A true story

This was the dream I had last night:

During a summer family get-together, I was sitting at a wooden picnic table in my backyard with my uncle Jimmy, my brother, and my parents' friend Ricky. I wandered over to my driveway where I found Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, and my friend Emily. There was a fire burning in a trash can, and standing next to it, Larry treated us to a short performance of Richard III (which just so happens to be my favorite of his Shakespeare performances).

 After applauding, I, for reasons unbeknownst to me, climbed atop the Saab in my garage and then went into the kitchen. I found Larry in there as well. He was wearing a yellow t shirt that was at least two sizes too small for him, and it had that German hearts-and-sparrows design on it. (Perhaps he knew I have a fondness for terribly ugly clothing and was attempting to appeal to me?)

I greeted him with a squeal of "Larr Bear!" and jumped into his arms. (Yes, he did catch me). After a nice tight hug, I told him he did good. He smiled and thanked me. I sensed that something was amiss, because I asked him if he was okay. He responded with "Yeah, I'm just tired."

Now here's where things get a bit muddled. I can't remember what happened exactly, but he and I somehow ended up making out furiously on the squeaky, ugly, blue flowery sofa in my living room. To my disapointment, he was not the best kisser, but I was making out with Laurence Olivier, so who was I to complain?

We were interrupted by the sounds of Street Fighting Man by The Rolling Stones (previously one of my favorite songs by them). I wasn't sure where it was coming from but it was only getting louder. To my dismay, I realized that it was coming from my alarm clock. I woke up in my bed, chest pounding, and mixed feelings of "Wow, what a super rad, albeit very odd dream" and "Son of a bitch, why couldn't I have at least sealed the deal? Goddamn Rolling Stones."

As I got out of bed and ready for work, I swore I could hear a quiet giggle from behind me. Looking in my mirror, a picture of Vivien Leigh taped to my wall reflected back at me. I knew that, wherever she was, she somehow knew what I had dreamed about, and was laughing her ass off. And I'll bet Larry was right next to her.

Grabbing my keys off the dresser, I muttered "Fuck off, Vivien" and shut the door.

Eight

Coming in at number eight is Audrey Hepburn. An actress who is remembered more so for being an icon than an actress, a la Marilyn Monroe. But if you ask me, Audrey Hepburn was a hell of an actress and too bad people don't quite know that. Of course she was beautiful, and glamorous, and stylish, and her speaking voice could melt your heart, but above all else, she was a real actress.


Her most famous film is of course 1961's Breakfast at Tiffany's. In this film, Audrey plays the free-spirited and (seemingly) carefree Holly Golightly, a young call girl living in New York City. Always on the lookout for a nice millionaire to marry, she doesn't notice that her downstairs neighbor is absolutely crazy about her.

Originally, the character was written with Marilyn Monroe in mind, and author Truman Capote apparently threw a fit when Audrey was cast instead. But it was for the best. Audrey took a character who was originally hard-bitten and honestly, quite unlikable, and gave her a softer, more vulnerable core surrounded by a tough shell. She tries her best to act like everything is wonderful when, quite frankly, it isn't. I'm not as sure that Marilyn Monroe would have been able to give Holly more complex layers as Audrey was able to.

In 1964, Audrey beat out all other competition for the role of Eliza Doolittle in the film version of My Fair Lady. (Competition included Elizabeth Taylor and Julie Andrews). Directed by George Cukor, Audrey deftly played the ultimate ugly duckling role with sympathy and a bit more depth than originally written.

But  the movie that I remember Audrey Hepburn most for is 1953's Roman Holiday. She plays a princess on the lam who falls in love with newspaperman Gregory Peck. Since I don't believe in spoilers, I won't give anything away, except that Roman Holiday has one of my favorite movie endings ever.

When Roman Holiday was being made, Audrey Hepburn was not a big star. As such, her original credit was supposed to come after the title of the film. However, Gregory Peck realized that she was absolute magic and insisted that her name come above the title, after his. After Roman Holiday was released, the whole world realized Audrey's magic and fell under her spell. She would be awarded with film's highest honor for her performance in the film, the Academy Award as Best Actress of the year.

But above all the movies and the great style, the beautiful, quiet speaking voice, the elegance and poise, what made Audrey Hepburn so special was her heart. She retired and joined forces with UNICEF to help children in poverty and war ravaged areas that nobody else dared go near. Long before it was fahionable for celebrities to champoin a cause, Audrey Hepburn brought awareness and spoke for those who couldn't help or speak for themselves. Even today, nearly twenty years after her death, the Audrey Hepburn Children's Fund continues to aid those in need. She was also posthumusly awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in recognition of her outstanding charity work and in honor of a remarkable woman.

You're a rank sentimentalist

As you may or may not know, last evening, I attended a special 70th Anniversary screening of Casablanca. Upon entering the theater, I was instantly struck by how many people there were. I mean, the theater looked just about full, and even after my friend and I took our seats, people were still filing in. And the best part about it all was the range of ages that were in attendance. I noticed that some people had brought along their kids, which made me want to high-five them. Hell, I wanted to high-five everybody that was there.

