Monday, April 24, 2006

QUESTION OF THE DAY -- Number One


Question -- Do any of you loyal readers actually know someone who has purchased a Saturn?

I'm thinking in terms of a relative. Or even a neighbor, perhaps. Someone you can vouch for as being relatively normal or, at the very least, someone who is of this earth.

I'm 57 years old. I have traveled to all 50 states and 30 foreign countries -- from China to Columbia, from Iceland to Italy -- and I have never, ever personally known a Saturn owner. Let me also add that those I have witnessed in parking lots or observed on the highway have all appeared to be a bit "unusual" -- there's something about them that reminds me of the Putterman family.

I am beginning to think that all Saturn drivers may actually be aliens from another world -- maybe even from Saturn itself, or, more likely, from one of its moons like Titan or Mimas or Iapetus. At the very least I believe they belong to some obscure secret society like the Knights of Maccabees or the Ancient Order of Zuzimites.

Beware my fellow man -- something is amiss and I fear it isn't a good thing...

Sunday, April 23, 2006

GOOD GRIEF...
















GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK.

This is George Clooney's second attempt at helming a feature-length motion picture. Like his previous film, CONFESSIONS OF A DANGEROUS MIND, when it comes to directing Clooney remains clueless. Both of these cinematic efforts tackle interesting subject matter that should have carried their audience on a wonderful, entertaining and thought-provoking journey. Unfortunately, both projects fail miserably when the underlying narrative in each gets derailed about as often as Amtrack.

David Strathairn's on-screen portrayal of Edward R. Murrow is brilliant, but his performance is ultimately wasted in a film that simply possesses more defects than a thalidomide baby. Clumsy pacing, poorly blocked scenes and some truly horrific editing are just a few of the most obvious and repetitive problems. And let's not overlook the supposedly major "surprise" that is telegraphed so blatantly Warner Brothers must surely have paid a fee to Western Union.

Overriding everything, however, is the total lack of a coherent structure. You'll know what I mean if you elect to subject yourself to watching a film that is so lame it couldn't even get into a Special Olympics.

The end resuslt is that Clooney's homage to Edward R. Murrow, clearly one of the most distinguished and renowned and pioneering figures in the history of American broadcast journalism, fails miserably. GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK might just as well have been about Anderson Cooper -- a more damning comparison escapes me.

Saturday, April 22, 2006

BOO-BOOS ON THE BLOG...


The dedicated staff here at NEEDTOVENT is indebted to Haiku Master and Pizza Potentate "mrn" for calling attention to the spate of grammatical errors found within several recent postings. Management does not condone such unprofessional behavior and so the "Not-See" Proofreader who was ultimately responsible for our butchering of the English language has been banished to Buchenwald. Auf Wiedersehen...

Be advised that a global search for a new Proofreader has commenced. Unfortunately, fashion maven Kellie Pickler (shown above purportedly in her prom dress) is unavailable. We are thus concentrating our current head-hunting efforts to the side of milk cartons in a fervent attempt at locating the whereabouts of Mr. Gilbert Turley. Please contact us here at NEEDTOVENT'S Intergalactic Headquarters if you know how we might be able to locate the illusive "Mr. T."

We are easy find -- just motor due west for approximately four miles from the Tractor Supply Fortress in Bulverde. Honk twice and a cold Shiner Bock will be opened and ready for your consumption before you know it.

That's right -- you toot and we'll tote...

Friday, April 21, 2006

HOLY MOLY!!! We've Got To Break THE DA VINCI CODE...


Step aside Nostradamus. You too, Madame Pilar. We now have a new prognosticating prophet -- a beady-eyed, balding Babbleonian named Ted Baehr. Make that "Doctor" Ted Baehr -- the degree is always emphasized -- President of the Christian Film & Television Commission.

As a public service I will give you his exact words regarding the upcoming theatical release of THE DA VINCI CODE:

"A cultural phenomenon is occurring, and on May 19, that phenomenon will thunder into movie theatres around the globe. On that day, THE DA VINCI CODE movie will open. This fictional filth is not just a lie, this is deception aimed at condemning millions of people to eternal damnation. The book is full of pagan propaganda. Many Christians are already theologically malnourished; how will they be able to withstand the assault of distortions, lies and bigotry? We must break THE DA VINCI CODE!"

