Herb and Dorothy

I watched the best documentary today entitled Herb and Dorothy (available as watch instantly on netflix). Its about a couple who, on their meager salaries, amassed one of the most extensive and important collection of conceptual and minimalist art from the New York scene, simply out of the love of the art. Over the span of 40 years, they somehow stuffed over 40,000 pieces in their one bedroom Manhattan apartment. They are certainly quirky, endearing, and have an eye for art like you've never seen. And they've never sold a single piece.

However, they've given much of their work to the National Gallery and established a program to give 50 pieces of their collection to 5o states each. So look up which institute in your state holds the "Vogel Collection."

Here is a nice trailer of the doc:

Herb and Dorothy Trailer from Herb and Dorothy on Vimeo.

Where the Wild Things Are: a good listen.

I went to see Where the Wild Things Are over the weekend and had mixed feelings. I think I was expecting something else. I expected to feel nostalgic maybe, or even happy. I felt the opposite. Not because the movie wasn't good- it was very good- but it was disturbing to me and very sad. I wanted a cathartic scene between Max and Carol. I wanted Max to change somehow. I think he was glad to be home- but I also think he's going to flip out again the next chance he gets.

What I really found interesting was that the wild things were not scary because they were monsters. They were scary because they were so child, no, human-like. Their relationships were broken. They were selfish, moody, and prideful. They could love, but at any moment they could snap and eat you, or worse, disappoint you.

Anyways, I really love the feel Spike Jonze was able to portray. It was very dreamy, but not unrealistic. I think the movie was greatly helped by the soundtrack, something I can't stop listening to at work. I thought I would share it with you. Enjoy Karen O And The Kids.

Where the Wild Things Are Soundtrack

where the wild things are

I think this has the potential to be amazing. This was a favorite book of mine as a kid so my expectations are high - but the trailer looks promising. 

a few of my favorite things...

Don't you want to see this move? Heartwarming.

Grey Gardens

Grey Gardens is one of my favorite films. The documentary profiles Edith "Big Edie" Bouvier Beale, the aunt of Jackie O, and her daughter, "Little Edie." Grey Gardens is their Hamptons estate situated among the most elite properties. Their story in incredible. In the 70s the health department raided the property citing multiple violations and threatening eviction. Jackie O contributed enough to get the property in good enough shape to allow the two women to stay, but the scandal prompted this documentary, and by the looks of it, the property quickly reverted to its former condition.  They have sold off their Tiffany pieces for money and cats and wild animals infest the house. "Big Edie" is almost always surrounded with garbage, piled around her in bed. They have almost no exposure to the outside world and even as the walls crumble around them they seem to have little awareness that anything is wrong. 

"Little Edie" is around 50 at the time of the movie and yet she seems to be a child. She laments proposals she turned down, at the insistence of her mother who wanted to keep her around, and talks of wanting to 'redecorate' despite the fact they are surrounded by garbage and filth.   "Big Edie" relishes the smell of the cat urine that soaks the house. 

The film as a grotesque yet timeless quality that intrigues you to investigate further. Their bizarre relationship, isolation from the rest of the world, and inability to see reality makes this character study one that will always catch my attention. 

The video below is 9 mins long, but shows some of the parts of the film. 

Jackie Brown

I really love the movie Jackie Brown. Not one of the favorites among Tarantino fans, but a love of mine. As usual he has a great sound track, and you'll find my two favorite songs from the film above (the trailer) and below (just awesome).