Passus I, Stanza 3, Lines 37 through 59:
Modern English:
This king lay at Camelot at Christmastide;
Many good knights and gay his guests were there,
Arrayed of the Round Table rightful brothers,
With feasting and fellowship and carefree mirth.
There true men contended in tournaments many,
Joined there in jousting these gentle knights,
Then came to the court for carol-dancing,
For the feast was in force full fifteen days,
With all the meat and the mirth that men could devise,
Such gaiety and glee, glorious to hear,
Brave din by day, dancing by night.
High were their hearts in halls and chambers,
These lords and these ladies, for life was sweet.
In peerless pleasures passed they their days,
The most noble knights known under Christ,
And the lovelies ladies that lived on earth ever,
And he the comeliest king, that that court holds,
For all this fair folk in their first age
were still.
Happiest of moral kind,
King noblest famed of will;
You would now go far to find
So hardy a host on hill.
Summary:
This “king lay at Camelot at Christmastide” (37) The word “lay” means the king lies in a recumbent posture at “Camelot at Christmastide,” Christmastime (37). Camelot is the capital of Arthur’s kingdom, located in southwest England or southern Wales. The gay knights and guests join King Arthur around the Round Table. According to legend, Merlin made the Round Table after a dispute broke out among Arthur’s knights about precedence. The Round Table seated one hundred knights. The table described in the poem is not round. The knights and guest were there for “feasting and fellowship and carefree mirth” (40). The term “carefree mirth” means free from care or anxiety to express pleasurable feeling, enjoyment, gratification, joy and happiness.
“True men contented in tournaments” (41). The term “true men” men who are steadfast in adherence to a commander or friend, to a principle or cause, to one's promises, faith, firm in allegiance, faithful, loyal, constant and trusty. The men joined in “jousting these gentle knights” (42). The word “jousting” means a combat in which two knights or men-at-arms on horseback encountered each other with lances, more specifically a combat of this kind for exercise or sport. The jousting tournament is a series of such encounters, as a spectacular display. The reference to “gentle knights” means knights well-born, belonging to a family of position, originally used synonymously with noble. A knight that has the rank or status of ‘gentleman’, the distinguishing mark of which is the right to bear arms. The jousting tournaments consisted of the “true men” against the “gentle knights.” After the jousting tournament, they “came to the court for carol-dancing” (43). The term “carol-dancing” means a ring-dance with accompaniment of song, a ring of men or women holding hands and moving round in dancing step.
The description of the “feast was in force full fifteen days” (44). The fifteen day feast includes all “the meat and the mirth” (45). The word “mirth” means pleasurable feeling enjoyment, gratification, joy, and happiness. The feast included “gaiety and glee” (46). The term “gaiety and glee” means the condition of being gay, cheerfulness with gratification and enjoyment, and entertainment, play and sport. The feast also included “dancing” (47). In the 14th Century, guests and knights would perform a ring-dance with accompaniment of song, a ring of men or women holding hands and moving round in dancing step. During these fifteen days of feasting, their hearts were high for “these lords and these ladies” (49). In “peerless pleasures,” in unequaled pleasures, they “passed … their days” (50). The guests were the “most-noble knights known under Christ” (51). The ladies were the “loveliest ladies that lived on earth” (52). The king was the “comeliest“ (53). The reference to the king as the “comeliest” is applied in courtesy to those of noble station, and refers to their pleasing or agreeable morality, to notions of propriety, or æsthetic taste, becoming, decent, proper, seemly and decorous disposition.
The guests were the “Happiest of mortal kind” (56). The word “mortal” means a person who is destined to die, a human being. The “King noblest famed of will” (57). The word “will” means the king was the noblest king and was famed or famous for achieving his desires, wishes, and longings. The reader “would … go far to find (58)/ “So hardy a host on hill” (59). The poet addresses the reader directly, and tells the reader that he or she will not find such a strong, enduring and tough host on a hill. In the 14th Century, kings and nobility often resided on a hill for protection. If an enemy advances towards the hill, those on the hill will see them in advance and be forewarned and prepared.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Poetry Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Passus 1, Stanza 2, Lines 20 through 36
Passus 1, Stanza 2, Lines 20 through 36:
Modern English:
And since this Britain was built by this baron great,
Bold boys bred there, in broils delighting
That did in their day many a deed most dire.
More marvels have happened in this merry land
Than in any other I know, since that olden time,
But of those that her built, of British kings,
King Arthur was counted most courteous of all,
Wherefore an adventure I aim to unfold,
That a marvel of might some men think it,
And one unmatched among Arthur’s wonders.
If you listen to my lay but a little while,
As I heard it in hall, I shall hasten to tell
Anew.
As it was fashioned featly
In tale of derring-do,
And linked in measures meetly
By letters tried and true.
Summary:
Britain “was built by this baron great” (20). The term “baron great” means a great, but specific order or rank, a baron is the lowest grade of nobility. In Britain, “Bold boys bred there, in broils delighting” (21). The term “bold boys” means stout-hearted, courageous, daring and fearless boys that were born and raised there. The boys delighted in confusion and the disorder of building. The boys did many deeds that were “dire,” dreadful, dismal, mournful, horrible and terrible in order to build the city (22).
”Marvels have happened in this merry land” (23). A “marvel” is a miracle. The term “merry land” means land that causes and creates pleasure and happiness, land that is pleasing and delightful. More miracles have happened in this land “Than in any other I know” (24). The Gawain-poet introduces Britain’s leader, the legendary King Arthur. The introduction of King Arthur results in the poet’s first slam when he refers to of all the British kings, “King Arthur was counted most courteous of all” (26). The poet is going to unfold an adventure. Some men may think of the adventure as a “marvel,” miracle (28). This adventure is “one unmatched among Arthur’s wonders” (29). The term “Arthur’s wonders” means cause by Arthur for astonishment. The poet asks for the reader to “listen to [his] lay for but a little while” (30). The word “lay” means tale. The poet asks the reader to listen to his tale for a little while. The poet is going to recite the adventure as he “heard it in the hall” (31).
The tale was “fashioned featly” (33). The term “fashioned featly” means the tale was told properly, suitably, neatly and elegantly. The tale was of a “derring-do” means literally daring to do, which, by a chain of misunderstandings and errors, have come to be treated as a kind of substantive combination, taken to mean, daring action or feats and may include desperate courage. The tale was “linked in measures meetly” (35). The tale was “linked,” connected by, joined, coupled and associated, in “measures meetly,” to an extent as to not be exceeded, a limit that is fitting, proper and suitable. The tale was connected in a proper amount “By letters tried and true,” by excellent words chosen and selected through trial and error and were true.
Modern English:
And since this Britain was built by this baron great,
Bold boys bred there, in broils delighting
That did in their day many a deed most dire.
More marvels have happened in this merry land
Than in any other I know, since that olden time,
But of those that her built, of British kings,
King Arthur was counted most courteous of all,
Wherefore an adventure I aim to unfold,
That a marvel of might some men think it,
And one unmatched among Arthur’s wonders.
If you listen to my lay but a little while,
As I heard it in hall, I shall hasten to tell
Anew.
As it was fashioned featly
In tale of derring-do,
And linked in measures meetly
By letters tried and true.
Summary:
Britain “was built by this baron great” (20). The term “baron great” means a great, but specific order or rank, a baron is the lowest grade of nobility. In Britain, “Bold boys bred there, in broils delighting” (21). The term “bold boys” means stout-hearted, courageous, daring and fearless boys that were born and raised there. The boys delighted in confusion and the disorder of building. The boys did many deeds that were “dire,” dreadful, dismal, mournful, horrible and terrible in order to build the city (22).
