Friday, December 31, 2010

The Last Blog Post of 2010 - The End!


The Gentle of Leisure's Top 5 Not Very Definitive Film List of 2010

The Gentleman of Leisure
seen at the back of his European cinema
trying to locate a preferable seat in the darkness
and being hampered by the fact he is wearing sunglasses.
Or The Gentleman is resting against a pole from which
he is awaiting the ball to drop signaling the beginning
of the New Year of 2011.
Either way ...
he is comfortable and without a care in the world.

It's time once again for another Top 5 List from THE FUTURIST!'s mysterious friend in faraway Europe ... The Gentleman of Leisure. As most readers will recall, The Gentleman lives an idle life of whim and relaxation supported by whatever means necessary and totally unencumbered by worry or stress. A life THE FUTURIST! envies intensely. THE FUTURIST! loves and hates The Gentleman at the very same time. In fact, this battle of emotions causes even more stress for the already neurotic and "on the edge" THE FUTURIST!

Occasionally, The Gentleman sends a new communication to Utter Despair. This time it is his Top 5 List of films he viewed in 2010. As stated below, he did not see as many as he wished, but he cobbled together a roster to delight THE FUTURIST! Delight? Not in the case of I'M STILL HERE which he seems to have included. Well, besides that inclusion, THE FUTURIST! wishes The Gentleman a Happy New Year and wishes to cyber hug him for his contributions during the life of this blog.

THE GENTLEMAN OF LEISURE'S TOP 5
NOT VERY DEFINITIVE LIST OF FAVORITE FILMS OF 2010
(in descending order)

I found myself loving a lot of films this year, and I didn't even see everything I wanted to, so my top 5 may not be definitive. But, regardless, I'm very fond of all the films here, and couldn't see my list changing too much.

5. MONSTERS
Inspiring for its budget alone, but also natural, beautiful filmmaking.

4. CYRUS
A funny, real and very likable film from The Duplass Brothers.

3. BAD LIEUTENANT: PORT OF CALL NEW ORLEANS
Complete madness. Caster Troy turns it up to eleven with Werner Herzog at the helm. As Cage says himself in one of many choice quotes: "I just love it!"

2.I'M STILL HERE
I know TF! hated this, but I tried not to read anything about it and saw it soon after it came out. I think that made a big difference in viewing it, I didn't know what I was watching. It could alternately be viewed as rich and brilliantly new, or hollow and pointless. I am in the former camp.

1.GREENBERG
I just love it.


I look forward to another year of being able to watch films!
__________________________________________

THE FUTURIST! is assured you will look forward to another year
of watching films whenever you want to ... in your damnable LEISURE!!

* sigh *

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

THE FUTURIST!'s Top 5 People Born on Dec. 28



Through pure happenstance, THE FUTURIST! discovered that today is the birthday of Lokar20. Lokar20 is not the name of a super villain from Superman comic books (much like Brainiac 5) or the name of a mineral that could be used in the production of nuclear energy sought after by enemy spies. It is NOT, even, the name of a new alcoholic beverage banned in certain East Coast States in America. Lokar20 is the pen name or Twitter moniker of Matthew Henderson who is lokarlly (hee hee) situated in the region of the capital of THE FUTURIST!'s own USA.

THE FUTURIST! knows a bit about Matthew. He was in Scotland for some time. He loves 80s music, likes to watch movies on Sunday mornings and has a soul shaking weakness for fried chicken. He may, also, be a workplace anarchist.

This is his 3rd favorite Christmas song:



and this is his Number One Favorite Track of the 20th Century:



Matthew is a fine writer, as well.
THE FUTURIST! finds momentary pleasure
reading his occasional film and television reviews here.

As stated, THE FUTURIST! found out that today was his birthday
when Matthew commented that "the hot blonde" from TRON LEGACY
(Beau Garret)shared his date of birth.

THE FUTURIST! likes to make Top 5 Lists and he loves inviting others to contribute lists to this blog. A regular contributor has been The Gentleman of Leisure, for instance. THE FUTURIST! also likes to celebrate the birthdays of people he enjoys in some silly creative manner. This is about to be attempted.

THE FUTURIST!'s TOP 5 PEOPLE BORN
ON THE SAME DAY AS MATTHEW HENDERSON
(December 28)


1. Double Academy Award Winning Actress MAGGIE SMITH - 76

2. Portrayer of Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek NICHELLE NICHOLS - 78

3. Saturday Night Live Writer & Performer SETH MEYERS - 37

4. ANOTHER Double Academy Award Winning Actor DENZEL WASHINGTON - 56

5. American Idol Runner-Up DAVID ARCHULETA - 20

Happy Birthday to all!

