I wasn't kidding when I told you guys that I was swept away by Django Unchained. In addition to watching the film twice in three days, I have also watched all of the special features. Now, I'm not going to do a review per se, this is bonus content we're talking about, but anyone who enjoyed the film should check it out. Sometimes you watch the extras on a disc you purchase and it seems like they just threw something together so they could list it on the back of the box. That wasn't the case with Django, as the special features are thoughtful and boast contributions from all of the key players involved in the making of the film. I had a great time with the extra stuff, and I'm already itching to watch the movie again. It seems obsessive, I know, but movies like that only come around every so often.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Top 5 Bond Villains
Look, the Bond franchise has provided us with one of the most beloved
series of films ever, and the villains have always been an integral part
of the brand's success. There are so many wonderful performances in
this vein that tailoring a Top 5 has been quite a chore. Narrowing my
list down to 10 was challenging enough, and now I have to cut that list
in half. I can't fit all of my favorites into a Top 5, so I'm going to
miss some of yours as well. With that said, I have done my best, and
it's time to break it down.
Top 5 Bond Villains
#1) Jaws - Richard Kiel - The Spy Who Loved Me / Moonraker (1977 / 1979)
I'm going to be completely honest with you: Jaws is the reason I initially fell in love with the James Bond franchise. I've been a fan of Peter Benchley's novel and Spielberg's film version of Jaws for about as long as I can remember, so it's probably not all that surprising that this obvious tie-in (loosely based on a hoodlum with steel teeth named Horror who appeared in Ian Fleming's novel The Spy Who Loved Me) captured my imagination. I'm not sure what age I was, but it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 to 8 when a Bond marathon running on some channel (maybe it was TBS?) pinned my father to the couch. I was curious, but I probably wasn't quite old enough to fall in love with the material. Then Jaws hit the scene in The Spy Who Loved Me, and there were sharks and an underwater lair in that one to boot. Boom! Another Bond fan joined the team. It was really that simple, and the presence of this zany henchman spawned a lifelong love for a classic film franchise.
It's tempting to think of Jaws merely in terms of stature as Richard Kiel's height and size instantly provided Bond with a frightening opponent. He's big and strong and that along with his terrible bite are staples of the character, but Kiel's performance is why this massive henchman remains endearing to fans. There's something charming about this brute who does his very best to kill 007 in several big action sequences. In fact, Kiel died during his confrontation with the shark during an initial cut of the picture, only for test audiences to inspire the filmmakers to reshoot that bit and keep Jaws around for an encore. In Moonraker the big lug morphs from Bond's nemesis to an unlikely ally, helping him defeat Hugo Drax and providing a lot of comic relief in the process.
Jaws is a different kind of henchmen, a unique physical specimen with a wealth of mights and a ferocious appetite who somehow wins our hearts. His verbal exchanges with Bond produce a number of zingers, the various fights--to include punch-ups taking place on planes, trains, and cable cars are first-rate entertainment. His presence is directly responsible for a number of explosive setpieces the likes of which this franchise is famous for. Richard Kiel went through a lot of pain to deliver this extremely enjoyable performance and I have to award him with the top spot on my list.
#2) 006/Alec Trevelyan - Sean Bean - Goldeneye (1995)
Look, every Bond film featuring Pierce Brosnan (who was a terrific fit for the role) is average at best aside from one, but Goldeneye (his first attempt) is an epic entry in the series. Easily a Top 5 outing for 007, Goldeneye takes viewers on a thrilling ride wherein Sean Bean shines as a fellow agent who becomes one of Bond's most dangerous enemies. A spectacular opening sequence that features 006 (Bean) and 007 working together establishes Trevelyan as an equal; unfortunately, it isn't long before Bond is shaken by his comrade's apparent death. It's only a ruse, however, and as the film unfolds, a one-time ally emerges as a calculating villain who has no fear of 007.
As Trevelyan, who adopts the name "Janus" during his criminal exploits, Bean offers up a fantastic performance. Of course, that should come as no surprise. Bean is a guy who may not get the acclaim he truly deserves, yet he seldom misfires in any part and he has his fair share of fans. Anyone who digs memes can attest to that. He clearly relishes the opportunity to play a villain in such a beloved series, though his performance is grounded enough that he doesn't chew as much scenery as many actors would. The end result is a potent dose of realism in a film that might become cartoonish under different circumstances. Some Bond films feel a bit like pageantry, and while they're lavish enough to be wildly entertaining, that can diminish the tension. That isn't the case here; 006 never becomes a caricature, and in Bean's capable hands, he is an intriguing character who represents a legitimate threat to Bond.
The battle between Bond and Trevelyan that brings the action to a close is a worthy finale, a riveting fight that finds the two men grappling on an antenna platform situated hundreds of feet above a satellite dish. They have a personal exchange before Trevelyan is dispatched, once again providing the film with a dash of levity that serves to elevate the picture. Yes, Goldeneye offers up many of the franchise's trademark flourishes, to include massive action scenes, unbelievable stunts, sexy Bond girls, and even a henchwoman who is more than a match for most of the henchmen the series has provided us with. Yet I think it's the relationship between 006 and 007 and the performances of Bean and Brosnan that put this one over the top. He may not be as flamboyant as many of the villains of this list, but Bean's Alec Trevelyan is a well-rounded character who gives Bond a run for his money in one of the best films in a massive series.
