Beltmann

Away from Her Hot Fuzz (or was this too early?) Knocked Up Once Paprika Ratatouille Sicko Sunshine

Sure, I'll give it a spin!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kate!

For TV and movies, do a Word Search in Soundtracks at the Internet Movie Database.

Reminder... Leno tonight.

The Virgin Spring is probably my favorite overall. Like many Bergmans, it's a philosophical inquiry of forgiveness wound up tight around the aesthetics of faith and suffering, but like few Bergmans, it has a magical, fable-like quality. It's interesting to me that Bergman's reputation has nosedived over the last 10-15 years. For many film aficionadoes, Bergman has become rather passe--too introspective, too tormented, I guess--but when I first started getting into film, he was definitely top tier. Strange how things ebb and flow. Three Bergman masterpieces that unfairly exist in the sha

Over the weekend I caught of few minutes of Mumford on TV, and heard "Hoodoo Voodoo" in the background of a scene with Jason Lee. I had forgotten about that one.

I credit Ingmar Bergman with jumpstarting my lifelong infatuation with the movies. When I saw The Seventh Seal as a teenager, it completely exploded my notions of what movies could be. Later I tracked down dozens of his other films, and I feel fortunate to have seen a few, including his last film, Saraband, on the big screen. If Fellini is the great extrovert of the movies, then Bergman is its great introvert--for my money, he's one of the four or five greatest filmmakers in history.

Frog Eyes - Tears of the Valedictorian

Long, old story, but here's the short explanation of the in-joke: Years ago a very annoying newbie--I'll refrain from naming him, especially since he's still quite young--once used that term in an argument, and VC latched onto it... first as mockery, now as satire.

I don't really have a preference, but if Tweedy's been grooving on Battles and Panda Bear lately, I'd love to hear a Wilco record influenced by those bands and their sound.

SPIN Interview July 2004

Overrated: Impossible Germany Underrated: We're Just Friends

I caught it last night, and, since it was saved on my DVR, just watched it again. Fantastic performance.

I know how much you like(d) that song, so I'm (genuinely) sorry that the ad has tarnished it for you.

I dunno. I think of the 180-rule for shooting conversations for film, which is a technique that prevents audience spatial disorientation. You can write the most inspired dialogue, and direct the most inspired performances, but if you don't know where to put the camera to clearly communicate that inspiration, all your creativity ends up washed out. It largely remains locked in your head. I think the same thing might be true for music: While creativity and inspiration are the most important ingredients (by a wide margin), an understanding of fundamentals might help at least some artists to

I haven't seen this ad, which, apparently, is fortunate. HI TEEG!

Thanks, guys. Yes, my initial Google search definitely raised my eyebrow...

I love both of 'em.

My stepfather has recently shown interest in the business opportunities offered by Primerica Financial Services. I'm skeptical--it seems a bit like buying something from a guy working out of his van. I'd like to give my stepfather sound advice, but I don't really know much about finance. I'd appreciate hearing from anyone with more knowledge. Any useful information, opinions, or personal anecdotes regarding Primerica?

Cool. Thanks, E Sue!

Goodness, where to begin? To keep it short, I

Yes. Watching all three back-to-back ranks as one of the greatest film-watching experiences of my life. I don't believe there are fewer great movies being made today than in any earlier era. The dynamics of production and distribution are certainly very different than they were, say, in the Forties or in the Seventies, but what's changed the most is where great movies are coming from, and how they challenge conventional notions of what a "great" movie looks like. While traditional narrative has (as you pointed out) lost a little steam (at least in America), the masterworks being made toda

I was online at 12:01 and got mezzanine tickets for Madison. Wonder if I should have waited a little longer... when I went back an hour later, there were still some orchestra level seats and front-row balcony seats up for grabs.