THE END OF THE WORLD IN OUR USUAL BED IN A NIGHT FULL OF RAIN...

Say what you will, and I will say I've never liked any of her films -- but Lina Wertmuller came up with some wicked cool titles for them in her day. The one poster'd to the left is my personal favorite. It is one of her typical films in which men and women go at sex like a battle and argue politics in really ugly clothing. This one was worse than usual because it starred Candice Bergen speaking English while everyone else is either speaking that or Italian, but every actor's mouth seemed to not match the words coming out of their respective mouths. Henry Miller must have had sex with her because he made a gave her a very glowing review of thought that seems to follow her where ever her film work and politics take her. However, this post has nothing to do with that movie or Lina Wertmuller. I just thought I would use one of her cool titles. I do think Ms. Wertumuller gives best title this side of Carrie Fisher --- who is also a master of great titles. But, once again -- I digress.

As I injured my back I've had several "miss-starts" this weekend. I tried to go out a couple of times yesterday to do various little things -- like take a walk or visit Ms. Ing at her book shop where I could possibly harass her for the hardback novelizations of FOR THE LOVE OF BENJI or YOU LIGHT UP MY LIFE ...but it wasn't meant to be. It hurt too much to move. So aside from a couple of very short walks all I really did Friday night, Saturday and up till 3pm today was lay about watching DVD's and trying not to eat much. I AM going out tonight, however much the pain!!!! I can't stay in the house anymore! Wahhhh! Anyway, I've important plans with my bud, Alan. We are taking over the world tonight. Or, at least taking that first all important step toward world domination. That's not true. We're just having a cheap dinner and seeing a movie but should the possibility of world domination come up I'm sure we will go for that!

My Broken Back Film Fest started with a viewing of Tony Scott's uber-cool THE HUNGER with running commentary from Susan Sarandon and Mr. Scott -- both of whom sounded really old. Why are all my fave film actors getting so bloody old!?!?! What is up with that? At any rate! I am never ceased to be amazed at how fucking cool it is when you put Bauhaus, Ann Magnuson, Susan Sarandon, David Bowie and Catherine Deneuve in the same movie! AND, you mix in bi-sexualized goth vampires with loads of early 80's stylin' clothes and "noir-like sinematography" --- Well, you end up with a flawed but totally kick ass movie! Still, I sure wish that they had retained the novel's original ending which made sense. The ending to the movie just annoys -- tho that is a great shot! Oh, and I learned that Ms. Deneuve is really sweet, smart and loves to garden and it takes lots of hand cream to keep her hands looking soft for the screen. And, if you ask me, she does remain the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in movies. Tho, I would rather watch Isabelle Huppert. What is it about French women!?!?

Then I made it a David Bowie double feature by watching the director's cut of MAN WHO FELL TO EARTH. ...Every time I see this movie I forget how very much I like it. Does anyone get any cooler than David Bowie?!!?!? Ever?!?!? Now, I just need to watch it again with Mr. Bowie's commentary. I do wonder what that is like.

Then it was time to plug in the latest twisted film from Korean Cinema's Bad Boy, Ki-duk Kim!!! TIME -- or SHI GAN (for those of you who might be able to speak Korean) has caused a bit of an uproar with Ki-duk and his nation. However, that seems to happen with every film Ki-duk ever makes. I really suspect much of this is of his own doing. Too bad as I think he may be the most important director to come out of Korea. But what is one to do when the writer/producer/director insists on making films that push every envelope and then decides to take every critical comment as a personal assault. Still, Korea is more than happy to push him to other countries at film fests! So, it is our win. He is incredible and complex in his film making. But, be warned - You never know what you might get. When he is good he is very good. When he is bad, he is even better. But, when he is awful, his movie can suck. ...really badly suck.

I had really been curious about this film and upset when it failed to get ANY distribution and only played at a couple of film fests in other countries. I do not think it ever played the US. As cultural obsession with beauty and fitting the "ideal" body type has reached just about all of us --- I was quite interested in seeing what he would do with this topic. This is what I would call a visually intellectual piece of filmmaking. The surreal aspect of the film is both interesting and frustrating because it hurts the socio-political context of the idea but the film is well worth seeing. It is not his best. I had read that many critics and viewer's had trashed the acting of the performers. This is unfair as it is quite clear that they are giving us just what Kim wants -- almost opera-level theatrics to match the over-the-top nature of the story. By the way, I MUST get to Korea to visit the sculpture park (if it is real)
Does anyone know?!?!!? Look at this sculpture! If it is just a film set, I LOVE it! I hope it is real, tho! I need to go touch and explore these statues!

Then, it really was time for bed. I was so tired. However, the back hurt too much. So I lined up all the pillows, took Ibubrofen and decided to watch me some Takashi Miike. When you're not feeling all that great, are sleepy but unable to sleep and you're home all alone --- you might now want to watch his segment from 3 EXTREMES. ...it is called BOX. Beautifully filmed and slowly paced --- it sort of slips up on you. If ever you see a pair of little girls intent on fitting themselves into a box --- I suggest you just walk away before anything suspect happens. Because little girls should not try to fit themselves into tiny boxes. ...Especially if the box is made of wood, locks and is near a oil burning lamp. Most worrying. I also watched 2-LDK, Yukihiko Tsutsumi's funny horror movie, for the 30th or 100th time.
...It always leaves me feeling relieved that I'm not a gorgeous Japanese fashion girly-girl model in need of a fellow glam model roommate. ...because, like pretty little girls fitting themselves into tiny boxes -- this also spells loads of trouble. What is it with fashion models and their love of chainsaws? ...Or is this a strictly Japanese horror/comedy device?!?!?!

Anyway, I'm up. My back feels MUCH better! And, I've got my fingers crossed to hear from some job prospects starting tomorrow! ...and, he rambles on and on.