Source Code...Hitchcockian-style thriller! Jake Gyllenhaal excels!

 





This weekend, film buffs - and fans of actor Jake Gyllenhaal - will be scooting off to the local cinema to catch the sexy hunk's latest flick "Source Code".

If fans are anxious to feast on the stud's muscled bod once again - after getting an eyeful of his pumped flesh in one of  his last features with Anne Hathaway - they'll be SOL.

Uh-huh!

The star who broke into the International spotlight portraying a gay cowboy in Ang Lee's "Brokeback Mountain" - opposite Heath Ledger - may disappoint in that regard.

But, if movie-goers are intrigued by the idea of a thought-provoking cerebral thriller (prone to play havoc with the preconceived notions about fate, reality, and illusion), then this Hitchcockian-style mystery (mind-bender!) is worth the price of admission.

The plot moves along at a fast clip (without much fat), the cinematography is superb, and the special effects entertaining.

Jake, and his talented cast of supporting players, are at the top of their game here.

For the most part, the stylish well-crafted studio project has been garnering pretty positive reviews.

With one exception, however.

Critics tend to whine that the plot is a little convoluted, difficult to fathom - and, that the ending - is ambiguous.

Did those popcorn-loving movie reviewers stroll into the wrong theatre by accident?

In my mind's eye, the screenwriter struck the right balance, and delivered up a tight taut celluloid gem.

And, achieved the unthinkable, in the process.

Indeed, the studio turned out a feature that explored not only new territory, but managed to do so without losing any commercial appeal for a wide demographic around the country sure to snap up tickets over the next few weeks.

My only criticism?

It was not necessary to "tack" on the last two scenes - and thus - spoon feed the audience to "ensure" all the loose strings were tied up in a neat and tidy package.

With an intelligent offering like this, it was not necessary to treat the ticket-holders like they were stupid, in my estimation.

We got it! 

To go into details would only spoil it for 'ya.

'Til next time at the Movies!

http://www.thetattler.biz



May the Source Code bewitch you!

Brokeback Mountain...Cowboy shirts on display @ Gene Autry Museum! Cherished wardrobe "Ruby Red Slippers" of this generation...

Gene Autry Museum explores all people of the American West

Recently, the Gene Autry Heritage Museum invited me to attend a much-anticipated press party (August 11th) for the unveiling of a display featuring two of the Cowboys shirts that were worn by the lead characters (Jack & Ennis) in the award-winning film - "Brokeback Mountain" - directed by Ang Lee.

Unfortunately, the day for the event to put the spotlight on the iconic shirts has come, and I am unable to attend due to a back load of five or six posts that need polishing and subsequent publishing on the Internet.

I am there in spirit, though.

According to the public relations department at the Museum, the exhibit represents the LBGT community's struggle for safety and inclusion in the rural western communities from where many originate yet often feel forced to abandon.

The shirts are on loan from openly gay collector, producer, and sociopolitical commentator - Tom Gregory - who teasingly referred to the shirts worn by stars in the film as the"ruby red slippers" of this generation.

In my generation - "The Front Runner" - was the book that impacted young men struggling with their sexual identity and a prevailing attitude that yearnings for a homosexual relationship signaled a mental illness that was curable with appropriate treatment.

One Doctor (back in the fifties) argued that men flirted with "homosexuality" (the term gay had not been coined yet) - not because they were attracted to members of the same sex - but rather - because they were seeking their manhood (yet undeveloped in themselves due to an overbearing mother or the lack of a father figure in the home environment) in another male.

He theorized that once the individual was secure in his own masculinity, the unhealthy sexual phase would pass, and that the "once-confused" young male would move on to heterosexual relationships with women, start a family, whatever.

Meanwhile, between the covers of the "Front Runner", author - Patricia Nell Warren - put forth the notion that it was not only okay to be "gay" - but entirely appropriate - to shout it out.

The shocking climax in her subculture classic underscored, however, that there may be dire consequences in following one's heart.

I read the book years ago when I attended West Hill Collegiate in a Toronto suburb.

Because I was a long-distance runner on the track & field team, I was immediately drawn to Warren's book, for obvious reasons.

In fact, I day-dreamed about playing the lead character, the young runner.

The plot focuses on a gay coach (pre "out-&-proud" days) who transfers to a small University so that he may remain closeted about his homosexuality and free of temptation.

