The Mirrifcation of 20 Iconic Male Movie Roles

Linda Holmes imagines the wonderful Helen Mirren playing some iconic male roles.

It occurred to me that given the dearth of good roles for women, it was a good opportunity to consider how many roles written for men would have been, if tweaked appropriately (including, in some cases, the use of a time machine), perfect Helen Mirren vehicles.

Which ones did she choose? Find out at NPR

The Royal Tenenbaums' House

I love this movie. It was shot at an amazing house at Convent Avenue and 144th Street in Harlem. The house inspired Anderson when he was making the film.

Via Kottke

Gena Rowlands and Peter Falk “A Woman Under the Influence”

I saw this film when I was too young to understand it (although I thought I did). I think I'll watch it again.

clusterflock

They don't make 'em like they used to

La Loi - trailer
RaShOmoN

The Children of Fogo Island

This 1967 short film from Colin Low presents the problems faced by the people of Fogo Island, Newfoundland and what keeps them committed to the land. Witness some of the magic of the island, as seen through the eyes of children, and understand why its inhabitants cling to its shores. NFB

1000 Frames of Hitchcock

"1000 Frames of Hitchcock" is an attempt to reduce each of the 52 available major Hitchcock films down to just 1000 frames.
Via Uncertain Times

Funny Face

Been-Seen's Movie Atlas takes us to the Parisian locations in the fabulous Funny Face. Beautiful movie, beautiful city.

Les Mistons

A group of young boys idolize their collective obsession, Bernadettte, while trying to thwart her boyfriend.
Based on a short story by Maurice Pons. Directed by François Truffaut.

Movie Atlas: The Station Agent

I look forward to Movie Atlas posts at Been Seen, especially when a movie that I really like is featured.

Been-Seen's Movie Atlas is a unique opportunity - a chance to explore the world through movies. Movies that were filmed on location and show you real places, either as they are now, or as they were when the film was made.

The Station Agent is one of my favourite films. Director Thomas McCarthy made the movie after discovering the film's main location, an abandoned station building, in Newfoundland, New Jersey. More

Jackie Gleason on Acid

This is not Ralph Kramden.

From the Otto Preminger satire “Skidoo”

Laugh Lines Blog

Hunger

I was young when Bobby Sands died of hunger at Long Kesh. Bobby was young too. I was strongly affected by his courage and commitment to his cause.

The Walker Art Center’s ongoing series Premieres: First Look continues with the area premiere screening of Turner Prize-winning visual artist Steve McQueen’s critically acclaimed Hunger. McQueen’s first feature film is an unflinching examination of the last six weeks in the life of Bobby Sands, a member of the Irish Republican Army who engaged in a hunger strike in Northern Ireland’s Maze Prison in 1981.

Via Artdaily

Rare Marlon Brando screentest

Interesting.

Five great films where nothing much happens

I love all of these films:

• Aguirre: The Wrath Of God
  Dir. Werner Herzog, 1972.
• Lost In Translation
  Dir. Sofia Coppola, 2003.
• The Station Agent
  Dir. Thomas McCarthy, 2003.
• Badlands
  Dir. Terrence Malick, 1973.
• The Straight Story
  Dir. David Lynch, 1999.

Stuff happens in most of these but they certainly aren't action flicks.

The 50 Greatest Documentaries

The 50 Greatest Documentaries chosen by filmmakers. It's in 6 parts and runs 100 mins. It's a great find for a documentary nut like me.
Via Smashing Telly

Naked City

Opening scene from the film noir classic, Naked City

Via Smashing Telly

Montreal by Night

My hometown (before I was born, of course).

This short film showcases the city of Montreal on a summer's night. What was once a small Indian village is presented as a pot-pourri of contrasting sights and sounds. It is North America's second largest port and, after Paris, the world's largest French-speaking city. With its warehouses, offices, homes, clubs and amusement parks, the city serves as a bright backdrop for a happy couple out on the town.

Montreal by Night by Arthur Burrows, Jean Palardy, - NFB

Little Man by Cinematographer Rasmus Heise

Cinematographer Rasmus Heise
CICFF 2007, Chicago
Giffoni Film Festival 2007, Italy
Kurz Film Festival 2007, Germany

Thanks, Miss C

Alexander Calder performs his "Circus"

This video excerpts scenes of Calder performing the “Circus” from a 1955 film by Jean Painleve.
Via Uncertain Times

The Making of THE SHINING (by Vivian Kubrick)

Via Uncertain Times v.ii

Withnail and I' farmhouse goes up for sale

'Withnail and I' is one of my favourite films but the idea of living in Uncle Monty's run down cottage doesn't appeal to me.

A remote Cumbrian farmhouse which provided the backdrop for the cult British film Withnail and I has been put up for auction with a guide price of £145,000.

Sleddale Hall, near the village of Shap, south of Penrith, has remained largely untouched since it featured in the 1987 comedy, which followed the hedonistic, alcohol-fuelled antics of a pair of out-of-work actors. More