I also have that song in my head

14. "Slumdog Millionaire"
It did deserve to win Best Picture. It was ambitious in scope, heart touching, tragic, comic, musical, beautiful, ugly, steeped in tradition and broke new ground. It did everything a great film should and more. And it had kids. Who doesn't love kids?

Boyle deserved Best Director. He has a kid falling through a 'toilet'. He had Ewan McGregor climb out of a toilet over a decade ago. He's come full circle.

The film may be the second to "Moulin Rouge" in its use of a previously released pop song with M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes".

My favorite use of subtitles. I didn't realize the film switched languages until an hour after leaving the theater.

Friends of mine didn't want to see this film once it garnered mainstream fans. I kind of understand this but don't agree. It's like not listening to Nirvana after "Bleach", you're the one missing out.

Wicker Park, Chicago, February 2009

Wicker Park, Chicago, February 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Chicago, February 2009

Chicago, February 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

USA!

13. "Revolutionary Road"
Kate Winslet should've won for this instead of "The Reader". I may be biased as an American. This could be considered "American Beauty: The Prequel". I loved Michael Shannon's performance. I liked the cinematography. I liked the story. I liked pretty much everything about this film.

I probably won't remember most of this film in a few months. It's not nearly as memorable as "American Beauty" but then again, what could be as memorable as a bag floating around?

Michael Shannon should be in every film.

When he's old he looks young

12. "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
I'm a sucker and enjoyed this film. It's equal parts "Forrest Gump", "Big Fish" and "Titanic" but I don't care. I almost cried at the expected ending and enjoyed the epic scope. Every dollar spent on this thing looks like it was used on screen. Fincher may have alienated his "Seven" devotees, but who cares? Let the man go mainstream.

I don't think I'd enjoy this on the small screen. It should be seen in a dark theater on a big screen. Any external distractions would take away from the film. What that says about the film is a mystery to me. It may mean it wasn't a good enough story to hold my interest. It may mean it was so beautiful it could only be appreciated on a big screen.

Pitt didn't have a chance to win best actor. He's too pretty. The makeup department did a good making him look old and decrepit, but not a good enough to make the guy look like a normal guy.

Scarlett Johansson as the lady with the low voice

11. "Vicky Christina Barcelona"
I'm not a big Woody Allen fan. My favorite film of his is "Sweet and Lowdown," not your typical Allen film. I wasn't expecting to like "Vicky" and I didn't, but it was what I expected, a nice dose of Allen's dialogue and some decent performances. Penelope Cruz was a standout and her few scenes are excellent. It's a shame she wasn't used more but what do you expect? You don't turn to Allen for a diverse array of realistic characters. No, Allen is for intellectuals and this film follows suit.

Cruz deserved the Oscar for this role. It's nice knowing that this character will never be seen again. A one time Allen character that deserved the praise she garnered.

Hippy dippy liberals

10. "Rachel Getting Married"
I hated Anne Hathaway's character in this film, therefore, she did a great job.

"Rachel Getting Married" is set on the east coast in a well to do town. Rachel is Hathaway's sister. Hathaway is an addict. Throughout the wedding weekend Rachel demands attention, making inappropriate speeches, crashes cars and reminds everyone that she's kinda responsible for her little brother's death. She's not likable, yet you want to see her on screen at all times.

The wedding takes place in the house the bride grew up in. The reception takes place outside in a colorful tent. The band plays rock, hip-hop, Tropicalia, folk and more. The guests look like a U.N. convention. It may be unrealistic to most people, but it sort of makes sense. Rachel's father works in the music business and seems hippyish, so it makes sense, right?

A good film I wasn't expecting to be good.

Jordan and Pippen and Rodman in 98

9. "Doubt"
Like watching two professional athletes in their prime compete in the biggest game of the year. "Doubt" is near perfect (the camera work and use of weather was more Lifetime movie than respectable film). The four main performances are spotless. Nothing on their end could have been better. The use of blue eyes was a nice touch (I'm not spoiling anything). See this film.

My girlfriend thinks I like art that deals with Catholicism in America. She may be right. I don't think that is clouding my judgment on this one. It's so open ended that you could take whatever you want from it and still be right.

Read this book

4. Dana Spiotta "Eat the Document"
My favorite novel of the last five years. Spiotta was able to tie together multiple characters over 30 years or so and make me care about everyone. Sparse dialogue and descriptions. She was able to use music and make me believe she knows what she's talking about. I bought this book last summer and regret waiting 8 months to read it.

