No Country For Old Men

As the tag line says, "there are no clean getaways." Not when you're a criminal. Not when you make a mistake that puts you in the path of the criminal. Not even in life. Ultimately, everything comes to an end and the best you can hope for is that you survived most of it unscathed.

Damn cheery, eh? Don't let that stop you from seeing this movie though. The Cohen brothers have come through to amazing effect in their latest offering. Their love of vistas is evident in the way they shoot Texas (or at least I'm assuming they actually shot a movie set in TX in TX...course it could be British Columbia for all I know). NCFOM feels much like Blood Simple and Fargo in that there is a continual tension running through the film. You never feel quite at ease, even in the funnier moments. It's as though you know someone is on your tail and they are insane and fully plan on killing you.

The set up to the film is this--Josh Brolin plays an average guy who stumbles upon a drug deal gone very, very bad. He ends up snagging the cash. It doesn't take long for various baddies to start coming after him. Among them, the seriously creepy in an overly calm and methodical sort of way Javier Bardem. The scene where he challenges a poor local gas station owner is full of menace but no guns are drawn and the man isn't even directly threatened. Instead, he is asked what was the most he ever lost on a coin toss. He directs the gas guy to call it. The guy wants to know what he gets if he wins. He is told "everything." It's chillingly obvious what he will lose if he doesn't guess correctly.

Tommy Lee Jones plays the sheriff who is also calm and methodical in his pursuit of Bardem. His character is not unlike Frances McDormand's (sp) in Fargo. He is smart but not showy. He is kind and warm, but he is world weary and feels as though he no longer understands the world around him. He and his deputy provide most of the laughs and the few bright spots in a dark plot.

The writing is lyrical and really stands out as there isn't a lot of dialogue in the film. Jones' description of a dream he had is virtual poetry and he delivers it as a man realizing that mortality is an ever encroaching burden. It's a powerful way to end the film.

If you are a fan of the Cohen's, I can't recommend this film enough. Everyone else, be prepared to not have a pat ending...or at least not a traditional one, but also be prepared to see a beautiful film unfolding in front of you.

Couple more quick things:

Saw a trailer for Funny Games and I've decided Michael Pitt is the go-to guy for creepy, young bastard roles.

Lifted 6000 pounds today. We got in 300 boxes, a double delivery. Nothing scheduled tomorrow which begs the question...why the f**k did we get a double today? Surely no one needs 75 boxes of bargain titles by tomorrow! Oh yeah, I also woke up with a headache that lasted from about 6:45am till around 3:30pm. At least I was better for the movie.

Hopefully this week I'll get out to see Lust, Caution, the latest from Ang Lee. I've heard mixed reviews for it, but I'd still like to see Tony Leung when I get the chance.

Cool exchange from today's movie: follows a moment where Tommy Lee Jones has described what he thinks happened during the commission of the crime.

Deputy: (paraphrasing) "That's pretty linear."

Sheriff: "Age flattens a man..."

Freudian Slip?

Today while making a list of book categories and where they could be found I made a mistake while typing up "Self Improvement." I typed the following...

Self Important.

Hmmmm....

Happy Thanksgiving!

Waiting For Bones To Be Over

Decided to do a quick entry while I'm waiting for Bones to finish up. I've discovered I can't eat while it's on, or at least I need to wait till the first 5 or so minutes have passed. Of course, once you miss the first 5 you have to wait till the whole thing is done and watch it from the top. It's a very complicated process my television viewing.

Speaking of TV's and other electrical items I am addicted to, I have two remotes that are on the verge of giving out on me. My tv remote only sporadically responds when I press either the channel up/down buttons or the volume controls. Sadly beating the crap out of it doesn't seem to help. My dvd remote is also acting the poo head. It won't let me switch from TV to DVD meaning I can't watch the DVD. Thank goodness for my PS2...of course I still haven't quite figured out how to run the dvd option using my controller. I've tried pushing the button that shoots stuff in most games, but that isn't the right one. Looks like I need to get another universal remote. That or read.

Quick update on the work front. I've mentioned having been very tired when getting home, etc. and there is a reason for that. Jinn, my fabbo co-worker, found out she has carpal tunnel. She is going to be out anywhere from 2-3+ months. She is out on the floor (and not really too happy about it by all accounts) which means I'm all by my lonesome most of the day. It's very weird to be back there without her. I run into her now and again, but it isn't really the same. The increased work load coupled with Jinn's floor status has me concerned with my sanity. Happy Holidays! Hopefully she will get good news with her next doctor's visit and will be better soon.