”Marvels have happened in this merry land” (23). A “marvel” is a miracle. The term “merry land” means land that causes and creates pleasure and happiness, land that is pleasing and delightful. More miracles have happened in this land “Than in any other I know” (24). The Gawain-poet introduces Britain’s leader, the legendary King Arthur. The introduction of King Arthur results in the poet’s first slam when he refers to of all the British kings, “King Arthur was counted most courteous of all” (26). The poet is going to unfold an adventure. Some men may think of the adventure as a “marvel,” miracle (28). This adventure is “one unmatched among Arthur’s wonders” (29). The term “Arthur’s wonders” means cause by Arthur for astonishment. The poet asks for the reader to “listen to [his] lay for but a little while” (30). The word “lay” means tale. The poet asks the reader to listen to his tale for a little while. The poet is going to recite the adventure as he “heard it in the hall” (31).
The tale was “fashioned featly” (33). The term “fashioned featly” means the tale was told properly, suitably, neatly and elegantly. The tale was of a “derring-do” means literally daring to do, which, by a chain of misunderstandings and errors, have come to be treated as a kind of substantive combination, taken to mean, daring action or feats and may include desperate courage. The tale was “linked in measures meetly” (35). The tale was “linked,” connected by, joined, coupled and associated, in “measures meetly,” to an extent as to not be exceeded, a limit that is fitting, proper and suitable. The tale was connected in a proper amount “By letters tried and true,” by excellent words chosen and selected through trial and error and were true.
Film Review: Unforgiven, Directed by Clint Eastwood, Winner of Academy Award for Best Picture in 1992
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
The movie “Unforgiven” is a 1992 Western film—noir produced and directed by Clint Eastwood with a screenplay written by David Webb Peoples. The film won four Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Gene Hackman, Best Director for Clint Eastwood, Best Film Editing for Joel Cox, and Best Picture for Clint Eastwood. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Art Direction—Set Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Original Screenplay.
The film stars Clint Eastwood, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, playing William Munny. This film co-stars Gene Hackman, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in Supporting Role, playing Little Bill Daggett. The film also co-stars Morgan Freeman, playing Ned Logan, Richard Harris, playing English Bob, Jaimz Woolvett, playing The Schofield Kid, Saul Rubinek, playing W.W. Beauchamp, and Frances Fisher, playing Strawberry Alice.
A house of ill-repute in Big Whiskey, Wyoming, offers a $1000 reward to whoever can kill two cowboys who cut-up the face of one of their whores. This upsets the local sheriff, a former gunfighter known as Little Bill Daggett who doesn't allow guns or assassins in his town.
In Kansas, the Schofield Kid pays a visit to the farm of William Munny, an aging yet notorious outlaw, down on his luck, and trying to reform. The Kid recruits Munny to kill the two cowboys. Munny recruits his old partner Ned Logan, another retired outlaw.
In Big Whiskey, gunfighter English Bob and his biographer arrive also seeking the $1000 reward. Little Bill cleverly disarm old English Bob and beats him in the street, to set an example for other reward hunters. English Bob is kicked out of town on his ass, but his biographer stays to observe and take notes regarding another legend Little Bill.
Munny, Logan and the Kid arrive in Big Whiskey they interface with Little Bill in the saloon. Logan and the Kid go upstairs to get “advance-payments” from the prostitutes while Munny stays downstairs only to receive a whipping. Like all good westerns, this one also has a love story.
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
The movie “Unforgiven” is a 1992 Western film—noir produced and directed by Clint Eastwood with a screenplay written by David Webb Peoples. The film won four Academy Awards including Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Gene Hackman, Best Director for Clint Eastwood, Best Film Editing for Joel Cox, and Best Picture for Clint Eastwood. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, Best Art Direction—Set Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Sound and Best Original Screenplay.
The film stars Clint Eastwood, who was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, playing William Munny. This film co-stars Gene Hackman, who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in Supporting Role, playing Little Bill Daggett. The film also co-stars Morgan Freeman, playing Ned Logan, Richard Harris, playing English Bob, Jaimz Woolvett, playing The Schofield Kid, Saul Rubinek, playing W.W. Beauchamp, and Frances Fisher, playing Strawberry Alice.
A house of ill-repute in Big Whiskey, Wyoming, offers a $1000 reward to whoever can kill two cowboys who cut-up the face of one of their whores. This upsets the local sheriff, a former gunfighter known as Little Bill Daggett who doesn't allow guns or assassins in his town.
In Kansas, the Schofield Kid pays a visit to the farm of William Munny, an aging yet notorious outlaw, down on his luck, and trying to reform. The Kid recruits Munny to kill the two cowboys. Munny recruits his old partner Ned Logan, another retired outlaw.
In Big Whiskey, gunfighter English Bob and his biographer arrive also seeking the $1000 reward. Little Bill cleverly disarm old English Bob and beats him in the street, to set an example for other reward hunters. English Bob is kicked out of town on his ass, but his biographer stays to observe and take notes regarding another legend Little Bill.
Munny, Logan and the Kid arrive in Big Whiskey they interface with Little Bill in the saloon. Logan and the Kid go upstairs to get “advance-payments” from the prostitutes while Munny stays downstairs only to receive a whipping. Like all good westerns, this one also has a love story.
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
Film Review: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Directed by Frank Capra
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
This film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is directed by Frank Capra and written by Sidney Buchman based on Lewis R. Foster’s unpublished novel. This film is Frank Capra’s finest. It is starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. The film co-stars Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell and Harry Carey. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. It won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
A governor, of a state in the mid-west, Hubert "Happy" Hopper, played by Guy Kibbee, has to pick a replacement for deceased U.S. Senator Sam Foley. His corrupt political boss, Jim Taylor, played by Edward Arnold, pressures Hopper to choose his handpicked stooge, while popular committees want a reformer. The governor's children want him to select Jefferson Smith, played by James Stewart, the head of the Boy Rangers. Hopper can’t decide so he flips a coin. When the coin lands on its side next to a newspaper clipping regarding Jefferson Smith putting out the forest fire by himself, Hooper selects him. Hooper decides that Smith’s popularity will garner him more votes, and his inexperience will allow Senator Joseph Paine, played by Claude Rains the ability for manipulation.
Senator Joseph Paine was Jefferson Smith’s father’s best friend in an altruistic venture to save and protect the disadvantaged. Jefferson Smith is immediately attracted to Senator Pain’s daughter Susan, played by Astrid Allwyn. Senator Paine suggests to Jefferson Smith that he work on a new bill. Jefferson Smith is assisted by his cynical but delightful secretary Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur. The new bill being proposed by Smith conflicts with a bill of Senator Paines that he set up for graft.
This film takes a high launch into the outer echelon of films histories most significant depiction of the senate in action or not, during a filibuster instigated by the novice senator Jefferson Smith. Jefferson Smith is full of right, honesty, and drive, but is thwarted by the political machinery and manipulation of Washington DC. None other than Harry Carey plays the President of the Senate or referee. It is necessary view for all history buffs. In France, the film’s release received rave reviews amongst an extremely appreciative audience, but only four days later the German Nazis banned the film. Who wins … watch the walrus wager and wiggle that wag?
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
This film “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” is directed by Frank Capra and written by Sidney Buchman based on Lewis R. Foster’s unpublished novel. This film is Frank Capra’s finest. It is starring James Stewart and Jean Arthur. The film co-stars Claude Rains, Edward Arnold, Guy Kibbee, Thomas Mitchell and Harry Carey. The film was nominated for eleven Academy Awards. It won an Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
A governor, of a state in the mid-west, Hubert "Happy" Hopper, played by Guy Kibbee, has to pick a replacement for deceased U.S. Senator Sam Foley. His corrupt political boss, Jim Taylor, played by Edward Arnold, pressures Hopper to choose his handpicked stooge, while popular committees want a reformer. The governor's children want him to select Jefferson Smith, played by James Stewart, the head of the Boy Rangers. Hopper can’t decide so he flips a coin. When the coin lands on its side next to a newspaper clipping regarding Jefferson Smith putting out the forest fire by himself, Hooper selects him. Hooper decides that Smith’s popularity will garner him more votes, and his inexperience will allow Senator Joseph Paine, played by Claude Rains the ability for manipulation.
Senator Joseph Paine was Jefferson Smith’s father’s best friend in an altruistic venture to save and protect the disadvantaged. Jefferson Smith is immediately attracted to Senator Pain’s daughter Susan, played by Astrid Allwyn. Senator Paine suggests to Jefferson Smith that he work on a new bill. Jefferson Smith is assisted by his cynical but delightful secretary Clarissa Saunders, played by Jean Arthur. The new bill being proposed by Smith conflicts with a bill of Senator Paines that he set up for graft.
This film takes a high launch into the outer echelon of films histories most significant depiction of the senate in action or not, during a filibuster instigated by the novice senator Jefferson Smith. Jefferson Smith is full of right, honesty, and drive, but is thwarted by the political machinery and manipulation of Washington DC. None other than Harry Carey plays the President of the Senate or referee. It is necessary view for all history buffs. In France, the film’s release received rave reviews amongst an extremely appreciative audience, but only four days later the German Nazis banned the film. Who wins … watch the walrus wager and wiggle that wag?
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
Poetry Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Gawain Poet, Passus I,
Passus I, Stanza 1, Lines 1 through 19:
Modern English:
Since the siege and the assault was ceased at Troy
The walls breached and burnt down to brands and ashes,
The knight that had knotted the nets of deceit
Was impeached for his perfidy, proven most true,
It was high-born Aeneas and his haughty race
That since prevailed over provinces, and proudly reigned
Over well-nigh all the wealth of the West Isles.
Great Romulus to Rome repairs in haste;
With boast and with bravery builds he that city
And names it with his own name, that it now bears.
Ticius to Tuscany, and towers raises,
Langobard in Lombardy lays out homes,
And far over the French Sea, Felix Brutus
On many broad hills and high Britain he sets,
most fair.
Where war and wrack and wonder
By shifts have sojourned there,
And bliss by turns with blunder
In that land’s lot had share.
Summary:
The poem begins with a reference to when the “siege and assault was ceased at Troy” (1). The poet places the reign of King Arthur in a broad historical perspective which includes the fall of Troy. The poem makes reference to the “knight that had knotted the nets of deceit” (3). The deceitful knight is Antenor, who in Virgil’s “Aeneid” is a trusted counselor, but who appears as a traitor in later versions of the Troy story. Antenor is referenced here as a traitor to Troy, and was “impeached for his perfidy” (4). The word “perfidy” means deceitfulness, untrustworthiness, breach of faith or of a promise, betrayal of trust and treachery. Antenor was impeached due his deceitfulness and treachery.
The rulers of the West Isles were “high-born Aeneas and his haughty race” (5). The term “high-born” means born in a high rank of society, or of noble birth. The term “haughty race” means the race considered themselves high in their estimation, lofty and disdainful in feeling or demeanor, proud, arrogant, and supercilious when it came to their disposition their action and speech. They “prevailed over provinces, and proudly reigned” (6). The word “prevail” means to become very strong, to gain vigor or force, and to increase in strength over provinces, a country, territory, district, or region, a region of the earth or of a continent, included are the inhabitants of such a region or a nation. The word “reign” means to hold or exercise the sovereign power or authority in a state, to rule or govern as king or queen, sometimes in restricted sense, to hold the royal office without being actual ruler, to have a limited or nominal sovereignty. The ruled “Over well-nigh all the wealth” (7). The term “well-nigh” means very nearly, almost wholly or entirely all the wealth.
In accordance with medieval notions of history, the poet visualizes Aeneas, son of the king of Troy, and his descendants, as founding a series of western kingdoms to which each gives his name. We are told what “Romulus is to Rome” (8). “Ticius is to Tuscany” (11). “Langobarb is to Lombardy” (12). This westward movement ends with the crossing of the “French Sea” or British Channel (13). Felix Brutus, the great-grandson of Aeneas, is to “Britain” (14). This Brutus, whom the poet calls felix or fortunate, is not to be confused with the Marcus Brutus of Roman history. They are all founders of great cities, who were then honored by having the cities named after them.
Rome, Tuscany, Lombardy and Britain are locations “Where war and wrack and wonder” (16)/ “By shifts have sojourned there” (17). The term “wrack and wonder” means retributive punishment, vengeance, revenge and wonder, astonishment. By shifts, a beginning or movement towards progress, have sojourned, a place of temporary stay, there, the city or region. In Rome, Tuscany, Lombardy and Britain war and retributive punishment and astonishment by migration towards have traveled.
“Bliss by turns with blunder” (18)/ “In that land’s lot had share” (19). The contrasting words “bliss” means to give joy or gladness, while “blunder” means confusion, bewilderment, trouble, disturbance and clamor. In the new region, the experience was either joy or disturbance. A “lot” is an object, normally a piece of wood, which was used in a widely diffused ancient method of deciding disputes regarding the division of property. Each lot or piece of wood bears the special mark of a person to whom the land is to be their claim. The claim was determined by an appeal to the divine agency supposed to be concerned in the results of chance. The word “share” means the part or portion of the land which is allotted or belongs to an individual, when distribution is made.
Modern English:
Since the siege and the assault was ceased at Troy
The walls breached and burnt down to brands and ashes,
The knight that had knotted the nets of deceit
Was impeached for his perfidy, proven most true,
It was high-born Aeneas and his haughty race
That since prevailed over provinces, and proudly reigned
Over well-nigh all the wealth of the West Isles.
Great Romulus to Rome repairs in haste;
With boast and with bravery builds he that city
And names it with his own name, that it now bears.
Ticius to Tuscany, and towers raises,
Langobard in Lombardy lays out homes,
And far over the French Sea, Felix Brutus
On many broad hills and high Britain he sets,
most fair.
Where war and wrack and wonder
By shifts have sojourned there,
And bliss by turns with blunder
In that land’s lot had share.
Summary:
The poem begins with a reference to when the “siege and assault was ceased at Troy” (1). The poet places the reign of King Arthur in a broad historical perspective which includes the fall of Troy. The poem makes reference to the “knight that had knotted the nets of deceit” (3). The deceitful knight is Antenor, who in Virgil’s “Aeneid” is a trusted counselor, but who appears as a traitor in later versions of the Troy story. Antenor is referenced here as a traitor to Troy, and was “impeached for his perfidy” (4). The word “perfidy” means deceitfulness, untrustworthiness, breach of faith or of a promise, betrayal of trust and treachery. Antenor was impeached due his deceitfulness and treachery.
