戲夢人生
Taiwan
December 28, 2006
[Broadway] The Little Dog Laughed
December 21, 2006
Cort Theatre
Written by: Douglas Carter Beane
Cast:
Tom Everett Scott
Julie White
Johnny galecki
Ari Graynor
Cort Theatre
Written by: Douglas Carter Beane
Cast:
Tom Everett Scott
Julie White
Johnny galecki
Ari Graynor
[Gig] Lou Reed - Berlin
December 15, 2006
St. Ann's Warehouse, DUMBO, Brooklyn
I walked alone in the cold night, as always, on the street of Brooklyn. After few turns, there is was, the Bridge. Magnificent but not intimidating, surreal as as the show I was going to hear. Everyone sit, the swing of the body could only within few inches parameter. I could not help wonder what was it like if the performance took place 30 years ago. This was the second one of the four shows, and I felt like it locked in the secluded place and night, became some kind of tale or myth.
I might have to persuade myself that I've seen Lou Reed years from now.
St. Ann's Warehouse, DUMBO, Brooklyn
I walked alone in the cold night, as always, on the street of Brooklyn. After few turns, there is was, the Bridge. Magnificent but not intimidating, surreal as as the show I was going to hear. Everyone sit, the swing of the body could only within few inches parameter. I could not help wonder what was it like if the performance took place 30 years ago. This was the second one of the four shows, and I felt like it locked in the secluded place and night, became some kind of tale or myth.
I might have to persuade myself that I've seen Lou Reed years from now.
December 26, 2006
The Painted Veil (2006)
US
Director: John J. Curran
Book: W. Somerset Maugham
Cast:
Naomi Watts - Kitty Fane
Edward Norton - Walter Fane
Liev Schreiber - Charlie Townsend
Toby Jones - Waddington
Director: John J. Curran
Book: W. Somerset Maugham
Cast:
Naomi Watts - Kitty Fane
Edward Norton - Walter Fane
Liev Schreiber - Charlie Townsend
Toby Jones - Waddington
December 03, 2006
The Beat That My Heart Skipped (2005)
De battre mon couer s'est arrêté
France
Director: Jacques Audiard (Read My Lips)
Screenwriter: Jacques Audiard, Tonino Benacquista
Cast:
Romain Duris - Tom
Niels Arestrup - Robert
Linh-Dan Pham - Miao-Lin
Aure Atika - Aline
Emmanuelle Devos - Chris
France
Director: Jacques Audiard (Read My Lips)
Screenwriter: Jacques Audiard, Tonino Benacquista
Cast:
Romain Duris - Tom
Niels Arestrup - Robert
Linh-Dan Pham - Miao-Lin
Aure Atika - Aline
Emmanuelle Devos - Chris
Big Eden (2000)
US
Director / Screenwriter: Thomas Bezucha
Cast:
Arye Gross - Henry Hart
Eric Schweig - Pike Dexter
Louise Fletcher - GraceCornwell
George Coe - Sam Hart
Director / Screenwriter: Thomas Bezucha
Cast:
Arye Gross - Henry Hart
Eric Schweig - Pike Dexter
Louise Fletcher - GraceCornwell
George Coe - Sam Hart
December 02, 2006
[Gig] My Morning Jacket
November 30, 2006
Roseland Ballroom
w/ The Slip (who are moose, raccoon, and wolf tonight)
If I can reserve a section of my brain, dedicating to My Morning Jacket, engraving their performance this evening in my head and never letting anything else to overwrite that section, I will. Maybe I've already done so. In my short-listed gig-going history, this one easily reaches the top of my list. Lack of knowledge and vocabulary in rock'n'roll writing prevent me from properly documenting my overloaded senses, but the brain-exploding experience can not be more authentic. The first time I find a band/performance so integrated, impeccable team work and chemistry, and Jim James.
My Morning Jacket and the voice of Jim James will haunt me for a long time, and I welcome it heartily.
My Morning Jacket is:
Jim James
Two-Tone Tommy - bass
Parick Hallahan - drum
Bo Koster - keyboard
Carl Broemel - guitar
Setlist:
one big holiday
wonderful man
gideon
way he singz
off the record
just one thing
it beats
wordless
lowdown
lay low
phone
dondante
run thru
they ran
--
tonite i want to
nashwille to ky
golden
steam
dancefloors
mahgeeta
anytime
Roseland Ballroom
w/ The Slip (who are moose, raccoon, and wolf tonight)
If I can reserve a section of my brain, dedicating to My Morning Jacket, engraving their performance this evening in my head and never letting anything else to overwrite that section, I will. Maybe I've already done so. In my short-listed gig-going history, this one easily reaches the top of my list. Lack of knowledge and vocabulary in rock'n'roll writing prevent me from properly documenting my overloaded senses, but the brain-exploding experience can not be more authentic. The first time I find a band/performance so integrated, impeccable team work and chemistry, and Jim James.
My Morning Jacket and the voice of Jim James will haunt me for a long time, and I welcome it heartily.
My Morning Jacket is:
Jim James
Two-Tone Tommy - bass
Parick Hallahan - drum
Bo Koster - keyboard
Carl Broemel - guitar
Setlist:
one big holiday
wonderful man
gideon
way he singz
off the record
just one thing
it beats
wordless
lowdown
lay low
phone
dondante
run thru
they ran
--
tonite i want to
nashwille to ky
golden
steam
dancefloors
mahgeeta
anytime
November 25, 2006
[Broadway] Grey Gardens
Walter Kerr Theatre
Book by Doug Wright
Music by Scott Frankel
Lyrics by Michael Korie
Cast:
Christine Ebbersole
Mary Louise Wilson
Matt Cavenaugh
John Martin
Erin Davie
Book by Doug Wright
Music by Scott Frankel
Lyrics by Michael Korie
Cast:
Christine Ebbersole
Mary Louise Wilson
Matt Cavenaugh
John Martin
Erin Davie
November 22, 2006
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)
US
Director: Rob Reiner
Screenwriter / Songwriter / Composer: Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael Mckean, Harry Shearer
Cast:
Rob Reiner - Marty DiBergi
Michael McKean - David St. Hubbins
Christopher Guest - Nigel Tufnel
Harry Shearer - Derek Smalls
Tony Hendra - Ian Faith
R.J. Parnell - Mick Shrimpton
Director: Rob Reiner
Screenwriter / Songwriter / Composer: Rob Reiner, Christopher Guest, Michael Mckean, Harry Shearer
Cast:
Rob Reiner - Marty DiBergi
Michael McKean - David St. Hubbins
Christopher Guest - Nigel Tufnel
Harry Shearer - Derek Smalls
Tony Hendra - Ian Faith
R.J. Parnell - Mick Shrimpton
November 18, 2006
[Gig] Ok Go
Irving Plaza
w/ Quit Your Day Job, French Kicks
Damian stole the show. To the extend that I didn't really care about music that much. Overall chemistry between band members was great (I don't know does it even matter, but somehow I noticed how they interact with each other), but the slim, dandy, beautiful, sexy Damian was everything. This show was being filmed, let's just see whether these footage will be in any DVD.
The acoustic set was a great idea. Damian, Tim and Andy moved to the rare of the floor, standing on a round table to perform while three fans casting flash lights on them. In the end, although they could not bring the treadmills, they brought their backyard. Oh ya! I saw the dance!
Ok Go is:
Damian Kulash: Vocals, Guitar
Tim Nordwind: Bass
Dan Konopka: Drums
Andy Ross: Guitar, Keyboards (*a Bosox fan)
Set list:
The House Wins
Television, Television
Don’t Ask Me
No Sign Of Life
Here It Goes Again
Good Idea At The Time
Neat Neat Neat by Damned Cover
Acoustic Set:
A Million Ways
What To Do
It’s A Disaster
Oh No
Invincible
Don't Bring Me Down by Electric Light Orchestra
Get Over It
Encore:
You’re So Damn Hot
Dow What You Want
A Million Ways (Dance!!!)
w/ Quit Your Day Job, French Kicks
Damian stole the show. To the extend that I didn't really care about music that much. Overall chemistry between band members was great (I don't know does it even matter, but somehow I noticed how they interact with each other), but the slim, dandy, beautiful, sexy Damian was everything. This show was being filmed, let's just see whether these footage will be in any DVD.
The acoustic set was a great idea. Damian, Tim and Andy moved to the rare of the floor, standing on a round table to perform while three fans casting flash lights on them. In the end, although they could not bring the treadmills, they brought their backyard. Oh ya! I saw the dance!
Ok Go is:
Damian Kulash: Vocals, Guitar
Tim Nordwind: Bass
Dan Konopka: Drums
Andy Ross: Guitar, Keyboards (*a Bosox fan)
Set list:
The House Wins
Television, Television
Don’t Ask Me
No Sign Of Life
Here It Goes Again
Good Idea At The Time
Neat Neat Neat by Damned Cover
Acoustic Set:
A Million Ways
What To Do
It’s A Disaster
Oh No
Invincible
Don't Bring Me Down by Electric Light Orchestra
Get Over It
Encore:
You’re So Damn Hot
Dow What You Want
A Million Ways (Dance!!!)
Casino Royale (2006)
UK / US
Director: Martin Campbell
Screenwriter: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Cast:
Daniel Craig - James Bond
Eva Green - Vesper Lynd
Mads Mikkelsen - Le Chiffre
Judi Dench - M
Jeffrey Wright - Felix Leiter
Director: Martin Campbell
Screenwriter: Paul Haggis, Neal Purvis, Robert Wade
Cast:
Daniel Craig - James Bond
Eva Green - Vesper Lynd
Mads Mikkelsen - Le Chiffre
Judi Dench - M
Jeffrey Wright - Felix Leiter
November 15, 2006
[Gig] Modest Mouse
Webster Hall
The two drum sets I did not see from Trail of Dead, unexpectedly popped up in front my eyes. Too bad I chose a spot that was clear for the eyes but muffled for the ears, what a waste!
The two drum sets I did not see from Trail of Dead, unexpectedly popped up in front my eyes. Too bad I chose a spot that was clear for the eyes but muffled for the ears, what a waste!
November 14, 2006
A Better Tomorrow (1986)
英雄本色
Hong Kong
Director: John Woo
Producer: Tsui Hark
Screenwriter: John Woo, Chan Hing-kai, Leung Suk-wah
Cast:
Chow Yun-Fat - Mark
Leslie Cheung - Kit
Ti Lung - Ho
Hong Kong
Director: John Woo
Producer: Tsui Hark
Screenwriter: John Woo, Chan Hing-kai, Leung Suk-wah
Cast:
Chow Yun-Fat - Mark
Leslie Cheung - Kit
Ti Lung - Ho
[Gig] ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
Virgin Megastore, Union Square
Acoustic
Presale of the latest album, So Divided.
It is wonderful to watch a violent and dynamic band just sitting there and playing quietly. Nevertheless, Jason Reece managed to crash a maracas. They played a song that was written for the Monkeys (not sure about this part), and Conrad said they're just like the Monkeys. Great analogy, Conrad.
According to the booklet of So Divided, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead is:
Kevin Allen - President
Conrad Keely - Founder
Jason Reece - Co-founder and CEO
Doni Schroeder - Prime Minister
Daniel Wood - Executive Producer
Acoustic
Presale of the latest album, So Divided.
It is wonderful to watch a violent and dynamic band just sitting there and playing quietly. Nevertheless, Jason Reece managed to crash a maracas. They played a song that was written for the Monkeys (not sure about this part), and Conrad said they're just like the Monkeys. Great analogy, Conrad.
According to the booklet of So Divided, ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead is:
Kevin Allen - President
Conrad Keely - Founder
Jason Reece - Co-founder and CEO
Doni Schroeder - Prime Minister
Daniel Wood - Executive Producer
November 12, 2006
[Gig] ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead
Irving Plaza
w/ With Blood Brothers, Brothers and Sisters and The Celebration
KIDS! LOTS OF THEM! Apparently most of them came for Blood Brothers. Can't help wondering how important is 'look' for a band. Anyway, finally I learn go to a gig without knowing a band is not a good idea. (And is that pushing around stuff new or come back?)
