OT: Art, Music, Literature, Media, and More! Part 1

[Pacino62]

Excuse my long post, but I feel like sounding off.

I revisited films of Paul Thomas Anderson (one of my favorite directors) over the last 24 hours. "Hard Eight" was first up last night and it was as great as I remembered. Fantastic cast. Pretty crazy to see John C Reilly, Paltrow and Sam Jackson so young. However, the grossly under appreciated Philip Baker Hall, steals the show. I'm not even sure if anyone on here has ever seen this film, so I won't give anything away. It's definitely worth watching if you're lucky enough to dig it up somewhere.

Second on the list was "Magnolia". Hands down top 20 on my all time list with an amazing soundtrack to boot. Top 20 may not sound like much, but when you see 150-200 new movies a year, it's tough to narrow it down. Back to the movie. Philip Seymour Hoffman was one of my favorite actors and this was his best performance IMO. It's the type of understated emotion that too few actors exhibit. Too often, they go in for the kill with full blown emotion. Over the top. I always picture Pacino on the church stairs in "Godfather 3". Please stop Michael. Anyway, again, back to the movie. Besides Hoffman, the movie is chock full of career best performances. Tom Cruise was at his best here. He's yet to match that performance. It's tough to call one of Julianne Moore's performances her best, but this is right up there with "Boogie Nights" and "Still Alice". Same to be said for William H Macy. Right up there with "Boogie Nights" and "Fargo". Besides that, the film is chock full of amazing supporting characters (Reilly, Luis Guzman, Baker Hall, Molina, etc). Truly an actors showcase with a story that will leave you analyzing it for days. "Respect the c@&k!"

This all led to "Boogie Nights" this morning. It really was for porn what "Goodfellas" was to the mob. Glamorized the hell out of the life for the first 2/3's with great music and characters, until it all comes crashing down in the final act. The scene where Wahlberg and his boys try to rob Molina while "Jessie's Girl" is blasting in the background remains one of the greats. I won't say too much more about this one because it was so mainstream. "This is hi-fi. High fidelity. What that means is it's the highest quality fidelity".

Unfortunately, after that incredible run that Anderson was on, I don't think he's ever been able to get back to form. "There Will Be Blood" was good, but way over rated IMO. "Punch Drunk Love" was a slog. "Inherent Vice" wasn't worth the time. The only movie of his after his first 3 semi hits that I've gone back to for a second viewing was "The Master". The movie was mediocre. However, the performances of Phoenix and Hoffman were insane. Acting at it's finest. However, it still is a completely different style of direction from how Anderson started. If Anderson never made another movie, I would rank him on my top director list for "Magnolia", "Boogie Nights" and "Hard Eight" alone. However, I hope he revisits his older style, as I really thought he would end up Scorsese like when his career was done. As of right now, that isn't close to happening.

[15th overall]

Was switching lines on the subway the other day and this guy with a flute was playing the theme from the Lost Woods in Ocarina of Time. Went straight past the loose change for the wallet to get the man some actual money.

Feel similar to andy's first comment about the Leftovers. Good enough where I feel like I should just continue watching it at this point to see how it shakes out, but I don't think I would recommend it to anyone at this point either. Kind of on TBD status for me.

Pacino, if you're interested in checking out some other movies about cults, I'd recommend checking out "Sound of My Voice" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" if you haven't already. "Sound of My Voice" is more entertaining and crowd friendly while "Martha Marcy May Marlene" is a pretty heavy drama.

[SuperDeluxe]

Pacino, if you're interested in checking out some other movies about cults, I'd recommend checking out "Sound of My Voice" and "Martha Marcy May Marlene" if you haven't already. "Sound of My Voice" is more entertaining and crowd friendly while "Martha Marcy May Marlene" is a pretty heavy drama.

I agree about "Martha Marcy May Marlene". It's a bit of a slow-moving affair, but the acting of Elizabeth Olsen carries the whole thing. Hard to believe that this girl is the sister of the Olsen twins.

[Pacino62]

My man

I've seen Martha Marcy. Very good. Very intense. Almost uncomfortable. I'm heading away on biz this week and will check out the "Sound of my Voice". I've heard a few things but never bothered. Looking forward to it. HIGHLY recommend "Faults". Movie is awesome.

