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Originally printed 10.26.06 in the Eureka, California newspaper The Times-Standard.
Flags of our Fathers
Faulk: This movie is not what you think it is.
It's not another Hollywood attempt to make audiences weep with patriotism. It's actually more of an investigative piece on the use of propaganda in WWII. The photo to end all patriotic photos, of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima, was staged. The photo that every one saw was not of the real flag raising, It was the second try, with different guys, and certainly not a candid shot of the war.
Military photographers at the time obviously weren't bound by the same ethical standards that apply to all Fat Guy photos, where reality reigns. So yeah, in case you were wondering, Durant really did dress like June Carter Cash for our review of "Walk the Line." Now if I can just get him out of that dress ... but back to the flick.
This movie's premise seems to be explaining why Ira Hayes was drunk. You know the song, "Drunken Ira Hayes, he was drunk, oh yeah, so drunk and stuff, he liked alcohol, and probably other stuff, because he was drunk, ooh yeah, so drunk, oh, oh, yeah ..."
After watching this movie, it's clear that he was a lush because he saw innards poking out of his buddies on the battlefield. And it's a wonder to me, frankly, how any veteran fighting in any battle can not come home and find comfort in the bottle. They're made of stronger stuff than me, that's for sure.
As for the movie, it wasn't in itself propaganda, but neither was it really good. It jumped around too much and made it hard for viewers to connect with the audience.
Rating: L/T, for educational purposes
Durant: Yeah, what he said.
And yes, I did see the movie too.
Rating: L
Half Nelson
Durant: I had to see this movie.
Not because of some order from Faulk or our editor or anything like that. But something in my gut, mixed with the burrito bites, brownies and entire Polish sausages, made me see this movie.
It was late, I was busy with my real beat, it had been a rough couple days, but I was pulled to the Minor Theater like the Millenium Falcon to the Death Star.
I parked right at 9 p.m., waddled up to the box office and felt for my wallet. There was nothing there. Quick, back to my car, nothing there either. Damn!
I know.
I walked in, explained my case to the very nice Minor Theater employee and had my payment deferred a day.
And boy it was worth it.
I'm not familiar with Ryan Gosling, the actor who plays the teacher in this movie. Apparently he was in some "Goosebumps" episodes and some chick-flick cry-fest called "The Notebook" but man, he sure nailed this role.
The whole movie was more like a documentary, seemingly done with a hand held camera and honest dialogue.
The class he taught felt like they were a real class and not a bunch of child actors.
Shareeka Epps, the student, was also great. Not much dialogue, perfect for a junior high school..role.
This was a love story.
Not in a creepy teacher/student way you might hear about on the news, nothing sexual, but a friendship that you watch develop without the need for dialog.
The subject matter will probably automatically turn some people away, but try to resist the judgmental urge and finish watching it.
I will always listen to that gut feeling from now on, like the one right now that's telling me to, hold on, trying place it ... here it comes. Oh wait that's a different gut feeling, I have to go now.
Rating: XL
Fat Guys on the Theater
The Mystery of Irma Vep: A campy tribute to gothic horror films.
Faulk: I caught this play with my wife for our ninth wedding anniversary. All I can say is fantastic job by Vic Howard and Brian Walker, the two lead actors, who took on a variety of roles and nailed them all.
Something about a play, where the actors are feet away and working their hearts out to entertain you, makes movies seem trivial. It's a rare flick that moves me, and it's a rare play that doesn't leave me thoroughly entertained. Thanks Vic and Brian, and directors Renee Grinnell and Vikki Young, for a wonderful night out with the wife. Unfortunately for readers, this past weekend was the play's last.
Rating: XXL
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