Baron Dave Romm
The Moscow Connection
By Baron Dave Romm
Shockwave Radio Theater podcasts
Spoiler Alert!
Just a warning: While I won't give away a lot of plot twists, this column does reveal some aspects of the movies. If you like to approach your cinema pure, skip down to Final Thoughts.
Another coincidence
This keeps happening to me. Two otherwise unrelated movies happen to come together in my Netflix queue that have some major relationship. To pick just one example: A few years ago I flixed a classic WWII movie and a children's cartoon about an alien stranded on Earth. Completely unalike, yet both From Here To Eternity and Lilo and Stitch take place in Hawaii.
More recently, I saw two movies back-to-back that I picked specifically as antidotes to each other. One a classic epic from a Nobel Prize winning book on the Russian Revolution and the other a comedy based on a tv spoof of the 60s. Completely unalike, yet both these have long segments that take place in Moscow. Nearly a century apart, cinema time, but hey. Might as well used the excuse to do a quick review.
Dr. Zhivago
I spent months reading Dr. Zhivago and didn't like the book. I still haven't read the poetry at the end (though I tried). The plot is episodic at best, and characters pop up, disappear and pop up again throughout. The book is best when describing the conditions of Zhivago and the former elite during the Russian Revolution and its aftermath.
The movie version of Dr. Zhivago is more linear, and I think it succeeds as a movie better than the book works as a novel. The first scene and much of the last section are cinematic additions and serve to establish the characters far better than the book. The ending of the movie is far clearer, even as it leaves out most of the end segment of the print version.
The DVD claims the film is 3 hours and 20 minutes, requiring both sides of the disk. The novel is long and rambling, and the film tries to capture the feel if not all the details. The movie is excellently directed by David Lean: Gorgeous scenery, long panoramas. The editing is very poor, as reaction shots are mismatched.
Omar Sharif as Zhivago does really well in some aspects, and falls down in others. Zhivago is a poet, an observer. Life washes over him; events overtake him. He rarely takes action and when he does it gets him into trouble. Sharif's eyes marvelously glint as he absorbs the world. Sometimes you can feel the poetry seeping in. But I couldn't see the poetry coming out. In the book, he has children by three women; in the movie, two. I never quite got why he and Lara were such a hot love story, or where his passion lay.
In the book, everyone is Russian, with a connection to Paris. In the movie, everyone has a British accent, with the occasional American popping up. I suppose that worked well in David Lean's England, where "British" accent translates to "no" accent, but to my ears the wrong foreigners were speaking. I couldn't feel the crushed Russian soul when I kept hearing upper crust Brits.
I tried to listen to the commentary track, but three hours was too much. I probably listened for about an hour of it. It's actually two separate commentaries. One by Sharif and the wife of the late David Lean. Both had interesting things to say, then started repeating themselves. With pauses. In some of the pauses was commentary by Rod Steiger, who was having enormous fun remembering the antics of forty years earlier. I didn't mind that: I'd rather have no commentary than blithering just to fill time.
The DVD also had an option of "music only", which I didn't try. Frankly, the music wasn't so great. Lush, to be sure. "Lara's Theme" is good (and became a hit later), but it keeps cropping up in odd places, as if to emphasize the love story over all other thematic elements. Sound design was better, with train effects and gunfire spicing up the background. Much of the heavy aspects of the Russian Revolution are cut away from or slide by the participants quickly.
General Comment: Unless you're into Russian novels as a genre and/or want to explore the social structures of the Russian Revolution, you can skip the book. It was banned in the Soviet Union for its unflattering portrayal of the events surrounding the Revolution and seems to be one of the reasons why the West embraced it. As I said above, the movie is a better movie than the novel works as a novel, which isn't quite the same thing as saying the movie is better than the book. Frankly, I wasn't that impressed with the movie. If you see it, for heaven sake watch on a wide screen tv.
Get Smart
Get Smart wasn't immediately after Dr. Zhivago in my Netflix queue, but it took me several viewings to make it all the way through the longer film, so the comedy happened to be what I watched right after the epic. I have somewhat mixed feelings. No, it's not a particularly good movie, but large swaths of it work.
Get Smart the tv series worked (if it worked for you) because Max Smart was a buffoon who everybody took seriously. It was a delicious send-up of James Bond-type spy thrillers. The movie Get Smart is, in many ways, the opposite: a super-competent Max Smart is not taken seriously by anybody, especially the buffoons around him, and has to prove himself. Perhaps they were setting up a franchise.
