Tonight's fare was the documentary/docudrama The True Legend of Tony Vilar. In the 1960's Antonio Ragusa changed his name to Tony Vilar, and became a huge teen idol in European and South American music. He was on top of the world, until one fateful day when he just disappeared. His friends and relatives seemed to know where he had gone and why, but they weren't saying. Now a young Italian singer (himself a distant relative of Tony's) has decided to track down the man and find out where he went and why.
It's tough to fit this film into a particular notion of type - it's more like a dramatization of a documentary with a lot of comedy and musical numbers thrown in. And yet, it's a true story and describes real events. And the cast of strange and endearing characters really fill this movie out nicely. The screening itself was a hoot - the audience was about 98% Italian (the Q&A with the director was in Italian, with a translator for the rest of us) and seemed to all know each other - it really felt like somebody's family reunion. Which, as it turns out, it sort of was. See, in the movie, the young song writer finds Tony Vilar, once again Antonio Ragusa and now a used car salesman. As the movie unfolds he reveals that he had lost his hair at the age of 24, and, while passing through a mob of fans one night, had his toupee ripped off. Tony believed that he couldn't be a singer and be bald, so he moved to America, leaving his identity behind and starting over as Antonio.
In talking with the young singer, though, Antonio decides to give it one more try. And not only is this shown in the film, but Tony Vilar was at the screening and sang a little! He also thanked the filmakers for "bringing him back to life!" All in all, a fantastic and bizarre time.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Tribeca Film Festival: What a weekend!!
Special Note: These were all premieres, and an such, the directors were there for every movie and conducted Q&A sessions afterward!
Friday:
Bomb It: A documentary about the origins of graffiti and how this medium has been developed and adapted in different cities around the world. It was so fascinating to see how graffiti can bring together people dedicated to social change and rebellion the world over!
Planet B-Boy: This movie is insane - if someone you knew were ever to believe that bboying (breakdancing) is not a legitimate form of dance, or that it does not have a tremendously profound effect on those involved, all you'd have to do is show this movie. This documentary follows five teams from different countries as they prepare for the largest and oldest b-boy contest in the world. It's a very touching film, utilizing the personal stories of the dancers to show how this art form can change lives.
My date for these movies hadn't seen much of either graffiti or b-boying before seeing these films, and was floored! These films are both excellent cultural ambassadors, it would seem.
Saturday: (the marathon)
Kristy Messer managed to make it through the marathon with me!
Nobel Son: I got to see Alan Rickman in person! And Bill Pullman! And Eliza Dushku! Oh, and also they showed a decent movie about kidnapping in which all those people starred. Sadly, though, I failed to compliment Bill Pullman on his "this is our independence day!" speech from ID4 during the Q&A. Greatest speech ever. Movie? Meh.
Life Support: A collection of four short films. Tower Block tells the story of two brothers scamming their neighbors [if you've seen Duck Season, which you should have, it's much like that]; Last Dog in Rwanda depicts a photographer trying to make sense of his assignment in the aftermath of genocide; Three Towers is a brilliant and totally enjoyable film based on a short story by Etgar Keret about the life of a couple on a small farm; Illegal ends up, despite whatever intentions the filmaker had, basically comes across as a stupid PSA about not hiring illegal immigrants. Lots of folks laughed at how over-the-top movie-style intense Illegal was, and then we found out the director was in the back of the theater. Awkward.
Heckler: Jamie Kennedy made a documentary about what happens to comics when they are heckled or criticized unfairly. The film was hilarious and made some interesting points about taking responsibility for what you say - and the Q&A afterward with Jamie Kennedy himself and the director was extremely lively and really funny.
Sunday:
The Grand: Woody Harrelson stars in a mocumentary about a poker tournament, with comic assistance from David Cross and a host of others. This movie was very, very funny. I really hope they distribute it more widely - it showcases the talents of a number of comic actors who would usually otherwise be relegated to smaller supporting roles. See it if you can!
Doubletime: Who knew that competitive double dutch was such a big deal? This documentary examines two very disparate teams preparing for the double dutch championship at the Apollo Theater. The sport has a very positive effect on those involved, and displays the tremendous dedication of the coaches who support these kids.
So, yes, I saw seven movies this weekend. Seven! All, with the exception of Illegal, were great fun to watch, and the Festival has been just soooo much fun so far!
Friday:
Bomb It: A documentary about the origins of graffiti and how this medium has been developed and adapted in different cities around the world. It was so fascinating to see how graffiti can bring together people dedicated to social change and rebellion the world over!