ToD got two new members. Too bad they didn't do that two drum sets and smashing guitar violent stuff anymore. Don't know whether I'm right or not, I think I smell record company (or anyone responsible)'s effort trying to make some adjustment to sell albums. OK, stop beating around the bushes here, let's just see what the two beautiful faces can contribute to the band.
w/ With Blood Brothers, Brothers and Sisters and The Celebration
KIDS! LOTS OF THEM! Apparently most of them came for Blood Brothers. Can't help wondering how important is 'look' for a band. Anyway, finally I learn go to a gig without knowing a band is not a good idea. (And is that pushing around stuff new or come back?)
ToD got two new members. Too bad they didn't do that two drum sets and smashing guitar violent stuff anymore. Don't know whether I'm right or not, I think I smell record company (or anyone responsible)'s effort trying to make some adjustment to sell albums. OK, stop beating around the bushes here, let's just see what the two beautiful faces can contribute to the band.
November 11, 2006
New York Doll (2004)
US, Doc
Director: Greg Whiteley
New York Dolls
David Johanse (Buster Poindexter)
Jonny Thunders
Ferry Nolan
Syl Sylvain
Arthur 'Killer' Kane
Director: Greg Whiteley
New York Dolls
David Johanse (Buster Poindexter)
Jonny Thunders
Ferry Nolan
Syl Sylvain
Arthur 'Killer' Kane
November 10, 2006
Infernal Affairs (2002)
無間道
Hong Kong
Director: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Screenwriter: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Cast:
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai - Chan Wing-Yan
Andy Lau - Insp. Lau Kin-ming
Hong Kong
Director: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Screenwriter: Alan Mak, Felix Chong
Cast:
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai - Chan Wing-Yan
Andy Lau - Insp. Lau Kin-ming
November 09, 2006
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2003)
US, Doc
Director: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Cast:
Metallica
James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich
Kirk Hammett
Robert Trujillo
Jason Newsted
Dave Mustain
Bobby Rock
Phil Towle
Director: Joe Berlinger, Bruce Sinofsky
Cast:
Metallica
James Hetfield
Lars Ulrich
Kirk Hammett
Robert Trujillo
Jason Newsted
Dave Mustain
Bobby Rock
Phil Towle
November 07, 2006
Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)
US
Director / Producer / Screenwriter: Frank Tashlin
Playwriter: George Axelrod
Cast:
Jayne Mansfield - Rita Marlowe
Tony Randall - Rock Hunter
Betsy Drake - Jenny
Joan Blondell - Violet
Mickey Hargitay - Bobo Branigansky
John Williams - Le Salle Jr.
Director / Producer / Screenwriter: Frank Tashlin
Playwriter: George Axelrod
Cast:
Jayne Mansfield - Rita Marlowe
Tony Randall - Rock Hunter
Betsy Drake - Jenny
Joan Blondell - Violet
Mickey Hargitay - Bobo Branigansky
John Williams - Le Salle Jr.
The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2004)
US, Doc
Director / Cinematographer / Still Photographer: Jeff Feuerzeig
Producer: Henry Rosenthal
Director / Cinematographer / Still Photographer: Jeff Feuerzeig
Producer: Henry Rosenthal
November 04, 2006
[Gig] The Decemberists
Hammerstein Ballroom
w/ Alasdair Roberts
Follow their story telling tradition, The Decemberist opened the show with a pre-recorded narration, with 8 big red lanterns and gigantic Japanese style painted cloth hanging and occupied the entire background of the stage, bringing concert goers into a exotic world (Although the connection between Russian crane wife, Japanese palace and Chinese lanterns is too profound, but exotic is exotic anyway...)
Another perfect reason for going to gig than just listening to CD. Sour story-telling songs can be transformed into energetic performance by Colin Meloy. And yes, we can not help but swing with every tune. Looking these coming-from-music-school band members constantly changing instruments was astounding. Yes, it's like showing-off, but why not?
w/ Alasdair Roberts
Follow their story telling tradition, The Decemberist opened the show with a pre-recorded narration, with 8 big red lanterns and gigantic Japanese style painted cloth hanging and occupied the entire background of the stage, bringing concert goers into a exotic world (Although the connection between Russian crane wife, Japanese palace and Chinese lanterns is too profound, but exotic is exotic anyway...)
Another perfect reason for going to gig than just listening to CD. Sour story-telling songs can be transformed into energetic performance by Colin Meloy. And yes, we can not help but swing with every tune. Looking these coming-from-music-school band members constantly changing instruments was astounding. Yes, it's like showing-off, but why not?
November 03, 2006
October 28, 2006
Dracula's Daughter (1936)
US, Universal
Director: Lambert Hillyer
Cast:
Gloria Holden - Countess Marya Zaleska
Otto Kruger - Dr. Jeffrey Garth
Marguerite Churchill - Janet Blake
Irving Pichel - Sandor
Edward Van Sloan - Dr. Von Helsing
Nan Grey - Lili
Director: Lambert Hillyer
Cast:
Gloria Holden - Countess Marya Zaleska
Otto Kruger - Dr. Jeffrey Garth
Marguerite Churchill - Janet Blake
Irving Pichel - Sandor
Edward Van Sloan - Dr. Von Helsing
Nan Grey - Lili
Dracula (1931)
US, Universal
Director: Tod Browning
Play Author: John L. Balderston, Hamilton Deane
Screenwriter: Garrett Elsden Fort
Book Author: Bram Stoker
Cast:
Bela Lugosi - Count Dracula
Helen Chandler - Mina Seward
David Manners - John Harker
Dwight Frye - Renfield
Edward Van Sloan - Dr. Van Helsing
It is perfect to watch this film at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre in Halloween season.
