In my ongoing effort to see all the movies that have been nominated for Academy Awards, I went and saw The Departed yesterday. I have to say it is one of my favorite films Scorsese has ever done. I really liked Goodfellas and this was kind of along the same lines. It was very intense and sometimes hard to watch, the acting was superb, the script was A-1, and I couldn't stop thinking about it for a long time after I saw it. This all makes for good filmmaking, at least to me. Sorry I can't write more about it, but I am off to see Notes on a Scandal. More on that one later...

The following is from a post that never made it up on my old site. It is old, from 12/03/06. But it is some info about me so there...

I may have finished my movie today. We have shot all the scenes, went through all the extra shots, and even checked for continuity. Now the director is going to put together a rough cut of the film and see how it looks. Until then, I have to keep my beard. We may have to do some pick up shots next weekend.

Wait....I have a beard?!?!? I'm in a movie?!?!?! What's a pick up shot?!?!?!?

Yes, I had to grow a beard for a short film called "Karma". I play the lead role, Ritchie. It has been really fun. The movie I shot this summer was only one scene and one short day of shooting. This one spanned five days and way longer hours. I got to see if I really would like to do movies. I have decided that I can. They are fun, I like the stage better, but I enjoy the differences between the two.

For those of you who don't know, a pick up shot is shots the director may want to shoot after the film is wrapped. This may be something he missed when we were shooting or something he wants to add to make the film flow better. I hope there isn't any because I am jonesin' to cut off my beard. I think it looks weird on me...

USP Update...

Isn't having a day off grand?

Anywho, USP is winding up for a great year. We are already in the production phase of our next show, "Closer". This is written by Patrick Marber, who also wrote the new movie "Notes on a Scandal" that is out right now. Then, we are planning on doing a show for the Fringe, if we get in. It is called "Musical: the musical" and is absolutely hysterical. One of my CSZ buddies wrote it for us and I am pleased as punch about it. Then two more shows this fall. Hopefully they will be "American Apathy" written by Aaron and "The War on Christmas" written by Aaron and Marcia. Should be good times.

OH!! We are trying to get a redesign done for the website. If you know of anyone who makes good sites that would like to donate there time for free or really cheap, let me know!!

Good-moviefest...

Holy Crap have I seen some great films!!!!

A few weeks ago I saw Children of Men. What an incredible film. The acting, sets, cinematography, script...it was all so beautifully done. I was way more engaged with this film than I have been in a film for awhile. You must go see it. I have seen it twice already!!!

I also got a chance to go see Pan's Labyrinth on Friday night. This was also an excellent film. I don't think it deserves ALL of the hype it has been getting, but it is a stellar film nonetheless. I even got a chance to meet the guy who plays Pan. He also played the super creepy Pale Man with the eyes on his hands. Anyhoo, I learned he was the Moon guy in those old McDonald's commercials singing about Big Macs. Remember those? I thought it was funny. I guess he also plays the Silver Surfer in this summers sequel to Fantastic 4. I certainly hope it is better than the last one.

One weekend left!!

Ok, so I am about to go into my last weekend of my show and I have to say I'm super sad. It has been a long time since I have been able to portray a character this over the top. It has been incredibly fun and I hope you got a chance to see it. If you haven't, you should come!! Go to Urban Samurai's Website for reservations and information. It is a laugh riot. We had two positive reviews from City Pages and Lavender. Well worth all the hard work we put into it.

What's up next? Well, I have a little break before we plow into our next production, Closer. I'm jazzed to do it already though. What a 180 degree turn from the last show!! Go from a modern farce to a seriously fucked up character drama. Good times, good times...

Gorry, but satisfying...

In honor of Mel Gibson's birthday today, I went to see his movie, Apocalypto.

Ok, so I didn't know it was his birthday till after, but I did see the movie. It was amazingly good. No matter how I feel about the guy personally, his movies are really well done. Great cinematography, great acting, engaging stories., what is there not to like? Ok, maybe the fact that he can't seem to make a movie without buckets of fake blood being the biggest thing in his budgets. This movie is VERY gorry. Needed, maybe, but not necessary. It didn't bother me, but there was two women that left quite early on sayingit was too bloody and violent for them.

Anyhoo, go see it. I think you will like it. One of the best films I have seen this year. I am going to post my top ten movies I have actually seen in 2006 in a little bit.