Planet B-Boy: This movie is insane - if someone you knew were ever to believe that bboying (breakdancing) is not a legitimate form of dance, or that it does not have a tremendously profound effect on those involved, all you'd have to do is show this movie. This documentary follows five teams from different countries as they prepare for the largest and oldest b-boy contest in the world. It's a very touching film, utilizing the personal stories of the dancers to show how this art form can change lives.
My date for these movies hadn't seen much of either graffiti or b-boying before seeing these films, and was floored! These films are both excellent cultural ambassadors, it would seem.
Saturday: (the marathon)
Kristy Messer managed to make it through the marathon with me!
Nobel Son: I got to see Alan Rickman in person! And Bill Pullman! And Eliza Dushku! Oh, and also they showed a decent movie about kidnapping in which all those people starred. Sadly, though, I failed to compliment Bill Pullman on his "this is our independence day!" speech from ID4 during the Q&A. Greatest speech ever. Movie? Meh.
Life Support: A collection of four short films. Tower Block tells the story of two brothers scamming their neighbors [if you've seen Duck Season, which you should have, it's much like that]; Last Dog in Rwanda depicts a photographer trying to make sense of his assignment in the aftermath of genocide; Three Towers is a brilliant and totally enjoyable film based on a short story by Etgar Keret about the life of a couple on a small farm; Illegal ends up, despite whatever intentions the filmaker had, basically comes across as a stupid PSA about not hiring illegal immigrants. Lots of folks laughed at how over-the-top movie-style intense Illegal was, and then we found out the director was in the back of the theater. Awkward.
Heckler: Jamie Kennedy made a documentary about what happens to comics when they are heckled or criticized unfairly. The film was hilarious and made some interesting points about taking responsibility for what you say - and the Q&A afterward with Jamie Kennedy himself and the director was extremely lively and really funny.
Sunday:
The Grand: Woody Harrelson stars in a mocumentary about a poker tournament, with comic assistance from David Cross and a host of others. This movie was very, very funny. I really hope they distribute it more widely - it showcases the talents of a number of comic actors who would usually otherwise be relegated to smaller supporting roles. See it if you can!
Doubletime: Who knew that competitive double dutch was such a big deal? This documentary examines two very disparate teams preparing for the double dutch championship at the Apollo Theater. The sport has a very positive effect on those involved, and displays the tremendous dedication of the coaches who support these kids.
So, yes, I saw seven movies this weekend. Seven! All, with the exception of Illegal, were great fun to watch, and the Festival has been just soooo much fun so far!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Tribeca Film Festival! (It begins!)
Yep, I'm going the the Tribeca Film Festival! A LOT of the Tribeca Film Festival. Fifteen movies between now and next Sunday, to be exact. Some with company, some by myself, all courtesy of General Motors via charity auction at Eton Academy via my generous parents.
The Movie that kicked things off for me tonight was a Tunisian film called "The Making Of." It tells the story of Bahta, a young man desperately seeking the respect he feels he deserves. His unfocused anger - brilliantly played by actor Lotfi Ebdelli - leads him to join a gang, but there he's only appreciated for his dancing ability and his masculinity is often the butt of the group's jokes. His girlfriend flaunts her infidelity in front of him, saying that she's looking for a real man who can support her dream of being an actress. He wants to join the army and fight against the U.S. in Iraq, but he's dismissed as a child. He steals a police uniform and apes at being an authority figure, but as a result he has to go into hiding from the police. Bahta's insecurity ultimately leads him to be taken advantage of by Islamic fundamentalists, who tell Bahta that he will only be respected as a man when he returns to conservative Islam and becomes a martyr.
Bahta's anger makes him an unsteady candidate for martyrdom, though, and his manipulators cut him loose. He screws up his final, desperate attempt for respect and blows himself up, accidentally, in circumstances rendering his act entirely impotent.
The film is a discussion with the audience about a very real mindset - Bahta reminded me so much of young men in gangs I worked with in Detroit - and what can come from it. But "Making Of" is also careful not to claim it knows where to lay the blame. In fact, the film breaks down at a few key points as Lofti refuses to continue the scene and demands to talk with the director about what he's doing, as in one case where he feels Islam is being unfairly implicated.
A great start to what should be quite an experience!
The Movie that kicked things off for me tonight was a Tunisian film called "The Making Of." It tells the story of Bahta, a young man desperately seeking the respect he feels he deserves. His unfocused anger - brilliantly played by actor Lotfi Ebdelli - leads him to join a gang, but there he's only appreciated for his dancing ability and his masculinity is often the butt of the group's jokes. His girlfriend flaunts her infidelity in front of him, saying that she's looking for a real man who can support her dream of being an actress. He wants to join the army and fight against the U.S. in Iraq, but he's dismissed as a child. He steals a police uniform and apes at being an authority figure, but as a result he has to go into hiding from the police. Bahta's insecurity ultimately leads him to be taken advantage of by Islamic fundamentalists, who tell Bahta that he will only be respected as a man when he returns to conservative Islam and becomes a martyr.
Bahta's anger makes him an unsteady candidate for martyrdom, though, and his manipulators cut him loose. He screws up his final, desperate attempt for respect and blows himself up, accidentally, in circumstances rendering his act entirely impotent.
The film is a discussion with the audience about a very real mindset - Bahta reminded me so much of young men in gangs I worked with in Detroit - and what can come from it. But "Making Of" is also careful not to claim it knows where to lay the blame. In fact, the film breaks down at a few key points as Lofti refuses to continue the scene and demands to talk with the director about what he's doing, as in one case where he feels Islam is being unfairly implicated.
A great start to what should be quite an experience!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Dr. Science, Freemason.
My evening with the Masons on Friday last concluded with instructions to await a call from the head of the Lodge - who would let me know how things were going to proceed - and also some strange advice (more on this in a moment). The head of the Lodge contacted me to say that the investigative committee would report to the Lodge on Tuesday (the 24th) and the ballot for my membership would be voted on that evening. I was then invited to the black tie dinner which follows each Lodge meeting, and at dinner my fate would be revealed.
I have returned tonight with excellent news: I have been voted in! I was told by one of the Brothers that the committee and those who knew me presented my petition to the Lodge very enthusiastically and favorably, and that I was strongly received. I also find this especially flattering because of the talk at dinner which came up about the number of prospective Masons who had been denied admission to this Lodge.
Now, a word about Lux Aeterna, the Lodge I will be joining. They are held, in the Masonic world, in very high regard, having been begun a few years ago as a response to what was perceived as a shift in other Lodges over time to functioning more and more as just social clubs. This Lodge, then, is more old school - preserving the esoteric symbolism and complex ritual of Freemasonry while cultivating a discourse in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment (purposefully like the discussions/debates found at the Royal Society or Academie Francaise).
So I'm in, but I haven't been initiated yet. And it was on the subject of that very event that I was left with the aforementioned strange advice. It was along the lines of, "We can't tell you what's going to happen, so just be ready and keep your mind open. Rely on your logic and strength of character and you will succeed." Me: "Um..." I'll be initiated and conferred with my first degree in June.
To be part of one of the largest contributors to charitable work in the world (there are Masonic (shriners') hospitals offering free care, Masonic burn units, child ID programs, substance abuse recovery programs, elder living centers, a cardiac research facility, etc., etc., etc.) and to join the ranks of Voltaire, Mozart, Ben Franklin, FDR, Harry Houdini and my Grandfather is a tremendous honor.
I have returned tonight with excellent news: I have been voted in! I was told by one of the Brothers that the committee and those who knew me presented my petition to the Lodge very enthusiastically and favorably, and that I was strongly received. I also find this especially flattering because of the talk at dinner which came up about the number of prospective Masons who had been denied admission to this Lodge.
Now, a word about Lux Aeterna, the Lodge I will be joining. They are held, in the Masonic world, in very high regard, having been begun a few years ago as a response to what was perceived as a shift in other Lodges over time to functioning more and more as just social clubs. This Lodge, then, is more old school - preserving the esoteric symbolism and complex ritual of Freemasonry while cultivating a discourse in pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment (purposefully like the discussions/debates found at the Royal Society or Academie Francaise).
So I'm in, but I haven't been initiated yet. And it was on the subject of that very event that I was left with the aforementioned strange advice. It was along the lines of, "We can't tell you what's going to happen, so just be ready and keep your mind open. Rely on your logic and strength of character and you will succeed." Me: "Um..." I'll be initiated and conferred with my first degree in June.
To be part of one of the largest contributors to charitable work in the world (there are Masonic (shriners') hospitals offering free care, Masonic burn units, child ID programs, substance abuse recovery programs, elder living centers, a cardiac research facility, etc., etc., etc.) and to join the ranks of Voltaire, Mozart, Ben Franklin, FDR, Harry Houdini and my Grandfather is a tremendous honor.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Interlude: I AM NOT OKAY (thanks, house party)
The story of the Freemasons will have to wait until later this week (when certain events transpire) but there's something I have to get off my chest.
Now I know that in the blogosphere it can often occur that we post things to make other people - like ex's - jealous or think we're totally fine with something that happened. I am abandoning all that here.
"I stay up, clean the house. At least I'm not drinking.
Run around just so I don't have to think about thinking."