Side note. Saw "The Gift". Jesus. Bateman has come so far since Teen Wolf Too. Lol. The movie had some of the finest acting I've seen this year with direction reminiscent of Hitchcock. Not a trace of blood in the flick but I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. Big thumb up

[exculpatory]

Saw Phantom for 5th time on Broadway. Timeless magnificence.

[truth18]

I'm going to pretend this season of True Detective didn't happen.

[Writebloc]

Don't know if has been mentioned at all, but I just finished reading Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. I can't recommend the book enough.

[BRUNiNHO91]

I'm going to pretend this season of True Detective didn't happen.

LOL!

Just saw the last episode today. Thought it was a great episode. Really enjoyed the last two tbh. The shooting scene with the Mexicans was also absolutely legit. Didn't think the show overall was as bad as people made it seem. But it wasn't good either. Bit confusing..one of those shows you probably have to watch each episode like 3 times to pick everything up in the tiniest detail. Even then, still wouldn't be as good as it should have been. Specially with the 4 main characters they had..those are some pretty top notch people and they really let it go to waste. Idk about you guys but I think the fact they had to split it between 4 people in 8 episodes kind of made it feel rushed..sloppy in parts. Shame.

[Pacino62]

Saw Phantom for 5th time on Broadway. Timeless magnificence.

One of my favorites. Three times myself. Looking forward to number 4 when my daughter gets a little older so I can take her. Never thought to discuss stage on here. Saw "In The Heights" recently and absolutely loved it. I would recommend it to anyone into the hip hop scene who has wanted to experience a live musical but not really felt the genre of music typically associated with that.

Not musical, but my wife just got me tickets to see Chaz Palminteri's 1 man production of "A Bronx Tale". One of my favorite actors and my favorite mob movie of all time (saying a lot coming from an Italian...lol). Really looking forward to it. He's received rave reviews for it. Basically, 2 hours of Chaz telling stories about growing up in the Bronx.

[KJandHondo35]

Movie I love that might even been top 5 for me... Blade Runner.

You have peak Harrison Ford with Ridley Scott coming off Alien. What I love about this film is the world building Scott manages, he creates this dystopian future with noir elements we saw in Alien but does it in a way that I actually want to be in that place. You also interact with a lot of tech in this movie (that really plays a big role in the overall plot) but also holds up even after over 30 years. Remember the computer Deckard uses to zoom in on this image, then every time it rebuilds the image that he uses simply by voice communication…. If you change out the monitor and refresh the graphics in it, that’s a technological tool that even today would be innovative. Soundtrack lowkey is awesome as well.

This brings me to my other observation; Is Harrison Ford’s run from Star Wars IV (1977) to Indiana Jones Temple of Doom (1984) the best run of leading roles/movies ever?

Check this out:
Star Wars: Eposode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Blade Runner (1982)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Apocalypse he wasn’t “the lead” but I still have to give him credit as it’s a ridiculously iconic film at he was like 8th billed. I don’t know who tops that, ones that come to mind that have a chance is prime Cruise or prime Leonardo. Another that could match it is Chris Pratt, he’s in the midst of his run, hope to see him continue to kill it.

[Fidel Sarcasmo]

Don't know if this has been thrown out here yet on this thread. But Mr. Robot is kicking ass right now. I'm glued every Wednesday. I almost forgot USA network even existed until they came out with this gem.

[KJandHondo35]

Don't know if this has been thrown out here yet on this thread. But Mr. Robot is kicking ass right now. I'm glued every Wednesday. I almost forgot USA network even existed until they came out with this gem.

Best show of the Summer.

[Fidel Sarcasmo]

Don't know if this has been thrown out here yet on this thread. But Mr. Robot is kicking ass right now. I'm glued every Wednesday. I almost forgot USA network even existed until they came out with this gem.

Best show of the Summer.

It's totally fight club. You see it right? Slater's character is Tyler Durden 100%. Even though it's obvious, I'm still glued.

[KJandHondo35]

Don't know if this has been thrown out here yet on this thread. But Mr. Robot is kicking ass right now. I'm glued every Wednesday. I almost forgot USA network even existed until they came out with this gem.

Best show of the Summer.

