The Whitakers vs. The Del-Mar-Twists

Reader Request
I received an e-mail last week from a reader named Jackson asking me a troubling question. He and his friend, I was quickly informed, both love Far From Heaven AND Brokeback Mountain (ohhh how I love my readers) and they want me to decide which is better. Solve that toss-up dilemma!

They were each Gold Medalists in their respective years in my personal awards (2002 & 2005). Normally I'm very averse to matchups between separate years. It's hard enough to make qualitative choices in one given year betwen 100 or so films (and yes, I am a bit behind in my screenings this year --shut up) let alone comparing entries from previous years. This is why I'm so slow to ever do "best of all time lists" --I love too much. I love too many.

Still, I took this reader challenge and watched this Focus Feature double. They share a same basic tragedy: multiple miseries springing from the denial of love. They share other obvious traits, too. Both received triple Oscar nominations for their brilliant performances --huh, what's that? Heaven only received one? Stupid Academy!

And then there's the little matter of gay. Heaven and Brokeback have memorable twin sequences wherein a wife goes nearly catatonic at the surprise sight of her "all man" husband macking on, well, another man. And speaking of homosexuality --it's a major element...though it is rarely articulated. They (that is characters in both films) refer to it as "this thing." Heaven, though, adds a rather brilliant touch in that the men aren't the only closet cases. Cathy Whitaker (Julianne Moore) is also hiding her true feelings for the man she loves (Raymond, her black gardener played by Dennis Haysbert) --so though the film isn't as audience accessible as the later iconic hit, it also reaches out with a wide intelligent embrace. This, the fear of love and society's ignorant backlash, is not just a gay concern.

I knew all of this already dear readers. But I was still surprised by the experience of watching them back to back. They make for fascinating twins. Fraternal, mind you, despite all of their identicals. Consider:

Period Piece. Heaven takes place in 1957-1958 or thereabouts. Brokeback begins just six years later but the similarities end there. These are entirely different worlds. The first is a spin on cinematic renderings of the era, the second using realism. Both have tremendous production values but Heaven's intrigue me more. Just how does this hyperstylized world so obviously speak directly to the 'now' whilst also paying tribute and critiquing the 'then'? It's an impressive balancing act.


Heavy Drinking. Within the first six minutes of both films the gays are drinking. The boys sure do like their booze. Further inebriated episodes follow for both Frank Whitaker (Dennis Quaid) in Heaven and Jack and Ennis in Brokeback. But in this bender matchup I'll take Brokeback since Frank's drinking tends to lead to public humiliations while Jack and Ennis's lead to roughhousing and, um, roughsex. If you include the girls in the mix, though, Heaven closes the bar. Heath acts the hell out of a hangover, but who can compete with that daquiri soaked girltalk scene?


The Great Wide Open. Heaven features stunningly designed yet highly claustrophic interiors with saturated colors and foreboding shadows. Brokeback's interiors are understandably drab. But notice how true love always takes place outdoors. Jack and Ennis are only happy in nature. Cathy and Raymond discover their love there, too. True love, you see, is completely natural. No matter what Mona Lauder thinks of it! In this pairing I am camping with the Brokeback boys. For obvious reasons.


Marry Me A Little. Heaven has just the one confusing marriage and painful divorce. Brokeback ups the ante with two doomed brides and grooms. I'm closer to Heaven here, which has a wittier take on its central marriage.


Hung Up On You. Both films have a heartbreaking telephone call just prior to their conclusion. Heaven's features a weary Cathy scheduling her divorce paperwork with Frank and carries a sharp sting. But this contest goes to Brokeback which is more like a gutpunch. It's one of those very complex scenes in which two characters (Anne Hathaway's and Heath Ledgers) total strangers say all sorts of things and hear all sorts of things without anything much ever being said. Awesome.


Clothes. A most endearing twin trait of these two grand movies is that they both place an enormous amount of emotional baggage onto an item(s) of clothing. Obviously Cathy Whitaker's favorite scarf, retrieved by her beloved gardener and then worn while watching him depart forever is the more beautiful piece to have in your wardrobe but emotionally those two old shirts hanging together, one inside the other for twenty years, wipe me out. Brokeback sure does know how to work the tearducts.

After three viewings, Brokeback packs a bigger emotional wallop. It has always been, obviously, the more accessible. But Heaven, after five viewings, still holds me completely in a cineastic-fantastic trance. I never ever want to fast forward. It doesn't make me choke up as much (at least not anymore on the fifth or sixth viewing) but I find its complex mix of tones to be so hugely ambitious and mostly successful that it ekes out the overall victory. Plus it has Patty Clarkson so... points for that.

Still and all --Far From Heaven AND Brokeback Mountain are superbly sung battle cries for true love lost to fear and ignorance. So is this contest even fair? It's practically a duet. It's like asking me if I prefer air or water. The film fanatic in me needs both movies to survive.

*

Which do you prefer, readers?
And can you guess how depressed I was after I watched them back to back?

previous reader requests: Dolly Parton in the Movies (for Dusty) Best Child Actors (for John T) Classics I Haven't Seen (for Glenn) Favorite Animals (for Cal) Cher (for David) and The Sound of Music (for Becky)

tags: Brokeback Mountain, Far From Heaven, movies, homosexuality, queer, Jake Gyllenhaal, Julianne Moore, Heath Ledger

Carol. Amber. Sarah. Linda. Cathy

Someone please... Todd? P.T.? Neil? You who know her best --give her another woman worthy of their company.

Hump Day Hottie: Cheyenne Jackson

So, it’s been three months since this blog’s ‘Hump Day Hotties’ first season concluded. None of you have exactly been e-mailing me begging me to bring it back or anything pleasingly participatory like that… (Are you lurkers unionized or what? You’re just not budging towards hitting that comment button) but I’ve been missing it. And I’m the boss. So here we go again: SEASON 2. Every Wednesday.

I thought about kicking things off with a little shout out to birthday boy Topher Grace who turns 28 today. But I figure I’ve enthused enough about him in the past. (I really do see/hope for a BIG future coming his way.) And of course, I share JA’s enthusiasm about every shot in that Spidey 3 trailer, including the one of Topher looking skyward, presumably at our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man. I'm sure Topher will get lots of play on this blog next summer when that film arrives.

