Time Marches On...

Saving the clock tower, fall 1991

In honor of Throwback Thursday, here's a red letter date: November 5th!

Not only is this the date that Doctor Emmett L. Brown invented time travel (60 years ago), it is also the date that my mother was born (Happy Birthday, Mom!). Here are a few photos to mark this significant date in history.

That's me and my Mom (below) at Universal Studios Hollywood, taken during my year in Los Angeles, studying film. I remember being thrilled to see the actual set where they filmed parts of Back To The Future, as well as taking part in a little performance based around the film. Believe it or not, that's me standing on a mock clock tower set in a Doc Brown wig (one of my finest performances, I assure you). Also, a shot of me in front of one of the actual vintage cars used in the series. Somewhere I also have a photo in front of one of the screen-used DeLoreans, but it seems to have gone missing (as has my copy of the Gray's Sports Almanac...hey!).

If I had access to that time machine, I wouldn't mind traveling back to June of 1964, and watch the two crazy kids pictured on the left (my Mom and Dad) get married...talk about the power of love!

Thinking a lot about family and friends today, and those I have loved past, present, and future.

"Nov. 5, 1955: A Flux of Genius," Wired, November 5, 2009

Days of Future Past

Future's so bright...looking McFly outside
WAMC studios. Photo courtesy Jim Levulis. 

Although we're setting our current clocks back, it's official: the events taking place in the Back To The Future trilogy are now firmly in the past (or some alternate version of it). I know, this is heavy!

No, flying cars and hoverboards have yet to be mass-produced for an eager public, and the Cubs didn't quite sweep the World Series. However, the movies did get quite a few things right (flat screen TVs, video conferencing, drones, voice and fingerprint recognition), and the last week reminded us of our timeless appeal.

What a week it has been. I started "Future Day," October 21, 2015, with an early morning interview at Berkshire radio station Star 101.7, to promote Norman Rockwell Museum's "Back in Time" family festival. The host, Evan Valenti, is a fellow BTTF fanboy, so I quite enjoyed speaking with him at great length about the event and movie series. To honor the occasion, my colleague and I were decked out in our best Marty McFly outfits; as Evan started the segment (speaking into the mic with his back to us), I quickly donned my 80s-style Ray-Bans, and he burst out laughing when he turned around to greet us..."rock and roll!" If you have "the time," you can listen to the segment here.

After the interview, I posted some quick selfies and checked into my work email by phone (who saw that coming 30 years ago?). There was a new message from another area radio station looking to do their segment about the family event, in celebration of "Future Day." This was suddenly turning into quite the press tour!

Prior to learning about this request, I had tagged my selfies with the movie-referencing line, "to the clock tower!" By complete coincidence, that is literally what I did—WAMC's Berkshire Bureau is actually housed in Pittsfield's Clocktower Business Park. I enjoyed speaking again with reporter Jim Levulis about our upcoming festival, and why the Back To The Future films continue to resonate for me and many others. "Jeremy Clowe is a, uh, big fan of the trilogy" joked Jim, as he introduced me, still clad in all my stonewashed '80s glory, during the segment. You can give it a listen here (no flux capacitor necessary).

But the real reason for my getup had more to do than just radio interviews that day. The previous week, I had read a somewhat "dubious" post about Back To The Future on Facebook, offering the chance to attend a Future Day screening of the second movie and talent Q&A(!) in New York City. The invitation pointed to a rather non-descript Google doc, but I RSVP-ed anyway. Reading comments that there was a limited seating of 750 made me further question my chances, but since I was taking the rest of the day off, I figured "what the hell?"

"Look me up when you get there":
"Back To The Future" cast reunion in London, July 2015
Courtesy: Lea Thompson (Twitter)

With no flying cars in sight, I took the train. My excitement grew as I sat back and watched a segment with the movie's stars, MIchael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, and Lea Thompson, broadcast on the Today Show that morning. I was really touched to see these actors together again, looking great and talking about the movie's legacy (and what did or did not come true for 2015). My only wish, at that point, was that my entry into the evening's screening would be filed in the "did happen" column. 

So, a couple hours later I arrived in the city to find a souped-up DeLorean and sizable crowd already winding it's way around Lincoln Square's AMC Theater...sizable, but not overwhelming (thank God!). I quickly staked my place in line, and began chatting with others, who also confessed to some uncertainty about the Facebook invite. After a while, it looked like this was indeed happening; I began to see other "Martys" (from 1985 and 2015... a pardox!) take their place in the queue.