#3) Red Grant - Robert Shaw - From Russia with Love (1963)
Another henchman makes the cut . . .
In the second Bond film, 007 is hunted by a ruthless assassin who has been given the task of eliminating our hero by the nefarious SPECTRE organization. This assassin is Red Grant, a homicidal maniac who escaped from prison and was subsequently recruited by SPECTRE. He is a violent madman who provides Bond with a most fearsome adversary. When the two finally come to blows, Sean Connery and Robert Shaw stage one of the cinema's best fight scenes on the Orient Express. In many ways, despite the success of Dr. No, From Russia with Love is hailed as the prototypical Bond film. This smash hit yielded a formula that has produced a multitude of hits, so perhaps we should look to Shaw and Red Grant as the inspiration for all of the memorable henchmen who would later provide the franchise with such excitement and grandeur.
Robert Shaw was a terrific actor, and I've always been a big fan of his work. He belongs on this list because in his capable hands the character of Red Grant becomes a frightening vessel of carnage who seems totally capable of disposing of 007. In fact, he does just that in a misleading opening sequence that is guaranteed to hook the viewer. Grant is sly, deliberate, and physically imposing. Shaw provides this killer with a cold and ruthless demeanor that underscores his terrible potential. From Russia with Love is one of the strongest entries in the bond series, and I think Red Grant is a huge part of the picture's enduring success. The battle aboard the Orient Express remains one of the most gripping fight scenes Bond has ever engaged in, and it could be the best of the lot.
It was about time that a villain from one of fan favorite Sean Connery's 007 films made the cut, right? Unfortunately, Red Grant will be the only fiend who tangled with Connery to make my Top 5, but that shouldn't diminish Shaw's contribution to the Bond legacy. The lengthy game of cat-and-mouse pitting Grant and Bond against one another and their epic showdown combine to cement From Russia with Love as one of the best films in the series. Robert Shaw was surely one of the cinema's greatest performers, and while he will forever be remembered and loved as Quint from Jaws, his other roles ought not be overlooked. This would include two villainous performances of note, those being his role in this film and his equally memorable performance in The Sting.
#4) Scaramanga - Christopher Lee - The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
This is a no-brainer, isn't it? I mean, since Christopher Lee played a Bond villain, he has to make the cut, right? I think so, but The Man with the Golden Gun has a lot of haters. I'm not one of them, but I wouldn't feel bad about including him here even if I was. Most of the people who don't like Moore's second Bond picture readily acknowledge that Christopher Lee did a fantastic job as the heavy. In fact, I think most of the people who despise the film are basing their opinions more on the presence of Clifton James as J. W. Pepper, who has to be the most-hated character in the entire series. Forgive me, but I actually enjoy his antics. No, I'm not bothered by Pepper's presence at all, but let's get back to Scaramanga, a wonderful presence in an underrated entry in the Bond series. I think this is a great example of a film that is owned by the villain. Hell, Francisco Scaramanga is The Man with the Golden Gun, so his dominant performance shouldn't catch anyone off-guard.
Christopher Lee's ability to play a villain to stunning effect need not be documented. Seriously, the guy has played Dracula and Saruman, and he has terrified audiences the world over in countless horror films of merit. I will only note that he was at the top of his game here, and as an actor, Lee was every bit as cunning and adept as the character he portrayed. He rules this picture, and while Moore is my favorite Bond, he should have received second billing this time out. Scaramanga is a master assassin, a feared killer who needs only a singe shot to eliminate his prey and charges one million dollars per kill. As a result, he has amassed great wealth, and his island lair is a visual treat. He has a henchman named Nick Nack, and this charming little underling routinely hires assassins to kill his boss. Scaramanga doesn't mind; in fact, he encourages this practice as it keeps him at the top of his game. He even goes so far as to wish Nick Nack better luck next time after dispatching one of the hired killers. Scaramanga also has a third nipple, and since Nick Nack represents him in his dealings, allowing his boss to remain anonymous, this little tidbit is key to Bond's pursuit of the infamous assassin.
The plot revolves around solar power and an energy crisis, and there's a doomsday device of sorts lurking in the wings, yet those elements are secondary. Scaramanga is truly more interested in a duel with Bond (who he sees as an equal) than his larger schemes. In many ways, he does what he does just to lure 007 into a confrontation. Not only that, but Scaramanga is eager to challenge Bond despite the fact that his golden gun only holds a single bullet. Bond has eight shots in his .32 Walther PPK, but our villain is supremely confident and he hosts the challenge on his turf. Part of Scaramanga's sprawling estate includes a combination of a funhouse and a maze, and this is where his duel with Bond will conclude. Part of what makes this dapper villain so memorable is his desire to go toe to toe with 007, particularly since it isn't an integral part of his master plan or a quest for revenge. No, it's merely a matter of wanting to see who the better man is. That's essentially what The Man with the Golden Gun boils down to, and that puts Christopher Lee on center stage, earning him the #4 spot on my list of the Top 5 Bond Villains.
#5) Baron Samedi - Geoffrey Holder - Live and Let Die (1973)
And another Henchman makes the cut!
Live and Let Die is notable for being Roger Moore's first Bond film, but there are many reasons to cherish this one. I would argue that Paul McCartney provided the best song the Bond films have produced for this movie, and characters like Baron Samedi give the picture a sinister vibe that I greatly enjoy. Based upon one of the Loa of the dead in Haitian Voodoo (learn more here) and sporting that figure's trademark top hat and jacket, Samedi is a menacing figure with a mischievous spirit. The movie uses the supernatural aspects of the character's heritage to great effect, and this is a singular occurrence in the franchise's storied history.
Geoffrey Holder was born to play this part. His height, his deep voice, that spooky laugh he mastered, and his abilities as a dancer and choreographer lift this diabolical henchman into the upper echelon of Bond foes. Yes, Samedi is a henchman, but he overshadows Yaphet Kotto (who does a fine job, truth be told) as the lead villain. It's also worth noting that Samedi is not your typical henchman, as he aids the film's villains without ever truly being one of them. In some ways, this mysterious figure with the ability to cheat death is at odds with the Bond legacy, but in a plot with a heavy dose of tarot cards and cult rituals, he manages to fit in nicely.
In closing, I should admit that I feel that Live and Let Die is one of the most entertaining and unique chapters in the Bond series, and it owes a tremendous debt to Geoffrey Holder and Baron Samedi. What makes him worthy of a spot in this Top 5? He's everything you could ask for in a villain and more. He's physically imposing, he's creepy, and he provides 007 with a different breed of foe, a supernatural menace. This is the only time Bond would square off with such a fiend, and the results are thrilling. Baron Samedi is everything I look for in a Bond villain. He's bold, he has a significant presence, he makes life hard for our hero, and he does so in entertaining fashion.
Top 5 Bond Villains
#1) Jaws - Richard Kiel - The Spy Who Loved Me / Moonraker (1977 / 1979)
I'm going to be completely honest with you: Jaws is the reason I initially fell in love with the James Bond franchise. I've been a fan of Peter Benchley's novel and Spielberg's film version of Jaws for about as long as I can remember, so it's probably not all that surprising that this obvious tie-in (loosely based on a hoodlum with steel teeth named Horror who appeared in Ian Fleming's novel The Spy Who Loved Me) captured my imagination. I'm not sure what age I was, but it was somewhere in the neighborhood of 6 to 8 when a Bond marathon running on some channel (maybe it was TBS?) pinned my father to the couch. I was curious, but I probably wasn't quite old enough to fall in love with the material. Then Jaws hit the scene in The Spy Who Loved Me, and there were sharks and an underwater lair in that one to boot. Boom! Another Bond fan joined the team. It was really that simple, and the presence of this zany henchman spawned a lifelong love for a classic film franchise.
It's tempting to think of Jaws merely in terms of stature as Richard Kiel's height and size instantly provided Bond with a frightening opponent. He's big and strong and that along with his terrible bite are staples of the character, but Kiel's performance is why this massive henchman remains endearing to fans. There's something charming about this brute who does his very best to kill 007 in several big action sequences. In fact, Kiel died during his confrontation with the shark during an initial cut of the picture, only for test audiences to inspire the filmmakers to reshoot that bit and keep Jaws around for an encore. In Moonraker the big lug morphs from Bond's nemesis to an unlikely ally, helping him defeat Hugo Drax and providing a lot of comic relief in the process.
Jaws is a different kind of henchmen, a unique physical specimen with a wealth of mights and a ferocious appetite who somehow wins our hearts. His verbal exchanges with Bond produce a number of zingers, the various fights--to include punch-ups taking place on planes, trains, and cable cars are first-rate entertainment. His presence is directly responsible for a number of explosive setpieces the likes of which this franchise is famous for. Richard Kiel went through a lot of pain to deliver this extremely enjoyable performance and I have to award him with the top spot on my list.
#2) 006/Alec Trevelyan - Sean Bean - Goldeneye (1995)
Look, every Bond film featuring Pierce Brosnan (who was a terrific fit for the role) is average at best aside from one, but Goldeneye (his first attempt) is an epic entry in the series. Easily a Top 5 outing for 007, Goldeneye takes viewers on a thrilling ride wherein Sean Bean shines as a fellow agent who becomes one of Bond's most dangerous enemies. A spectacular opening sequence that features 006 (Bean) and 007 working together establishes Trevelyan as an equal; unfortunately, it isn't long before Bond is shaken by his comrade's apparent death. It's only a ruse, however, and as the film unfolds, a one-time ally emerges as a calculating villain who has no fear of 007.
As Trevelyan, who adopts the name "Janus" during his criminal exploits, Bean offers up a fantastic performance. Of course, that should come as no surprise. Bean is a guy who may not get the acclaim he truly deserves, yet he seldom misfires in any part and he has his fair share of fans. Anyone who digs memes can attest to that. He clearly relishes the opportunity to play a villain in such a beloved series, though his performance is grounded enough that he doesn't chew as much scenery as many actors would. The end result is a potent dose of realism in a film that might become cartoonish under different circumstances. Some Bond films feel a bit like pageantry, and while they're lavish enough to be wildly entertaining, that can diminish the tension. That isn't the case here; 006 never becomes a caricature, and in Bean's capable hands, he is an intriguing character who represents a legitimate threat to Bond.
The battle between Bond and Trevelyan that brings the action to a close is a worthy finale, a riveting fight that finds the two men grappling on an antenna platform situated hundreds of feet above a satellite dish. They have a personal exchange before Trevelyan is dispatched, once again providing the film with a dash of levity that serves to elevate the picture. Yes, Goldeneye offers up many of the franchise's trademark flourishes, to include massive action scenes, unbelievable stunts, sexy Bond girls, and even a henchwoman who is more than a match for most of the henchmen the series has provided us with. Yet I think it's the relationship between 006 and 007 and the performances of Bean and Brosnan that put this one over the top. He may not be as flamboyant as many of the villains of this list, but Bean's Alec Trevelyan is a well-rounded character who gives Bond a run for his money in one of the best films in a massive series.
#3) Red Grant - Robert Shaw - From Russia with Love (1963)
Another henchman makes the cut . . .
In the second Bond film, 007 is hunted by a ruthless assassin who has been given the task of eliminating our hero by the nefarious SPECTRE organization. This assassin is Red Grant, a homicidal maniac who escaped from prison and was subsequently recruited by SPECTRE. He is a violent madman who provides Bond with a most fearsome adversary. When the two finally come to blows, Sean Connery and Robert Shaw stage one of the cinema's best fight scenes on the Orient Express. In many ways, despite the success of Dr. No, From Russia with Love is hailed as the prototypical Bond film. This smash hit yielded a formula that has produced a multitude of hits, so perhaps we should look to Shaw and Red Grant as the inspiration for all of the memorable henchmen who would later provide the franchise with such excitement and grandeur.
Robert Shaw was a terrific actor, and I've always been a big fan of his work. He belongs on this list because in his capable hands the character of Red Grant becomes a frightening vessel of carnage who seems totally capable of disposing of 007. In fact, he does just that in a misleading opening sequence that is guaranteed to hook the viewer. Grant is sly, deliberate, and physically imposing. Shaw provides this killer with a cold and ruthless demeanor that underscores his terrible potential. From Russia with Love is one of the strongest entries in the bond series, and I think Red Grant is a huge part of the picture's enduring success. The battle aboard the Orient Express remains one of the most gripping fight scenes Bond has ever engaged in, and it could be the best of the lot.
It was about time that a villain from one of fan favorite Sean Connery's 007 films made the cut, right? Unfortunately, Red Grant will be the only fiend who tangled with Connery to make my Top 5, but that shouldn't diminish Shaw's contribution to the Bond legacy. The lengthy game of cat-and-mouse pitting Grant and Bond against one another and their epic showdown combine to cement From Russia with Love as one of the best films in the series. Robert Shaw was surely one of the cinema's greatest performers, and while he will forever be remembered and loved as Quint from Jaws, his other roles ought not be overlooked. This would include two villainous performances of note, those being his role in this film and his equally memorable performance in The Sting.
#4) Scaramanga - Christopher Lee - The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)
This is a no-brainer, isn't it? I mean, since Christopher Lee played a Bond villain, he has to make the cut, right? I think so, but The Man with the Golden Gun has a lot of haters. I'm not one of them, but I wouldn't feel bad about including him here even if I was. Most of the people who don't like Moore's second Bond picture readily acknowledge that Christopher Lee did a fantastic job as the heavy. In fact, I think most of the people who despise the film are basing their opinions more on the presence of Clifton James as J. W. Pepper, who has to be the most-hated character in the entire series. Forgive me, but I actually enjoy his antics. No, I'm not bothered by Pepper's presence at all, but let's get back to Scaramanga, a wonderful presence in an underrated entry in the Bond series. I think this is a great example of a film that is owned by the villain. Hell, Francisco Scaramanga is The Man with the Golden Gun, so his dominant performance shouldn't catch anyone off-guard.
Christopher Lee's ability to play a villain to stunning effect need not be documented. Seriously, the guy has played Dracula and Saruman, and he has terrified audiences the world over in countless horror films of merit. I will only note that he was at the top of his game here, and as an actor, Lee was every bit as cunning and adept as the character he portrayed. He rules this picture, and while Moore is my favorite Bond, he should have received second billing this time out. Scaramanga is a master assassin, a feared killer who needs only a singe shot to eliminate his prey and charges one million dollars per kill. As a result, he has amassed great wealth, and his island lair is a visual treat. He has a henchman named Nick Nack, and this charming little underling routinely hires assassins to kill his boss. Scaramanga doesn't mind; in fact, he encourages this practice as it keeps him at the top of his game. He even goes so far as to wish Nick Nack better luck next time after dispatching one of the hired killers. Scaramanga also has a third nipple, and since Nick Nack represents him in his dealings, allowing his boss to remain anonymous, this little tidbit is key to Bond's pursuit of the infamous assassin.
The plot revolves around solar power and an energy crisis, and there's a doomsday device of sorts lurking in the wings, yet those elements are secondary. Scaramanga is truly more interested in a duel with Bond (who he sees as an equal) than his larger schemes. In many ways, he does what he does just to lure 007 into a confrontation. Not only that, but Scaramanga is eager to challenge Bond despite the fact that his golden gun only holds a single bullet. Bond has eight shots in his .32 Walther PPK, but our villain is supremely confident and he hosts the challenge on his turf. Part of Scaramanga's sprawling estate includes a combination of a funhouse and a maze, and this is where his duel with Bond will conclude. Part of what makes this dapper villain so memorable is his desire to go toe to toe with 007, particularly since it isn't an integral part of his master plan or a quest for revenge. No, it's merely a matter of wanting to see who the better man is. That's essentially what The Man with the Golden Gun boils down to, and that puts Christopher Lee on center stage, earning him the #4 spot on my list of the Top 5 Bond Villains.
