originally posted
DECEMBER 26, 2007
(old stuff from the now gone "Refined Picture Show" blogspot)
Another great quiz by Dennis Cozzalio.
1) FAVORITE OPENING SHOT
The opening ultra-wide lens helicopter shot of THE SHINING (1980). Gliding over that island and then to the car on the mountain highway.
The opening ultra-wide lens helicopter shot of THE SHINING (1980). Gliding over that island and then to the car on the mountain highway.
2) TUESDAY WELD
OR MIA FARROW?
Mia is forever the most adorable.
Mia is forever the most adorable.
3) NAME A COMEDY YOU'RE EMBARRASSED TO ADMIT MADE YOU LAUGH
SCARY MOVIE 3 (2003), I guess.
I didn't love the first two in the series but somehow Zucker brought some NAKED GUN comic-timing to that one. Albeit still incredibly lowbrow.
SCARY MOVIE 3 (2003), I guess.
4) BEST MOVIE OF 1947
If we're going by U.S. release dates I choose De Sica's SHOESHINE.. Though that technically is a 1946 movie in its native Italy.. Jacques Tourneur's OUT OF THE PAST (1947) is best domestic release of that year
If we're going by U.S. release dates I choose De Sica's SHOESHINE.. Though that technically is a 1946 movie in its native Italy.. Jacques Tourneur's OUT OF THE PAST (1947) is best domestic release of that year
5) BURT REYNOLDS WAS THE BANDIT. JERRY REED WAS THE SNOWMAN. PAUL LE MAT WAS SPIDER. CANDY CLARK WAS ELECTRA. WHAT'S YOUR MOVIE HANDLE?
Toby Ximenez aka "Smiley Bojangles".
Toby Ximenez aka "Smiley Bojangles".
6) ROBERT VAUGHN
OR DAVID MCCALLUM?
My Lord; Robert Vaughn! No fucking contest.
My Lord; Robert Vaughn! No fucking contest.
7) MOST EXOTIC/UNUSUAL PLACE/LOCATION IN WHICH YOU'VE SEEN A MOVIE
That T2 3-D: BATTLE ACROSS TIME thing at Universal Studios Hollywood. A interactive performance & pyrotechnics show. It's some sweetness if you can get in to see it
That T2 3-D: BATTLE ACROSS TIME thing at Universal Studios Hollywood. A interactive performance & pyrotechnics show. It's some sweetness if you can get in to see it
8) FAVORITE ERROL MORRIS?
THE FOG OF WAR (2003)
THE FOG OF WAR (2003)
9) BEST MOVIE OF 1967
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (1966) was released in the U.S. that year so that's my pick if we're going by that criteria. If not, BONNIE AND CLYDE is a close 2nd.
THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY (1966) was released in the U.S. that year so that's my pick if we're going by that criteria. If not, BONNIE AND CLYDE is a close 2nd.
10) DESCRIBE A PROFOUNDLY (OR NOT-SO-PROFOUNDLY) DISTURBING MOMENT YOU'VE HAD COURTESY OF THE MOVIES
In 2000 a middle school friend and I were watching FINAL DESTINATION at Sundance theater in downtown Ft. Worth. (cool parents always dropped us off and bought us R rated movie tickets) That was the same day a big tornado blew right through downtown and busted the Block 82 Tower.
The tornado came and went while we were in the theater and no one inside our screening even noticed because the power stayed on and the THX surround sound was so goddamn loud. After the movie had thoroughly creeped us out about fatalism, disasters, & whatnot, we went outside to discover fallen trees, broken glass, and broken vehicles. It was surreal. Like the universe of the movie had bled over into the real world.
In 2000 a middle school friend and I were watching FINAL DESTINATION at Sundance theater in downtown Ft. Worth. (cool parents always dropped us off and bought us R rated movie tickets) That was the same day a big tornado blew right through downtown and busted the Block 82 Tower.
11) ANNE FRANCIS
OR JULIE NEWMAR?
Julie!
Julie!
12) DESCRIBE
YOUR FAVORITE ONE SHEET
It's the poster for the A.I.P. North American release of PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965). The large giants towering in front of the red planet & the use of contrasting colors are perfect. If I was a kid back then, that poster alone would've sold me on the movie.
It's the poster for the A.I.P. North American release of PLANET OF THE VAMPIRES (1965). The large giants towering in front of the red planet & the use of contrasting colors are perfect. If I was a kid back then, that poster alone would've sold me on the movie.
13) BEST MOVIE OF 1987
14) FAVORITE MOVIE
14) FAVORITE MOVIE
15) YOUR IDEAL CHRISTMAS MOVIE TRIPLE FEATURE
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965), SCROOGE (1970), and GREMLINS (1984)
A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS (1965), SCROOGE (1970), and GREMLINS (1984)
16) MONTGOMERY CLIFT
OR JAMES DEAN?
That's a tough one.. I choose James Dean.
That's a tough one.. I choose James Dean.
17)
FAVORITE LES BLANK MOVIE
BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982)
which I believe is even better than FITZCARRALDO (1982).