We can't have millions condemed to eternal damnation now can we? How will Christians withstand the assault? Here's a thought -- maybe they can do so using the "f" word -- "FAITH".

Did you ever think about that, DOCTOR Ted?

Thursday, April 20, 2006

KIND OF LIKE UMA/OPRAH...


American President George W. Bush (aka "DUHbya") greets Chinese Prime Minister "HU" Jintao.

Duh? Hu?

Hullabaloo! Katmandu!

THE GREAT GABBO





















I recently screened Eric von Stroheim's first talking motion picture -- THE GREAT GABBO. Produced in 1929, just prior to the onset of The Great Depression, von Stroheim plays the title role -- an egotistical ventriloquist who uses his dummy, Otto, as his primary means of expression. As he relies more and more on his wooden puppet the increasingly delusional Gabbo starts exhibiting dangerous irrational behavior. I don't want to give away the entire ending; suffice it to say that something happens that causes Gabbo to go completely insane in a dramatic climax.

Yesterday I witnessed the resignation of Presidential Press Secretary Scott McClellan. This wooden dummy has yet to be replaced. Of course, it really doesn't matter who the new mouthpiece will be -- I feel a great depression on the horizon.

Wednesday, April 19, 2006

GUILTY? YOU BET, BUCKOO...


Duke lacrosse player Collin Finnerty has been charged with kidnapping and rape -- the story is headline news almost everywhere. In America one is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty. On occasion, a trail is a waste of time because the guilt of the accused is so patently obvious. That's the case here...

Just take one look at this dufus Dukie. The product of a millionaire family (both parents, though rich, must be ugly) and an all-male Roman Catholic prep school, concupiscent Collie couldn't get laid any other way. He may have money, but he has no chin -- and thus is the lot of all Turlocks.

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

"BIG IDEAS COME OUT OF BIG PENCILS"


Loyal readers will recall my March 1st posting titled TELEVISION TORTURE. This article denounced the current state of television copywriting whereby almost half of all current commercials resort to the same terribly overused, lame, uncreative word -- "introducing." Talk about lazy -- as I said then, it doesn't matter if the ad is for a Volvo or a vulva itch suppressant the word "introducing" will be used more likely than not.

This egregious state of affairs is endemic of the incompetence found in today's hallowed halls of America's ad agencies, but just last night the "Fat Boy" of exasperating advertising exploded on my 48" Mitsubishi courtesy of some bonehead at the Leo Burnett Agency. A 30-second Allstate commercial used "introducing" not just once, not twice, but three damn times -- and get this, it wasn't enough that Dennis Haysbert said the word repeatedly, it was also written across the screen in big letters each and every time the word was spoken.

Let me uncategorically declare to the folks at Allstate that when it comes to their advertising representation they are by no means in "good hands" unless jerking off within the confines of the copywriter cubicle has appeal to their senior management.

By God, this is the agency that brought us the Marlboro Man, the Pillsbury Doughboy and the Jolly Green Giant. What a decline in creativity...

It was Leapin' Leo himself who once said, "I've learned that any fool can write a bad ad..." It appears the agency bearing his name has elected to hire about every damn "fool" they can find based on their handling of the Allstate account.

"Big ideas come out of big pencils" is another Leo quote. That may be true. What is abundantly apparent is that big ideas don't come from pathetic pencilers under the supervision of Jeanie Caggiano, Leo Burnett's current Executive Creative Director. I can't help but believe that if she ever ran into the Jolly Green Giant he'd give her a jolly green finger. And deservedly so.

Monday, April 17, 2006

LOLITA


"I'm going to put off reading LOLITA for six years. I'm waiting until she turns 18." -- Groucho Marx




Based on Vladimir Nabokov's "famosum opus", the incomparable Stanley Kubrick was the first director to tackle this provocative, controversal and eminently entertaining best seller. This was not an easy undertaking, especially in the repressive social and sexual climate existing in 1962. As the movie's official tag line declared, "How did they ever make a film of Lolita?"