The rulers of the West Isles were “high-born Aeneas and his haughty race” (5). The term “high-born” means born in a high rank of society, or of noble birth. The term “haughty race” means the race considered themselves high in their estimation, lofty and disdainful in feeling or demeanor, proud, arrogant, and supercilious when it came to their disposition their action and speech. They “prevailed over provinces, and proudly reigned” (6). The word “prevail” means to become very strong, to gain vigor or force, and to increase in strength over provinces, a country, territory, district, or region, a region of the earth or of a continent, included are the inhabitants of such a region or a nation. The word “reign” means to hold or exercise the sovereign power or authority in a state, to rule or govern as king or queen, sometimes in restricted sense, to hold the royal office without being actual ruler, to have a limited or nominal sovereignty. The ruled “Over well-nigh all the wealth” (7). The term “well-nigh” means very nearly, almost wholly or entirely all the wealth.
In accordance with medieval notions of history, the poet visualizes Aeneas, son of the king of Troy, and his descendants, as founding a series of western kingdoms to which each gives his name. We are told what “Romulus is to Rome” (8). “Ticius is to Tuscany” (11). “Langobarb is to Lombardy” (12). This westward movement ends with the crossing of the “French Sea” or British Channel (13). Felix Brutus, the great-grandson of Aeneas, is to “Britain” (14). This Brutus, whom the poet calls felix or fortunate, is not to be confused with the Marcus Brutus of Roman history. They are all founders of great cities, who were then honored by having the cities named after them.
Rome, Tuscany, Lombardy and Britain are locations “Where war and wrack and wonder” (16)/ “By shifts have sojourned there” (17). The term “wrack and wonder” means retributive punishment, vengeance, revenge and wonder, astonishment. By shifts, a beginning or movement towards progress, have sojourned, a place of temporary stay, there, the city or region. In Rome, Tuscany, Lombardy and Britain war and retributive punishment and astonishment by migration towards have traveled.
“Bliss by turns with blunder” (18)/ “In that land’s lot had share” (19). The contrasting words “bliss” means to give joy or gladness, while “blunder” means confusion, bewilderment, trouble, disturbance and clamor. In the new region, the experience was either joy or disturbance. A “lot” is an object, normally a piece of wood, which was used in a widely diffused ancient method of deciding disputes regarding the division of property. Each lot or piece of wood bears the special mark of a person to whom the land is to be their claim. The claim was determined by an appeal to the divine agency supposed to be concerned in the results of chance. The word “share” means the part or portion of the land which is allotted or belongs to an individual, when distribution is made.
Poetry Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Gawain-Poet, 14th Century
“Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” was written by an unknown author, referred to as the Gawain-poet, in the late 14th Century. In 1839, it was found in the British Library. The British Library obtained the poem from the Cotton Library, and Sir Robert Cotton obtained it from a library in Yorkshire. The Gawain-poet lived somewhere in the Midlands of England, near Stafford. Upon finding the poem in the library, it was not discarded because it was written on an unusual substance parchment, animal skin.
The poem was dispersed and examined by the curator of the library. The curator found the poem to be a literary work of the highest quality. The poem is the finest Arthurian poem in the English language. This poem is regarding King Arthur’s court and the knights of the Round Table, more specifically their most famous knight Sir Gawain. The Gawain-poet knew Latin and French, which is where the poet encountered the source stories of the “Beheading Game,” “Temptation Story,” and “Exchange of Winnings.”
This poem is divided into four passus, passus I through IV. The poem consists of 101 irregular stanzas, and each stanza is concluded with what is referred to as the “bob” and “wheel.” The bob and wheel is a five-line rhyming group. The first line has one stress and is referred to as a bob. The four three stress lines that follow are referred to as a wheel. Each bob and wheel has a rhyming scheme of ABABA.
This poem was written in Middle English, more specifically Middle English with a dialect from the midlands of England closely associated with Germanic languages. The literary information provided will include “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” in Middle English, Modern English, and the poem will be summarized by etymologizing, searching for the historical definition of the words. The summary of the poem shall be in prose by passus and stanza.
The poem was dispersed and examined by the curator of the library. The curator found the poem to be a literary work of the highest quality. The poem is the finest Arthurian poem in the English language. This poem is regarding King Arthur’s court and the knights of the Round Table, more specifically their most famous knight Sir Gawain. The Gawain-poet knew Latin and French, which is where the poet encountered the source stories of the “Beheading Game,” “Temptation Story,” and “Exchange of Winnings.”
This poem is divided into four passus, passus I through IV. The poem consists of 101 irregular stanzas, and each stanza is concluded with what is referred to as the “bob” and “wheel.” The bob and wheel is a five-line rhyming group. The first line has one stress and is referred to as a bob. The four three stress lines that follow are referred to as a wheel. Each bob and wheel has a rhyming scheme of ABABA.
This poem was written in Middle English, more specifically Middle English with a dialect from the midlands of England closely associated with Germanic languages. The literary information provided will include “Sir Gawain and the Green Knight” in Middle English, Modern English, and the poem will be summarized by etymologizing, searching for the historical definition of the words. The summary of the poem shall be in prose by passus and stanza.
Film Review: Videodrome, Written and Directed by David Cronenberg
Review by Thumper: Thump score from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
“Videodrome” is a cult-classic from 1983. “Viedeodrome is written and directed by David Cronenberg. This film stars James Woods and Deborah Harry from “Blondie.” It is one of his most original and provocative films, fusing social commentary with shocking sex, torture and violence, and psychological hallucinations. At times, the viewer is left wondering how “Videodrome” was ever produced and distributed. How did they get this past the censure board? For its time, it has groundbreaking special effects, and makeup by Academy Award winner, Rick Baker. “Videodrome” is one of the most influential horror and mind-bending science fiction films of the 1980s.
When Max Renn, played by James Woods, goes looking for edgy new shows for his sleazy cable TV station, he stumbles across the pirate broadcast of a violent torture show named “Videodrome.” As Max Renn struggles to unearth the origins of the program, he embarks on a hallucinatory journey into a shadowy underworld communicating to him through an analog-philia of right-wing conspiracies, sadomasochistic sex games, republican senators, and bodily transformation and mutilation.
The irony of the film is that it was top of the line in technology. However, the technology they use in the film for video is the old VHS tape systems coupled with an analog communications system. The distortion or fuzz on the television screen means hallucinations are being transcribed into the mind of the person viewing the screen. One of the highlights of the movie is when James Woods inserts a VHS tape into an insertion in his stomach, and the old VHS tape takes control of his mind. Like fine wines, this film has improved over the last few decades.
From an historical perspective, it is an interesting film to view in relationship to archaic analog and VHS technology. Although “Videodrome” lacks the most modern technological advancement, the viewer is left wondering how David Cronenberg ever thought of such a twisted scenario. The film in 1983 and now pushes the envelope regarding social taboos. In 1983, the populace was into sex, cocaine, pot, speed, Macintosh computers and rock-n-roll. The film scored fourth as “Bravo TV's” “30 Even Scarier Movie Moments.” Also, it was selected as one of the “23 Weirdest Films” of all time. This is a must keep for the film industries historical archives.
Review by Thumper: Thump score from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
“Videodrome” is a cult-classic from 1983. “Viedeodrome is written and directed by David Cronenberg. This film stars James Woods and Deborah Harry from “Blondie.” It is one of his most original and provocative films, fusing social commentary with shocking sex, torture and violence, and psychological hallucinations. At times, the viewer is left wondering how “Videodrome” was ever produced and distributed. How did they get this past the censure board? For its time, it has groundbreaking special effects, and makeup by Academy Award winner, Rick Baker. “Videodrome” is one of the most influential horror and mind-bending science fiction films of the 1980s.
When Max Renn, played by James Woods, goes looking for edgy new shows for his sleazy cable TV station, he stumbles across the pirate broadcast of a violent torture show named “Videodrome.” As Max Renn struggles to unearth the origins of the program, he embarks on a hallucinatory journey into a shadowy underworld communicating to him through an analog-philia of right-wing conspiracies, sadomasochistic sex games, republican senators, and bodily transformation and mutilation.