It was interesting to spoeak with other fans, and learn about the own affection for the films; I was surprised to hear several comment about how the much "darker" Part II was actually their favorite of the series. Different generations seem to respond in different ways—I was an early teen when the first movie came out, so that one still holds a special place for me (more on that later). An independent film crew was also on hand, and even interviewed me in costume... it gave me a chance to practice my improv, while waiting: "Doc was ahead of his time...many times, actually!"

Honest to God, at exactly 7:29 p.m. (the time Doc, Marty, and Jennifer arrived in the future/present) I received my bracelet to go into the theater. My new friends and I made our way into the beautiful, vintage-tinged AMC movie house, and were delighted to learn that not only was the screening/Q&A complete free, but also as many complimentary beverages and snacks as we wanted (As Lorraine would say, "an absolute dream!").

The Future is Now! Left to right: Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd,
Lea Thompson, Huey Lewis, Bob Gale, at AMC Loews Lincoln Square,
NYC, October 21, 2015. Photo: Jeremy Clowe. 

After the full crowd settled in, an announcer welcomed us all, and began to introduce the cast and filmmakers: Donald Fullilove ("Mayor Goldie Wilson"), Claudia Wells ("Jennifer"), and Alan Silvestri (whose stirring musical score for the trilogy still inspires me to this day)... the crowd went wild, and then it was time to welcome the group taking part in the Q&A: musician Huey Lewis (his hit "Power of Love," featured in the first movie, still gets me going), screenwriter Bob Gale, and actors Lea Thompson (Lorraine), Christopher Lloyd (Doc), and Michael J. Fox (Marty). A standing ovation...and rightfully so! 

All involved seemed to be having a blast, and I had to pinch myself that I was actually witnessing a live reunion of my favorite movie series of all-time. There were some fun questions, including Fox talking about playing his daughter Marlene in the second movie, and "riding" the hoverboard. I'm still looking for the full talk, but you can view a short, edited version here.

One last look into the future, courtesy of "USA Today."
AMC Loews Lincoln Square, NYC. October 21, 2015.
Photo: Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

All this set the stage for a screening of Back To The Future II, which I hadn't seen on the big screen in about 25 years. As the music swelled, cast appeared on screen for the first time, or bad guy Biff slammed into another manure-filled truck, the theater cheered. It was great fun seeing the film with other fans, as enthusiastic as I was. 

After the screening I spent time chatting with other fans, took photos of those dressed up as characters from the films, and handed out flyers for our BTTF-themed event at the Museum. However, the late hour reminded me that where I was going I needed roads. My train and car ride delivered me back home at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m., but it was absolutely worth it. A memorable experience, capped off by the front cover of USA Today the next morning, made to look like it did from the second film (great marketing move there).

But no rest for the weary... I still had to finalize details for the Museum's weekend festival, including the transportation of vehicles; the framing of our signed Drew Struzan movie print, donated by the artist; preparing of display items and a Powerpoint for our speakers; and continuing press outreach. There was certainly a lot of excitement in the air surrounding the event, and it propelled me forward (despite my lack of sleep).

Where these guys are going, they don't need roads!
Jeffrey Rothenberg (DeLorean) and Jeff Chabotte (Griff's actual
flying BMW) at Norman Rockwell Museum's "Back In Time" festival.
Photo: Jeremy Clowe/Norman Rockwell Museum 

The day of the event arrived, and I drove to the Museum while listening to a live, rebroadcast of the BTTF-themed MyExit show I had created for WEXT (perfect timing!). The entrance to the Museum unfolded to reveal a handful of classic, vintage cars, which really did make it look like you had traveled "back in time." I greeted car and BTTF enthusiast, Jeff Chabotte from Connecticut, who I had discovered lived an hour and a half away and owned an actual car used in the movie series; I told him how I had just seen Griff's flying BMW on the big screen during the New York City screening. Jeff very personable with fans and visitors, and even let me take Griff's hover-converted car for a spin; I was excited, but a little cautious, since the vehicle was up for auction later that day (it sold for over $32K

We also had to have a DeLorean (the signature car in the movie series), and local owner Jeffrey Rothenberg was equally gracious with his time, letting kids (of all ages) sit behind his "time machine." There were a number of other beautiful cars on site that day—from the early 1900s to 1980s; you can view an album of some of my photos on Norman Rockwell Museum's Facebook page.

As if that wasn't enough, we also had Halloween arts and crafts for kids, and I invited my friend, DJ/musician Mike O'Brien to spin some golden oldies and karaoke for the crowd (my "Elvis" made a return to the grounds of the Museum, literally feet away from my office). 

Celebrating the art of cinema, with Robert U. Taylor,
production designer, "Back To The Future: The Ride," and donated
sign print from Drew Struzan, during "Back in Time" festival at NRM.
Photo: Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

Later in the day, I presented my own Q&A with Berkshire-based filmmakers, Robert U. Taylor and Dai Ban, who worked on Back To The Future: The Ride with special effects wizard, Doug Trumbull. It was great to make that local connection, and the full crowd seemed to enjoy learning about and seeing what went into this pre-CGI immersive experience. Taylor mentioned that it would sometimes take a full day just to film less than a minute of stop-motion footage: you can see the impressive results yourself on the 30th anniversary of the Back To The Future series, which was just released on DVD and BluRay.

From there I hustled to prepare for our main feature: a screening of the new Back To The Future documentary, Back in Time. The film looks at the cultural impact of the enduring movie series, and offers interviews with cast, crew, and filmmakers, as well as fans and artists inspired by Back To The Future. 

Prior to the screening, I spoke to the crowd about my own fondness for the films, and how they had inspired me. My talk and the screening was complemented by a small display of some of my BTTF collectibles, the donated Drew Struzan poster, and a room filled with Norman Rockwell's entire 323 Saturday Evening Post covers, evoking the mood of the first movie. It was a wonderful way to cap off this memorable day, where I was able to get creative while celebrating the art of the cinema I have enjoyed for many years.

I'll wrap things up by describing one of the unexpected highlights of the "Back in Time" day for me. As part of my Marty McFly costume, I wanted to pay tribute to skateboarding, which the main character does throughout the series. I actually started boarding as a teen, after seeing that first movie (I even had the brand of skateboard Marty used); I wasn't bad, and remember being able to do a handful of impressive moves. I decided to pick up a used board to bring along to the event.

All aboard! Recruiting new fans at the "Back In Time" festival,
Norman Rockwell Museum. Photo: Jeffrey Rothenberg.
©Jeremy Clowe. All rights reserved.

It had been nearly 25 years since I tried out my skateboarding skills, but I gave it a go during the event. The ground surface wasn't perfect, but I started to get the hang of it. Before long, a group of kids started running alongside me, impressed with the activity and wanting to give a go on the board themselves. I felt like a pied piper, as several mini-Marty McFlys took their own spin at skateboarding, and one adorable little boy said to me, "you're my favorite." Back to the future, full circle... could it get any better than that? 

Last night I retired my McFly outfit (for now), by singing some of those 80s "golden oldies" with friends at Mike's karaoke bar for Halloween. As Huey Lewis sang, "don't take money, don't take fame, don't need no credit card to ride this train..." That's the power of love, and I wouldn't change a thing about this past week.

Stay tuned: I have one more post to go, where I'll summarize what the time travel trilogy has meant to me creatively... and don't forget to fall back (to the future)!

Related Links:

Waking up with Evan Valenti, Star 101.7 WBRK, October 21, 2015


"Rockwell And McFly: Museum Celebrates Back To The Future Films," WAMC News, October 21, 2015

"Rockwell Museum to Host Back to the Future 'Flying BMW,'" Time Warner Cable News, October 23, 2015

"Back in Time": A Back To The Future Documentary

"Back To The Future" official website

The Future Is Now!

Greetings from the future!
DeLorean/hoverboard courtesy: Jeff Rothenberg

On this date at precisely 4:29 p.m., time travelers Dr. Emmett Brown and Marty McFly will descend on Hill Valley, California, from the year 1985...making movie history! Let's all give them a warm welcome, shall we?

And how! This month, media and fans have been talking up a storm about the 30th anniversary of Back To The Future and the arrival of Future Day (October 21, 2015, as depicted in the second film from 1989). I couldn't be more happier... as a fantasy film geek, it's fun to see how many things from the future did or did not pan out (how about those hoverboards?!?)

Back To The Future has to be my all-time favorite movie, and the combination of the first and second films (and their clever storytelling, performances, and effects) is really what inspired my idea to pursue filmmaking (for better or worse). In any event, I've been looking for the opportunity to celebrate the occasion, and this weekend it will become reality, as Norman Rockwell Museum will be presenting a "Back in Time" family festival, assembled in "heavy" amounts by your's truly.

This Wednesday at 8 a.m. ET, you can hear me and my colleague Rich Bradway on Pittsfield, MA radio station, Star 101.7, describing how this unique event came together. Rich, our new Director of Digital Learning + Engagement, has experience with and came up with the idea for a classic car show, and I proposed enhancing it with a celebration of all things BTTF in time for the anniversary. Yes, we will have a DeLorean on display!

In addition, I managed to line up a real, honest to goodness, flying automobile that appeared in the second movie. I contacted car owner, Jeff Chabotte, from Connecticut, after seeing this great video about how he restored the character Griff's Hover BMW:

The car is actually up for auction during the huge "We're Going Back" celebration, being held on the same day as our event in Los Angeles, California. Disclosure: it doesn't really fly (and actually needs a lift getting here), so this may be your first and last chance to see the car. Pretty exciting. 

Designs on the future:
Robert U. Taylor shows me examples
of his production design for "Back To The
Future: The Ride." Photo: JC

Another connection I made is with local filmmakers who worked on the acclaimed "Back To The Future: The Ride" for Universal Studios. I had heard that film visionary Doug Trumbull (2010, Blade Runner) had put this ride film together with a crew from the Berkshires, where he is based, but I did not know until last week that the film was literally created down the road from the Museum, in one of the old paper mills. I have lined up the ride film's production assistant, Robert U. Taylor, and model maker, Dai Ban, and they will join us on Saturday as well, to talk about their experience bringing the movie series to life. They lent some great illustrations, photos, and video, that we will  be sharing.

This afternoon I also received a rare, signed print from movie poster artist, Drew Struzan, who created the iconic posters for all three movies. This was very exciting (and generous on his part), and I expect that it will be a highlight among a small display of objects (I have quite a few that I have collected over the years, including issues of the old Back To The Future fan club, which was active during the release of the second and third movies).

Great Scott, I almost forgot to mention: we will be screening the new documentary, Back in Time, which looks at the cultural impact of the film trilogy. I have previewed the film, and it's very well-done, including interviews with fellow fans, screenwriter Bob Gale, director Robert Zemeckis, executive producer/Norman Rockwell Museum trustee Steven Spielberg, and members of the cast, including Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd... "heavy" indeed! 

Well... it's all about time, and I'm running out of it, but I will share more soon... "the future" has yet to be truly written!

Related Links:

Time is on our side! Photo: Universal Pictures

"Back To The Future" official site

Norman Rockwell Museum's "Back in Time: Cruise In"

"Norman Rockwell Museum Goes “Back In Time” with Family Festival To Celebrate 30th Anniversary of “Back To The Future” (press release written by JC)

"Back To The Future II: What did it get right and wrong?" BBC News, October 20, 2015 

"Back in Time" documentary site

Laughing...Until It Hurts

Learning about Robin William's death yesterday was unnerving... to say the least. I was already feeling down, trying to figure out an ongoing challenge at work, and here was news that this actor/comedian, who seemed to have the best job and opportunities, had taken his own life. They say that laughter is the best medicine, so how to reconcile the fact that this comedic genius, who brought a smile to so many faces over the years, had been suffering? 

Good Night, Robin:
Promo photo from Touchstone Pictures'
"Good Morning, Vietnam," 1987

Of course I knew about Williams' past troubles with substance abuse; I am familiar with the darker demons that many artistic individuals struggle with. It's just one of those moments that makes you think about the bigger picture—echoing words from A.O. Scott's appraisal in today's New York Times, Williams was one of those gifted entertainers "we sometimes took for granted or allowed ourselves to tire of."  Someone who, regrettably, we always thought we'd have around.

I feel like I grew up right alongside Robin Williams' career. I remember his debut as the alien Mork (from Ork), first on Happy Days and then in the series Mork & Mindy. It was hard to ignore his manic energy... his zany, "all things go" style. His comedy specials made us think he was "fearless."

Later, it was interesting to see this intensity displayed on the big screen—in both successful comedic and dramatic roles. Some of my favorites include Good Morning, Vietnam (1987); Awakenings (1990); Aladdin (1992); Good Will Hunting (1997); the remarkable One Hour Photo (2002); and, of course, Dead Poet's Society (1989), where he playing the unconventional teacher, standing on his desk, inspiring his students to "seize the day."

Photo courtesy Ellen Mazzer. Los Angeles, CA, August 2014.

Sometimes he could be a bit much, but you can't say he never "went for it" as a performer (even in media interviews). Having done my own share of improvisational acting, I admired and recognized his rare talent—I don't recall watching any of his performances thinking, oh that's Robin WIlliams the comedian doing "Teddy Roosevelt" or a doctor, or what have you. He was a comforting presence on the screen (almost like a family friend), and still delivering the goods after all these years. It's heartbreaking to think that there will be no more.


On a human level, it's hard to hear about another individual who battled and lost out to depression. For the sensitive soul, it can seem especially challenging to find people to relate to and ask for support... if you are reading this and feel that way, I urge you to reach out anyway... to friends, family, acquaintances, or professionals. Life is hard, and I have felt that darkness... we all have at one time or another.

Related Links:

"Robin Williams, an Improvisational Genius, Forever Present in the Moment," New York Times, August 11, 2014

"Remembering Robin Williams," WTF with Marc Maron Podcast, August 11, 2014

U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK

Step In Time

Happy New Year... or in my case, happy new 'ear-! We literally ended 2013 on a quiet note, as I recovered from an ear infection I picked up over the holidays... oof. 

Otherwise, we've been having a good time. On New Year's Eve we decided to go see the new movie Saving Mr. Banks, which tells the story of Walt Disney's attempts to win over author P.L. Travers for the rights to bring her book Mary Poppins to the big screen. Sarah and I both enjoyed it, agreeing that actress Emma Thompson, starring as Travers, really made the movie (I liked the New Yorker review of the film, which remarked that "a spoonful of her medicine makes the sugar go down."):

Of course I have always enjoyed Tom Hanks (at one point in college, I made a point of watching EVERY film he had appeared in); here he does a commendable job of bringing Walt Disney to life. It's a Disney film, and some of the scenes are fictionalized, but I felt that it struck a nice balance between the magical kingdom and "real-world"... in other words, the story was well-written, engaging, and didn't seem as sweet as the jelly beans sitting on Uncle Walt's desktop. Having recently become addicts of the TV show Mad Men, we also enjoyed watching the filmmakers' attempts to recreate the time period: 

Cover of 1957 biography on Walt Disney, signed by the filmmaker
to my father (a big Disney fan). The book was co-authored by Walt's
daughter, Diane Disney Miller, who died this past year.

It seemed somewhat fitting to end the year on a Disney note, after I had spent a good part of the year promoting our Snow White exhibition at Norman Rockwell Museum. In the process, I learned quite a bit about Walt Disney, including his friendship with Norman Rockwell (it was fun to see Rockwell's portraits of Disney's two daughters hanging in his office in the film). Sadly, Walt's daughter Diane Disney Miller, a member of the Museum's National Council, passed away in November, and never did make it to Stockbridge to see the exhibition. A nice touch was a note of dedication to Disney Miller in the movie's end credits—it was her love of Travers' original Mary Poppins books that inspired her father's 20 year effort to bring the character to the big screen.

Sarah ushers in the new year...
with another book (a 1943 P.L. Travers
original)!

A big part of Saving Mr. Banks also deals with Ms. Travers unresolved feelings for her departed father, who inspired several themes and characters in her novels. There was a great moment in the movie where Disney finally convinces Travers to bring her creation to the big screen, revealing the conflicted relationship he held with his own father and how also had used creativity to overcome some of life's trials: “That’s what story tellers do. We restore order to imagination. We bring hope.”

Damn it, Hollywood... another film this past year about the legacy of fathers, and it nearly choked me up (again). 




Later that night we ushered in the new year by watching the original Mary Poppins—I don't think I'd ever seen the movie all the way through. It was charming in many ways:  Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke (his physicality was amazing!), the music, and some fun special effects. Yes, I'd say it was a supercalifragilistic way to end a fairly pleasant year... 

Related Links:

"Saving Mr. Banks" official website

Norman Rockwell Meets Walt Disney (short clip from interview I conducted with artist Jarvis Rockwell, son of Norman Rockwell)

Marge Champion, the original "Snow White" (short clip from interview I conducted with the famed dancer/model for Disney's first feature-length film) 

Radio Disney Albany's "Backyard Show" (interview I conducted with the station re: "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic"), July 28, 2013

Marge Champion: The Real Life Snow White, 94, Danced in Her Dad's Footsteps," Babble, July 2, 2013

"Walt: The Man Behind the Myth" (trailer for decent documentary I saw this past year)

Bad Influence

Folks, I must make a confession... I have an addiction.

Last summer, after hearing so many people rave about AMC's critically acclaimed TV series, Breaking Bad, Sarah and I decided to give it a shot through the "binge viewing" experience that is Netflix. I should say "new" for us, because we have only just signed up for the service after finding it hard to locate older movies we were interested in viewing. As it turns out, we have ended up watching more TV shows than movies through Netflix, and AMC's creative offering might be the best that I have ever seen.

"Breaking Bad" promo with left to right: Aaron Paul
and Bryan Cranston. Courtesy AMC.

For the uninitiated, Breaking Bad tells the story of Walter White (played by the brilliant Bryan Cranston), a struggling high school chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer. Facing financial troubles and a new child on the way, Walter despairs about how he will provide for his family once he is gone. During the same time, his brother-in-law Hank (Dean Norris), a DEA agent, brings him along on one of his drug busts, and it is here that Walt conceives the idea of producing methamphetamine as a way to make money. In an added twist, Walt's former student, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) is spotted during the bust and coerced into helping his teacher with his scheme. The two become big-time players in the Albuquerque, New Mexico drug scene, producing a nearly pure crystal meth, known for its unique blue color, and attracting an increasingly complicated and dangerous lifestyle unbeknownst to their families.

I knew this show was going to be different from the very first episode−not just for its unique anti-hero/villain story, but also for its high-quality writing, acting, and artistic flourishes, including some gorgeous cinematography of the New Mexico landscape. But the high point is Cranston, who brings such a rich, nuanced performance as Walter White. You really don't know whether to sympathize with or hate him... five seasons in it feels like a bit of both. During the series, Walter also adopts the alter ego "Heisenberg,” a nod to German physicist Werner Heisenberg, famous for his "uncertainty principle,” which seems entirely appropriate to describe this show that has kept us nervously glued to the screen.

As you may have heard, tonight they are airing the final episode of the series, and there is an incredible amount of anticipation out there− I hear it from my friends and in the media (Conan O'Brien even had the show's cast on his program last week for a full episode devoted to the series). I am amazed by the phenomenon (of a show that wasn't even on my radar a year ago), but it is truly deserved.

Earlier this year I wrote about TV shows in a somewhat rambling blog post, inspired by our new HD TV set (sorry about that one). What I was trying to express was the idea and desire for strong storytelling in motion pictures. The irony is, as a frequent video producer, I rarely watched TV− I found most standard network shows rather insulting, and hardly inspiring. Now I'm learning about this new "golden age" of television, lead by such innovative cable series as Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Orange Is The New Black... etc. We don't have anything higher than basic cable, but Netflix is giving us the opportunity to discover what the fuss is about. Kevin Spacey, star of the newly recommended House of Cards, was interviewed recently about this "binge TV viewing" phenomenon, and made the point that it offers viewers the chance to watch these shows like they might read a novel (yeah, don't get Sarah started!).  

Bryan Cranston is Walter White
(aka "Heisenberg"). Courtesy AMC.

I have to say, I find Breaking Bad on the level of a good novel, and certainly better than most movies I have seen recently. There is an obvious care and creativity (lacking in most big-budget Hollywood movies), and satisfying in its use of a "slow reveal"...letting us learn about the characters in a gradual fashion. In contrast, How I Met Your Mother, another one-time favorite that is ending this year, has become unwatchable. Through Netflix I am sad to witness how this once clever sitcom has evolved into caricature and slapstick... is this what happens under the influence of network TV, ratings, and continuing past your expiration date? So far, BB’s quality has remained consistent all the way through—maybe stopping while you’re ahead isn't a bad idea.