Director: Tod Browning
Play Author: John L. Balderston, Hamilton Deane
Screenwriter: Garrett Elsden Fort
Book Author: Bram Stoker
Cast:
Bela Lugosi - Count Dracula
Helen Chandler - Mina Seward
David Manners - John Harker
Dwight Frye - Renfield
Edward Van Sloan - Dr. Van Helsing
It is perfect to watch this film at the Landmark Loew's Jersey Theatre in Halloween season.
October 27, 2006
Old Boy (2004)
South Korea
Director: Park Chan-wook 卜贊旭
Cast:
Choi Min-Sik - Oh Dae-Su
Gang Hye-jeong - Mido
Yu Ji-tae - Lee Woo-Jin
Director: Park Chan-wook 卜贊旭
Cast:
Choi Min-Sik - Oh Dae-Su
Gang Hye-jeong - Mido
Yu Ji-tae - Lee Woo-Jin
October 26, 2006
October 24, 2006
Marie Antoinette (2006)
US
Director/Producer/Screenwriter: Sofia Coppola
Cast:
Kirsten Dunst - Marie Antoinette
Jason Schwartzman - Louis XVI
Judy Davis - La Comtesse de Noailles
Rip Torn - Louis XV
Rose Byrne - La Duchesse De Polignac
Soundtrack:
Hong Kong Garden - Siouxsie And The Banshees
Aphrodisiac - Bow Wow Wow
What Ever Happened - Strokes
Pulling Our Weight - Radio Dept.
Ceremony - New Order
Natural's Not in It - Gang Of Four
I Want Candy [mix]- Bow Wow Wow
Kings of the Wind Frontier - Adam Ant
Concerto in G
The Melody of a Fallen Tree - Windsor For The Derby 8:16
I Don't Like It Like This - Radio Dept.
Plainsong - Cure
Intro Versailles
Jynweythek Ylow - Aphex Twin
Opus 17 - Dustin OHalloran
Il Secondo Giorno [instrumental] - Air
Keen on Boys - Radio Dept.
Opus 23 - Dustin OHalloran
Les Barricades Mysterious- Francois Cauperin
Fools Rush In [mix]- Bow Wow Wow
Avril 14th - Aphex Twin
K. 213 - Domenico Scarlatti
Tommib Help Buss - Squarepusher
Tristes Apprêtes, Pâles Flambeaux {From Castor et Pollux}
Opus 36 - Dustin OHalloran
All Cats Are Grey - Cure
Director/Producer/Screenwriter: Sofia Coppola
Cast:
Kirsten Dunst - Marie Antoinette
Jason Schwartzman - Louis XVI
Judy Davis - La Comtesse de Noailles
Rip Torn - Louis XV
Rose Byrne - La Duchesse De Polignac
Soundtrack:
Hong Kong Garden - Siouxsie And The Banshees
Aphrodisiac - Bow Wow Wow
What Ever Happened - Strokes
Pulling Our Weight - Radio Dept.
Ceremony - New Order
Natural's Not in It - Gang Of Four
I Want Candy [mix]- Bow Wow Wow
Kings of the Wind Frontier - Adam Ant
Concerto in G
The Melody of a Fallen Tree - Windsor For The Derby 8:16
I Don't Like It Like This - Radio Dept.
Plainsong - Cure
Intro Versailles
Jynweythek Ylow - Aphex Twin
Opus 17 - Dustin OHalloran
Il Secondo Giorno [instrumental] - Air
Keen on Boys - Radio Dept.
Opus 23 - Dustin OHalloran
Les Barricades Mysterious- Francois Cauperin
Fools Rush In [mix]- Bow Wow Wow
Avril 14th - Aphex Twin
K. 213 - Domenico Scarlatti
Tommib Help Buss - Squarepusher
Tristes Apprêtes, Pâles Flambeaux {From Castor et Pollux}
Opus 36 - Dustin OHalloran
All Cats Are Grey - Cure
The Prestige (2006)
UK
Director: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins)
Screenwriter: Cristopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
Book: Christopher Priest
Cast:
Hugh Jackman - Rupert Angier
Christian Bale - Alfred Borden
Michael Caine - Cutter
Piper Perabo - Julia
Rebecca Hall - Sarah
Scarlett Johansson - Olivia
Director: Christopher Nolan (Memento, Batman Begins)
Screenwriter: Cristopher Nolan, Jonathan Nolan
Book: Christopher Priest
Cast:
Hugh Jackman - Rupert Angier
Christian Bale - Alfred Borden
Michael Caine - Cutter
Piper Perabo - Julia
Rebecca Hall - Sarah
Scarlett Johansson - Olivia
October 23, 2006
Paradise Now (2005)
Al-Jenna-An
Netherlands/Israel/Germany/France
Director/Screenwriter: Hany Abu-Assad
Cast:
Kais Nashef - Said
Ali Suliman - Khaled
Lubna Azabal - Suha
Netherlands/Israel/Germany/France
Director/Screenwriter: Hany Abu-Assad
Cast:
Kais Nashef - Said
Ali Suliman - Khaled
Lubna Azabal - Suha
October 22, 2006
Chungking Express (1994)
重慶森林
Hong Kong
Directer/Screenwriter: Wang Kai-wai
Cast:
Brigitte Lin - Woman in blonde wig
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai - Cop 663
Faye Wong - Faye
Takeshi Kaneshiro - He Quiwu, Cop 223
Hong Kong
Directer/Screenwriter: Wang Kai-wai
Cast:
Brigitte Lin - Woman in blonde wig
Tony Leung Chiu-Wai - Cop 663
Faye Wong - Faye
Takeshi Kaneshiro - He Quiwu, Cop 223
October 20, 2006
In the Mood for Love (2000)
花樣年華
Hong Kong / France
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung
Hong Kong / France
Director: Wong Kar-wai
Cast: Tony Leung, Maggie Cheung
October 17, 2006
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1919)
Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari
Germany
Director: Robert Wiene
Cast: Werner Krauss - Dr. Caligari
Conrad Veidt - Cesare
Lil Dagover - Jane
Friedrich Feher - Francis
Hans Heinrich Von Twardowski - Alan
Germany
Director: Robert Wiene
Cast: Werner Krauss - Dr. Caligari
Conrad Veidt - Cesare
Lil Dagover - Jane
Friedrich Feher - Francis
Hans Heinrich Von Twardowski - Alan
October 08, 2006
The Third Man (1949)
UK
Director: Carol Reed
Screenwriter / Book Author: Graham Greene
Cinematographer: Robert Krasker
Cast: Joseph Cotten - Holly Martins
Alida Valli - Anna Schmidt
Orson Welles - Harry Lime
Trevor Howard - Maj. Calloway
Paul Hoerbiger - Porter
Bernard Lee - Sgt. Paine
Director: Carol Reed
Screenwriter / Book Author: Graham Greene
Cinematographer: Robert Krasker
Cast: Joseph Cotten - Holly Martins
Alida Valli - Anna Schmidt
Orson Welles - Harry Lime
Trevor Howard - Maj. Calloway
Paul Hoerbiger - Porter
Bernard Lee - Sgt. Paine
October 07, 2006
The Last King of Scotland
Germany / UK
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Screenplay: Jeremy Brock
Book: Giles Foden
Cast: Forest Whitaker (Idi Amin), James McAvoy (Nicholas Garrigan)
Director: Kevin Macdonald
Screenplay: Jeremy Brock
Book: Giles Foden
Cast: Forest Whitaker (Idi Amin), James McAvoy (Nicholas Garrigan)
October 04, 2006
October 02, 2006
Thumbsucker (2005)
US
Director / Screenwriter: Mike Mills
Book: Walter Kim
Cast: Lou Taylor Pucci - Justin Cobb
Tilda Swinton - Audrey Cobb
Vince Vaughn - Mr. Geary
Vincent D'Onofrio - Mike Cobb
Keanu Reeves - Dr. Perry Lyman
Director / Screenwriter: Mike Mills
Book: Walter Kim
Cast: Lou Taylor Pucci - Justin Cobb
Tilda Swinton - Audrey Cobb
Vince Vaughn - Mr. Geary
Vincent D'Onofrio - Mike Cobb
Keanu Reeves - Dr. Perry Lyman
September 30, 2006
[Baseball] Toronto Blue Jays
Yankees 7, Blue Jays 2
Epilogue: Unfortunately this turned out to be the last game I have in Yankee Stadium.
Epilogue: Unfortunately this turned out to be the last game I have in Yankee Stadium.
September 27, 2006
[Baseball] Baltimore Orioles
Yankees 5, Orioles 4
Epilogue: It turned out to be the last Cory Lidle game I will ever seen. This is for you, Cory, rest in peace.
Cory Fulton Lidle, 03/22/1972 - 10/11/2006
Career Totals: 82W, 72L, ERA 4.57, 277G, 199GS, 11CG, 5SHO, 2SV, 1322.2IP, 1400H, 738R, 671ER, 159HR, 54HBP, 356BB, 838SO
Epilogue: It turned out to be the last Cory Lidle game I will ever seen. This is for you, Cory, rest in peace.
Cory Fulton Lidle, 03/22/1972 - 10/11/2006
Career Totals: 82W, 72L, ERA 4.57, 277G, 199GS, 11CG, 5SHO, 2SV, 1322.2IP, 1400H, 738R, 671ER, 159HR, 54HBP, 356BB, 838SO
September 26, 2006
The Rules of the Game (1939)
La Règle du jeu
France
Director / Screenwriter: Jean Renoir
Cast: Nora Gregor - Christine de La Chesnaye
Jean Renoir - Octave
Marcel Dalio - Robert de la Chesnaye
Roland Toutain - André Jurieu
Paulette Dubost - Lisette
France
Director / Screenwriter: Jean Renoir
Cast: Nora Gregor - Christine de La Chesnaye
Jean Renoir - Octave
Marcel Dalio - Robert de la Chesnaye
Roland Toutain - André Jurieu
Paulette Dubost - Lisette
September 25, 2006
[Gig] The Flaming Lips
Hammerstein Ballroon
opened by Deerhoof
The Lips, Period.
Setlist:
The Tada Song
Race for the Prize
Free Radicals
Yoshimi Pt 1
Yoshimi Pt 2
Vein of Stars
The YYY Song
The W.A.N.D
Cosmic Rebellion
She Don't Use Jelly
Do You Realize??
--
Spoonful
You Got to Be Joking
opened by Deerhoof
The Lips, Period.
Setlist:
The Tada Song
Race for the Prize
Free Radicals
Yoshimi Pt 1
Yoshimi Pt 2
Vein of Stars
The YYY Song
The W.A.N.D
Cosmic Rebellion
She Don't Use Jelly
Do You Realize??
--
Spoonful
You Got to Be Joking
September 24, 2006
Seven Samurai (1954)
Japan
Director / Screenwriter / Editor: Akira Kurosawa
Cast:
Takashi Shimura - Kambei, leader of samurai
Toshiro Mifune - Kikuchiyo, would-be samurai
Yoshio Inaba - Gorobei, wise warrior
Seiji Miyaguchi - Kyuzo, swordsman
Minoru Chiaki - Heihachi, amiable samurai
Daisuke Kato - Shichiroji, Kambei's friend
Ko (Isao) Kimura - Katsushiro, young samurai
Delicate film in every way: mise-en-scene, character building, story telling.
Director / Screenwriter / Editor: Akira Kurosawa
Cast:
Takashi Shimura - Kambei, leader of samurai
Toshiro Mifune - Kikuchiyo, would-be samurai
Yoshio Inaba - Gorobei, wise warrior
Seiji Miyaguchi - Kyuzo, swordsman
Minoru Chiaki - Heihachi, amiable samurai
Daisuke Kato - Shichiroji, Kambei's friend
Ko (Isao) Kimura - Katsushiro, young samurai
Delicate film in every way: mise-en-scene, character building, story telling.