The irony of the film is that it was top of the line in technology. However, the technology they use in the film for video is the old VHS tape systems coupled with an analog communications system. The distortion or fuzz on the television screen means hallucinations are being transcribed into the mind of the person viewing the screen. One of the highlights of the movie is when James Woods inserts a VHS tape into an insertion in his stomach, and the old VHS tape takes control of his mind. Like fine wines, this film has improved over the last few decades.
From an historical perspective, it is an interesting film to view in relationship to archaic analog and VHS technology. Although “Videodrome” lacks the most modern technological advancement, the viewer is left wondering how David Cronenberg ever thought of such a twisted scenario. The film in 1983 and now pushes the envelope regarding social taboos. In 1983, the populace was into sex, cocaine, pot, speed, Macintosh computers and rock-n-roll. The film scored fourth as “Bravo TV's” “30 Even Scarier Movie Moments.” Also, it was selected as one of the “23 Weirdest Films” of all time. This is a must keep for the film industries historical archives.
Review by Thumper: Thump score from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
Film Review: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, Based on a Novel by Douglas Adams
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a film based on a novel written by Douglas Adams in 1979. Fortunately, Douglas Adams started, but after his death in 2001, Garth Jennings and Karey Kirkpatrick collaborated in completing the screenplay for the film released in 2005. This film is in honor of Douglas Adams. The film is a combination of “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” and “Laugh-In” to make a memorable and enlightening science fiction comedy.
Although the movie is highly entertaining, recommended reading of the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a mere two hundred pages of easy reading, prior to viewing the film is suggested in order to familiarize yourself with the characters. Familiarization with the characters will be beneficial for your viewing because the movie pace is quick and bizarre. It may be hard to digest unless the viewer has been previously disposed to such an outlandish plot and characters. However, the plot of the film adaptation of Hitchhiker's Guide differs from the book. The romantic triangle between Arthur, Zaphod, and Trillian is more prominent in the film; and visits to Vogsphere, the home world of the Vogons in the book, were already abandoned, and Viltvodle VI is inserted. Both the film and book ends with the characters en route to the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the sequel.
The film begins with a narrative that the dolphins, the second most-intelligent creatures on earth, has attempted to warn mankind about the planet's impending destruction, but humans had interpreted the dolphins' communications as tricks. The dolphins considered their mission a failure and left the planet, leaving their message as "So long, and thanks for all the fish."
The film follows an earthling Arthur Dent, played by Martin Freeman. His best friend, an alien from Betelgeuse who is editing the Guide, Ford Prefect, played by Mos Def. Ford explains to Arthur in a pub that in ten minutes the earth will be demolished. They hitch a ride on a Vogon ship. As punishment, they must listen to Vogon poetry. They are thrown out of the air lock, and picked up by the starship “Heart of Gold.” On board the starship, there is Ford’s “semi-half brother, Zaphod Beeblebrox, played by Sam Rockwell. Zaphod is the President of the galaxy who swiped the starship. Accompanying Zahod is an earthwomen Tricia McMillan, played by Zooey Deschanel. There is an unforgettable performance by Marvin the Paranoid Android, voiced by Alan Rickman, and played by Warwick Davis. Zaphod must visit Humma Kavula, played by John Malkovich, his opponent in the election. Zaphod’s campaign is described as "slanderous 'don't vote for stupid' campaign.”
The movie appears to be a reenactment of a European trip on $10 per day in 1993 each spaceship representing a different youth hostel. The towel is an important necessity both in the movie and at youth hostel for there are none, and everyone needs a towel. The intergalactic excursions represent traversing the countries. Traversing the continent and knowing what the foreigners are saying is a harrowing experience. However, the most important thing to keep in mind, Don’t Panic!
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
“The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” is a film based on a novel written by Douglas Adams in 1979. Fortunately, Douglas Adams started, but after his death in 2001, Garth Jennings and Karey Kirkpatrick collaborated in completing the screenplay for the film released in 2005. This film is in honor of Douglas Adams. The film is a combination of “Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride” and “Laugh-In” to make a memorable and enlightening science fiction comedy.
Although the movie is highly entertaining, recommended reading of the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a mere two hundred pages of easy reading, prior to viewing the film is suggested in order to familiarize yourself with the characters. Familiarization with the characters will be beneficial for your viewing because the movie pace is quick and bizarre. It may be hard to digest unless the viewer has been previously disposed to such an outlandish plot and characters. However, the plot of the film adaptation of Hitchhiker's Guide differs from the book. The romantic triangle between Arthur, Zaphod, and Trillian is more prominent in the film; and visits to Vogsphere, the home world of the Vogons in the book, were already abandoned, and Viltvodle VI is inserted. Both the film and book ends with the characters en route to the Restaurant at the End of the Universe, the sequel.
The film begins with a narrative that the dolphins, the second most-intelligent creatures on earth, has attempted to warn mankind about the planet's impending destruction, but humans had interpreted the dolphins' communications as tricks. The dolphins considered their mission a failure and left the planet, leaving their message as "So long, and thanks for all the fish."
The film follows an earthling Arthur Dent, played by Martin Freeman. His best friend, an alien from Betelgeuse who is editing the Guide, Ford Prefect, played by Mos Def. Ford explains to Arthur in a pub that in ten minutes the earth will be demolished. They hitch a ride on a Vogon ship. As punishment, they must listen to Vogon poetry. They are thrown out of the air lock, and picked up by the starship “Heart of Gold.” On board the starship, there is Ford’s “semi-half brother, Zaphod Beeblebrox, played by Sam Rockwell. Zaphod is the President of the galaxy who swiped the starship. Accompanying Zahod is an earthwomen Tricia McMillan, played by Zooey Deschanel. There is an unforgettable performance by Marvin the Paranoid Android, voiced by Alan Rickman, and played by Warwick Davis. Zaphod must visit Humma Kavula, played by John Malkovich, his opponent in the election. Zaphod’s campaign is described as "slanderous 'don't vote for stupid' campaign.”
The movie appears to be a reenactment of a European trip on $10 per day in 1993 each spaceship representing a different youth hostel. The towel is an important necessity both in the movie and at youth hostel for there are none, and everyone needs a towel. The intergalactic excursions represent traversing the countries. Traversing the continent and knowing what the foreigners are saying is a harrowing experience. However, the most important thing to keep in mind, Don’t Panic!
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
Film Review: The Picture of Dorian Gray, Based on a Novel by Oscar Wilde, Directed by Albert Lewin
Review by Thumper: Thump Review 1 to 5: Thump of 4
The film “The Picture of Dorian Gray” has a release date of 1945. The basis of the film is from a novel written by Oscar Wilde entitled “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The film direction is by Albert Lewin and stars George Sanders, playing Lord Henry Wotton, and Hurd Hatfield, playing Dorian Gray. It is a dramatic horror film. The film is black and white. However, when the portrait of Dorian Gray is in view, the picture is in color. This film won an Academy Award for Cinematography, black and white, by Harry Stradling Senior. The film was also nominated for Best Art Direction, Interior, Decoration, Black and White, and Best Supporting Actress.
The protagonist, Dorian Gray wishes to remain young and handsome forever. Dorian Gray would give anything to remain handsome including his soul. Unknown to Dorian Gray, the portrait of him ages rather than himself. An ancient Egyptian statuette of the goddess Bast makes the granting of the wish possible. The granting of the wish transpires inside the home of the painter Basil Hallward, played by Lowell Gilmore.
