Just a list of stuff again! :)

Well, school's started up again. So we'll see what happens.

1. 'The Self-Destruction Handbook' by Adam Wasson and Jessica Stamen
2. 'Coraline' by Neil Gaiman
3. 'Train Man' by Hitori Nakano
4. 'Ghost World' by Daniel Clowes
5. 'The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle' by Haruki Murakami
6. 'Wishful Drinking' by Carrie Fisher
7. 'The Picture of Dorian Gray: The Graphic Novel' by Oscar Wilde, I.N.J. Culbard
8. 'The Graveyard Book' by Neil Gaiman
9. 'When You Are Engulfed in Flames' by David Sedaris
10. 'Frida' by Barbara Mujica
11. 'Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche' by Haruki Murakami
12. 'Kamikaze Girls' by Novala Takemoto
13. 'Q&A' by Vikas Swarup
14. 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury
15. 'Brain Droppings' by George Carlin
16. 'Blackbird House' by Alice Hoffman
17. 'Girl, Interrupted' by Susanna Kaysen
18. 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons
19. 'Waiter Rant' by Steve Dublanica
20. 'I Love You, Beth Cooper' by Larry Doyle
21. 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell
22. 'V for Vendetta' by Alan Moore and David Lloyd
23. '2001: A Space Odyssey' by Arthur C. Clarke
24. 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger
25. 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' by Jeff Lindsay
26. 'Julie & Julia' by Julie Powell
27. 'The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud' by Ben Sherwood
28. 'Her Fearful Symmetry' by Audrey Niffenegger
29. 'Hitchcock' by Francois Truffaut
30. 'Heat Wave' by Richard Castle

Reading: 'The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar and Six More' by Roald Dahl
             'Tithe' by Holly Black
             'The Wild Things' by Dave Eggers
Total Pages Read: 9,029

At least I tried. :/ Halloween movie madness was such a failure. SIGH. Mostly it was getting my hands on the movies. I just couldn't afford it in time. >_< DAMMIT. Although I did watch quite a few...

I LOVE this movie. For oh so many reasons. But we'll start from the beginning.

Directed by Jack Clayton, this film is about a young governess, Miss Giddens (Deborah Kerr), who decides to take a job to care for two children at Bly House, a lovely mansion in the country. The children, Flora (Pamela Franklin) and Miles (Martin Stephens) seem wonderful. However, as Miss Giddens learns, there are some dark things that have happened in this house... She starts to see peculiar things, and believes that the children are in danger. And she'll protect them no matter what.

This film leaves you with such a feeling of paranoia at the end, you wouldn't believe it. Throughout the film, you're never really quite sure if the ghosts were real or if Miss Giddens was just slowly going insane. There are many instances in which you think, 'This COULD be real', and many where you're left to question her sanity... And honestly, you're not going to get an answer.

Though shot in 1961, this film has a 30-50's feel about it. I think it's because of the music, and the film quality. (And the fact that it was shot in black and white, perhaps.) Very well done direction. I wish I had seen more of Clayton's films, because this one is astounding.

Kerr gives a great performance as Miss Giddens, and at the beginning of the film has a lovely and gentle appeal. But by the last few scenes, you see her anger and confusion, and her ability to twist her lovely face into something quite grotesque. And my GOODNESS. Stephens gave a FANTASTIC performance as Miles. I will say this... If that child wasn't possessed, then he was just the CREEPIEST kid ever. And if he WASN'T possessed, then he needs a psychiatrist A.S.A.P.!

What a lovely film.


4 and a half stars.

Next up is 'Shaun of the Dead'. :)

This is honestly one of the creepiest films I've ever seen.

Directed by Don Siegal (of 'Play Misty for Me' fame!!!!!), this movie stars Kevin McCarthy as Miles Bennell, the intelligent and handsome doctor, and Dana Wynter as the beautiful brunette Becky Driscoll.

