Possession

The legend of Lou Reed's Berlin (1973), the brutal concept album about the disintegration of a marriage, goes something like this: coming off his first big solo success with Transformer (1972), Reed and producer Bob Ezrin inexplicably set out to make "the most depressing album of all time." And if you know (and love) Berlin … Continue reading Possession →

From the Vault: Kelly Bundy and the Alternative Family Ideal

This was originally published at my old site four years ago. I've revised it a bit to share here because of actress Christina Applegate's recent disclosure that she has multiple sclerosis. Applegate holds a special place in my heart and has since I was roughly 12 years old, thanks to her funny and sexy performance … Continue reading From the Vault: Kelly Bundy and the Alternative Family Ideal →

Sea of Love

"I feel like a fucking teenager."Det. Frank Keller, Sea of Love Knocked silly, knocked flat, sideways downThese things they pick you up and turn you aroundSay your pieceSay you're sweet for meREM, "Me In Honey" Teenage love and lust in all its messy and passionate glory is the ultimate love, right? I mean, that's what … Continue reading Sea of Love →

Home Box Office

I've been feeling extremely nostalgic lately for movies that used to be in constant rotation on HBO in the early to mid 1980s. I was too young to be watching them but, you guessed it, I watched them anyway. Remember, I'm part of the last generation of latchkey kids that grew up with the freedom … Continue reading Home Box Office →

Feeling Feelings

I had a really wonderful experience recently watching one of my favorite movies with someone who loves it just as much as I do. And, really, that's rare, to know someone who loves a movie in the same sort of uncompromised, honest, passionate way that you do. That pure love. So you'll never feel insecure … Continue reading Feeling Feelings →