And then I thought about debuting with international metrosexual icon David Beckham since I slept with him a couple of nights ago (well, I did. In a dream but whatevs) but he’s not a movie person and the World Cup is over and I’m not that into him anyway, so…


Today’s hump day hottie is for another birthday boy man, Cheyenne Jackson who some of you may have seen as one of the bravest of the United 93 passengers in movie theaters this past spring.

Cheyenne is a hottie for a number of reasons
1. Well, look at him. There’s that.
2. He’s an out gay man in an industry that still rewards/prefers their on camera types firmly inside the closet.
3. Well, look at him.
4. He loves animals. The best people always do.
5. He’s a Broadway baby, too. Sings like a dream and recently starred in the Elvis songbook musical All Shook Up!

And because I like to share the wealth. Humpy links:
Evil Discussor “who would you like to hump today?”
Lone Star Verve ‘who made you go “aught”?’ about my poll –cute ;)

Links: Episode #172

Chew on these:
Fametracker just can’t care about Adrian Grenier.
Reverse Shot’s Film Enthusiast with an unpopular opinion on one Mr. Depp.
Music is My Boyfriend makes a disturbing “fated to be related” claim.
Gallery of the Absurd’s brain freeze for Jude Law.
Defamer on “thinspiration” featuring Keira Knightley and other Hollywood shriveling starlets.

Eiko Ishioka

Today marks the birthday of a true visionary, Eiko Ishioka. Though this artist has been enriching the world for 67 years now I first became aware of her work when watching Francis Ford Coppola’s gonzo take on Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992) for which she designed the costumes. In interviews at the time Coppola suggested that his original idea was for the costumes to function almost as set design … as if they alone would carry the entire burden of creating the films eery visually spectacular world. Ishioka deservedly won the Oscar for her breathtaking work.

Disappointingly for screen costume enthusiasts like myself, Ishioka spreads her talents over many fields (album covers, music videos, poster design, theatrical costuming, etc…) so her film efforts are few and far between. Generally her work is seen only a couple of times a decade on our movie screens. But within the next year or so we’ll have two (!!!) movies touched by Ishioka. First up is The Fall a reteaming with Tarsem Singh for whom she costumed The Cell (2000) . The second is a Spanish drama about a feminist mystic, Saint Teresa, starring Paz Vega.


Links to Love:
Eiko directs Björk in "Cocoon"
Eiko Ishioka on The Cell
Eiko and Cirque du Soleil
Eiko books

Heidi & Tim Return to Save Television

Tonight on Bravo, Project Runway returns and all is right again with television. Or so I hope. Because, really, there's not a better (unscripted) show.


It's impossible to predict who will become this season's breakouts having not seen the first episode yet. Last year Daniel V tried to steal my allegiance from Nick (but it didn't quite work) and most surprising: I never saw Kara sneaking up into my affections but toward the end of the season, I was definitely sweet on her.

Must-read/see for Runway lovers:
Tim Gunn dishes to the Chicago Tribune. Including this choice bit:

"My darling little Dan has become a terrible diva. And it’s really unattractive."

Yahoo'! TVs casting special peek

Get in That Directors Chair!

Whenever I get a little anxious for a new film season --yes, I’m kinda over summer already. I think it was that commercial for Pirates of the Caribbean 3 Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest that did it-- I start dreaming about future films. Not necessarily ones I know are arriving soon (I already previewed my most awaited for this year) but projects I hope to see or people I hope get more work. Here are five directors (either fairly new or unprolific) that I’m most anxious to see working again:



Paul Thomas Anderson we already wished him a happy birthday last week and expressed excitement that he’s filming again. He’s made four full length features. None of them have been any less than very good. Great track record. Robert Altman has long been cited as a major influence of Anderson’s. Perhaps he can take a page from Altman’s book and get prolific. That may be a far fetched dream but it’s a sweet one.

Kimberly Peirce has only one feature to her name but it was impressive. 1999’s Boys Don’t Cry won lots of just praise for Hilary Swank & Chloe Sevigny’s moving duet but strangely, Peirce herself, who guided the entire riveting film didn’t seem to gain as much heat from the project. IMDB lists her next project (cross your fingers) as being an Iraq war drama with Ryan Phillipe and Channing Tatum but earlier rumors this year had her making a family drama with Charlize Theron next. I don’t care what she does… just so long as she does something already. It’s been seven years. What gives?

Baz Luhrmann. Surely everyone reading knows my affection for this Aussie wunderkind. In the past 15 years he’s made exactly three films, all of them part of his highly theatrical “red curtain trilogy” (Strictly Ballroom, Romeo + Juliet, Moulin Rouge!). I love the style and even if he changes it up considerably for his next project, I’m anxious. How long exactly will we have to wait? The Alexander project obviously died after Oliver Stone made his first. Now, the fourth Luhrmann film is supposed to be a romantic epic starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman. That pairing sounds orgasmic on paper. The trick for Luhrmann as a filmmaker is that now, after Moulin Rouge!, anything less than "Spectacular! Spectacular!” just won’t do.

Fernando Eimbcke made my favorite feature so far this year, the Mexican comedy Duck Season. I know next to nothing about him or his filmography or what’s next (maybe Mexican readers can enlighten us?) but he was totally charming at the Toronto Film Festival and I can’t wait to see the follow-up.

Finally we have Jonathan Glazer. He wowed with his moody, exciting debut Sexy Beast and then floored me with his sophomore effort, the haunting and challenging Birth which I think about more than most of the films in my top ten list for that year. He also made two of the best music videos ever, Radiohead’s “Karma Police” and Jamiroquai’s “Virtual Insanity”. He’s clearly someone to watch --in just about every sense of the phrase.

Agree? Disagree? Who would be on your list of five? And if you're new to the blog, check out the whole thing.

Who's the Boss?

I'm short on time this week --you may have noticed from sparser posting. My mind is on jobs, career, etc... So here's a discussion topic for you.



Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestley in The Devil Wears Prada is my current movie obsession. Some other memorable tyrant/bosses that have drifted to my mind when thinking about her: Harold Zidler in Moulin Rouge! Gig Young in They Shoot Horses, Don't They?, Bill in Kill Bill --all of them seem to demand not just work but body and soul commitment.

Could you ever work for any of these people?
If not, have you ever seen a movie boss that you could work for? Discuss in the comments, share horror stories, or movie-work related dreams...