After some indiscretions and sins, Dorian Gray realizes his wish has come true. He obtains knowledge of the granting of his wish upon viewing his portrait, which has become more sinister in appearance. Dorian commits all sorts of sins pride, envy, lust, sloth, gluttony, greed and wrath. Dorian receives an influence from the witty yet hedonistic friend Lord Henry Wotton. With the advice of his friend Lord Henry, Dorian deliberately ruins a romance with the vaudeville singer Sibyl Vane, played by Angela Lansbury, nominated for an Academy Award, best supporting actress.
Dorian blames his indiscretions without consequences on the painter of his portrait, Basil Hallward. Dorian stabs Basil to death. In order to dispose of the body of Basil, Dorian blackmails an old friend Alan Campall, played by Douglas Walton, to clean up the bloody mess. After killing Basil, Dorian defiles Basil’s niece Glayds, played by Donna Reed. Dorian frequents opium dens. The film alludes to a potential homosexual relationship between Dorian, Basil and perhaps Alan. In the novel, the homosexual relationships are clear much to the chagrin of Oscar Wilde.
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, and died on November 30, 1900. He was awarded a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied from 1874 to 1878 and became a part of the Aesthetic movement; one of its tenets was to make an art of life. Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet and author of numerous short stories and one novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
Oscar Wilde was bisexual. During the trial of Oscar Wilde for gross indecency, the prosecution to obtain a conviction used his only novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. On 25 May 1895, Wilde was convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years' hard labor. Prison was unkind to Wilde's health and after he was released on 19 May 1897. He spent his last three years penniless, in self-imposed exile abroad and cut off from society and artistic circles. Oscar Wilde spent his last years in the Hôtel d'Alsace, now known as L'Hôtel, in Paris. Wilde died of cerebral meningitis on 30 November 1900.
Review by Thumper: Thump Review 1 to 5: Thump of 4
The film “The Picture of Dorian Gray” has a release date of 1945. The basis of the film is from a novel written by Oscar Wilde entitled “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The film direction is by Albert Lewin and stars George Sanders, playing Lord Henry Wotton, and Hurd Hatfield, playing Dorian Gray. It is a dramatic horror film. The film is black and white. However, when the portrait of Dorian Gray is in view, the picture is in color. This film won an Academy Award for Cinematography, black and white, by Harry Stradling Senior. The film was also nominated for Best Art Direction, Interior, Decoration, Black and White, and Best Supporting Actress.
The protagonist, Dorian Gray wishes to remain young and handsome forever. Dorian Gray would give anything to remain handsome including his soul. Unknown to Dorian Gray, the portrait of him ages rather than himself. An ancient Egyptian statuette of the goddess Bast makes the granting of the wish possible. The granting of the wish transpires inside the home of the painter Basil Hallward, played by Lowell Gilmore.
After some indiscretions and sins, Dorian Gray realizes his wish has come true. He obtains knowledge of the granting of his wish upon viewing his portrait, which has become more sinister in appearance. Dorian commits all sorts of sins pride, envy, lust, sloth, gluttony, greed and wrath. Dorian receives an influence from the witty yet hedonistic friend Lord Henry Wotton. With the advice of his friend Lord Henry, Dorian deliberately ruins a romance with the vaudeville singer Sibyl Vane, played by Angela Lansbury, nominated for an Academy Award, best supporting actress.
Dorian blames his indiscretions without consequences on the painter of his portrait, Basil Hallward. Dorian stabs Basil to death. In order to dispose of the body of Basil, Dorian blackmails an old friend Alan Campall, played by Douglas Walton, to clean up the bloody mess. After killing Basil, Dorian defiles Basil’s niece Glayds, played by Donna Reed. Dorian frequents opium dens. The film alludes to a potential homosexual relationship between Dorian, Basil and perhaps Alan. In the novel, the homosexual relationships are clear much to the chagrin of Oscar Wilde.
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was born on October 16, 1854, and died on November 30, 1900. He was awarded a scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied from 1874 to 1878 and became a part of the Aesthetic movement; one of its tenets was to make an art of life. Oscar Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet and author of numerous short stories and one novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray.”
Oscar Wilde was bisexual. During the trial of Oscar Wilde for gross indecency, the prosecution to obtain a conviction used his only novel, “The Picture of Dorian Gray”. On 25 May 1895, Wilde was convicted of gross indecency and sentenced to two years' hard labor. Prison was unkind to Wilde's health and after he was released on 19 May 1897. He spent his last three years penniless, in self-imposed exile abroad and cut off from society and artistic circles. Oscar Wilde spent his last years in the Hôtel d'Alsace, now known as L'Hôtel, in Paris. Wilde died of cerebral meningitis on 30 November 1900.
Review by Thumper: Thump Review 1 to 5: Thump of 4
Film Review: Falling Down, Directed by Joel Schumacher
Review by Thumper: Thump from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
The film “Falling Down” is a 1993 action, psychological crime film, now considered a cult classic, directed by Joel Schumacher. The film stars Michael Douglas as the protagonist, William Foster, a marginalized divorcee and former federal agent for the defense contractor business. His ex-wife is played by Barbara Hershey, and the antagonist, police detective, is played by Robert Duvall. During the filming the Los Angeles riots broke out in 1992, they had to delay production until LA was back under control. Some areas filmed that Michael Douglas’ character traverses over by foot before the LA riots, were burned during the riots.
The film revolves around the mental breakdown of Michael Douglas’ character, William Foster. Imagine a very hot smoggy day in LA with bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway. The traffic is moving so slow that it is stopped and so is the air conditioner in the car. Foster becomes fed-up so he abandons his car on the freeway and starts walking home, approximately 20 miles. He wants to get home because it is his baby daughter’s birthday. He stops at an Asian grocery store to get change to make a $.50 telephone call, but to no avail. The owner will not give him change for a dollar without Foster buying something. Foster tries to buy a soda, but the soda cost $.85 which leaves him with only $.15, not enough to make his phone call. Foster is at the end of his rope, and looses touch with socially appropriate behavior. Along his sojourn home he has many more encounters, some trivial and some not so trivial. He reacts to each one with an increasing amount of detachment in his personality, animosity, rage and violence. Although the Foster character is repellent, he is still relatable.
The antagonist, Martin Prendergast, played by Robert Duvall, is a LA police detective on his last day of duty before he retires. He is disgruntled and has his own personal demons including a nagging out of control bitter wife at home. However, with an oh-oh and empathy he follows the scorched earth path left in the wake of Foster’s rage and violence. Barbara Hershey believes her ex-husband, Foster, to be “potentially violent” and currently has a restraining order against him.
The film is a sardonic observation of life, social commentary on poverty, crime, racial tensions, commercialism and economic effects of marginalized individuals, similar to Foster. The title of the film “Falling Down” is cleverly taken from the nursery rhyme “London Bridges Falling Down,” signifying the mental collapse of a outcast character similar to Foster within an urban jungle like LA. The nursery rhyme appears after each mental break throughout the film. There are all different individuals, elements and neighborhoods for a man suffering a mental implosion to try an overcome in order to reach his baby daughter’s birthday party with his ex-wife in Venice Beach, California. Suggested viewing time … after a bad day because you may identify with the Foster character better. There are things we all think about, but do not do but Foster did!