This was pretty hot stuff, indeed, especially in the early sixties. Nabokov even remarked that to bring his work to the screen it might very well require that they "make Lolita a dwarfess." Thankfully, that did not occur.

Over 800 young girls auditioned for the title role, including Tuesday Weld, but the part was ultimately handed to Sue Lyon. Her vulnerable portrayal as the yummy nymphet evokes uncontrollable stirrings in Professor Humbert Humbert, brilliantly portrayed by the often-underappreciated James Mason. Prof. Humbert is so smitten by this vixen he resorts to marrying Lolita's mother just so he can be close by and cop an occasional sniff. Alas, Humbert soon realizes that his marriage to Charlotte Haze is a stiff price to pay.

Shelley Winters plays the porkish Charlotte with typical verve. Trust me, this is one female you want to stay away from -- her insufferable smothering is Everyman's nightmare.

Charlotte: "You just touched me and I...I... I go limp as a noodle. It scares me."
Humbert: "Yes, I know the feeling."

And so Prof. Humbert finds himself in the middle of opposite ends of the spectrum in lovely, luscious Lolita and the sexually cannibalistic Charlotte whose web is being woven ever so tightly.

And things get even worse thanks to the arrival of the marvelously malevolent pervert, Clare Quilty. Peter Sellers, in one of his earliest multiple-character roles, nails the deranged humor embodied in the novel by improvising much of Quilty's dialogue (a high honor from Kubrick). It was this collaboration which later led to another pairing of Kubrick and Sellers -- DR. STRANGELOVE -- where Sellers once again mastered several diverse characters in what is arguably the best Cold War comedy of all.

LOLITA -- Forbidden fruit but Everyman's dream. A wonderful film by a master filmmaker and filled with innuendo such as this overlooked line of dialogue illustrates:

Charlotte, speaking to Clare Quilty in an early scene: "Lolita's going to have a cavity filled by your Uncle Ivar."

There was no mention of a dentist...

Friday, April 14, 2006

THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD





Recently the City Council of Bulverde decided they needed a catchy phrase to help promote their central Texas burg. A number of good ides were proposed and, ultimately, the powers that be selected "Front Porch Of The Texas Hill Country." Sounds nice, doesn't it?

Ah yes, the Texas Hill Country. Arguably the most scenic part of the Lone Star State. If one is willing to put up with the heat and the humidity and the occasional Aggie graduate, then by all means this is a desirable place to settle down. A least it was...

You see, the once verdant hills no longer echo with the sound of music; they now reverberate with the sound of Catepillars -- big, yellow, land-gouging machines scarring the landscape as far as one can see to make way for yet another Home Depot or Tractor Supply outlet. Tractor Supply? You gotta be kidding -- yet there it stands, over 100,000 square feet, monolithic and boxy, a veritable Taj Mahal for area hicks and the 4-H club.

Alas, a more appropriate slogan would be: "Bulverde: Front Porch Of Big Box Retailers"

Don't tell me it isn't your fault, City Council. YOU took the under-the-table money twice now, so all this asphalt IS your fault.

(For the record, I don't actually live in Bulverde -- let's just say I'm a step or two from the back door).

Thursday, April 13, 2006

SWIMMING TO CASABLANCA


As you know, there are hundreds of internet sites which review motion pictures. Clearly there are just as many film reviewers as there are filmmakers, maybe even more. Therefore, I am thrilled to announce that the highly respected, but little-known Washington, D.C. think tank -- Popcorners For A Liberated America -- has recently selected the "NEEDTOVENT" empire (website and blog) as the single most informative and influential disseminator of cinematic babble proffered on the world wide web. This is an amazing honor and tribute to the entire needtovent staff. In fact, this notable acclaim from the nation's capitol not only made us dizzy with delight, we have vowed to continue to celebrate by remaining celibate; the only holes we are currently exploring are of the sprocket variety. (Except for an occasional Friday)

There is but one other truly unique and worthy website devoted to the art of filmmaking, "Swimming To Casablanca," and it is created by friend and fellow Crested Butte alumnus, Ed Hoch. Ed has two stated passions -- film and swimming -- and he does a remarkable job of joining the two at WWW.GUAVAMATION.COM/S2C.

