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Now in our seventh calendar year! PCR #308. (Vol. 7, No. 7) This edition is for the week of February 13--19, 2006.
CHENEY'S GOT A GUN THANK YOU
I just wanted to say I'm very saddened by the news of Peter Benchley's passing. As I was reading people's responses on the forum this morning, I found myself nearly sobbing over it all. Maybe that seems silly....I don't know. I just know I was very overwhelmed by it. It's not like I was old friends with the man, obviously. But I'm very proud to say I was able to see him and hear his words and thoughts at JawsFest. I'm also happy that HE was able to attend and see the outpouring of emotion from the fans. I'm glad he had that in his last months of life. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone could go out that way, knowing how much they meant and that their contributions to the world were highly valued?
As I said on the forum, without Benchley, there would be none of this.....no Jawsmovie.com, no JawsFest, no SISW, and absolutely no reason for this email. I wouldn't know any of you if not for that man. There would be no friendships, no emails, no phone calls and conversations that I hold so dear. There would be no joking around, no goofy, lighthearted emails, no humor-filled chats, and no memories. There would simply be none of this. I am eternally grateful to Peter Benchley for making all of that possible and giving me my Jaws family (even the dysfunctional members like Kurt & Shaun. lol.). This has certainly hit me harder than I expected it to, as witnessed by the half box of Kleenex I've gone through this morning. (Yes, I'm sappy....I know.) I know some of you have tossed around the idea of some type of gift or donation in Benchley's honor, and if that does get off the ground, definitely count me in. . Andrea Jaws is a movie I can't remember watching for the first time. I have always loved the film. My grandmother tells me stories of how she red Peter's book and loved it, then saw a teaser in the newspaper. It was a fin cutting across the water and the words "coming soon from Universal". It took me years until I got the book in paperback and read it. In fact, I read it just about 6 years ago. It was one of the few books I've read that kept me reading for hours. Mr. Benchley was truly a great storyteller and will be missed. Thankfully I got the chance to see him in person at JawsFest, and his spirits were up. He had a great sense of humor and I could tell being there was a highlight of his life as well as mine. Thank you, Peter. Shaun Adair
LOU "With his creation JAWS Mr Benchley's imagination still fires my own after all these years, and as a result of my passion for this movie I've made many dear friends across the globe, friends who aided by that other great beast, "the Internet", actually met for the first time in 2005. This global bonding is something I'm certain the great man would have appreciated, Rest in Peace, Peter." Eddie McCormack YOU CAN'T BUY THIS KIND OF PUBLICITY MY FAVORITE FILMS - CHAPTER 7
FIRST SEEN: Northpoint 4 Theatre, Baltimore, Maryland For his third feature, Spike Lee turned to his home territory of Brooklyn and featured the residents reacting to the hottest day of the year. Much of the action revolves around Sal's Famous Pizzeria, where the neighborhood kids go to "have a slice" and stay out of the heat. While Sal seems to genuinely love his customers, his son Pino can barely hide his racially motivated hatred. Sal's other son, Vito, is more tolerant, striking a friendship with Mookie the delivery person. When tempers, and the temperature, rise, the quiet block becomes a powder keg.
In the almost 17 years since it's release, "Do the Right Thing" remains Spike Lee's masterpiece. Though he was turned down by Robert DeNiro, who he wanted to play Sal, on DeNiro's suggestion he offered the role to Aiello, who gives a great performance. The back story of Buggin Out trying to force Sal to hang photos of famous blacks in the shop moves to the forefront as the film progresses. Lee regulars Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee lend their talents to the young cast, which features early work by Samuel L. Jackson, Rosie Perez and Martin Lawrence, among others. I'm happy to report that I wasn't the only one flabbergasted that the film didn't garner an Oscar nomination for Best Picture. During the ceremony Kim Bassinger remarked from the stage at how terrible it was that the film was overlooked. From the audience, Spike Lee sent her a simple note that just read, "Thank you."
Lee followed "Do the Right Thing" with other terrific dramas, including "Jungle Fever," "Mo Better Blues" and "Malcom X," among them. His latest film, "Inside Man," starring Denzel Washington and Clive Owen, opens next month.
Next week I'll be "talkin' to you" as I highlight Martin Scorsese's "Taxi Driver."
Well, that's all for now. Have a great week. See ya!
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This past weekend Peter Benchley, the author of many best selling books including "JAWS" and "The Deep," passed away at the age of 65 from pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive scarring of the lungs. Long time readers know my favorite film is "JAWS," so Mr. Benchley's passing was like losing a friend. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to see Mr. Benchley last summer during the 30th Anniversary JAWSFest. During the festival the producers of the "JAWS" fan documentary, "The Shark Is Still Working," tried to arrange an interview with Mr. Benchley who had a very full schedule. 
Imagine the film makers surprise when Mr. Benchley rescheduled his departing flight so that he could accommodate them. Jawsmovie.com has been posted with many heartfelt messages of condolence from all over the world, including England, Australia, the Netherlands, Israel, Hungary and New Zealand. Many fans sent each other emails expressing their genuine sorrow. One that I received came from my friend Andrea. I was so moved by it that I asked her if I could reprint it here, which she OK'd. I then asked several of my other JAWS pals to submit their thoughts on the influence Mr. Benchley's words had on their lives. My prayers and most sincere condolences go out to Wendy Benchley and her children. I'm sure it would be safe to say that Peter Benchley never knew how much his work impacted my life. I wish I'd had the opportunity to tell him in person, but I'm sure he knows now. And now, my friends:
Mr. Benchley: