Anyone who knows me, knows I love movies. To me, film is the most integrated are form. The use of a score, popular music, lighting, editing, acting, writing, locations, and the use of close-up, split screen, and other cinematic trickery make film an immersive experience. A good film can transport you to wherever it is. No matter if that place is real or not.
With that said, I think I have 5 genres that pretty much always get me and capture my attention. Most people, when they see one of these movies advertised, will call it an "Amy Patrick Special". But, I think each of these genres usually yields interesting fruit.
Please read and add your own genres and some recommendations. I'm always looking for something interesting to watch.
Top 5 Genres:
The Roman a Clef- Nashville, Velvet Goldmine, Sunset Boulevard, Mommy Dearest, Boogie Nights, The Player, Almost Famous
The Con Game/Heist Movie- Oceans 11, 12, and 13, The Brothers Bloom, Heist, Hard 8, The Color of Money, The Spanish Prisoner, The Grifters
The Whimsical/Twee Comedy- Harold and Maude, Rushmore, Amelie, Punch Drunk Love, Putney Swope
Man Vs. Nature (or himself)- Aguirre Wrath of God, Grizzly Man, The New World, Apocalypto, Into the Wild, Predator I and II
The Gritty Sci-Fi- Solaris, Alien series, 2001: A Space Odessey, A Boy and his Dog, Sunshine
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Telling my Daughter About Michael Jackson
Freak. Genius. Molester. Artist. King of Pop. All of these descriptions and more hang on Michael Jackson. He was a human being with MANY problems and amazing talent. He became a plastic surgery nightmare and living freak show. He was broke, frail,a nd troubled in his last days. But, in the end, none of this is what I have to tell my daughter. And for that, I am happy that Michael Jackson died before she was a teenager.
I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. When I was growing up and old enough to appreciate the music, Elvis had already been dead for a while. Because of that, I could listen to the music with no taint. I didn't have the image many did of a fat, drugged out man shooting TV's and dying on the toilet. I only heard his music. I had the same experiences with Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and many more I'm sure I'm forgetting. When I was young I got to hear these artists just for their music. Only later as I became a budding music snob and read biographies and articles did I find out the more sordid details of their lives. By that time, it didn't matter. I already loved their music and their "history" became something to know, but not judge.
And now, because of his death, I can do the same thing to Michael Jackson. I can play Sadie his music and can talk about what matters.
*He was one of the first artists to use "white" artists to help his music crossover (Eddie Van Halen on "Billie Jean", Paul McCartney).
*His production changed with the times and always used the most advanced technology for a complete sonic experience.
*He wrote or co-wrote many of his songs and worked on the musicality.
*As a member of The Jackson 5 he was part of a band that was the template for most boy bands from the 1980's until today.
*He sold millions of albums crossing all demographics.
*His dancing was praised by people like Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly.
*He made music videos a viable commodity and was the 1st black artist on MTV.
The man made great music. I get to let my daughter hear that music. She can do the research on the "real" Michael Jackson when she gets older.
I know that sounds harsh, but hear me out. When I was growing up and old enough to appreciate the music, Elvis had already been dead for a while. Because of that, I could listen to the music with no taint. I didn't have the image many did of a fat, drugged out man shooting TV's and dying on the toilet. I only heard his music. I had the same experiences with Billie Holiday, Charlie Parker, Chet Baker, Janis Joplin, Mama Cass, Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, and many more I'm sure I'm forgetting. When I was young I got to hear these artists just for their music. Only later as I became a budding music snob and read biographies and articles did I find out the more sordid details of their lives. By that time, it didn't matter. I already loved their music and their "history" became something to know, but not judge.
And now, because of his death, I can do the same thing to Michael Jackson. I can play Sadie his music and can talk about what matters.
*He was one of the first artists to use "white" artists to help his music crossover (Eddie Van Halen on "Billie Jean", Paul McCartney).
*His production changed with the times and always used the most advanced technology for a complete sonic experience.
*He wrote or co-wrote many of his songs and worked on the musicality.
*As a member of The Jackson 5 he was part of a band that was the template for most boy bands from the 1980's until today.
*He sold millions of albums crossing all demographics.
*His dancing was praised by people like Bob Fosse and Gene Kelly.
*He made music videos a viable commodity and was the 1st black artist on MTV.