A young runner saunters onto campus, strikes up an intimate relationship with the reluctant lover, and with his mentor's expert coaching skills goes on to compete in the Olympics as the 1st openly-gay athlete.

Controversial stuff in those days!

Years later - during my stint as a Literary Agent representing screenwriters - it occurred to me that "The Front Runner" was ripe for adaptation for the big screen.

If two identifiable bankable stars signed on for the lead roles, it would surely be a box-office hit, in my estimation.

One one occasion, when I met Patricia Nell Warren at a Book Fair, I blurted out my once all-consuming-passion to play the lead when I was a young actor.

I stuttered for a moment, then made a confession to the startled writer.

"I'm too old to play Billy now. The Coach, maybe. But, I'm not right for that part."

She stared at me like I was mad!

Unfortunately, whenever it was announced there was a production in the works featuring a popular actor like Jan Michael Vincent (star material at the time his name was bandied about - who likewise - met the sexy hunk requirements) or Paul Newman (and yes - even straight-as-lace - Robert Redford) the gay community got revved up once again over the possibilities.

But, on each auspicious occasion, the projects fizzled out.

Today, the "Front Runner" has little relevance, except in respect to the fact it was one of the first gay-themed books on athletes "coming out" about their sexuality.

So, when it was announced that a short story about two studly cowboys entwined in a love trys, was being adapted for the silver screen, I was skeptical.

In fact, when I slipped into the theatre opening day, I did so with a lot of trepidation.

But, a short few minutes into the well-crafted beautifully-thought-out-feature, my fears were alleviated.

For instance, when the two lead characters in Brokeback (played by Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger) first encounter each other at a job site, the awkward love ritual that plays out thereafter onscreen - not only resonates with remarkable truth - but also speaks volumes about the love that once dare not utter its name.

The wardrobe pieces featured in the film weren't particularly fancy.

But, the shirts on display at the Gene Autry Museum, have been intertwined without shame to represent a "visual symbol of love", according to a Museum spokesperson.

Why the Gene Autry Museum?

Jeffrey Richardson, assistant curator for film and popular culture at the Museum, was instrumental in accelerating the idea for the project, once it was pointed out to him by a patron that the Autry Museum has always been celebrated and respected for exploring all people of the American West.

Now, Jack & Ennis - two love-struck cowboys portrayed on celluloid in Brokeback Mountain (and the symbol of their love) - are a part of that glorious Western folk lore.

Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger take leap of faith with Ang Lee

http://www.julianayrs.com

Heath Ledger...ReliaStar Insurance scam. PR strategy, bad!

ING financial services robs children of their legacies...



Everyone was shocked by the untimely death of actor Heath Ledger, especially in view of the fact mysterious intrigues surrounded his life, in the final hours.

After much wrangling, it's my understanding that the family agreed Mr. Ledger's three-year old daughter (Matilda Rose) should inherit the estate.

However, on the heels of his death, ReliaStar Insurance is balking at the prospect of paying out a life insurance policy to the young heiress in the sum of $10 million.

Although a New York Coroner's report found that Ledger died from accidental causes, representatives of ReliaStar are seeking to void the policy on the grounds that under the terms and conditions, the carrier is entitled to contest payment until it determines whether the actor acted in bad faith and/or committed suicide.

Since the New York Coroner's office issued a finding that the death was due to accidental causes - Ledger's legal counsel are accusing the carrier of engaging in stalling and delaying tactics - in a deceitful effort to "hold on" to the money longer.

In a counter argument, ReliaStar has hinted that Ledger may have not been forthcoming with regard to information he provided on the application for the policy.

In view of the fact Ledger made payments on the policy for over two years before he passed away several months ago - and no questions were raised during that time frame when the actor was alive- it does beg at least one question.


Why is are they contesting the facts now?

In my opinion, ReliaStar is making a big public relations mistake.

To snatch away the inheritance of a three-year old will obviously not bode well for their company.


By the way, is "relia" short form for "reliable", I wonder?

If so, how ironic!

Once the glaring spotlight falls on this "unreliable" insurance carrier - a division of the Dutch Financial Services "biggie" ING - I expect American consumers will turn away from their policies in droves.

Yup, ReliaStar is on the verge of a public relations disaster.

I'm hedging my bets on the "kid".

How 'bout you?