Comedic anarchy that feels like the Marx Brothers meets MAD Magazine–though MAD didn’t exist in 1941. There’s a great dance sequence provided by Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers with music by Slim Gaillard and Slam Stewart. Beauty! I can’t explain the excitement of discovering this release. Blood Harvest features Tiny Tim as a potential killer clown. The … Continue reading Marginalia #16
Ahh…the Sight and Sound list of greatest films. I’m glad I don’t take those things seriously anymore. I do appreciate seeing the variety of critics’ lists because it challenges me to see movies I may not have come across on my own. Finally saw Vigo’s last film, L’Atalante, which I had confused with von Sternberg’s … Continue reading Marginalia #15
I’ve got a new review over at Horror DNA. Some disappointing news this weekend. AMC Networks, the parent company of Shudder, is laying off personnel, including key people at the horror-streaming service. While I love the various free services out there, especially the ones offering cult films, Shudder has been producing amazing original content, and … Continue reading At Horror DNA: Blood Relatives Review
A fascinating history for the film obsessive in your life. While being focused on the development of synching sound to image in movies, it is also a decent history of the studio system. If you’re already interested in the morbid, melancholic, and macabre, then there will be some old friends here. I found the biggest … Continue reading Marginalia #13
Not necessarily about Twin Peaks, but about what the show has meant to fans, specifically women who have experienced trauma. I was a little disappointed at first, since I expected more of an analysis of the show, but I realized that I wasn’t the intended audience. I still got a lot from it. Plenty of … Continue reading Marginalia #12
I love reissues of classics, even though I don’t buy a lot of them. At one point, realizing I had over 13 copies of 1984 and limited space led me to getting rid of most of them. Anyway, I like “The Willows”, but haven’t been made a superfan of Blackwood yet. He sets fantastic moods, … Continue reading Marginalia #11
I feel like I read too many surveys or books that cover a range of topics. This one is certainly an antidote to that. A fascinating, academic look at ilanot (something like Maps of God or Trees of Life) from around 1300 to the initial era of printing. Besides captivating art, this book is an … Continue reading Marginalia #10
I reviewed Dario Argento’s new movie over at HorrorDNA. Continue reading At HorrorDNA: Dark Glasses Review
Artaud’s manifestos on the Theater of Cruelty. Certainly transferable to other art forms. I read this 20+ years ago after discovering various early-20th Century avant-garde manifestos. Worth a reread with fresh eyes and more experience. Holbein’s paintings are favorites and I’ve always wanted to track these down. Functions like a Memento Mori Tarot. Le danse … Continue reading Marginalia #7
Stephen McClurg 