Graffiti 21

"All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers." -Francois Fenelon

Sexism In Improv

Went to iO tonight and saw something inexcusable.

The 1941 show got cancelled because of no audience. Some of us headed over to iO and caught the second team during their opening. I became upset and eventually enraged by the first beat/second scene, it started with a guy initiating kind of like a renovator scene. Take out this wall, replace the hard wood floors etc. A woman was his scene partner. She clearly initiated a sidekick type thing repeating, summing up, and following his pacing around the stage. About four lines in he says "Close your mouth, open your ears."

Boom.

Dutifully she took the line as a gift and stopped talking, the guy talked and after about a minute asked her a question. She pantomimed a response and the scene was edited. At the end of the scene she was referenced as a temp and then it was called back later in a virtually identical scene. That took some of the air out of it but it was still bad. Not bad as in not funny but bad as in not right.

Men. Don't do that. I don't care if you don't like the woman, I don't care if you think she's a bad improviser, it doesn't matter. No one deserves to be told to shut up in a scene. You cannot say obviously sexists things as if it were maybe ironic. There is no distance, especially if you actually don't like the person in real life. If you're on a team and you see this happen on the sidelines MAKE A MOVE. Improv isn't real life so there actually can be justice within it. If you see a teammate being subjugated or being taken advantage of MAKE A MOVE. When I saw this I wished I was on the team so I could come on and either straight up kill the guy or be his boss, tell him to shut up, and elevate the woman. But mostly: Don't do that shit.

Women. Let them know it's not cool and fight back. Newsflash: you can walk out. You always have the option of walking out of a scene you're in. You always have the option to say "Fuck you" and exit. If this would have happened to me that's what I would have done, leave the a-hole on stage by himself, see how he manages then. Challenge the guy. It's totally cool to challenge someone and start a fight at any time. 'Yes And' is our credo but it's not the end all be all. You can fight whenever you want especially if someone is selling you out during a scene. In general I'd say if someone tells you to shut up, don't shut up.

Obvious stuff can be funny. I know, I've been there.

But don't make that move.

'Conan O'Brien Can't Stop' A Review

A documentary beginning with Conan's firing from 'The Tonight Show' follows his live tour through North America. A cross between Bob Dylan's 'Don't Look Back' and Vince Vaughn's 'Old West Comedy Show'. The film is a fascinating portrait of who Conan really is, what drives him.

The title is absolutely perfect. The most interesting part of the film is Conan's obsession with and need to perform. You see Conan at a volatile part of his life and it feels like a very accurate portrayal. He's highs are high and his lows are low. We see him elated, depressed, and angry. He makes jabs at his staff one minute and says he couldn't do it without them the next. He bemoans meeting fans and signing autographs but can't keep himself away when he knows there's a crowd waiting for him.

The clearest thing in the film is Conan's driving need to perform. As a performer myself I can identify but his is obviously on a totally different level. There are moments before the shows where Conan simply sits alone, waiting, anticipating the rush of the crowd. After shows he quickly tears off his shirt and flops down in a chair completely spent. The expression he has during both moments is the same, empty. He needs the audience to animate him, afterwards he's given everything but still wants more. He gives his all during performances you can tell. After every show the camera simply watches Conan sweat and pant. He's 47 after all.

One of my favorite scenes of the film is from Conan's LA show. His manager organizes a party before the show with celebrities and critics. This enrages Conan because he's forced to be 'on' when he should be mentally preparing himself. He works the crowd but we know from asides he's seething. His old employee and friend Jack McBrayer comes into his dressing room with Jon Hamm and he mercilessly makes fun of him. Conan takes out all his frustration on McBrayer. It's all funny of course and presumably not personal but still it's...mean. But we also get a sense that he does it because he's frustrated and their friends, he can do it and probably needs to. We also know McBrayer takes it with a grain of salt because he does a jig towards the end of the sequence.

This movie lets us know the man we watch every night on TV on a personal level. Anyone who feels a need to perform should watch this movie(improvisers this means you!). It's fun, funny, and has the ring of truth.

Don't Miss It.

Graffiti 20

Found this on Wrightwood. When I see tags I recognize it's like a greeting from a friend.

It says 'I'm still here.'

Don't Forget.

A Good Samaritan

I got my wallet in the mail this week. It's signed "-Somebody Else."

Makes you wonder who it was. Whoever you are, thank you.

'The Tree Of Life' A Review

There isn't a plot to speak of with his movie. The movie starts with Brad Pitt and Jessica Chastain dealing with the death of one of their three boys. What follows is a long sequence with everything from space to cells to dinosaurs. An attempt I think to make a sketch of the entire history of the world. Woof. For most of the remainder of the movie we follow a slice of life of Pitt's family presumably during one summer in his three boys childhood. There are brief flashes forward to current day with Sean Penn playing one of the boys all grown up.

I had a lot of problems with this movie chief of which was that it took itself way to seriously. So serious in fact it's difficult to take any pleasure in watching it. The score is loudly dramatic and ever present. There is non sequitur voice over throughout the picture that adds nothing but distracts much. I found myself asking myself multiple times "why am I watching this? what is this suppose to mean?" It has a striking resemblance to the pretension of "The Fountain."

There isn't an actual scene with extended dialogue till 2/3 of the way through the epic 140 minutes. I guess you could say it was well acted but the acting in an of it self is so torturous you don't really want to watch it. I guess Brad Pitt has a good performance but the father he plays is overbearing and unlikable. A person that, if he existed now, could be reported to DCFS. The voice over and score make every simple familial interaction an existential crisis. It reminded me of some of the worst plays I've seen at the Steppenwolf Theater.

Superbly acted but so pretentiously heavy you don't even want to watch.

Skip it.

'Super 8' A Review

Forward, a pertinent point on reviews: In an interview recently with Terry Gross J.J. Abrahms said he thinks knowing things about a movie before seeing it detract from your movie going experience. I agree. I'm a review junkie so have tried to delay my habit and read reviews after watching to see how they compare. You don't want opinions coloring your impression. With that said a lot of people like reviews and use them as a guiding tool for what to see because they don't go to movies frequently. I get that but that's not me. I see everything. I mean, I saw 'Transformers 2' on opening night and I knew I would hate it. The movie opens with the death of our protagonist Joe's mother. We get the impression that Joe and his father are isolated, his dad is emotionally unequipped to deal with the loss. Four months later Joe and his friends, chief among them Charles the writer/director, are making a zombie movie. Charles the chubby/bossy/normal best friend of the more reserved Joe asks an older girl Alice(Elle Fanning) to play a part in the movie. She agrees much to the boys excitement and steals her dad's car in order to drive them. They all arrive at midnight to shoot a scene at the local train station.

During shooting a train arrives and is initially derailed by an on coming truck. A major accident happens and something, we don't know what, is released from an Air Force freight car. After that things in the small Ohio town takes a turn for the peculiar. The children continue to shoot the movie but the situation in the town degenerates. Things are being stolen, people are disappearing, the military is everywhere without explanation etc.

While this is happening the real meat of the movie is on the plate. A beautiful complex friendship or romance is developing between Joe and Alex. We get a real sense of this group of boys and Alice, who they are, their struggles, their interests. We see Joe's struggling relationship with his father. His father's fury, his father's despair, but also his father's courage and edge while dealing with the towns crisis(he's a cop). We see this group of friends, all nerds, pouring all their love and energy into making a movie in the midst of this local disaster. Charles also is a stand out character. Always flushed, always speaking too loud. But lovable. No matter how loud, bossy, or creative he is he knows he won't get Alice. Joe will and because of this we love Charles too.
I won't discuss the creature or any of the second half of the movie but I will say it's fun and it satisfying. Kyle Chandler is great as Joe's dad and his chemistry with Joe is great. The whole dynamic between the friends is so pleasurable to watch. People have compared it to E.T. but I think that's inaccurate. It's way more violent and edgy than E.T. I hated E.T. I would say it's more a Stand By Me/It/Hearts In Atlantis type movie. Like a coming of age movie with a sci-fi or other world element.

See It.

Graffiti 18 and 19

I have to dedicate this pic to Laura who's lent me her digital camera for a while. I couldn't continue this series without her generosity since mine was stolen.

The graffiti above is a tag I've seen as early as my first appearance in Chicago in 2006. "You Are Beautiful". The first time I saw it was one of my first nights in Chicago in Bucktown. I thought it was the most positive, supportive piece of graffiti. Now these stickers are up everywhere.

The second piece says "Can't Sleep...Doyle". If you can't read it. It's poignant to me because often times I have trouble sleeping.

"No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap." ~Carrie Snow

Feel free to comment on past, present, and future posts. Feedback is always appreciated.

Revolt

The latest installment of Beanpole and I's collaboration.

(via phone)
Me: We haven't done one of these in a while.
Beanpole: Yeah, lets get back into it. What you got?
Me: The word is 'Revolt', it's not an emotion but-
Beanpole: No that's good, we're branching out.
Me: The movie's 'Cool Hand Luke'.
Beanpole: Nice. What are some images you think this pair evokes?
Me: Eggs, chains, rain, ummm-
Beanpole: That's enough, that's all I need.

Tom Dreesen

Andel and I went to see Tom Dreesen last night before El Show. The show was called "An Evening of Laughter and Memories of Frank Sinatra." It was probably one of the most enjoyable shows I've been to in years.

If you don't know him Tom Dreesen is an old school stand-up comedian, started at The Comedy Store with Robin Williams, David Letterman etc. For the bulk of his career he opened for Frank Sinatra and is a regular guest on The Late Show.

The show was...fascinating. The show began with Tom doing his act, transitioned into him telling stories about his life and time with Sinatra, and ended with another short stand-up routine.

His act was the same that it's been probably for a decade. He did a Lewinsky joke. Even so he totally killed and he had the most eye drawing presence. You couldn't help but watch him. The best part of the show by far was when he told stories about his time with Sinatra.

Dreesen: When Frank was 78 he was fading. I was waiting for the time he'd come up to me and say "it's time to go home." We were doing a show in Denver 20 minutes into his show Frank forgot the lyrics to a song. He stopped in the middle and just kept saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." The band vamped for a while and then fell silent. All you could hear was Franks saying "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." I prepared myself for the end then. He'd walk off stage and tell me that was it. Some guy stood up in the balcony and shouted "It's all right Frank! We love you Frank! It's all right!" And he started to clap. A couple other people joined him and then eventually the entire audience did. Frank started to exit, and I thought this is it, then he stopped came back and did "Maybe You''ll be There," he sang the shit out of that song. Frank toured for another 2 years. I thought that was the end that night. And that guy whether he knows it or not gave Frank 2 more years.

Both of us almost lost it. All in all it was a great night.

Steve's Guide To Going To The Movies

1. Snacks- Don't get snacks. Movie snacks are super expensive and bad for you. You don't want to be starving when you go to the movies sure but you don't need a distraction. Like constantly adjusting the position of the popcorn bag or the nacho tin. If you bring a snack bring something healthy: an apple, cherries, a granola bar. Something small you can stow in your pocket or purse that isn't going to fill you up. If you have to do the whole movie and popcorn thing put Milk Duds in your popcorn. Delicious salty sweet surprise!

2. Seating- Sit as close as you dare. I usually opt for the second or third row. Immerse yourself in the movie. You're there for an escape, to be entertained. Embrace that experience, don't sit as far away from it as you can. Be a participant not a spectator. And yes sometimes you'll be overwhelmed if the camera moves too fast or there are lots of jump cuts. But so what? You're there, you're in it. It's yours.

3. Company- Go to movies alone. You want to see a movie go see it. Don't feel weird about, it's OK. Don't say "Oh I wanted to see this movie but I couldn't find someone to go with," see the picture. Sometimes it'll be a bust, other times it'll be amazing. Go to movies with friends. Few people in your life will have the same taste in movies as you. Go to movies with your friends that you both will/should/could like. There's nothing worse than going to a movie with someone who doesn't want to be there and all you want to do is enjoy the show.

