ELVIS Movie is Massive Missed Opportunities

ELVIS (2022) the biopic picture was massively disappointing for many reasons.  Directed by Baz Luhrmann, known for sumptuous classics such as "Gatsby" and "Romeo and Juliet" succeeded in creating another cinematographic marvel.  Perhaps Luhrmann lacked a literary classic to fall back-on to bring luster to Elvis' life story. The film failed to generate any emotional authenticity or heat for the larger than life rock legend whose talents transcends generations.  The film follows Elvis from a child literally moved by Gospel music to his days as a young performer drawn to the blues and black artists.  Much of Elvis' radical style and sound appear appropriated from black artists, particularly during the Jim Crow era. Raised in the south, Elvis never seemed to question segregated venues or crowds at his performances, but any constraint to his physicality on stage was sacrasanct.  His friendships with black artists in the 50s felt forgettable and the failure to explore this was regrettable.  The admiration of black musicians never led to  infiltrating his band or inner circle.  Elvis' limited inner circle focused far too much on Colonel Tom Parker (a repugnant looking and sounding Tom Hanks). The Colonel's Svengali influence over Elvis for so long was never flushed out.  Hank's role as Elvis' unctous manager was a major distraction.  The Colonel's sleazy, self-serving business dealings, motivations and narration made Elvis into a sniveling, secondary character.  Nothing revelatory was learned about his relationship with Priscilla (Olivia De Jong) or Elvis' dependence on pills and booze other than Priscilla was more phased by his drug induced fog at home than his infidelities on the road.  Luhrmann's ambitious, 3 1/2 hour film, was a montage of the many musical incarnations of Elvis over the years.   Austin Butler stars as Elvis and did an admirable job portraying Elvis' performances.   However, the movie only gyrated any intensity during the musical numbers; particularly during his Vegas reign.  The rest of the film felt either numb or dumb.  The Colonel helps a naive young Elvis exit the hall of mirror through a side door and onto the ferris wheel.  The two remain adrift until Elvis falls prey to the Colonel's plan punctuated with fireworks.  Elvis mother's battle with booze lands her crashing on the stairs and Elvis slobbering in her closet.  The final, mournful farewell, "I will always love you" mouthed to Priscilla was blasé.  I left the building feeling the movie on the King could be forgotten.        

Gerald Clayton, Jazz Pianist at THE 222

Last night, jazz pianist/composer Gerald Clayton, entertained us with his virtuoso command of the keyboard at THE 222.  Six time Grammy nominee for jazz, Clayton's style is a synergy of both classical and classical jazz forms that are woven together to form an intricate and stimulating narrative.  He guides you along skillfully, veering trajectories, pulsing with energy or winding down into contemplative melodies.  A man of few words, Clayton let his elegant fingers do his talking for him.  Donned in billowing black shirt and pants, red socks and sandals, crown rows gathered in a loose bun, he oozed coolness.  "Surfing is my other great passion," he intoned, "I'm going to paddle around here and hopefully we can find some waves to ride together."  These were the only words spoken until he finished his much too short of a set which was met with a rousing ovation.  He gifted the audience a much appreciated encore.  The first piece mirrored the sounds of rushing waterfalls.  An underlying melody held up a sluicing syncopation that sounded like Debussy's water music on steroids.  You're lured out and reeled back in with the tides.  Clayton's playing is fluid and spontaneous.  I felt an invigorating visceral response to his music. Much like Monk, Clayton masters an unconstrained style that is uninhibited, organic, and at the same time, deliberate.  The second composition transported me to an after-hours night club near closing time. The mood was melancholy and bluesy.  Clayton played as if for himself and perhaps Bogart and Bacall.  The only ballad for the night was my favorite composition from this amazing evening.  It held a deconstructed riff from "You are so Beautiful".  One was hard pressed not to think the piece was lovingly dedicated to someone special.  Throughout, Clayton performed with a playful seriousness.  The encore was exuberant and felt much like a joyous homecoming.  Overall, there was an intimate, relaxed atmosphere for the evening.  Before leaving, Clayton thanked us for hanging out with him while he practiced.  I'll thank him to let me hang out in a corner when he practices, anytime.   

