Leave the gun. Take the cannolis.

Holy crap, I'm terrible at keeping up

2011-01-30T17:29:00.002-06:00

I haven't written in a while. I guess I've been busy, but maybe all the more reason to write something.

Today I watched 'Restrepo'. Really a great doc. I had a pen pal back in Desert Storm when I was a kid and watching motivated me to want to get another one. I feel bad for the guys fighting overseas. Mostly because there's so much controversy over the war. And it's not like people aren't supportive but at this point, I think everyone's just wondering what exactly we're accomplishing. Not if what we want to accomplish is worth it, but are we actually making progress. I don't know. But it was a great doc and really motivated me to get back to a script I'm wanting to write.

And damn do I need to start writing.

AGORA - Spoiler Alert - possibly a synopsis really

2009-06-11T00:02:00.006-05:00

Hey People. As promised, I'm going to talk about movies I saw. I'm sure to do a crappy job at this because I saw the movie a few weeks ago in Cannes and am just writing about it now but them's the brakes.

Agora, Directed by Alejandro Amenabar stars Rachel Weisz, Max Minghella, and Oscar Isaac as the three principle characters Hypatia, Davus and Orestes respectively. The story is about an intelligent and independant thinking woman teaching in a school inside the library at Alexandria. During her time there, religion is divided into the Jews, the Christians and the Pagans. Orestes is introduced mainly by expressing his love for Hypatia. She rebuffs him. Her servant Davus, also a good student, clearly desires her but doesn't act on it. He is a pagan, or believed to be until he and one of the other servants are outed as Christian. The Christians burn a pagan man in the square and this leads to a rebellion on the library, which is run by pagans.

Honestly, all this was a little confusing to keep up with. Mostly because the names of the peripheral but important characters are strange. Also because I feel it's hard to put the characters into three groups until there are almost no pagans left. The Jews and Christians have leaders that look very similar (actors and characters/wardrobe, etc) so it's hard to tell who is who. I will say, the sacking of the library at Alexandria made me want to scream in protest. It angered me so fiercly and immensly at everything that was lost in the library over religion. I realize that this has happened many times and continously throughout the world by various religions but I hated watching it. It made my blood boil. So good on you, Alejandro. Don't know if that was the intended effect but that's how I felt.

But I digress. So, Davus leaves the side of his beloved mistress to fight with the Christians. Orestes, who is pagan, helps to rescue Hypatia and her father, who was wounded during battle. Now there is definitely a bigger battle happening here that what I can explain. The pagans dwindle tremendously. I believe that Ammonius, played by Ashraf Barhom, was essentially leading the Christians (at least for our discussion and for Davus). The Christians were engaged in a violent war with the Jews, lead by Cyril (I think) who is played by Sami Samir. Both we've seen but are relative newcomers in relation to the rest of the cast. Both were extremely well played.

While they are at war, Hypatia continues her study of whether or not the earth travels around the Sun or vice versa. Davus all but disappears from her life and in battle, struggles to find the balance in war with right and wrong. Orestes remains, protecting her, watching out for her. He becomes a roman senator in Alexandria. Hypatia's studies and her independence begin to cause trouble among the people. A former student of hers, now a part of the Christian church and a bishop, Synesius (played by Rupert Evans) comes to speak to Orestes. He and the rest of the Christians was Orestes to convert, as many other Pagans already have. Orestes doesn't want to because he is still and always in love with Hypatia despite that she'll never be with him.

In a public gathering (might have been at church, but I don't remember) Synesius forces Orestes to choose and Orestes publicly refuses to condemn Hypatia both as a pagan and a heretic. He's stoned outside and almost killed. The Christians know she is his weakness and plan to kill her. Davus objects to the plans of his own men, feeling loyalty and love for Hypatia. The Christians capture her and intend to stone her alive. Rather than see her meet this fate, Davus smothers her and they stone her anyway.

