The American System’s Dark Heart: Serpico at 50
Sean MurphyLook at that dude. Pacino, clean-shaven and short-haired as the movie begins, sports the best ‘stache of the decade, then goes goatee, then gets full facial (hair and head), all…
8/15/79: Apocalypse Now
Released in theaters on this date, 44 years ago. Anyone out there who has not seen this movie? Anyone who hasn't seen it several times? Like most masterpieces, nothing can…
Goodfellas at 30: The Most Definitive American Movie of the Last Three Decades
First, a confession. I did not love Goodfellas the first time I saw it (in the theater, shortly after it opened, in October, 1990). Then again, this seems to happen with certain…
Abbey Road at 50
I don’t even have a question, but here is the answer: Whenever I listen to Abbey Road, I find myself feeling grateful that the collective world of musicians did not, upon hearing…
I Like To (Re)Watch or, The Movies on My Mind
Celebrating one of my favorite movies, Serpico, I wrote the following: I want—and need—to revisit this movie on an annual basis, because it satisfies many needs. One, it's a masterpiece, so there's…
PUNCH DRUNKER: THE 50 GREATEST MOVIE FIGHTS OF ALL TIME (Part Four)
20. The Outsiders Brat Pack Porn. 19. The War of the Roses Dark comedy? How about black hole comedy. That last, and final, altercation between Michael Douglas and Kathleen…
Perfection Turns 41 (Revisited)
Thanks to AMC, I'm reminded that The Godfather Part II turns 35 (edit: 41) this year. (And they should know, they show it on a bi-weekly loop.) I'm not especially…
Love Is Old, Love Is New: Another Appreciation of ‘Abbey Road’ (Revisited, “New Shit” Edition)
"New shit," as the Dude said, "has come to light." I was unaware of this, but have now seen the light. Let it shine until tomorrow. Let it be. I…
Love Is Old, Love Is New: Another Appreciation of ‘Abbey Road’
I don't even have a question, but here is the answer: Whenever I listen to Abbey Road, I find myself feeling grateful that the collective world of musicians did…
Perfection Turns 35
Thanks to AMC, I'm reminded that The Godfather Part II turns 35 this year. (And they should know, they show it on a bi-weekly loop.) I'm not especially interested in adding…