Once Upon A Time...

The era of the Director has long since passed, but a handful of heavyweights still manage to make each new movie an event. Quentin Tarantino is one of those directors, whose name alone could open a moive...but it certainly doesn't hurt that he always has an amazing cast. For his 9th film, he's turned his attention to his well-documented love affair with his hometown. 

This is one of those movies that's hard to pin down in one line what it's about. Sure, it's about the Manson Family's brutal slaying of Sharon Tate (sort of). Yes, it's about the grind-them-up-spit-them-out factory of the movie industry that uses up talent until it becomes useless to the big wigs trying to make money. It's about the stars, both rising and falling. It's about those on the periphery and those under the enchantment of celluloid fiction. It's about a city that is the center of its own created world and the magic that hangs over it. 

It tackles these many themes through a string of loosely connected scenes centering around Leo Dicaprio's character (the falling star) and Brad Pitt's character (the once-was stuntman). It sort of meanders through a six month period in a not-exactly linear style that is remmincent of Tarantino's best work. And as always, the dialouge is extremely tight and hilarious. 

This is another classic film from Quentin, and I'd rank it as my third favorite, just above Inglorious Bastards. Definitely a masterpiece of Hollywood turning the fiction inward and writing a Hollywood version of its own history. 

Hailing Caesar...

For three decades, the Coen brothers have been making some of the best movies of their generation. Their unique style of storytelling has cemented them as one of the few original voices left in popular cinema and has made many of their films modern classics. Last week I finally went to see their newest film, Hail Caesar and I'm happy to report that it yet another masterpiece.

The backdrop of the film is old Hollywood, on the back lot of the fictional Capital Pictures, a thinly veiled portrayal of the once unstoppable juggernaut of MGM. It pays homage to all of the different genres and stars that were popular in the era. There are several perfectly replicated scenes that reflect the cinema of the time, each one done with close attention to detail, and typically ending with a typically brilliant joke which the Coens are so good at doing. 

While dealing with studio exploitation, the hysteria surrounding communism, and the need to hide the private vices of anyone associated with Hollywood, the film uses an entertaining noire frame tale to contain the many moving parts. The result is a delightful movie that kept me entertained and frequently laughing. And like many of their best movies, it's one that can be watched again and again, revealing new references and jokes each time.

Hollywood

Naturally the first thing I did in L.A. was spend a few hours, and a few hundred dollars, at Amoeba Records on Sunset Blvd, also known as the best record store in the world. Then I found myself with some time to kill, so I started to wander and quickly found myself stepping on the stars. Though I've been to this town a few times before, I've actually never crossed paths with this landmark. I figured it was worth a stroll, and to give myself a purpose, I decided I would keep walking until I found Shirley Temple's star.

Long time readers might remember this post from two years ago discussing the queen of child starlets. As a pop culture figure, she's always held a special place in my imagination. It seemed like a good enough reason as any to begin my walk. Well, that little scamp was difficult to find. I strutted up one block, then two, then more, snapping photos of Michael Jackson, Buddy Holly, George Harrison, Jack White and of course, Lawrence Welk, who very well might be my great grandfather (long story). After seven or eight blocks, I'd just about given up. I headed back toward my car and then, in a burst of California magic, there she was. 

I felt like I'd accomplished something. The winds of fate have changed once more to blow in my favor. That's the state of mind only Los Angeles can inspire. So thanks Curly Top...now take your bow.