Well, Dear Listener, after a year of traveling around I’ve finally decided to settle in Nashville. And, as my genial co-host Professor Dr. Gareth Higgins has, quite coincidentally, also moved to the American South, (to a location that will not be divulged at this time – oddly enough he believes in some modicum of privacy even in this Age of Facetweet), we’ve decided to hold a contest to celebrate.
In honor of ‘The Film Talk’ officially moving to the United States, Gareth and I will record a customised, one-off, DVD commentary for your favorite U.S. movie.
To win this unique and dare I say it, impossible to price, prize, delivered to you in easy to carry MP3 format, just contact us or comment below and let us know in 25 words or less why your favorite U.S. film should be the one to win.
Good luck to you all. Gareth and I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with!
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UPDATE 7:00pm: To answer ‘The Baron’s’ question below, yes you can enter as many times as you want!
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UPDATE 9:00pm: Since people are sending in DVD Commentary suggestions by the vast array of ways we communicate over IP today, Twitter, Facebook, Plurk, Blerkt, etc – am going to update this post regularly with the films people suggest that are making the cut. Here’s a few that have just come in, (am dropping the 25 words or less – make your case as long as you like!):
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I would like a DVD commentary of “Smokey and the Bandit”.
The reasons this should win:
1. #2 grossing movie of 1977, behind Star Wars
2. Introduction of the Ponitac Trans-Am… terrific “product placement” of a vehicle not seen by Americans until this film.
3. Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jerry Reed, Paul Williams, & Pat McCormick.
4. The legendary Jackie Gleason rumored to have ad-libbed all his lines.
5. Oscar nom.(Editing) AND Golden Globe nomination (Sally Field)
6. You would both have a great time commenting on this box office smash filmed around much of my hometown.
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The Shining – Because it’d be the only way I could get my wife to sit through it!
(Off the top of my head – but perfectly true, I’ll try and give it some further thought. No wait! Just did – The Fountain! What a riot that could be..the entertainment value alone would be terrific.)
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The Cutting Edge – The girlfriend and I counted montages numbering into the teens. Plus, two words to sum it all up – Pamchenko Twist.
All That Heaven Allows – Man, Douglas Sirk is freakin’ awesome and considered an influence to many directors.
The Quick and the Dead – Terrible movie, but awesome director. Sam Raimi doing a freakin’ western, man!
Hedwig and the Angry Inch – How many glam rock theatrical documentary-style musicals need to be presented before you choose one to comment on??
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Catch and Release
This movie is so awful, we couldn’t get through it. Maybe you can.
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“The Royal Tenenbaums.” I love the film and I think the Professor/Dr. Higgins does as well. I’d love to see you two debate this one.
Paul Blart: Mall Cop :)
How could that not be a laugh riot.
Actually, I would be interested in hearing AI. Your Eyes Wide Shut episode was solid, and I'd be interested in your rebuttal to http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ae/movies/r…
Question – Can we submit multiple entries?
Sure! I know it's hard to pick just one! :)
Shouldn't you also make a disclaimer: “Many will enter, few will win.”?
It's like Mad Max Beyond Thunderball – Many films enter – one film leaves.
“The Royal Tenenbaums.” I love the film and I think the Professor/Dr. Higgins does as well. I'd love to see you two debate this one.
Oh boy, that might lead to fisticuffs – I can't stand Wes Anderson pics, (but I'm willing to be swayed!) – so it would probably make a pretty good show!
My submission is in.
Let's just say “#1 star of the 70s, the best 'product placement' ever, and car chases galore!”.
How about same actor, but… “The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas”? Burt Reynolds sings while wearing a man-thong. Oooooo, I love to dance a little sidestep!
Here's one that I think is pretty appropriate – Nashville! Robert Altman's 1975 classic has been debated endlessly, especially here in Music City. Some in the country-music industry championed it, while others ranged from slightly offended or downright disgusted. Add in the music, the post-Kennedy, pre-9/11 political sensibility, and the staggering number of characters and storylines to track, and you've got yourselves plenty to talk about.
Ah, just the chance of fisticuffs is enough to make a great show! Can you imagine the tension? You two reviewing this film might even make a great short film in and of itself.
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I used to cringe when some pseudo-indie fan boy with zero film culture would gush over Wes Anderson. I held that view of utter disgust and contempt until I saw this film. It is absolutely brilliant. I've never seen such intuitive writing, hilarious melodrama, dare I say–Kubrickian attention to detail, or such a beautiful and genuine depiction of humanity in any other film.
hmm….you might be right – it would make for a good commentary – the Royal Tenenbaums might just be in the lead!
