Click on the logo above for the best in Chicago film review and reporting, especially since I am a staff writer. As stated above, a film buff, constantly trying to discover new modes of expression through that medium.
This is a tough field to fill in because "favorites" are constantly evolving. Consistent faves that remain are 'Citizen Kane,' Fellini's '8-1/2,' Kieslowski's 'Blue,' 'White' and 'Red' trilogy, Altman's 'M*A*S*H,' and most of Stanley Kubrick's canon. Every year since 1985 I have published a TOP TEN film list for the year, the 2007 number one was 'The Savages.' ..
Television
Books
What are the life changing, life affirming books? It's a constant change of perspective. I mostly read fiction, I consider any era of an author's consequence to be part of my continuing education. I had more passion about it when I was younger, but the printed page can still influence me. I remember in high school (where we had an excellent literature program), I discovered Bernard Malamud's 'The Natural' and was so astounded by his theme of human frailty in the face of "being a hero." Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of Darkness' moved me to proclaim "I am Kurtz!" Flannery O'Connor is probably the greatest short story artist this side of Raymond Carver (read them both!). Truman Capote at the top of his game, no truth is finer. For undiscovered authors, Italo Calvino, who wrote the excellent fantasy 'Baron in the Trees.' Anything by George Orwell, whose prophesies are chillingly becoming real. Read 'Homage to Catalonia' as a realistic roots to '1984.' Most recently read recommendation: 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole.
Heroes
In social politics, MLKing and Bill Clinton, both flawed, challenged by their times, but sincere. In sports, Walter Payton, consistent to the end. John Lennon, forever young, ultimately in retrospect a balance between a comedy and tragedy of a life. In life, a nod to my parents, whose evolution has provided me with the revolution. Go Obama!
About me: Freelance writer after leaving advertising; cannot believe this country went into another direction after the desperate BushieCo years; TV/Radio major at Indiana University, minor in Public Affairs and Film; have sung lead vocals in TWO bands, the fabulous 'Spinal Pat' and currently 'The Telepaths'; married for ten blissful years (hi, Robin!);Love film, got to review professionally last year (click on HollywoodChicago.com on the left and I'm involved in the Midwest Independent Film Festival (click in friend corral below); ran a bowling league for 11 years (Gutter Chaos) until they took Marigold Bowl down for some damn condos in '04; have been in a book club for over 19 years (take that Oprah!) and consider it an important part of my continuing education; have backed off sports fanaticism in recent years but still love baseball (I consider the Cub the funniest team in sports), seeing the White Sox win it all was great history, hooked on the Chicago Bears, back to the Super Bowl (and they'll win it in '10) and of course IU basketball, though I usually wait until the tourney to pay attention (won't have to worry about that this year); one of my best life experiences was seven seasons coaching Little League in the Cabrini-Green neighborhood (this was chronicled in the book/film 'Hardball'). Hausa forever!; lucky to have been born into a big, loving family who I treasure; lucky to have incredible friends from coast to coast from all walks of life; dabble in video production, amazed on how far the world has come since I worked with 3/4-in. tape in the stoned age in college; dress it to the left.
Who I'd like to meet: the person I am without the fear
Back in Blighty, don't ask...cold and damp, naturellement. Anyway, Joyeux Anniversaire ! Happy Birthday weekend ! Really hope you've had a great day, today. Are you following Cannes, this year, too ? Very best wishes. Cheers ! M xxx
LBiC ...well, on Good Friday , here in the UK is traditional to enjoy hot cross buns at breakfast. A bit macabre I know ! Enjoy a very relaxing Easter weekend. I've subscribed to your blog, now. I shall report from Cannes, France next week. Au revoir, M xxx
LBiC Greetings ! April Fool's Day MySpace Comments " Interesting " new blog entry. I must post more pics of my lovely garden in the photo gallery for your pleasure.... cheers ! M xxx
Maybe I'll improve. Not married yet. Did CK tell you how my arm got broken? Woman with helium balloons under her t-shirt came over and boob bumped me to "What Is Love? Baby, don't hurt me, don't hurt me, no more." It was like I jumped on a trampoline with my chest...I flew backwards 5 feet and landed on cement floor, to baby dont hurt me. Hand was disconnected from arm, bone pushed up under skin on arm. But God bless the doctors. It looks like an arm again, 5 screws and one plate later. Surgeon said it was nasty. Stay away from breast enhancements...helium or saline or whatever - they're lethal weapons - don't know it til it's too late. Hello to Robin.
Had a terrific time last night... you know how to throw a party! Hope you enjoyed it as much as I did, you ARE the birthday boy, after all. Have a great one!
Hey Pat! Good to hear from you! Yeah..a cliche of self portraiture..but nonetheless not many pic's of myself. Especially if you're always the one to take 'em.
Hey, mama's got a belly button ring. So I'm a matron. What of it, my curly locked lep? I have a long green wig for St. Pat's Day. Love to you. I will send updates within the century. P!!!!!
dang! i gotta read him! i'm going to the library today between classes to find that shiz. sorry it's taken so long to get back...i haven't been checkin this that much...hehe...but megan, who deleted hers, has been! have you read orham pamuk?? he is amazing!! how have you been? how's the writing going??
Last Blog in Cyberspace, Good morning - Bonjour ! Thank you for your kind messages ! I can see you've been very busy with your writing. As you know Sean Penn will chair the 61st Cannes Film Festival, this year. Have a wonderful new week and Bonne Annee 2008 !!! M xxx
