Farewell to Another Vintage Gent: Heston dies at 84
There will be one more name to add to the annual Academy Awards “Parade of People who have Died,” segment. Charlton Heston passed away Saturday at the age of 84.
Heston was a childhood favorite of mine. I spent many a Saturday afternoon, sprawled on the living room floor with my dog watching “Planet of the Ape” marathons. Or, Ben Hur for the 5,000 time. There was something about his delivery that was always teetering and threatening to fall over into “B”moviedom even when many of his films were clearly “A” list, big budget, Hollywood affairs. I think what worked in his favor is that he did not tackle roles with a nudge and a wink. All characters were approached with seriousness. In fact, many of his films, if not put in the capable hands of the right director, could have easily become disasters because of their grand scale and the subject matters they tackled.
He delivered the highest number of effective lines through clenched teeth this side of ventriloquism, inspiring thousands of impressionists around the world. Sunday school was never the same, when the idea in your head of what Moses looked like was replaced by the likeness of Heston Somehow it seemed very strange to see him in such films as “Towering Inferno,” where he was dressed like an everyday person, as one just had come to expect that he was more accustomed to astronaut’s gear, or lace up sandals.
Though we haven’t heard much from Heston since his last public interview when he announced that he had Alzheimer’s, he never left the mind of the public.
In his own words: “I have lived such a wonderful life! I’ve lived enough for two people.”
film | Comments (4)Update to the Countdown
Call me a geek. Call me a nerd.
The return of the most popular fedora wearing persona returns to the big screen on May 23, 2008. I have included this convenient time clock so that you may synchronize your watch. As of this writing you have less than 52 days to get ready. Are you planning to camp in line to get tickets to “Indiana Jones IV?” With Fandango and other websites, that sort of thing may be a remnant of the past. So, call me a wimp, but I will probably be waiting in line from my desk.
fedoras, film, indiana jones | Comment (0)Film Festivals go Viral
I once read an interview. Was it with Stephen Speilberg? I don’t recall. Anyway, the message was that with technology changing as much as it is, it may not be too many years until we see an Oscar nominated film that was shot on a hand held digital camera by a twelve year old. We may not be at that point yet, but the Viral Film Festival acknowledges the ability the masses have to create. The BeFilm Underground film festival is hosting it as part of their annual festival at 7:00 P.M., April 28th at the Dolby Theater in New York City. The founders have the world view that “shorter is better” when it comes to film, so videos created for online distribution are a natural fit.
What would people wear on the red carpet for a “short” film festival. Mini Skirts? Tube Tops? Briefs (Bad joke, I know)? Or would they just “come as they are” and just walk really fast so as not to waste any time? I can’t wait to find out.
Oscar Night
Tonight, as you already know, is Oscar Night. Every year not only do millions watch the Academy Awards telecast to see who won the office betting pool, it is a night for folks who don’t go out to the movies much to find out what movie will be a sure bet for their dollar this weekend when some films are re-released or still out in first run if they can chase down a theater that is still playing them. (Whew! That was a long sentence. Hopefully you are still reading.).
In all seriousness, though: Of course people are also watching to see the fashions of the night. I will make three arguments about that statement.
First, I am confident that there are more people out there who relish the fashion flops, intentional or no. Who remembers what Angelina Jolie wore two years ago. Nope. We remember Bjork’s Swan outfit, which probably goes down in history as the top most talked about dress. I have already seen Sally Kellerman’s outfit this year (note: I did not call it a dress), and am just waiting for the photos to hit the internet.
The second argument I make is that people far more watch to see the ladies fashions and are not as interested in men’s fashions. One may think that it is because there are only so many modifications that one can make to a tuxedo. I argue that when a man is impeccably dressed, no one notices the ensemble unless one is a tailor - you notice the man. A man has to really go over the top for you to talk about his outfit. (Remember Randy Quaid in a muumuu?)
Thirdly, I would argue that the clothing worn for award ceremonies are not nearly as influential in fashion as are the clothing worn in the actual movies. When there are trends for certain periods in films that come out, they are more likely to influence fashion. In days of yor, people watched movies to see what kinds of fashions were coming out, an designers knew that is where they could reach a captive audience.
At an award ceremony, you see someone wearing something for a fleeting moment but in film have much more time to ponder it and be influenced by it. Also, there is often more emotion connected with a favorite or powerful film.
Case in point: There was more than one aspiring Indiana Jones in my family, at least one Cary Grant wannabe and then also plenty of bratty youngsters (I was likely one) who defended their fashion choice because they saw it in a movie.
At any rate, get the popcorn ready and enjoy yourselves tonight.
Until Next Time,