The lights dimmed, the room hushed, and the audience was treated to an introduction to the film by none other than the host of Turner Classic Movies, Robert Osborne. The introduction included some background information about the film, reminiscences by those who worked on it, and some famous faces discussing what Casablanca means to them.

And so the movie began. Watching it, I felt almost as if I was seeing it for the first time. And at the end, I felt so satisfied. It's been a long time since I've felt that way after seeing a movie. My favorite part was the collective applause (and I may or may not have spotted a standing ovation out of the corner of my eye) when the picture ended. Although I was kind of hoping for some applause at the beginning, when the title came upon the screen,  some applause for Humprey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman's first appearances, and for Victor Laszlo's rousing rendition of La Marseillaise, alas, there was none.

The only setback was when some asshat's telephone rang...and he actually answered it and had a conversation! However, there was basically nothing that could have went down during that screening that would have dampened my spirits. I paid $11.50 for my ticket, but honestly, and I don't really give a damn how lame this sounds, it was a totally priceless experience. What a night.

Next week, they are screening the 1927 silent classic Wings, starring Clara Bow. I may or may not be going.

Here's looking at you, kid

I am very excited. Tomorrow night, I am going to have the immense pleasure of seeing one of my favorite  movies on the big screen. In celebration of its 70th anniversary, Casablanca is returning to the screen for a special, one night only event. The official anniversary was in March, but due to popular demand, Fathom Events, in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, is rescreening the film. Good news for me, since I didn't make it to the first one.

This is the second time that I am aware of that a classic film is returning for a one night only engagement. A few months back, West Side Story was re -released, but unfortunately the closest participating theater was all the way in Harrisburg, so I didn't get to make it to that. Needless to say, I still brood over that one.

For those of you keeping score at home, you may or may not remember that over the summer I had my very first experience seeing a classic film on the big screen with Diabolique. http://im-into-leather.blogspot.com/2011/08/out-and-about-film-viewings.html  Being from Smalltown, Pennsylvania, there arent't that many chances to get out and catch a screening of an old, beloved classic (L.A-ers, how I envy you). And, unfortunately for me, most of the chances I have had to see classic films in public have usually managed to be thwarted some way or another. (I was supposed to see West Side Story at the park outside, and they couldn't get the sound working. I was supposed to see Some Like it Hot in the courtyard of the Sun Inn, and got the times mixed up). So this is huge for me, and come tomorrow afternoon at work, I know I'm going to be bursting at the seams. 

There's nothing like seeing a movie that you love on the big screen, the way it's supposed to be seen, and I'm very glad to add Casablanca to the list of beloved films that I have been lucky enough to see again in a theater.

Stay tuned for a follow-up!

Number Nine

Naturally beautiful. Understated. Oscar winning. Remarkable. Unforgettable.  These adjectives come to mind when I think of actress number nine on this list: Ingrid Bergman.

Born on August 29, 1915 in Stockholm Sweden, Ingrid Bergman knew from an early age that she wanted to be an actress. She used to dress up in her mother's clothes and stage productions for her own amusement. She attended the Royal Dramatic Theater School (the same school Greta Garbo attended) and appeared in a handful of plays before starring in some Swedish films.

In 1939, producer David O. Selznick brought her to America to star opposite Leslie Howard in a remake of her 1936 Swedish film Intermezzo. Titled Intermezzo: A Love Story, the film brought Ingrid instant fame in America. She was a natural in front of the camera. Her performance was subtle and understated, and absolutely effective. Such became the usual for Ingrid.

In my opinion, Ingrid Bergman's best performance is in the 1944 film Gaslight. Playing the role of a woman being driven mad by her diabolical husband (played  by Charles Boyer). In what could have been played extremely over the top, Bergman played it down and only became hysterical in the last few moments of the film, making her hysteria more realistic.She won the Academy Award for her performance.

Her most famous role however, is as Ilsa Lund in the immortal, beloved wartime classic Casablanca. Torn between Humphrey Bogart and Paul Henried, her performance is subtle, understated, and touching. I know I've mentioned this before, but it bears repeating. My favorite scene is when Victor Lazlo (Paul Henried) leads the patrons of Rick's Cafe in a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise. Watch Ingrid's face here. Her eyes are nervous for his safety, but she can't hide her sense of pride in him. It's a beautiful performance. And as a sidenote, can I just point out how beautiful she looks in this film? She is absolutely luminous. (The black and white cinematography doesn't hurt here).

I think what I admire most about Ingrid Bergman was the lack of pretense about her. She was always herself and refused to compromise herself for anyone. She used very little makeup and wouldn't allow her teeth to be capped. She wouldn't be made over into someone she wasn't, and if she made enemies along the way, so be it.

Although Ingrid Bergman wasn't constantly turning out great performances, when she was good, she was perfect.

 

Rock on, Ingrid.

Is this not the sweetest picture ever?

Favorite Actress Countdown

Coming in at number ten on my list of favorite actresses is Drew Barrymore.  I've been a fan of hers since probably the sixth grade or so, and so I suppose that has a lot do with my liking her so much, but then again, I think she's quite proven that she is fantastically talented. Granted, she's not somebody that you're going to watch and shout about her performances every time, but every so often, she delivers. And when she's good, she's perfect. I do think that she's more of a "movie star" than an "actress" but she is quickly approaching actress status.