Pete Holme's CRASHING Cringeworthy Comedy-Drama Worth Checking Out

Pete Holmes comedy-drama series on Netflix (2017-19) is a semi-autobiographical look into the world of stand-up comedy which has more cringe worthy situations that a barrel of monkeys but it does provide an inside look into crazy lives of comics.  Seen through the eyes of Holmes whose who pursued becoming a pastor but discovered his growing penchant for comedy outweighed his waning faith in God.  Getting a laugh out weighs all else despite his lingering doubts as to divine intervention.  Getting up in front of a crowd to make people laugh assumes a supreme driving force for the elite group who thrive on the adrenaline this type of high provides.  The darker side of dealing with addiction is tackled in a storyline that mirrors Artie Lange's own life that is sobering.  Holmes bring his somewhat holier than thou good guy persona into this competitive group of cohorts who form an extended family that thrives despite sustaining dysfunction and self-destruction.  Holmes is the new kid on the New York comedy scene and he brings his naivety and irrepressibility into the mix of comics which is out-of-place often making him the butt of most jokes.  Special shout out to Jamie Lee who plays a standup and Pete's love interest.   Lee is a great comic with strong acting chops. The series is packed with real life comics and actors which adds authenticity and star power.   Judd Apatow is  one of the co-executive producers, writer and director on the series.  CRASHING is an oddball mix of characters and storylines revolving around Holmes in a Ted Lasso cheerleading role while on a speeding roller coaster ride of after-hour parties and dingy nightclubs that is a train wreck about to crash.  I recommend this off-beat blend of embarrassing moments, comedy routines and the pan quotidian of a comic's life with a warning:  This show is not intended for a discerning audience.  It's for an audience that can appreciate the aspects of what goes into making the sausage to make us laugh.

CYRANO, No Lie, I Cried Starring Peter Dinklage

The film adaptation CYRANO (2021) is the best rendition of French poet/playwright Edmond Rostand's (b. France 1890) classic play "Cyrano de Bergerec (1897); a tale of love is blind and the blinding power of love.  The story is about the longtime relationship between Cyrano, a brilliant poet and orator serving as a nobleman in the French army, and the exquisite maiden, Roxane (Haley Bennet).  Roxane and Cyrano have been friends for a longtime having known each other since they were little.  The fair Roxane has many prominent suitors.  Unbeknownst to Roxane, Cyrano has been in love with her and he is about to reveal his undying love for her in a letter he's written.  Cyrano has been hesitant to profess his love because of his diminished stature.  In the play, Cyrano has a grotesquely large nose.  In the film Cyrano is portrayed by the incomparable Peter Dinklage.  The movie is set in France in the late 19th C when many viewed Dinklage's dwarfism as a freakish aberration.  Cyrano questions whether he is worthy of Roxane's love due to his physical appearance in comparison to her great beauty.  Nonetheless, Cyrano, writes his profound love for her with prose that would have Roxane swooning for him.  Roxane has noticed the handsome cavalryman, Christian (Kevin Harrison, Jr.) and he has vied her.  The handsome pair are both smitten with each other.  On the verge of being sent into battle, Cyrano intends to inform Roxane of his affections but the two become star crossed lovers.  Roxane first confides her longing for the yet unknown soldier whom she's attracted.  Crushed, Cyrano promises his beloved Roxane that he will bring the two together to meet and look out for him in battle.  Christian is overjoyed for he has fallen in love at first sight and joins Cyrano to meet Roxane.  Out of sight from Roxane, Cyrano feeds Christian poetic words of love to make Roxane swoon.  This version is an adapted musical.  Although, the singing and dancing start as a distraction the film coalesces around Cyrano's selfless love and kindness.  All three actors are superb but it is Dinklage's interpretation that connects straight with the heart.  The love and pain he emotes simultaneously make this love triangle story into an omnipotent isoscles unequaled in its artistry and ability to compel the audience to feel the anguish and injustice in love gone awry.  Try this film that received several nominations from the Academy of Motion Pictures, Golden Globes and the British Academy of Film.  That Peter Dinklage didn't receive the best actor award makes me think the voters didn't see his performance.  