It's totally fight club. You see it right? Slater's character is Tyler Durden 100%. Even though it's obvious, I'm still glued.

It is very Fight Club, great point! I love how it blends this hyper realistic, dark NYC with this almost campy vibe whenever Slater hits the screen. Like it knows exactly how serious it wants you to take it, everything from putting the entire show inside Malik’s head to the point every time they talk about "E Corp" we hear "Evil Corp". Under a different director you could see this show go full on True Detective meaning it's all about the young anti-hero, drug addicted Malik, fighting the corruption ridden Conglomerates via the interweb. Instead it flavors that with a little Fight Club, a little Birdman and the result is that I actually enjoy watching it. It’s real, it’s surreal, and we don’t really know how much we can trust of anything that’s happening but its fun. That’s what you want in a good summer show imo.

[Fidel Sarcasmo]

Best show of the Summer.

It's totally fight club. You see it right? Slater's character is Tyler Durden 100%. Even though it's obvious, I'm still glued.

It is very Fight Club, great point! I love how it blends this hyper realistic, dark NYC with this almost campy vibe whenever Slater hits the screen. Like it knows exactly how serious it wants you to take it, everything from putting the entire show inside Malik’s head to the point every time they talk about "E Corp" we hear "Evil Corp". Under a different director you could see this show go full on True Detective meaning it's all about the young anti-hero, drug addicted Malik, fighting the corruption ridden Conglomerates via the interweb. Instead it flavors that with a little Fight Club, a little Birdman and the result is that I actually enjoy watching it. It’s real, it’s surreal, and we don’t really know how much we can trust of anything that’s happening but its fun. That’s what you want in a good summer show imo.

This whole plot is totally going to peak with China. it's got China written all over it. Can't wait, cause it rings so true. My wife thinks Evil Corp is a shot at Enron, but I think it's aimed more at Bank of America.

[truth18]

It's totally fight club. You see it right? Slater's character is Tyler Durden 100%. Even though it's obvious, I'm still glued.

It is very Fight Club, great point! I love how it blends this hyper realistic, dark NYC with this almost campy vibe whenever Slater hits the screen. Like it knows exactly how serious it wants you to take it, everything from putting the entire show inside Malik’s head to the point every time they talk about "E Corp" we hear "Evil Corp". Under a different director you could see this show go full on True Detective meaning it's all about the young anti-hero, drug addicted Malik, fighting the corruption ridden Conglomerates via the interweb. Instead it flavors that with a little Fight Club, a little Birdman and the result is that I actually enjoy watching it. It’s real, it’s surreal, and we don’t really know how much we can trust of anything that’s happening but its fun. That’s what you want in a good summer show imo.

This whole plot is totally going to peak with China. it's got China written all over it. Can't wait, cause it rings so true. My wife thinks Evil Corp is a shot at Enron, but I think it's aimed more at Bank of America.

Yeah its my favorite show on TV. Everyone should be watching it.

I think you guys are 100% wrong on the Tyler Durden stuff though. I don't think the show is headed in that direction at all. It is not a predictable show at all.

[KJandHondo35]

It is very Fight Club, great point! I love how it blends this hyper realistic, dark NYC with this almost campy vibe whenever Slater hits the screen. Like it knows exactly how serious it wants you to take it, everything from putting the entire show inside Malik’s head to the point every time they talk about "E Corp" we hear "Evil Corp". Under a different director you could see this show go full on True Detective meaning it's all about the young anti-hero, drug addicted Malik, fighting the corruption ridden Conglomerates via the interweb. Instead it flavors that with a little Fight Club, a little Birdman and the result is that I actually enjoy watching it. It’s real, it’s surreal, and we don’t really know how much we can trust of anything that’s happening but its fun. That’s what you want in a good summer show imo.

This whole plot is totally going to peak with China. it's got China written all over it. Can't wait, cause it rings so true. My wife thinks Evil Corp is a shot at Enron, but I think it's aimed more at Bank of America.

Yeah its my favorite show on TV. Everyone should be watching it.

I think you guys are 100% wrong on the Tyler Durden stuff though. I don't think the show is headed in that direction at all. It is not a predictable show at all.

