4 Responses to “My "To Watch" Shelf”

1. 1 Eric Likness Aug 4th, 2005 at 5:30 am

   Mike, I had no idea you knew about Hal Hartley. Henry Fool is defintely Hartley’s best film since “Trust”. And the two leads who play Simon and Henry are typical great matches for the parts they play. I hope one day Hartley will get the acclaim he deserves and not wind up as a kind of obscure auteur like Henry Jaglom (though some may argue his movies are boring) or John Cassevetes.

2. 2 Michael Aug 4th, 2005 at 2:38 pm

   Eric,

   I have been a Hal Hartley fan for years, ever since I went through my “Hal Hartley” phase which is how I discover most directors - I watch one film and then try to get my hands on everything they’ve done that is available. Henry Fool, has always been a favorite - it certainly sticks with you. I agree, great performances by Thomas Jay Ryan and James Urbaniak as well as a good turn by Parkert Posey. It also happens to have some memorable “potty” humor as well. You mentioned Cassavetes above, have you heard my Faces Reel Review, from a personal perspective it is one of the ones I like the most.

   Michael

3. 3 Eric Likness Aug 5th, 2005 at 5:39 am

   Faces Reel Review, yes. I think that’s probably what made me mention Cassavetes. I’ve been meaning to make a real effort to get to know Cassavettes films. I have the great fortune of living in Rochester, NY and have access to the Dryden Movie Theater, which is attached to the Film Archive at George Eastman House Museum. They program some great films all through the year. And like a big lazy dum-dum, I sat out of the Cassavettes series.

   I would also like to compliment you on your work with Reel Reviews, it shows that there’s more to movie reviews than simply thumbs up and thumbs down and numbers of stars. I’m a big fan of the Danny Peary Cult Movie film books after a professor in Community College gave one to me as a gift. I love that in depth synopsis, followed by a longer analysis and review format. I think of anyone that does spoken reviews you come as close to that ideal as possible. It’s quality stuff and I’m glad you’re getting the chance to put it out into the market for consumption. As a kid growing up in Virginia, I think we would encourage one another by saying something like, “Keep on gettin’ it!” and that’s what I would say now. Mike, keep on Gettin’ It!

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