BURDEN OF DREAMS (1982)
18) THIS PAST SUMMER FOOD CRITIC ANTON EGO MADE THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
"IN MANY WAYS THE WORK OF A CRITIC IS EASY. WE RISK VERY LITTLE YET ENJOY A POSITION OVER THOSE WHO OFFER UP THEIR WORK AND THEIR SELVES TO OUR JUDGMENT. WE THRIVE ON NEGATIVE CRITICISM, WHICH IS FUN TO WRITE AND TO READ. BUT THE BITTER TRUTH WE CRITICS MUST FACE IS THAT, IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, THE AVERAGE PIECE OF JUNK IS MORE MEANINGFUL THAN OUR CRITICISM DESIGNATING IT SO. BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A CRITIC TRULY RISKS SOMETHING, AND THAT IS IN THE DISCOVERY AND DEFENSE OF THE NEW. LAST NIGHT, I EXPERIENCED SOMETHING NEW, AN EXTRAORDINARY MEAL FROM A SINGULARLY UNEXPECTED SOURCE. TO SAY THAT BOTH THE MEAL AND ITS MAKER HAVE CHALLENGED MY PRECONCEPTIONS IS A GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT. THEY HAVE ROCKED ME TO MY CORE. IN THE PAST, I HAVE MADE NO SECRET OF MY DISDAIN FOR CHEF GUSTEAU'S FAMOUS MOTTO: ANYONE CAN COOK. BUT I REALIZE THAT ONLY NOW DO I TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT HE MEANT. NOT EVERYONE CAN BECOME A GREAT ARTIST, BUT A GREAT ARTIST CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE."
YOUR THOUGHTS?
I especially like his sentiments about critics having an important job when it comes to promoting new talent. I think that is true of all criticism.
To expose people to new ideas and new voices. Championing new talent and defending under-appreciated or misunderstood films is essential. That's usually how I know who my favorite writers of film criticism even are. The ones who've exposed me to the most new stuff.
"IN MANY WAYS THE WORK OF A CRITIC IS EASY. WE RISK VERY LITTLE YET ENJOY A POSITION OVER THOSE WHO OFFER UP THEIR WORK AND THEIR SELVES TO OUR JUDGMENT. WE THRIVE ON NEGATIVE CRITICISM, WHICH IS FUN TO WRITE AND TO READ. BUT THE BITTER TRUTH WE CRITICS MUST FACE IS THAT, IN THE GRAND SCHEME OF THINGS, THE AVERAGE PIECE OF JUNK IS MORE MEANINGFUL THAN OUR CRITICISM DESIGNATING IT SO. BUT THERE ARE TIMES WHEN A CRITIC TRULY RISKS SOMETHING, AND THAT IS IN THE DISCOVERY AND DEFENSE OF THE NEW. LAST NIGHT, I EXPERIENCED SOMETHING NEW, AN EXTRAORDINARY MEAL FROM A SINGULARLY UNEXPECTED SOURCE. TO SAY THAT BOTH THE MEAL AND ITS MAKER HAVE CHALLENGED MY PRECONCEPTIONS IS A GROSS UNDERSTATEMENT. THEY HAVE ROCKED ME TO MY CORE. IN THE PAST, I HAVE MADE NO SECRET OF MY DISDAIN FOR CHEF GUSTEAU'S FAMOUS MOTTO: ANYONE CAN COOK. BUT I REALIZE THAT ONLY NOW DO I TRULY UNDERSTAND WHAT HE MEANT. NOT EVERYONE CAN BECOME A GREAT ARTIST, BUT A GREAT ARTIST CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE."
YOUR THOUGHTS?
I especially like his sentiments about critics having an important job when it comes to promoting new talent. I think that is true of all criticism.
19) LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED ON DVD? IN A THEATER?
At the theater was THERE WILL BE BLOOD. At home it was A SCANNER DARKLY (2006) on blu-ray.
At the theater was THERE WILL BE BLOOD. At home it was A SCANNER DARKLY (2006) on blu-ray.
20) BEST MOVIE OF 2007
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
THERE WILL BE BLOOD
21) WORST MOVIE OF 2007
EPIC MOVIE
Jason Friedberg and Aaron Seltzer probably shouldn't be allowed to make movies anymore. It's that heinous a shit dump.
22) DESCRIBE THE STAGES OF YOUR CINEPHILIA
Real young, from about kindergarten to 3rd grade, I loved any & all movies about people being shrunken down small. Anything my parents could rent with that common theme. Things like THE WITCHES (1990), INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957), HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS (1989), and INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD (1995)
And then I discovered Spielberg's JURASSIC PARK (1993). After that I loved anything with a giant dinosaur or monster in it. Regardless of special effects quality. That lead into an appreciation of lots of older black & white sci-fi.
Then in middle school when I started to get real into depressing rock music I also discovered Romero's dead trilogy. And those movies blew my mind. After that I was obsessed with zombies and gory movies in general.
Outside of these core obsessions, My older sister was always bringing new music, books, & indie movies into the home too. Plus my parents were showing me the old masterpieces.
My fourth and final adult cineaste phase begins freshman year of High School. I discovered a bunch of academic books on international film history at my library. That's when I really started to appreciate a lot more dramatic and foreign movies. It also coincides with when we got our first dvd player and Netflix came out, when I started to be able to track down and rent everything that had come so highly acclaimed.
Once you start memorizing director's names you try to find everything they've worked on. That completionist impulse began in High School and has now seeped into my current college days. So that pretty much brings us up to the present; where now I'm trying to find more obscure genre movies friends have recommended. Currently I'm in love with Cronenberg and a lot of these Japanese cyberpunk movies from the 90s.
23) WHAT IS THE ONE FILM YOU'VE HAD MORE DIFFICULTY THAN ANY OTHER IN CONVINCING PEOPLE TO SEE OR APPRECIATE?
LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION (2003)
It doesn't matter if it's a movie aficionado friend or a co-worker with more pedestrian taste, they always seem repelled at the idea of the movie. And this reaction without having seen it! Either they have some prejudice against the 2 leads or they're angry it's not related to SPACE JAM (1996). It's a shame too, because it's one of Joe Dante's best movies.
EPIC MOVIE
22) DESCRIBE THE STAGES OF YOUR CINEPHILIA
Real young, from about kindergarten to 3rd grade, I loved any & all movies about people being shrunken down small. Anything my parents could rent with that common theme. Things like THE WITCHES (1990), INCREDIBLE SHRINKING MAN (1957), HONEY I SHRUNK THE KIDS (1989), and INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD (1995)
23) WHAT IS THE ONE FILM YOU'VE HAD MORE DIFFICULTY THAN ANY OTHER IN CONVINCING PEOPLE TO SEE OR APPRECIATE?
LOONEY TUNES: BACK IN ACTION (2003)
24) GENE TIERNEY
OR RITA HAYWORTH?
Gene. but only by a hair.
Gene. but only by a hair.
25) THE JAPANESE WORD "WABI" DENOTES SIMPLICITY AND QUIETUDE, BUT IT CAN ALSO MEAN AN ACCIDENTAL OR HAPPENSTANCE ELEMENT (OR PERHAPS EVEN A SMALL FLAW) WHICH GIVES ELEGANCE AND UNIQUENESS TO THE WHOLE. WHAT FILM OR MOMENT FROM A FILM BEST REPRESENTS "WABI" TO YOU?
the scene in GEORGE WASHINGTON (2000) where title character saves the little white kid drowning in the abandoned pool
Everything about it is "侘寂".. The sound design, the framing, the performances of the children, etc.
the scene in GEORGE WASHINGTON (2000) where title character saves the little white kid drowning in the abandoned pool
26) FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY
KOYAANISQATSI (1983)
KOYAANISQATSI (1983)
27)
FAVORITE OPENING CREDIT SEQUENCE
Saul Bass's credits for PSYCHO (1960)
28) IS THERE A FILM THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFESTYLE IN A SIGNIFICANT OR NOTABLE WAY? IF SO, WHAT WAS IT AND HOW DID IT DO SO?
Not really. Some documentaries have informed my consumer habits & the things I eat, but nothing major. The Simpsons has probably influenced my life more than movies.
Saul Bass's credits for PSYCHO (1960)
28) IS THERE A FILM THAT HAS INFLUENCED YOUR LIFESTYLE IN A SIGNIFICANT OR NOTABLE WAY? IF SO, WHAT WAS IT AND HOW DID IT DO SO?
Not really. Some documentaries have informed my consumer habits & the things I eat, but nothing major. The Simpsons has probably influenced my life more than movies.
29) GLENN FORD
OR DANA ANDREWS?
Love both, but I go with Mr. Andrews.
Love both, but I go with Mr. Andrews.
30) MAKE A SINGLE PREDICTION, CYNICAL OR HOPEFUL, REGARDING THE UPCOMING ACADEMY AWARDS
Diablo Cody's stupid screenplay for JUNO will probably win. Because it's "hip" and has snappy sitcom dialogue.
Diablo Cody's stupid screenplay for JUNO will probably win. Because it's "hip" and has snappy sitcom dialogue.
31) BEST ACTOR OF 2007
Day-Lewis in THERE WILL BE BLOOD.
Day-Lewis in THERE WILL BE BLOOD.
32) BEST ACTRESS OF 2007
Carice van Houten in BLACK BOOK.
Carice van Houten in BLACK BOOK.
33) BEST DIRECTOR OF 2007
P.T. Anderson for THERE WILL BE BLOOD.
P.T. Anderson for THERE WILL BE BLOOD.
34)
BEST SCREENPLAY OF 2007
EASTERN PROMISES by Steven Knight.
EASTERN PROMISES by Steven Knight.
35) FAVORITE SINGLE
MOVIE MOMENT OF 2007
The oil derrick erupting and exploding + the ensuing attempt to extinguish in THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007).
The oil derrick erupting and exploding + the ensuing attempt to extinguish in THERE WILL BE BLOOD (2007).
36) WHAT'S YOUR WISH/HOPE FOR THE MOVIES IN 2008?
I hope all the slated superhero movies don't suck!
I hope all the slated superhero movies don't suck!
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