- Amy Winehouse, Wake up Alone
I am not okay. I know I said I'm being all dynamic now and doing a lot of cool stuff. And I have been doing very cool things, and getting out more, talking about moving forward in my life, maybe getting a phD. But not for one minute have I stopped feeling like I want to throw up all the time because of what I went through with my ex. I have tried so hard to get past it but there are a million things every day that remind me of her, that I would want to share with her. I miss her so much.
And I thought for a little bit that I was doing okay, but then last night I went to a house party and there was this woman there who looked just like her. And any progress I'd made disappeared instantly and I wanted to curl up on the pavement and die. My friends noticed a change in me, so I said I wasn't feeling well and left the party. When I got home, I foolishly checked her blog. (I mean, if you've fallen off the wagon, why not throw yourself under the wheels, right?) And I found she'd posted all these pictures of a happy vacation she took with him and I was left a total mess. (see? that's how you use a blog. not like this at all.)
So I'm right back to listening to Amy Winehouse songs and laying in bed. The worst part? I'm sure she's totally fine, and happy with whatever guy(s) she's with while I'm trying not to lose my lunch at the thought of it. The second worst part? (of course in this situation there would be two) Even after all the bad that happened, I would still let her back in without a second thought. I miss her so much.
I am not okay.
Now I know that in the blogosphere it can often occur that we post things to make other people - like ex's - jealous or think we're totally fine with something that happened. I am abandoning all that here.
"I stay up, clean the house. At least I'm not drinking.
Run around just so I don't have to think about thinking."
- Amy Winehouse, Wake up Alone
I am not okay. I know I said I'm being all dynamic now and doing a lot of cool stuff. And I have been doing very cool things, and getting out more, talking about moving forward in my life, maybe getting a phD. But not for one minute have I stopped feeling like I want to throw up all the time because of what I went through with my ex. I have tried so hard to get past it but there are a million things every day that remind me of her, that I would want to share with her. I miss her so much.
And I thought for a little bit that I was doing okay, but then last night I went to a house party and there was this woman there who looked just like her. And any progress I'd made disappeared instantly and I wanted to curl up on the pavement and die. My friends noticed a change in me, so I said I wasn't feeling well and left the party. When I got home, I foolishly checked her blog. (I mean, if you've fallen off the wagon, why not throw yourself under the wheels, right?) And I found she'd posted all these pictures of a happy vacation she took with him and I was left a total mess. (see? that's how you use a blog. not like this at all.)
So I'm right back to listening to Amy Winehouse songs and laying in bed. The worst part? I'm sure she's totally fine, and happy with whatever guy(s) she's with while I'm trying not to lose my lunch at the thought of it. The second worst part? (of course in this situation there would be two) Even after all the bad that happened, I would still let her back in without a second thought. I miss her so much.
I am not okay.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Guess who's coming to dinner?
If you guessed the Freemasons, you'd be correct. I have my interview with the investigatory committee tonight!
Travel Update
Last weekend/this week I ventured home to Michigan for a visit and also to celebrate St. Easter's Day (which falls about one week after regular Easter).
The trip was great, although it flew by! I did manage to see a good number of old friends, meet some new ones, get my ear pierced again, and just enjoy the gorgeous spring weather in Ann Arbor. Of particular note was going with Beca to get her nose pierced at a tattoo parlor where her piercer worked in front of a plaque declaring her a member of the NRA Legion of Honor, along with a signed picture of George and Laura Bush saying, "Thanks for the support!" It was quite the image.
The michigan fam and I also took in the Bodies exhibit at Detroit's Science Center, and I'll say again that if you haven't seen this incredible display, you need to. The presentation is both tremendously educational and downright awe-inspiring.
I was very glad to go home, and even though the trip was too short and the time in ann arbor was a mix of three-quarters happy and one-quarter sad (as it always is), I hope I can go again soon. I really miss my family and love spending time with them. And besides, Martin Walsh will be playing Prospero in the Tempest in June's arb show, for crying out loud!
p.s. Of course I saw Sarah, and I was overjoyed to see how set up she is at the new Google offices. The place is VERY cool and Google seems like a fantastic company to work for, so I'm really happy for her!
The trip was great, although it flew by! I did manage to see a good number of old friends, meet some new ones, get my ear pierced again, and just enjoy the gorgeous spring weather in Ann Arbor. Of particular note was going with Beca to get her nose pierced at a tattoo parlor where her piercer worked in front of a plaque declaring her a member of the NRA Legion of Honor, along with a signed picture of George and Laura Bush saying, "Thanks for the support!" It was quite the image.
The michigan fam and I also took in the Bodies exhibit at Detroit's Science Center, and I'll say again that if you haven't seen this incredible display, you need to. The presentation is both tremendously educational and downright awe-inspiring.