Linkville

Hollywood
My New Plaid Pants has a great Meryl Streep/Joss Whedon moment regarding Whedon's excellent writing of strong female characters.
VH1 Movie News on Pirates 3. I figured you should read about the third film in the trilogy since you've just seen the commercial for it second film, Dead Man's Chest.
The Wow Report "Who's Suri Now?" Yet more creepiness from the TomKat camp. I used to find Cruise's freakishness mildly amusing but he's passing into the Michael Jackson zone in this past year. I don't want to hear anymore. So why am I linking? I don't know. The trainwreck aspect I suppose.

Off Hollywood
FourFour on "A Confederacy of Dunces"
Towleroad with more political maneuvering given the disappointing NY ruling on gay marriage. My question is starting to become this. Just how long will it take before the GLBT community is treated with respect and actual informed discussion rather than used as bait in divisive political power struggles?

Wee Fan. Enormous Star.

A random thought on Monday morning...

If you have never met a famous person you should believe the stereotypical general reaction: "they're so tiny!" This is not to say that actors are shorter than average. It just betrays the curious distorting effect of seeing someone in reality whom you have only known blown up to incredible proportions on movie screens or who have perhaps occupied more space than is natural in your dreams. It would probably take celebrities all being 7' tall in real life to not provoke this "they're tiny!" reaction.


I myself am 5'10" which is the exact average height for a white male (indicated by the red line and Matt Damon in this illustration -click to enlarge). I find it terribly disconcerting to imagine meeting Johnny Depp. We would look directly into each other's eyes. Despite the largesse of my fandom we are the same size?! I almost don't believe it. But it's true. It was somehow more comforting to brush shoulders on the sidewalk with the 6-foot Uma Thurman my first month in New York seven years ago. It also felt right see Hugh Jackman (6'2) towering over his fans waiting for autographs outside his Broadway show. Meeting the 5'5" Julianne Moore who I have (literally) built shrines to and painted portraits of and seeing her look up at me while I babbled incoherently in her divine presence was just totally bizarre.

They are tiny in real life, despite their enormous stature in our celluloid dreams.

"That's All"

"That's all" tossed off brilliantly and often by the grand Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada has to be considered the early leader for Movie Quote of 2006. It will probably become so ubiquitous that everyone will hate it by year's end like that exuberant "Show me the money!" or the whispered, frightened "I see dead people."

Streep has to be considered a lock for a Globe nom and highly probable for the whole trifecta of nominations (SAG and Oscar to follow). But I'm hoping somewhere in this certain awards hoopla for the great lady of American cinema that people notice that this whole ensemble is sharp. That's far less likely of course. But anyway --where has Emily Blunt, who plays first assistant "Emily", been all my life? And an even more incredible question: How did I not realize that this was the same actress that played seductive Tamsin in My Summer of Love? I went home and immediately looked her up on the IMBD (always a good sign). I am officially in love.

As for Anne Hathaway, she proves a capable lead actress. Good for her. I watched Brokeback Mountain again this weekend and was surprised to find that her performance keeps on improving. That phone scene with Ennis is superb and shaded stuff. It's better and fuller every time as if I'm still catching up with her achievement. Whether you have a lot to work with and a great signature line (a la Meryl in Devil) or very little screentime with one truly complex scene (Anne in Brokeback) you deserve the hoopla when you nail it.

Brava.

Say What? Lady

Two winners this week for amusing dialogue ads or captions. First up is ModFab with a topical spin. (Go see that movie. The Al Gore one not the Shyamalan --you probably don't need prodding for the latter given the usual opening weekend takes)

(Go see that movie. The Al Gore one not the Shyamalan --you probably don't need prodding for the latter given the usual opening weekend takes)

And we also have Trashbag Kid with a Oscar related funny...

Movie Stars Video Stars

Music Video Week

Being a crazed movie freak my #1 pet peeve of music videos --back in the day of course, they're not so important or widely seen these days-- was when movie soundtracks would just use clips from the movies to sell a soundtrack single. They should have always been giving the fans a little something extra: use the movie stars as MTV stars, too! So I thought I'd share a few videos starring screen icons who actually went that extra mile to entertain their fans.

Here are Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny DeVito (hot boxoffice stuff in the mid80s) in Billy Ocean's "When the Going Gets Tough" --this song/video is so 80s but the stars are having fun: good for them. Ditto the next one: Winona Ryder, Cher, and Christina Ricci goofing off with the "Shoop Shoop" song from Mermaids in the early 90s. Can you believe how tiny and cutie Ricci is? Remember when Cher used to act? How much does this clip remind you of how awesome Winona Ryder used to be?



And since I left Madonna out of Music Video week (can u believe it? i'm just trying to keep you guessing) you know I have to make room for my other girl Michelle. Here she is as the star of Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise". I dig all those gorgeous shots of her face all chiaroscuro. You may recall that That Little Roundedheaded Boy did a whole write up on this video back when the film experience hosted the Michelle Pfeiffer Blog-a-thon. That post at TLRHB has mysteriously disappeared but it was fun while it lasted. Anyway --here is the video:



Michelle starts that video asking "you wanna tell me what this is all about?" but though I dig the song I never actually hear the answer. La Pfeiffer is so yummy I forget to breathe let alone listen.

*

Previously on Music Video Week:
Annie Lennox's Revolution * Melissa Etheridge Wants Angelina Jolie * Missy Make Me Lose Control * To Lindsay on her 20th Birthday

tags: Michelle Pfeiffer, music, MTV, Cher, Winona Ryder

Annie Lennox's Revolution

Music Video Week

Annie Lennox belongs to that rare breed of pop star musicians who could also have been actors but were too married to the musical life to cheat. Like Tina Turner (Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome) before her and Björk (Dancer in the Dark) after her when she's been onscreen (Revolution, Edward II) she's had potent screen presence. But she's just not interested.

The following two clips are two of my favorite moments from her solo career post Eurythmics. The first is her video to Little Bird. She performs on a cabaret stage while all the past famous versions of her self (played for the most part by drag queens), compete for her spotlight. It's an idea that Madonna really should have thought of first. She probably turned green when she saw it. In the second clip Annie sings the classic Queen tune "Under Pressure" with another musician who happens to makes a decent actor, David Bowie. At the end of this superb number he refers to her as "the most exquisite..." which is a very good and true call on his part.

Watch and marvel.