Review by Thumper: Thump from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
The film “Falling Down” is a 1993 action, psychological crime film, now considered a cult classic, directed by Joel Schumacher. The film stars Michael Douglas as the protagonist, William Foster, a marginalized divorcee and former federal agent for the defense contractor business. His ex-wife is played by Barbara Hershey, and the antagonist, police detective, is played by Robert Duvall. During the filming the Los Angeles riots broke out in 1992, they had to delay production until LA was back under control. Some areas filmed that Michael Douglas’ character traverses over by foot before the LA riots, were burned during the riots.
The film revolves around the mental breakdown of Michael Douglas’ character, William Foster. Imagine a very hot smoggy day in LA with bumper to bumper traffic on the freeway. The traffic is moving so slow that it is stopped and so is the air conditioner in the car. Foster becomes fed-up so he abandons his car on the freeway and starts walking home, approximately 20 miles. He wants to get home because it is his baby daughter’s birthday. He stops at an Asian grocery store to get change to make a $.50 telephone call, but to no avail. The owner will not give him change for a dollar without Foster buying something. Foster tries to buy a soda, but the soda cost $.85 which leaves him with only $.15, not enough to make his phone call. Foster is at the end of his rope, and looses touch with socially appropriate behavior. Along his sojourn home he has many more encounters, some trivial and some not so trivial. He reacts to each one with an increasing amount of detachment in his personality, animosity, rage and violence. Although the Foster character is repellent, he is still relatable.
The antagonist, Martin Prendergast, played by Robert Duvall, is a LA police detective on his last day of duty before he retires. He is disgruntled and has his own personal demons including a nagging out of control bitter wife at home. However, with an oh-oh and empathy he follows the scorched earth path left in the wake of Foster’s rage and violence. Barbara Hershey believes her ex-husband, Foster, to be “potentially violent” and currently has a restraining order against him.
The film is a sardonic observation of life, social commentary on poverty, crime, racial tensions, commercialism and economic effects of marginalized individuals, similar to Foster. The title of the film “Falling Down” is cleverly taken from the nursery rhyme “London Bridges Falling Down,” signifying the mental collapse of a outcast character similar to Foster within an urban jungle like LA. The nursery rhyme appears after each mental break throughout the film. There are all different individuals, elements and neighborhoods for a man suffering a mental implosion to try an overcome in order to reach his baby daughter’s birthday party with his ex-wife in Venice Beach, California. Suggested viewing time … after a bad day because you may identify with the Foster character better. There are things we all think about, but do not do but Foster did!
Review by Thumper: Thump from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
Film Review: Apocalypse Now, Inspired by a Novel "Heart of Darkness" by Joseph Conrad, Directed by Francis Ford Coppola
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
This film “Apocalypse Now” has a release date of 1979. It is a war movie set in Vietnam. This film is inspired by a novel “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad.The movie stars Martin Sheen, playing Captain Benjamin L. Willard, Marlon Brando, playing Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, Robert Duvall, playing Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore, Sam Bottoms, playing Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Lance B. Johnson, Frederic Forrest, playing Engineman 3rd Class Jay "Chef" Hicks, Laurence Fishburne, playing Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller, Albert Hall, playing Chief Quartermaster George Phillips, G.D. Spradlin, playing Lieutenant General Corman, Dennis Hopper, playing an American Photojournalist, Harrison Ford, playing Colonel Lucas, Scott Glenn, playing Captain Richard M. Colby, Cynthia Wood, playing Playmate of the Year, Colleen Camp, playing Playmate, "Miss May," Linda Carpenter, playing Playmate, "Miss August" and Francis Coppola, playing himself.
“Apocalypse Now” received two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography by Vittorio Storaro, and for Best Sound, by Walter Murch, Mark Berger, Richard Beggs, and Nathan Boxer. This film was nominated for eight Academy Awards for Best Picture by Francis Ford Coppola, Fred Roos, Gray Frederickson and Tom Sternberg, for Best Supporting Actor by Robert Duvall, for Best Art Direction — Set Decoration by Angelo P. Graham, George R. Nelson and Dean Tavoularis, for Directing by Francis Ford Coppola, for Film Editing by Lisa Fruchtman, Gerald B. Greenberg, Richard Marks and Walter Murch, for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, by Francis Ford Coppola and John Milius.
“Apocalypse Now” begins with film found by Francis Ford Coppola in the garbage can in the editing room. This film begins with an explosion and The Doors song “The End.” The film introduces Captain Benjamin L. Willard, played by Martin Sheen, a deeply disturbed special operations veteran, assassin. Two intelligence officers, Lt. General Corman, G. D. Spradlin, Colonel Hardy, Harrison Ford, and a government man, approach Capitan Willard with an assignment. The assignment is to go up the fictional Nung River on a boat into the remote Cambodian jungle to find Colonel Walter E. Kurtz , played by Marlon Brando, a member of the US Army Special Forces, and terminate his command “with extreme prejudice.”
The United States government tells Willard that Kurtz, once considered a model officer and future general, has gone insane and is commanding a legion of his own Montagnard troops deep inside the forest in neutral Cambodia. Their claims are supported by a disturbing radio broadcasts and recordings made by Kurtz.
However, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz is not insane. Colonel Kurtz is the only sane United States military personnel in Vietnam or Cambodia. Kurtz simply displays and projects the insanity of war without lies, misinformation, hidden truths and deception. At the end, Kurtz capsulate the outcome of war with a whisper “The horror... the horror.”
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
This film “Apocalypse Now” has a release date of 1979. It is a war movie set in Vietnam. This film is inspired by a novel “Heart of Darkness” by Joseph Conrad.The movie stars Martin Sheen, playing Captain Benjamin L. Willard, Marlon Brando, playing Colonel Walter E. Kurtz, Robert Duvall, playing Lieutenant Colonel William "Bill" Kilgore, Sam Bottoms, playing Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Lance B. Johnson, Frederic Forrest, playing Engineman 3rd Class Jay "Chef" Hicks, Laurence Fishburne, playing Gunner's Mate 3rd Class Tyrone "Mr. Clean" Miller, Albert Hall, playing Chief Quartermaster George Phillips, G.D. Spradlin, playing Lieutenant General Corman, Dennis Hopper, playing an American Photojournalist, Harrison Ford, playing Colonel Lucas, Scott Glenn, playing Captain Richard M. Colby, Cynthia Wood, playing Playmate of the Year, Colleen Camp, playing Playmate, "Miss May," Linda Carpenter, playing Playmate, "Miss August" and Francis Coppola, playing himself.
“Apocalypse Now” received two Academy Awards for Best Cinematography by Vittorio Storaro, and for Best Sound, by Walter Murch, Mark Berger, Richard Beggs, and Nathan Boxer. This film was nominated for eight Academy Awards for Best Picture by Francis Ford Coppola, Fred Roos, Gray Frederickson and Tom Sternberg, for Best Supporting Actor by Robert Duvall, for Best Art Direction — Set Decoration by Angelo P. Graham, George R. Nelson and Dean Tavoularis, for Directing by Francis Ford Coppola, for Film Editing by Lisa Fruchtman, Gerald B. Greenberg, Richard Marks and Walter Murch, for Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium, by Francis Ford Coppola and John Milius.
“Apocalypse Now” begins with film found by Francis Ford Coppola in the garbage can in the editing room. This film begins with an explosion and The Doors song “The End.” The film introduces Captain Benjamin L. Willard, played by Martin Sheen, a deeply disturbed special operations veteran, assassin. Two intelligence officers, Lt. General Corman, G. D. Spradlin, Colonel Hardy, Harrison Ford, and a government man, approach Capitan Willard with an assignment. The assignment is to go up the fictional Nung River on a boat into the remote Cambodian jungle to find Colonel Walter E. Kurtz , played by Marlon Brando, a member of the US Army Special Forces, and terminate his command “with extreme prejudice.”
