Must-See Movie:
Eli Pariser MoveOn PAC Wednesday, June 16, 2004, sent this out:
Fahrenheit 9/11 isn't just the most powerful and complete indictment of the Bush administration that I've ever seen - it's one of the best movies I've ever seen. It's a knockout blow: a poignant, darkly funny film that deftly interweaves footage of the President, his allies, and the Americans his policies betrayed. As Fox News' reviewer put it, the movie "is a tribute to patriotism, to the American sense of duty - and at the same time an indictment of stupidity and avarice." (See http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,122680,00.html for the full review.)
Despite years of television coverage on Iraq and the war on terror, most of the movie consists of footage you'd never see on TV. There are heart-breaking interviews with troops in Iraq, chilling scenes of the civilian consequences of that war, and footage of Bush so candid and revealing that it's hard to imagine how Moore got his hands on it. In one unforgettable scene from the morning of September 11th, Bush blithely reads a children's book to a classroom of kids for seven long minutes after his chief of staff quietly informs him that the second plane has hit the World Trade Center and "we're under attack." The film is filled with this stuff, and it's hard to imagine seeing it and not being moved, shocked, and outraged.
Fahrenheit 9/11 opens with footage of Bush administration officials putting on their TV makeup. Paul Wolfowitz sticks his comb in his mouth, slathers it with spit, brushes it through his hair, and grins a toothy grin. Colin Powell eyes the camera nervously as a makeup artist dusts his face. And, moments before President Bush goes on TV to somberly announce the beginning of the Iraq war, we see him goofing around, making funny faces at the folks behind the camera.
These candid portraits encapsulate the genius of Moore's documentary. Compared to his other films, there's little pranking or moralizing. Moore basically stays out of the picture: he doesn't have to indict the Bush administration, because with powerful and indisputable video, Bush and the rest indict themselves.
As Moore unravels Bush's story, he joins it with the stories of the real Americans who have shouldered the burden of the post-9/11 war policy. In Flint, Michigan, we hear from a group of inner-city kids whose only option for education and a better life is to enlist in the Army - and then, in a scene that's both humorous and deeply creepy, join two Marine recruiters as they case a local mall for possible enlistees. We watch a California peace group that was infiltrated by the local police department under the Patriot Act. And, in the final heartbreaking scenes, we witness the pain of a mother who lost her son in Iraq.
In the hands of other directors, the content could easily feel exploitative. But Moore is grounded by a patriotism that rings through every frame of the film. Compassion and love of country give the film its striking authenticity: it's clear that what stings most about the President's behavior, for the subjects of the film, is Bush's betrayal of our country's soul.
Fahrenheit 9/11 is a film with the power to change hearts and minds. It's brilliant, funny, moving, and authentic. And together, we can make it a huge success.
Watch the trailer and pledge to see the film opening night at:
http://www.moveonpac.org/f911/?id=2948-1547258-xva_fZ2eyRIuqIPzEFwMQw
additional reviews:
Roger Ebert, "Less is Moore in subdued, effective '9/11'," Chicago Sun Times, May 18, 2004
"Despite these dramatic moments, the most memorable footage for me involved President Bush on Sept. 11. [Ebert goes on to describe the scene.] The look on his face as he reads the book, knowing what he knows, is disquieting."
http://www.suntimes.com/output/eb-feature/cst-ftr-cannes18.html
Mary Corliss, "A First Look at "Fahrenheit 9/11," Time Magazine Online, May 17, 2004
Corliss calls the film, "Moore’s own War on Error."
http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,638819,00.html
Frank Rich, "Beautiful Minds and Ugly Truths," International Herald Tribune, May 21, 2004
"'Fahrenheit 9/11' is not the movie Moore watchers, fans or foes, were expecting. (If it were, the foes would find it easier to ignore.)"
http://www.iht.com/articles/521066.html
Stylish Gatherings:
Iman honored the designer by wearing a dress of his own design at the Isaac Mizrahi Fall 2004 Fashion Show held at Cipriani in NYC. She wore a deep green satin halter fitted gown with a bandeau of lime green at the torso. Stunning.
