faltered 'cause it could have been a masterpiece instead of just a good movie.
and I, Mr. Wizard. Course I luv K.D.Lang's Skylark.
You know Letty. One thing we share in common is that movies are made memorable for us by the music. I remember watching the credits roll at the end of Mullholland Drive and being blown away by the song"Haunted Heart" It was such a perfect fit for that movie. A movie I was scratching my head about for months. In another life I would be the music director for a film director. What's your perfect tune in a movie?
The river is nasty. I once had the pleasure of working where I could overlook this rare jewel.