The biggest problem I had with the film was that I felt like the central part of the emotive energy was the love story. And that's great, except 1/3 of the love triangle didn't care. Rachel Weisz was phenomenal in this role. I loved her in this film. But her character is so absorbed in her science that the triangle almost exists outside of her. The sexist part of the film is when Davus grants her mercy and smothers her. And it's sad. I cried. It was really sad. But because he loved her. Problem is, he's not around her for a huge portion of the movie because he's fighting against the Jews. The bit with Orestes is sad as well because he truly loves her and opens his heart to her and she refuses. But he is still always at her side even though she'll never love him that way.

It should be said however, Max Minghella and Oscar Isaac were awesome. I really gravitated to their performances in this film. There were a lot of actors I didn't recognize here, but they were all really great and I wanted to know who they were. I highly highly recommend this film. I also apologize for my shitty ability to write a review. But hey, I'm not a professional.

X-Men Origins: Wolverine - Spoilers

2009-05-01T11:28:00.002-05:00

Hey people. So I went to the midnight showing of Wolverine last night. I have to say, I heard in the Variety Review that this was a lot of fighting, and it was. I mean, Hugh Jackman is great. I love Liev Schreiber. But I was disappointed in the dialogue. It was only witty at times and they always went for the old saying. 'Oooh, Shiny'. You know? They never spiced it up, or said something a little off the expected line. I was happy to see Dominic Monaghan in something other than Lost, because he's a great freakin actor. But then they killed him. And I'll be honest, every time I see a singer in a role getting billing above other actors like Dom, I get worried. Will I Am basically had no facial expressions at all. His trick was cool, (character, whatever) but I was so unimpressed. And I may be totally off on all this, because I'm not a comic freak, I'm a movie freak. I watch these movies because some of them are pretty freaking awesome.

But Sabertooth. I mean, what is he exactly? A cat? I mean, he seems like the long lost child of the Vampires and Lycans from Underworld. I also think it was poor use of Kevin Durand. I mean, maybe you are starting to recognize him now, but Kevin Durand has been all over the place for the last few years. The guy has mad skills, especially well show cased in 3:10 to Yuma. Maybe they're giving him a chance to play this character in the future, which I suppose is good, but Kevin has a really nuanced style, in my opinion, going totally unnoticed in this role.

I really like newcomer Taylor Kitsch as Gambit. I think he was a scene stealer. Maybe it was the power Gambit had or Taylor's good looks, but for me, he pulled it off magically. I thought the card dealing bit that sliced things was actually really lame. I was like, 'What kind of power is that?' And it definitely gets cooler, but I just thought he stood out.

I also thought Kayla Silverfox, played by Lynn Collins was a total washout. Lynn is really pretty and visually mesmerizing but the role wasn't anything special. She didn't really get to show her talents off until the end of the film and then she died. So I was disappointed. Maybe she'll get another chance in another film to show herself off a bit more. I'm sure X Men will afford her the opportunity, but one never knows.

Lastly, Ryan Reynolds. I just have to say, this film had some awesome people in it but didn't reallty use them to it's advantage. Ryna Reynolds is attractive, quick witted, and as we know from Blade 3, totally able to pull off a great role. But he's also just lost in this picture. He does some really awesome stuff and then you don't see him again until he can't talk and doesn't look like himself. I mean, were there no other actors that could've done this part who's mouths we'd like to see sewn shut? You're taking the talent right out of this guy by doing that. Part of the allure of Blade 3 is Ryan Reynolds and his wit.

So overall, the movie is okay. Danny Huston is great in the villian role. He really manages to piss off the characters. He also seems really clever when Silverfox is actually not dead. Maybe the comic readers know about this but I didn't. I didn't expect it but the scene didn't play out in a way that tugged at my emotions. I was more emotive toward the watching Sabertooth than anyone else. It just didn't utilize the cast well. it's not that they weren't well cast, it's just that in each role, they actor lost something great about themselves when they became that mutant. Which sort of makes it feel miscast. I think they should have decided who would be best as the mutant character and cast based on that. Like in Fantastic Four, the casting actually seems weird to me, but when they become their changed selves, it makes sense.

