Hollywoodland.
Finally got a chance to see
"Hollywoodland" with Ben Affleck and Diane Lane. What a sad, haunting film that was. It really moved me. As period films go, it beats recent contenders "The Good German" (even though it had my man Clooney in it) and "The Black Dahlia." Both films had muddled stories to me, although the physical filmmaking on "The Good German" was first-rate.
"Hollywoodland" treats the real-life suicide of 1950's "Superman" actor George Reeves as a murder mystery, with layer upon layer of suspects, motives, and shady characters. Affleck's turn as the troubled Reeves, a B-actor at best who yearned for the A-list spotlight, eerily parallels his own real-life career troubles. This is the great indie role that can perhaps bring him back from tabloid hell. He has already won several festival awards for his performance.
Adrien Brody also stars as the shady, cynical private eye who starts out using the Reeves case as a springboard into personal fame, but as the story gets darker, he rediscovers his own humanity; scared straight.
I like Adrien a lot. He can go from high-brow indie stuff like this to chillin' with Funkmaster Flex on "Punk'd," Spike Lee in Madison Square Garden, or kissing Halle on the mouth at the Oscars. Versatile and down without being wiggerish. My man.
"Hollywoodland" is very period specific. No anachronisms here. Everything feels like 1959. Not that I was born yet, but still. The acting in both "The Good German" and "The Black Dahlia" felt too contemporary, but here the production apes some of the acting styles of the times.
Many recent films I've seen are having trouble with their endings. I feel like I have invested time I can't get back into watching these movies, the least they can do is have satisfying endings. This is why writers and directors get the big bucks. I'm not one for existential discussions, trying to figure shit out for myself. If I wanted to do that, I'd write my own story.
"Hollywoodland" stuck the ending, though. Sad and a bit sentimental, all plotlines closed, with redemption for Brody's character and a deeper understanding of George Reeves' story, none of which I knew before. A John Coltrane tune plays delicately under the closing credits.
Class all the way. Highly recommended.
-AO :: 4:58 PM ::
Road Trip.
Took a road trip last weekend to Moline, IL to spin. Two and a half hours from the Chi. Real small-town America, middle of nowhere. When I arrived the promoters grilled burgers at their house. I liked that, laid back.
Small party but had lots of fun. Broke my no-drinking-while-spinning policy. The people (mostly women!!!) were really into it. Speaker jackin' and freakin' all over the dancefloor. And most importantly, I got paid no problem.
I like the smaller places a lot, the people were very non-jaded and really appreciated the music. A few people couldn't believe that I was even playing there. I wouldn't mind going back next summer.
Been in the studio the last couple of days with this new track. It's hard 'cause it's so hot in here. I haven't felt like drawing at all. I usually only draw in the cold months. Got an album cover to do, though, so I'd better get over it.
I've been eating too much the past month, so now I'm cutting back. It's hard because there's always something good to eat in Chicago, especially during the summer. For example, tonight is rib night at Cleo's, but I'll have to pass. =(
NYC next weekend, then back to Europe next month. I'm always excited to return to Berlin and see all my friends there. Berlin has become my favorite city these past few years. Like you hadn't guessed from reading this blog.
Hope you've been downloading
Pure Sonik Radio. Let me know how you like it.
PS: My singer Jane asked me how my aliases break down. DJ T-1000 = Hard Techno. Detroitrocketscience = Minimal/Lowtempo. The Inside = Trip-Hop/Alternative. Alan D. Oldham = Ambient/Soundtrack.
-AO :: 6:28 PM ::
Pure Sonik Radio.
A few people have asked me about getting back to radio like in the old days. Well, here's a little podcast I put together featuring all my own tracks, all unreleased. Check for yourself
HERE. Feel free to leave some comments, also.
-AO :: 1:29 PM ::
Summer Madness.
What's up, my babies? Been awhile since I last wrote. The reason is that summer's been great. I've been eating entirely too much since I've been back in Chicago! New restaurants all the time. Rib specials at Cleo's every Tuesday!!!! 1/2 slab, fries and a Sapporo for $10. Can't beat it! They know who we are there now. And the Taste is this week! I'm gonna be huge again at this rate.
Giaxia and I went to an installation opening last week at Jeff Mills' store, Gamma Player. The artist is named Zoe. Deceptively simple artwork masks a deeper meaning. I may do an art show there as well. We'll see.
We were walking down Armitage the other night when we passed by this guy's place. He was on the porch hanging out with friends. He was having a party and invited us to come up and have some beers. We actually stopped in for a minute! Didn't know anybody there but the guy and his roommates couldn't have been more friendly. We chilled for a bit had some beers and left. Yes, cool people still exist.
I thought I was back in the '80s for a minute. People did stuff like that all the time back then.
My trip-hop album is almost finished for Fall release. Sounding great.
Sent out the first issue of the new Johnny Gambit to publishers. Let's hope I get picked up! Please pray for me.
Bought a new Behringer DJ mixer off eBay. It's the shit and such a cheap deal.
Gigs start back in a couple of weeks, US and Mexico. Haven't been to Mexico since '05, can't wait to make my return.
Finished a podcast but I'm waiting for Giaxia's new computer to arrive (which is why I'm inside instead of out in this day) so we can post it to the websites. It's called Pure Sonik Radio and it features all unreleased tracks by me. I also host it, going back to my old radio roots. Coming soon on all Alan Oldham channels.
Getting Euro dates together for late Sept/Oct/Nov. Flights from my wonderful Berlin. Email us direct at bookings@puresonikrecords.net if interested.
Oh, the new White Stripes album is rockin'. I've never really been that into them, but they came on Conan last week and Jack rocked the fuck out. They played two songs and both were good. I'll be picking this one up for sure.
And what the fuck is up with these explosions in Glasgow and London? I was just in Glasgow back in May. These MFers won't be satisfied until a Black man can't fly to any gigs! Note to terrorists: I'M NOT YOUR FUCKING PROBLEM. LET ME MAKE A LIVING. QUIT FUCKING WITH THE AIRPORTS. DAMN.
Assholes.
OK, let me finish watching these tramps on Maury find out who they babydaddy is. Talk about a hot ghetto mess.
This is the 200th post!!!! Yay.
Leave some comments, dammit.
-AO :: 3:05 PM ::