At the Mizrahi show, Bebe Neuwirth chose black silk satin -- a Nanette Lepore blouse, Dolce & Gabbana skirt and Aerosoles shoes (she opted for stylish comfort!).
Gayle King was in the colors of spring, in a black-and-white geometric Narciso Rodriguez sleeveless sheath at the Ziegfield Theater in NYC for "Fahrenheit 9/11" Special New York Screening.
Fashionista Chloe Sevigny (at "Fahrenheit 9/11" ) was also in black-and-white, by Yves St. Laurent. Sevigny’s was more of a black-linen sleeveless shirt dress with white button accents and white tie up the ankle espadrilles. She carried a curiously eccentric vintage green snakeskin evening bag with a gold chain handle.
Linda Evangelista had a cel phone and digital camera as accessories, as she wore a Jil Sander beige linen jacket, over a dark t-shirt and jeans at “Farenheit.”
At Capitale, Denise Rich wore a frilly, flowery silk floral printed Ungaro (black background, with silver and lavender accents) for the 10th Annual Michael Awards Benefiting the National Childrens Leukemia Foundation.
At that same event, a very flashy Janice Dickenson (whose former beau, Edward Tricomi cut our hair recently), wore a two-tone half turquoise half canary gold halter dress (60s inspired cocktail ensemble), with a wide buckled canary yellow belt.
Star Jones chose a vibrant lime-green Carmen Marc Valvo ensemble that included a cotton strappy tank and a mult-hued knee-length straight skirt. Her impressive gold necklace coordinated with her frilly gold sandals and she carried a yellowish lime green purse that somewhat went with the rest of the outfit.
A toweringly tall Karolina Kurkova chose a deep purple Rowland Mouret with an asymmetrical tie neckline and so sleekly fitted, it hugged her curves (she does have some, slender as she is).
Judith Leiber clutches continue to be a favorite among celebs: Sarah Jessica Parker carried one at the Fifi Awards, the Judith Leiber Tuxedo Pleat Clutch in alligator $4,195 and Catherine Zeta-Jones toted one at the New York Premiere of Terminal-Judith Leiber Crystal Bean Clutch $745.
At the “Dodgeball” premiere in Los Angeles last night, actor Brad Rowe, green bandana do-rag on his head, showed his political inclinations with a white long-sleeved shirt declaring John Kerry as his presidential candidate. You go, Brad.
As we noted a couple of days ago, Christine Taylor (star of “Dodgeball,” wife of Ben Stiller) is looking too no-carby, what used to be called “painfully thin.” She wore a gold sleeveless sheath to the premiere with a dangle bead matching purse, and gold sandals that criss-crossed at the ankle.
Tanya Tucker was in NYC yesterday, promoting and signing her new book "Music Row Dogs and Nashville Cats.” The singer wore a fitted ivory lace top, gave a little shout out to her country roots with a narrow suede fringed belt. The skirt was simple, long and also ivory.
The latest “it” girl, Paris Hilton was out at David Letterman earlier in the day yesterday wearing a champagne silk dress, her hair up. That evening, she was at MTV, in a turquoise dress, her long locks down, showing off new bangs. Both were photo ops and she was photo ready.
New HBO Comedy: HBO knows its comedy. Hell, HBO knows its series – they do it exceedingly well. Here’s a look at its latest, “Entourage.” Vince is a sexy young movie star whose career is just taking off. To share the fun of the ride and keep him grounded, Vince looks to Eric, Drama and Turtle, his longtime pals from Queens. Together, they share the highs and lows of life in the fast lane of Hollywood, where the stakes are higher, and the money and temptations greater, than ever before.
From executive producer Mark Wahlberg, the new eight-episode comedy series “Entourage” kicks off Sunday, July 18, 2004 at 10 p.m. on HBO. It’ll be followed by other episodes on subsequent Sundays at the same time, immediately following new episodes of "Six Feet Under" – what a great lead-in! Wahlberg also makes a cameo appearance in the first episode of the show, which draws on the experiences of industry insiders.
