Beltmann

Wouldn't giving that glimpse qualify as one possible function of art? To me, narrative is a kind of art, especially when filtered through the POV of the filmmakers, since it carries their personal imprint of what this story ought to look, sound, and feel like. This same story told by another crew, led by another director, would probably be a very different movie.

Aw, do you need a hug, A-man? You know I'm here for you.

The primary system is essentially the way the two major parties hoodwink Americans into thinking we actually have real choice among candidates. Truth is, the major parties--in conspiracy with corporations and the media--anoint their two guys and we get to pick from that. And their choices are those that will guarantee their current stranglehold on real power. When the media can control the dialogue about a candidate (evidenced by the hatchet job on Howard Dean's last campaign), that's not democracy, it's mediocracy.

Well, I'm all for simplicity--I even love "We're Just Friends," which gets booed around here a lot--but I also really respond to abstraction, perhaps even more so. The lyrics to "I Am Trying To Break Your Heart" rank among my very favorite Tweedy lyrics ever, partially because the feelings they rouse in me are very real. Mainly, I just wouldn't call those lyrics any less "real" than any other kind.

It's related to how those scenes are used in relation to a tone or point-of-view. Content is neutral. In the case of World Trade Center, you could argue that Stone's decision to film the attack entirely from the POV of those first-responders on site--we never see the planes hit either building, for example--illuminates a specific point-of-view in an artful way. I'll let others decide whether he was successful, but to me his decision was at least valid and not exploitative.

So YHF and AGIB aren't real? EDIT: Just checked my shelf. They're still there. Whew.

For me, though, one of the most important functions of art is to deal with contemporary issues in a timely and relevant manner, so making these films now fulfills a necessary obligation of the artist. In my eyes, when artists shy away from such material they are neglecting a responsibility. For me, it is never too soon for artists to grapple with important events and their consequences. That said, I can totally understand and respect why many people would not want to deal with 9/11 at the movies yet. While World Trade Center was a little too conventional for my tastes, I'm also open to t

To the man trapped, it makes no difference. For a viewer like myself, who had hoped that Stone would use this event to pinpoint the political or metaphorical meanings behind the experience, it makes a world of difference. As you said, "Seems to me that's a theme that folks who weren't trapped beneath rubble on 9/11 would struggle with." That's it precisely--I'm one of those folks, and so are most of those in the audience. By refusing to place this event in a larger political or metaphorical context, Stone gives us only a fairly routine rescue movie, one that might have been set anywhere,

I saw it over the weekend, and what

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SS!

Mildly clever script helped tremendously by two very funny performances. I enjoyed it.

A little late, but HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Weren't Godard and Truffaut once critics? It's true that much of what passes as "criticism" these days is pretty piss-poor, but I'd still argue that the writings of the best, most perceptive critics are creative acts--even a critic starts by staring at a blank page--that often are far richer than the works they are writing about. Just one of countless personal examples: Jonathan Rosenbaum's writings about Eyes Wide Shut inspired me in more ways, and deeper ways, than the movie itself ever did.

Three... Extremes is an omnibus film of three intense short films by three of Asia's best-known filmmakers. My favorite was probably Park Chan-Wook's Cut, which had the guts to be funny as well as seriously twisted.

As many of you know, my younger brother Anthony was killed last November in a car crash. He was 18 years old. At the time many of you sent many wonderful letters to me and my family, and many of you also donated money to help my parents purchase a training horse in my brother's honor. He loved riding horses, and our family felt that investing in a living creature that would be used to teach others how to ride would be a perfect tribute. After many months of searching (and several deals that fell through), my parents finally settled on a horse. He is named Anthony's Apple. As promised,

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Excellent. My wife and I both loved her last stop at the Pabst, and wouldn't miss this return for anything.

It's much more sensitive to use "person first" semantics. For example, "moronic jagoff" is far less sensitive than "jagoff with moronic tendencies."

I saw someone exactly like that at a Riviera show in Milwaukee... wonder if it's the same woman. I think if Beatle Bob pushed his way in front of me and started his dancing, I'd be tempted to wallop him in the ears.

I've been admiring that new avatar ever since you changed it. The pink is a nice touch.

It's already on my list. And I agree that Lapalco isn't as strong as Alternative... but I still like it.

Although the plots share surface similarities, the understated tone of Junebug is really nothing like Doc Hollywood or Napolean Dynamite--a better comparison might be to something like You Can Count On Me, another study of characters, words, and emotions that tempers its humor with undercurrents of disappointment and regret.

I vote for Rosemary's Baby.

All he meant was that the 4 members who live in Chicago were glad to be home, while the other 2 members (1/3 of the band) were happy to be in the city.