Now in our sixth calendar year!
PCR #295. (Vol. 6, No. 46) This edition is for the week of November 14--20, 2005.
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Hello, gang! A short one this week, but I'm really pissed! Shall we begin?
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BASTARDS!
OK, I realize that it's "sweeps" season for network television. As I sat down to write this week's rant I noticed a small mention in the local paper. In a few weeks music fans all over the world will mourn the 25th Anniversary of the murder of John Lennon. In fact, I've already begun researching what I will be commenting on when that sad date arrives. Now, in an obvious attempt to make a few bucks, I learn that this Friday (11/18) NBC's show "Dateline" is planning to air an interview with Mark David Chapman, the man who killed Lennon. Will I watch it. Probably, if only to see what this piece of shit has to say. I liken it my wife and I staying up late during our honeymoon to watch Charles Manson on the "Tomorrow" show. Hey NBC, I know you're getting your ass kicked in the ratings this year but Jesus Christ, don't sell your fucking soul! I realize that I'm just wasting my breath here. I mean how can you argue with the same network that cast an actor named Mark Lindsay Chapman to play Lennon in a TV movie? Of course, after the negative publicity they recast the role, promising Chapman another part in a future film. No word on whether the "Paul Revere and the Raiders" film ever materialized!
JUST THE FACTS, MA'AM
The other night I was surfing the cable selections when I came across a special on Encore hyped to highlight the relationship between the Academy Awards and African-American actors. Though I found the program entertaining, I was literally screaming at the television due to the many glaring errors that were made. From proclaiming Spike Lee the first black to be nominated for the directing Oscar (which he wasn't, though he was nominated for the screenplay award for "Do the Right Thing. Director John Singleton was nominated for "Boyz -n- the Hood," giving him the honor) to stating that "What's Love Got To Do With It" was the first film where both lead actor and actress (Laurence Fishburne and Angela Basset) were nominated for the Best Actor/Actress prize. Sadly, this white boy remembered that 21 years earlier both Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield were nominated for their work in "Sounder." I think it was a great idea to produce this film. I only wish that one of the five people credited with "research" had bothered to pick up a book. Or give me a call.
FUNNY GUY
The other night, while appearing on late night television, William Shatner was asked if he was surprised by the recent admission by "Star Trek" co-star George Takei that he was gay. Shatner replied that he knew all along because on the show Sulu would always set his phaser to "Fabulous!" Ha! Ha!
THE STORY OF JAWS - PART 42
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L - R: Make-Up Magician Greg Nicotero, Jim (Jimmyjaws) Beller, Carl Gottlieb and Joe Alves. |
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As I mentioned earlier in the series, "Jaws" was recently honored at the Stiges Film Festival in Spain. Good friend and fellow "Jaws" fan Jim Beller, known to many fellow fans as "Jimmyjaws" was invited to display many items from his incredible collection of "Jaws" memorabilia. I had asked Jim if he would like to write up his experiences but his schedule kept him busy. However, if you would like to read about Jim's trip, feel free to head to www.jawsmovie.com and click on the "message board" link. There are five different posts from Jim, each one packed with many great photos, including the one's here. Thanks to Jim and Jake Grove, who runs the jawsmovie.com site, for allowing me to reproduce some of them here. The highlight of the festival was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement awards to Carl Gottlieb and Joe Alves.
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Festival goers take in some of Jim Beller's collection of "Jaws" memorabilia. |
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Gottlieb, who not only co-wrote the film but also appeared in it, won an Emmy for his work on the "Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" and has appeared in films like "M*A*S*H" and "The Jerk." Alves, who designed not only the look of the film but the shark as well, was in the director's seat for "Jaws 3D." The awards were presented to both men by Greg Nicotero, noted special makeup effects guy whose most recent work was seen in "Land of the Dead." Like many people, myself included, Greg was so taken by "Jaws" when he saw it that he was inspired to find a job in the movies. I think it's incredible that a film released 30 years ago can still inspire. I know it does me.
 Well, that's all for now. Have a great week. See ya!
Left: 30 years later -- still a classic.
"Mike's Rant" is ©2005 by Michael A. Smith. Webpage design and all graphics herein are creations of Nolan B. Canova. All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2005 by Nolan B. Canova.
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