Nomi’s Dance with Death

Four years ago I wrote a few cult classic reviews for Diabolique Magazine, which gave me the germ of the idea for this post. After only writing a few paragraphs, life and other writing pulled me away, as often happens (seriously, you should see my drafts folder), and I let it sit. Then this year … Continue reading Nomi’s Dance with Death →

Just Looking

In early October of 2020, less than six months into the existence of this blog, I created a post on Body Double that stood out from a lot of what I’d been doing here. That’s because it only had some brief introductory text and was largely comprised of screenshots from Brian De Palma’s sexually charged … Continue reading Just Looking →

Calendar Girl: Julie London for December

We’ve reached the final calendar month of our year-long celebration of Julie London and her album, Calendar Girl. In “Warm December” Julie’s sensuous voice reminds us that she’ll keep us warm in December, and that’s just about the best Christmas gift anyone could wish for. Clearly Julie is naturally toasty, because she’s half-naked again, this … Continue reading Calendar Girl: Julie London for December →

“Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30

Brian De Palma’s deeply moving morality tale Carlito’s Way (1993) recently had its thirtieth anniversary. The film has long held a special place in my personal movie pantheon, ever since seeing it opening night, November 12, 1993. Based on two novels by New York State Supreme Court Judge Edwin Torres (which I’ve read and highly … Continue reading “Favor Gonna Kill You Faster Than a Bullet”: Carlito’s Way at 30 →

Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle

I adore Mike Nichols’ Wolf (1994), but every time I watch it—and I try to watch it every October—I’m utterly gobsmacked that he got Michelle Pfeiffer to film that completely bonkers final showdown. As good guy Wolfman Jack (Nicholson) looks on from inside a cage, bad guy Wolfman James Spader uses his hairy paws to … Continue reading Hot Shots of the Week: Wolfing Around with Michelle →

Rush Rush at the Babylon

Miami’s Babylon Club is a favorite hangout of criminal-element types in Brian De Palma’s grotesque and glorious gangster film, Scarface (1983). The Babylon is where Tony Montana (Al Pacino) first puts the moves on Elvira Hancock (Michelle Pfeiffer). Tony visits the club as a guest of drug lord Frank Lopez (Robert Loggia). Elvira might be … Continue reading Rush Rush at the Babylon →

“Nancy Drew in a Garter Belt”: Nancy Allen in Dressed to Kill

Among film lovers, Nancy Allen is considered a capital “G” Goddess. A central figure in late 1970s, early 1980s American cinema, Allen is revered thanks to her performances in at least six classics films with rabid fanbases: Carrie (1976), I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978), Dressed to Kill (1980), Blow Out (1981), Terror in the … Continue reading “Nancy Drew in a Garter Belt”: Nancy Allen in Dressed to Kill →