As a young man, I well remember Harry Nilsson and his supreme talents as a singer and songwriter. But, I was not aware of how he wasted those talents -- and, in the end, his own life at only age 52 -- through a decades-long alcoholic spiral. It was interesting to see people like Jimmy Webb, Perry Botkin and Mickey Dolenz alternately describe Harry's journey as a thrill ride and descent into hell. Of all the interviews, I thought producer Richard Perry's was the most detailed and intelligent synopsis of Harry's career suicide and ultimate death wish. But, in the end, I was struck at the paradox of Harry being described as a great father, even though he walked out on his first son (and the son's mother) and left behind six young children. What a selfish bastard.
Reviews
3 Reviews
Obsession
(1976)
For Bernard Herrmann Enthusiasts Only
11 April 2005
I revisited "Obsession" recently because I've always been a fan of the late, great Bernard Herrmann. In the late 1970's, I bought the "Obsession" soundtrack on LP because, as one critic so aptly wrote, "Herrmann's score would make even blank film compelling." As for what happens on the celluloid, it's obvious that this movie was a lower-budgeted rush job (example: mid-70's automobiles in scenes of 1959 New Orleans). It's also quite a feat to make Florence look so drab and gray, while the middle third of the film bogs down tremendously. And the excessive use of filters by Vilmos Zsigmond makes the film look less ethereal than out-of-focus.
In my opinion, the only other positive for the film is Genevieve Bujold's performance. It stands in marked contrast to the one given by Cliff Robertson, who is leaden throughout and provides no shades or nuances of a conflicted man. And a young John Lithgow fares no better, with his outrageously syrupy Southern accent.
Five stars out of ten. For Benny and Genevieve.
In my opinion, the only other positive for the film is Genevieve Bujold's performance. It stands in marked contrast to the one given by Cliff Robertson, who is leaden throughout and provides no shades or nuances of a conflicted man. And a young John Lithgow fares no better, with his outrageously syrupy Southern accent.
Five stars out of ten. For Benny and Genevieve.
The American President
(1995)
A Liberal's Fantasy
17 March 2003
I have several problems with this movie, not the least of which is positing liberalism as Good (environmentalism, gun control) and conservatism as Evil (character assassination). Mr. Sorkin -- it ain't that cut and dried. Besides, were the plot played out in real life, I would have real issues if a widowed president bedded a woman -- nay, a political lobbyist -- several doors down from his sleeping daughter.
Also, Annette Bening's performance was insulting. Her character is supposed to be an intelligent, six-figure political operative ("a closer") -- instead we see a giggly, scatterbrained schoolgirl. And Richard Dreyfuss is no more credible as the seething, sniveling Bad Politician.
Also, Annette Bening's performance was insulting. Her character is supposed to be an intelligent, six-figure political operative ("a closer") -- instead we see a giggly, scatterbrained schoolgirl. And Richard Dreyfuss is no more credible as the seething, sniveling Bad Politician.
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