Monday, December 27, 2010

Ice Station Utter Despair

THE FUTURIST!'s backyard the night of 12/26/10
Expecting blizzard to intensify.
In the background you can see the searchlight
of a neighboring secret government internment compound
disguised as a normal looking suburban New Jersey home.
Someone escaped during the wintry deluge.


The next morning.
Same scene after end of blizzard.
It was so quiet.
THE FUTURIST! had to go out to clean up.
The winds were blasting at 50 mph.
Drifts were quite high.
The back door was covered in snow.
THE FUTURIST! had to get out through an upstairs window.
The huge drifts cushioned his fall.
No one was hurt.



This is THE FUTURIST!'s car.
Through the miracle of brutal Mother Nature's grace,
the back of the car was spared any cover of snow.
However, the front was a bitch to uncover.



Evidence of the depth of Winter's cruelty.
Actual trudging indentations
of THE FUTURIST!'s boot clad feet
are pictured for your awe.


This photo shows the length of THE FUTURIST!'s driveway.
It is a horrific 80 feet long macadam landing/launching
pad for his modest economy automobile.
Please peruse the snow wall in front of garage.
It was terrifying.
SIDE NOTE:
Neighbor child believed that those foot prints
were from a Tauntaun which is a species
of omnivorous reptomammals who were
indigenous to the ice planet Hoth in STAR WARS.
*direct definition from
Wikipedia


Using a household carpentry ruler,
THE FUTURIST! was able to ascertain that
the snowfall was 22 inches in depth.
He later went into the house and passed out
due to over exertion from snow removal.
He is currently easing the pain in his back
with a champagne ice bucket.

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Saturday Music for a Rebel Christmas

THE FUTURIST! wishes all his faithful and unfaithful readers
a very Merry Christmas. May your day be full of cheer and lovely food
and drink that will fill you with a glow of contentment.

THE FUTURIST! is going to visit family today and will be away from
Utter Despair, N.J. for several hours. Of course, he is only traveling
to Ennui, N.J. which is only an empty vodka bottle's throw from Utter Despair.
But, he will try to enjoy himself and have some white wine with his fowl,
which should dull the pain of stuffy annoying relatives and greedy children
feverishly clawing at festive colored wrapped boxes.

Please enjoy this bit of Saturday music about Christmas that posits
the meaning of such a day minus the materialism.

Listen and enjoy the day:


THE REBEL JESUS
performed by Jackson Browne and The Chieftains

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Christmas Gift Impulse Purchase


THE FUTURIST! does NOT want this for Christmas.

*thanks to Sybil Liberty for this wonderful idea.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Sagittarius Birthday Salute



We shall soon say goodbye to 2010
and today we say goodbye to the year's Horoscope Birthday Salutes
performed by the honey throated crooner Harvey Sid Fisher.

THE FUTURIST! finds Harvey leaving us with his salute
to the astrological sign of Sagittarius.
Harvey is singing of the traits of those born under
this symbol, but in many ways , THE FUTURIST! feels
he is singing, in a coded manner, about his love life.
The red haired dancer is gone ... again.
She has been playing with Harvey's heart throughout the year
and luring Harvey on with her on again, off again prancing.
But this time melancholy Harvey sings this:

"...things don't always work out as I planned.
I'll get hurt, but I'll heal and say Ready, Lord, your deal.
I feel lucky let's play one more hand."

He ends with optimism and glances to the brunette dancer
who has appeared several times, but who has not been as
aggressively flirting as that sultry redhead.

Now, Harvey notices her ... and a new flame stirs in his heart.
And ... in a beautiful filmed gesture of symbolism,
the song ends with a superimposed shot of the dancer's
hand over Harvey's tuxedo clad heart.

Goodbye, Harvey. Happy New Year.
May Management still comp you free drinks during
your performances. And may they be not watered down.

A Moment with Liquor: Sean Connery Wishes You a Merry Christmas with Jim Beam

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Saturday Music for Ominous Karaoke

THE FUTURIST! doesn't dance. Unless he is truly inebriated.
THE FUTURIST! doesn't sing. Unless he is truly inebriated.
Of course, the dancing and singing, in the inebriated status, can't be truly defined as dancing and singing in the true definition of dancing and singing. It would be a form of warbling and physical gyration that represented the "idea" of dancing and singing induced by manic joy. But, isn't that still fun?