And finally... the reason for "music video week" in the first place. This is arguably my favorite music video of all time (yes, I argue with myself all the time. shut up). It's "Beethoven (I Love to Listen To)" from one of the least successful Eurythmics records Savage which happens to be their very best CD anyway --so screw the fickle public. The sometimes rowdy sometimes haunting always inventive Savage has an entire video album to go with it and if you can get your hands on it I highly recommend. It's the best of all "video albums" that I personally have seen. Providing more proof of the actress within, Annie plays three characters throughout: herself, a slutty chaunteuse (so stylized she's practically a drag queen herself), and a psychotic dowdy housewife.


"Some women think that they don't count..."

Annie Lennox is obviously not one of those unfortunate self-doubting women. She's been rocking the charts and amazing the world for decades. She's rumored to be ready to --or in the process of-- recording again. That news makes me smile because: Annie Lennox (I Love to Listen To)


Previous Music Video Posts:
Melissa Etheridge Wants Angelina Jolie, Missy Make Me Lose Control, To Lindsay on her 20th Birthday

tags: Annie Lennox, music, MTV, eurythmics, David Bowie

Stardust (Again)!

Yes I'm getting obsessed.

You know how I said there were no good pics of this Matthew Vaughn adaptation of the Neil Gaiman book online yet? Well, Aint It Cool News has relieved the drought with a set visit and everything.

Here is a photo of Michelle Pfeiffer as Lamia, one of an evil sisterhood of witches (but she's the only one with a real storyline). My heart is racing...

Emmy Nominations

You can see a complete list here. I am a notorious Emmy hater (the worst of the major real awards groups --on autopilot so often and when they're not they often exhibit bad taste anyway) so I shan't go on and on about it. but I will say these quick things:

Comedy
Arrested Dev., Curb Your Enthusiasm, Office, Scrubs, Two And A Half Men
Why spoil a splendid lineup with that last whaaa? selection. That 'Men' show is painfully generic. I guess 5 out of 5 would be too much to ask Kinda surprising that they punish Desperate Housewives for a weak second season given that it usually takes Emmy 3 years to notice a show has gone sour. But when they nominate an ever lesser show in its place it sorta defeats the point, don't you think?

Drama
Grey’s Anatomy, House, The Sopranos, 24, The West Wing
The drama category is always about big hits. And clearly The West Wing is to Emmy what crack is to Whitney. They just can't help themselves. Sadly some of televisions freshest and most fascinating shows like Big Love, Battlestar Galactica and Huff had to pick up mere scraps for nominations. The most inexplicable snubs? The touching last season of Six Feet Under and last year's Drama winner Lost both got heftier nomination totals than 60% of this lineup but still didn't place for the main prize. (???)


Finally allow me this self-indulgent cry of pain: The Emmy Voters ignored my discerning "TV Giveth. TV Taketh Away" post and to spite me gave Alfre Woodard a nomination for her thankless nothing role on Desperate Housewives whilst ignoring Mary McDonnell's best and juiciest role ever on Battlestar Galactica. This proves once and for all that Emmy votes either a) don't watch their tapes. b) are hopeless idiots or c) want me to suffer.

Stupid Voters!

tags: Desperate Housewives, TV, awards, emmy nominations, Battlestar Galactica

I'm Still Sick. Here Are Links. Good Night.

popwatch on the avalanche of Meryl Prada raves. Third Oscar?
Cinephilia Arden loves Captain Jack. Even more than I do. WOW
Blog of the Future thinks Keanu is fanning old flames.
E! has AMPAS invitees. Heath but no Michelle (!) Dakota Fanning (?)
As Little As Possible has them too. But is funnier.
The Gilded Moose Intervention: Jake Gyllenhaal
ModFab on a MUST-SEE Broadway event. They'reeeee back.
Arjan Writes w/ a rainbow colored Scissors Sisters peek.
Gothamist Karen Allen appearing @ Raiders screening in NYC.

Lois Lane. Lost in Translation

Though I enjoyed Superman Returns (and hopefully there'll be a review to come) I think one of its principal deficiencies is in its reimagining of Lois Lane. Otherwise in this film you'll find an unmistakable reverence for previous incarnations of its characters, particularly the Man of Steel himself. Superman has been away five years according to the plot but he's barely changed at all. He's still old-fashioned, heroic, and pure of heart. Bryan Singer and Co. weren't trying to update him for what's fashionable for heroes today: no sudden dark side emerges a la popular comic-to-movie heroes like Batman and Wolverine. So why then the new and quite changed Lois?


In the drawing above from an early Superman comicbook you might notice that Lois resembles a certain queen of screwball. She's like a 2D Rosalind Russell in His Girl Friday. The great thing about Lois Lane was that she was in a very modern sense, Superman's equal. (Even a previous tv version was wise to this calling the series "Lois & Clark") Or, more specifically, and to great comic effect: she absolutely believed that she was. One of her most endearing traits is that though she is narratively always the classic "damsel in distress", it's the last persona she'd ever picture for herself.

Which is why it's so hilarious and perfect in the first couple of Supermans that Margot Kidder is gritty, odd, gutsy and weirdly sexy/disarming. Take the classic oft-quoted exchange when Superman catches Lois falling from a building:

Superman: "I've got you."
Lois: "You've got me. Who's got you?"

That is Lois Lane. A little funny. A little too abrasive. A little blind to her own vulnerabilities. And this is why Parker Posey, stuck cracking us up in the background as Lex's girl, should have been cast in the role. It's the first thing my friend and I said to each other when we were exiting the theater. 'Why wasn't Parker Lois instead?' In the new film the feisty Lois gets shut up tight inside of Kate Bosworth's soft, lovely, brokenhearted damsel in distress. Lois is still the teensiest bit mouthy but she's far more generically 'the girl who is waiting for her man to save her.' The way I see it, the real Superman would never have been able to pick her out of a crowd.

[For more discussion of this same issue, there's a good conversation going on over @ Cinemarati. -ed]

tags: Kate Bosworth, movies, cinema, comic books, Bryan Singer, Parker Posey, Superman, films, Superman Returns

Melissa Etheridge Wants Angelina Jolie

Music Video Week

Pop culture has a very short memory but I'm like an elephant. I don't forget. Which is why, amidst all the hoopla surrounding the international romance of the Jolie-Pitts, one question keeps haunting me that no one else is asking: When is Angelina going to star in an Etheridge video?

Brad Pitt's girls always do.

One of my favorite and most adorably subtextual Hollywood friendships is the longstanding one between Melissa Etheridge and Brad Pitt. They've been friends now for at least a dozen years. When Melissa's ex (also the ex-Mrs. Lou Diamond Phillips) got pregnant some years ago there was even initial tabloid speculation that Brad was the sperm donor. It turned out to be David Crosby so hopefully the kid never learns of what might-have-been.

And now: a trilogy in reverse chronological order. First up is Jennifer Aniston wandering around bars and parties looking for a little of Brad's love (it's gone girlfriend --let it go) in the Melissa Etheridge video "I Wanna Be in Love." Then, Gwyneth Paltrow doing her trademarked manic-depressive act as she stalks her married Bradlover from a car in "I Wanna Come Over." Brad does not appear in any of the videos... but surely he is there in spirit. He is Melissa or Melissa is he or--I don't know. All I know is that someone needs to snatch up this friendship and its parallel romantic obsession videos for the subject of their doctoral thesis. Just thank me in the acknowledgements.



Finally we come to the best and the first so I saved it for last. It's the truly brilliant Juliette Lewis losing her mind for the love o' Brad in Melissa's enduring classic "Come to My Window".



If I were Melissa Etheridge and I was recording my next record I'd be locking up a few dates on Angelina Jolie's globe-trotting schedule right now. She can fit you in somewhere. Why not make a whole video album starring Angie? Think of the exotic location shooting? She might do it for Brad. If she refuses, I shudder to think of the consequences: the universe torn asunder, hell frozen over, the sky falling.

For this is the way of things: Brad's women becoming Melissa's until the end of all our days.


Related Posts:A History of... Angelina Jolie

Hate Her

I don't try to keep hating on the Skank. But she makes it so unavoidable for me. Now she's telling personal crap about her ex-husband's failings as if he doesn't have enough problems, being dumped by his more successful wife... now he's got everyone knowing his personal troubles. What a thoughtful gal.

If this "girl from a trailer park" manages to parlay this latest self-serving pity-party into even more accolades and fame I swear to God I will end up in an institution.

FYC: Gretchen Mol as "Bettie Page"

Next week @ The Film Experience I'll be counting down the 5 most likely Oscar Nominees from the releases we've seen from January to Jun. At week's end I'll do a revamp of my "year in advance Oscar predictions" to mark the halfway point. But as a preview let's talk about a performance that didn't make that list.

For Your Consideration:
Gretchen Mol as The Notorious Bettie Page
I think that Gretchen's people and the folks at Picturehouse ought to plop some money down on this as an early campaign. Some of you may be chuckling 'He's really lost it now!' so perhaps I should explain. You'd be smart to dispel any foolish notions that a film released in April that grossed under $2 million and that didn't win rave reviews has too many strikes against it for Oscar consideration. That just doesn't happen. At least not for a star without a built in Academy fanbase.

Silly to imagine, right?

So why do I think they should waste their promotional dollars? Longterm investment in her career. Short term investment in the film's DVD rental/sales life. You need buzz to get traction in the year-end awards races and with the right campaign Gretchen Mol could harness the power of her "career changing performance" into at least some Golden Satellite / Independent Spirit style action. And think of how fun a campaign could be for the right brilliant strategist....

Read the Rest...

Return and discuss in the comments.

tags: Oscars, Academy Awards, Bettie Page, Gretchen Mol, Awards, film, cinema

Woe is He

I have been sick now for like three days with one of these nasty summer colds. I'm hating on the congested head, dizziness, fitful--[This interrupted sickbed complaint has been brought to you by Nathaniel's self-pitying boredom whilst shut in for a holiday week. Please talk amongst yourselves in the comments to drown out the coughing, sneezing, and whining noises. Thank you. -Editor]

Linkluster

Movies
Docurama for fans of documentaries. Here's a site with a chance to win an entire festival on DVD. You can also watch the first minutes of each film.
TV
nOvaslim w/ an interesting bit on the Star Jones fall. Me, I'm just eager for Rosie's comeback whatever form it takes. Plus a funny (faked) YouTube reaction to Star's goodbye.
Bravo mark your calendars. Heidi and Co. are back a week from today [cue: thunderous applause and tears of joy] for another season of the most addictive show of all Project Runway.
Music
Guardian Unlimited on the secret history of gay pop from the Tornados to Bowie to Frankie Goes to Hollywood.
DListed reveals Madonna's H&M spread.

"beautiful and very scary"

*my thanks to reader Aileen for this tidbit

Incredibly talented author Neil Gaiman, who Michelle Pfeiffer pfanatics know is fond of the actress, seems appropriately excited about her turn in next year's Stardust, a film version of his bestseller. He's now seen one of her scenes in the editing room. On his blog he recounts his reaction to a rough cut (he likes the movie but is careful to mention that it's not "the book" since that would take a miniseries) and he also shares his excitement about visiting the set to watch her big violent climactic scene being filmed.

Pictures from the set are still not plentiful online other than that first distant batch of Pfeiffer on a chariot and wearing a big black coat off camera.

In other Michelle news, she's in the current issue of Saga a magazine from the UK. (Full Article)

previous related posts: Stardust Watch anticipation, Pfeiffer Forever The Blog-a-Thon, I Could Never Be Your YouTube (Preview Clip),

"Now she's queer for Uncle Sam"

Music Video Week

OK, so technically the following is not a music video but what are musical videos other than the evolution of the movie musical? One could argue that musicals never died in popularity but instead they just lost their longform narrative purpose. Anyway -- semantics. People singing! People dancing! Choreography!

"America" is today's video selection. I thought it appropriate given the holiday. This is only one of the greatest musical numbers ever from the greatest musical ever. On every level this piece is a true marvel. It works as old fashioned spectacle, as narrative advancement, as comic relief, and as sociopolitical commentary, too. When it's over I always feel so exhausted with joy that I'm surprised that Rita Moreno and her friends actually laugh rather than collapse on that famous rooftop.



West Side Story links:
Stinky Lulu's ode to Rita Moreno's history making Oscar win.
YouTube -a video from mcas1dans1 that shows how modern the choreography of WSS really is by juxtaposing it with modern dance music. Cool.
The Greatest Films - a synopsis and discussion.