I'd give this movie a 2.5. It's got some good scenes, but it actually seems more like a prologue than an actually full lengthed story.

Prepping for Cannes

2009-05-01T11:13:00.003-05:00

Well, going to Cannes in 3 days. I've done a horrible job in packing so far, which means I haven't packed a thing. Also, I've gone shopping pre-trip again because I'm a fashionista on the inside and can't wear the same stuff too many times. Not that I wouldn't re-wear a dress the following year out to a bar or something, but not to a premiere. I mean, I may be no one in particular to everyone else, but I'll remember. I found a couple of great gowns for the red carpet, assuming I can snag tickets again. I'm also packing sunscreen and I hope I need it this time. Last year it rained continuously but for maybe 2 days.

I'm looking forward to meeting Maura and Michael. I'm sitting for Michael who's 18 months up until the festival starts. Then it's free time for me to mosey around the fest and do whatever. I'm not sure what that'll be and I'm always tempted to just galavant around the French Countryside but I'm no celeb with baggage immunity at the airport. So the mosey-ing can't really amount to much.

Every year AmPav takes the students to Ile St. Honorat, an island off the coast of Cannes where the Monty Python Castle is. It's really beautiful. I'm not sure if I'll be going with them this year when they go, so I may go back by myself. I went to the sister island last year, Ile St. Marguerite. It's where the Man in the Iron Mask was held before going to Bastille. True Story. Amazing little prison. Anyhow, the islands are unbelieveable beautiful. It's a short Ferry ride over and great for picture taking.

There's also a Museum at the top of a hill in Cannes. I don't remember what it's of, I think it's a history museum. I might try to go by there as well. Maybe it seems crazy to go to Cannes during the Festival and be looking for other things to do, but the history freak in me can't resist. There's so much amazing stuff in the smallest parts of this town. I mean, I love the fest, and seeing all the people but the truth is, I don't have an all access pass like a celeb does. I don't get to go to any movie I want, or as many as I want. I don't get to go to tons of parties or on yachts. I know there were some students in the past who managed some of these feats but I haven't been lucky enough. (Not that Jessica Simpson's yacht would have been a highlight for me) Truly, I think the best thing would be to explore the town with someone who enjoys it as much as me. Immersing yourself into the history and the culture. It wouldn't hurt if I had more money, either.

Anyhow, off to pack. I leave Monday afternoon and will be arriving in Cannes Tuesday afternoon. I hope to be able to blog while I'm over there and tell you guys about all the great stuff going on. Also, check out my youtube page for any uploaded videos. youtube.com/melyshus.

See you in Cannes!

Life 4/18/09

2009-04-18T00:25:00.004-05:00

Just a little bit of a personal update. And I'll say this, in case you're wondering. I'm not really sure if there are rules to blogging or if there's something specific people want to read about when they read blogs. This page is however, attached to my personal site, so you get personal shit too.

I've been in Chicago for the past few weeks. I got a gig on a TV show here. Since then I was also invited back to Cannes by some colleagues so I've decided to take that route. Of course, I've stirred up a mess of crap for myself by doing that because I also rented an apartment (a sublet, thank god, but it was still for the next 3 months) which I now need to re-rent. So hopefully that will happen for me sooner rather than later as I then need to pack up my crap, head back to St. Louis and then repack entirely different clothing for Cannes. And I am REALLY hoping it doesn't rain this year because last year it did and that was such a load of crap. Last year I went and I have to say it was a shitty trip in comparison to the first year I went. So fingers crossed that this year will be the year I really enjoy myself.

So I plan to try to blog while at Cannes. I don't know how successful I will be. Hopefully I'll do a decent job and it will entertain some people.

Celebrity

2009-04-17T23:42:00.004-05:00

I saw an update on my facebook page and I've been motivated to write in reference to it. Especially because a comment was made to me at one point that insinuated I might be like this person and I HEAVILY feel that I am not.