Went and saw Lars And The Real Girl (above photo) and it was fabulous. One of the best films I've seen this year. Ryan Gosling plays an introverted man who purchases a life size silicone doll. It's not for sex, it's for companionship. He is a bit delusional and is working through that delusion in his own way. In order for it to work, his doctor says, everyone else has to treat the doll like a person as well. Luckily for him, he is such a sweetheart his friends and family are willing to do this to help him get better.

The film has many funny moments, but is also quite sweet and gentle...much like Gosling's character. Ryan really plays him with just the right amount of kindness coupled with quite literal pain when people get too close to him (especially when they touch him). The supporting cast does extremely well as they try and make sense of a very weird situation. I strongly recommend seeing this one.

Hopefully I'll be able to catch what should be one of the best films this year--the Cohen Brothers' No Country For Old Men. It starts tomorrow, but I don't know if I'll be up for seeing it on opening night alone. I may have to wait till a Sun. afternoon or Mon. evening.

Okay, it's time to go check the Duke vs. Illinois score and watch the rest of the game. Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving. Gobble, gobble.

Death By Meeting...and Life On Mars

Hey all. Glad to say I survived this year's Holiday Meeting. As seems to happen every year, it was full of lame attempts at humor, plenty of mind numbing info that no one will remember due to the early hour (7AM-9AM), some snarky heckling from the back row (wanna guess where I sat?), and someone eventually breaking down in tears.

I'm serious. Because one employee was interrupted, in a polite way by a manager to add to the discussion we were in the midst of, said employee immediately turns to another manager to complain and reportedly after the meeting was whining and crying in the office. This same employee reacted the same way last year when they felt the crowd hadn't applauded enough when they were given their lame 5 yr. pin.

My best line of the day had to be when the kids manager was pushing the American Girls "Your Changing Body" book and I loudly asked if this was the part when the boys had to leave the room. Got a good laugh thankfully. I always try for the funny obnoxious when possible. I was disappointed we didn't have a discussion of my favorite growing up book, "What's Going On Down There." Seriously, I love this book. The cartoons and commentary are funny and as a chick it's especially entertaining because it's all about the boys and their naughty bits.

On a different topic, I was extremely pleased to see that the new season of Life On Mars is starting on Dec. 11 via BBC America. The lovely John Simm (above) plays Sam, a police detective who has been transported back to the 70's. Or has he? He might just be in a coma and is imagining all of this. Either way, it's a really well written and acted show that I strongly recommend.

Didn't make it to Lars and The Real Girl yet as I tried to get some Christmas shopping done today. It gets harder and harder to go out amongst the herd the more I work in retail. Luckily, I'm not too far from being done. I should be going to see the movie tomorrow before dinner. Also on the list to check out that's new this week, Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium and Love In The Time Of Cholera.

WATCH IT:

Torchwood and Dr. Who--I just finished up the 3rd season of Dr. Who. I fell behind and waited till it was out on DVD before playing catch up. David Tennant gets better with every episode. Torchwood is a more adult companion/spin off from Dr. Who featuring the Scottish born, IL raised John Barrowman, whose charm and glee make up for any pitfalls in the script. I think the show is still trying to find it's footing, but the episode about the cannibal country folk was seriously creepy. I'm looking forward to the last few episodes of the season.

LISTEN TO IT:

The Hives--The Black and White Album.

I've always liked these guys. They are just a fun, fun band that are pretty much here to make you dance and sing songs referencing themselves. Normally, I'd find that annoying, but they have such a great sense of humor they can get away with it. Current faves on the cd are Try It Again, Tick, Tick, Boom, and T.H.E.H.I.V.E.S.

As I type though, I am listening to a mix cd I made called "Where's The Crackers?" Filled with some of my fave cheesy tunes--stuff from the 80's and some contemporary pop songs that I wouldn't normally listen to--I am currently grooving to We Got The Beat...actually it has just morphed into Hellagood...must go dance now....

EDITORS NOTE:

I HAVE NOW TRIED THREE TIMES TO GET EMPTY LINES BETWEEN MY PARAGRAPHS, BUT HAVE FAILED MISERABLY...UNLESS IT WORKS THIS TIME...SORRY.

Ohio Who?

I can't believe I forgot to mention the seriously kick ass game that Illinois played against (at that time) #1 Ohio State. Buckeye, schmuck-eye. 28-21. Lick the stick baby! I had a great time watching the game with my Mom. Gave me the opportunity to utter the phrase "poo on a stick," much to her bemusement. I tried to get her to do the I-L-L...I-N-I call back and forth cheer thing with me from one side of the living room to the other, but she isn't quite as goofy as me so I did it solo.

Quick add on to yesterday's review of Darjeeling Limited. There is a short film that runs before the main feature that is pretty much a prologue to DL. In it we get to see Natalie Portman getting a bit naked. Two things to say about that--1) there is a God because Natalie's does not have perfect legs and 2) Nat...EAT A SANDWICH!!! I really didn't need to see that much of your ribcage.

***EIGHT LETTER WORD FOR CRAZY MAGNET...hint: it's a proper name***

Today I answered the phone and had a woman tell me she had been told her book would be in on Thurs. She didn't know if it was last Thurs. or today. I ask for her phone number to check for an order. Nothing comes up. I check under her name. Nothing comes up. I ask her if she's sure she has ordered from us. (You'd be surprised how many calls we get for the "other" bookstore.) She says the following:

Oh, I didn't place an order.

She is apparently under the impression that we will just know to hold a book for her without noting down her name and phone number. I then got to search for 3 different books, none of which she had a correct title for and only had the author correct on one of them. I also had to go search down a magazine for her that features a local garden in one article. I ask if she's looking for the Nov. issue. She says she doesn't know. I ask if a picture of a pie is on the cover. She doesn't know. She tells me that the guy who owns the garden is named Sullivan. She seems to think his name will be plastered all over the cover. Nope. Then she suggests looking in the "place where they list what's in the magazine..."

Ermm...table of contents maybe? I check and no names are given. I then have to flip through the mag till I find an article and photo spread on a garden. I say, "well, there's no Sullivan, but there is a Callahan..." She interrupts. That's it!

I believe I was about ready to beat the receiver on the counter at this point. I tell her we can save the mag through close on Friday. She then whines about how she can't see to drive at night so her husband is going to have to bring her over and he can't till Sat. and on and on and on. I tell her Sat. 5pm no later.

ARRRRRGHHHHHHHH!!!!!! And it's not even Thanksgiving yet.

Two Unique Views

Wes Anderson and David Lynch. Two very different directors with two very different visions. Last night I went out and saw Darjeeling Limited, the latest from Anderson. And, tonight I watched Inland Empire from Lynch on DVD.

First, Darjeeling Limited. I have to start by saying I love Wes Anderson. Rushmore is definitely one of my 10 absolute favorite movies ever. I completely get Anderson's humor and his odd perception of reality. There's a lot to like about Darjeeling. The scenery is beautiful. India is used to great effect and the second the movie starts you know from the way the scenery is framed that this is a Wes Anderson movie. I enjoyed the three leads and the way their relationships flowed through the movie. Adrien Brody was a nice addition to the usual stable of actors. There are plenty of funny bits, always with a darker, sadder bit underneath.

But. I ended up feeling about this movie the same way I felt about The Royal Tennenbaums (sp). I liked it, but I didn't love it. For TRT, it probably had a lot to do with my general dislike of all things Gwyneth Paltrow (sp). For this movie, it has to do with a rather uneven pace. The first part drags and when the "big moment" happens it almost feels like a slap in the face. I would say if you're a fan of Wes' you should definitely check it out, but if you are unsure you may want to wait and rent it.

Now, on to Lynch. I'm still feeling confused. To me, Lynch uses the equivalent of chaos theory when he directs a film. He sees and understands the patterns, but the rest of us may not make all the connections. His films are surreal, but I don't think they are surreal because he doesn't know what he wants. They are surreal because he knows precisely what he wants. The rest of us just have to try and keep up. Laura Dern is freakin' amazing in this. Her character(s) anchor the film. No matter how out there it seems to get, she keeps her performance honest which gives us something to hang onto. I thought with 5 minutes left I'd figured out what Inland Empire was about. With two minutes left, I thought I have no idea what it's about. Then during the credit sequence I got even more confused. Still, I made it through all 3 hours (you heard me) and enjoyed the experience, regardless of how numb my butt and mind were.

Couple of quick things to mention:

Saw the trailer for The Diving Bell and The Butterfly and it looked amazing. Laura strongly recommends the book it is based on and I strongly recommend the cinematographer and director.

Also, the movie I adored from this past summer, Once, is coming out on DVD--Dec. 18 I believe. Scroll back several pages to read my review then go rent or buy this sucker. It was beautiful.

Hopefully after the holiday meeting I will be going to see Lars and The Real Girl. I'll keep you posted.

Don't Hate Me Because I Never Blog

Since Pushing Daisies wasn't on yesterday, here's a picture of the lovely Ned (Lee Pace). I think Jackie and I will be the only ones jonesing for his presence, but there you go.