Anyone I know that has a good record collection tends to gravitate towards fiction that writes about music in a knowledgeable manner. Most of the time we're let down. "Eat the Document" does not let music obsessives down.

Buy this book and read it as soon as possible. It's next to nothing on Amazon. Go. Buy it now.

Chicago, February 2009

Chicago, February 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

The Junior Senator from Illinois

Personalized Glitter Graphics

He does cocaine

8. "Lord of War"
I wanted to see this film when it was released because of the poster. It's beautiful and sort of inventive. I'm glad I saw the film. It was beautiful and sort of inventive. The first 90-minutes flows a lot better than the last 30, but it's forgivable. By that point you're not expecting a lot and just hope Jared Leto doesn't ruin the film.

I like message films that use quick editing. They care less about pounding stuff over your head and more about making your eyes bleed. Like a Duran Duran video shown at twice the normal speed. More Nic Cage films seem to do this. He sure does have an odd hairline.

Watch now on Netflix

7. "The Visitor"
A good excuse to nominate Richard Jenkins for Best Actor. "The Visitor" is a simply shot, interesting film about strange changes in life. An unhappy, bored college professor comes back to his Manhattan apartment to find two people living in it. He forms bonds with the two and feels responsible when the male it arrested. Pretty basic stuff but really well done.

Jenkins is great like always. He's subtle and quiet for the majority of the film. He doesn't have a chance of winning the award, but at least he's getting some well deserved recognition.

A very important film

6. "The Reader"
When you hear that a movie is independent and deals with concentration camps you think of films like "The Reader". It's good in that it deals with a serious subject in an semi-emotional manner. Does that make it watchable? Sure. But it's pretty standard and boring and didn't need to be made. It's difficult to say that about a film with such a heavy topic, but it's true. Eh.

Kate Winslet was good, but, eh. Why did this film need to be made? I understand that the holocaust was awful, but haven't enough films been made about this? Can there ever be enough films about this? I'm not really going anywhere with this, but neither did "The Reader." The conflict the audience goes through with Winslet's character is more interesting than anything that goes on on-screen. Eh.

Kate Winslet should win the Academy Award but more so for being a great actress for over ten years. She's Scotti Pippen to Meryl Streep's Michael Jordan.

The sucker

5. "The Rocker"
Is Raine Wilson funny? He plays the creepy straight man on "The Office" so well he may not be a comic. His SNL hosting appearance was so-so and "The Rocker" did nothing to make me laugh. It was a formulaic film in every way. Very sparse laughs. Exactly what the posters and trailer makes it look like. I am a sucker.

Why was Teddy Geiger in this film? His music is awful and looks like an older Jonas Brother. If a former hair metal drummer wanted to play with teenagers he would pick something a little more blow friendly.

Yet another reason to teach children to read and not idolize Scarface

3. Robert Cooley with Hillel Levin "When Corruption Was King"
It's hard to believe anything Robert Cooley writes. He was a mob lawyer and true to form Irish American stereotype. His writing reeks of self mythologizing in the worst way. The stories he tells are obviously embellished, but they're the only reason to keep on reading. Cooley was a FBI informant yet refuses to admit any wrongdoing himself. The book read as a tell all without any regret. Good fluff, but unintentional.

Why did I finish this thing? It was difficult to follow any character and the characters (when I say character I mean real person but it's impossible to care about any of these people) I was able to follow I did not care about.

Why did I finish this thing?

Mr. Van Sant's Oscar film

4. "Milk"
A good film but not the best bio pic. We don't meet Harvey Milk until he's about to celebrate his 40th birthday. We see him til his death eight years later. In other words, we get a glimpse at a very interesting man's life. I only mention this because my friend Tony brought to my attention that every year at least one bio pic is nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

2008 was the perfect year to release this film. With the controversial Prop 8 ruling and the election of Obama, a film liked "Milk" thrived. The performances were excellent and all of the acclaim was earned. There's not much else for me to say that hasn't already been written. See this film. Encourage any homophobic teenager you know to see this film.

The use of David Bowie's "Queen Bitch" was excellent. The song was stuck in my head for days.

Lincoln Park, Chicago, February 2009

Lincoln Park, Chicago, February 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Delay

My computer is temporarily out of service, hence the lack of updates.

The Wendy's on Division and Ashland is advertising a new sandwich. The sign reads "Catch Are New Fish Filet". I find this very sad.

Evanston, January 2009

Evanston, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Wicker Park, Chicago, January 2009

Wicker Park, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

I will miss Blago, this is my tribute

West Town, Chicago, January 2009

West Town, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Andersonville, Chicago, January 2009

Andersonville, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

I wish all the characters died

2. Jay McInerney "Bright Lights, Big City"
I should've known I wouldn't sympathize with a protagonist with a privileged background. It's a fault of mine and a credit to McInerney that I was able to start and finish this book in a little over a day. The characters and story is quintessential NYC, 80s, cocaine loving, yuppie lifestyle empty vessels. The payoff comes in the last page. Whether it's good or bad is obviously up for debate. I was never sold but couldn't put the book down.

It's obvious by the end of the second chapter that this book would be made in a film. The 1984 novel was made into a 1988 film starring Michael J. Fox. I would like to see this film. I have a feeling it'll be awful. It's also obvious why novels by Chuck Palahniuk became so popular after this wave of pointless 20 something males were done with their time. I guess the current wave is being led by people like Chuck Klosterman? Doesn't matter. What I'm trying to say is that I understand why a lot of people liked this book. I didn't.

No Linens Nor Things, Lakeview, Chicago, January 24 2009

No Linens Nor Things, Lakeview, Chicago, January 24 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

The TV show is good too

1. Jeff Lindsay "Dearly Devoted Dexter"
The fun part of reading a mystery is trying to figure out the killer or killers. I was not able to do so in the second "Dexter" book. Good job, Mr. Lindsay. You wrote a smart novel about a serial killer that doesn't get to serial kill.

Lindsay is a smart writer and knows it. He portrays Dexter as a pop culture whiz, like a Diablo Cody character without a soul. He writes Miami in a way only a native could, like Algren and Chicago. He has complete control over his work and the reader is better off for it.

It's damn near impossible to read this book and not think of the television characters. Thankfully the show is excellent. A good way to start my year of reading.

West Town, Chicago, January 24 2009

West Town, Chicago, January 24 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Librarians do not DJ

There are a few things wrong with the above ad.

1. The turntables are not hooked up to the mixer.
2. The mixer is not plugged in.
3. The headphones are not plugged in to the mixer.
4. The turntables are not grounded.
5. The turntables are not turned on (there is no light coming from the right table).
6. The needles appear to have their plastic covering on.
7. There are no speakers hooked up to the mixer, which is only a problem because there are no headphones plugged in to the mixer.

This elderly woman is clearly not a DJ.

Not as crazy as Blago

3. "Frost/Nixon"
If you want the chance to be nominated for Best Actor in a Film, star as the broken man. Once great, now on the way out, the broken man is identifiable. He's America. He knows he's done wrong but wants another shot. He'll get that shot, but inevitably fail. That's OK. He tried. He gave it his all and most of all, he learned a lesson.

The adaptation of the 2006 play is great. Everyone plays their roles quite well, specifically the two leads. The camerawork is a subtle mix between hand-held, television monitors and tripods (I understand this is a poor word choice, but I'm not sure what to write other than 'traditional' shots, but what is traditional?). The score holds back at all the right times. You know what's going to happen but are compelled to watch. It's a great film. The question is whether it deserved a Best Picture nomination. Since I haven't seen the other four films nominated I can't weigh in on them, but I thought "The Wrestler" was a better picture and that wasn't nominated. It seems like broken men that can be compared to G.W. Bush are a lot more Oscar worthy.

Lincoln Square, Chicago, January 2009

Lincoln Square, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Roscoe Village, Chicago, January 2009

Roscoe Village, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

West Town, Chicago, January 2009

West Town, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Village Thrift, Roscoe Village, December 2008

Village Thrift, Roscoe Village, December 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Podcast is back

I've recorded and posted a new episode of You, Me, Them, Everybody tonight. Due to grad school applications, the holidays and work, the podcast hasn't been updated consistently. That should change soon. I have ten or so people coming over in the next few weeks. It'll be fun. Please listen. Tell your friends.

Evanston, January 2009

Evanston, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Chicago, October 2008

Chicago, October 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Evanston, November 2008

Evanston, November 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Lincoln Square, Chicago, December 2008

Lincoln Square, Chicago, December 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

The one time I wish Guns N' Roses ended a film instead of Springsteen

2. "The Wrestler"
It's depressing and powerful and Micky Rourke is great and Marissa Tomei is a believable stripper and Darren Aronofsky proved again that he's a great director. He should win an award just for using "Sweet Child O' Mine" in a powerful way. Everything you have read is true. See this flick.

I did not cry in the theater and I'm not really sure where someone would cry. The entire thing is heart wrenching. Randy "The Ram" is a broken man in a dreary city with no one that cares. That's clear from the first scene and not much changes. It's believable and human, two things not usually associated with professional wrestling.

The film is near perfect. I don't recommend seeing it with children or those with conservative social values.

---

My favorite tidbit about "The Wrestler" is that the writer, Robert D. Siegel, used to write for "The Onion".

Hair loss can be funny

1. "Harold"
What a wonderful premise, a bald 13-year old. I'm serious. It's a good idea. An instantly alone protagonist in a comedy. It could eliminate 20 minutes of back story. It didn't. Instead, the film makes our hero, Harold, into a old man, just because he's bald. He has bunions and dresses frumpy. There's no reason for the overkill. He still likes girls his age, but he has bunions. Why does he have to have bunions?

"Harold" doesn't really go anywhere. From the twenty minute mark you know what's going to happen and how it's going to happen.

I wanted to like this film. I like Rachel Dratch and Colin Quinn and Dave Attell and most of the cast with cameos. I don't know what went wrong. It just doesn't make sense.

Not a good way to start the year.

West Town, Chicago, December 2008

West Town, Chicago, December 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Little Village, Chicago, February 2007

Little Village, Chicago, February 2007, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Let's have a party.

One of the best aspects of the new podcast is getting in touch with people I don't see often enough. Everyone is doing something, whether they think so or not, and it's nice to hear about it. I'd like to hear about that stuff more often. It seems like the only time I learn about my friends' new projects is at parties. Kelsey and I like parties but can't really have them at our current place in West Town. We've cut our living space down by half and can no longer host 30 or so friends. I see a lot of friends at my weekly gig at the Brain, but I can only talk for so long. I need to live like it's a consistent party. Not a bash, but a party, an event for people to dress up, if they'd like, and drink, if they'd like. Low key. Full of friends. No fights or ill-will. Like religion or something.

If you know me, I'd like to see you more often. We can talk about things we like and figure out ways to do them more. Like Mr. Rogers. That guy sure was great. Maybe we can write a zine about him. And color. He liked to color, right?

Chicago, January 2009

Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Transition

Due to work and applying for graduate school I haven't seen any new films, finished any new books, written much new fiction (maybe 6 pages) and haven't picked up a guitar in almost two weeks. It's cold outside. Too cold to work outside, which I do. I probably won't work outside tomorrow. I'll finish my grad school fiction and essays and to celebrate I'll watch films starring Clint Eastwood.

My grandfather looked like Clint Eastwood, just shorter and bigger muscles. He didn't speak a lot but when he did it commanded authority. He was a sheet metal worker, strong, with hands like worn, thick baseball mitts. His fingers were short and stubby. Mine are long. His had deep cuts due to machinery. He woke up at 5am to get to the site on time. I have cuts due to electric guitars. I pass out at 5am after shows. I still like watching Clint Eastwood.

Chicago, December 2008

Chicago, December 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Rogers Park, Chicago, December 2008

Rogers Park, Chicago, December 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Wicker Park, Chicago, March 2008

Wicker Park, Chicago, March 2008, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Yellow leather, Chicago, January 2009

Yellow leather, Chicago, January 2009, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.

Should've been 6

sally "but you can only trust me"

These two videos are tracks two and three off the sally "sunday" ep. I think it's still available on the band's myspace page. I'm not sure.

I really liked sally when they were around. Maybe they'll get back together. I'm tired. These videos were made over the course of six months. They sure don't look like it. I filmed two altercations, one of which I was able to use. I'm tired.

Video 5 of 2008

sally "my slow prayer of utter dismay"


I didn't want to post this until I finished another sally video I was working on. That video is above this one.

Please watch.

Last sally show, Empty Bottle, Chicago, November 2007

Last sally show, Empty Bottle, Chicago, November 2007, originally uploaded by Brandon Wetherbee.