And in other news...
* I just saw the newly released "Director's Cut" of one of my absolute favorite films of all time, Dark City. Yes, the "Director's Cut" is better than the original and well worth seeing if you like the film. And yes, if you haven't seen the film, you need to do so. Immediately.
* Lois McMaster Bujold's wonderful recent Guest of Honor Keynote Speech from Denvention 3, which includes some interesting comments on genre fiction, is now online.
* Maria Lectrix has completed two new unabridged readings of excellent novels, The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H.P. Lovecraft and The Moon Pool by A. Merritt. They are now available for free download here with her other completed novels.
* TheHog'sHead.org has posted a very useful calendar for Harry Potter fans: "Your Guide to Potter Events From Now Till Half-Blood Prince."
The more modern metaphor I much prefer is that SF as a field is an emergent property of the whole seething mass of writers and writing that make it up. It's a consequence, not a cause, and thus wonderfully resistant to attempts at top-down direction. (Fortunately, most writers have a cat's disdain for marching, or being marched, in lockstep; as for me, I am allergic to being held responsible for things over which I actually have no control.) From the thousands of threads making up the SF tapestry, some larger picture may indeed emerge, but I am only responsible for spinning my own bright strand, thank you very much. In other words, I don't believe in an Intelligent Design theory for the SF genre.
- Lois McMaster Bujold, Guest of Honor Keynote Speech from Denvention 3
- Current Music:"Could I Be Your Girl," Jann Arden
Comments
Ohhhhhhhhhhh I've always loved that movie!! I saw that at the only place in town that rents movies and I was *thisclose* to renting it but decided I'd rather own it. :) I'm glad to hear that it's better than the original. Because that movie was pretty phenomenal in the first place!!!
Heh, great quote!
It's a remarkable film that really speaks to the question of what it means to be human. It's beautifully crafted, from the lighting and costuming to the acting and the repeated visual symbolism of the work. When I taught my freshman class, I paired it with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (which addresses some of the same issues), and the two always made for a wonderful discussion. If I had to sit down and list my favorite films, Dark City would easily be in my top five. And yes, if I could reach through the computer screen right now, I would be handing you the DVD. LOL! :)
I loved "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"!
Wow, top five, huh? I'm assuming you are counting THE TRILOGY as 1 film. ;) hehe. Don't worry, I won't take away your Tolkien credentials if you don't put LOTR in the top 5.
I know The Lion in Winter, Dangerous Beauty, and Dark City would be there, too. I'm not quite sure what the other would be. The rest of my top ten are rather neck and neck, so I suppose it would depend on what day you ask me. Today, it would be the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers, I think.
(Oh, and I love Eternal Sunshine, too. Great film, dealing with big questions, and it proves that films don't require Things Blowing Up Real Good in order to be "real" science fiction.) *wink*
You know the little girl in Bless the Child? How neat! I hope she had a good experience on the film set. Is it me, or did Kim Basinger phone in that performance? From a long, long distance, using a bad connection? Ouch. The young lady seems to have real talent, though, despite the poor example some of her co-stars set. I still remember that scene with her on the roof...
Are you familiar with SilkSoundBooks? I only recently discovered them, but I was pleased to see that Rufus Sewell had contributed an unabridged audiobook reading.
Oh, I so agree about wanting to see more of Rufus as Alexander Hamilton, and I'll have to check out SilkSoundBooks. Thanks for the link.
Edited at 2008-08-31 03:35 am (UTC)
I liked it. :o)
She was alright, too.
She was fortunate to get to have you in class, that's for certain!
Glad to hear that the new DC was good from someone I trust, as I love that movie and was afraid that the changes would damage the movie.
And yes, if you haven't seen the film, you need to do so. Immediately.
Seconded! Go, go now! Get thee to a video store!
Well said!
I was worried, too, going by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, but wow. It's wonderful. It's just like Dark City, only moreso, if that makes any sense. ;) I think you'll love it.
If you'd like any details about what's different between the original and the director's cut, I'll be glad to explain. (I won't here in case you want to remain spoiler free.) I was skeptical, because I loved the original so much. The bottom line is that the new version includes/changes a number of small things that all add up to enhancing all the best parts of the film. I ended up feeling like I saw one of my very favorite films, times two.
Ah yes, I'm a fan of 24, as well. And I know what "forgettable horror flick" you're talking about: I insisted on seeing that, as well. :) Are you going to give the TV series Eleventh Hour a try this Fall? I am, just because of Rufus Sewell. Since he's starred in two of my all-time favorite films, I figure that I owe it to him to give any project of his a try. ;)
I'm so excited to find a fellow fan! Great minds think alike, eh? *grin*
Back to "Dark City" I watched my theatrical DVD last night to refresh my memory while I wait for the Director's cut to arrive. One thing that hooked me on the movie was the cinematography, very like "Citizen Kane" in its art direction. Stunning. I'm a sucker for good cinematography. I compare everything to "Citizen Kane" and "Dark City" is the closest one yet.