Adrian Grenier (who we at BeansTalk love -- "Drive Me Crazy," "Hart's War") stars as Vince, who slips easily into stardom. Kevin Connolly ("Antwone Fisher," "John Q") plays Eric, who's learning the rules of Hollywood as he tries to help Vince make the right choices. Kevin Dillon ("The Doors," "Platoon") plays Vince's half-brother Drama, whose own acting aspirations have been eclipsed by Vince's success. Jerry Ferrara ("Grounded for Life," "Leap of Faith") plays Turtle, the least experienced of the group, who's always up for a good time. Jeremy Piven ("Old School," "The Larry Sanders Show") plays Ari, Vince's aggressive, high-powered agent, who clashes with Eric over his client's decisions.
Also appearing are Debi Mazar ("The Tuxedo") as Vince's publicist Shauna, Samaire Armstrong ("The O.C.") as Ari's assistant Emily, and Monica Keena (who we think doesn't work enough -- she's great! -- "Undeclared") as Eric's ex-girlfriend Kristen.
In addition to Mark Wahlberg, cameo appearances include Jessica Alba, Gary Busey, David Faustino, Sara Foster, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman.
Filmed at Hollywood locations, “Entourage” is created by Doug Ellin ("Kissing a Fool," "Life with Bonnie"), who also writes for the series. Other writers include Larry Charles (HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," "Seinfeld"), Stephen Levinson and Rob Weiss. Among the directors are Dan Attias (HBO's "The Sopranos"), Adam Bernstein ("Scrubs," HBO's "Oz"), Julian Farino ("Flesh and Blood") and David Frankel (HBO's "Band of Brothers" and "Sex and the City").
Episode 1: Hollywood "It" actor Vince Chase basks in adulation at his latest movie premiere, joined by childhood pals Eric, Drama and Turtle. Meanwhile, Eric, Vince's de facto manager, incurs the wrath of Vince's agent Ari by advising Vince to pass on a script he hasn't even read. On the domestic security front, Turtle agrees to test the mettle of the entourage's new guard dog, a Rottweiler named Ahnold.
Episode 2: To take his mind off a bad review, Vince ramps up his already-excessive spending by leasing a new Rolls-Royce. Ari urges Vince to get a "real" manager, causing a wounded Eric to do some soul-searching; Drama skips an acting class to join Vince and the entourage at a wild party hosted by actress Jessica Alba.
Episode 3: After meeting Jimmy Kimmel at a boxing after-party, Vince agrees to appear on his show - despite a long-standing rift between Kimmel and Drama. Eric and Kristen share a long good-bye; Ari puts the full-court press on Sarah Silverman; and Luke Wilson tells Turtle how to score a free home-theater system for Vince.
“Entourage” is created by Doug Ellin; executive produced by Mark
Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson, Doug Ellin and Larry Charles; co-executive producer, Timothy Marx; co-producer, Rob Weiss.
MONOLATORS!: From the awesome about-to-be-parents 2/3rds of the Monolators (That would be Eli and Mary Chartoff):
First, our new album has just arrived. It will be available on CDBaby.com in the next week. You can listen NOW at our website. Check it!
http://www.themonolators.com/audiovideo/
Second, if you really want the raw live experience of our shows, you can listen to a live set that we did with No-Fi Magazine about a week ago. It contains the first recording of our song "Let's Be Best Friends In Space" from our forth coming EP of the same name. If you haven't read the article on the No-Fi site, browse it while you listen and check out Mary's hugeness.
http://www.nofimagazine.com/nfradio.htm
http://www.nofimagazine.com/monolatint.htm
Love Those Weitzmans: Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman announces his 4th Annual Stuart Weitzman Celebrity Breast Cancer Awareness Shoe Auction.