The first third of Get Smart is boring... but tightly written set-up that pays off later. About a third of the way through, it starts to get funny, as 99 spends all her time rescuing Max. The last third is even funnier, as Max spends much of his time rescuing 99 (and the president).
Get Smart doesn't have a commentary track, but does have a fun feature where the DVD will pause to allow you to see alternate takes and the occasional deleted scene. I enjoyed that a lot. You can see where the actors were encouraged to ad lib, and how the director chose which ad libs to use. Sometimes, later in the film, an actor will do something that refers to a bit of business which didn't make it to the final cut. The film flows pretty well, and the choices were made intelligently and with consistency.
Viewed strictly as an exercise in editing, Get Smart is far superior to Dr. Zhivago.
The nods to the tv show were pretty good. They got in most of the famous lines, and even the little red car Max drove. Bernie Kopell (the original Siegfried) has a brief cameo. Bill Murray has a good cameo (and one of the better deleted scenes). James Caan is hilarious playing George W. very broadly (and even more in the deleted scenes).
Final Thoughts
While it's ridiculous to directly compare the two movies, I must say that I enjoyed Get Smart much better, especially the second time through where I could see how carefully they set up all the bits of business later in the film. It's very tightly written. Dr. Zhivago is more linear than the book, but wanders all over the placeand I never really felt for any of the characters. Indeed, I felt I understood the two major bad guys more than any of the good guys.
Oh well.
Pre-Revolutionary Moscow is quite different than 2008 post-USSR Moscow...
Reminder: Marscon
Just a reminder that Marscon will be held March 4-6 here in snowy and not really all that cold Mpls. Music, gaming, literature discussions, science, dealers room, glass sculptures and more. In the next day or so, I'll have a new podcast with Music Guest of Honor Wally Pleasant. See you there!
Baron Dave Romm is a conceptual artist and a noble of Ladonia who produces Shockwave Radio Theater, writes in a Live Journal demi-blog maintains a Facebook Page, plays with a very weird CD collection and an ever growing list of political links. Dave Romm reviews things at random for obscure web sites. You can read all his music recommendations from Bartcop-E. Podcasts of Shockwave Radio Theater. Permanent archive. More radio programs, interviews and science fiction humor plays can be accessed on the Shockwave Radio audio page.
Thanks to everyone who has sent me music to play on the air.
Recommended Reading
from Bruce
Oliver Burkeman: If you know your limits, you'll be happier (guardian.co.uk)
Du Cann's specific tips are nothing special. Nurture friendships; don't snootily consider financial matters to be beneath you; don't try to fight the "scurry and flurry" of modern life, with its "rushing omnibuses" and "Comet airliners", but don't get intoxicated by it, either. Yet so concerned is Du Cann to discredit the (American) belief in limitless potential that he ends up - almost despite himself - presenting his own life-philosophy, which one might summarise, though he doesn't, in three words: embrace your limits.
Soros sees no bottom for world financial "collapse" (reuters.com)
Renowned investor George Soros said on Friday the world financial system has effectively disintegrated, adding that there is yet no prospect of a near-term resolution to the crisis.
Scott Burns: A Meditation on McDonalds (assetbuilder.com)
McDonald's, 9 a.m. My coffee, as usual, is tasty and lawsuit hot. I look around and note that virtually everyone here at mid-morning is at least 60 years old. The kids and moms may come in the afternoon. They will certainly be here over the weekend. But they are not here now. This moment is for the geezer crowd.
Rick Smith: Cut My Pay! Should I Stay? (huffingtonpost.com)
In the last week alone, I have heard of three separate cases where workers were told that they must accept a material reduction to their pay if they wanted to keep their jobs.
Keith Blanchard: Attention K-Mart Shoppers: Could America's Throwaway Holiday Crap Industry Be Next to Fail? (huffingtonpost.com)
My point is this: As we downshift our screaming, whining economy out of overdrive, the holidays are going to get hit hard. Holidays were born as celebrations of momentary abundance: You share the first fruits of spring, or throw a feast after a bountiful harvest. But in the boom years of ridiculous, overleveraged plenty, there was no easy way to symbolize abundance, so they became grotesque experiments in wastefulness.
'My son's secret destroyed him' (guardian.co.uk)
Caroline Churchill was bewildered when Andrew killed himself. If only she had realised what lay behind his misery, she might have been able to help him.
20 Questions: Cyndi Lauper (popmatters.com)
Q: What do you want to say to the leader of your country?
A: Congratulations to you, President Obama, on your inauguration. We all know that our country has tremendous problems for you to fix, but we want you to know that we believe in you. In particular, I look forward to witnessing the advancement in civil rights you have promised under your administration. While the next few years are going to be hard, you have inspired this country with the hope needed to overcome the obstacles in our way.