The little town of Santa Mira is being taken over by what the local psychiatrist calls "epidemic mass hysteria". People are having delusions that they're loved ones are no longer their loved ones, These people are imposters, they claim. But dismiss this "hysteria", as the people are right! These people are no longer the people they once where. Now, they have been replaced by aliens - pod people!

This is a frightening film. People are changed when their guards are down - namely, in their sleep. They're utterly defenseless, and sleep is not something that you can keep away from forever, leaving you with a bit of a defeatist attitude about the whole situation.

I might also add that this is a beautiful film. I personally love Siegal's work, and this does not disappoint. The symbolism that runs through this film (concerning the Cold War) is not entirely subtle, but at the same token, you can just as easily enjoy this film without thinking about that. 

I'll add that I love how McCarthy breaks the fourth wall near the end of the film. I LOVE when characters break the fourth wall, as silly as it can be sometimes. And an interesting movie tidbit - the movie was supposed to end on a much more pessimistic note. I won't exactly say how, in case one of you has yet to see this film. But, just know that the ending was supposed to be far darker than it was. I'm not exactly sure which ending I would have preferred.

This truly is a masterpiece. Not just for the science fiction genre, but for movies in general. 

This is a classic, and I can't stress ENOUGH that you should see this film!





Four and a half stars.

Next up is 'The Innocents'. :)

I am going to preface this review right now by saying that I have the DVD of the "version that you've never seen", which is slightly different from the 1973 version. That being said...

Honestly, I've always thought that this film was incredibly overrated. And I still do. However... It's one of those films that, while overrated, I can find joy in. (Another great example of this is the film Donnie Darko. That movie is, in my opinion, a joke. However, I still enjoy it. Odd? Yes. But everyone has that movie... That one that, despite knowing it's crap, you like it.)

The film is directed by William Friedkin (I regret not seeing other films by him - I do think that this film was beautifully directed), and stars Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, a young girl possessed by Satan, Ellen Burstyn as Regan's mother, Chris, and Jason Miller as Father Damien Karras, the priest who will save young Regan.

There are quite a few plot holes in this movie. Why does Satan want Regan? I kind of do want a reason why besides "ZOMG SHE'S RIGHT THERE". And why even bother showing Father Merrin at the dig in the beginning? It seems so pointless. I can understand wanting to set a tone... But this didn't even tie in with ANYTHING in the film! BUH? And I can understand some of the sexual tones of Satan, and possessing a little girl... But having the girl shove her mom's face into her crotch? I'm not one that is easily offended, but I thought that that was completely unnecessary and tasteless. Or rather, I thought it was overdoing it a little.

The music does creep me out, though. Every time I hear it, I shudder a little and I get a mean case of the goosebumps.

This is one of those movies... It scares the crap out of you the first time you see it, but then loses all of its power.



2 and a half stars.

Next up is 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers'!

Well, in horror (edit: WOAH. I totally meant honor! But I'm not changing this. ;P) of both Halloween and the recent news of Polanski, I give you Rosemary's Baby!

Directed by the infamous Roman Polanski, the film is about a couple, Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and Guy (John Cassavetes) Woodhouse. Rosemary, a housewife, and Guy, a struggling actor, have recently moved into an apartment complex with a shady history and some interesting characters. There, they meet Minnie (Ruth Gordan) and Roman (Sidney Blackmer) Castevet, two eccentric and nosy neighbors that may be more than they appear to be...

The direction in this movie is incredibly well done. Roman Polanski has talent behind a camera, no doubts about that. 

And the casting of this movie was outstanding. Farrow does an amazing job of playing the naive and fragile housewife, and Gordan is wonderful as a seemingly innocent neighbor.

The first time I saw this film, I was so frightened by the ending. And frankly, the ending still disturbs me. I won't ruin it, but it gave me a new meaning to the term "motherhood". My goodness, what a mother is willing to do for a child. 