This year he’s has invited Hillary Duff, Paula Abdul,Christina Aguilera, among others, to decorate a stiletto shoe and along with an autograph picture to be auctioned off on Stuart Weitzman’s web site, www.stuartweitzman.com starting throughout the month of October. All money raised will go to established organizations that fund breast-cancer research.
In October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the shoes and autographed photos will be on public display in the New York, Beverly Hills and Boston Stuart Weitzman store windows.
Breast cancer is the No. 2 killer of women today. This year 1,500 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 400 of them will die.
Some of the stars decorating a Weitzman pump include:
Hilary Duff
Paula Abdhul
Pam Tillis
Alison Krauss
Tanya Tucker
Luciano Pavorati
Kimberly Locke of American Idol
Christina Augulara
Duran2 Replay: The original members of Duran Duran -- Simon LeBon (vocals), Andy Taylor (guitar), John Taylor (bass), Roger Taylor (drums) and Nick Rhodes (keyboards) -- have announced the impending release of their first new album together since 1983's multi-platinum 'Seven & the Ragged Tiger.' Epic Records will release the as-yet-untitled record worldwide in October 2004.
Writing in the south of France and recording at Sphere Studios in
London, the band members are currently working with producers Rich Harrison (Mary J.. Blige, Alicia Keyes, Beyonce, Usher) and Don Gilmore (Good Charlotte, Linkin Park, Pearl Jam, Sugar Ray), thereby drawing on a unique combination of R&B and alternative rock experience.
The poignant "What Happens Tomorrow" and the electric/rock “Sunrise” (a version of which was featured on the “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy” soundtrack), both of which the band members have played live since reuniting in 2003, are slated for inclusion on the new album. Other song highlights include the moody, noirish "Still Breathing" and the mischievous "Bedroom Toys." Stylistically adventurous, the album showcases the diverse influences and abilities of each band member, blending brash rock guitar with slick synths and LeBon's distinctive lyrics and melodies.
The album will also feature a one hour bonus DVD including live
Footage shot over two nights at London’s Wembley Arena this past spring and exclusive behind-the-scenes video.
The announcement comes on the heels of a remarkable run of seventeen sold-out arena dates in the UK and Ireland and a victory at the BRIT Awards where the band members were honored for their "Outstanding Contribution to Music." They've also received Lifetime Achievement Awards at the MTV Video Music Awards in New York and the Q Magazine Awards in London in the past year.
"When we decided to reunite, the first thing we did was head to France to test our chemistry. It became really clear that the magic was still there,” explains LeBon. “Since then, playing together live has cemented it. We've really rediscovered an incredible musical relationship."
In 2003, Duran Duran celebrated their 25th anniversary.
Prime Suspect Returns : Internationally acclaimed actress and two-time Academy Award nominee Helen Mirren (Calendar Girls, Gosford Park) stars as tough-talking Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison in BBC AMERICA’s latest addition to Mystery Mondays, Prime Suspect, starting August 9, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Set against a seedy backdrop of prostitution, pornography, sickening abuse, serial killings and abduction, three seasons of the multi-award winning drama make their channel premiere on BBC AMERICA this summer.
Winner of the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding mini-series, the third season of Prime Suspect sees Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Jane Tennison transferred to a new station with the job of “cleaning up the streets” of London’s Soho. But it’s not long before Jane and her new team find themselves involved in the dark world of vice, investigating the mystery of a young male prostitute, burnt to death in the apartment of a frightened transsexual.
In the fourth season of the critically acclaimed drama, Jane Tennison finds herself newly promoted to Detective Superintendent (DS), assigned to spearhead a number of major inquiries including the death of a baby, copycat killings and the death of a manager at an exclusive suburban country club.
And in the Emmy Award-winning fifth season, Detective Superintendent Jane Tennison finds herself relocated to Manchester to investigate a drug related murder. Encountering a corrupt reprobate who rules over the local crime scene and believing him to be her prime suspect, Jane discovers her every move in the investigation anticipated – but how?
