A remake I loved - despite also loving the original - was Solaris. The original Russian film was excellent, riveting, but diverged significantly from the original Stanislaw Lem novel. The Soderbergh remake was beautiful, with a fantastic score by Cliff Martinez that really carried the rhythm of the story - and, interestingly, was quite a bit closer to the novel. I love both interpretations of the work; in fact I would not call the second Solaris a remake of the first, but instead a new interpretation of the book in movie form.
Thanks for pointing up San Diego's winner right at the front of your article. Hopefully it will get people excited about seeing some of the less… ubiquitous films in the running. It's not just about the big pictures!
I'm amazed at the way a film as good as The Thin Man can also be so transcendent -- it remains absolutely modern, completely watchable and utterly delightful after 80 years.
Thanks for the fast, sharp reporting! Still laughing at the Anne Hathaway comment. I was sad to hear Moonrise Kingdom didn't win anything - it certainly won in my mind for creativity, poignancy without bathos or manipulating of emotions, and heart.
I came to SF at around age 12, drawn in by Star Trek and kept in by the marvellous collections of short stories that were published annually in the '60s and '70s. Bradbury's stories were always the sort that took you completely under their spell. Finishing one of his stories was like waking up from a dream and discovering a duller, less vivid world. I loved nothing more than to be lost in one of his imaginings.
As an adult I was privileged to take three different writing seminars from him. He had a gift for providing useful guidance, something that's not easy to find, and I later sold at least two stories that drew directly from his advice. I could feel his hand on my shoulder while I was writing and the stories remain reminders of how much I owe the man. Will miss him greatly.
Thanks for the spoiler-free, excellent review. I think this prepares me well for the movie (which I may or may not see, but leaning "yes-with-low-expectations".)
What a lovely writeup. I have long been a Thin Man fan, though I only know a little of Loy's other work. Your review persuades me I want to read her bio!
68° A Few Clouds
Midday Movies: Remakes
A remake I loved - despite also loving the original - was Solaris. The original Russian film was excellent, riveting, but diverged significantly from the original Stanislaw Lem novel. The Soderbergh remake was beautiful, with a fantastic score by Cliff Martinez that really carried the rhythm of the story - and, interestingly, was quite a bit closer to the novel. I love both interpretations of the work; in fact I would not call the second Solaris a remake of the first, but instead a new interpretation of the book in movie form.
April 30, 2013 at 7:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rants And Raves: Reflecting On The 85th Oscars
Thanks for pointing up San Diego's winner right at the front of your article. Hopefully it will get people excited about seeing some of the less… ubiquitous films in the running. It's not just about the big pictures!
February 25, 2013 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Screening: 'The Thin Man'
I'm amazed at the way a film as good as The Thin Man can also be so transcendent -- it remains absolutely modern, completely watchable and utterly delightful after 80 years.
February 15, 2013 at 10:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Review: 'A Good Day To Die Hard'
OUCH! But thanks for the warning.
February 15, 2013 at 10:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rants And Raves: The Golden Globes
Thanks for the fast, sharp reporting! Still laughing at the Anne Hathaway comment. I was sad to hear Moonrise Kingdom didn't win anything - it certainly won in my mind for creativity, poignancy without bathos or manipulating of emotions, and heart.
January 13, 2013 at 9:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rants and Raves: Ray Bradbury
I came to SF at around age 12, drawn in by Star Trek and kept in by the marvellous collections of short stories that were published annually in the '60s and '70s. Bradbury's stories were always the sort that took you completely under their spell. Finishing one of his stories was like waking up from a dream and discovering a duller, less vivid world. I loved nothing more than to be lost in one of his imaginings.
As an adult I was privileged to take three different writing seminars from him. He had a gift for providing useful guidance, something that's not easy to find, and I later sold at least two stories that drew directly from his advice. I could feel his hand on my shoulder while I was writing and the stories remain reminders of how much I owe the man. Will miss him greatly.
June 9, 2012 at 8:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Review: 'Prometheus'
Thanks for the spoiler-free, excellent review. I think this prepares me well for the movie (which I may or may not see, but leaning "yes-with-low-expectations".)
June 9, 2012 at 8:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Book Review: 'Myrna Loy: The Only Good Girl In Hollywood'
What a lovely writeup. I have long been a Thin Man fan, though I only know a little of Loy's other work. Your review persuades me I want to read her bio!
March 1, 2012 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Weekend Preview: Aphrodisiac Dinner Parties To Titanic Museum Exhibits
Great to see recognition of women in horror and the Horrible Imaginings event!
February 9, 2012 at 8:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )