The dark side of Nocturnal Animals

If you like film as art then you should take a chance on Nocturnal Animals but I should warn you that the movie itself is dark (literately and figuratively), disturbing and extremely tense. When the 1 hour and 56 minutes were over I felt like I could finally take a breath again.


As the opening credits roll the first camera shot focuses on a living piece of art. The indie movie then follows a lonely (in marriage and career) woman named Susan played by the amazing Amy Adams as she receives and reads a manuscript for a novel written by her ex-husband. That is when things get weird.


The superb Jake Gyllenhaal plays two roles, as Susan’s ex Edward (in flashbacks) and the main character in his manuscript, Tony Hastings. I know it sounds confusing and at times it is. I would go as far to say Nocturnal Animals is really 3 stories in 1 and have to admit that if you took away Amy Adam’s character the story would not change too much. After all the story within the story that she is reading is more than half of the film. That being said the viewer is seeing Edward’s words come alive through Susan’s eyes which makes for a crazy and very impactful brain overload. The acting by Adams and Gyllenhaal give the film its emotion and heart as I felt what they felt throughout the aspects of the stories being told. 


All filmmakers are artists but director Tom Ford (A Single Man) took his paintbrush and created something any artist (starving or not) should be proud of. The look of Texas by director of photography Seamus McGarvey by day and by night was beautiful and scary. I know I usually don’t write about or pay much attention to the so called lesser award show categories but on that point the Production Design by Shane Valentino, Set Decoration by Meg Everist, Art Direction by Christopher Brown and Editor Joan Sobel made the film even more fascinating to look at and allowed this viewer to throw herself into the lives of those on the big screen.


The movie is written by Ford and is based on a book by Austin Wright. It also stars Michael Shannon, Isla Fisher, Armie Hammer and Michael Sheen.


If any of what I wrote makes you say “Sounds like my type of film” then you really should check out Nocturnal Animals.   

TV Case Study #1

Thanksgiving 2016

Because of the news media Subject A on a subconscious level already had thoughts of starting a political fight on the mind so when Subject B on a unconscious level went there a argument ensued.

Subject B said SB wasn't funny and Subject A loudly announced being a fan of SB. Each went at the argument with a different P.O.V.

Subject A believes in mind to be smarter than anyone in the room and took statement by Subject B as a political insult while Subject B was just stating a innocent opinion.

I realized after wards why this "fight "ensued

What Subject A and Subject B don't understand is that there are different types of comedy/comedians

One is a comedian who spends time on the road preforming in front of an audience and tells jokes-i.e Jon Stewart, Denis Leary and Jerry Seinfeld.

Two is a comedian who spends time preforming in front of an audience with sketches (written ahead of time or improv) i.e. those who were a part of Second City like Steve Carell, Tina Fey and Stephen Colbert

SB falls into the second category...The late night show SB host isn't suppose to be Ha Ha funny it is a series that takes a look at what is happening in the world, takes one or two stories from daily topics (mostly in politics) and comments on events with a side of humor. There are no celebrity guests or silly games.

In conclusion...
Subject A and B are both right, it just depends on how you look at the situation.

What I did.

"The state of our union is..."

A shot was hear throughout the chambers of congress. The entire room filled with panic legislators and their guests. Many ran towards the doors knocking over anyone in their way. There was confusion all around.

The other agents on that day did their jobs they got the Speaker of the House and Vice-President to safety.

I had stood by the president since the beginning. I was there when he was out on the campaign trail. I was silent as he shouted horrible things. Words that no normal human being with a heart and conscience would even think to say. I had protected many men, women and children over my career and for the most part I had no problem putting my life on the line for any of them but this man was different. I asked for another assignment but I was denied. When he was elected I thought "now they will reassign me" but when the President -Elect asked me to stay on I had no other choice so when it came time for his first state of the union I did what I was trained.

I was there.

I saw the shooter.

As The President fell to the ground I was by his side.

It was a perfect head shot and I knew there was nothing I could do.

I sat there with his head on my lap.

I leaned in and whispered into his right ear "I'm sorry sir, I couldn't do it, I could not in good conscience take the bullet for you. Your death will make this country safe and great.”

Election 2016-Series finale Nov 8th 2016

   
I voted for Bernie Sanders in the primaries but WILL be voting for Hillary Clinton in this election.

Any other year I'd encourage anyone who wanted to, to vote 3rd party but not this year, besides Johnson and Stein are not the brightest bulbs in the group (if I can name world leaders and know Aleppo then someone running for Pres should and while the environment is a good issues to run on it’s not the only one, gun laws and reproductive rights are also on the ballot). We do not have the privilege to risk the consequences! When you vote I ask you to remember what happened in 2000 (to younger voters I was your age then, voted for 1^st time and will NEVER forget) and I wonder what the world would be like today if people hadn't voted for Nader because Gore wasn't progressive enough.

Bernie may not be the nominee but he proved that Liberals/Democrats really wouldn't mind some “socialism” if he takes that back to congress and keeps the fire to the Dems feet (and we vote for congressional/senate candidates who support Democrat Platform) then he has won.