Q&A: Actor Dennis Hopper on his earliest memory, the most expensive thing he's bought and how he relaxes (guardian.co.uk)
'I got Warhol's first soup can painting for $75. I lost it to my first wife.'
The sitcom superstars (guardian.co.uk)
The men who invented situation comedy think berks and losers are what make Britain great, finds Brian Logan.
Rick Bentley: Playboy founder Hefner shows no signs of slowing down (McClatchy Newspapers)
Most giants of an industry who are in their 80s have long been enjoying the benefits of a juicy retirement package. Not Hugh Hefner.
RICHARD ROEPER: Buehrle must be sure he's ready to walk away (suntimes.com)
Every time I hear an athlete or a politician or any public figure say he's contemplating retirement "to spend more time with my family," I always want to say: Did you check with the family?
David Bruce: William Shakespeare's "1 Henry IV": A Discussion Guide (lulu.com)
Download: FREE.
Hubert's Poetry Corner
America's New Fighting Men and Women
Picture This: A New American Civil War?
answered:
Reader Comment
Re: Leonard Cohen
Hi Marty,
Much thanks to MAM for sharing her version of the Cohen classic LEONARD COHEN - Hallelujah
This song seems to have become the theme song for mourning - here is my favorite version in exchange.
Selected Readings
from that Mad Cat, JD
In The Chaos Household
Last Night
Looked like rain, but stayed dry.
Year's Worst
Razzies
Mike Myers' "The Love Guru" has found some disciples among Razzies voters who pick Hollywood's lowest achievements.
And Paris Hilton is getting her own Razzies moment with three awards all on her own at a ceremony that spoofs the Academy Awards on the eve of the Oscars.
"The Love Guru" won three Razzies on Saturday for worst picture, actor (Myers in the title role) and screenplay, which Myers co-wrote. Hilton's three prizes are worst actress for "The Hottie and the Nottie," supporting actress for "Repo! The Genetic Opera" and screen couple alongside either of her "Hottie" co-stars, Christine Lakin or Joel David Moore.
With three Razzies, Hilton tied the record set last year by Eddie Murphy, who won worst actor, supporting actor and supporting actress for his multiple roles in "Norbit."
Razzies
`The Wrestler' Wins
Spirit Awards
The sports comeback tale "The Wrestler" was picked as best picture Saturday at the Spirit Awards honoring independent film and won two other prizes, including best actor for Mickey Rourke.
Rourke gave a prolonged, hilarious, expletive-laden acceptance speech, dedicating the award to Loki, his beloved Chihuahua that died six days earlier, and thanking everyone from his director, Darren Aronofsky, to the wrestling community. He mentioned that he had just talked with the Santa Monica police department, which "gave me a bed to sleep in 10 years ago," when Rourke was in the midst of the bad-boy behavior that made him a Hollywood has-been until his comeback in recent years with films such as "Sin City" and "The Wrestler."
Momentarily forgetting co-star Marisa Tomei's name, Rourke later complimented her for her role as a stripper in "The Wrestler," which earned her a supporting-actress Oscar nomination.
"Not many girls can climb the pole," Rourke said. "She climbed the pole, and she did it well."
Presented by the cinema group Film Independent, the Spirit Awards honor movies that cost less than $20 million to make, with a significant part of their budget originating from outside the Hollywood studio system. Other criteria for nominations include films' originality and provocative subject matter.
Spirit Awards
Another Cameo
$chwarzenegger
He said he'd be back - and soon he will be. California Gov. Arnold $chwarzenegger says he'll be shooting a cameo appearance soon for a new movie by friend Sylvester Stallone.
$chwarzenegger calls Stallone a terrific director and writer, and a great actor.
$chwarzenegger says that since he became governor, he has done three cameos in films when friends have asked him to appear.
$chwarzenegger
Job Seeker
Elliott's Hardware
Former resident George W. Bush has visited a Dallas hardware store that earlier this month made him a lighthearted offer to work as a greeter.
Andrea Bond, a manager at Elliott's Hardware, says Bush walked into the store Saturday and quipped: "I'm looking for a job."
The store had published an open letter to Bush, inviting him to apply for a store greeter position. The tongue-in-cheek appeal appeared in The Dallas Morning News and its commuter-oriented sister publication, Quick.
Bond says Bush spent about an hour shopping and talking to customers during the surprise visit. He bought a few flashlights, batteries and a can of WD-40. He also bought night lights.