Incredibly Random Star-F**king Goodness

Queerty loves The Devil Wears Prada. Re: it's box office, I love that I called that this would be a big hit and no one believed me. One reader actually told me privately 'you're crazy. Only gay men will want to see that' and I also staunchly defended its unusual trailer (just one scene) which some people hated but which totally did the trick: i.e. introduced the characters. Made you want more...
Oh No They Didn't on Keira Knightley's skeleton.
Just Jared w/ photos of God and her family. So many redheads! I'm glad she's multiplying and replenishing the earth, good talented genes and all... but I hope she starts making good movies again.
Female First on the "top gays" Sir Ian rules. Oh, and that pic above is of Gandalf marching in London pride with a guy who is rumored to be his new boyfriend (the guy to the left in the Blondie t-shirt) --if you haven't yet voted on the fav actor right now poll Ian is one of your contestants.

and just because it's the Fourth doesn't mean we can't be critical...
Cinematical on South Korea's quota drop for Hollywood films. My opinion? A very bad move on South Korea's part. The countries that survive, cinematically speaking, put quotas on these things and their citizenry is thus coaxed to see their own good stuff and Off-Hollywood cinema survives ...as it should. Cinematical also has an intriguing post on the 'anti-american accusational brouhaha over Superman Returns. I totally agree with their take.

And why am I showing this picture of Matthew Barney and Chlöe Sevigny chatting it up? Well, like the Ian pic and Keira link above it's from Oh No They Didn't. The photo is labelled something like 'the talented Chlöe Sevigny'. You know that I worship celebrities as much as the next person and enjoy the gossip blogs but crap like this bugs. When one of the most important celebrated artists in the world (and Mr. Björk to boot) is standing next to a talented indie actress, shouldn't he at least get a mention? I mean think about it. He's far more important to the art world than Sevigny is to the gossip / celebrity world. Grrrr. It's like seeing a photo of Nicole Kidman with Barack Obama on a political blog and the blog just saying "the wonderful Barack Obama" ... and ignoring that one of the world's most important movie stars happens to be standing right next to him. Ah well. At least it didn't read "...and unidentified friend."

Matthew is on my brain at any rate because my friend Astroboy (who wrote those last couple of horoscopes for y'all. This is him to the left, his beau in the middle, and yours truly to the right) just went with The Boyfriend (mine. pay attention) to this exhibit "Into Me, Out of Me" at PS 1 this past Sunday and who was actually there to see the same exhibit? Matthew Barney, Björk, and their daughter Isabella. Astroboy, who feels about Björk the way I feel about La Pfeiffer, was entirely beside himself and has not uttered a word about anything else for the past 48 hours. If my one and only with Michelle Pfeiffer in the flesh is any indication... he'll be talking about this day for years to come.

At one point The Boyfriend was standing next to Barney and Astroboy was standing right next to Björk as they all stared at the same exhibit. Oblivious to the art and the starfucking fandom, wee Isabella played with her necklace on the museum floor. My favorite part of the story is that at one point they saw Matthew Barney holding his daughter and pointing at his own installation in the show (which features him dangling in a harness --buck naked of course --it's Barney) and explaining it to her.

I love Matthew Barney & Björk. Loved them separately. Love them together. I obsess on Cremaster and even made it through Drawing Restraint 9 (pictured right) which completely terrorized my fragile psyche. So why did I stay home instead of seeing this exhibit with them? Bad decision on that particular Sunday afternoon, I'll tell you that.

Fourth of July

Happy Independence Day !


Have a great holiday. Be safe!

Missy Make Me Lose Control

Music Video Week
I haven't fallen in love with any new summer hit yet this year (though I'll definitely take i-Tunes suggestions in the comments) but for maximum summertime bootyshaking fun, my first choice is always Missy Elliott. This video "Lose Control" is directed by Dave Meyer. It was nominated for an MTV award for best special effects but when Missy is involved she's always the most special effect, visual, aural, otherwise.

I love the shot of her rising from the earth, shaking the dust off her before she 'loses control' what with that composite heavy booty bouncin', tail droppin and head knockin. It reminds me of another great Missy video entrance when she rises up on a giant M in the ocean for "She's a Bitch." When your film is only four minutes long, every second counts. You best know how to make an entrance. She does.

You can watch the fuzzy YouTube clip right here...

or click over to radium.com for a much more pleasurable crystal clear version. Hot!

previous Missy-related posts: "She's a Bitch @ The Movies" March 06 * iPod Lyric of the Moment Nov 05 * Missy! Missy! Missy! July 05 *

Readers Rank Brawls

Over on the Favorite Actor of the Aughts Readers Poll it's clear that you're all about the Mountain boys. Seven months later and you're still dreaming about that summer on Brokeback. 'Brokeback got you good.' Or at least 50% of you were got. The rest of you are all over the place with your votes. Clive Owen is in a robust third place but beyond him there's battles galore for dominance in this readers ranking poll.


Like for instance Jude Vs. Gael. That was my internal struggle for the #1 spot in my mammoth project counting these men down. But you're apparently having the same struggle since they're virtually tied (2 votes apart currently). They're just behind another virtual tie: Christian Bale vs. Johnny Depp who keep leapfrogging each other (Depp currently has the advantage by a mere 4 readers). This poll closes at the end of the week. It's anyone's guess who will win these battles as procrastinating readers join in to have their say.


And who'da thunk I'd get to reuse this graphic from a previous poll... Russell Vs. Sean. But there they are fighting like mad for 8th place. Currently one measly vote ahead is Russell. 10th spot? That's anyones guess with the other dozen guys in the polling.


I always feel so immature when I'm making these "fight" graphics --like I have a black marker and I'm drawing mustaches on faces or adding naughty bits to bodies in my parents magazines. But we're supposed to play with our inner child right? It's fun!

Anyway... if you don't like the way these votes are going, rally the troops for your man in this heated battle.

Enough About Me. Let's Talk About You. What Do You Think of Me?

When I've asked for requests / opinions about the site in the past, I've been told by more than one reader that they enjoy me just following my muse herein. That's a truly lovely thing to hear and it's much appreciated. But this time I'm digging for specifics about what you most like and don't cotton to, etc...

For those who like me to surprise them, I'm hardly one to abandon my muse based on stats or polls. So don't worry. This blog won't get rigid. For example: I'm gonna be talking about Michelle Pfeiffer until I die, no matter how uninterested the rest of y'all may be. The idea of this survey is just that it will help me hone what I'm already doing now or maybe give me more ideas when I'm having less inspired weeks, etc...

So take the survey readers. Do it for me!

P.S. Thank you to Gabriel for this prompt.