I again have become the Queen of All That Sucks. Sadly, this is a title that doesn't really offer many perks. No parades, no need to queenly wave at folks, no opening of supermarkets, no drug scandals. Rather lame all the way around.

Work has been a drag for multiple reasons. I feel like a rat trapped in a maze. I have about 2 feet of room around me and my table thanks to the insane amount of boxed up crap we have in back. The theory is that it is all getting put out tonight. The reality will probably be that about 1/3 of it will go out tonight and I will come in tomorrow AM to find a bunch of boxes that have been dumped by my desk waiting to be broken down and tossed out into the dumpster, etc.

I have now heard a couple of various stories regarding different work situations and it all just makes me tired. It's exhausting trying to do the right thing only to find yourself failing. And to top it all off, you don't even realize you suck at that moment. Okay, that's vague I know, but that's all I got right now.

A week from this Sat. is the always lame Holiday Meeting. If I have time, I should come up with a special Holiday Edition of manager meeting bingo! What am I saying...I can't keep up or get creative with this thing, how the hell am I going to do bingo?! I have yet to hear what the exact plan is for the meeting this year. The last I heard mention of it regarded the booksellers doing some of the stuff we usually do during the meeting. I wonder if any of them know this yet.

I actually had a couple of funny things happen at work to relate here, but by the time I've gotten home I've forgotten them...or atleast forgotten enough of the story to make it worth writing about. I need to take better notes.

Again, I apologize for the absolute suck-assed-ness of the last few entries. Perhaps something nice and fun will happen soon so I will have something to relate to you all. Thanks for your patience.

Hi. I Suck.

And, to make up for that fact...and to make a sort of pun, please enjoy this picture of a penis on the side of a building. This was apparently how Pompeii alerted its visiting sailors to the direction of the nearest house of ill repute. I think it's just funny to see a penis in stone. I don't think I've posted this picture before. Oops to me if I have. EDITORS NOTE: I CHECKED AND I USED THIS PICTURE BACK IN APRIL. OH WELL....

It's been a long couple of weeks. Here's a quick-ish recap.

This past Monday we had a job fair at work. Because all the managers present were doing interviews, I had to cover the floor. I spent a lot of time walking around, helping at the customer service desk, help ring people up, finding people to cover breaks, etc. I didn't have a problem doing this except for the fact that I thought our CRM was going to be splitting the duties with me as it had been scheduled. But, it seems someone wasn't communicating well, or at least wasn't remembering what they had been told, and our CRM was out of state. I spent my entire shift doing floor stuff. I think I scanned all of 8 boxes that day. Another bonus, I don't have a code to open the safe, but as the floor manager I needed to get in there to get drawers for the people up front. Ended up having to get another manager to grab stuff for me, which sort of went against the point of having me cover for them in the first place. Oh, and I went to make change for the music drawer and no one had bothered to put the change fund up front...not sure what the opening manager was doing...so I had to get someone else to get in the safe to get the drawer for me. We are so good at planning where I work.

Went and saw Dan In Real Life and Into The Wild this past week. Dan was pretty good. I have a serious crush on Steve Carrell so it was enjoyable to see him in a sort of angsty, romantic movie. I was in the right mood to be all weepy about the unrequited love thing so this movie was pretty perfect for my state of mind.

Into The Wild was very good. It is great to look at and I was lucky enough to see it in digital projection, which I recommend if possible. The movie moves at a pretty languid pace and sometimes the voice overs seem a little too perfect, but it was moving at times (Hal Holbrook made me cry dammitt!!!). It was a bit rough going towards the end because I'd read the book several years ago and knew what was coming up. Let's just say there isn't really a happy ending. It has been long enough since I read the book that I had forgotten what exactly had happened between him and his parents. I believe the family was involved with the making of the movie so I think it's safe to guess that what was portrayed was accurate...which is actually pretty depressing. My major hurdle with the book and the movie is the idea that someone would be able to get the same sort of fulfillment from living "in the wild" as they would from engaging with people, whether they be family or friends. To me, Chris's wanderlust was sort of selfish. I understood enough of his quest to still enjoy the film and the book and would definitely recommend both.

I'm hoping to see Darjeeling Limited this week and I just bought a new book called The Brotherhood of The Disappearing Pants: A User's Guide To Conservative Sex Scandals done by the same guys who brought you the screamingly funny Sweet Jesus, I Hate Bill O'Reilly. And Radiohead is still playing almost non-stop in the car and at home. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi is currently my absolute favorite.

Sorry again for being a bad blogger. Thanks for your patronage.