Final “Coupling” : Winner of the prestigious Silver Rose of Montreux, Best TV Comedy Award and recent winner at the 2003 British Comedy Awards, the season finale of Coupling premieres Sunday, July 11, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, with another chance to see the entire fourth season in an encore presentation, Sundays staring July 18, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Brought together by the relationship between two of the six friends – Steve (Jack Davenport, Pirates of the Caribbean) and Susan (Sarah Alexander) – the award-winning comedy about love, lust and everything in between navigates the treacherous waters of modern day romance, made all the more complicated by the baggage of best friends, exes, and potential lovers.
As Susan goes into labor, Steve swings into action – doing his best to remain unruffled even though Susan’s determination to have a natural childbirth tests his physical and mental strength.
Even Jeff makes a return from the Greek islands for the big event, but there’s something definitely different about him…
Sally (Kate Issitt) is troubled by a secret from Patrick’s (Ben Miles) past and can’t resist opening up a box labeled: “Sally, don’t look in this box.” Meanwhile, Oliver (Richard Mylan) and Jane (Gina Belman) look to go one step further, but can the life-long losers in love finally get it together?
As the new season of Coupling wraps up, find out if Steve is prepared to be a father or will he always be “epidural man”? Has Jane finally met her match in Oliver? Can Sally forgive and forget? Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps…
No Savior : Two disturbing murders… no motive – so begins a complex and shattering story of treachery and revenge in BBC AMERICA’s two-part original psychological thriller, Messiah. Part one premieres Monday, July 26, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET, 9:20 p.m. PT, concluding Monday, August 2, 2004 at 9 p.m. ET, 9:20 p.m. PT.
Critically acclaimed Ken Stott (The Vice, The Singing Detective) stars as Detective Chief Inspector Red Metcalfe, a brilliant detective who once turned in his own brother for murder. Ten years later, Red has earned a reputation for his impressive ability to get into the minds of killers – but two disturbing murders on the same day spark the most baffling and damaging case of his career. Both killings bear the murderer’s trademark – as do the grisly deaths that follow – the victim’s tongue is cut out and a silver spoon is inserted in their mouth.
As the killings mount up, Red is taunted by the fact that he can find no motive, no pattern – nothing to connect the victims apart from the killer’s grisly trademark:
May 1 – Philip Blake, caterer, Fulham, West London. Hanged.
May 1 – James Perch, bishop, Wandsworth, South West London. Bludgeoned to death.
July 25 – James Buxton, soldier, Putney, South West London. Decapitated.
August 24 – Bart Miller, tanner, Wapping, East London. Skinned alive.
September 21 – Matthew Fox, civil servant, Hackney, North East London. Killed with a machete.
But the killings continue and cracks begin to appear in Red’s handpicked team – young fast-tracker Jez (Jamie Draven, Billy Elliot), newcomer Kate (Frances Grey, Murder in Mind, Vanity Fair) and cynical Duncan (Neil Dudgeon, Mrs. Bradley’s Mysteries, Common as Muck).
As the murderer stays effortlessly ahead, killing seemingly random victims in new and ever more creative ways, it becomes clear that Red is confronted with evil beyond even his own experience. When a pattern at last starts to emerge, what began as a murder hunt turns into Red’s worst nightmare…
Messiah is a Louise Mickery adaptation of Boris Starling’s best-selling novel of the same name, directed by Diarmuid Lawrence. It is produced by Louise Berridge with executive producers Robert Cooper, James Dowaliby and Kate Triggs. It is a BBC Northern Ireland and Paramount International Television Production in association with Messiah Films.
BeansTalk Note: Today the company's/newsletter's namesake has his final day of first grade -- summer officially has begun for us. But he'll be taking "Math Mania" (his choice, seriously) for summer school starting newt week. He's happy to note that his buddies Michael (from Tae Kwon Do) and Ruby (from school) will also be in the class. Bean's also going to be taking swim lessons since a recent pool safety article we did was absolutely terrifying.