Good Reads

movie
"Meryl Streep vs. Duct Tape" ~Fametracker
movie
"In Defense of Star Jones" ~ultranow
"So What Did You Do Today?" ~tyiafu
your participation is required
"Which Super Hero Are You" ~but i always liked a good storm (I was also Spider-Man which might explain why I love him so.)

To Lindsay on her 20th Birthday

Happy Birthday to our girl Lindsay.


For my birthday gift to La Lohan I'd like to give her common sense and this sound advice: partying will age you before your time and will not prolong your fame (though it may prolong your infamy). Honing your craft and starring in good movies since you already have fame and star magnetism will make you immortal.

Don't throw it away like River Phoenix (overdose), Winona Ryder (too stoned to remember how to act), and a thousand other young stars before them! Instead pattern your career after the great firecrotches before you: Rita Hayworth, Ann Margret, Julianne Moore, Susan Sarandon, and Nicole Kidman. Somewhere through that coke-fueled haze and hunger you must know that these are better role models than Tara Reid.

And on that unexpectedly parental note...

Please enjoy Lindsay's sweaty dance-club hotness in the video for Rumors -it's part of a long hilarious history of exhibitionist videos (see also Michael Jackson's "Leave Me Alone") which ask you not to look at the star whilst the star shows off. Ah, celebrity delusion! As certain as death and taxes.



Consider this a kick off to a music video heavy week here at the film experience. Because sometimes music videos make excellent short films. (Not that this one does but it's La Lohan, so shut up! 'Why can't you just let her live?')

tags: Lindsay Lohan, music video, music, Hollywood

Superyuck

So last night I am in the movie theater watching Superman Returns with friends. I am a sit in the middle type o guy, always nestled between moviegoing companions like they're my bodyguards or posse. I somehow ended up on the end (what!?!) and was thus dependent on the kindness of strangers to enjoy the movie. I prayed for them to keep quiet, etc... Which they did ...

...until those lipsmacking, tongue slamming and shirt rustling noises began. Yes, the couple next to me cooed, tongued, and all but dropped to the sticky theater floor whenever the film was inbetween super setpieces. which is to say: they did this a lot since Superman Returns is pretty snail paced as these things go. I can't for the life of me figure out what event in Superman Returns --which is very nostalgia driven, G rated and sexless --prompted this tsunami of hormones in them. But boy howdy they weren't about to stop even though I was practically climbing into my girlfriend's lap to escape them.

Ewww.

At least the movie was good.

Can We Link Together? I Really -- I Really Wanna Be With You

Stinky Lulu a jumpcut of my countdown. WOW. I heart Lulu!
Low Resolution -more actress girlfights. good times.
In Contention-a note to WB on the resurgent Supes & Batman.
popbytes has the Science of Sleep trailer.
Popped Culture on the failure of that LotR musical.


...come on check it out with me. I hope you -- I hope you feel the same way too.

Weekly Horoscope -Holiday Edition

This week's horoscope is brought to you by "Astroboy" again

your guide to the stars, Astroboy, says:
"Greetings! Wow, what a week that was. I didn’t think I would survive. 14-hour days at work, 6 hours of sleep a night, I adopted a new kitten and engaged in feline warfare-relations (as the old master of the house defended his territory) and of course the solstice. Personally, I hate summer. It’s hot, muggy, dreadful - blech! I’d rather be in the southern hemisphere right now, enjoying cold and snow, as the deities intended for civilized creatures. But summer it is, and with it the 4th of July! Will your future shine like fireworks, will you be holding your own continental congress, or declaring your state of independence? Interestingly enough, most freedom must be gained through war and violence, and most of these movies deal with that very heinous reality…

The prevailing theme lately seems to be that of planetary alignments: oppositions, squares, trines and conjunctions. Imagine the wars the gods must have fought in their day- today we watch them do it all over again: bloody, gory tales of war written in the sky. It is easier to blame those conflicts on others rather than take responsibility for our actions. Do you look to the heavens for guidance, or as an excuse? Find areas of your life that need attention. Make a list of the norms in your life, the prevailing attitudes. Then focus on those that don’t make you happy. This past week's new moon is the seed time -- we are all infused with new vitality. Let yourself grow upward, as the moon is growing out. This is a natural time to start new cycles and undertake new challenges. You’ll be on the road to a better you, and a better life. "

Weekly Horoscope
June 30th -July 7th The 4th of July Edition

Aries (3.21-4.19)
You started this week feeling as though you were pushing a boulder up a mountain, but now the job is easier. It may be that colleagues and friends are now aware of their particular roles and performing them --the team finally forming. You found yourself fighting both sides, like the first all-black volunteer company in the civil war (Glory, 1989). The chain of command doesn’t always work like you’d like it to- watch out for a Water baby (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces) to fall behind the batallion. But if you help them up, they will surprise you with their heroism by the end of the week. On Sunday, someone is trying to be noticed: pay strict attention. As the week begins, notice they also have a point of view, and it may be different from yours! Let the puzzle (of which you are only one piece, Ram) fall into place.

Taurus (4.20-5.20)
Did you find yourself floundering because others are either incoherent or plain confused (mostly about $$)? You feel disoriented and touchy: a Gemini friend could add to the chaos yet offer perceptive comment. By mid week, you'll barely have to make any decisions whatsoever- charisma and magnetism decide everything. Do you feel a bit like our nation’s father (George Washington, 1984)? This man never cut corners, though you may feel so inclined. It’s your perfectionism that will earn you a reputation for courage, competence, and cool-headedness, whether you win the battle or not. All wars are roller coasters. Next week, not much will have changed, except your attitude. And what joy it is to see you at the helm of command- even if only over the most boring tasks at work. Believe in your ability to conquer.

Gemini (5.21-6.20)
You and your friends are happy, garrulous, and driven but Friday may have been a bit dull. That’s a good thing for you- you need to watch your money right now (especially if you planned that vacation I suggested last week). Don’t spend it trying to understand something you’re not meant to. It will take considerable grit and determination to sort this out since communication is challenged: family, friends, email… even figuring out where to each lunch will be hard! Remember: you don’t need words to be heard. Remember Lionel Barrymore (America, 1924)? Way before the talkies, he had made a name for himself and was an actor, composer, artist, author and director. He even invented the boom microphone!! He found many ways of sharing his voice and you can too. Share a project with someone and communicate trust: if they take it as a compliment, everyone wins!