Closer to home, I learned some exciting, related news this week: motion picture company Pacifica Ventures, which produces Breaking Bad, has made a proposal to build a $68.9 movie studio right here in Schenectady. That would be unbelievable on so many levels... with the opportunity for film production resources right here in my town, and a likely boon to the area's economy— on that note, New York Times has an interesting story today about how Albuquerque experienced just such a boon, during the years that AMC's hit show was in production there... right down to local businesses selling "blue meth" candy and cookies, and tours of the locations where the show had been filmed. I think Schenectady would be a great choice... the recent feature The Place Beyond the Pines was filmed here, and that was done in the same edgy/artistic way as BB, and also utilized the surrounding town as a character in itself (yes, my friends and I did a tour of its various locations around the time of its release). Schenectady also has an interesting history in relationship to the arts and media—apparently WRGB-TV, celebrating its 85th anniversary, was the first TV station to ever start broadcasting in the world.

So, I guess these are all good reasons to get hooked (on TV) again... if my eyes look bleary, you'll understand why. All I ask is that you don't provide any spoilers on the final BB episode just yet... we have about a season of heart-racing stories to go, and I want to keep that element of surprise. Knowing myself, it's going to be hard to resist reading all I can before then about the show, but this "slower reveal" should provide a much better rush.

Related Links:

Official "Breaking Bad" site, AMC

"Breaking Up With 'Breaking Bad' Is Hard for Albuquerque," New York Times, September 29, 2013

"Point Of View: How So Many Rooted for 'Breaking Bad's' Walter White," NPR, September 27, 2013

"Race to End for 'Breaking Bad' Fans Who Got Behind," New York Times, September 27, 2013

"'Love affair' led company to propose film studio for Schenectady," Schenectady Gazette, September 25, 2013

"Breaking Bad" episode, Conan, September 23, 2013

"A Deeper Dive Into Television's 'Difficult Men'," NPR, June 30, 2013

(post edited 9.30.13)

Higher Resolution

Happy 2013! Hope your new year is off to a good start...

JC + SC... now in HD! Courtesy Mom B. All rights reserved.

So it has taken me a few days to get back to blogging, but fear not dear readers! No, I haven't abandoned the idea of keeping you up-to-date on my ever blue-eyed soulful self during this new year... maybe just easing up on the daily assignment from 2012 (man needs a life too, you know)...

The new year has been fairly good for us so far, starting with a great night out with some of my improv friends for New Year's Eve. Along with a spirited Beatles sing-a-long, we couldn't resist doing a few improvised musical numbers (consider it early rehearsal for our January 18th performance at the Spectrum Playhouse in Lee, MA). 

I was also excited to hear about a film short that my friends Mike and Lex had been busy working on at the end of last year. No strangers to theater (both on-stage and directing), movies are a relatively new venture for them... however it sounds like it was supported in the very best, independent way, with help from fellow artists, friends and family.

On New Year's Day I felt a little "under the weather," so reading and watching movies was about all I had the motivation to do. Sarah and I rented Gayby, an independent feature about two single friends who decide to have a baby... it was an interesting, romantic comedy about a couple that aren't really romantic (Jenn is straight, Matt is gay). With a clever, well-written script, the movie explored some of the issues that such a scenario might hold for these two individuals. We didn't realize how independent the film was until the end credits, which included a thank-you to those who supported the film through the donation website, Kickstarter. It was an impressive debut for writer/director Jonathan Lisecki, and I appreciated the comic book references (the character Matt, played by the charming Matthew Wilkas, works at a comic book shop).

The next day I was supposed to head back to work, but found myself with some car issues... 

Hawkeye #1. ™ & © Marvel & Subs.

On the way back from picking up my car (which suffered from a case of exhausted sparkplugs) I stopped by a comic book shop myself... to promote the Alex Ross exhibition, of course! I also managed to pick up a couple new titles... the book I am especially intrigued by is Hawkeye, which explores the off-duty exploits of the long-time member of the Avengers (also seen in last year's movie). I have always liked the "down on his luck" archer hero, and I have to say that this new book, written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by David Aja, is a perfect bullseye! It is presented in a very subtle, comedic style, and the artwork is just exquisite... somewhat different from typical superhero comic book fare. My first thought, in fact, was that it all unfolds like a good independent movie. Some of the other titles I picked up haven't been quite as successful, and I realize that great art is still dependent on strong storytelling in this medium. Really, the same holds true for television.