The man made great music. I get to let my daughter hear that music. She can do the research on the "real" Michael Jackson when she gets older.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Dream Projects: 1st in a Series
So, I always read or see things that I think would make great movies. I have decided to write about several ideas and projects I would love to do.
I am going to start with my film adaptation of the book "Fortress of Solitude". I have linked to the Wikipedia entry so you can read about the plot. You will see my cast list, DP, editor, and several songs I think should be used along with the composer.
Please do enjoy...
Fortress of Solitude (adapted by Amy Patrick from the book by Jonathan Lethem)
Directed by Amy Patrick
Director of Photography Matthew Libatique
Edited by Sally Menke
Score by Clint Mansell
Cast: main cast listed only
Dylan Edbus- unknown teen actor, Ben Shenkman
Mingus Rude- unknown teen actor, Michael Ealy
Abraham Ebdus- Bobby Cannavale
Barrett Rude, Jr.- Idris Elba
Arthur Lomb- unknown teen actor, Anson Mount
Robert Woolfolk- unknown teen actor, Tyrese Gibson
Rachel Ebdus- Julianne Moore
Doily (homeless man with ring)- Amiri Baraka
Selected Soundtrack:
Rapper's Delight (Sugarhill Gang)
Loose Booty (Sly and the Family Stone)
Anti-Love Song (Betty Davis)
Am I Black Enough For You? (Billy Paul)
Boys Don't Cry (The Cure)
Waiting for the Man (Velvet Underground)
Mannish Boy (Muddy Waters)
Evil (Howlin' Wolf)
Bitch (Rolling Stones)
Ball of Confusion (Temptations)
Tonight I'll be Staying Here with You (Bob Dylan)
Set it Off (Big Daddy Kane)
Buddy (De La Soul)
The Payoff Mix (Steinski)
Mind Playin' Tricks on Me (Geto Boys)
Nutbush City Limits (Ike and Tina Turner)
Whipping Post (Allman Brothers)
God's Gonna Cut You Down (Odetta)
And many more...
I can only hope Mr. Lethem could read this. I really love this book and could really do it justice.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Dead Joke Pile
So, when I was still writing jokes and grinding out on the scene, I tried to keep my act fresh. What this means is besides war horse jokes that do not reference specific pop culture and political things, you add in topical stuff. It shows that you keep writing and have space in your act for new things.
That being said...
These kind of jokes also die. War horse jokes stand the test of time, audience, and style. You can use them anytime and are usually the jokes you use for auditions and big shows. These other jokes you use for a short time and then they die.
I wanted to write down, for posterity, two jokes I wrote and really love, but have already expired.
Please do enjoy.
"So, Alicia Keys has a song called 'Unbreakable' and it is all about love. But, one thing threw me off. She says we can fight it out like Ike and Tina. Um, what? I have fought many times with my husband, but I have never been hit with a purple snakeskin boot while trying to record 'Nutbush City Limits'."
"I hope they make a movie of the transit strike if only because Forest Whitaker would nail the role of Roger Toussaint."
See, am I right? Am I right?
That being said...
These kind of jokes also die. War horse jokes stand the test of time, audience, and style. You can use them anytime and are usually the jokes you use for auditions and big shows. These other jokes you use for a short time and then they die.
I wanted to write down, for posterity, two jokes I wrote and really love, but have already expired.
Please do enjoy.
"So, Alicia Keys has a song called 'Unbreakable' and it is all about love. But, one thing threw me off. She says we can fight it out like Ike and Tina. Um, what? I have fought many times with my husband, but I have never been hit with a purple snakeskin boot while trying to record 'Nutbush City Limits'."
"I hope they make a movie of the transit strike if only because Forest Whitaker would nail the role of Roger Toussaint."
See, am I right? Am I right?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Cinnabon Cinnamon
So, I bought this cinnamon bread for breakfast. It is quite tasty with coffee and a little butter.
But, here is the thing to me. They advertise the bread as "made from Cinnabon" cinnamon. So? Who buys a Cinnabon roll for the cinnamon?
"Could I get one of your decadent rolls? But, please, for God's sake DO NOT put any of that buttercream on it. It distracts from the scumptious cinnamon."
Please...
But, here is the thing to me. They advertise the bread as "made from Cinnabon" cinnamon. So? Who buys a Cinnabon roll for the cinnamon?
"Could I get one of your decadent rolls? But, please, for God's sake DO NOT put any of that buttercream on it. It distracts from the scumptious cinnamon."
Please...
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