Missy | February 23, 2003
Morvern Callar:
Grocery store clerk makes some almost absurd decisions as a means to seize opportunity, and, perhaps, envision a different kind of life. Stars Samantha Morton, who is fast approaching Emily Watson as one of my favorite actresses from across the pond.
I’m very glad I had seen Ratcatcher, director Lynne Ramsey’s prior feature film because, while the two have no direct links beyond stylistic choices, it gave me a sense of what Ramsay is trying to achieve in her films: a sensory experience of an unusual central character. That is, beyond the seeing and hearing, you can also almost feel and smell the surroundings. I’m serious. I felt all sweaty (well, that’s because I was; more on that later) and I could smell (among other things so as not to give plot away) the sweat and sea air. I just read elsewhere that Ramsay was a photographer prior to her filmmaking career, and I’m certainly not surprised, given her intimate relationships between actor & camera. And the music! Especially as it is filtered in and out of earphones, is equally important in suffusing a hedonistic energy into the film. Morton as Morvern is a tough nut to crack. She’s weird, definitely, and you’re not quite sure of her motivations. But she’s also aware and introverted. You sort of not sure whether you like or or if you should be condemning her.
Also: another viewing of the Gerry trailer. Again, I’m dancing with anticipation (and not for long; I think it opens next week). I can really get behind a visual film without a lot of dialogue. Also, I’d like to point out that I was never much of a Good Will Hunting naysayer. In fact, I saw it in the theater twice. Sure, it’s a Movie for the Masses (a direction in which Van Sant has been heading, to the dismay of many, I’m sure), but I liked the genius-as-complete asshole because he didn’t get any love or a proper upbringing. Sure, Robin Williams in one of his Professor Beard roles is uber annoying, and the ending warms the heart in a saccharine kind of way. I still enjoyed it. Also, I have always like Matt Damon. And I think Casey Affleck is much funnier & more interesting & far less irritating than his older brother.
Why was I all sweaty, you may be wondering? I hopped over to Visions right after dance class. Normally I avoid doing this, and I was careful to sit away from others. Heh. Nice. Anyway, I happened to see there the guy I may have referenced in the past, a handsome and not annoying-looking hipster-ish morning Metro rider, the one who always has his head in a book and never looks up? Of course I was looking like ass, but it didn’t matter because he scarcely looked at me. And I walked halfway home practically five feet behind him! No, I wasn’t stalking; we just happened to be going in the same direction. He doesn’t look gay, but he is certainly impervious to women and people in general; wonder if there’s a girlfriend back home. In any case, he wins serious cool points from me in seeing a film barely outside film-snob and critics’ circles, during its opening weekend and by himself. Fellow introverts of the world, unite!
Finally, my body is falling apart. We’re auditioning our entire workshop piece next week (the part put together in my workshop, plus the one created in a previous workshop–one in which I should emphasize I was not originally a part). My head is swimming with choreography. I took a little nap this afternoon, and I dreamt of the new stuff I just learned in the old piece for the points when I’ve been inserted. I was at the studio yesterday for 4.5 hours, and I really shouldn’t have taken class this morning. I’m a big fat bag of negative energy. I have a rehearsal tomorrow night from 8:30 until whenever. My knee has been bothering me all week and that’s entirely due to having to schlep over and through mountains of snow. I am nervous. I’m nervous for myself. I’m nervous that we’re not going to be good enough, that we haven’t had enough time to prepare. But I figure, as long as I personally don’t fuck up, I will be accepting of whatever fate is handed to us.
Oh wait, one last thing: I watched Oz last night, and plan to watch the finale tonight. Now mind you, I’ve seen only seasons one and two, but I was surprised at how little has changed, even though some new characters and storylines were confusing to me. The Chris-Tobias-Shillinger thing is pretty much the same. Ryan still has the hots for the doctor. But look! There’s little Joel Grey! (aka Mr. Cellophane [Chicago]. And the M.C. [Cabaret].) Also, has McManus gained weight? He’s attractive, though. You know, balding, plus he has a conscience but doesn’t put up with people’s shit. And apparently he got both married & divorced in the time I’ve not seen the series.
No, one more thing: you may be interested in these year-end Best-Of film lists. (Thanks to Mike D’Angelo and Alex Fung.)
Thank you and good night.
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