Uncle Dirk’s Video Round-Up is a thing of the past, but I wanted to recommend a few titles that everyone should check out.
First up, THE ILLUSIONIST. I was a bit wary about this one. Yes, it has Edward Norton and the always delicious Rufus Sewell, but it also features 7th HEAVEN’s Jessica Biel. Oh sure, she was in the timeless classic STEALTH, and as Mary Camden she displayed acting chops to rival those of Miss Bette Davis but she still seemed out-classed by her leading man. However, I am pleased to say that she actually acquits herself quite nicely here, avoiding that whiny, pouty quality I have often associated with her work. Beautiful sets, atmospheric cinematography, and good performances elevate this adult blend — i.e. not dumbed down for the MTV crowd — of romance, magic, mystery, and political intrigue into something above the regular video fare.
Next up is a pair of profoundly disturbing documentaries, PARADISE LOST: THE CHILD MURDERS AT ROBIN HOOD HILLS and PARADISE LOST 2: REVELATIONS. When the bodies of three 8-year-old boys are found in a creek, the city of West Memphis, Arkansas charges 3 teen-agers with the crimes. The most damning evidence against the teens? Their love of heavy metal music and black clothing and an interest in the Wicca religion.
These films give a pretty chilling view of a legal system so fucked up that questionable taste in clothing and music is grounds for being charged with murder. And it’s even more incomprehensible when another viable suspect — one of the murdered boys’ stepfather — provides more than a few compelling reasons for further investigation, yet no one seems willing to look beyond the suspects on trial. The stepfather in question, Mark Byers, is a huge focus of the second documentary and if he isn’t nine kinds of crazy, then I don’t know who is. He may very well be the single scariest, goosebump inducing, check under the bed before you crawl under the covers nightmare fodder since a certain Texan president.
In an era when we give damn near anybody a walk after a couple of years in the pokey, it’s unthinkable that 3 young men could be serving life sentences for crimes that they may not be guilty of and have been denied retrials to prove either their innocence or at least reasonable doubt. And justice for all…
Not in Arkansas, it seems.
If it had happened in TX, Governor Monkey Ears (I think he slithered in shortly after that time) would have given them a shot of nitey-nite juice by now, guilty or not. That seems to have been his biggest accomplishment there…and the one he’s most proud of. What a Christian! And what of Mark Byers? Does he still walk free? He’s probably on Bush’s cabinet by now. He and Condi can have a “creepy teeth” contest.
By: Aaron on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 10:46 am
Condi just announced that she (we) is giving the Palestine Liberation Army 86 Million dollars in weapons free of charge. Isn’t that nice of her (us)? Oh, they promised that none of the weapons will be used on Isrealis. We know how trustworthy these folks are. I’m sure they had every thing crossed as they humbly swore their love for the Jewish people.
Let’s see what else can Bushie stir up in the Middle east before he can declare a National Emergency and ban all elections? Oh yes, some of the additional troops sent to Iraq are to be used to cause trouble on the Iran border. I’m sure that level headed leader of theirs isn’t easliy provoked. I say if our troops cross the border into Iran, Bushies daughters better be leading the charge!
By: Ed on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 12:07 pm
Ed Norton has been one of my favorite actors ever since Fight Club.
I am Jack’s lack of surprise at scapegoating teenagers who buck the mainstream.
By: Josh on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 3:36 pm
What weird timing…I was actually in the store yesterday, looking at The Illusionist and I thought, “I wonder if this is any fucking good?? I mean…hmm…it has the 7th Heaven chick in it…hmmm…”
Now I know. Thanks, Dirk!
By: Me on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 5:47 pm
I loved The Illusionist–esp. the cinematography… I bought The Covenant today. Pretty boys and witchcraft. Fun fun fun.
By: Castle of Stink on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 6:02 pm
I, too, enjoyed The Illusionist.
I’d definitely like to check out the documentaries mentioned herein.
Tonight, Lover and I watched Sin City, have you seen that? I realize it’s not exactly new to DVD or anything, but regardless, I’d highly recommend adding it to anyone’s “must see” list.
By: Mad Queen Bess on Sunday, January 14, 2007
at 11:01 pm
Is that Rosie on the cover of Paradise Lost?
By: Anonymous on Monday, January 15, 2007
at 11:40 am
I found Rufus to be uber-creepy. I’ve never seen his other stuff, so maybe I’d like him better if I did, but he has an icy face, so probably not. I can only say I was happy with the ending. Very happy. For lots of reasons.
By: Aaron on Tuesday, January 16, 2007
at 10:10 pm