September 23, 2006
霸王別姬 (1993)
Farewell My Concubine
China / Hong Kong
Director: Chen Kaige
Cast: Leslie Cheung, Zhang Fengyi, Gong Li
China / Hong Kong
Director: Chen Kaige
Cast: Leslie Cheung, Zhang Fengyi, Gong Li
September 17, 2006
[Baseball] Red Sox
2-5, Red Sox
First game of the consecutive two days doubleheaders.
Two things worth to remember this day. First, 3 hours burning sun in main box. Yes, never sit on the third base side of the main box in an afternoon game. But just because I sit in the last section of main box on the third base side, which is right next to Red Sox's bullpen, that I have the second thing worth to remember that day: the sound Josh Beckett's fast ball pounded into Doug Mirabelli's glove.
First game of the consecutive two days doubleheaders.
Two things worth to remember this day. First, 3 hours burning sun in main box. Yes, never sit on the third base side of the main box in an afternoon game. But just because I sit in the last section of main box on the third base side, which is right next to Red Sox's bullpen, that I have the second thing worth to remember that day: the sound Josh Beckett's fast ball pounded into Doug Mirabelli's glove.
September 16, 2006
September 09, 2006
[Baseball] Dodgers vs Mets
Finally got the chance to visit Shea Stadium.
Hong-Chih Kuo's first Major League start, and first win. 5-0 Dodgers.
But honestly, I was more thrilled to see Nomar Garciaparra on first base.
Hong-Chih Kuo's first Major League start, and first win. 5-0 Dodgers.
But honestly, I was more thrilled to see Nomar Garciaparra on first base.
US Open 2006
Day 12
Arthur Ashe Statium
Men's Doubles - Final
Jonas Bjorkman / Max Mirny def. Ashley Fisher / Tripp Phillips 6-1, 6-4
Women's Singles - Semifinals
Justine Henen-Hardenne def Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-0
Maria Sharapova def Amelie Mauresmo 6-0, 4-6, 6-0
Arthur Ashe Statium
Men's Doubles - Final
Jonas Bjorkman / Max Mirny def. Ashley Fisher / Tripp Phillips 6-1, 6-4
Women's Singles - Semifinals
Justine Henen-Hardenne def Jelena Jankovic 4-6, 6-4, 6-0
Maria Sharapova def Amelie Mauresmo 6-0, 4-6, 6-0
September 04, 2006
[Baseball] Minnesota Twins
First game since I was back in New York.
10-1, Yankees, and JOE MAUER, I'm pretty satisfied.
10-1, Yankees, and JOE MAUER, I'm pretty satisfied.
September 02, 2006
US Open (2006)
Day 5
Grandstand
Calos Moya def Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5(5), 7-6(7), 6-4
Andy Murray def Alessio Di Mauro 6-0, 6-1, 6-1
Elen Dementieva def Vera Zvonareva, 7-5, 6-3
Grandstand
Calos Moya def Paul-Henri Mathieu 7-5(5), 7-6(7), 6-4
Andy Murray def Alessio Di Mauro 6-0, 6-1, 6-1
Elen Dementieva def Vera Zvonareva, 7-5, 6-3
August 29, 2006
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
Director: Jonathan Dayton, Valerie Faris
Screenwriter: Michel Arndt
Cast: Abigail Breslin (Olive), Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano (Dwayne), Alan Arkin (Grandpa), Toni Collette (Sheryl), Steve Carell (Frank)
Screenwriter: Michel Arndt
Cast: Abigail Breslin (Olive), Greg Kinnear, Paul Dano (Dwayne), Alan Arkin (Grandpa), Toni Collette (Sheryl), Steve Carell (Frank)
Superman Returns (2006)
Director: Bryan Singer
Screenwriters: Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris
Cast: Bradon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella
Screenwriters: Michael Dougherty, Dan Harris
Cast: Bradon Routh, Kate Bosworth, Kevin Spacey, James Marsden, Parker Posey, Frank Langella
August 23, 2006
August 16, 2006
The Downfall: Hitler and the End of the Third Reich (2004)
Der Untergang
Germany
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
Germany
Director: Oliver Hirschbiegel
August 13, 2006
August 08, 2006
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
US
Director: Tim Burton
Screenplay: John August
Book Author: Roald Dahl
When our hero, Charlie (Freddie Highmore), the good kid, inevitably wins one of the five golden ticket and heads to Willy Wonka's (played by Johnny Depp) chocolate factory, and inevitably wins the ultimate prize, the factory itself, in the end, I can't help thinking: it is just too obvious. No way the whole thing is so simple.
Charlie gets his first piece of Wonka chocolate as an early birthday present, although his family almost runs out of food. No golden ticket. His grandpa gives him some money he hides for a long time, telling him to go to the nearest store and buy the first chocolate Charlie sees. Still no golden ticket. Then Charlie finds a bill half buried in the snow outside the sidewalk, he grabs it and without thinking, he runs into the nearest store for another Wonka chocolate bar. The store owner hands him one, and this time charlie is getting lucky. Yes, luck. Not the money from Charlie's beloved parents and grandparents, but random money from the street and the chocolate from a stranger's hand.
It's clear that the other 4 kids being chosen is a meditation, a scheme somehow organized by Willy Wonka. So the Oompa Loompas will have a song when a spoiled kid is "punished" for his or her behavior. But what about Charlie? The heterogeneity of a single character, usually the leading one, is created for the audience to project our sympathy. But how Charlie gets the grand reward blurs the movie's main theme, the connection between good heart, good deeds and good consequences is weaken. As a movie primarily made for children, I can not help wonder is there any dark intention hidden in this colorful and overall delightful movie.
Director: Tim Burton
Screenplay: John August
Book Author: Roald Dahl
When our hero, Charlie (Freddie Highmore), the good kid, inevitably wins one of the five golden ticket and heads to Willy Wonka's (played by Johnny Depp) chocolate factory, and inevitably wins the ultimate prize, the factory itself, in the end, I can't help thinking: it is just too obvious. No way the whole thing is so simple.