I was very glad to go home, and even though the trip was too short and the time in ann arbor was a mix of three-quarters happy and one-quarter sad (as it always is), I hope I can go again soon. I really miss my family and love spending time with them. And besides, Martin Walsh will be playing Prospero in the Tempest in June's arb show, for crying out loud!
p.s. Of course I saw Sarah, and I was overjoyed to see how set up she is at the new Google offices. The place is VERY cool and Google seems like a fantastic company to work for, so I'm really happy for her!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
I saw the museum's new exhibit. It stunk.
Nothing says "Welcome to the MOMA," and "thanks for using the precious few hours on saturday morning before you go to work by coming here," like poop on the floor. Honest to god poop. Thanks, MOMA. Elsewhere in the museum, the Jeff Wall exhibit is underwhelming, but the Armando Reveron retrospective surprised me by being very interesting. Dude was a weird guy, but I like his strange/creepy doll constructions and his white paint/off white canvas works. His self portraits really speak to his intensity and fixation of his work. And you can skip the Abbas Kiarostami exhibit; just enjoy how it sounds on paper and leave it at that.
I also may have eaten at the world's smallest Thai restaurant on Saturday. See why work appears as such a safe bet sometimes?
Okay, good news and bad news. Bad news? I have somehow set Blogger to German Language. I mean, I know what the buttons do, but still. Good news? I have invented "creme bruloaf." That is the what...I need the how!
I also may have eaten at the world's smallest Thai restaurant on Saturday. See why work appears as such a safe bet sometimes?
Okay, good news and bad news. Bad news? I have somehow set Blogger to German Language. I mean, I know what the buttons do, but still. Good news? I have invented "creme bruloaf." That is the what...I need the how!
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Winter's End
"Dodge: I don't wanna talk about anything! I don't want to talk about troubles or what happened fifty years ago or thirty years ago or the race track or Florida or the last time I seeded the corn! I don't want to talk!" -- "Buried Child"
Now the winter was bad, and I don't just mean the weather. From family strife to friends falling ill to money woes and a particularly bad kicking of my already scarred heart, the past few months really did me in.
But that's the thing: these months have passed. And the winter is over and I'm getting better. And I no more want to talk about my troubles now than I did then. Does that mean, as in Buried Child, that someday my son will carry a dead baby through my living room? So be it, friends! I'm going to tell you instead about some new goings-on.
Some recent highlights include dinner with the Freemasons (and putting in my petition for joining), buying a tuxedo, visiting with Craig Van Kempen and recording a new radio play for a Radio Theatre podcast I am putting together. I'm also in a play at the Provincetown, which goes up soon - it's a terrible play, but it's nice to be on stage again.
Saturday I headed to waaaaaay far out Queens for a breakdancing contest, and then onto no fewer than three gallery openings. At one opening, at the Joseph Levine Gallery, I saw the following painting by Matt Haber, entitled "Shipwreck!" which I absolutely love:
Sunday brought a private salsa lesson with my ridiculously hot salsa teacher, and then an evening dissecting at work.
This week will be a lot more rehearsal, but Saturday I've got fun museum plans. Until then!
P.S. Much like my dear Mango Pancakes, I am trying out a new blog template. I needed to shed the old one, but I'm still not totally happy with the new.
Now the winter was bad, and I don't just mean the weather. From family strife to friends falling ill to money woes and a particularly bad kicking of my already scarred heart, the past few months really did me in.
But that's the thing: these months have passed. And the winter is over and I'm getting better. And I no more want to talk about my troubles now than I did then. Does that mean, as in Buried Child, that someday my son will carry a dead baby through my living room? So be it, friends! I'm going to tell you instead about some new goings-on.
Some recent highlights include dinner with the Freemasons (and putting in my petition for joining), buying a tuxedo, visiting with Craig Van Kempen and recording a new radio play for a Radio Theatre podcast I am putting together. I'm also in a play at the Provincetown, which goes up soon - it's a terrible play, but it's nice to be on stage again.
Saturday I headed to waaaaaay far out Queens for a breakdancing contest, and then onto no fewer than three gallery openings. At one opening, at the Joseph Levine Gallery, I saw the following painting by Matt Haber, entitled "Shipwreck!" which I absolutely love:
Sunday brought a private salsa lesson with my ridiculously hot salsa teacher, and then an evening dissecting at work.
This week will be a lot more rehearsal, but Saturday I've got fun museum plans. Until then!
P.S. Much like my dear Mango Pancakes, I am trying out a new blog template. I needed to shed the old one, but I'm still not totally happy with the new.
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