Thursday, January 14, 2010

History Repeats Itself

Lately I've become a bit infatuated with old movies and actors/actresses from the 40's-60's.

I've been reading the biography of Audrey Hepburn, next in line is a book about Doris Day and then Rock Hudson.

My Netflix queue has become top heavy with things like 'How to Marry a Millionaire', 'The Man Who Knew Too Much', 'The Nun's Story' and 'Easter Parade'. I am very much enjoying them, especially as I learn more about the actors, directors and events of the time. However I am quite disappointed as I find that many of the modern movies I like are actually a rather transparent remake of old lesser known movies.


For example 'Alex and Emma' is so similar to 'Paris When it Sizzles' that it's sad. And while 'Down with Love' was honest about it's tribute to Rock Hudson and Doris Day I was still surprised by all that it had in common with 'Pillow Talk'. Now both of these and most other examples I've found don't exactly try to hide the similarity they also don't give the old classics any credit either.

Not only do I now find myself searching for the classic behind the new release but I'm also increasingly frustrated with the lack of originality in Hollywood lately. It seems everything is a remake or the very poorly done, plot changed adaptation of a book, or a pre-quel or a sequel or based on a comic book and so on and so on.

I recently saw the movie Avatar in IMAX 3-D and I must say I was incredibly impressed. Not only does it do a scary good job of convincing your sight and mind that what you are seeing is real and not graphics, it also seems to be a wholly original idea which as I stated previously seems to be an endangered species on the big screen.

So, my point? Don't forget the old classics - they're the originals. And I wish there was more original good stuff in theaters today to admire, maybe then I wouldn't have a queue full of 50 year old movies. :)

Pilot Bachelor

One of my fellow Pilot Wives Club members, Nicole, put together a very well worded blog post regarding the new season of The Bachelor which features a pilot.


The pilot and the information provided online about him gives such a skewed and unrealisitic view of the industry and the lifestyle. I would get into it further but Nicole really summed it up so you should go read hers :).