Here you will find a comprehensive listing of all 7,000+ movies Ed has seen since 1978. Each is rated using a unique system based on swimming-related terms and endorphins. Yes, I said endorphins. Unusual? You bet. Cool? Definitely. Go to the website and you will see for yourself that this trenchant terminology not only intrigues, but it makes sense -- especially after a Margarita or two.

The best part of Ed's website are his "Sprint Reviews." These crisply written, personal commentaries are fun to read, disarmingly insightful and marvelously short. Do yourself a favor and check them out...

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

SUCCUMBING TO SCANDAL


Succumbing to scandal, former Majority Leader Tom Delay has said he will resign from Congress. To my way of thinking this is a good thing. You see, I absolutely hate "DELAYS" of any kind, be they in the emergency room, at the airport, inside the depressing walls of the DMV office or on the streets of Paradise (Lost) here in once-bucolic Bulverde.

Yes, I hate DELAYS of any kind and anywhere -- especially in the nation's capitol where little Tommy's hand got caught in the cookie jar. Adios Tom-Tom...

As a side note I must report that President Bush quickly stated that the Republican Party won't suffer from DeLay's decision to resign. "My own judgement is that our party will continue to succeed because we are a party of ideas."

Here's a hint Mr. President: You're party will have a better chance to "succeed" if you were to come up with GOOD ideas for a change...

Monday, April 03, 2006

FEAR STRIKES OUT



(Famous photograph of Jimmy Piersall running the bases backwards)






















There are literally dozens of truly good baseball movies. Among the best, and far too often overlooked, is the heart-rending, intense biographical drama which chronicles the mental breakdown of Jimmy Piersall -- FEAR STRIKES OUT. Superbly directed by Robert Mulligan, who later went on to direct TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, this compelling true life father-son story is brought to the screen with Oscar-worthy performances by Anthony Perkins and Karl Malden.

What makes this exceptional movie even more special to me, personally, is my friendship with Karl Malden and his lovely wife, Mona, which dates back almost 20 years when I Co-Produced another father-son drama -- BILLY GALVIN. Shot in Boston, the same city where Jimmy Piersall goes gonzo, I can honestly say that my limited time with Karl, both on and off the set, ranks among my most cherished film experiences. Simply put, there is no finer person in the business.

Ironically enough, I have also spent several days in the company of Jimmy Piersall when, as a "rookie" at the Chicago Cubs Fantasy Camp, I had the privilege of having him serve as my outfield coach. In those friendly confines of Wrigley Field I was amused and verbally abused (what fun!) by Mr. Piersall who remains incredibly intense in everything he says and does. From first-hand experience I can truly say that Piersall's acerbic scarcasm has no peer. Even in his mid-70s or so, he was more tightly wound than a Tesla coil; I have never met anyone like him.

Do yourself a favor and tune in the next time Turner Classics screens FEAR STRIKES OUT. It is a superb film that will stay with you far longer than a couple of Dodger Dogs.

FEHR STRIKES OUT



As a follow-up to the previous posting I was compelled to add this brief entry regarding Donald Fehr, the Executive Director of the Major League Baseball Players Association, who has served in this capacity for nearly the past two decades. This is the insidious insider who led the most powerful sports union in America (some think THE most powerful union of all) in its two-day strike in 1985, its lockout in 1990 and baseball's devastating 1994 strike that led to the cancellation of the World Series and the shortening of the 1995 season. Whether he, too, is on steroids remains uncertain -- but his unbeaten streak in negotiations with the feeble-minded team owners and their bungling legal counsel clearly makes him a force to be reckoned with. A nice overview of Mr. Fehr can be found at www.slate.com/id/2067956. Baseball has enough problems already; let's hope there are no more strikes looming on the horizon.

FEHR STRIKES OUT -- what may very well be the single best sports headline of the year -- comes from devoted needtoventer and baseball devotee Darren Lohr. Thanks, Darren, for your e-mail and inspiration.