Pickles at Midnite, Seymour Cassel, Minnie And Moskowitz

Written by Joe D on May 20th, 2009

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I finally got to see John Cassavette’s wonderful Minnie And Moskowitz. They showed it at the New Beverly Cinema and it was great! A former girlfriend of mine had sung it’s praises back in the 70’s and I’d been wanting to see it ever since then. Finally I got my chance! It was worth the wait! This movie is funny, a John Cassavettes romantic comedy, if you can stretch your brain around that concept. It’s so offbeat and different, so crazy and brilliant, it was like a breath of fresh air to a coal miner that’s been trapped in a mine for 40 days and nights!
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And what great performances, everybody in the film is so cool and natural and alive. Especially Seymour Cassel! This is a tour de force performance! His car parker, Seymour Moskowitz is a true Romantic, psycho! The interesting thing is that this film reflects the real behavior of these characters at that point in time, you’ll have to see it to get what I’m saying. But you do not see people acting this way today, in movies or real life. The late 60’s earl 70’s morays are incredible to watch, amazing. The film cruises along like a beautiful meandering river, never boring yet it finds the time for so many interesting characters to really express themselves, reveal a thought provoking part of their humanity. It’s beautiful and funny! After the screening Seymour got up and spoke to the crowd about his experiences working with John Cassavettes, it was a great tribute to an old friend and collaborator. Then I wound up going with Seymour and some friends to Cantor’s Deli for some late night corned beef. Rodney Biggenheimer was ensconced at his corner table looking like a mummified Beatle. Seymour told some more great stories about the making of the film and a good time was had by all! Here’s a scene from the film.

Sam Fuller- The Typewriter, The Rifle, and The Movie Camera

Written by Joe D on May 4th, 2009

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Here’s a link to a supercool documentary on the late, great Samuel Fuller. I don’t know if this film is available to buy, so in the meantime check it out here. I just got a copy of Park Row, Fuller’s favorite film on early New York journalism and I’ll be writing about that soon.