“Wouldn’t it be a trip if Alex Trebek bought a nude painting of me?”

Summer Reading: 1 book down.. only 5 million left to go.

Last quarter I took a Short Story Theory course (the first English class I have taken in 4ish years) and tried to fit in with the “Literature” students by reading some Raymond Carver stories. Although thinking back, they didn’t even seem to like Carver, it was more of a grudgingly acceptance. To my surprise I fell in love with “Neighbors,” found Short Cuts, and decided to check out the movie.

So the fight is on.. book of collected short stories selected by the director for his film, versus the over three hour long film loosely based on great stories but with an insane cast:

vs.

really I’m not sure why I watch movies based on books I like.. I always end up disappointed.

Reasons why I don’t like this film:

1. They totally fucked up my favorite story

2. They missed the whole mysteriously disturbing vagueness that makes Carver’s stories so seductive

3. I know people really like movies like Crash or Magnolia, but I’m really tired of this interconnectedness bullshit. I get it, movies can be complex and jump around and distort chronology, books can do that shit too.

4. They fucked up my favorite story

5. It should be illegal for movies to be longer than 180 minutes

Reasons why I like the film (can’t be too hateful):

1. Alex Trebek’s outstanding performance

2. Conversations throughout the film about how hot Alex Trebek is

3. Captain Planet on the television in the background of half the scenes

4. Appearances by Lyle Lovett, Huey Lewis, and Tom Waits

~ by deepfreezebatman on June 16, 2008.