Romero Lubambo and Chico Pinheiro Two Brazilian Jazz Guitarists

Two of the today's leading Brazilian jazz guitarists, Romero Lubambo on acoustic guitar and Chico Pinheiro on electric guitar performed together to the delight of a sold-out performance at 222.  Lubambo and Pinheiro are prolific recording artists and composers of contemporary Brazilian jazz.  The program consisted of recent compositions by each.  Lubambo and Pinheiro chided each other while introducing their own compositions which they both claimed to have written within the past two weeks, or as Lubambo said, "I just composed this two hours, ago."  Many a true thing is said in jest, and I believed him.  I also believed the warm rapport between the seventy-something and thirty-something artists whose mutual admiration was apparent.  The opening number was "April Love" and the evening was a love fest of vivacious strumming that was mesmerizing to watch and hypnotic to listen to.  Pinheiro, a twice Grammy nominated artist, is a highly acclaimed guitarist haling from São Paulo.  He's collaborated with Pacido Domingo, Herbie Hancock Dianne Reeves and Esperanza Spalding.  Lubambo's playing blends the styles of his native Brazil with American jazz creating a distinctive, new sound that is warm and energetic.  Ernest Barteldes of "All About Jazz" called him "One of the best acoustic jazz guitarists alive today."  Lubambo has performed along with Billie Eilish, Yo-Yo Ma, Diana Reeves, Harry Belafonte and Wynton Masalis.  The club-like atmosphere of 222, an art gallery by day and  live performing venue in the evening, is a large open gallery-space with club tables with settings of 4 replete with down turned lights and a bowl of Godiva chocolates.  Life is a box of chocolates.  The potpourri of performers lined up for the year include jazz, classical and contemporary musicians, films, authors and poets.  You're sure to get something to your liking.  

To See It or Not to See It Melinda's Picks for What You May Have Missed

 Looking for something to watch and not finding anything amongst the zillions of choices, watch these:

1.  Heavy Water Wars - WWII series back on true people and facts (watch with your computer and verify) these heroic soldiers make for an intense and inspiring true story.  The race for atomic power and world dominance came very close to being won by Germany.  

2.   Reservoir Dogs - Four indigenous teens get the feel and issues real.

3.  Don't Make Me Go - Y/A movie with John Cho - Touching father/daughter bond.

4.  Best Sellers with Michael Caine and Aubrey Plaza.  Need I say more?

     Michael Caine movies to watch:  The Cider House Rules, Going in Style

     Aubrey Plaza movies to watch:  Safety Not Guaranteed, Black Bear

5.   Old Men - Series with Jeff Bridges and Amy Brenneman - A mystery/action thriller that thrills.

6.   Evil - a chilling crime/psychological series that will have you up at night.

7.   The Last Movie Stars - A Doc. of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward derived from transcripts of Newman's audio -taped interviews.  Directed by Ethan Hawke, roles read by actor friends.

8.  The Rehearsal  Reality series where real life situations are enacted to help prepare; unusual, quirky fun   

9.   The Driver - Japanese film nominated for Best Foreign Film (English subtitles)

    

Murders Only in the Building-Show that Slays with Mystery and Humor

"Murders Only in the Building" is the best comedy/thriller series on TV.  You can find it on Hulu in its 2nd season.  It's expected to be renewed for a third season.  Three complete strangers living in an UWS landmark building, share a penchant for murder podcasts.  They're strewn together by mysterious happenings in their building, including a murder.  Longtime friends in real life, Steve Martin and Martin Short, play Charles and Oliver, two has been actors and thespians.  The chemistry between the them is no surprise, but what's surprisingly pleasing is Selena Gomez in the mix.  Gomez plays Mabel, a young artist who inhabits a large but worn down unit in the building.  Their begrudgingly, irritable relationships are humorous and ingratiating.  The generational disparity jokes are LOL.  Seizing on each other's obsessions with solving murders they collaborate to produce a podcast of the murder that just occurred very close to home; right in their pre-war building.  To their delight, they garner a small but devoted fan base.  The show's writing is ingenious and continuously mystifying.  The layers of intrigue and suspense are blended with comedy and poignancy to make this a truly unique and entertaining show.  It keeps you guessing and clamoring more.  The entire ensemble of actors are exceptional albeit the role played by model/actress Cara Delevigne.  Delvigne plays an art gallerist and a love interest to Mabel in season two.  Other tenants in the building are played by top echelon actors include Jane Hoffman, Michael Creighton, Amy Ryan and Jayne Houdyshell.  They're all outstanding and manifest native, New Yorker lunacy.  Other cast members include Nathan Lane as Teddy, a successful Broadway producer and his son Theo,  played by James Caverly.  Ryan Broussard plays Martin Short's son.  Both Caverly and Broussard add powerful acting and storylines to an already complex plot.  Da'Vine Randolph plays the lead detective who is both frustrated and impressed with the blundering attempts at solving the murders by Charles, Oliver and Mable.  "Murders" pays homage to Broadway in various, clever ways.  It's also a loving tribute to the greatest city on earth.  Look for guest starring spots as this is hot, must see TV.  Each week brings more twists and turns and humor.  I'm frustrated having to wait for following episodes. "Murders Only in the Building" is the only true cliff-hanger that builds this much tension.   You may to want kill someone for making you wait for next week's episode.  Please don't leave me hanging?  Will it be renewed for a third season?  Yes, please!