Charlie gets his first piece of Wonka chocolate as an early birthday present, although his family almost runs out of food. No golden ticket. His grandpa gives him some money he hides for a long time, telling him to go to the nearest store and buy the first chocolate Charlie sees. Still no golden ticket. Then Charlie finds a bill half buried in the snow outside the sidewalk, he grabs it and without thinking, he runs into the nearest store for another Wonka chocolate bar. The store owner hands him one, and this time charlie is getting lucky. Yes, luck. Not the money from Charlie's beloved parents and grandparents, but random money from the street and the chocolate from a stranger's hand.
It's clear that the other 4 kids being chosen is a meditation, a scheme somehow organized by Willy Wonka. So the Oompa Loompas will have a song when a spoiled kid is "punished" for his or her behavior. But what about Charlie? The heterogeneity of a single character, usually the leading one, is created for the audience to project our sympathy. But how Charlie gets the grand reward blurs the movie's main theme, the connection between good heart, good deeds and good consequences is weaken. As a movie primarily made for children, I can not help wonder is there any dark intention hidden in this colorful and overall delightful movie.
July 31, 2006
Battlestar Galactica
Miniseries
Director: Michael Rymer
Screenwriter: Christopher Eric James, Ronald D. Moore
Director: Michael Rymer
Screenwriter: Christopher Eric James, Ronald D. Moore
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days (2005)
Germany
Director: Mark Rothemund
Screenwriter: Fred Breinersdorfer
Director: Mark Rothemund
Screenwriter: Fred Breinersdorfer
July 01, 2006
Flightplan (2005)
Director: Robert Schwentke
Screenwriter: Peter A. Dowling, Billy Ray
When the first part of the movie planning and leading us to believe that Kyle Pratt (Jodie Foster) is a lunatic woman imagined she brings her daughter on plane, then the second part turns the possible psychological thriller into a action movie that involve two criminal trying to hijack the plane and blackmail the airplane company. But unfortunately the turn also evaporate the originally tension it holds, not all that tasteless, but surely plainer to the psychological layout Flightplan trying to built in the first place.
Screenwriter: Peter A. Dowling, Billy Ray
When the first part of the movie planning and leading us to believe that Kyle Pratt (Jodie Foster) is a lunatic woman imagined she brings her daughter on plane, then the second part turns the possible psychological thriller into a action movie that involve two criminal trying to hijack the plane and blackmail the airplane company. But unfortunately the turn also evaporate the originally tension it holds, not all that tasteless, but surely plainer to the psychological layout Flightplan trying to built in the first place.
June 30, 2006
X-Men: The Last Stand (2006)
Director: Brett Ratner
When a movie have something to hold on to, something that doesn’t have to be too complicated, something that can be as simple as a single noun like friendship or loyalty, then apply this center ideal to build the story and characters, we are more likely to have decent a movie. Not the case of X-men: the Last Stand here, as we try and try waiting for the story to come together and make some sense, it fell from the first moment to the end. Confusingly the movie ends with Mutants fight against each other, forgetting Human is the source of the fight.
It begins with a vaccine that can “cure” mutants, make them “normal.” Typically we have two groups stand in different ground and fight with other for their own beliefs, but the beliefs here is confusing. Magneto (Ian McKellen) doesn’t trust Human will give Mutants the free will to choose, stubbornly believing that the invention of the vaccine means genocide. He gathers the Mutants and preaches they make the first move, but this move gives Human exactly what they need- an excellent excuse to use the weapon. On the other hand, Professor Charles Xavier’s side not exactly has a sufficient reason to the war, either. They don’t talk about the issues of the vaccine much, the minority issue was long gone in this movie, and it is really hard to say what they are fighting for; the peace they pursue just a mirage of nothing happened. All the threads the movie picks up end loosely and unsatisfyingly. The love triangle, the untold love, the father-son issue, the team work, the movie temporize its audience and gives easy answers to those questions.
No beautiful faces or novel superpower tricks can save the movie this time.
When a movie have something to hold on to, something that doesn’t have to be too complicated, something that can be as simple as a single noun like friendship or loyalty, then apply this center ideal to build the story and characters, we are more likely to have decent a movie. Not the case of X-men: the Last Stand here, as we try and try waiting for the story to come together and make some sense, it fell from the first moment to the end. Confusingly the movie ends with Mutants fight against each other, forgetting Human is the source of the fight.
It begins with a vaccine that can “cure” mutants, make them “normal.” Typically we have two groups stand in different ground and fight with other for their own beliefs, but the beliefs here is confusing. Magneto (Ian McKellen) doesn’t trust Human will give Mutants the free will to choose, stubbornly believing that the invention of the vaccine means genocide. He gathers the Mutants and preaches they make the first move, but this move gives Human exactly what they need- an excellent excuse to use the weapon. On the other hand, Professor Charles Xavier’s side not exactly has a sufficient reason to the war, either. They don’t talk about the issues of the vaccine much, the minority issue was long gone in this movie, and it is really hard to say what they are fighting for; the peace they pursue just a mirage of nothing happened. All the threads the movie picks up end loosely and unsatisfyingly. The love triangle, the untold love, the father-son issue, the team work, the movie temporize its audience and gives easy answers to those questions.
No beautiful faces or novel superpower tricks can save the movie this time.
June 24, 2006
June 15, 2006
[Gig] Arctic Monkeys
Roseland Ballroom
No matter how charming the Monkeys are, I'm too old to squeeze between bunch of pot-smoking teenage kids. No way I'm doing this again. 18 and older shows only! Or at least sits on mezzanine.
No matter how charming the Monkeys are, I'm too old to squeeze between bunch of pot-smoking teenage kids. No way I'm doing this again. 18 and older shows only! Or at least sits on mezzanine.