Lionel, Ethel, and John Barrymore

Drew Barrymore is the granddaughter of John Barrymore and the great niece of Lionel and Ethel Barrymore. All three were brilliant performers. Drew certainly inherited that. But the Barrymore family had long been plagued by demons of drug addiction and alcoholism. John, in particular, was a very bad alcoholic who never truly recovered from it. He would die in 1942, a shadow of his former great self. His son, Drew's father, John Barrymore II, also suffered from alcoholism and drug addiction. Sadly, Drew herself become an alcoholic and cocaine addict before the age of fifteen.

She had gotten her big break at the age of six, playing Gertie in Steven Spielberg's E.T: The Extra-Terrestrial. Afterward, Drew became one of the most popular child stars of the 1980s. I think her success came from the ability to play wide eyed moppet roles with genuine talent. With new found success came opportunity. And opportunity released the Barrymore demons. At nine years old, Drew started drinking. At ten, she started smoking pot, and at fourteen became a cocaine addict.

After being released from rehab at sixteen, finding work was a struggle. Drew was stuck in the rut of being too old for children's roles but too young to be a leading lady. The best she could do was small, supporting character roles in low-budget films.

In 1998, Drew teamed up with Adam Sandler for the 80's themed romantic comedy The Wedding Singer. Commercially  successful, Drew was back in the spotlight. She then founded her own production company, Flower Films, and in 1999, produced her first film, Never Been Kissed.  Again, it was a commercial success and Drew Barrymore established herself as a premier romantic comedy star.

50 First Dates. Can just say I love her hair in this movie?

Many romantic comedies make up Drew Barrymore's filmography. However, she hasn't forgotten her roots as a dramatic Barrymore. It's almost as if people forget that she's a damn fine actress too. Remember Riding in Cars With Boys? She played a character who went from fifteen years old to her mid-thirties.  I think that it requires a skilled person to be able to pull that kind of role off. But Drew did. And she was brilliant in it.
There was also Confessions of a Dangerous Mind. Drew played the supporting role of the long-suffering yet infinitely steadfast wife of game show host/alleged CIA hitman Chuck Barris.

However, no other role has displayed Drew Barrymore's dramatic prowess better than the 2009 HBO film Grey Gardens. She played "Little Edie" Beale so well that I found myself forgetting that I was watching an actress in a movie, and not the real thing. Being quite a fan of the original Grey Gardens documentary, I was somewhat wary of watching this film. However, I was absolutely blown away by this film. Drew completely immersed herself in the character so well that it's as if she crawled inside the skin of Little Edie. She did more than portray her; She became her, and won a much deserved Emmy award for Best Actress. I have no doubt that had Grey Gardens been made for a major studio, Barrymore would have been nominated for a Best Actress Academy Award, and would have been quite a strong contender.

I have no doubt that Drew Barrymore will only continue to rise as an actress, and would not be at all surprised if an Oscar comes her way.

Film Viewings: The King Has Returned

On Sunday, a couple of friends from work and myself went out to our local movie theater to see one of my favorite movies, The Lion King---In 3D! Now, I'm not really a 3D freak. I mean, it's fun, and the Terminator 2 3D attraction at DisneyWorld is awesome, but other than that, 3D just really isn't my thing. But when I heard that The Lion King would be re released in 3D, I jumped at the chance to see it.

Although I had spent nearly fifteen dollars on a ticket, it was so worth it for me. Movies are made to be watched on a huge screen, in deafening surround sound, in a darkened theater filled with people all sharing the experience of enjoying a movie. Although I have seen The Lion King more times than I can probably count, watching it in the theater was like seeing it for the first time.

From the opening sequence of the sun rising over the African Savannah accompanied by that incredible African chorus, I was amazed by the realism, the beauty, the colors and sound. I was moved to tears. Not to mention Circle of Life is such a beautiful song.

Mufasa's death is even more devastating on the big screen. I don't think I've ever cried harder watching a movie. As I've said before, I have seen this movie many, many times, and Mufasa's death still affects me as if I had never seen it before.I know I've written this before, but I'm quite sure that Mufasa dying is quite possibly the most devastating event in film history. I mean, come on, how can one not watch Simba crawl under Mufasa's paw without bursting into hysterical sobs?

The stampede leading to Mufasa's death was incredible to watch. With the surround sound, you could almost feel the rumbling of the approaching wildebeest. Their thundering hooves were much more menacing as they leaped out of the screen.

The best part of the film in 3D was the climactic fight between Simba and Scar. As if it's not cool enough in 2D being in slow motion and all, the 3D element really rocked here. Scar leaping out of the flames has always been a great part, but in 3D he leaps out of the flames and into your face. It looked awesome.

It's always great to see a beloved movie on the big screen in all its glory. Watching The Lion King (in 3D) in a darkened movie theater, next to friends, sharing such a great movie with a bunch of people, young and old,  that I don't even know, was such a beautiful and rich experience that I will look back upon in years to come and cherish.