I was at a bar with a friend. Our first and consequently our only time there, for more reasons than one. Anyhow, while we were there, Lindsey Lohan, Kevin Connolly, Rick Fox, David Arquette and Leonardo DiCaprio were also there. But we were in Hollywood so big fucking deal. Now I'll tell you right now and you probably won't believe me but I don't freak out when I see a celebrity. Why? Not because I'm a hard ass and not because I'm not into film or TV or sports. Just because I someday want to work with *some* of these people and I respect what they do and what they concurently go through because of it.

Now if I had a chance to talk to someone like, say Leonardo for instance, really, what I'd do is offer to help out with something. And I know, who the fuck am I to help him, right? But hey, I love this script he happens to have and I think it should get made as much as he does. But he's having a hard time getting it done. Now if there was anything I could do to assist in the process, that'd be the first thing I'd say. Then I might tell him about some other properties I know about which are out there in the open that I think are worth a look. Now maybe it sounds all business but that's what I'm interested in. Now if we click on another level, say sports, then great, we can talk BoSox all night if he wants. Because I'm a well rounded human with more than 1 interest.

What I think people forget is a celebrity is not a commodity, they're a person. Now I have interest in different celebrities for different reasons. Like their interests and personalities. I was never that big a fan of Leo but I like the way he grew up. I dig his concern for the environment but I hate the fact that he smokes and tends to date only supermodels. Just like I enjoy being around some of my friends but I don't love all their habits either.

So to the point. This guy I know has on his facebook page pictures of him and tons of celebs. He's not white, he's of a different origin. When he went to LA he managed to get an agent. Good for him, right? I mean, he seemed like a nice guy the two times I was around him. But now, since he's had this agent, all I ever see of him are pictures with some celebs like he's their best pal. Now you might be saying 'You're just jealous.' or 'You wish you were him.' Well, you don't know that I'm not. You don't know who my friends are, who I know or don't know. I do know some people. But I'll put up their photos equally with my non-celeb friends. I'm not a bragger. I'm not a name dropper. I, in fact, get embarrased when I talk about someone I know who might be a 'someone' because I'm afraid that's what people will think. And you know what else? If I was friend with a celeb, I'd probably have regular pics of us together, just hanging out. I wouldn't always feel the need to let the world know that I know them.

I think that's my point. Yes, I see celebrites in a business way because I have a passion about their business. Some of them do for a living something that I am very passionate about and I believe I will always have something to say to them about it. But I know they're people too and I'd love to get to know some of them as just who they are without the business. But I'd never objectify them like I feel this person is doing. I'd never use their friendship as a stamp of approval to be measured.

Celebrity is a bitch. It's people waiting for you to fuck up, to break up, to trip up and to vilify you when they think you are selling out or doing a flick they think is wrong for you or whatever. It's like being in high school permanently. Someone always is the geek or the jock or the slut and once you're that way and people make peace with it, they expect you to be it forever. Look how people reacted when Robert Pattinson cut his hair. He cut his hair. Who gives a shit? Well, apparently the entire world. And to think that every single time you meet someone new they are waiting to put that pic of you and them on facebook? Nice. Really tastefull. Just like banning certain types of clothing at school. Just like how everything was so cool in the 70's that Spielberg was just able to walk on set and show people what he was made of. Now, even if you are meant to be on the lot, if you show up early, they're checking your freaking badge with security because what possible reason would you have to be early?

Our culture has shifted so much that we are the reason we can't get close to the people we admire. If everyone just got a god damned grip already, maybe things wouldn't be so insane. I want to give a shout out to all the people out there on the A List or any other list. I know you have perks and a good salary and whatnot, but you put up with stalkers, paparazzi and crazy fans climbing the walls into your homes to do something that you love. That you grew up and dreamed about just like the rest of us and you were good at it and you do it still to this day because you love it. And I really think we should just thank you for putting up with all the shit so you can do a job you love.

'Stand Down Mother, I'm running the Squad!'

2009-04-17T14:16:00.005-05:00

Been way too long since my last post. Was working an insane job. Anyhow.

