Thanks, Ray, for your kind words about my recommendation on "Sweeney Todd." I
stand by everything I said.
And thanks to you for your suggestion on "Diving Bell and the Butterfly."
I've read the name but have seen little about it. I'm sure it will show up here
at our one pitiful excuse for an "art" theatre in New Orleans before much
longer. I'll definitely see it on your say-so alone.
When you wrote me you sent the message only to me. Since you said, "...and
All..." I assume you meant the post to go to the entire group. So I took it
upon myself to post the reply that way. Hope that's okay with you.
And please, call me "Joe."
I thank you again and hope you find the Burton/Sondheim "Sweeney Todd" to be
the cinematic masterpiece I think it is--- a brilliant retelling of a True
"horror" story, one that brings out the True "horror" of it all--- man's
inhumanity to man that breeds more inhumanity to man.
Two minutes of its brilliant score and lyrics are worth more than every
pilfered-from-Puccini note by today's "other" best-known theatrical composer
and the two-hours of dazzling cinema from one of today's cleverest and most
inventive filmmakers is worth miles of celluloid spent on amusingly-gruesome
parables of the past and certainly worth more than every gore-soaked,
semi-literate "dead teenager" movie (thanks, Siskel and Ebert) from the era of
"color-only-or-we-won't-go" slash-trash masking as ten-buck entertainment!
And as for the young man that that ghoul Freddy slashed up so many years
ago.... well, I just guess he had to get his revenge!!!!!
Hand that boy an Oscar!!!
Joe B in NOLA
[EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
To Joseph and All,
Thanks for the tip on "Sweeney Todd." I haven't seen it yet but as I'm a huge
fan of the Broadway show (I've seen it probably four times). I've been waiting
with great anticipation to unwrap this long-awaited film like a great big
Christmas present. I can't wait to see what Tim Burton has done with it (other
than trim it down from a 3-hour piece). But I have just seen a film I'd like to
share with all of you - "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." I thought the film
was extraordinary and unforgettable.
I haven't experienced a film since "The Lives of Others" that affected me
so deeply and I highly recommend it to everyone interested in movies that
represent a truly unique, artistic vision. It's based on a true story which, by
the conclusion, may cause you re-evaluate your life, your work and the people
around you. Julian Schnabel, the director, does a very effective job of
bringing the story to life visually but his handling of the actors is really
remarkable. No chew the scenery "acting" here guys! The cinematography deserves
an award, scoring is impeccable and the screenplay is beautifully written. Try
not to miss this poignant and compelling movie which, without being
sentinmental, is truly inspirational.
Happy Holidays to All!
Ray Ruggeri
-------------- Original message --------------
From: Joseph Bonelli <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Apologies if this has already posted. There is no indication on my email
that it ever made it to the list.
Merry Christmas, etc. from Joe Bonelli in NOLA:
Hi, all, from Joe B in NOLA
I have just seen the most brilliant film adaptation of a musical play I could
ever imagine-- and (finally!) the film masterpiece that I've always known Tim
Burton to be capable of!!!
"Sweeney Todd" is simply fantastic!!
Stunning performances from Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman,
Timothy Small and more and more!!
I could go on but I won't. If you must read about it, I refer you all to the
unceasing pages of rave reviews pouring out of every paper, magazine and media
critic imaginable.
And if you don't like musicals--- well, there's plenty of gore to go around!!
Seriously! This is the film to beat for all awards this year. Do yourselves
a favor and head to the cinema asap!!
As soon as the young-and-old-kiddie-parade finishes (i.e., the holidays are
over) I'm hieing my butt back to the multiplex to see and hear it in all its
gleaming, grisly glory again!
Joe
PS-- It didn't hurt that composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim and his perrenial
orchestrator (Jonathan Tunick) and conductor (Paul Gemigniani) were on hand to
gleefuly participate in the paring down of a work of art of one type into a
work of art of another!
Simply couldn't be better.
Joe
PPS-- And despite this "bloody" message-- ,Happy Holidays, a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year to you all.
Joe
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