Oh, and interesting movie tidbit: During the scene where her friends comfort her and lock Guy out... Yeah, those were real tears she had. Earlier in the day, she had been served with divorce papers by her then husband, Frank Sinatra. I thought that was particularly depressing, and Polanski offered to stop filming for the day, but Farrow wouldn't have it. She stuck it out like a soldier and filmed.



Overall, I'd say 3 1/2 stars. :)

Coming up tomorrow is 'The Exorcist'!

 

Oh GOODNESS. Where to even begin?

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the movie stars Anthony Perkins as the iconic Norman Bates, and Janet Leigh as the unfortunate Marion Crane. 

This is one of my favourite movies ever. For the sake of the two people that haven't seen this movie, I won't post spoilers. I will say this, though. This movie scares me so much, it's ridiculous. In fact, it somewhat scarred me. Ever since the first time I saw this film, I now can't enter a room without the light being on first. I now stick my hand around the corner and flip a switch before entering. The prospect of having a killer popping out of the darkness frightens me that much.

Aesthetically, this movie is breathtaking. (The use of chocolate syrup as blood was always something I found to be a cute little movie tidbit!) The infamous shower scene still leaves the imagination to run wild in fear, and left many showerless for weeks after watching. I fall into that camp as well... The thought of entering a bathroom alone disturbed me, and I felt nervous. I took baths for a long time afterward. 

There are also other beautiful ideas of symbolism scattered throughout the film. My favourite is the obvious changing bra colour. Many people note this, but it's really a slap in the face. Lacking subtlety, the idea of the changing bra colour basically indicates Marion's descent into "evil" from "good". She starts off in the movie wearing a delicate white bra, and quickly switches to a sharp black bra (after stealing some money!). 

And let's not forget the last scene including Arbogast. The camera work as he's falling down the stairs? Sheer brilliance. 

The casting in this film was amazing. Anthony Perkins, you made me fall in love with someone I never would have believed could be loved otherwise. Good job to you! And Janet Leigh, you pulled off uncertainty with grace and an almost gentile nature. 

Lastly, the music. With music by Bernard Hermann, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat. The music will shiver your spine, and leave your breathless. (Fun movie tidbit: Hitchcock wanted to leave the shower scene music-less, but Hermann insisted on adding music. He gave Hitchcock a sample track, and Hitchcock was sold.)

This is one of the greatest horror movies ever. A psychoanalytical thrill, you'll be on the edge of your seat. Many people find it to be a bit tame - and it is, by today's standards. However, this movie set the standards for horror ever since its birth, and is a classic.


5 stars.

I'm glad that this wasn't another 'Little Shop of Horrors'. :P

Tomorrow is 'Rosemary's Baby'!

Well that was... huh.

I had heard a lot about this film from a good friend of mine, insisting that it was a cute little horror comedy (more-so comedy than horror, but eh), so I decided to give it a chance.

Overall, I'm actually pretty disappointed.

Directed by Roger Corman, the movie stars Mel Welles as Mushnick, the owner of the flower shop, Jackie Joseph as Audrey the sales girl, and Jonathan Haze as Seymour Krelboyne. The casting for this movie was good, I will admit. Jackie Joseph is adorable, and Mel Welles is able to exude a certain charisma necessary for Jewish comedy. Jonathan Haze does play a simple minded fool quite nicely, really.

My first thought into the movie was "Krelboyne sounds familiar... Malcolm in the Middle!?" Lovers of the show will understand what I mean... And while the definition was never explained on the show or in interviews, I was still amused anyway.

The movie is primarily about Seymour, who when he is fired by Mushnick, wants to get his job back desperately. He shows Mushnick a special plant that he had cross-bred and named Audrey Jr., and "hilarity" ensues.

I was so so so disappointed with this movie. I understand that it's a cult classic and such, which I normally enjoy. However, only one thing really stood out to me.