We both enjoy The Big Bang Theory, but there aren't too many other shows I consider worth sitting through... clever writing seems to be sacrificed for shock value and crass jokes nowadays. With a lack of quality options, we decided to tune our new HD television into the Me-TV Network, which runs old-time TV classics (Sarah's new favorite is I Dream of Jeannie... :) ). Things really started cooking when we got to The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Bob Newhart Show— I didn't really grow up with these programs (which were airing right around the time I was born), but we have been enjoying them! There is a noticeable difference in the quality of these sitcoms from what is airing today— a little more intelligent and sophisticated... often dealing with cultural issues of the day. The Odd Couple airs right after these two programs, proving that 1970s TV, like film, might indeed have been a "golden age" (the crazy fashion and design choices don't hurt either)!

Yesterday we headed outdoors... braved the elements to help our extended family move, go skiing, and then back inside to watch another movie with Sarah's folks later in the evening: the classic Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, one of my all-time favorites. It's funny, we had just been talking about actor Bob Hoskins ("watching" the British comedy Mrs. Henderson Presents the night before... well, Sarah watched it, I fell asleep... surprising since it dealt with the real-life story of a 1930s burlesque show-!). 

Back to Roger Rabbit, what a joy it was to watch this movie again! I had fond memories of the film when it was originally released back in 1988, right before the advent of computer generated imagery. No, this part-animated/live feature was done the old fashioned way... hand-painted animation, puppeteers, robotics, and a little lighting help from George Lucas' Industrial Light and Magic. But where this film differs from Lucas' infuriating Star Wars prequels from the late '90s, is that you actually feel like the animations and live actors are interacting. I think a lot of the credit must go to director Bob Zemeckis (Back To The Future), who I greatly admired for his creativity and technical skills... at least back then. It seems that the late '80s were also a strong time for filmmaking, where more organic, technical achievements more than held their own. Seriously, watch something like The Polar Express or Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, and tell me if it succeeds on the level of our friends Roger and Jessica Rabbit. Bob Hoskin's detective character, Eddie Valiant, is fun too...the film noir, detective-style writing adds to this cinematic delight.

So when it comes to visual storytelling, I guess it's important to remember what has been working in the first place, while being open to explore new technological advances.On that note, has anyone seen The Hobbit? I'm sort of curious... but that comes more from my memories of the great storytelling that my elementary school teacher shared with us back in the day ("precious" indeed)...

P.S.-Sarah is just settling in to watch one of her NEW favorites, Dowton Abbey.  A modern-day classic? Ok, maybe I'll give it a shot...

Related Links:

www.gaybyfilm.com

"Conversing on Comics with David Aja," Comic Book Resources/Robot 6, December 28, 2012

http://metvnetwork.com

"California Films: Who Framed Roger Rabbit," KQED, January 5, 2013

Game Changer

I've got chills... they're multiplying... but it's honestly more because of the election than Hurricane Sandy... having said that, it looks like there are a number of school closings in the Berkshires, so I am unsure what my day is going to look like tomorrow... 

Today was spent catching up on some work, the gym, the World Series (currently watching) and Meet The Press. While watching the latter (great roundtable discussion), I saw a preview for this upcoming film, which looks really entertaining... I hadn't heard of it before:

Wreck-It Ralph is Disney's newest 3D CGI movie, and it looks like a fun ride through some familiar territory for me... video games! Of course I'm talking about the "old school" days, when I handed over much of my free-time to such characters as Ms. Pac Man, Q-Bert, and Donkey Kong. Ralph in this movie is reminiscent of the king Kong... a bad guy, preventing the character from fixing a building in their game. The twist is that Ralph is having an existential crisis... he tires of his "job" and wants to be recognized as a good guy. From the trailer it looks like he jumps into a number of different games to find his way... what a creative concept, and fun to see some familiar games from the old days making cameos. 

The New York Times has a cool article in today's edition about how the filmmakers strived to make the old school video game look like it did back in my middle school days... wonder if my buddy Ralph Baer has heard about this film... Here's the link to check out the article.

Huh... just when you think it's "game over" for the movies, there is a whole slew of interesting, creative concepts on the way... from presidential biopics (Lincoln and Hyde Park on Hudson); the awesome James Bond, Daniel Craig (Skyfall); to movies about shih tzus-! (Seven Pyschopaths)... all look pretty entertaining.

Speaking of which... the San Francisco Giants just swept the Detroit Tigers! Wow, talk about getting your game on...

Related Links:

disney.go.com/wreck-it-ralph


"Disney’s New Hero Is So 1982: How ‘Wreck-It Ralph’ Revisits Retro Video Games," New York Times, October 26, 2012