scene project take 17...

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)









To Kill a Mockingbird ranks among the most perfectly made films in all categories. First of all, it's one of the most faithful book adaptations that even had a thumbs up from the author, Harper Lee. And everything else about it rings so true, even almost 40 years later: pitch-perfect casting, beautiful cinematography and direction, absolutely timeless musical score, compelling story, rich characters, memorable opening and closing sequences, the great Kim Stanley as the film's narrator and on and on. It is a true American classic.

This is the most memorable moment for myself and I'm sure for many others. Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) has just lost his noble battle in defending Tom Robinson (Brock Peters), a young black man accused of beating and raping a young white woman. It's a devastating blow in a case where he was clearly innocent. In this moment, Atticus is collecting his things and getting ready to leave. Everyone has exited the courthouse except for the black spectators (and Atticus' children, Jem and Scout) who are forced to sit in the stifling balcony. As he is preparing to leave, every one of them stands up to show their respect, admiration, appreciation, whatever you want to call it, for his great efforts. Reverend Sykes (Bill Walker) notices Scout is sitting down and he says, "Jean Louise. Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passing." It's a scene that could have been overblown or overly sentimental. Instead, it's a quiet and brief, yet powerful moment when the people in the balcony show their respect for this man of justice and grace, and then go on with their day. There are no teary close-ups of Atticus, no hysteric shouting of gratitude, no over-the-top musical cues, just a realistic display of gratitude - and it's all the more powerful for it.

If you have not seen this film, please do yourself a favor and check it out. And on a lighter note, this movie may have the best character names ever thought up: Scout, Atticus, Jem, Dill, Boo, Calpurnia, Mayella, etc.

headin' down the runway like a man possessed...

Nanci Griffith Wednesday y'all!

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This is a terrific and actually tragic song written by Richard Dobson that tells the true story of a motorcycle stuntman who was killed attempting a new stunt. It's interesting because Nanci is smiling through the entire tune:) I guess she's trying to lighten the mood! Anyway, Nanci is backed by some pretty incredible musicians including Roy Husky, Jr. and Mark O'Connor and they are all in top form. The album version of this song is actually much different than this - it's a more rocking version with Phillip Donnelly offering an amazing electric guitar solo. But I really love this more roots/acoustic version as well.

I make a living playing these songs
and I hang out in bars
I play my guitar
Oh but honey I don't jump over cars

scene project take 16...

Judy Berlin (1999) - Madeline Kahn








Madeline Kahn. What could I possibly say about this incredible woman that hasn't been said already? Certainly one of the finest film comediennes ever to grace our screens. She had impeccable timing and a delivery that can never be matched. She could make ANY line funny or memorable...and I mean any line. ("I'm coming in!" Anyone?) One of the things that makes her stand out above the rest is her uncanny knack of making all of her characters have a soul that you cared about. Her most well-known characters: Lili Von Schtupp, Trixie Delight, Elizabeth, Eunice Burns, could have all easily become cartoon characters in someone else's hands. And though they certainly are outrageous and silly, Madeline had a talent for (similar to Judy Holliday) in really humanizing them into real people. The best example of this is probably Trixie Delight from Paper Moon which I will explain in a later post.

Judy Berlin was to be Madeline's final film before succumbing to ovarian cancer at the young age of 57. It is a brilliant swan song to a truly unique career. Alice Gold, her character, is an odd and troubled woman who is struggling with her relationships with both her husband and son. In this scene, she is roaming the streets of Babylon, New York during a long-lasting eclipse. At one point she runs into her what seems to be her psychologist. He seems concerned, almost afraid about how long the eclipse is lasting and Alice assures him everything will be alright. She jokingly states that in a crisis, she is actually very calm because then she and the world are finally speaking the same language.

She then has a touching little monologue about her husband Arthur (Bob Dishy) and how he once got up in the middle of the night to get a glass of water "and without asking, he got one for me. Without, without asking." Finally, she meets Arthur in front of their home and they have a beautiful and wordless moment that actually conveys volumes. They have a sort of apology and forgiveness moment for something that occurred earlier in the film. It's not actually completely wordless - in his moment of apology Arthur simply says "Hello" and this simple gesture is all Alice needed to hear and she replies back "Hello" with a hint of a smile. It's kind of a difficult moment to describe but it is wonderfully executed.

This is one of Madeline's greatest performances. She is very funny as always, but she also has an even more noticable depth that only grows with each viewing. Honestly, everytime I watch this I discover something new that she has done. For being largely known as a comedic actress in slapstick/toilet humor heavy films (I'm talking to you, Mel Brooks and I love you for it!), her subtlety can be astounding.

Madeline Kahn is absolutely a personal heroine for me and one who I am constantly talking about or quoting. ("Flames on the side of my face!") She was a great loss to both the film and theater community and I often wonder what she would be up to now. I really think that her work in Judy Berlin could have taken her career in a different direction and opened her up for more varied and demanding projects. I guess we'll never know. But I thank her wholeheartedly for sharing her gift with us in her many films. I read a quote from her once which I must paraphrase, she said, "I may be in trash sometimes, but I never treat is as such - never." And it's true, the lady was a true class act. Thank you Ms. Kahn!