The scene with Jack Nicholson.

Oh my GOODNESS. Though he was only on screen for maybe five to ten minutes, he completely won me over. I was so thrilled. This is one of his first movie roles, and he does not disappoint. Without giving too much away, I'll just say this: Jack = masochist. Jack goes to the dentist. The end. That part was the only part in the entire film that actually had me laughing.

Frankly, I found nothing remarkable about the film. Nothing stood out, and really, I can't remember much of the movie. It left next to no impression on me.

The ending was okay, I suppose... The message was nice, and from what I hear, it sounds better than the '86 remake.



2 stars.


On a brighter note, Psycho is next on the list! Goody! :)

So I saw this on moviebuffs and figured I'd give it a try!

The 31/31 Challenge is to find 31 horror movies, one for each day of October, and watch one a day until Halloween. Movies in bold are ones I have. Ones crossed out are ones that I've written my reviews for. :)

1. The Little Shops of Horrors (1960)
2. Psycho (1960)
3. Rosemary's Baby (1968)
4. The Exorcist (1973)
5. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)
6. The Innocents (1961)
7. Shaun of the Dead (2004)
8. Misery (1990)
9. The Wicker Man (1973)
10. The Others (2001)
11. Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)
12. Dracula (1931)
13. Child's Play (1988)
14. Ringu (1998)
15. The Omen (1976)
16. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
17. Children of the Corn (1984)
18. Whatever Happened to Baby Jane (1962)
19. Fatal Attraction (1987)
20. M (1931)
21. The Descent (2005)
22. Audition (1999)
23. The Midnight Meat Train (2008)
24. Vampyr (1931)
25. The Devil's Backbone (2001)
26. Nosferatu: The Vampyre (1979)
27. Peeping Tom (1960)
28. Cape Fear (1962)
29. The Night of the Hunter (1955)
30. Repulsion (1965)
31. Halloween (1978)


:D

Sorry I cut myself short yesterday. Ryan came into the room, and I needed to hide.

I shouldn't have to hide like this, should I?

But um... Yeah. Maybe it's for the best that I was cut off soon.

I really am a fool. Thinking I deserve better.

I've tried so hard to find my own happiness.

Someone, please save me. I'm too weak to help myself. I knew it...

Interviewer: Quelles sont les femmes de votre vie?
Colin Firth: Ma mere, ma femme, et Jane Austen.



DAMN IT.

SERIOUSLY?

I WISH I KNEW YOU!

Thank you lesaubergines for posting this on your Facebook. :D CAUSE I AM SO SUPER IN LOVE WITH THIS VIDEO!

I can't even BEGIN to describe the love right now.

I really want to make a book club community for LJ, unless there already is one?

Basically, I'd pick a book every month and at the end we could all discuss it and such. I dunno, I thought it sounded like a cute idea?

Frank Sinatra + cowboy hat = adorable. <3

I would give ANYTHING for a Jane Austen themed wedding. Seriously.

I absolutely forgot that it wasn't Friday today. And lately I'm wondering what it is I'm waking up for, or trying to remember. I have nothing really holding me down to home, and I'm considering just running away from everything and hiding. Just crawling into myself and thinking about what it is I need in life to make me happy.



You know, I was looking over my journal today. And how nice would it be if someone read this and fell in love with me because of my entries? Not for my face or anything like that. (Not like that would happen anyway.) And not in a creepy stalker way... But in a cute way? I make no sense tonight at all.


I also want to go to Denmark.

I want to stay here: www.hotelfox.dk/home.html

Okay, before I go into anything:



ESTELLE IS SO CUTE. I can't stop watching the music video for American Boy (ft Kanye West) lately. SHE IS SO ADORABLE.

Okay, now onto the rest of the day.

So, work hasn't been awful lately. Still pretty full of suck (as retail will be) but it hasn't been too bad. HOWEVER. UGH. It's like all of the sucks piled on today.

