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July 28, 2005
Thirteen
Quite possibly one of the best movies I've seen in years. Thirteen is an important film, at the very least (groundbreaking, brilliantly acted, tightly written, seriously disturbing, and heartwrenching) and, at best, it's a sign of the future of indie film.
I was flipping channels while on a casting gig in Missouri. It was like 3am on Monday and I was an insomniac in a hotel room with maybe three non-infomercial channels (one of which was HBO). I joined this film already in progress by about ten minutes or so, so I'll definitely need to see it again to know how it all kicks off. Still, I was transfixed. There was NO flipping to another channel after that first scene I saw.
The screenwriter, Nikki Reed (who was born the year I graduated from high school), plays a young lady who befriends our lead, Evan Rachel Wood, who is actually someone we're approaching for the film I'm casting right now. I remember hearing all of the buzz about this film back when it came out and swept so many awards. Of course, it doesn't hurt that co-star Holly Hunter loved the script so much that she signed on to produce.
Anyway, I'm excited about this film because it reminds me that it *is* possible to do something really wonderful on a small budget (something we forget in Hollywood much of the time). Powerful performances, haunting storytelling, and kick-ass soundtrack round out the greatness that is Thirteen. Definitely add it to your Netflix cue, if, like me, you didn't catch it in theatres.
Posted by bonnie at 02:53 AM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Situation: Comedy
I saw Sean Hayes interviewed on the early morning shows while I was casting in Missouri and I knew I'd have to Season Pass the new Bravo show Situation: Comedy.
Brilliant. If you have any interest in the business of show creation, pilots, pitches, and show running, you must tune in. The Bravo site (linked at the photo above) includes blogs from the principals. Can't wait to see the rest of this Project Greenlight for TV.
Chip, did you see how the pitches were all, "It's _____ meets _____," like you like to hybrid-cross shows in your head? You are so made for this show! Write a sitcom! Come out for season two! I'll help with your pitch.
Posted by bonnie at 02:35 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 16, 2005
"Here, There, and Everywhere" by Chris Roberson
Roxanne Bonaventure learns on her prom night (with multiple pretty in pink references) that the bracelet given to her by a mysterious old woman will actually let her travel in space, time, and into alternate realities.
She spends the rest of her life trying to discover the nature of human society, searching for other time travellers, and catching Beatles reunions and alternate universe Orson Welles' movies.
The book seems to be made up of several different short stories that tell some of the adventures Roxanne has as she gets older. It dealves a little bit into the psychology of someone who is unique in the world and not tied to one time or place.
It's a fun book if you are a time travel junkie like me. There are lots of references to other types of time travel (H.G. Wells, future "time patrol" type beings, mysterious doors buried under the earth) and to pop culture (john hughes, batgirl, doctor who). If you don't like science fiction, you should probably look elsewhere.
Posted by chip at 10:32 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack