The Quest – Episode 13

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the idea of “independent cinema” and why for many of us this is closely related to ideas of New York City.

The angry horse had a humorous face

  Equus (1977) When 17-year old Alan Strang blinds six horses with a metal spike, psychiatrist Martin Dysart (Richard Burton) investigates at the request of a court magistrate. After a series of intense therapy sessions, Alan reveals he worships horses as the manifestation of the divine. When a girl took him to the stables to consummate… Continue reading The angry horse had a humorous face

45 years of big concussions

  Concussion (2015) After forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) examines the body of former Pittsburgh Steeler Mike Webster, he believes Webster’s erratic behavior and suicide were the result of damage done to his brain during his playing career. Over a period of several years, Omalu investigates the deaths of several former NFL players and confirms… Continue reading 45 years of big concussions

The Week That Was, Issue 13

January 18, 2016 – January 24, 2016 Monday, January 18, 2016 1) They Made Me a Fugitive (1947) Why I watched: MUBI’s film of the day. After World War II, financially desperate Clem Morgan works with Narcissus, a shady black market dealer. After Narcissus betrays him and frames him for murder, Clem escapes from prison and… Continue reading The Week That Was, Issue 13

The Quest – Episode 11

In this episode, Ben and I discuss the upcoming 88th Academy Awards. I offer some of my thoughts on the major awards and who I think will win.

I’ll see you in the montage of my anonymous dreams

  Cobain: Montage of Heck (2015) With unprecedented access to Kurt Cobain’s personal letters, home videos, and surviving family members, Brett Morgen creates a searing portrait of the rock icon. While the film wisely avoids portraying Cobain as a stereotypical tortured artist, it’s clear his unstable home life contributed to the angst and rage in his… Continue reading I’ll see you in the montage of my anonymous dreams

The Week That Was, Issue 12

January 11, 2016 – January 17, 2016 Monday, January 11, 2016 1) Bugsy Malone (1976) Why I watched: In Empire’s top 500 films of all time. While Fat Sam and his chief rival Dandy Dan fight over control of a speakeasy, boxing promoter Bugsy Malone (Scott Baio) begins a relationship with Blousey Brown, but has to fend off… Continue reading The Week That Was, Issue 12

The Week That Was, Issue 11

January 4, 2016 – January 10, 2016 Monday, January 4, 2016 1) Inside Moves (1980) Why I watched: Diana Scarwid was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. After a suicide attempt leaves Roary (John Savage) partially paralyzed, he drown his sorrows at a bar frequented by other disabled people where he meets Jerry (David… Continue reading The Week That Was, Issue 11