I'm just going to come right out and say it--Bernie is a wonderful film! Such a fascinating slice of human nature, told in a half-drama, half-documentary style. I know we all tire of Jack Black's schtick, but he was mesmerizing as Bernie. McConaughey was perfect as the small-town D.A., and his mom, Kay McConaughey, makes a hilarious cameo as one of the townspeople.
Next up was The Lincoln Lawyer, based on on the novel by Michael Connelly. I'm just going to come right out and say it, too--I'm not a Connelly fan. I would like to be, since his books take place in my favorite city, but they are rife with hokey, cliché cops and evil-for-evil's-sake sociopaths and serial killers.
But director Brad Furman did an amazing job adapting the story to the screen. The narrative, while not earth-shattering, is lively and engaging, and Matthew chews it all up as the always-hustling lawyer who finds himself hustled by a new client. I can even forgive Ryan Philippe for playing Ryan Philippe again.
What wowed me about The Lincoln Lawyer was its view of Los Angeles. This will be one of the great L.A. movies (a blog entry I've been meaning to write for awhile now). It steps away from the cliché L.A. of 90210 (which I love) and takes us East, highlighting landmarks like Cole's downtown, The York in Highland Park and Jim's Burgers in Boyle Heights.
And the soundtrack is off the hook! I definitely recommend checking it out. I love anything that exposes me to the lesser-known music of the 60s and 70s. Highlights included the opening with "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" by Bobby Bland, "107 Degrees," by Citizen Cope...
...lavender from my friend Devon....
...found fruit from Jean Marie...
...and lotería cards, too.
I discovered this wonderful blog, Under the Hollywood Sign, History and Filmmaking in the Heart of Hollywood.
Hollywood Poinsettias, Tommy Dangcil, via Under the Hollywood Sign
And started a new book--I'm actually reading something that came out this year.
Finally, I leave you with some photos of stunning flowers in bloom.
That's all for now. I'll be back soon with another Double Feature.
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