The Royal Tenenbaums?! Dude, The Life Aquatic was the first Wes Anderson movie I could stomach. True, the relationships are fewer and less complex in Aquatic, but you have a) David Bowie songs in Portugese, b) Jeff Goldblum in a Cousteau-ian role, c) Bill Murray in a very natural role, and d) the Jaguar Shark. Oh yeah, and much more hilarity. … … I guess Royal could be a close second, but it doesn't have Willem Dafoe
yikes, it's too early in the morning
The Royal Tenenbaums is still my first choice but I think these might also make for compelling commentary:
Aguirre: the Wrath of God
The Birth of a Nation
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Its not “my favorite US movie” but I'd like you guys to do a commentary on Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.
Reason: Very simple, I'd love to hear Jett get all riled up.
Hmm…not sure what to make of that…what am I a performing monkey? “Dance monkey boy, dance!” but I understand. ;)
+ Yeah, I didn't make it through 'Eternal Sunshine' and I know Gareth loved it – so it would make for a 'unique' DVD commentary experience.
I'm still mulling this one over, it's tough. I mean, what if I ask you to comment on a beloved film of mine and you pull it to pieces? How can that be fun? Mind you, I'm guessing that the winner will be a film that you both at least have a passing interest in? The other thought that occurred to me is that it'd be good to hear you talk about a film that you are passionate about, but is there much common ground there? My final random though on the matter was to suggest that whilst the winner gets the commentary of his or her choice, why not make it available for us all to down load – then everyone's a winner?
Still mulling…
you're right of course Tom = we'll make the Commentary downloadable for all! :)
The New World – With the US being Gareth's new home, why not a film about the country's “founding?” A profoundly spiritual & moving film. I don't necessarily understand it, but I love it. I'd love your thoughts.
that's a great suggestion Jesse – i'd love to do a show w/Gareth about the new world!
Both Starship Troopers and Big Trouble = would make for entertaining commentaries = I think Big Trouble would give us more to chew on than Starship :)
How about some genre movies? Seeing as how modern day blockbusters don't know how to make entertaining but not utterly stupid movies, it might be an interesting compare and constrast to look at some older so called “popcorn” movies (back when they didn't suck).
Good movies that would work in this category might be:
Aliens (I prefer this one to Alien, although many will disagree)
Predator (The only Arnold Schwarznegger movie where you think he might not make it out alive)
The Thing (Carpenter's best in my opinion, and some of the most ingenious practical effects ever)
The Abyss (A good sci-fi “message” movie with some great scenes and performances)
Either of the first two terminator movies could work too, although that ground has been covered pretty thoroughly already.
Good suggestions – would love to do an Aliens commentary – as well as the Term – and the Abyss – heck – all of your suggestions – it's gonna be tough to pick a winner!
Oh yes absolutely Aliens! One of my all time favourites (in my top 5 at least) and the Cameron commentary track wasn't particularly great on the last edition so there's room for improvement.
The Abyss is another great film and would represent good value commentary wise, the director's cut running to 165 mins!
I think you guys should gear up for a Cameron special come the release of Avatar. Start preparing now while you have plenty of time..
Ok, my last shot because the month is rapidly drawing to a close.
Would Brazil count? You seem to be placing the emphasis on US movies? I don't think Brazil even needs justifying.
If it has to be US then how about A.I.? Has that already been suggested by someone? Anyway, I'll give it a shout too because it's one of my favourite Spielberg movies and…and..and.. Jeez I'd don't know, I'm just very tired and have had a long week at work and didn't get to see the Oscars and am beyond making any sense – winning something might just lift my spirits! Will that do?!
Hmm…don't think that'll work – sure Gilliam is from the States, (though he's now renounced his Citizenship for tax reasons), but it's a very British Pic.
We're talkin' American movies here Tom! ;)
While I don't want to take away consideration for my #1 choice, “Smokey & The Bandit” (still the film you should choose for all the obvious reasons) –
I will also suggest “2001″ – it's right in your wheelhouse, plus, I'd like someone to try and explain the ending to me.
While I don't want to take away consideration for my #1 choice, “Smokey & The Bandit” (still the film you should choose for all the obvious reasons) –
I will also suggest “2001″ – it's right in your wheelhouse, plus, I'd like someone to try and explain the ending to me.
[...] Plus we announce our DVD Commentary Competition [...]