OctoberPfest

My love of October is well documented. Autumn is in full swing, replete with crisp air and colorful foliage. Pumpkin coffee and ales of all sorts are flowing like wine everywhere. And of course the best holiday ever is being celebrated with spooky decorations and horror movie marathons—Halloween. It truly is the most wonderful time … Continue reading OctoberPfest →

Rest in Paradise, Eddie

I think you had to grow up in wood-paneled dens, get rides in your friend's big brother's Trans Am, sneak-watch slasher movies when you were too young, and hang out at family parties where the adults let you take sips from their cans of Miller High Life. I think you had to live through all … Continue reading Rest in Paradise, Eddie →

We Like to Watch: Body Double

Many filmmakers explore the themes of doubling and voyeurism, but few have done it as consistently or successfully as Brian De Palma. One of the handful (or two handfuls!) of masterpieces in his filmography, Body Double (1984) perfectly illustrates De Palma’s (and D.P. Steven H. Burum's) visual interrogation of these elements while also implicating us, … Continue reading We Like to Watch: Body Double →

Oh, Gina

Scarface (1983) has grown into a massive cult favorite over the years, but rarely is it praised for its treatment of female characters. But Oliver Stone's script does include two juicy roles for women, each of which leaves a lasting impression: Michelle Pfeiffer as Tony Montana's lady Elvira Hancock and Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Tony's … Continue reading Oh, Gina →

Surviving Scarface: Elvira

Wow, the restaurant scene in Scarface (1983) is powerful. That's all I kept thinking the other night when I watched Brian De Palma's epic tale of the rise and fall of Cuban "political refugee" and drug lord Tony Montana (Al Pacino in one of his most popular and oft-quoted roles). The movie is chock-full of … Continue reading Surviving Scarface: Elvira →