Hillary may have not be my first choice (why does whenever someone say they dislike and won’t vote for Trump but can’t vote for Hillary sound as if she did something personal to them, like killed their dog?) but Hillary’s “lies” and "scandals" aren't anything to be concerned about or even proof of who she really is, unlike Trump's lies, lawsuits, bankruptcies (unpaid workers) and just plain nastiness (racist sexist bigot) that do show who he has been for decades!

I think someone who has wanted the job for 30 years isn’t a bad thing and better for the country than a man who I (and actor Bryan Cranston) believe wants the title of Pres. of the United States, but not the actual job.

Compared to the rest Hillary is my choice!!! (Also I really want to see Bill Clinton pick out the White House Christmas decorations and tend to Michelle Obama’s garden #FirstLadyDuties)

No media I am NOT voting for Hillary just to keep Donald out of the White House-This is not a choice between lesser evils. A majority of the GOP thinks life was better in America 50 years ago (when they were kids and*) But this America, the one Trump wants when he says "Make America Great Again" stands for a US that only benefited straight, white men(*had no idea what life was like for Women, LGBTQ and African-Americans). So yeah, the choice is clear (In other words, if you had 2 resumes one with 1^st lady, US senator, US Sec’y of state and the other with multiple business failures but the buildings and golf courses are nice and neither had names attached in front of you, you would choose the most qualified)

To voters not wanting to choose between the 2 least likeable/unfavorable candidates in decades, I say even if this election doesn't directly impact your life, it will for millions of Americans and it would be stupid to throw away your vote (Think of those who fought for the right to vote like Susan B Anthony) I loved voting for Obama and feel the same if not more excited to vote for Hillary Clinton –

If I haven’t convinced you yet I will leave you with one final thought – -- “When your people say they hate you, don’t come crawling back to me”-King George (Hamilton: An American Musical)

Glenn Rhee (TV appearance 2010-2016)

      
Yes I feel bad because Abraham and many others died before Glenn but if I wrote a eulogy for every character who died on The Walking Dead this blog would be filled up with death and sadness.

To his unborn child… I want to say…                                              

Glenn, you were a pizza delivery boy before the zombie apocalypse but in the six seasons in which you appeared on the show you grew into one amazing man. From the moment I first heard a voice over a walkie talkie calling Rick a “dumbass” I knew Glenn was someone special.

Glenn, you were my favorite out of the original characters and I enjoyed every minute you were on my TV screen.

You helped Rick when he was still a stranger but became quick friends. You fell at first sight in love with Maggie while helping her out on her father’s farm.

You survived The CDC, Hershel’s Farm, Woodberry with The Governor, The Prison, Terminus and countless Walker mobs, including the time you had to hide under a dumpster only to be killed by Negan and his Lucille.

You were funny, romantic, kind, loyal and brave.

I, as well as all those you left behind at Alexandria, will always love and will never forget you.

Someday “I will find you” again.

Until then Rest in Peace Glenn.

Just saying

I have often said this blog was inspired by the TV Worth Watching one, so when the creator of that blog was recovering from surgery this summer I found it difficult to know when my shows were on then this happen-

Sarah-Me

Welcome back! The place hasn't been the same without you. When Best Bets was away it was difficult to know what was on TV but I still read the great TVWW crew everyday. I am happy you took as much time as was needed to get fix and recover. Now back to our regular schedule programming.

Oct 21, 2016   |  Reply

 

David Bianculli-TV Worth Watching Blog Creator                                                  

Dear Sarah, You're one of the most faithful and tenured readers on the site, so it's especially great to hear from you. Thanks! And I agree: I've got a great crew of friends and colleagues here, and they not only kept the ship afloat -- they launched a series of international party cruises. While I, meanwhile, just kicked back and stretched out on the Lido deck...

Legends of Tomorrow season 2

Another one of my favorite shows the premiered last season Legends of Tomorrow is a fun full of superheroes fast paced hour on the CW. Time travelling heroes, there is nothing more I have to say but if that doesn’t interest you let me add on---


Victor Garber (who I became a fan of through 1997 film Titanic) plays Dr. Martin Stein who is ½ of Firestorm. Eldest team member he is a scientist and keeps Jefferson, youngest member (Franz Drameh), Firestorm’s other half, under control.


Arthur Darvill (who I became a fan of through Doctor Who) continues his time travelling odyssey as Time Master/Captain Rip Hunter. He is the leader or the group and is the one who was from the future and came to 2016 using his ship the WaveRider to find and put together this raggedy bunch and turn them into heroes.


Brandon Routh (who I 1^st saw in Superman Returns as Superman) is Ray Palmer, who was 1^st seen on Arrow when he gained control of Green Enterprises. Using science he was able to create a mental suit to make him fly and help him in a fight.


Caity Lotz who plays Sara Lance aka Yellow Canary who also first appeared on Arrow as one of the characters sister who came back to life after being killed twice.


Clara Renee who plays Kendra aka Hawkgirl and reason this story began. You see Kendra and her true love first met in ancient Egypt and because of a curse have died many times over only to travel through time to kill their enemy forever


Dominic Purcell who plays Mick Rory a bad guy named by Cisco originally on The Flash he and his partner Leonard Snart (Wentworth Miller) used their powers of fire and ice to wreak havoc on Central City.


When it comes to Legends of Tomorrow there is no such thing as too many heroes on one team!