Comment Archives: stories: Film: Video Essays
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
Thanks for this; a great summary, and I appreciate your noticing how non-ironic and sweet it was and how those actually worked. I can't find confirmation of this at IMDB, but the girl in the rocket scenes looks a lot like Dianna Agron, who plays Quinn on Glee.
Re: “Is On the Waterfront Really a McCarthyite Film?”
Good analysis, unfortunately, it doesn’t mention the other memorable political legacy of the movie.
The scene where a raging Terry (Marlon Brando) knocks the door down and all the while the female character Edie (Eva Marie-Saint) is screaming “No! No! No!...” And as she’s beating him back with her fists, Terry kisses her and she melts in his arms.
It’s images like this that have perpetuated the “No means tries harder” philosophy whereas concepts of the “Front” and who squealed to HUAC are long forgotten.
PS.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
truly moving.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
I caught up with F&G only recently. Watching the first few episodes, I wondered what all the fuss (well, the excitement in the cult comedy community) had been about. Seemed pretty standard fare, even if it was wrapped in the nostalgic wood-panelled suburban rooms of my childhood. It wasn't until episodes 5 and 6 that something kicked in, and I really enjoyed the show. It felt as though the writers suddenly got smarter and provided more nuanced characterizations and surprises. These episodes feature Daniel's teary-eyed speech about being a track three kid, and Nick's drumming try-out for a local band. After those stories, I was hooked... Matt makes a nice point about Bill having the geekiest physical appearance, while also being comfortable in his own skin. He easily makes off with the very best comedic lines. (Check out "Party Down" for Martin Starr's darker take a nerd gone to the dark side.) Anyway a warm, appealing show. Good to see the cast finding success elsewhere.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
Thank you for your labor of love. I adored this show and always will....
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
Sexzguy: It was originally shown on NBC in the US.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
This show is 100% brilliant. I have the DVDs and I never get tired of them. My favorite supporting character is the hippy guidance counselor. Anyone else?
adnoxious.blogspot.com
Taking aim at lousy advertising
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
On what channel was this video shown?
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
I'm not aware that it was available on VHS at any point -- not for sale, at least. I got tapes back in the day, but I was a critic and they were screeners. If anybody out there knows different, please chime in.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
It's on DVD, in a box set.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
has this been released on VHS?
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
Brilliant look back at a brilliant show that got its due too late.
Re: “It Was Ten Years Ago Today: Reliving Freaks and Geeks”
Pure brilliance. Thanks for that eloquent reminder of why I loved Freaks and Geeks so much. Now I miss it more than ever. I guess it's time to dig out those DVDs again.
Re: “The Evolution of the Modern Blockbuster: Part 2”
bravo!
Re: “The Evolution of the Modern Blockbuster: Part 5”
Great series, would have liked a critical nod to my favorite movie from summer of '89, Parenthood.
Re: “The Evolution of the Modern Blockbuster: Part 5”
Brilliant series guys. More please.
Re: “The Evolution of the Modern Blockbuster: Part 1”
yeah, I'd just point out there was no cable in outer boroughs at that time, so we didn't have MTV. 8th grade, man! I had Purple Rain on vinyl LP, didn't see the movie until years later. waiting for part 2...
Re: “The Evolution of the Modern Blockbuster: Part 1”
I didn't know how good I had it at 8 years old. I just didn't know. Thank you for reminding me!!!
Re: “Quentin Tarantino in His Own Words”
Matt,
"Tarantino doesn’t just explore language’s capacity to reveal and conceal motives and personality, he shows how people pick words and phrases (consciously or subconsciously) in order to define themselves and others, and describe the reality they inhabit (or would like to inhabit). Even low-key and seemingly unimportant exchanges are as carefully choreographed as boxing matches. Clever flurries of interrogatory jabs are often blocked by witty responses; the course of conflict can be shifted by deft rhetorical footwork that re-frames the terms of debate."
I think this is one of the most brilliant paragraphs I've read of late, and would be thrilled to get in contact with you via email. I'm having some trouble finding your information - would you be kind enough to drop me a line?
zackster@gmail.com [Please don't dismiss me just 'cuz I use GMail)
Re: “Quentin Tarantino in His Own Words”
Quentin's dialogue has the ability to turn an evil character into a good one. His words create doubt about the morality of good characters by showing faults in both the protagonist and antagonist, even secondary characters with what seems like a throwaway line. Very well crafted screenplays equal excellent films.
By tying in reality and pop culture, Tarantino is able to draw in his target market as well as those that may not like his style of action movies. Either way, you have summed up his overall ability to ensure an audience can relate to a character be they bad or good or even indifferent. Active words are a great way to show action too!
I look forward to watching Inglorious Basterds.
Sandford Tuey
www.Playdigm.com