3a. Dating- Go to whatever movie your significant other wants to see. Period. Expect them to do the same. It's cool if you didn't like each others pick. Don't make fun of the movie your partner picked. It hurts their feelings and makes them feel guilty about picking it. I would allege all movies are entertaining. At least they move faster than most bad improv shows.

3b. Talkers- Only go to the movies with a talker if you want to make fun of the movie.

4. Expectations and Reviews- Try to go in with a clean slate. If you have high expectations for a movie inevitably it'll be a disappointment. Try not to read reviews because they detail too much plot and describe to fully what the movie is. It's better to find that out yourself and then read the review to see how your views compare. If you're on the fence, sure, read some reviews, but it's much better to ask a friend whose seen the movie and get their recommendation.

5. Talk About It- If you went with someone ask them what they thought. Tell them what you thought. It gives you more mileage out of your movie going experience. You'll get a better idea of how the person thinks and what they like. If you go alone drop it in conversation. Joke about a scene or a line or a performance. Take a stance on the movie in a group of people and see who grabs the bait.

My go to in summer of '09 was "Hey, you guys seen HP6?"

Graffiti 17

Remember, you're all gods and poets.

"The poet is in the end probably more afraid of the dogmatist who wants to extract the message from the poem and throw the poem away than he is of the sentimentalist who says, "Oh, just let me enjoy the poem." ~Robert Penn Warren

Graffiti 16

Sometimes things can be somewhat of a strain.

“There's a thread that binds all of us together, pull one end of the thread, the strain is felt all down the line." -Rosamund Marshall

The Beauty Within

Focus is unimportant.
Are you real,
Are you whole.

You, Yes you.
I love you.

'Six-String Samurai' A Review

The Russians nuked us back in the 60's. Elvis took over the west and made himself president, capitol Las Vegas. The rest of the U.S. is a wasteland. The movie opens, Elvis is dead, the Las Vegas throne sits empty. Warrior-musicians come from everywhere to vie for the crown. We follow our hero, a black and white dressed Buddy Holly on his way to Vegas with a child in tow.

There's no real point in describing the plot. It's random. The dialogue is nonsensical. But the Journey is clear. A great man traveling to find his fate. I'd describe it more but at this point I'd just say...

See it.

'Drive Angry' A Review

Drive Angry is a genuine grindhouse picture. Since Grindhouse
(Death Proof and Planet Terror) came out there's been a rejuvenation of the grindhouse film. Nick Cage breaks out of Hell for revenge on the people that have killed his family. The movie is basically a none stop ride of violence, fast cars, and sex. The plot is more of a ride than an actual followable narrative. William Fichner does a great turn as 'The Accountant' a minon from hell sent to bring Cage back.

The movie is full of quips and one liners. There's a scene where Cage has sex with a waitress while he kills multiple villains...

For what it is, I think this movie is great. See it. Cage plays Cage. Crazy, bound by nothing, murderous. And of course there are some great lines. At the end of the picture Cage is being taken back to hell. An old school T-Bird appears out of nothing to drive him back.

"Even in Hell, there is compassion."

A Wrigleyville Soliloquy

(Front door of the former Bar Louie on Clark)

Overbearing father! The chains of nepotism choke me so.
Take your fast track marketing position,
Take your ease and opportunity.
Do I not desire to struggle?
Do I not yearn to prove myself through words and deeds?
I am a MAN! Absent father!

O' the sweet kiss of a woman's hand on mine
as we watch the sunrise over the lake.
The torrid quarrels we get into on a summers night,
the wind at our backs, words of passion in our throats.
The delightful dribble of mango juice that cascade down our chins
as we picnic on a country hill side.
The beauty within shines ever brighter outside,
Out of the base hedonistic dance houses.

My sweet Cubs. The ever adolescent Cubs.
Always Cubs never Bears. Doomed to constantly evolve but never
Grow. You envelope every inch of me. The taverns I frequent,
The ensembles I wear. WHY! WHY! Do you lose!
It fills my heart with Rage and Despair.
If you can never become a man how can I?
We are both trapped.
Suspended Animation.
(punch, breaks glass)