July 31st 2013. Pick Of The Day.
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Joseph Losey's THE SERVANT, the wittily penned psychological drama from the typewriter of one Harold Pinter, is nearly at the end of its weeklong booking at Film Forum. Dirk Bogarde's valet provides
a smoothly run household initially and a reversal of authority ultimately, as James Fox's wealthy Londoner's increasing dependence upon said footman turns to identity erosion. Tricky stuff, but not my Pick.
Jean-Luc Godard's sophomore effort, A WOMAN IS A WOMAN, pays tribute to the Hollywood musicals of the 40's and 50's and stars Jean-Paul Belmondo and the filmmaker's future wife Anna Karina. Never quite reaches the heights of those earlier films because it's directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Did I mention that? Screens today and tomorrow as part of MoMA's ongoing Auteurist History of Film series.
Gena Rowlands stars with husband and director John Cassavetes in 1984's LOVE STREAMS, which has the honor of closing out BAM's month-long trib to the acknowledged godfather of independent American cinema. In his penultimate turn behind the camera JC cast himself and his wife, perhaps strangely, as brother and sister both fleeing a dysfunctional past. Potent stuff, but not my Pick today. Johnny Staccato, we hardly knew ye...
Sydney Pollack's THREE DAYS OF THE CONDOR screens at the Mid-Manhattan Library as part of their summer film series 1970's: NYC on Film. Robert Redford's CIA analyst steams things up with Faye Dunaway's mysterious blonde while Max Von Sydow's assassin tracks him down. What's not to like? I have a hard time choosing a BluRay projection while so many outdoor film events are still occurring during these glorious summer months, even though I applaud all the effort the Mid-Manhattan Library puts into programming these great series. Pass, though, I do. Which is not a ballet maneuver.
Outside at McCarren Park Richard Donner's THE GOONIES, which is beloved by many but represents to me all wrong wrought by Steven Spielberg in the 80's, screens at sunset. At least those last three words sounded pleasant. Hey, maybe I was just a couple of years too old to fully appreciate this flick, and God knows I love Donner like some people love Jesus, but this flick just sank like a stone for me whence released and has remained there ever since. Maybe I'll come across a lost treasure map no I'm not gonna go there.
So what is it that claims my Pick today? That's easy!
TRADITION!
Norman Jewison's movie adap of the immensely successful Broadway musical FIDDLER ON THE ROOF screens in Riverside Park at sunset tonight. Consider yourself a rich man, indeed.
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Be safe and sound and make sure the next so-and-so is too, knuckleheads! August Calendar goes live after midnight tonight, and GODDAM is this month packed chock full of classic film goodness! Clear some space in yer sked is my advice. And eat your greens. While I'm at it.
-Joe Walsh
