I invited George and Martha for a movie last night.
Or, rather, I invited them to perform for me last night.
When I moved south, the only item I brought across the border that caused me any concern was my DVD collection. I was a prime target for major duty payments.
Even though we were red lighted, the customs agent waved us on after discovering that we were headed to Melaque for a long stay.
So, I have these 400-some DVDs, and I have not yet watched one after being here for three months.
Wednesday night, that changed.
I popped some very tasty Mexican popcorn (despite my misgivings in popping memories).
I poured a glass of Coke Light with a full fresh lime.
And slipped Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf into the computer.
My computer speakers do not do justice to the film. But it was not recorded in THX -- so, I missed little. After all, Albee's words are the central point -- not sound effects.
There are few films that transcend the passage of time. We call those films -- classics.
And George and Martha -- as they struggle through eternity to find some meaning in their lives -- certainly address some of the basic issues we face as humans. Including, being mentors for Perfect Married Couple.
When I saw the film in 1966, I thought it was one of the best movies I had ever seen. I still do. It easily makes my list of top 10 films.
But, because I played hooky to watch a movie, that is my post for the day.
I need to check to see if George and Martha have gone home.
Or, rather, I invited them to perform for me last night.
When I moved south, the only item I brought across the border that caused me any concern was my DVD collection. I was a prime target for major duty payments.
Even though we were red lighted, the customs agent waved us on after discovering that we were headed to Melaque for a long stay.
So, I have these 400-some DVDs, and I have not yet watched one after being here for three months.
Wednesday night, that changed.
I popped some very tasty Mexican popcorn (despite my misgivings in popping memories).
I poured a glass of Coke Light with a full fresh lime.
And slipped Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf into the computer.
My computer speakers do not do justice to the film. But it was not recorded in THX -- so, I missed little. After all, Albee's words are the central point -- not sound effects.
There are few films that transcend the passage of time. We call those films -- classics.
And George and Martha -- as they struggle through eternity to find some meaning in their lives -- certainly address some of the basic issues we face as humans. Including, being mentors for Perfect Married Couple.
When I saw the film in 1966, I thought it was one of the best movies I had ever seen. I still do. It easily makes my list of top 10 films.
But, because I played hooky to watch a movie, that is my post for the day.
I need to check to see if George and Martha have gone home.
10 comments:
La Dolce Vita looks very dated now, so I guess it does not qualify as a classic. Dirty shame.
One of our friends was involved in theater in Toronto and he started up a play reading group here. We have had such fun reading plays, the month before last we did Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf. I will say we all felt we had been through the wringer by the end of the evening.
(To anyone in Mazatlan reading this, the play reading group is closed to new members...)
Glad you had a night out *grin* at the movies. You made me want to go out and rent that movie as it has been a long time since I last saw it!
I had forgotten that it came out that long ago... made me feel old (at 62). Funny, the guy in the mirror doesn't look quite that old!
Well, I am glad that you have been enjoying your time so much that you have not headed into your movie collection. And I am very immpressed you got through the boarder with all of those videos. very cool.
Good for you for bringing your DVD collection! I'm a big fan of the "older" movies, including Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf and miss being able to rent them. Luckily, my cousin recently mailed me my favorite movie of all-time...It's a Wonderful Life! My kids kept thinking that something was wrong with the movie because it was in black and white.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf - yes a classic - but it will leave you exhausted watching it.
Felipe -- La Dolce Vita's theme of transcendent spirituality struggling with modern materialism is as classic as a Greek comedy. Of course, the danger of slapping on the "classic" label is that no one will ever watch it. Perhaps, simply calling it "modern" will keep interest in it alive.
Nancy -- Back during the entertainment phase of my life, the play read around the actors' table was one of my favorite moments. Now, there is something I could do down here.
Julian -- Good job! Working yesterday's theme into today's post without dropping a surgical stitch. Speaking of age, we were all amazed at how brave Liz was to deglamorize herself for the film. Looking at her on the screen and seeing her now, she was a looker as Martha.
Rosas Clan - I am my own video rental store. I just wish I had time to look at them. By the time it gets dark around here, it is blogging time, and the next thing I know: it's 1 or 2 AM.
Leslie Limon -- I know the black and white complaint. In Salem, I popped in a copy of Citizen Kane for a friend. He left solely because it was in black and white. And he is in his 50s. He hated Schindler's List for the same resaon.
Calypso -- You think so? It always leaves me exhilerated. Maybe that is why I became a lawyer. Nothing like a good fight to get the systems up and running.
Now I know the source of all your enthusiasm for being single.
I like reading Virginia Woolf. I only own about a dozen movies. I like them but not as much as books.
Anonymous -- My missionary work started early.
Laurie -- I agree, Laurie. My books always outrank my movies. And that is one reason I have not seen many of my movies: I have been reading.
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