getting back on schedule

If I could use an excuse for not posting recently I'd say: the movies I have been watching are not ones that others have been watching and discussing. Anyway, here's my list with some uninspired thoughts. Now that Lisa's back and it's the end of the year, I want to try for regular posting again. I'm going to try to make a 2011 push (like Brandon and Jeff) in order to see all the films I should before it's Top Ten time. Hopefully, that will put us all on common movie ground for a while.

What I've seen since my last post:

• Carnivale Seasons 1 & 2 - I have both seasons on DVD and would happily pass them off to anyone interested. It's a slow moving show that rewards close viewing. Often things from early episodes don't pay off until many episodes later. I read somewhere that it's a good show for those who thought that Twin Peaks was too straightforward. 
• Splendor in the Grass (dir. Kazan, 1961) - Another melodramatic drama that I loved, loved, loved. 
• Page One (dir. Rossi, 2011) - An interesting look behind the scenes of the NYT's. 
• The 400 Blows (dir. Traffaut, 1959) - I have yet to see a Traffaut film that I don't like. 
• Another Earth (dir. Cahill, 2011) - I'm a little upset that more people are not talking about this film. Sure, the premise doesn't really hold up scientifically, but it's really a philosophical "what if" story masked as sci-fi. It would be too much to say that it needs to be viewed as a metaphor but not enough to say the audience is expected to buy into it all. 
• HappyThankYouMorePlease (dir. Radnor, 2010) - I did not find much to like about this other than it was cute and occasionally funny. 
• Circumstance (dir. Keshavaraz, 2011) - One of the best of the year. Surprisingly sexy and political but also a strong portrayal of the many forms of repression. Besides that this film is also beautiful to look at.

Chris, have you read East of Eden? It's one of my favorite novels (though To a God Unknown is my favorite Steinbeck book), which is actually why I haven't watched the movie. I'm wondering how it compares. 

Also, I thought the season finale of Boardwalk Empire was awesome. Part of me is bummed about the outcome but it was unexpected and really elevated some of the characters to a whole new level. I can't wait to see what next season will bring.

John, Bored to Death does get better, but I'm not entirely sure you'll enjoy it. Anyway, it was just cancelled, which is too bad because Season 3 was the best yet. Everything really started to come together. 

I'm really jealous that Brandon has seen Martha Marcy May Marlene and A Dangerous Method. I can't wait to see both of them.