monty-64

I saw this film at its world premiere in NY at the NYDoc Fest. The Rev Al Sharpton gave the invocation. And the Great Rev. James Barber further illuminated all of us about the meaning of Arentha's worrying a note. In between was one of the most remarkable, moving, inspiring evenings I have ever spent in any kind of theater ever. Of course, I'm a fan, I do work in the industry, but I'm first a fan of young Aretha's. There was nothing but grace on the screen and the loving community of church. One is blessed to see this film. Period. I just want to add - I would love to know who the absolute genius was that thought of sending Sidney to film this live recording. He or she should receive an Oscar all his or her own.

"Bill" is, for my money, one of the great moments in all of film. Wininninger is perfect. Alone on stage explaining the rest of a play or dealing with the three babes he picks up New Year's Eve he's charming and believable at every turn. Every production number involving dancers and chorus is full of life. The coverage is perfect. The casting could not be better right down to the small roles. This was a director who knew what he was doing. I think we forget that the people who produced, designed or acted in material which was produced in the 30's lived in or near the times in which the story takes place, so there's an historical understanding of the material and it has an authority. Imagine that we in 2013 have a strong understanding of what it was like to be alive in 1980's. That's about the perspective here, the film taking place the most part at the turn of the Century. into the twenties or thirties.

Just saw PHAEDRA again on TCM. It holds up as one of the best films ever made. It's perfect in every possible way. The very best of Mercouri and Perkins, Vallone and Dassin. I worked with Jules Dassin on his last picture, CIRCLE OF TWO, not a very good film. At the time it was billed as "Jules Dassin's triumphant return to New York". Most of it was shot in Toronto. And there wasn't enough budget for the stellar cast of Richard Burton (and entourage) and Tatum O'Neal (with Ryan and entourage). but I met Melina. she told me that her servant Anna in the picture and she were best friends. What a woman. That was 1980. Jules Dassin, a real master - beautifully prepared in the European way. No rushing into production.