Dave Chappelle El Capitan of Comedy

Thursday night Dave Chappelle played in Santa Rosa to a packed house.  Chappelle, loved by millions of fans for his brilliant, irreverent and uproarious comedy.  Chappelle had walked away from his highly successfully and lucrative sketch show "Chappelle's Show (2003-06) midseason.  His career has been steered by his genius.  It's been skyrocketing ever since.  His numerous accolades include 3 Grammy Awards and 5 Emmy Awards.  In 2019, Dave was honored with the Mark Twain Comedy Award at the Kennedy Center.  I bestow the title, greatest working comic today and arguably greatest of all-time.  He has the gift for making people laugh, think and feel great while doing both.  Making people laugh together and feel good is a great gift to have and bestow.  The evening started rather slow.  The doors were to open at 7PM.  The lines wrapped around the parking lot.  We were held while phones were locked down despite being forewarned not to bring them.  Chappelle didn't appear on stage until 8:30PM.  Was it worth the wait?  Hell, yes!  The first warm-up comedian, Marshall Wiggins, a name I hadn't heard but a name to remember, was disarmingly funny.  He opened by telling the audience, "My 24 year old daughter just pierced her nipples.  I don't have a joke for that, I just needed to share."  He tied this quip into his hilarious short set with a routine involving aliens and an acceptable usage of the word, nigger.  Chappelle got onstage, with his signature cigarette and tequila drink in hand.  (He lit up and was not ejected.  Two people near me were escorted out for using their phones). Chappelle began saying, "This is one nigger free city.  I haven't seen a nigger in 3 days."  Chappelle's arms were ripped under his white T-shirt.  It looked as if he was sporting a bullet-proof vest.  Chappelle was recently attacked while on stage at the Hollywood Bowl this summer.  He worked this incident into his routine complaining Chris Rock stole the spotlight by asking the Bowl audience, if it was Will Smith.  "Man, I was pissed, after 2 months of silence, now he has something to say. The mother-fucker stole my limelight."  Dave also said his attacker is now suing him for being roughed up by his security people.  Chappelle's been married for 20+ years and admitted he's cheated.  "Whoops!  My wife wasn't all that upset, after all, she's not out on the road making the money."  Dave shared a glass of tequila with a man in the front row.  He as a pro handling boisterous hecklers.  "Man, I gotta raise my ticket prices."  I would go again, at double the going price.  The evening was priceless; one for the memory books.  "Thanks for the memory, Awfully glad I met you. Thank you." (Bob Hope)  

Top Ten Movie Picks for Top Half of 2022

The following films are my top picks so far this year:

1.   Doc. Fire of Love - French film with footage of Volcanoes "chaser" couple's life work (and death)

2.   Norwegian film "The Worst Person Ever" - Only wants what she can't have

3.   After Yang - Futuristic look at memory, life and what matters starring Collin Farrell 

4.   Oscar Nominated Short Films - My favorite was from Poland

5.   Top Gun Maverick - Top Gun Two with too little of Val Kilmer and too much Tom Cruise

6.   Pixar's animated Seeing Red - Tweens talk emotion and menstration 

7.   The Lost Daughter - Starring Olivia Coleman and Dakota Johnson

8.   The Duke - True geriatric British caper starring Dame Helen Mirren and Jim Broadbent

9.   The Book Publisher - Starring the under appreciated Amanda Platz and Sir Michael Cain

10.  S. Korean film House of Hummingbird 

   

Melinda's Top Ten Picks for the Top Half of 2022

 The following top ten picks put my favorite events from Around the Grapevine in Sonoma County:

1.   Dave Chappelle at Luther Burbank Center - A surprise engagement that was an unforgettable                                     evening of laughs and social commentary.

2.  Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Company at Luther Burbank Center

3.   Future Farmers of America and 4H groups brought their prized, reared "pets" to the auctioning block     to the butcher block.  These young people are incredibly impressive.

4.   Fran Lebowitz in conversation at Luther Burbank Culture Center.

5.   Alonzo King Line Ballet Company at Luther Burbank Center.

6.   Jazz singer Bobe Cespedes at Raven Performing Arts Theater

7.   Jazz musicians Dave Holland and Kevin Eubanks perform at Jackson Theater

8.   Classical Pianoforte Adam Maltz at Raven Performing Arts Theater

9.   Jazz singer Dianna Reeves at Sonoma State University     

10. Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra Orchestra performs her latest compositions at Sonoma State Univ