Vietnam Era Films. I'm not even sure why I care because I have virtually no tie to the time. And yet I love 'Full Metal Jacket' and 'Deer Hunter' like it's nobody's business, you know? And not just because they're clever films but because of what they say about the guys living in the shit. I saw 'Apocalypse Now' after reading 'Heart of Darkness'. I'll be honest, I love books and I love reading. I can imagine the story any way I want but there's obviously something special about a film. It's put up there and though it's interpreted for you, it's presented in a real and beyond imaginable way.

And I love 'Platoon'. One of my favorite songs is in that film and I think it's very appropriate (Adagio for Strings). And these two films each have their own message. But for me, it's really Jacket and Hunter that get me. I mean, Jacket is merciless when confronting the duality of the men and their situation. I mean, they get the crap kicked out of them emotionally and physically and then when they go to Nam, it's like a vacation until the shit really starts hitting the fan. Joker sees Lawrence blow away their drill instructor and is still on with the Wayne accent all through the shit. I mean, the ending message seems like a reality check and then they break into Mickey Mouse. Truly a masterpiece by Kubrick.

And Deer Hunter. Well, I saw that film and was truly mesmerized. And I have the special edition. I'll tell you, if you've not seen the raw footage of DeNiro and the Russian Roulette scene, well, you don't know shit. DeNiro is the man but I'm honestly disappointed with some of the stuff he's chosen to do in the past 10 years because he was so flawless before. Anyway, on a tangent. Deer Hunter truly dives into the lives of those three men. What they thought they knew about the war and each other. How some people can overcome the dark paths of their lives and some men are swallowed whole by the depths. A great moment for Walken as well. I love that the man can handle comedy, but he was a force in this film.

I think anyone who can appreciate a good war film should study these two films. I'm not critic or anything but these films, for me are really something special.

Joaquin Phoenix - Rapper or Hoax?

2009-03-17T15:30:00.003-05:00

As a long time admirer of the work of Joaquin Phoenix, I feel the need to comment on this whole issue. WTF already? Seriously, if this is a hoax, wtf for? And if not, then loose Casey Affleck before you loose all your friends.

Now I'll say, as people who love entertainment, seeing guys like Casey and Joaquin joking around, working and enjoying themselves is fine. What do you think the Oceans movies are? The first one, the most well done, is still just a bunch of guys having a good time. The other 2 were only a bunch of guys having a good time without the following of the audience. We love to see right, good looking guys joking around with each other. But this Phoenix stuff is just crap.

If Phoenix and Affleck are making a mocumentary and having fun at everyone else's expense, then what's the point? To alienate themselves from their friends and co-workers for a laugh? To prove a point? Because I can guess at the possible points, but don't care. Phoenix has a responsibility to James Gray to be out there promoting 'Two Lovers.' And I know it's been a long time since he worked on this movie. I was at Cannes almost a year ago when it played there. He was so gung ho about going to the fest and got sick and couldn't go and all this crap. And now he's pulling this stunt? Guess what guys? It's not funny, it's stupid.

And, on the other hand, if this is a real career move (which I highly doubt) then stop dicking around and get real. Take Gweneth's advice, get something real to sing (not rap) about and tell Casey the doc is off until people start taking you seriously. Because people think it's a joke. If you're really going to put yourself at arms length from a group of people anyone is lucky to be a part of for a serious career move, then be serious. No one is laughing but you guys.

Public Enemies

2009-03-15T13:17:00.003-05:00

I know I can't possibly have much to say about this film as there is only a trailer, a plot and a poster but I want to get it on the record. I first heard about this film more than a year ago. I heard three things. 1. Michael Mann. 2. Johnny Depp. 3. John Dillinger. That's pretty much all I needed to hear until I then later heard 4. Christian Bale.