Elliott's Hardware
Hoards Millions
Army Emergency Relief
As soldiers stream home from Iraq and Afghanistan, the biggest charity inside the U.S. military has been stockpiling tens of millions of dollars meant to help put returning fighters back on their feet, an Associated Press investigation shows.
Between 2003 and 2007 - as many military families dealt with long war deployments and increased numbers of home foreclosures - Army Emergency Relief grew into a $345 million behemoth. During those years, the charity packed away $117 million into its own reserves while spending just $64 million on direct aid, according to an AP analysis of its tax records.
Tax-exempt and legally separate from the military, AER projects a facade of independence but really operates under close Army control. The massive nonprofit - funded predominantly by troops - allows superiors to squeeze soldiers for contributions; forces struggling soldiers to repay loans - sometimes delaying transfers and promotions; and too often violates its own rules by rewarding donors, such as giving free passes from physical training, the AP found.
Instead of giving money away, though, the Army charity lent out 91 percent of its emergency aid during the period 2003-2007. For accounting purposes, the loans, dispensed interest-free, are counted as expenses only when they are not paid back.
During that same five-year period, the smaller Navy and Air Force charities both put far more of their own resources into aid than reserves. The Air Force charity kept $24 million in reserves while dispensing $56 million in total aid, which includes grants, scholarships and loans not repaid. The Navy charity put $32 million into reserves and gave out $49 million in total aid.
Army Emergency Relief
New Regulations
Jamaica
Jamaican regulators say they are forbidding all explicit references to sex and violence over the airwaves.
The new rules from the island's broadcast commission ban any song or music video that depicts sexual acts or glorifies gun violence, murder, rape or arson.
The Saturday announcement follows a Feb. 6 ban that specifically targeted dancehall tunes and videos depicting "daggering" - a dance style popular among Jamaican youth that features pelvic grinding simulating sex.
The latest ban also targets hip-hop and soca, a dance music that originated in Trinidad and Tobago.
Jamaica
Appeasing 'Uncle'
Bolivian Carnival
In a Bolivian Carnival tradition, dozens of howling-drunk miners cut the hearts from four trussed-up llamas in a dark mine tunnel lit by a bonfire, accompanied by the deafening blare of a brass band.
"It's good luck," proclaimed Quechua Indian witch doctor Jose Morales, holding up a beating llama heart while miners streaked blood on their faces to ward off hazards in the Itos mine above the central Bolivian town of Oruro.
"All four hearts were beating when they came out; that means the year will go really well. It's a very good sign," miner Isaac Meneses said with relief.
Sacrifices to appease "Uncle," the capricious spirit who owns the silver, tin and zinc deposits in the Bolivian Andes are a key ingredient to Carnival celebrations this week.
Bolivian Carnival
Brink Of Extinction
Balkan Lynx
The camera sits hidden in a field ready to track every move of the Balkan lynx, a wild cat both revered as an icon and reviled as a pest that has teetered on extinction for nearly a century.
"The lynx has no natural enemy except man," said Georgi Ivanov, an ecologist working on a project to monitor lynx numbers in western Macedonia's Galicica National Park, where 30 such cameras have been set up.
Poaching is one of the biggest threats to the survival of this Balkan subspecies of the European lynx, the largest wild cat found on the continent.
Though its overall numbers are uncertain, they seem to hover dangerously around the 100 scientists say are needed for their population to remain stable.
Balkan Lynx
Weekend Box Office
`Madea Goes to Jail'
Tyler Perry's "Madea Goes to Jail" reigned at the weekend box office, opening with $41.1 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
It was the highest grossing film ever for both Perry and the film's studio, Lionsgate. Since Perry's 2005 "Diary of a Mad Black Woman" - his highest previous debut with $30 million - the actor-director-producer's films have frequently opened strongly, while generating little mainstream buzz.
Last weekend's top earner - "Friday the 13th," released under the Warner Bros. banner New Line Cinema - saw a steep drop in ticket sales, as is common for horror movies in weeks following their initial releases. After earning $43.6 million last weekend, it took in $7.8 million in its second.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail," $41.1 million.
2. "Taken," $11.4 million.
3. "Coraline," $11 million.
4. "He's Just Not That Into You," $8.5 million.
5. "Slumdog Millionaire," $8.1 million.
6. "Friday the 13th," $7.8 million.
7. "Confessions of a Shopaholic," $7 million.
8. "Paul Blart: Mall Cop," $7 million.
9. "Fired Up," $6 million.
10. "The International," $4.5 million.
`Madea Goes to Jail'
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