#5) Baron Samedi - Geoffrey Holder - Live and Let Die (1973)
And another Henchman makes the cut!
Live and Let Die is notable for being Roger Moore's first Bond film, but there are many reasons to cherish this one. I would argue that Paul McCartney provided the best song the Bond films have produced for this movie, and characters like Baron Samedi give the picture a sinister vibe that I greatly enjoy. Based upon one of the Loa of the dead in Haitian Voodoo (learn more here) and sporting that figure's trademark top hat and jacket, Samedi is a menacing figure with a mischievous spirit. The movie uses the supernatural aspects of the character's heritage to great effect, and this is a singular occurrence in the franchise's storied history.
Geoffrey Holder was born to play this part. His height, his deep voice, that spooky laugh he mastered, and his abilities as a dancer and choreographer lift this diabolical henchman into the upper echelon of Bond foes. Yes, Samedi is a henchman, but he overshadows Yaphet Kotto (who does a fine job, truth be told) as the lead villain. It's also worth noting that Samedi is not your typical henchman, as he aids the film's villains without ever truly being one of them. In some ways, this mysterious figure with the ability to cheat death is at odds with the Bond legacy, but in a plot with a heavy dose of tarot cards and cult rituals, he manages to fit in nicely.
In closing, I should admit that I feel that Live and Let Die is one of the most entertaining and unique chapters in the Bond series, and it owes a tremendous debt to Geoffrey Holder and Baron Samedi. What makes him worthy of a spot in this Top 5? He's everything you could ask for in a villain and more. He's physically imposing, he's creepy, and he provides 007 with a different breed of foe, a supernatural menace. This is the only time Bond would square off with such a fiend, and the results are thrilling. Baron Samedi is everything I look for in a Bond villain. He's bold, he has a significant presence, he makes life hard for our hero, and he does so in entertaining fashion.
. . .
There are a few things that stand out about this list. First, my love for Roger Moore (and his early Bond films, in particular) is on clear display here. He's my favorite Bond, and that obviously had a significant impact on this list. Second, I too shook my head at Blofield's absence. Here's the problem: as much as I liked Donald Pleasance and Telly Savales and the films they were in, none of the individual performances warranted a spot here. Additionally, as diverse and sporadic as Blofield's appearances were, I didn't feel there was enough unity amongst them to combine them into a singular entry. Finally, I showed the henchmen a lot of love, to be sure. That aspect of this Top 5 may inspire some discussion.
What do you think? Did I do a good job?
Who did I miss?
What do you think? Did I do a good job?
Who did I miss?
Was I wrong to include so many henchmen?
Do you strenuously object to any of these choices? Do you strenuously object to all of them? Do tell.
Do you strenuously object to any of these choices? Do you strenuously object to all of them? Do tell.
And hey, you know what? Go ahead and hit me with the Connery arguments if you like, I'm game. Hell, I'll dare to defend The Man with the Golden Gun and J. W. Pepper both if I have to.
Django Unchained
Disclaimer: I am an avid fan of Quentin Tarantino. I think he is the best director working today, and I love the way he approaches and films his material. That's not all, though, for his soundtracks are incredible and the casts he cobbles together are exceptional. All gushing aside, I think I can provide an honest assessment of his work. Why? Well, I think he is that damn good, and I'm apparently not the only one. Regardless, I wanted to let you know how much I cherish his work, and you should also know that I am a huge fan of spaghetti westerns. Yes, noting that I was eager to see Django Unchained would represent an understatement of the highest order, but now that we've gotten the disclaimer stuff out of the way, let's talk about QT's latest.
Last night, I finally got to sit down with Django, and I feel that Quentin has delivered another instant classic. Despite a lengthy run-time (165 minutes) and a plot that wanders at times--much like its heroes--I'm not sure that our generation's finest director ever missed a beat with this one. A loving homage to spaghetti westerns fused with an unflinching take on a controversial topic, Django Unchained is like nothing you have ever seen before. There's warmth, there's deplorable human behavior, there's heroism, and there's lots and lots of bloody vengeance.
After seeing slavery through Tarantino's eyes, every gruesome act of retribution is a triumph of sorts. There is a lot bloodshed, and with every drop of innocent blood spilled, we thirst for larger quantities of bad guy blood. Thankfully, there are lots of bad guys on hand. Our heroes, a slave and a bounty hunter, are played by Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz. They have their sights set on a vicious plantation owner played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and they must contend with various villains played by the likes of Don Johnson, Walton Goggins, James Remar, Bruce Dern, and Tarantino fave Samuel L. Jackson. No one fails to deliver the goods, though Waltz and Jackson do their best to steal the show.
Let's talk about Waltz for a moment. He scored his second Oscar for his role as Dr. King Schultz after earning his first for his work in Tarantino's last release, Inglorious Basterds. What a find Waltz has proven to be. In Django Unchanined, he is every bit as likable as he was despicable in the part of Hans Landa. He owns scene after scene; his timing and his delivery are a joy to behold, and he gives the picture a much-needed dose of wholesome fun. Every word he says and every move he makes serve to enrich the film, and though Foxx was brilliant as Django, I do feel that Waltz's magnetism overshadowed Jamie's talent.
By the same token, though DiCaprio was equally compelling, Samuel L. Jackson threatened his status as the premiere heavy. Jackson gave us a thunderous performance here, dominating the material with a vigor that only Sam could summon. There is nothing likable about his character, the devious Stephen, and yet you can't take your eyes off of him. He snarls, grovels, and schemes, and the role takes Jackson to some dark places that he isn't reluctant to explore. DiCaprio is equally sinister, and he seems to delight in depicting Calvin Candie as a flashy yet superficial menace, a trashy poser with a lot of money and power paired with an utter lack of morality.
There are smaller performances that bolster the picture, to include James Remar in a pair of roles and a funny cameo by Jonah Hill. That scene was so horribly wrong and yet so very funny. Only Tarantino can pull off gags like that. Every aspect of his film is on par with his ability to write and direct, and the editing, the sets and the costumes, the music, all of the essentials are on point. The color palette is immersive, the shot selection continues Tarantino's love (and gift) for recycling, and the choreography is at an all-time high. The action is deft and the booming gunshots and the bright red splashes of blood are epic. Whenever Django goes on the warpath, gunning down deserving monsters masquerading as men, the brazen style is almost enough to drive the viewer into a state of euphoria.
Yes, I know there has been some controversy regarding Django Unchained. Spike Lee is extremely jealous of Tarantino and has maintained an overtly hypocritical grudge against QT for years. He and many others have blasted the film for its graphic portrayal of slavery and its repeated use of the n-word. I bring this up because you have heard about it, but I encourage you to shrug it off. The subject warrants a bold approach, and I applaud the director for his refusal to soften the impact of the picture. If there's any subject that warrants such disclosure, surely this is it. Yes, it's bold, but there's a lot of honesty captured in this show, and it would have been wrong to handle the material delicately. There has also been some scrutiny given recent random acts of violence, but people have to keep art and life separate. I don't buy into that at all, though I think I should point it out here. If you feel differently about either of these subjects, you should probably skip this one.
In closing, I encourage you to spend a little time with Django as he searches for his wife in a hellish vision of the pre-Civil War South. Thankfully, he has the charming Dr. King Schultz at his side, and their remarkable partnership should provide audiences with a gripping experience for years to come. I haven't revealed much of the plot for a reason. If you haven't seen this one yet, you still probably know far too much about the film going in. This is a journey, and we know where it's going from the very start, but the film takes its time getting there. I encourage you to enjoy the ride and drink up the scenery. Django Unchained is a brilliant film that boasts a royal conclusion, but every frame is deserving of your attention. This is significant art, make no mistake about it, and it will start conservations. Yet it is also a fine example of just how riveting and entertaining motion pictures can be. Like Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained offers more than a typical Tarantino thrill ride. This is another picture with heart, an emotional vessel that will provoke you when it isn't making you laugh or cheer. One can only imagine what QT will do next, but he has his work cut out for him if he wants to improve upon this splendid treat.
Last night, I finally got to sit down with Django, and I feel that Quentin has delivered another instant classic. Despite a lengthy run-time (165 minutes) and a plot that wanders at times--much like its heroes--I'm not sure that our generation's finest director ever missed a beat with this one. A loving homage to spaghetti westerns fused with an unflinching take on a controversial topic, Django Unchained is like nothing you have ever seen before. There's warmth, there's deplorable human behavior, there's heroism, and there's lots and lots of bloody vengeance.
After seeing slavery through Tarantino's eyes, every gruesome act of retribution is a triumph of sorts. There is a lot bloodshed, and with every drop of innocent blood spilled, we thirst for larger quantities of bad guy blood. Thankfully, there are lots of bad guys on hand. Our heroes, a slave and a bounty hunter, are played by Jamie Foxx and Christoph Waltz. They have their sights set on a vicious plantation owner played by Leonardo DiCaprio, and they must contend with various villains played by the likes of Don Johnson, Walton Goggins, James Remar, Bruce Dern, and Tarantino fave Samuel L. Jackson. No one fails to deliver the goods, though Waltz and Jackson do their best to steal the show.
Let's talk about Waltz for a moment. He scored his second Oscar for his role as Dr. King Schultz after earning his first for his work in Tarantino's last release, Inglorious Basterds. What a find Waltz has proven to be. In Django Unchanined, he is every bit as likable as he was despicable in the part of Hans Landa. He owns scene after scene; his timing and his delivery are a joy to behold, and he gives the picture a much-needed dose of wholesome fun. Every word he says and every move he makes serve to enrich the film, and though Foxx was brilliant as Django, I do feel that Waltz's magnetism overshadowed Jamie's talent.
By the same token, though DiCaprio was equally compelling, Samuel L. Jackson threatened his status as the premiere heavy. Jackson gave us a thunderous performance here, dominating the material with a vigor that only Sam could summon. There is nothing likable about his character, the devious Stephen, and yet you can't take your eyes off of him. He snarls, grovels, and schemes, and the role takes Jackson to some dark places that he isn't reluctant to explore. DiCaprio is equally sinister, and he seems to delight in depicting Calvin Candie as a flashy yet superficial menace, a trashy poser with a lot of money and power paired with an utter lack of morality.
There are smaller performances that bolster the picture, to include James Remar in a pair of roles and a funny cameo by Jonah Hill. That scene was so horribly wrong and yet so very funny. Only Tarantino can pull off gags like that. Every aspect of his film is on par with his ability to write and direct, and the editing, the sets and the costumes, the music, all of the essentials are on point. The color palette is immersive, the shot selection continues Tarantino's love (and gift) for recycling, and the choreography is at an all-time high. The action is deft and the booming gunshots and the bright red splashes of blood are epic. Whenever Django goes on the warpath, gunning down deserving monsters masquerading as men, the brazen style is almost enough to drive the viewer into a state of euphoria.
Yes, I know there has been some controversy regarding Django Unchained. Spike Lee is extremely jealous of Tarantino and has maintained an overtly hypocritical grudge against QT for years. He and many others have blasted the film for its graphic portrayal of slavery and its repeated use of the n-word. I bring this up because you have heard about it, but I encourage you to shrug it off. The subject warrants a bold approach, and I applaud the director for his refusal to soften the impact of the picture. If there's any subject that warrants such disclosure, surely this is it. Yes, it's bold, but there's a lot of honesty captured in this show, and it would have been wrong to handle the material delicately. There has also been some scrutiny given recent random acts of violence, but people have to keep art and life separate. I don't buy into that at all, though I think I should point it out here. If you feel differently about either of these subjects, you should probably skip this one.
In closing, I encourage you to spend a little time with Django as he searches for his wife in a hellish vision of the pre-Civil War South. Thankfully, he has the charming Dr. King Schultz at his side, and their remarkable partnership should provide audiences with a gripping experience for years to come. I haven't revealed much of the plot for a reason. If you haven't seen this one yet, you still probably know far too much about the film going in. This is a journey, and we know where it's going from the very start, but the film takes its time getting there. I encourage you to enjoy the ride and drink up the scenery. Django Unchained is a brilliant film that boasts a royal conclusion, but every frame is deserving of your attention. This is significant art, make no mistake about it, and it will start conservations. Yet it is also a fine example of just how riveting and entertaining motion pictures can be. Like Inglorious Basterds, Django Unchained offers more than a typical Tarantino thrill ride. This is another picture with heart, an emotional vessel that will provoke you when it isn't making you laugh or cheer. One can only imagine what QT will do next, but he has his work cut out for him if he wants to improve upon this splendid treat.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I see why Spike Lee is a jealous motherf*cker
Yes, I know, I didn't drop my #2 Bond Villain today, but please understand that I was very busy on several fronts early in the day, and then I was completely swept away by Django Unchained. Seriously, what's up with Quentin Tarantino? Everyone is supposed to drop the ball from time to time. Every artist is entitled to fail every once in a while. That's the nature of the game we play, and anyone who goes out on a limb over and over again is bound to miss the mark at some point, right?
Not Quentin Tarantino. He just delivers one instant classic after another. Like it's easy or something. It's unbelievable. Hell, it's driving Spike Lee crazy, and he should be one proud dude, immune to such pettiness. I just can't fathom it.
So, I was overwhelmed by greatness tonight, but I'll be on it tomorrow. The good news is that in addition to learning who my top 2 Bond villains are, you'll also get a review of a genuine masterpiece. If you, like me, were unfortunate enough to miss this one in theaters, everything good you've heard about Django Unchained is true.
Wow.
Not Quentin Tarantino. He just delivers one instant classic after another. Like it's easy or something. It's unbelievable. Hell, it's driving Spike Lee crazy, and he should be one proud dude, immune to such pettiness. I just can't fathom it.
So, I was overwhelmed by greatness tonight, but I'll be on it tomorrow. The good news is that in addition to learning who my top 2 Bond villains are, you'll also get a review of a genuine masterpiece. If you, like me, were unfortunate enough to miss this one in theaters, everything good you've heard about Django Unchained is true.
Wow.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Trailer Park Trash & Vampires Excerpt: Meet Lynne Shelby
Let's cut right to the chase. I'm a fan of girl power, and there are some strong female characters in my book. However, it's not like you can title your novel Trailer Park Trash & Vampires without inviting a tramp or two to the party. With that said, I would like to introduce you to Lynne Shelby.
The following scene takes place at Sloggins Recreational Center, a local hotspot where the misfits from Ryker's Trailer Park and the rich kids from The Glen (a posh retirement community located nearby) gather for a dip in the swimming pool. It's a hot summer day and the place is packed, but Lynne Shelby is about to hit the scene and she's eager to add some drama to the proceedings.
The following scene takes place at Sloggins Recreational Center, a local hotspot where the misfits from Ryker's Trailer Park and the rich kids from The Glen (a posh retirement community located nearby) gather for a dip in the swimming pool. It's a hot summer day and the place is packed, but Lynne Shelby is about to hit the scene and she's eager to add some drama to the proceedings.
Trailer Park Trash & Vampires Excerpt: Meet Lynne Shelby
(from Chapter 1: Brilliant Summer Day)
After she claimed a lawn chair with a towel, Lynne Shelby
slipped out of her shorts. Her nails
were painted black so they would match her miniscule bikini. She peeled off her shirt and a kid wearing
red swimming trunks actually gasped. The
exercise was really paying off. She was
willing to bet that no one here could even come close to guessing her age.
“Can you believe that?”
An old hag wearing a straw hat big enough to pass for a modest sombrero
griped loudly.
“Senile old bitty,” Lynne Shelby hissed, making sure that
her voice was every bit as loud. She was
hoping that her would-be adversary would say something back. Lynne remained tense for the better part of a
minute, her eyes blazing with primal heat.