THE FUTURIST! has expressed musical joy,
as related in this post of almost a year ago
(CLICK HERE!)

Though, not entirely under the influence of two 3 olive martinis, THE FUTURIST! recalls his being dared to perform karaoke at The Third Man Cinema Pub. Attendance that evening was somewhat light, most likely due to it being Charles Grodin Night. Not everyone is a fan of the dry comedic actor, sadly.

Late that evening, THE FUTURIST! took to the small stage dressed in his favorite charcoal gray suit, white shirt, pin-striped pink tie and saddle shoes. Fleming Clamdish, THE FUTURIST!'s friend had just performed a rendition of YOUR SONG by Elton John. THE FUTURIST! prodded by his aide de camp haiku and Clamdish selected the song below first performed by The Go-Gos. The version you will hear below is performed in a more sinister, less energetic manner than the feisty hyper energetic 80s females and their cherubic lead singer. This cover version is perfect for a non-singing voice laced with sadness and regret. Oh, and there is a nice cello musical injection included. Always a plus. (By the way, look at that singer's hair. Imagine losing your house key in that hedge-like brush top? You would be searching for hours)

This version fit THE FUTURIST! perfectly ... as perfect as a nattily tightened bow tie, pin stripe suspenders and argyle sweater vest. Imagine, if you will, THE FUTURIST! standing stage center with the blue tinged aura of The Third Man Cinema Pub spotlight bathing his thin inert frame as you ...

Listen:


OUR LIPS ARE SEALED
performed by Fun Boy Three

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Word from THE FUTURIST!

THE FUTURIST! is not feeling very well. The last 2 days have beset him with a flu of sorts ... he feels tired, has recurring headaches and has muscle aches. He feels very fatigued. There is some nasal congestion and loss of appetite. Therefore, posts from Utter Despair, N.J. will be sporadic, if not even absent. There shall be a Saturday music post tomorrow. It has been planned in advance. THE FUTURIST! apologizes for "calling in sick", but it can't be helped. He feels even worse because he wanted to write about the recent death of one of his favorite directors Blake Edwards. Well, he will eventually. This will give him time to think more about what he can write. THE FUTURIST! loves to write about the Past, because The Future is rarely bright.

Now, he must take a nap.

Monday, December 13, 2010

Great Opening Credit Sequence Theater #2



The great director Blake Edwards along with Henry Mancini music.
From the epic 60s comedy adventure THE GREAT RACE.
A slapstick extravaganza.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Saturday Music for Saturday Nights

At times of restlessness and stress, especially at the Holiday season, there is nothing like a bit of Neil Hannon and The Divine Comedy. THE FUTURIST! has posted many of The Divine Comedy's pieces of musical masterworks in the life of this blog as Saturday Music posts. Today ... there shall be another.

The Divine Comedy always provides THE FUTURIST! with pure melody, lovely lyrics and the warming warbling of Neil Hannon. What more can a cynic ask for? Like a comforting bromide, The Divine Comedy allows THE FUTURIST! to decompress and relax after a trying day.

After Mr. Burt Bacharach there can be no other, but Neil Hannon and The Divine Comedy. Please enjoy this pleasant piece that reminisces about one's youthful days of frivolity and flirting at a place of solace away from the realities of the day. At the Indie Disco ... for THE FUTURIST! it is THE THIRD MAN CINEMA PUB.

Listen:


AT THE INDIE DISCO
performed by The Divine Comedy

Thursday, December 9, 2010

"Dream Things That Never Were and I Say Why Not?"

THE FUTURIST! has had trouble sleeping. His schedule is playing havoc with the ON AND OFF Switch in his brain. He, also, has awoken with sinus problems leading to him to NOT being able to relax. He is then not able to fall back asleep due to the nasal pressure which begins to give him a headache. Once he arises, the pressure eases. Oh, it's a seasonal problem he has never really encountered before with this much intensity. Because of this clogged up congo line of congestion, THE FUTURIST! has been having strange dreams. As always, when this occurs THE FUTURIST! hooks up the Dr. Seussonoras Cerebral Slumber Image Sensor machine (patent pending) to his temples while asleep. This marvelous mechanism records visuals that are manifested in the noggin during the night.