Cancer (6.21-7.22)
The sun might not be shining on you as completely as you'd hoped. Despite good fun these are not great days to plan on a job well done. You’re either doing different things, or doing things differently. Which one will it be? Strike a deal with yourself: don’t do both. Or you’ll find yourself in the shoes of Robert Goldstein (The Sprit of ’76, 1917). In his film, he chose to show the atrocities of war commited by the British, even though being warned against it by the government. He went to jail for three years and spent at least 15 abroad: begging the Academy to give him a job. I repeat: you will NOT find yourself in this situation!! The sensitive part of you will fight you when it’s time to run from the clarity of the sun, and keep your emotions hidden from certain people, in the dim moonlight.

Leo (7.23-8.22)
I said you’d be getting a lecture next week: here it is. Friday, the Sun and Jupiter form one of the three more spectacular aspects of their annual cycle. In 2006, this accentuates issues connected to your home, property, resources and emotional base. Friday could be a key day. This is the day where deals are struck and agreements are reached. Think of Chief Joseph Brandt and his alliance with the British during the American Revolution (The Broken Chain, 1993). Your heart is at the center of your life this week, and it takes heart to emit warmth and radiance. I want you to listen to others, understand them, forge friendships. The Chief himself said: “With my people, our mothers have taught us to bring into our home those we capture. Bring them into our lives, have them come as one into our nations, share our home fires”. As his grandmother counseled: “But you must be careful not to become so fond of their ways that you forget who and what you are”. Shine brightly lion!

Virgo (8.23-9.22)
Time to finish what you started. Friday is your deadline, but the race to achieve it brings out the best in you. You’ve had this milestone for way too long. Run there, and then celebrate! You helped raise the flag at Iwo Jima (The Sands of Iwo Jima, 1949), you survived, and lived to tell the story (and for the original men who raised that flag, they lived to play themselves in the film!) You have everyone’s email addresses, and you have the social capital to make things happen. You’re the one to organize this get-together. Being the center of the social orbit is not easy, but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun. Watch out though. Someone of one of the Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio or Aquarius) is going to throw you in the pool come next week. They’re going to ask what you’re going to do next. You may not have got that far in your thinking. That’s ok: belly flop, make a lot of waves, splash around. This feeling of immersion is utterly joyful.

Libra (9.23-10.22)
Last Sunday's New Moon is the annual one at the top of your solar chart and, as usual, it highlights the need for a fresh approach to your career and objectives. It’s your turn to make a list and to leave it in prominent position. You’ve been having it pretty good, but get over yourself! You should work on a fresh start since nothing could be better in your life right now. Get caught up in your own revolution, like Johnny Tremain (Johnny Tremain, 1957). While you have much to be arrogant and conceited about, don’t get blown off-course by your own hot air. This is the time to scout out the horizon and dream big. And most importantly, put all those ideas into action with work. Your tirelessness is an amazing quality, but let yourself sleep in a bit. Who would have thought those little colonies would fight and become a great nation?

Scorpio (10.23-11.21)
The impetus for new beginnings might not have arrive for you as with other signs. It likely took the combined efforts of Water and Earth sign people to get things moving midweek. With the Sun trining Jupiter in your sign on Friday it's probable that you'll receive credit for ensuring that a project goes to plan - and possibly, some sort of (financial) recognition. Add to that the fact that you will do something that makes someone display the most beautiful smile you've ever seen. Soon it will be even harder to make decisions than it usually is for you. You may have to give in to someone else, even if it involves admitting a small amount of defeat. After Friday’s victory, you may not be having a great follow-up the first couple of days of the week, like Pacino after Scarface (Revolution, 1985). But don’t nominate yourself for any razzies, nor escape to the stage in shame for weeks to come. You’ll be shining again soon enough.

Sagittarius (11.22-12.21)
Though known as one of the more versatile and amenable signs of the zodiac, there are times when determination to the point of fixation gets the upper-hand. This week, this trait could show. You could go broke as you push an idea forward. Thankfully, a happy conclusion to another drama is almost behind you - (though you may be asked to keep the solution a secret between you and someone close). Can you keep it? Or are you more of a Benedict Arnold (Benedict Arnold, 2003). It's no one's fault. Your energies are just mismatched. You proceed through the world with a certain distinct personality and style, and many do not understand. You contend with struggles of the usual sort: people! You’re loved by those you work with, socialize with, and those who barely know you. But will you use this social power towards the greater good?

Capricorn (12.22-1.19)
Those close to may be driving you into accepting a new adventure. Part of you might be very happy about this - especially if it seems that you'll be putting down better roots as you’ve been wanting to. Another part might feel decidedly unsafe. Just like Washington crossing the Delaware (The Crossing, 2000), you’re coming out of a tricky situation but you will emerge victorious- beyond your wildest dreams. It’s nothing you can’t handle: this is Christmas 1776. Reality is not nearly as fraught as you might think, and you may actually have fun dealing with the challenges. Sometime this weekend, ringing someone you miss terribly is a fantastic idea.

Aquarius (1.20-2.18)
Take a fresh approach to your general routine. Arranging a health check-up, adjusting diet and even stream-lining working practices might all be on you agenda. You may harbour misgivings as to whether you'll reach a target (say, a march to Concord?), but so did those who shot the shot that was heard around the world (April Morning, 1988). By now, you might not only have managed to do that, you could also have pulled off a coup. Those born under Gemini and Sagittarius might be amazed with you! The spirit of the holiday may make you feel more grounded than any air sign would ever hope for. Begin the week with a mind blowing conversation with a brand-new friend. Deepen this newfound friendship by confessing something personal, and see what kind of response you get. The person you connect with most deeply isn't whom you expect it to be. Many amazing things in history have very humble beginnings. Chemistry is a funny thing.

Pisces (2.19-3.20)
Last Sunday's new moon falls in the speculative and fun area of your solar chart. Usually this might mean you'd be ready for a flutter - of the heart or of cash. You might not be ready for either. This is not the right time, and neither was it for Martin and Magdalena (Drums Along the Mohawk, 1939). That didn’t stop them from fighting though. Indeed, with the fabulous aspect forming on Friday, you might prefer to enjoy a 'delayed' New Moon and, over the weekend, celebrate the ending of a painful chapter and the opening of another where the possibilities are immediately apparent. Every impulse to be critical should be ignored. Be the friend you want to have in others. And if you feel the rhythmic beat of more than friendship, follow the slow and steady metronome that wins the war.

tags: horoscope, zodiac