Now I've been told from people who know that Michael Mann is a prick. I have no idea. I've never met the guy. I love his films and I'm really not even the type of wanna-be director who is engulfed in favorite Directors. It's just not my style. I do however, love this guys films. I mean, 'Heat'? 'Collateral'. I think Miami Vice was a misstep, but not by much. Anyway, this guy knows Chicago. And this guy knows a subject like John Dillinger. If anything, I'm pissed because I am still dying for the chance to make a great mob movie and I know this one is going to be it. I am going to go on record right here and say I will be surprised if this film isn't considered an early Oscar contender.

Simply put, Michael Mann is a good director and this subject is right up his alley. Johnny Depp, well, speaks for himself. The guy is a chameleon with style, able to be everything crazy like Sweeney Todd or Jack Sparrow but also cool and amazing in 'Finding Neverland' and my personal favorite, 'The Libertine'. He is just as awesome with the makeup as he is without. Sometimes, without all the bells and whistles, I think he is even more mesmerizing.

Now I know what you're thinking. You're thinking, oh, she, like every girl, has a crush on Johnny Depp. You're not wrong, but I have a crush on his talent. The same one I have for Christian Bale. Love him or hate him (after the whole yelling thing, which I personally loved) these guys are f'ng talented people. They both metamorphosize without losing who they are and without compromising themselves within the character.

With that being said, I'm sure Marion Cotillard will be fantastic. Also you have LeeLee Sobieski and Emilie de Ravin who are no joke. I can hardly even write at the thought of all the right people in this movie. I mean, the poster of Johnny Depp that's out right now... it looks spot on. I'll say that. He looks like he was born to play John Dillinger and I am really looking forward to it.

So, I don't have much to add. I think this film is an early Oscar contender and I think all the buzz over the trailer helps to support my theory. But, this was my theory before the trailer. This was my theory even before anyone other than Depp, Mann and Bale were involved and I'm sticking to it. If you weren't planning on giving this film a chance, I hope you reconsider. And later on when it's nominated, I hope you'll remember me.

Watchmen - spoiler alert

2009-03-15T09:59:00.000-05:00

So I saw 'Watchmen' the other day. I've been pretty hyped about it, like most people. I know Zack did a hell of a job, visually at least, on 300. So, I'm thinking, combine that with Superheroes and hell, it should be awesome. I even shelled out the extra bucks to watch the digital projection on the mega screen. And I have to say, while some bits were visually stunning (even without IMAX, the shot straight down the side of the building was compelling) and graphic (ick, bullets through people's legs) it was kinda depressing. Maybe I would have known this if I'd read 'Watchmen' but I haven't. I'm an unbiased audience member, save my tiny career in the film biz. I wanted to see this amazing struggle and I felt like there wasn't one. I really don't think I liked the ending. Not that Dr. Manhattan takes the wrap but that Matthew Goode's character is totally cool with killing all those people because they have no belief in mankind being able to work it's shit out. Honestly, with out the little present and a bow with Jupiter and Owl guy at the end, the movie was depressing. It was well done for what it was but I was freaking depressed afterward and it isn't (despite my huge collection of dramas) a movie I would buy and watch over and over again.

I think, like I felt about 'The Dark Knight', that it might be a little too big for my TV.

Introduction

2009-03-15T09:53:00.001-05:00

I love film. I've been a film geek since I was a little kid living in a small town walking up the street to the movie theater to see 'The Labyrinth'. I fell and scraped my knees on the way there and the movie terrified me. I was 6.

Even before that day, I've loved movies. Darth Vader was one of my favorite people before I could even understand what he was. I'll admit, I wasn't ever one of those 6 or 8 or 10 year olds, running around with a camera making movies. It just wasn't in my family playbook. I did dress up a lot and had a healthy creative childhood.

I decided in High School that I wanted to go into film and was immediately called an idiot, in so many words. It happens. People in the midwest don't think of film as a career, they think of it as a pastime.

So now I'm knee deep in trying to make it in film but I just wanted to throw this blog up here so I can talk about it. Might talk about some other stuff too, if it comes up. Please feel free to comment and stop by to give it a read.

Thanks,

Melissa