June 14, 2006
June 13, 2006
June 11, 2006
[Broadway] Shining City
Manhattan Theatre Club at The Biltmore Theatre
Written by Conor McPherson
Directed by Robert Falls
Cast: Oliver Platt, Brian F. O'Byrne, Martha Plimpton, Peter Scanavino
Written by Conor McPherson
Directed by Robert Falls
Cast: Oliver Platt, Brian F. O'Byrne, Martha Plimpton, Peter Scanavino
June 10, 2006
[Broadway] Chicago
Ambassador Theatre
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
Directed by Walter Bobbie
Choreographed by Ann Reinking, in the style of Bob Fosse
Music by John Kander
Lyrics by Fred Ebb
Book by Fred Ebb & Bob Fosse
Directed by Walter Bobbie
Choreographed by Ann Reinking, in the style of Bob Fosse
June 09, 2006
[Broadway] The Wedding Singer
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
Book by Tim Herlihy and Chad Beguelin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by John Rando
Choreographed by Rob Ashford
Book by Tim Herlihy and Chad Beguelin
Music by Matthew Sklar
Lyrics by Chad Beguelin
Directed by John Rando
Choreographed by Rob Ashford
June 06, 2006
[Baseball] Boston Red Sox
Best. Live. Game. Ever!!!
Although Mussina ended his quaitly start streak and gave up 5 runs in 7 innings, but the baby boomers (how much I love this term)knocked out Red Sox's ace Becket in 2 innings, drove in totally 13 runs.
When the Enter Sandmam music rang in Yankee Stadium this evening, this night officially could be called "perfect."
Although Mussina ended his quaitly start streak and gave up 5 runs in 7 innings, but the baby boomers (how much I love this term)knocked out Red Sox's ace Becket in 2 innings, drove in totally 13 runs.
When the Enter Sandmam music rang in Yankee Stadium this evening, this night officially could be called "perfect."
June 03, 2006
You'll Get Over It (2003)
Tu Verras, Ca Te Passeras
France
Director: Fabrice Cazeneuve
Cast: Julien Baumgartner, Julia Maraval
The two stereotype of straight women in gay movies are one, gay protagonist’s best friend and two, the idiot who falls in love with our hero. When this movie tells a story about an extremely cute gay college boy with lots of hot gay guys interested in him can’t face his own sexuality, OK, just give me a break right now, what's wrong with you? Your life is miserable? You got to be kidding me. When I think it could not get any worse, here comes the idiot girl who gives her virginity to our hero and doesn’t know her boyfriend is gay. At first she (pathetically) does everything trying to bring back his heart, and then she turns herself into a slut who sleeps with all her best friends. This coming-of-age gay movie does not take us anywhere. It reminds me the feminist course I took years ago: discrimination against women is not just from macho straight men, gay men do it too.
France
Director: Fabrice Cazeneuve
Cast: Julien Baumgartner, Julia Maraval
The two stereotype of straight women in gay movies are one, gay protagonist’s best friend and two, the idiot who falls in love with our hero. When this movie tells a story about an extremely cute gay college boy with lots of hot gay guys interested in him can’t face his own sexuality, OK, just give me a break right now, what's wrong with you? Your life is miserable? You got to be kidding me. When I think it could not get any worse, here comes the idiot girl who gives her virginity to our hero and doesn’t know her boyfriend is gay. At first she (pathetically) does everything trying to bring back his heart, and then she turns herself into a slut who sleeps with all her best friends. This coming-of-age gay movie does not take us anywhere. It reminds me the feminist course I took years ago: discrimination against women is not just from macho straight men, gay men do it too.
Just a Question of Love (2000)
Juste une question d'amour
France
Director: Christian Fauré
Cast: Cyrille Thouvenin, Stéphan Guérin-Tillié
Much better coming-out story than You'll Get Over It, sufficiently present the struggle everyone experiences. Issues between gay lovers, and gay son and parents all been discussed with certain depth, enjoyable gay-theme film with romance and purpose.
France
Director: Christian Fauré
Cast: Cyrille Thouvenin, Stéphan Guérin-Tillié
Much better coming-out story than You'll Get Over It, sufficiently present the struggle everyone experiences. Issues between gay lovers, and gay son and parents all been discussed with certain depth, enjoyable gay-theme film with romance and purpose.
May 27, 2006
May 25, 2006
May 21, 2006
Cape Fear (1991)
USA
Director: Marin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
Bourgeois family trapped by their wealth.
Director: Marin Scorsese
Cast: Robert De Niro, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, Juliette Lewis
Bourgeois family trapped by their wealth.
May 17, 2006
Crash (1996)
Canada
Director / Producer / Screenwriter: David Cronenberg
Book Author: J.G. Ballard
Cast: James Spader, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Deborah Kara Unger, Rosanna Arquette, Peter Macneill
Director / Producer / Screenwriter: David Cronenberg
Book Author: J.G. Ballard
Cast: James Spader, Holly Hunter, Elias Koteas, Deborah Kara Unger, Rosanna Arquette, Peter Macneill
你那邊幾點 (2001)
What Time is it There?
France / Taiwan
Director / Screenwriter: Tsai Ming-Liang
Cast: Lee Kang-Sheng, Chen Shiang-Chyi, Miao Tien, Cecilia Yip, Jean-Pierre Leaud
Amazingly weave two stories of two lonely souls together. Surreal but at the same time, the loneliness is gruesomely authentic.
France / Taiwan
Director / Screenwriter: Tsai Ming-Liang
Cast: Lee Kang-Sheng, Chen Shiang-Chyi, Miao Tien, Cecilia Yip, Jean-Pierre Leaud
Amazingly weave two stories of two lonely souls together. Surreal but at the same time, the loneliness is gruesomely authentic.
May 15, 2006
May 14, 2006
[Gig] Depeche Mode
Jones Beach Theater, Long Island
Setlist:
A Pain That I'm Used To
A Question Of Time
Suffer Well
Precious
Walking In My Shoes
Stripped
Home
Judas
In Your Room
Nothing's Impossible
I Feel You
Behind The Wheel
World In My Eyes
Personal Jesus
Enjoy The Silence
Shake The Disease
Photographic
Never Let Me Down Again
Setlist:
A Pain That I'm Used To
A Question Of Time
Suffer Well
Precious
Walking In My Shoes
Stripped
Home
Judas
In Your Room
Nothing's Impossible
I Feel You
Behind The Wheel
World In My Eyes
Personal Jesus
Enjoy The Silence
Shake The Disease
Photographic
Never Let Me Down Again
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