Last week, I got asked to play with the Golden State Pops Orchestra for their next concert. If it weren’t for the actual concert hall we sat in, I’d believe that I had been transported to a soundstage recording an orchestral tracking session for film/television!
Film composer/conductor Stu Philips (Battlestar Galactica, Knight Rider) conducted last week’s rehearsal in a downright old-timing New York attitude, experience-ridden, industry-worn way that reminded me of the great Leonard Bernstein’s down-to-business rehearsing/recording of West Side Story.
I miss it. The fast pace of rehearsal. The pressure, to play perfectly the second time the ensemble sight reads some tougher-than-classical film music. The professionalism of showing up and expecting to be on your game, in the moment, and never missing a beat (literally). The preparation that had been done before I got to my seat: bowings marked out by the principal player already, everyone in their seats, everyone stops playing as soon as the baton stops beating. Not a second to waste or a rhythm to miss.
Also conducting us is Jason Livesay, a wonderful APU alumnus, violinist, composer, conductor. Yep, he orchestrated the end titles for the new film, Astro Boy, which we will be performing. It stars the boy from August Rush, FYI. Simply gorgeous themes; pretty epic and inspiring. Andhere it is--for your enjoyment!
Astro Boy (John Ottman, composer; Jason Livesay, orchestrator)
Something else on the program that simply thrilled me: Though the new Star Trek movie returned to the music of the original series, I grew up with the ‘Next Generation’ shows and movies. As the orchestra started up the piece, I felt full of wonder hearing that melody that was so familiar every afternoon in front of Grandma’s TV after school!!!
Star Trek: First Contact
Here’s one I never got over. Terrified me as a kid. I even watched the X-Files show; only I switched channels every time during the opening titles.
The X-Files
And last but not least, a little class act from the early 90’s.
Knight Rider (Stu Philips)
We’re performing these exact pieces and more this Saturday, October 24. If you’re interested in the concert, there are student tickets for $15. More information and tickets here. Now I must go find a costume for this concert. They’re making us all dress up. (So HERE’S my question: what should I wear?!)
It seems we have moved into and era of film making that is highly practiced on remakes, recreations, sequels, and prequels. For most of these, I am filled with frustration and disappointment at these second tries and uncreative recreations of older more original works, but I must also give credit for those who have successfully reinterpreted and refashioned classic works into something new, something great and something their own. The remake of a previously great plot, idea or film can be a risky venture for filmmakers and I want to discuss a few successful and respectable triumphs in such ventures.
The first is the reason for my writing this article at this particular time. I recently saw Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds, which is a loose recreation of The Dirty Dozen, and loved it. Rather than being a complete remake it’s a fresh and uniquely beautiful blend of classic influences, and in doing so Tarantino created a new style of war film.
The first scene of the second chapter (early in the film) is a clear callout to the original Dirty Dozen while Tarantino’s love for Sergio Leone’s spaghetti westerns (especially The Good, the Bad and the Ugly) also clearly has its influence. The spaghetti western influence was most prominent in the peculiar use of the score and the introduction of the characters.
Another recent and successful remake is 3:10 to Yuma, a remake of the famous western of the same name starring Glenn Ford. The reasons I feel this is a successful remake are quite different from those of Inglourious Basterds.
What impressed me most on this remake is the successful capture of the classic western feel achieved by the remake. Its creators decided to remain true to the classic genre and stayed honest. Watching the new film felt very much like watching a good old western. This strict return to the classic themes and genre stands quite unique among other modern films and is refreshing to young and modern audiences.
Possibly one of the greatest remakes ever achieved would have to You’ve Got Mail, the 1998 remake of Jimmy Stewart’s 1940 The Shop Around the Corner. The transition from a letter writing to an Internet and e-mail writing culture provided the perfect chance to retell and old story in a completely new light and setting. The finished product is a charming and witty tale filled with literary reminders of simpler times. Plus, it’s Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.
I must also mention the new Gone in Sixty Seconds. This is a great action flick in a time of too few good car movies. It also helps that it is the remake of a film originally med entirely by stunt drivers. The original is fun thrill ride for car guys but offers little less as half the film is 45 minutes of some of the greatest driving and chase put in a film (and that’s just one of the car chases). The remake offers most of that driving excitement with the addition of a plot and some acting. (Although, the new one may have the better car the original has the better car chase.)
Also, as an honorable mention, I should mention Ocean’s Eleven. Consider it mentioned.
When I first heard of the economic troubles some of the major American automotive companies were having my first fear was the possibility of an America without those companies and their cars, each so vital to the American culture. Now, following the filing of bankruptcy of GM those fears are being realized.
Newspapers report GM is soon to be government owned, and will be reduced to just four companies (Chevy, Cadillac, Buick and GMC). Also, dealerships all across the nation will not have their franchise agreements renewed for the next year affecting towns all across the U.S.
Again one of my first fears concerning GM’s troubles has been realized. The Hatfield Buick dealership of my hometown Redlands, CA will not have its agreement renewed after 100 years of selling cars. It joined Buick in 1913 after Hatfield had been selling cars since 1909. It’s the oldest Buick dealer in the U.S., probably the world.
1913 Buick
Currently owned by the original Hatfield’s grandson, the dealership is trying to petition to GM for the renewal of the contract and the continued life of an important center to the city’s heritage and culture. If this fight is lost it will not only mean the loss of a place to buy a car and the cars themselves, but the city of Redlands (with its people) will lose a piece of itself.
For more information visit these links and savehatfieldbuick.com (to show your support).
Here is my list of favorite black and white movies. It is also meant to provide great films of introduction for those who don’t watch, are indifferent of, or don’t like black and white movies. Try a few of these. If you have seen them please comment; if not, watch them then comment. The top ten counts down to my favorite.
Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)
This is the gangster movie that made James Cagney. It’s the story of a couple of friends, one grows up to be a priest and the other a gangster. The ending is intense.
All About Eve (1950)
This is a hilariously wity comedy starring the great Bette Davis.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
This fast paced comedy helped create the slapstick genre. It stars Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant. The laughs come so fast and constant that during the first view you’ll miss half the jokes from laughing .
Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train (1951)
This is a great Hitchcock thriller with a great, intriguing plot-line, a great villain and a wild finish.
Key Largo (1948)
I love this gangster movie starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren BaCall and Edward G. Robinson (love them all) where a hurricane turns the tables on some gangsters who are holding a Florida hotel hostage.
The Big Sleep (1946)
Another great Bogart and BaCall. This one is based on a classic Raymond Chandler LA noir novel. If you haven’t seen a Bogart and BaCall try this one. I will warn you the plot gets fairly twisted; but a lot of people like that.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
A comedy of manners starring Katarine Hepburn, Cary Grant and Jimmy Stewart. That’s enough for me.
Casablanca (1942)
This is just plain classic. It’s so well made and acted in every area. It has a great cast (even the smallest characters) including Peter Lorre, a favorite of mine. I only wish he had more screen time.
It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
Love it. It’s Jimmy Stewart! See my earlier posts.
Charlie Chaplin's City Lights (1931)
This silent is hilarious and touching and spectacularly smooth flowing. Chaplin was the master. Also, the final scene is easily one of the best scenes ever fillmed. Again, see my earlier posts (See These Movies, An Eloquent Silence).
Posted by Alex Wen 
Posted by H.N.Hernandez 
Posted by H.N.Hernandez 
