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rstauber-1
Reviews
Crin blanc: Le cheval sauvage (1953)
My Nana took me to see this movie in 1952
I was almost seven years old. My paternal Nana took me to see this movie in the Chicago Loop in 1952. White Mane was a short film accompanying the latest version of Heidi which she wanted me to see on account of my Gramps being of Switzerdietsch extraction and all. Aside from a vague recollection of poor Heidi stashing hard-rolls up in her closet, I don't remember the movie in any detail. I guess it was pretty, ya, mit edelweiss and everything. White Mane, on the other hand, left a lasting impression on me as a kid: self-sacrifice for love of another being. The realization that the consequences of some actions could result in DEATH. A new concept of DEATH for a seven-year-old. Greed can result in death...and so forth. In short, the ending of the movie (SPOILER COMING NOW) where the kid rides his beloved White Mane into the Mediterranean to avoid capture by his pursuers (c.f., Masada, etc.) freaked me out. But in a good way, and with a lesson. Sort of like Invaders from Mars taught me to distrust the military and by extension the government, and The Night of the Hunter taught me to be wary of anyone calling himself "Preacher," and Lolita taught me to distrust anyone with two last names! And Psycho taught me never to bathe....I guess I'll have to watch White Mane again to see if I remembered any of it right.
King of the Corner (2004)
Man Bites Self and Finally Bleeds Real Blood
Peter Riegert presented his new film King of the Corner here in Albuquerque last night at the local The Guild indie theatre. A Q&A followed that was almost as good as the film because Riegert is very intelligent, funny, and articulate. He's apparently embarked upon a "book tour" kind of film distribution scheme that really worked for me last night. (I suppose the attraction is similar to watching Oprah, but I'm at work during her show.) Other indie directors have done this for years but without Riegert's MovieWorld connections and the name-recognizable actors he's using. Let's hope he starts a trend among "profile" artists/directors and, damn-the-distributors. This could be the Anti-Raygun-Trickle-Up Theory in action.
Ah, yes, the movie. See it (R Rated for implied sex and a couple a naughty words can you believe it) because you and/or your loved ones are portrayed in it. (Hope that statement doesn't constitute a "spoiler.") My wife suggested that you can relate the film's themes and accidents to British director Mike Leigh's movies then you can really appreciate Riegert's treatment of human frailty and the life/stories of real people--you and me Cousin (as opposed to Pilgrim). The plot covers all of the stories of anyone who has been married0, had children, dealt with a teenager, a deadening job, an aged/dying parent, experienced or attempted infidelity. All there and masterfully told.