The United States government tells Willard that Kurtz, once considered a model officer and future general, has gone insane and is commanding a legion of his own Montagnard troops deep inside the forest in neutral Cambodia. Their claims are supported by a disturbing radio broadcasts and recordings made by Kurtz.
However, Colonel Walter E. Kurtz is not insane. Colonel Kurtz is the only sane United States military personnel in Vietnam or Cambodia. Kurtz simply displays and projects the insanity of war without lies, misinformation, hidden truths and deception. At the end, Kurtz capsulate the outcome of war with a whisper “The horror... the horror.”
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
Film Review: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof based on Tennessee Williams' 1955 Pulitzer Prize Winning Play
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
The film “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is “Ferocious and fascinating. Done by superior talent” says Crowther of the “New York Times.” The real emotions and true dialogue of Tennessee Williams’ 1955 Pulitzer Prize play rumbles like aftershocks from an earthquake, and ends by blowing off its top like Mount Saint Helens. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives, all performances are magnetic and fiery. This picture was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Paul Newman earns his first Oscar nomination as a handsome aging drinking former football hero Brick. Elizabeth Taylor catches her second Oscar nomination as Brick’s wife Maggie the Cat. Maggie the cat offers a coy performance as a passionately loyal, but disturbingly independent character. Burl Ives repeats his triumphant Broadway performance as mendacity-loathing Big Daddy. The performances were disturbingly real and a breath of fresh oxygen in this time of political correctness. In today’s world, if they had acted-out as refreshingly honestly, they would have been labeled potentially violent.
As many of Tennessee Williams plays do, this film deals with conflict resolution between individuals. In one of the scenes Maggie the Cat scratches, “I’m not living with you. We just occupy the same cage, that’s all.” The point of this film is being honest may resolve archaic conflicts into consideration, understanding and love. Without honesty and truth, then there is only mendacity, abuse of power, lies and more deceptions.
This film is a tale of a family in crisis with relationships that are conflicted, Big Daddy and his wife, Brick and Maggie the Cat, and a brother and his wife. No one communicates the truth, but all is okay as long as the façade of deception and lies are in place to protect each member. At risk of failure is the family unit. They need to resolve sexual indiscretions and orientation, medical reality, effects of aging, neglect, greed and suicide. The entire storyline revolves around Big Daddy’s final birthday party at the family estate in Mississippi. The mendacity unfolds into a tumultuous array of intense dialogue, accusations and smack of reality.
Some of the more memorable quotes include when Maggie says, one more crack queenie, just one, and I will not only spit in your eye but I will punch it black and blue. Or when Big Daddy asks, why do you drink so much? And Brick replies, Gimme another drink and I'll tell you. The subject matter is adult, but it is an important film to view in this age of political correctness of not saying how we feel, mendacity!
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
The film “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” is “Ferocious and fascinating. Done by superior talent” says Crowther of the “New York Times.” The real emotions and true dialogue of Tennessee Williams’ 1955 Pulitzer Prize play rumbles like aftershocks from an earthquake, and ends by blowing off its top like Mount Saint Helens. The film stars Elizabeth Taylor, Paul Newman and Burl Ives, all performances are magnetic and fiery. This picture was nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture.
Paul Newman earns his first Oscar nomination as a handsome aging drinking former football hero Brick. Elizabeth Taylor catches her second Oscar nomination as Brick’s wife Maggie the Cat. Maggie the cat offers a coy performance as a passionately loyal, but disturbingly independent character. Burl Ives repeats his triumphant Broadway performance as mendacity-loathing Big Daddy. The performances were disturbingly real and a breath of fresh oxygen in this time of political correctness. In today’s world, if they had acted-out as refreshingly honestly, they would have been labeled potentially violent.
As many of Tennessee Williams plays do, this film deals with conflict resolution between individuals. In one of the scenes Maggie the Cat scratches, “I’m not living with you. We just occupy the same cage, that’s all.” The point of this film is being honest may resolve archaic conflicts into consideration, understanding and love. Without honesty and truth, then there is only mendacity, abuse of power, lies and more deceptions.
This film is a tale of a family in crisis with relationships that are conflicted, Big Daddy and his wife, Brick and Maggie the Cat, and a brother and his wife. No one communicates the truth, but all is okay as long as the façade of deception and lies are in place to protect each member. At risk of failure is the family unit. They need to resolve sexual indiscretions and orientation, medical reality, effects of aging, neglect, greed and suicide. The entire storyline revolves around Big Daddy’s final birthday party at the family estate in Mississippi. The mendacity unfolds into a tumultuous array of intense dialogue, accusations and smack of reality.
Some of the more memorable quotes include when Maggie says, one more crack queenie, just one, and I will not only spit in your eye but I will punch it black and blue. Or when Big Daddy asks, why do you drink so much? And Brick replies, Gimme another drink and I'll tell you. The subject matter is adult, but it is an important film to view in this age of political correctness of not saying how we feel, mendacity!
Review by Thumper: Thumps from 1 to 5: Thump of 4.5
Film Review: The Brother from Another Planet
Review by Thumper: On a thump scale, from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
“The Brother from Another Planet” is a film written and directed by Oscar Nominee, John Sayles. Mr. Sayles is a maverick innovator within the independent film industry. He is also the writer and director for other films “Passion Fish,” “Lone Star” and “Sunshine State.” One review from “The Hollywood Reporter” describes this film as “Intelligent and engaging, with a keen sense of insight and a wry sense of humor. Another review from “Boxoffice” describes the film as “A thoroughly entertaining, delightful tale, tremendously funny and touching.”
An extraterrestrial, Joe Morton, crash-lands at the “Ellis Island Immigration Center.” The extraterrestrial disorientation does not enhance his ability within the city of New York, but he does manage to hobble into Harlem. He has a miraculous ability to regenerate limbs. Upon his arrival in Harlem those around view him with suspicion, he interacts with several characters an Evangelist, Oriental grocer, New York’s finest and Bar Flies. The Bar Flies project all kinds of possibilities upon this new interloper regarding his origin of origination and possible disabilities. Without further adieu, the Bar Flies adopt him as one of their own.
This film is a science fiction comedy that presents a realistic smack of the human condition augmented with humor. The story is an extraterrestrial without the ability of speech, observing unfamiliar surroundings and situations in Harlem. Although he is without the ability of speech, all persons he encounters speak to him without limitation. Remarkably, every individual the extraterrestrial encounters has a positive experience due to his or her encounters with this unusual brother from another world. They view him with kindness and give him advice on how to deal and interact with other people.
The arrival of intergalactic bounty hunters, who are trying to catch the extraterrestrial, creates another paradigm. Individuals that encounter the bounty hunters view the encounter as negative. The extraterrestrial has supernatural abilities with machinery, great strength coupled with his innovative resolutions, medical miracles, and humanistic attributes, most importantly is his ability to listen to others. However, those abilities and qualities merely act as metaphors for the objective of his journey, which is the message of brotherly love.
The screenplay is original with dialogue reminiscent of Harlem. The cinematography is exceptional. The ideas are unique, and well presented with racial irony: Bitter humor due to its truth. The viewing of this film shall be with consideration to the period it was completed in 1984. The movie reflects the societal historical situation of racial relations and stereotypes. The film is clever, and it presents difficult subject matter regarding racial relations, drug addiction, prostitution, poverty, violence and marginalized individuals with an original, humoristic and entertaining storyline. This film shall be secure in the historical archive.
Review by Thumper: On a thump scale, from 1 to 5: Thump of 4
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