Example recorded December 8,2010:


Incredible. A psychedelic gyrating jumble involving the strumming of a phallic instrument. After this kaleidoscope of craziness the dream led to a psychosexual scene* involving an argyle sweater vest, a collection of Hardy Boys mysteries, bare feet and a Benedictine Monk's hooded cloak.

* The Seussonoras Cerebral Slumber Image Sensor (patent pending) does not record the naughty stuff. It has a parental lock installed that does not permit Internet transmission.

Kudos to THE OCTOPUS PROJECT

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Pearl Harbor Day - Fact and Michael Bay


__________________________________________________________

FICTION is always in WIDEscreen:


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Saturday Music for THE FUTURIST! in New York

In 2007, THE FUTURIST! assisted his good friend Michael move his books, clothing and other living essentials to a room, of sorts, at a building owned by The School of Visual Arts on Lexington Ave and East 23rd Street in Manhattan. Michael was attempting to achieve his goal of a graduate's degree in Art Criticism. The room was nothing but a large closet. A bunk bed that had no lower berth. Instead it had an attached desk that one could sit at with his head bowed and back arched. One window ... fogged with grime and a view of a brick wall. A bathroom with a sink, toilet and shower with no curtain. The air conditioner did not work. The window was quite difficult to raise. THE FUTURIST! assisted his friend in bringing all his belongings into the room. Clothes went into a meager closet and the boxes of books were placed on the floor. Michael had too many books. The amount of books caused a zig-zagging path to the bathroom or window. It was incredibly dreary. THE FUTURIST! and his friend sat on the floor and sighed. This was were his friend was to live for the next year, at least. The melancholy of the environs was overwhelming. THE FUTURIST! saw sadness envelop his friend.

For many months thereafter, THE FUTURIST! would visit his friend in New York. He would take NJ Transit bus 164 from Utter Despair into the Port Authority on 8th between 40th and 42nd Streets. He would walk there to Lexington and down to East 23rd Street to meet his friend for a weekend day. This happened no matter the season. This was THE FUTURIST! really true introduction to Manhattan and an area of it he had never traveled to ... he saw Art Galleries, Kim's Video on St. Mark's Place, went to the MoMA, ate in various restaurants and enjoyed the sensations of his friend's bohemian existence.

THE FUTURIST! was never a coffee drinker, but his friend introduced him to the pleasures of delicious black coffee with no milk, no sugar. Black and hot. Many times he and his friend sat in coffee shops near the East 20s drinking and talking. Many times as they walked people would stop them to ask directions or where such and such an address was located. These people would always direct the query to THE FUTURIST! and not his friend. It was odd. The strangers assumed THE FUTURIST! was the New Yorker. Was it his demeanor, his clothing, his sense of self? Friend Michael was the actual New Yorker in a sense. He was very familiar with his surroundings and led THE FUTURIST! about, but for some reason, THE FUTURIST! seemed to be the one they felt comfortable with to approach. THE FUTURIST!'s friend was taller, attractive and had more of a confident presence, yet THE FUTURIST! was the one these people kept their eyes on for assistance. This always irked Michael's ego.

The song below was heard by THE FUTURIST! in a cafe one cold New York day as he waited for his friend. He had a few cups of coffee and sat at a small window table in his wool top coat. Due to limited space a young woman came to the same table and sat near THE FUTURIST! She asked him several questions in halted English about the neighborhood. Her accent sounded French. She was very pleasant and friendly. THE FUTURIST! had no idea what she was talking about ... but it was such a relaxing experience. She kept calling him a New Yorker. She asked if he was famous. What? She liked his coat and asked if he lived in New York for a long time. She seemed to be visiting the area to see a friend who sang at a cabaret or something. Her sing song voice and charm lulled THE FUTURIST! as he smiled and nodded and said what he could interject in between her rapid speech. It was one of those moments one experiences that makes everything disappear. All woes, all despair, all future and present and past raise from the hard cold ground like mist and dissipate. Eventually, the girl got up, said goodbye and walked out the door into the cold windy day. THE FUTURIST! saw her figure disappear past a the edge of his view from the window. He will never forget those brief moments in his Life.

Listen:


ENGLISHMAN IN NEW YORK
performed by Sting

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

See You Next Wednesday!

Happy 75th Birthday WOODY ALLEN Edition (Dec. 1, 1935)


MANHATTAN MURDER MYSTERY (1993)
dir: Woody Allen