Suck a.

So I go on my lunch at about 2. Now, standing at a register for three hours doesn't sound too bad, right? But you know, after lifting shit cause people are too lazy (24 packs of water, dog food, cat litter, etc.) it can be a little tiring. I'm pretty damn tiny, so lifting all of that really takes it out of me. (I don't understand why big burly men with that shit come to me. I wouldn't want to bother a little girl, but whatever.) So when I get my lunch, not only do I want to be left alone (unless Danny's shooting a rubber band at me or trying to cheer me up). I want a nice lunch. I don't think that's too much to ask, you know?

So I go to run across the store to go buy a milk and a chicken sandwich. I sit down on the bench, take a bite... and something seems off.

I look down at my chicken sandwich.

It's fucking RAW CHICKEN. EW.

It's been out since 9 A.M.

And, it's been in a nice little LUKEWARM HEAT.

Salmonella? Yes please. Perfect recipe. (Actually, the bacteria are called salmonella and the disease is salmonellosis, but whatevs.)

So, I look down at my sandwich sadly and show it to my customer service lady, who gets super grossed out by it. Everyone told me to go complain, but I just threw it out. Sally (my customer service lady) felt so badly for me that she refunded me because a. she (and everyone at work) knows I have no money, and b. because it was the right thing to do. So, that's something?

So I go to tell my manager, and he basically gives me a "Okay, thanks for letting us know" reaction. Like, really? You should be really fucking scared. I'm a nice employee, and I put up with a lot of shit. I'm your best damn cashier, and I get paid the least. I do a damn good job, and sometimes I run self checkout AND another register (which is basically like running five registers at once) when we're short on people because YOU'RE TOO DAMN CHEAP TO SCHEDULE MORE PEOPLE.

So, please don't piss me off. Because if I DO get sick, oh my god watch your ass. I will fight back and be compensated, because you shouldn't be selling RAW FUCKING CHICKEN. Just because I'm an employee doesn't mean you can just blow that away. At the time, I was not an employee. I was a fucking customer. You fed your customer RAW MEAT. 

I'm mainly just pissed because they're taking this so lightly. This could be potentially AWFUL. My immune system is already extremely weak. And after the mono, it became MUCH worse. So, if I DO get sick, it's going to be TERRIBLE. Like, I would most likely have to go to the hospital. And I have no health insurance. You can believe me when I say I would MAKE them pay for me.

So, that's suck a.

Suck b.

Dear lady. Please don't leave your kids alone with me as you run across the store to go get something you forgot. By all means, take them with you. I am not being paid to babysit your kids. I mean, I'll do it because I love children. But aren't you worried about someone KIDNAPPING them? I may be paranoid, but jeez. I'd never leave my kids alone like that. (Mind you, the kids in question were approximately 3 and 6.) If they got hurt, it wouldn't be our fault. You left them here alone. BAD PARENTING. BADDDDD. BOO. You shouldn't let me, a child herself, tell you how to take care of your kids. ARGH.  *FLAILS* Also, lady. Don't get mad when I kindly suggest that you shouldn't leave your OPEN PURSE with me. If someone comes by and steals it, I will NOT stop that person. At your age, you should know better than to leave your purse out in the open like that. And all I did was politely suggest that you bring it with you (I didn't even get on you about your kids). 

Suck c.

ZOMG. IF YOU RUN INTO ME WITH A SHOPPING CART, AND HIT MY FOOT, AT LEAST APOLOGIZE. You're at least sixty years old, and you know better. You totally do. It's not like you didn't see me; CAUSE YOU FUCKING HIT ME. Nice. Asshole. Just because you're old doesn't mean you get away with all that shit.

*SIGH* 

So, after 50 FUCKING MINUTES OF TRYING TO GET INTO SFK.

This is unacceptable. I pay money, blah blah blah. I just want to level my poor little druid. QQ. SO MUCH QQ.