P.S. kinda spoilery alert
I think they intentionally left the door open to for us to question if Mr. Robot is real or if he's some proxy that Elliot created. I think it can go either way but I know that Sam Esmail already has predetermined the whole thing and don't beleive he will cater to what anyone "wants". I personally perfer the idea that Slater is real and is really leading fsociety.

[Pacino62]

Movie I love that might even been top 5 for me... Blade Runner.

You have peak Harrison Ford with Ridley Scott coming off Alien. What I love about this film is the world building Scott manages, he creates this dystopian future with noir elements we saw in Alien but does it in a way that I actually want to be in that place. You also interact with a lot of tech in this movie (that really plays a big role in the overall plot) but also holds up even after over 30 years. Remember the computer Deckard uses to zoom in on this image, then every time it rebuilds the image that he uses simply by voice communication…. If you change out the monitor and refresh the graphics in it, that’s a technological tool that even today would be innovative. Soundtrack lowkey is awesome as well.

This brings me to my other observation; Is Harrison Ford’s run from Star Wars IV (1977) to Indiana Jones Temple of Doom (1984) the best run of leading roles/movies ever?

Check this out:
Star Wars: Eposode IV – A New Hope (1977)
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Blade Runner (1982)
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983)
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Apocalypse he wasn’t “the lead” but I still have to give him credit as it’s a ridiculously iconic film at he was like 8th billed. I don’t know who tops that, ones that come to mind that have a chance is prime Cruise or prime Leonardo. Another that could match it is Chris Pratt, he’s in the midst of his run, hope to see him continue to kill it.

Are you just referring to money makers or films? If film in general, I take these all day:

Deniro
Bang the Drum Slowly (1973)
Mean Streets (1973)
Godfather 2 (1974)
Taxi Driver (1976)
New York New York (1977)
The Deer Hunter (1978)
Raging Bull (1980)
The King of Comedy (1982)
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)

Pacino
Panic in Needle Park(1971)
The Godfather (1972)
Scarecrow (1973)
Serpico (1973)
The Godfather 2 (1974)
Dog Day Afternoon (1975)
Bobby Deerfield (1977)
And Justice For All (1979)
Cruising (1980)
Author Author (1982)
Scarface (1983)

Hanks
A League of Their Own (1992)
Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
Philadelphia (1993)
Forrest Gump (1994)
Apollo 13 (1995)
Toy Story (1995)
That Thing You Do (1996)
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Toy Story 2 (1999)
The Green Mile (1999)
Cast Away (2000)
Road to Perdition (2002)
Catch Me if You Can (2002)

If "popcorn movies" and revenue are the subject matter, I take Ford or Cruise though. However, quality of films goes to this triple threat all day.

[Fidel Sarcasmo]

It is very Fight Club, great point! I love how it blends this hyper realistic, dark NYC with this almost campy vibe whenever Slater hits the screen. Like it knows exactly how serious it wants you to take it, everything from putting the entire show inside Malik’s head to the point every time they talk about "E Corp" we hear "Evil Corp". Under a different director you could see this show go full on True Detective meaning it's all about the young anti-hero, drug addicted Malik, fighting the corruption ridden Conglomerates via the interweb. Instead it flavors that with a little Fight Club, a little Birdman and the result is that I actually enjoy watching it. It’s real, it’s surreal, and we don’t really know how much we can trust of anything that’s happening but its fun. That’s what you want in a good summer show imo.

This whole plot is totally going to peak with China. it's got China written all over it. Can't wait, cause it rings so true. My wife thinks Evil Corp is a shot at Enron, but I think it's aimed more at Bank of America.

Yeah its my favorite show on TV. Everyone should be watching it.

I think you guys are 100% wrong on the Tyler Durden stuff though. I don't think the show is headed in that direction at all. It is not a predictable show at all.

He's got to be Tyler Durden. Every Time the main character was spotted with Slater's character and the cyber team, only one of them has spoke. You could never see Slater's character, Main character any of the other team engage in 3 way conversation. it's like Mr Robot was a visible ghost only to the main character when they'd all talk. I think he's 100% Tyler Durden. I'd be completely shocked if he wasn't some type of alter ego at this point. he's got to be. He's the main character's Mr hyde

[Pacino62]

By the way. "Blade Runner" is amazing.