Philomena opens with a poop joke, but it’s an erudite poop joke. Steve Coogan is hearing medical results from his doctor, and he’s told his stool sample is “outstanding,” which Coogan’s character takes as a compliment, until the doc clarifies that Coogan hasn’t provided the sample yet. So you see, it’s not scatological humor so much as phonic humor, playing off an amusing … [Read more...]
Sundays: The return of Me
By Myles Ludwig Veni, vidi, vici. I selfied. I think the selection of “selfie” as the word of the year signals the Return of Me. The inclusion of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) by the arbiters of the English language and its meaning is equivalent to the Supreme Court of Lexicology issuing a final, unappealable decree. Neither plea nor twerk could change the … [Read more...]
Guitarist Karadaglić looks to bigger future for instrument
Earlier this month, Miloš Karadaglić signed off on the final proof of his forthcoming recording of the Concierto de Aranjuez, probably the most beloved classical guitar concerto in the world. He’s delighted with how it came out. “It’s everything I ever wanted. It’s a very special recording for me,” said Karadaglić, the rising young guitarist who recorded the emblematic … [Read more...]
In Davie, a welcome tribute to ‘The Rite’
By Donald Waxman One hundred years ago this past May, in the elegant Theatre des Champs-Élysées in Paris, Pierre Monteux lifted his baton to begin the premiere of a new ballet score by the young Russian composer Igor Stravinsky. Three years earlier, tout Paris had been captivated by the exoticisms and color of Stravinsky’s ballet The Firebird, and then a year later by his … [Read more...]
Special report: All those talented players, but where are the venues?
South Florida has been known for the masterful music programs at several renowned universities, and the countless students-turned-professionals those programs produce, for decades. But there’s one essential requirement that is lagging far behind the demand by those newly working musicians — venues in which they can perform. So every musical graduate of Florida Atlantic … [Read more...]
The View From Home 54: A spooky double shot from René Clair, plus a slasher and wayward vampires
I Married a Witch and Beauty and the Devil: Given that these two titles were released just in time for Halloween, it’s hard to resist the sort of wordplay that writes itself: In René Clair’s I Married a Witch and Beauty and The Devil, cinematic tricks make for a pair of delectable audience treats. These two gorgeous transfers help solidify the reputation of one of France’s … [Read more...]
Sundays: We really should look under the hood
By Myles Ludwig These are the days of lasers in the jungle/Lasers in the jungle somewhere/ Staccato signals of constant information/ A loose affiliation of millionaires and billionaires/ And baby, these are the days of miracle and wonder /This is the long-distance call Paul Simon’s lyrics are prophetic. Apparently, no one answered that call. It went straight to voicemail. … [Read more...]
Sarah Trigg: Exploring the rituals of artistic creation
By Colleen Dougher ● A giant stuffed polar bear wearing a tutu and blue cone-shaped hat serves as the studio mascot for California sculptor, filmmaker and performance artist Marnie Weber. ● When making marionettes, Miami puppeteer Pablo Cano uses many donated items, including cigarette pack foils collected by Myra “Yo Momma” Wexler, and contributions from an elderly … [Read more...]
Anything but deep, ‘Counselor’ is a fun, trashy ride
The Counselor is really, really, really good trash. It’s trash elevated to a fine art, which has been the goal of B-movie muck-divers since the Poverty Row noirs of the ’40s. Prudes and humorless folk may linger on the trashiness and question the movie’s artistic purpose, and if that’s the case, the film provides plenty of ripe opportunities to walk out. The rest of us will … [Read more...]
Weekend arts picks: Oct. 19-20
Art: This weekend, the Wimberley Library at Florida Atlantic University’s Boca Raton campus welcomes Alaskan artist and bookbinder Susan Share for the opening of an exhibit featuring her work that will be on view until Jan. 19. Last night, Share gave a performance featuring her art, which incorporates movement, costumes and experimental books, all of it as a way of invigorating … [Read more...]