Nothing would be better than a confrontation. She absolutely thrived on being the center of
attention.
Alas, there was no fight in the older woman. Aware that she was being baited, she wisely
decided to say no more.
Lynne studied her surroundings, anxious to discover
someone looking at her. She was wearing
one of her slightest swimsuits, a scant bikini with a Brazilian-cut bottom that
left most of her round ass exposed to the world. Lynne Shelby was quite proud of what the good
lord had given her. She had the kind of
body that men wanted and she knew it.
She applied plenty of lotion so that her tan skin
glistened in the burning sun. Yearning
to feel eyes raking her over, she began to stretch provocatively. A smile spread across her lips as she
caught some of the kids from The Glen openly ogling her. She pretended to make adjustments to her top
while in reality she was merely pressing her breasts together to make her
cleavage appear more significant.
“Oh my,” the woman who had spoke out earlier
groaned. “Would ya just look at
that? This ain’t a strip club, is
it?” As she shook her head in disgust
there came a strong gust of wind and she had to grab her big hat to keep it
from being blown off.
Her short brown hair whipping about in the sudden breeze,
Lynne moistened her lips with her tongue and gave the boys a knowing wink. She knew what they would be thinking about
later when they were lying in bed. The
thought of what they would do to themselves with her body in mind brought a
fierce gush of warmth between her thighs.
She was 39, and in less than two months she would be 40,
but she could still turn any man’s head, whether he was 15 or 55.
She was fine. It wasn’t
easy to keep a flat stomach and a firm ass.
Lynne ran two miles on a daily basis and worked out for forty-five minutes
or longer at least four days a week. It
was hard work, but she wanted men to want her.
Men were all that mattered, men like Lennie Prescott, . .
. she’d love to bring him home for the night.
He was getting big, but she knew he could give her a ride. For some reason she couldn’t comprehend, as
of yet, she had been unable to snare him. She had certainly tried. Her trailer was on Lot 7, just behind his
camper.
Okay, maybe the fact that he lived in a camper was a bit
of a turn-off, but aside from that, Lennie Prescott was all man. She had been hanging out in enough bars in
Bisby and Miller a few years ago to catch glimpses of him playing basketball on
the television, and that alone afforded him more celebrity than anyone else in
Little Drop.
She had flaunted her wares enough when he was around, but
he hadn’t copped to it thus far. She was
spending a lot more time lying out in the sun than was necessary, and whenever
he was outside she was always finding some reason to bend over. He didn’t seem to be interested in anything
other than drinking.
Maybe he was just too drunk to respond properly.
Maybe he was just going to take a little more work to get
started. All men started differently but
finished the same.
After thinking it over for a moment, Lynne decided that she
was just going to have to be a little more forward with Mr. Prescott. The feisty cougar grinned as she basked in the
blazing heat, rubbing her delicate feet together and scanning the poolside,
always conscious of the hungry stares she attracted.
“Excuse me,” she said to a teenage boy with pale skin
that was already starting to burn.
“Would you mind putting a little more lotion on my back?”
“Really?” He asked
eagerly, blushing furiously.
“Really,” Lynne said.
She allowed him to rub more lotion on her legs as well,
smiling broadly as the woman in the straw hat wondered if someone should call
the police. When the teenage boy’s
erection nudged her left foot as he worked on her calves, she briefly caressed
the small bulge in his baggy swimming trucks with her heel. When he finished, he sat beside her for at
least five minutes before he dared to stand and depart, and she smiled the
whole time, chatting amicably about nothing in particular.
It was good to be wanted.
For Lynne Shelby, little else mattered.
Friday, April 12, 2013
New Top 5 Update
Wow. Picking my Top 5 Bond Villains has turned out to be quite the task. I'm a huge fan of the Bond films, and the series has provided me with so many stellar antagonists to choose from. Thus far, I've succeeded only in producing a list of 10 deserving candidates. Now, I must dig in deeper and name my Top 5. Before I do that, however, I thought I would give you a little peak behind the curtain, if you will, by letting you in on who the ten finalists are.
They are listed here, and they are in no particular order:
Jaws - Richard Kiel
Oddjob - Harold Sakata
Scaramanga - Christopher Lee
Dr. No - Joseph Wiseman
006 - Sean Bean
Sanchez - Robert Davi
Red Grant - Robert Shaw
Baron Samedi - Geoffrey Holder
Max Zorin - Christopher Walken
Stay tuned, peeps, as I'll unveil my choice for #5 later today.
They are listed here, and they are in no particular order:
Blofield - Donald Pleasance is probably my favorite, but Telly Savales was great too, and there are a few to choose from
Jaws - Richard Kiel
Oddjob - Harold Sakata
Scaramanga - Christopher Lee
Dr. No - Joseph Wiseman
006 - Sean Bean
Sanchez - Robert Davi
Red Grant - Robert Shaw
Baron Samedi - Geoffrey Holder
Max Zorin - Christopher Walken
Stay tuned, peeps, as I'll unveil my choice for #5 later today.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Next Top 5
I'm going to start up a new Top 5 later tonight, and this time I'm going to name my Top 5 Bond Villains. I'm a Bond fanatic, so this should be a lot of fun. I would like to thank the boxing dynamo known as Kip Wallace for the suggestion.
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