tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-210335292024-03-12T22:25:53.076-04:00Melissa's KittiesThe Mother Kitty + Gordon + Simon +
Comet + Ashes + B.J. + Norman + Tigerlily + Mini + Tyrone + Ryo-oh-ki + Mew + Walter + Emily + Polly + Carmella + ByzeeMelissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.comBlogger790125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-24791333616570745862023-01-22T20:49:00.003-05:002023-01-22T20:49:56.471-05:00Happy Lunar New Year!<p>Hi everyone,</p><p>I know it's been a while, but life things – including a London vacation, holiday spirit, and more – distracted my progress. I'm still working on transferring the blog, and it will be done when it gets done! Once it's ready, I will start posting more regularly leading up to the relaunch. Based on my current pace, I think it will be a few more months. Please stay tuned for that exciting new adventure!</p><p>In the meantime, here's an oldie but goodie from 2008, dusted off to celebrate Lunar New Year – the Year of the Rabbit! Simon says he's practically related to this special rabbit, and it shares his Siamese descent. Isn't it obvious?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy50EhBNqu03VdJxCzMp6WG-pMloaiwJbUCE-voiP3BpprxkicwVnhAt13ozksEJ7KYm83Awg7PKj7SpLfiyhNSxAnNy7FAjvVzhJI6q79L9R3XxeMlSK8iXvRSIto1XmbKzfwde3cDTVf7eB5vCNWzVAFxTQw7k9n1hT_jNfevVIGomf4YI/s820/Leap-2-29-08WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="611" data-original-width="820" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdy50EhBNqu03VdJxCzMp6WG-pMloaiwJbUCE-voiP3BpprxkicwVnhAt13ozksEJ7KYm83Awg7PKj7SpLfiyhNSxAnNy7FAjvVzhJI6q79L9R3XxeMlSK8iXvRSIto1XmbKzfwde3cDTVf7eB5vCNWzVAFxTQw7k9n1hT_jNfevVIGomf4YI/w640-h476/Leap-2-29-08WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Happy Lunar New Year, everyone! Here's to a year when it's all going to happen! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuSlHUo8ruE7qnf3oPtUAnA3zbLk2HSgBcFow34pzRUVJPeTg6GmbQtS1j9UsL_mXeQ0KIUEcdwbmaEDP3ICRJYI-F9XkQQW7E9MqZxNN1xhfKpjJQp97QNLPva2THIeLABocCHST_uPBnIKGZth7MTevAGq69di6MB-Zh8ajxWgZeuTwbC0/s200/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmuSlHUo8ruE7qnf3oPtUAnA3zbLk2HSgBcFow34pzRUVJPeTg6GmbQtS1j9UsL_mXeQ0KIUEcdwbmaEDP3ICRJYI-F9XkQQW7E9MqZxNN1xhfKpjJQp97QNLPva2THIeLABocCHST_uPBnIKGZth7MTevAGq69di6MB-Zh8ajxWgZeuTwbC0/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-84130069895667925152022-10-18T13:55:00.007-04:002022-10-19T09:09:02.890-04:00A Season for Bill Russell<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>I know it's been a long time. Rest assured, I'm still here, but transferring my blog posts to a new platform has felt like a never-ending task. Don't worry, I will get there! I am trying to resist posting too much here in the meantime, which adds more posts for me to move later. I realize this is probably not the best overall strategy: It feels like a vicious circle.</p><p>But I had to break through today to honor Boston Celtics legend and all-around great human being, Bill Russell, who died July 31. I decided to wait until today, as the new Celtics season opens, to mention it because I think all efforts the Celtics put forth to win the championship this year will largely be in his honor.</p><p>Bill Russell not only made history breaking records as a Celtic – leading to 11 of their 17 championships during his 13-year career – but he did even more off the court for civil rights – from standing with Martin Luther King, Jr., to more recently taking a knee for social injustice. I could list all his historic accomplishments, magical moments, and well-deserved honors here, but you might be better served to <a href="https://www.bostoncelticshistory.com/collection/lord-of-the-rings-bill-russell/" target="_blank">read up on his life</a>, <a href="https://andscape.com/features/bill-russell-activist-for-the-ages/" target="_blank">watch video interviews</a>, or <a href="https://kareem.substack.com/p/the-bill-russell-i-knew-for-60-years" target="_blank">enjoy memories</a> shared by friends and colleagues to more fully to understand why Bill Russell is the greatest of all time. Discover why he became a mentor to every basketball player he reached, why the NBA retired his number across the league, why President Obama honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011, and why his laugh is the best laugh in the business. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bvHGgHi5s16Ahl_0y_Jo5ez4yrdrUueXDz1PT5wsoggIxhf8QdsXJKwKxmuFuSfFKsv5v4lJzK9ioFKBzhefUR1RvDU4W3EA0_j_F29xCQsCpBcwajTSaWHtrXdg-xl7yjM64OnTFvrexl6Z_vbElJ70Sy7KGnJqGeWOqWZHFvLBAx24HmY/s833/BillRussell08-09-22WEB.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="833" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9bvHGgHi5s16Ahl_0y_Jo5ez4yrdrUueXDz1PT5wsoggIxhf8QdsXJKwKxmuFuSfFKsv5v4lJzK9ioFKBzhefUR1RvDU4W3EA0_j_F29xCQsCpBcwajTSaWHtrXdg-xl7yjM64OnTFvrexl6Z_vbElJ70Sy7KGnJqGeWOqWZHFvLBAx24HmY/w640-h444/BillRussell08-09-22WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Bill Russell inspired so many who continue to build his legacy. With him in mind, the Celtics continue it tonight with renewed energy to raise banner #18. </p><p>Go, team!!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwbdJ5qUOLkxH8zp5WPFh51UM2uHQxEjhT_IOGUws7Okd-bvVjJGDD18VT8X1fft-nKCrdhsowPcIQipFnSypyzIsuHF2wH9s8r0mNVVsC6hbY_ezviTduIyWrkqjAAqP2KTzkECajuHwNFTzK3tnFKs_msGv6nYAX8vkKNKJaNH6Rfw0vr8/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwbdJ5qUOLkxH8zp5WPFh51UM2uHQxEjhT_IOGUws7Okd-bvVjJGDD18VT8X1fft-nKCrdhsowPcIQipFnSypyzIsuHF2wH9s8r0mNVVsC6hbY_ezviTduIyWrkqjAAqP2KTzkECajuHwNFTzK3tnFKs_msGv6nYAX8vkKNKJaNH6Rfw0vr8/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-9908140567681477602022-06-21T20:13:00.004-04:002022-06-21T20:13:50.146-04:00Summer Love<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Happy first day of summer! Are you ready? What are your plans?</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPMqnSVCEx0dwlscScxZnHPt0Su1e6NgJacnib5zPLnRWDTI2abmsxlo7g_sgQZqsZcRb2cVM9s30GhwuAcXQkzGxysBni88wP-OpwJlz0vPpZjDsTc_afYyBXxSiKIbPa_MxWSPm0BG36Sz9_WUx5IqpJcCYkPaXMQOKgUJIhaapIYN9Rog/s842/Summer06-21-13WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="842" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQPMqnSVCEx0dwlscScxZnHPt0Su1e6NgJacnib5zPLnRWDTI2abmsxlo7g_sgQZqsZcRb2cVM9s30GhwuAcXQkzGxysBni88wP-OpwJlz0vPpZjDsTc_afYyBXxSiKIbPa_MxWSPm0BG36Sz9_WUx5IqpJcCYkPaXMQOKgUJIhaapIYN9Rog/w640-h454/Summer06-21-13WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p>Wherever you end up, don't forget the sunblock. <div><br /></div><div>Stay cool,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvqbqImK2z8G4Xw81fjFb31zASYD7PB_eVCyLxzcfLIwlg0wyW2QYOZidxi9_U89hcxMH8UYEoz0R5lsJcAjOQHHZ9XJxGhyVFeft3TFYituLboeY_-O7O3ws8AO7RQiRNlS013XnwB_RODSjj5PfmODUq5JKPlEVlFx4DdCAPyVLlRn-_ps/s200/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvqbqImK2z8G4Xw81fjFb31zASYD7PB_eVCyLxzcfLIwlg0wyW2QYOZidxi9_U89hcxMH8UYEoz0R5lsJcAjOQHHZ9XJxGhyVFeft3TFYituLboeY_-O7O3ws8AO7RQiRNlS013XnwB_RODSjj5PfmODUq5JKPlEVlFx4DdCAPyVLlRn-_ps/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-67747673715552506732022-06-09T13:48:00.001-04:002022-06-09T13:51:36.841-04:00Johnny Kitties Revisited: Celebrating My Favorite Johnny Depp Films – Ed Wood (1994)<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Hi everyone,</span></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4155737360339467299" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><p style="color: #666666;"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">I haven't started my Johnny Kitties tribute to Johnny's latest film release, <i>Minamata</i>, because it's not available on DVD until next month. In the meantime, you can find it for rent on demand and on streaming services. It's a sad but moving, important story, so check it out! </span></p><p style="color: #666666;">Like last year for Johnny's birthday, I'm sharing an archived post celebrating one of my top picks. For the last few months, I've had <i>Edward Scissorhands</i> on my mind, but that's not the most timely choice on the brink of summer. </p><p style="color: #666666;">Given what Johnny's been through in the last couple months (and six years), I scanned the Johnny Kitties list for something happy and light to mark the start of a new chapter. While I'm not sure it's all happy and light, I landed on another Tim Burton/Johnny Depp classic, <i>Ed Wood</i>. It's about friendship, acceptance, perseverance, and the love of making movies! I can't wait forJohnny to get back to that. Here's to a happier, healthier year and new Johnny Movies to come. </p><p style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Enjoy, and happy birthday, Johnny! </span></p><p style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Love, </span></p><p style="color: #666666;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vKYe0BtTAQ/YMDcAb5Py8I/AAAAAAAAHTk/4KnSB_fRnmc7_37Ij8joI6b4LZyeNS7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vKYe0BtTAQ/YMDcAb5Py8I/AAAAAAAAHTk/4KnSB_fRnmc7_37Ij8joI6b4LZyeNS7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" /></a><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="color: #666666;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">[</span></span>What is Johnny Kitties? </span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">See </span><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2010/06/johnnys-kitties-johnny-depp-project.html" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration-line: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> for all the details.]</span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; float: right; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 6px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myPw4UIueMM/TheztvXuMbI/AAAAAAAABKk/lIiECF5evWk/s1600/Johnny-Depp-Ed-Wood_l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-myPw4UIueMM/TheztvXuMbI/AAAAAAAABKk/lIiECF5evWk/s1600/Johnny-Depp-Ed-Wood_l.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">"This is it! This is the one I'll be remembered for!"</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Despite my involvement, this movie is a tender, comic gem. An amazing cast to work alongside in Martin Landau, Bill Murray, et al., but, of course, with Tim, there exists an almost brotherly sensibility, which made the whole experience a joy. Ultimately, I feel, with the artistic freedom we had, TB produced an American classic. A love letter to a filmmaker that didn't receive many.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"> </span></i></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">– </span></i>Johnny Depp</span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">After his death in 1978, Ed Wood became best known as the world's worst film director and a cult following was born. Among his biggest fans were Tim Burton and Johnny Depp. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"This is Edward D. Wood, Jr." </span></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 5px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1upchXiaqo/WW2CUQD14QI/AAAAAAAAFmA/ml0BK6hCzes47GIZBDcfycoNcUfHk6rAACLcBGAs/s1600/Ed_Wood_photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="444" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1upchXiaqo/WW2CUQD14QI/AAAAAAAAFmA/ml0BK6hCzes47GIZBDcfycoNcUfHk6rAACLcBGAs/s200/Ed_Wood_photo.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="135" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;">The real Ed Wood</td></tr></tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Ed Wood's most famous features are the autobiographical <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045826/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">Glen or Glenda</a></i>, which explores a transvestite's struggle for a normal life, and <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052077/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;">Plan 9 from Outer Space</a></i>, a science fiction/horror movie that was funded by local Baptist churches and completed in five days. Unlike your typical director, who may take all day to shoot one scene and finish a film in months, Ed Wood might have shot 30 scenes in a single day. Usually without permits, he had to steal shots whenever and as quickly as possible. His</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> films weren't your typical Hollywood blockbusters; they were Ed Wood opuses. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">As scriptwriter Larry Karaszewski explained, "There's a personality to Ed Wood films that you don't necessarily get in a lot of other people's films. A lot of bad films are simply bad movies or incompetently put together. With Ed, you get a real sense of the filmmaker behind the camera. You see an Ed Wood movie, and you know it's an Ed Wood movie because of the obsessions and the fetishes. The stuff he's throwing up on the screen is clearly his way of working something out inside of him." </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">In Ed Wood's eyes, every film he made would be the one to make it big. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Scriptwriter Scott Alexander noted, "Where Ed's movies are distinctive is that there's such passion there. The passion is oftentimes misguided, but it's there." That's where Tim Burton's film takes flight. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109707/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;"><i>Ed Wood</i></a> focuses on the director's friendship with aging Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau), who has fallen from stardom after portraying "Dracula" during the Silent Era and was now battling drug addiction and poverty. After a chance meeting, Ed (Johnny Depp) wantes to help Bela – one of his childhood heroes – by giving him parts in his films. </span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The friendship lasts until Bela's death five years later. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>"Let's Shoot This F#*%@r!"</b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">When Tim Burton received this bio-pic's script, co-written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, he dropped his other projects and got to work, hardly changing anything on the page. He remembered, "It's probably the first time ever that I got a script and said, 'Yeah, let's shoot this.'"</span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roGgehZzyhI/WW2DtQha5NI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/6fZZsPte6C0ZtACWbi-tRUkG0FYO0ZVVQCLcBGAs/s1600/6360502443212321271011287142_ed-wood-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #2288bb; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="776" data-original-width="1200" height="206" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-roGgehZzyhI/WW2DtQha5NI/AAAAAAAAFmQ/6fZZsPte6C0ZtACWbi-tRUkG0FYO0ZVVQCLcBGAs/s320/6360502443212321271011287142_ed-wood-1.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Studying Ed Wood's original letters, Tim and Johnny got a sense of an unwavering upbeat optimism about his work. Because of that, Johnny's performance is hilariously enthusiastic and joyful. His other ingredients for the character of Ed Wood included the heart of T<i>he Wizard of Oz</i>'s Tin Man, the blind optimism of Ronald Reagan, and the distinctive voice of Casey Kasem. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Working with Tim again on a project that became a labor of love for all involved was just what Johnny needed to break out of the dark place he was stuck in while filming <i>What's Eating Gilbert Grape?</i> "Ed was the rocket ship that took me away from that horrible, black, bleak time," he said. "This guy needed to be the ultimate optimist, dreamer, idealist. It was like being in a completely different suit or skin. It felt very good." </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">His friend, Director Jim Jarmusch can attest: "I was staying at his house for a while when he was shooting <i>Ed Wood</i>, and sometimes I would pick him up from the set and we'd get dinner. It would take him three hours to stop being 'Ed Wood' – I just wanted to slap him to get that stupid smile off his face. We'd be in this Thai restaurant and Johnny is going, 'Hey, this Pad Thai is fabulous!'"</span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Johnny's performance fits perfectly into Tim Burton's version of an Ed Wood film – beautifully stylized in black and white with all the perceived normalcy of the 1950s. "You're mixing different elements," Tim explained. "You want to get the flavor of an Ed Wood movie without being an Ed Wood exactly." </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></b></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">"This is perfect!"</span></b> </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Tim Burton's <i>Ed Wood</i> is one of his best. It's one of Johnny's best. It's one of the world's best! They made a movie that struck a bittersweet balance between Ed Wood's rosy vision and reality. It is at once hilarious, heartwarming, heartbreaking, and joyful. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">This movie is about the love of filmmaking. In his review, Roger Ebert proclaimed that every film school in the country should show this film to their students to instill the devotion to and joy of the work. No matter what happens, everything is perfect in Ed's eyes. His love of producing and directing – getting the film in the can – was all that mattered. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">The writers noted that there were several more scenes reflecting Ed's insecurities and self-doubt, but they didn't make it into the film. Larry <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Karaszewski</span></span></b></span> explained, "Johnny and Tim grew to love Ed so much that it made them uncomfortable to give Ed those moments." </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6-TCwV4yag/WW2CUc8x6ZI/AAAAAAAAFmE/vopWuumB_Ukw0uTQfNH2XdBcT76w8a3cQCEwYBhgL/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #2288bb; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1600" height="172" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o6-TCwV4yag/WW2CUc8x6ZI/AAAAAAAAFmE/vopWuumB_Ukw0uTQfNH2XdBcT76w8a3cQCEwYBhgL/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">At the heart of this movie is friendship and acceptance. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">N</span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">o one in Ed Wood's circle is "normal," yet by the end of the film, you are cheering for all of them. Aside from Bela Lugosi and himself, Ed Wood's cast often included Swedish wrestler Tor Johnson (George "The Animal" Steele), ghoulish TV hostess Vampira (Lisa Marie), self-proclaimed psychic Criswell (Jeffrey Jones), and drag queen Bunny Breckenridge (Bill Murray). The "bad guys" in this movie were those embarrassed by Ed's love for cross-dressing or confused by his films' lack of continuity or retakes. But this troupe of misfits stuck together like family. And that was no clearer than in the relationship between Ed Wood and Bela Lugosi. </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; float: left; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 6px; position: relative;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDTbykyxlw/The4ULeWvXI/AAAAAAAABK0/qTK_DDwvTEM/s1600/images-5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #2288bb; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cLDTbykyxlw/The4ULeWvXI/AAAAAAAABK0/qTK_DDwvTEM/s1600/images-5.jpeg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: times, "times new roman", serif;">Martin Landau as Bela, consulting with his director.</span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Brilliantly played by Martin Landau, becoming Bela Lugosi was a challenge: "What you've got here is a 74-year-old Hungarian morphine addict/alcoholic who has mood swings," Martin explained. "That would be hard enough, but it had to be Bela Lugosi, who everyone knows!" </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Paying homage to the actor, Martin considered this film a male love story, one between two guys who really needed and depended on each other. "You could tell that between Martin and Johnny there was a real respect and a kind of bonding that went on with them because they were both good at a certain level," Tim said. "It was exciting to see that." </span></span></b></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>"We have to go see <i>Ed Wood</i>!" </b></span></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #666666; float: right; font-size: 13.2px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 6px; position: relative; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viqvDlUr_V4/The6JuLZHWI/AAAAAAAABK4/WW-q4UqBrfw/s1600/images-4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #2288bb; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-viqvDlUr_V4/The6JuLZHWI/AAAAAAAABK4/WW-q4UqBrfw/s1600/images-4.jpeg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" /></a></div></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">I had no idea who Ed Wood was at the time I saw this movie, and I don't remember how or where my family and I went to see the film. But I do remember two things: 1) There was no question that we were going to see it this time – no convincing, plotting, or pleading necessary, and 2) While watching the movie for the first time, I was worried about what my parents thought while Johnny strutted around in drag doing a strip tease among his friends in a meat packing plant. </span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">On the other hand, I was thrilled by Johnny's fearlessness to do whatever – and for Johnny, "whatever" usually guarantees the unexpected. It's a trait that remains in full force today, and one of the reasons I will always see his movies. Tim agrees, as he discussed being able to work with Johnny again on this project: "'Edward Scissorhands' was a character who didn't speak, and now we're dealing with a character that won't shut up. It's great to see an actor go from one thing to something completely different. There's a great energy to seeing something like that. He's just so willing to do anything that way. In fact, he usually wants to go farther than you want him to go. It's nice for other actors to see." </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The reviews everywhere for Tim Burton's little film were positive, even those from my own family.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Ed Wood</i> was nominated for too many awards to list here. Among them were Johnny's third Golden Globe nomination and his win for Actor of the Year from the London Film Critics. <i>Ed Wood</i> earned two Oscars – one for Martin Landau's amazing performance and one for the makeup team who transformed him into Bela Lugosi.</span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Because of this movie, I sought out Ed Wood's own films, which I wanted to love as much as Tim, Johnny, and company did. But I just couldn't do it. They actually made me sad. I felt better once I found out that the writers are aware of this phenomenon: "What's interesting is that when you watch our movie, and then watch Ed Wood's films, our movie affects the Ed Wood films themselves," writer Larry Karaszewski said. "It's much harder to laugh at Ed Wood films, particularly <i>Glen or Glenda</i>. It feels like a piece of personal filmmaking, where you feel like this guy is putting his soul onto film." It's true: Watching the real Ed Wood movies, I was excited to see all the real people who were portrayed in Tim's <i>Ed Wood</i>, and I was still rooting for them to do well. I probably always will. </span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Check it out: Once you see </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i>Ed Wood – </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">and you should all see it – it'll happen to you too. This labor of love is contagious.</span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Kitties will do anything to get this one made!</b></span></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Kitties were all for the <i>Ed Wood</i> homage in black and white. We had to choose a filming scene because that's what Ed loved best. Here is one of his great moments: Ed (Gordon) dragged the crew (including Norman, Simon, and Comet) out at 3 a.m. to steal an octopus prop from a nearby studio. Now, he's plopping Bela (B.J.) in the middle of it all to stage a big fight. This will match up perfectly with the big underwater finish Ed has planned for his latest movie. Who cares that they forgot to get the octopus motor or that Bela isn't quite underwater? This is perfect! (And only 25 more scenes to go tonight.) </span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissaskitties/5918632689/" style="color: #2288bb; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #10--Ed Wood (5-7-11) by Melissa's Kitties, on Flickr"><img alt="Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #10--Ed Wood (5-7-11)" height="446" src="https://farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5918632689_92300cf269_b.jpg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="color: #666666; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>What came next?</b></span></span></span></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span">After this, Johnny traded in his angora sweater for a mask to play the world's greatest lover, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span">Don Juan DeMarco. Check out the <a href="https://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/p/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp.html" target="_blank">Johnny Kitties page</a> to see my review of Don Juan DeMarco and Johnny's other films. </span></i></span></span></div></div></div></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-77160848134685727432022-06-01T18:47:00.002-04:002022-06-01T18:48:55.612-04:00Congrats to the Celtic Champs! Hi everyone,<div><br /></div><div>The Boston Celtics are headed to the NBA finals!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8DwuLGNSmWMGSgfLFv9RJfWpm6-Lni3o2YgMQ7xP809kKlsv7uCHhMuXe0mX8H9eqfrC7adTAe6Q-sQWRZ_n5cK8Zb3EKC0TtZOyWOADxvVvXeHlw43jG6JrnsxTcEd4aFfIcbhYN2lJKccCDw3pTzXlrxUMSKFZUJ0Y4s11C17pfdve5Tk/s811/NBAEasternConferenceChamps2022WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="811" height="458" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS8DwuLGNSmWMGSgfLFv9RJfWpm6-Lni3o2YgMQ7xP809kKlsv7uCHhMuXe0mX8H9eqfrC7adTAe6Q-sQWRZ_n5cK8Zb3EKC0TtZOyWOADxvVvXeHlw43jG6JrnsxTcEd4aFfIcbhYN2lJKccCDw3pTzXlrxUMSKFZUJ0Y4s11C17pfdve5Tk/w640-h458/NBAEasternConferenceChamps2022WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div>The Kitties and I are ready with game-time snacks and advice that we'll continue to yell at the TV. </div><div><br /></div><div>Good luck toward four more wins – Go team! </div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu0BBJQw0-0gWYrfg8pWePJWrXA9ZDXr1PcnzPYHblGuLB3aVW1oEGGsp13dKo7A1eb_z1wSRwxDUOmDU_t2CUCKZVOGH5RSEVC1V1miSAn0Z20kEyIduYlxx4qf8hmKARQZR5nzVQyw9WkntQ-JDxrkUeBjwSjJJuhneu4kntgD75BbduDE/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbu0BBJQw0-0gWYrfg8pWePJWrXA9ZDXr1PcnzPYHblGuLB3aVW1oEGGsp13dKo7A1eb_z1wSRwxDUOmDU_t2CUCKZVOGH5RSEVC1V1miSAn0Z20kEyIduYlxx4qf8hmKARQZR5nzVQyw9WkntQ-JDxrkUeBjwSjJJuhneu4kntgD75BbduDE/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Coach Udoka, I ran out of cats, but we love you too. </div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-53329896970111523712022-05-14T14:15:00.003-04:002022-05-14T14:25:25.184-04:00What's your mood? <p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Since last time, I've been immersed in the Blogging Your Way Masterclass. There are lessons and homework every week, but I got a specific assignment from teacher Holly Becker before class even began: Transfer your blog over to Squarespace. Excited to get this push with a May 15 deadline, I dove in quickly but left the blog page for last.</p><p>That's where I am now and will be for months. Because Blogger has a completely different layout than Squarespace, I need to rebuild each post one by one in the new platform. So far, I'm through 2006 (50 posts), and I've already questioned several times whether this is worth it. </p><p>However, as Holly suspected, I am much happier with the look of my blog. An unexpected bonus is that going through my old posts and drawings shows how prolific and consistent I was with goals and deadlines and, more importantly, how much I enjoyed making each drawing. I'll let you know if I still feel warm and fuzzy when I'm in the 400s, or if I'll want to jump out of a window. </p><p>This is all to say, my revamped blog launch is a while away. Hopefully, it'll be worth the wait. In the meantime, here's my latest mood board for the new home of Melissa's Kitties. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYQG15LkbYsLj_qX1M5j-mVeVqRvS6OZgnUCOTxzZsS_2-G9vs7EA4GsCM_puDdAZEpsLPr-fkSZnE403Xq_PicOrkB7EH7h3kBn8nMZnysrLoO0A0_OK0SgAD5xX5z1yhFpGz3BSqQxFYtlRr-kQfSWqc8I6CrNVheBV8CzjcWXAF7HIE3U/s1500/TheMotherKittyMoodBoard2022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1061" data-original-width="1500" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWYQG15LkbYsLj_qX1M5j-mVeVqRvS6OZgnUCOTxzZsS_2-G9vs7EA4GsCM_puDdAZEpsLPr-fkSZnE403Xq_PicOrkB7EH7h3kBn8nMZnysrLoO0A0_OK0SgAD5xX5z1yhFpGz3BSqQxFYtlRr-kQfSWqc8I6CrNVheBV8CzjcWXAF7HIE3U/w640-h453/TheMotherKittyMoodBoard2022.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>If you haven't guessed already, the blog will have a new name but the same Kitties. I couldn't think of anything else to call it but The Mother Kitty, after the magical cat who started it all. What do you think? </p><p>She and you keep me inspired. I'll keep you posted on my progress with the Kitties new home. (Someday, it will be ready.) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUDJZe7_Q5bWfUwohEE-tWfz91BrP3dTIwVkj-sY0F5JM2EKWo2_k7ww2XZvh8wL4XorIlS8sEfp9OBH9Mpyy2exsI78akBGuO89Z0lyYB-8YPBiKmk2onl8s8UQDQLlWkRnNgToDGhzAzWCN5Vpr3xig63cOd5UTe1RgqbfBMZDpak2MRBA/s200/signature.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcUDJZe7_Q5bWfUwohEE-tWfz91BrP3dTIwVkj-sY0F5JM2EKWo2_k7ww2XZvh8wL4XorIlS8sEfp9OBH9Mpyy2exsI78akBGuO89Z0lyYB-8YPBiKmk2onl8s8UQDQLlWkRnNgToDGhzAzWCN5Vpr3xig63cOd5UTe1RgqbfBMZDpak2MRBA/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-23176820085199181552022-04-10T19:08:00.012-04:002022-04-10T19:40:13.345-04:00Springing into Action<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>I planned to mark the start of spring last month, but it was still freezing here. So, I ended up hibernating a bit longer under a warm blanket. We are experiencing some April showers this month, but I feel spring in the air now with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.</p><p>The Kitties and I love this time of year. I remember when Tyrone and Walter treated it like a special occasion in 2019, letting me experiment with colored pencils. What do you think?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRouoB-jK224GnzW6gNnXC5W65YgBTl_QFfkJlUrAUUpxzNIDWSJqM66MLsU3KQxyNSG4_3IHsnEUzTKMI8YFeo1q_cnQy1U9DtNTL-V5Q3VHq8lASuzL3WYFlG4iaPKnYgsJahOAhCuaDGf9IYZ3E-9eYWruJVEV9KmK66-DjJQ1ex9ZnrQE/s771/MothersDay2019.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="589" data-original-width="771" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRouoB-jK224GnzW6gNnXC5W65YgBTl_QFfkJlUrAUUpxzNIDWSJqM66MLsU3KQxyNSG4_3IHsnEUzTKMI8YFeo1q_cnQy1U9DtNTL-V5Q3VHq8lASuzL3WYFlG4iaPKnYgsJahOAhCuaDGf9IYZ3E-9eYWruJVEV9KmK66-DjJQ1ex9ZnrQE/w640-h489/MothersDay2019.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I am working toward revitalizing my blog and building a new home for it, but I'm stuck in the thinking phase. Feeling overwhelmed, I reached out for help, signing up for the <a href="https://payhip.com/b/f7lFK" target="_blank">Blogging Your Way Masterclass (April 22 to May 27) with Holly Becker</a>. Her expertise will motivate me to realize the vision I have for the next phase for Melissa's Kitties, and I can't wait to get started!</p><p>I'm excited to embark on this new adventure and see where it leads. Stay tuned! </p><p>Love,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uSmCBaPatLRZmQVfh9PkgP8clQNypEW-_-zcoSrXqxRUWt18lCh8cq__xHfMTwhR0cM9T3bLDeka1TWE142T04gcvx2bV-k7N_VNvnPbpJLN1VeWx4Q64mCuSXMSzCiZs_oYSvr0nqSGyO4Y7VKIhlRiSMv1_a5mdc3kAothfT-TpdY2-eg/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7uSmCBaPatLRZmQVfh9PkgP8clQNypEW-_-zcoSrXqxRUWt18lCh8cq__xHfMTwhR0cM9T3bLDeka1TWE142T04gcvx2bV-k7N_VNvnPbpJLN1VeWx4Q64mCuSXMSzCiZs_oYSvr0nqSGyO4Y7VKIhlRiSMv1_a5mdc3kAothfT-TpdY2-eg/s1600/signature.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-67524295659972676112022-02-01T12:15:00.002-05:002022-02-01T12:15:45.294-05:00Happy Chinese New Year!<p>Happy Chinese New Year, everyone! </p><p>It's the Year of the Tiger, which happens to be my sign. I am in good company: Some fellow Tigers include Mahershala Ali, David Attenborough, Jon Batiste, Leonardo DiCaprio, Amanda Gorman, Marilyn Monroe, Bill Murray, Martin Short, Stevie Wonder, and Michelle Yeoh. </p><p>Each zodiac sign is celebrated every 12 years and festivities last over 2 weeks. The tiger is courageous, competitive, and always ready for a challenge. It can also be rebellious, short-tempered, and unpredictable. It sounds just like me! </p><p>Look! Some of The Kitties – Tyrone, Comet, B.J. and The Mother Kitty – borrowed my black markers and got into their Tiger spirit. How will you celebrate? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhavgDr3lD5VDN0ijdAQqHTWTSjZfN6FOz1pwYuVkIP_3-a2UtW5E-nEQz7fXktOnl6Fb2jvhM8DNnF08DaIbLfTtk97477s1aSu9F3Z1PkMwjoKfjRDromSEKN_ZL_u8DkWQm2I2oz_rnFAvKmrIPHBiijHTvAXkjYmOM7HGIwY6obhkkYDXs=s839" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="839" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhavgDr3lD5VDN0ijdAQqHTWTSjZfN6FOz1pwYuVkIP_3-a2UtW5E-nEQz7fXktOnl6Fb2jvhM8DNnF08DaIbLfTtk97477s1aSu9F3Z1PkMwjoKfjRDromSEKN_ZL_u8DkWQm2I2oz_rnFAvKmrIPHBiijHTvAXkjYmOM7HGIwY6obhkkYDXs=w640-h450" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Love, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI9sLd-ZEbTb9arGx85KVYC6HTvSSDyR8y2LmnsdTrzmyoIhp4LKc_h84qvYUbMk0fQJln63efRo1hYfLblH0pqxrtS_a5Ezz-ZMWHKmzOr5KLE-v2I6XwX0X29v2HyzXIDOihfxkCMEOeQruPig3_iMkaoNsy8cCAzrXjh8opSh7Om1qDP2U=s200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI9sLd-ZEbTb9arGx85KVYC6HTvSSDyR8y2LmnsdTrzmyoIhp4LKc_h84qvYUbMk0fQJln63efRo1hYfLblH0pqxrtS_a5Ezz-ZMWHKmzOr5KLE-v2I6XwX0X29v2HyzXIDOihfxkCMEOeQruPig3_iMkaoNsy8cCAzrXjh8opSh7Om1qDP2U" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-14395274716497408502022-01-03T00:36:00.001-05:002022-01-03T00:36:54.176-05:00Happy New and Mew Year! <p> Hi everyone,</p><p>I can't believe it's 2022, can you? So goes pandemic life, where all sense of time is approximate and abstract. I hope this message finds you happy, healthy, safe, and surrounded by family and friends. </p><p>As I've been promising, this will be a transformative year for Melissa's Kitties – with a new name, look, and platform, but the same old wonderful Kitties. The Kitties have been nagging me for years about getting this refreshing makeover! They itch to get out, see more of the world, and make new friends – and the pandemic only amplified their determination. </p><p>Considering my lack of discipline here, I need your help as we move along this path – from deciding on a logo, colors, and designs to drawing ideas, potential products, and more. If you haven't already, please follow me on Instagram, too – <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themotherkitty/" target="_blank">@themotherkitty</a> – where I plan to also share any latest developments. Stay tuned for all my questions, and thank you in advance for your advice and encouragement! </p><p>In the meantime, the Kitties and I wish you a happy, exciting new year! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXm9sIcnbSBVNCEVC43cDlDWz9XnB0vlufWS-dpYtDxmrY63qh4wZ4PYq_HoMSMbwIlcnMIJv0dkdhP671WjKhSFlN6H03t_nXLpQTv52LelgO4IHAJ4tAfL8tLvxe6au1RrUh9K9ZZd9iZBThUkYjGfS5imLULiHQkNOjNKOaH3HHE8M344w=s834" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="834" data-original-width="591" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXm9sIcnbSBVNCEVC43cDlDWz9XnB0vlufWS-dpYtDxmrY63qh4wZ4PYq_HoMSMbwIlcnMIJv0dkdhP671WjKhSFlN6H03t_nXLpQTv52LelgO4IHAJ4tAfL8tLvxe6au1RrUh9K9ZZd9iZBThUkYjGfS5imLULiHQkNOjNKOaH3HHE8M344w=s16000" /></a></div><p>After I drew this illustration (with The Mother Kitty's and Gordon's helpful pitch), I found out that January 2 is actually Mew Year's Day for cats. I'm not making this up! Upon learning this, two questions came to mind: </p><p>1. Is there really a holiday for anything and everything? </p><p>2. Shouldn't we celebrate cats every day?</p><p>The answer to both questions is yes. </p><p>Mew Year's Day – created by Tom and Ruth Roy of <a href="http://wellcat.com" target="_blank">wellcat.com</a> – can serve as a reminder to appreciate our fantastic feline friends. Here are some things you can do to celebrate: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>To help less fortunate kitties, consider giving to an animal charity, like the <a href="https://www.aspca.org/">American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals</a>, <a href="https://www.humanesociety.org/" target="_blank">The Humane Society of the United States</a>, or your local animal shelter. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you don't share your home with a cat yet, you can pick one up at that local animal shelter. Don't worry, you will know which one wants to live with you when you meet. (It's no pressure since the cat always decides.)</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you already have cats, give each a special holiday treat. They are waiting....</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Above all, give your cats grateful hugs today and every day because they deserve it. </li></ul><div>Here's to continued curiosity and vivid imaginations. May 2022 bring us all creative, joyful days and fulfilling, fun adventures with family, friends, and the Kitties.</div><div><br /></div><div>Love, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCvCxtzEyyTKoQwTVx5OnlgQ4El-CWFMdVRwO4W745VLxcf3kZlD3kS9an78Q_eE748wZ3uUVhv0f6hxWJmWQNzpLFoJAicLPnmShXWsy-C64myvJ1XvZutpo7X07_KPh1lFZIL8mgRlQZwxnd6uC3f9dfi4hQ7OVC8TQ-2xuPU4FZd33aGgc=s200" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCvCxtzEyyTKoQwTVx5OnlgQ4El-CWFMdVRwO4W745VLxcf3kZlD3kS9an78Q_eE748wZ3uUVhv0f6hxWJmWQNzpLFoJAicLPnmShXWsy-C64myvJ1XvZutpo7X07_KPh1lFZIL8mgRlQZwxnd6uC3f9dfi4hQ7OVC8TQ-2xuPU4FZd33aGgc" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-62890805721411980122021-11-28T11:31:00.011-05:002021-12-04T23:12:30.295-05:00Celebrating Stephen Sondheim <p> Hi everyone,</p><p>I know it's been a long time! I'm slowly making big plans for Melissa's Kitties with a new look coming soon in 2022. Please stay tuned...</p><p>In the meantime, let's take a moment to celebrate Stephen Sondheim, who passed away this weekend. I grew up watching <i>West Side Story, </i>and Tim Burton's <i>Sweeney Todd</i> is one of my all-time favorite films. </p><p>Stephen Sondheim lived a long, fulfilled life, creating hundreds of amazing lyrics for us to enjoy. Yet, I know the void he left will never fully disappear. There will never be another Stephen Sondheim.</p><p>A few years ago, the Kitties performed some unforgettable moments of <i>Sweeney Todd</i> and <i>Into the Woods</i>. Like any Sondheim-related effort, it was hard work that burst off the page! You can check out the film versions of these works on streaming services or DVD. </p><p>First, Gordon embodied <i>Sweeney Todd</i>, out of jail after being convicted on a false charge by a corrupt judge and ready for revenge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3rLS0KYSaw/YaOrCyrUKcI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/xUhs-d4Fk1ciKw67IIJNVhCWnhSjB0HFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s842/36-WEBSweeneyTodd-06-09-13.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y3rLS0KYSaw/YaOrCyrUKcI/AAAAAAAAHYQ/xUhs-d4Fk1ciKw67IIJNVhCWnhSjB0HFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/36-WEBSweeneyTodd-06-09-13.jpg" /></a></div><p>And, then, for something completely different: Gordon played the Wolf, charming Mini as Little Red Riding Hood when she ventures <i>Into the Woods</i> on the way to Granny's house.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWNJt66ISLs/YaOqui3n_QI/AAAAAAAAHYI/gi5LI7E2wBIZmyLvY37PlyxyEnXf4XBQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s842/48-WEBIntoTheWoods05-16-15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="586" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nWNJt66ISLs/YaOqui3n_QI/AAAAAAAAHYI/gi5LI7E2wBIZmyLvY37PlyxyEnXf4XBQgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/48-WEBIntoTheWoods05-16-15.jpg" /></a></div><p>We haven't yet tackled <i>West Side Story</i>, but we will. Did you know that classic film is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year? Thanks to Turner Classic Movies, you can catch it in theaters across the country today or Wednesday. I'm heading out to see it on the big screen this afternoon. Are you? (Come on, treat yourself! You'll be glad you did.) </p><p>I last saw Stephen Sondheim recently on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, where they discussed Steven Spielberg's new version of West Side Story, which hits theaters December 10. He assured us, "It's fantastic!" I don't doubt it and can't wait to see it. Mark your calendars! </p><p>Above all else, when checking out any of his work, sing along, tip your glass or throw your shoe in thanks to Mr. Sondheim for his glorious words and music. They'll live forever. </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsQX_TWlEA0/YaOsoTd0b6I/AAAAAAAAHYc/iKz2zyIWwEgFvoizzx0i1vzMTbmbfTdAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" height="75" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AsQX_TWlEA0/YaOsoTd0b6I/AAAAAAAAHYc/iKz2zyIWwEgFvoizzx0i1vzMTbmbfTdAwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" width="200" /></a></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-83754164957900650682021-07-09T17:04:00.005-04:002021-10-15T22:06:30.489-04:00Johnny Kitties Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #59. City of Lies (2021)<p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;">[<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">What is Johnny Kitties?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> See </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2010/06/johnnys-kitties-johnny-depp-project.html" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration-line: none;">Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> for all the details. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">Visit the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/p/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp.html" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">Johnny Kitties page</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;"><span id="goog_103826983"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">for a full list of Johnny Depp's filmography and links to all previous Johnny Kitties blog posts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">]</span></p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOnlewgPlDE/YOfNFtNxFiI/AAAAAAAAHWM/IT6oUUmnDEINUBt6fA1vd7gqLCkQChJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/LAb-01037.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="798" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOnlewgPlDE/YOfNFtNxFiI/AAAAAAAAHWM/IT6oUUmnDEINUBt6fA1vd7gqLCkQChJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/LAb-01037.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span>I really only wanted Johnny Depp for this role. I know there was a version of Russ Poole in someone else's hands that was just potentially boring, and uninteresting </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">–</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> a</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">nd I knew in Johnny's hands, that would never be the case. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">–</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> Director Brad Furman</span></div></span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>This is the guy you want on the case. </b></span></span></p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvcUGdeUj6w/YOfOkLVSZqI/AAAAAAAAHWk/1Q0cxBQyGwQPXX-CVd0CLM5og-51ZOJWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/City-Of-Lies-Johnny-Depp-Instagram.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="632" data-original-width="1200" height="169" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xvcUGdeUj6w/YOfOkLVSZqI/AAAAAAAAHWk/1Q0cxBQyGwQPXX-CVd0CLM5og-51ZOJWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h169/City-Of-Lies-Johnny-Depp-Instagram.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Based on true events, <i>City of Lies </i>presents the intricate unsolved mystery around the murder of rapper Christopher Wallace </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">– </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">better known as</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> the Notorious B.I.G. or Biggie Smalls </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">–</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">who was gunned down at a stop light after leaving an event in Las Vegas in 1997, just months after the similar death of rapper Tupac Shakur. Based on the nonfiction book LAbyrinth by Randall Sullivan, this film follows Detective Russell Poole (Johnny Depp) as he seeks and becomes obsessed with the truth – at the cost of his family, health and faith in the Los Angeles Police Department. </span><p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Why is everyone shooting each other? </b></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i></i></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><i><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2dWGBggxHs/YOfIvFI4gAI/AAAAAAAAHVs/2PfKhfzAXTAUUVvw-7wwz6MZvgOj1QapACLcBGAsYHQ/s424/lf.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="424" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F2dWGBggxHs/YOfIvFI4gAI/AAAAAAAAHVs/2PfKhfzAXTAUUVvw-7wwz6MZvgOj1QapACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/lf.jpg" /></a></i><i>City of Lies</i> was a surprise release in 2021 that I found out about from Johnny himself when he publicized it on his Instagram account. (I could get used to this.) The movie was actually ready in 2018 but shelved days before it was supposed to be released. There are many theories why, but none provide a definitive explanation, so I will just take this sudden treat and forget about the drama around it. </span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;">This is a fast-paced, intense movie that presents plenty of theories of its own about the murder of Biggie Smalls. Detective Russell Poole was hot on the trail but hit roadblock after roadblock as he discovered involvement and cover-up activities by several of his fellow police officers in the Los Angeles Police Department. He became so obsessed with cracking the case that he studied it for more than 20 years, until his death in 2019. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The film was originally called LAbyrinth, after the book on which it's based, because that's what this investigation became. There are so many people involved, it took me a few viewings to track who they all were and why and how they took part. (I'm not sure I fully get it yet, but it doesn't matter.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">To help us along, Forest Whitaker plays an invented character, Darius "Jack" Jackson, a journalist who reported wrongly on the murder when it happened and is now trying to correct his past mistakes. He seeks out Detective Poole hoping to figure things out together. "Jackson is a made-up character, but he's the kind of made-up character that's necessary because Poole's going through something very serious and very intense, and he's got no one to turn to," Johnny says. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">This is not a spoiler: The murders of Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur remain unsolved. Despite the subject matter being more than 20 years old, the topic is extremely relevant today. Director Brad Furman hopes <i>City of Lies </i>will peak enough curiosity to keep the investigation going. </span></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;"><b>Was this one worth the wait?</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Of course, my answer is yes! </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><i>City of Lies </i>is like a mix of documentary and film noir styles. Director Brad Furman strove to give it a more realistic feel, and I think he succeeds. It starts off with a bang, literally</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> – </span><span style="font-family: arial;">a case of seemingly unrelated L.A. road rage</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial;"> – </span><span style="font-family: arial;">and doesn't let up. It's dark, gritty and uses footage of actual news reports and interviews about Christopher Wallace's murder. In fact, his mother Voletta participated in one of the movie's scenes. The director read LAbrynth years ago and wanted to make the movie but wouldn't do so without the approval of both Wallace and Shakur families. He got it. And, with the untimely death of Russell Poole before production began, e</span><span style="font-family: arial;">veryone involved with this film was committed to getting the message and story right for the real families involved. They still seek resolution and peace.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrYx4HpUVew/YOfMke1wuhI/AAAAAAAAHWE/qLX692TIMIEA3FVD4p_WkmMQ4p2UMvEJQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/ESGZMPQB5VB5VID2OARIX4VOKY.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mrYx4HpUVew/YOfMke1wuhI/AAAAAAAAHWE/qLX692TIMIEA3FVD4p_WkmMQ4p2UMvEJQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/ESGZMPQB5VB5VID2OARIX4VOKY.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">I was also really excited about Johnny and Forest Whitaker working together in <i>City of Lies</i>, so many years after their first movie together, <i>Platoon.</i> Apparently, they were keen about this chance, 32 years later! Most of their scenes were tense, argumentative and confrontational, as they pushed each throughout the investigation. "For me, Jackson is the alter ego of Poole, but mostly the pessimistic side. Mostly, Poole is facing a side of him that he is not and refuses to be, and Jackson is looking at a version of himself that he could never be," Johnny says. "He doesn't have that purity, that belief that you can make a difference – one man." </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lV53I0P98kg/YOfJfc8PBQI/AAAAAAAAHV8/y84qhXf3QVwVsC6if8pH2GYmuJHk1GnnwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/homepage_city-of-lies-movie-review-2021.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="400" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lV53I0P98kg/YOfJfc8PBQI/AAAAAAAAHV8/y84qhXf3QVwVsC6if8pH2GYmuJHk1GnnwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/homepage_city-of-lies-movie-review-2021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These two actors also work differently, as the director explains, "Forest had a lot of questions and wanted a lot of things from me that Johnny just wasn't asking. They have very different approaches and my hope and goal was that that would create some time of energy on screen that would be exciting for us to watch." </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The rest of the cast is full of fantastic character actors, who matched their energy and created a fitting murky, volatile atmosphere for them. Two standouts for me are Glen Plummer as Psycho Mike and Rockmond Dunbar as Dreadlocks. (They both have good hair.) </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw729bm8zrI/YOfJDbVa_PI/AAAAAAAAHV0/r0-h8gOJrssJvr4u_F_OC2mpLKFi9SWyACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/1342287_cityoflies_651950.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="536" data-original-width="1024" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vw729bm8zrI/YOfJDbVa_PI/AAAAAAAAHV0/r0-h8gOJrssJvr4u_F_OC2mpLKFi9SWyACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h336/1342287_cityoflies_651950.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These days (and, really, always), I love seeing Johnny work without any accent or elaborate costume or disguise. It's in these kinds of roles that his talent as an actor really comes through clearly. Writer Randall Sullivan knows what I'm talking about: "When I watched the film, it really struck me more than it ever has that film actors have to be masters of such subtle expression. I mean, a lot of acting is done with the eyes. Johnny was really able to convey a lot of deep emotion that brought Russ back to me with a pretty stoic – apparently stoic – demeanor." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Here, Johnny plays an average, good guy whose work has taken over his life. I can see why he connected to this role of someone who will go to extremes to get to the truth. As the director explains, "I felt, in getting to know Johnny, there was a real innocence....He's a big believer in just truth and justice, simplicity. And, when you take all that, and you understand that he looks at it through this innocent lens, I felt that the role of Russell Poole fit just like a glove...I believe Johnny felt a real deep connection to the material and his fight for truth and justice. That was something we talked a lot about on Day 1." </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">True to form, Johnny did exhaustive research and met with the director for hours that day, during which they connected on everything from the book and character to life and music, in general. As usual, he added his own personal touches, including friends Joe Perry on the soundtrack and activist Killer Mike in a scene. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4w40xVz45I/YOfPAEJYhBI/AAAAAAAAHWs/ZLY0kRcYX8IymSgzsG3pddaMHx6JZqOfQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/johnny-depp-city-of-lies.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c4w40xVz45I/YOfPAEJYhBI/AAAAAAAAHWs/ZLY0kRcYX8IymSgzsG3pddaMHx6JZqOfQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/johnny-depp-city-of-lies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Russell Poole steadfastly believed in the Homicide Investigator's Creed, which he taped to his desk: "No greater honor will ever be bestowed on an officer than when he is entrusted with the investigation of the death of a human being. It is his duty to find the facts regardless of color and creed." After being shut out by his fellow officers during the investigation, he quit weeks before his retirement, but continued the work on his own. He lost his family over his obsession with the truth and worked at it until the day he died. "It's shocking that the truth can actually be buried if a couple of powerful institutions want to collaborate to do it, but it leaves the people who know the truth in an unbearable situation because they can't unknow that truth," Writer Randall Sullivan says. "To live with the fact that it's being buried, in Russel Poole's case, it just sort of killed him day by day."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The Kitties are on the case now.</b></span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">In this movie, I loved watching Forest Whitaker and Johnny in their tense scenes and how thoroughly Russell Poole worked to put the pieces together to solve his case. Here, our Kitties, Walter and Gordon, depict one of their fights, an argument that questions Detective Poole's integrity. That's not the right thing to question because you can see how his apartment was consumed by his work everywhere you look. He was connecting the dots all over the walls.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1NzDYHn9bc/YTqKtw18sNI/AAAAAAAAHXg/IdQ4WEtiTocbI0Ab9PFF9bIA3jYKh0XMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/59-WEBCityofLies06-26-21Image.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="2048" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b1NzDYHn9bc/YTqKtw18sNI/AAAAAAAAHXg/IdQ4WEtiTocbI0Ab9PFF9bIA3jYKh0XMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h442/59-WEBCityofLies06-26-21Image.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><b style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;">What's next? </b></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="background-color: white;">I'm still waiting to see Johnny as war photographer W. Eugene Smith in <i>Minamata</i>, which was supposed to be released last February 5 but wasn't. Is this some strange new Hollywood publicity tactic? It's okay. I'm game for another surprise movie treat. <i>Minamata</i> won't be any happier than <i>City of Lies</i>, but I'll be happy to see it whenever it shows up. Stay tuned.... </span></span></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-41557373603394672992021-06-09T12:27:00.001-04:002021-06-09T12:39:55.051-04:00Johnny Kitties Revisited: Celebrating My Favorite Johnny Depp Films – Arizona Dream (1993)<p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="arial, helvetica, sans-serif" style="line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Hi everyone,</span></span></span></span></p><p><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The Johnny Kitties tribute to Johnny's latest film release, <i>City of Lies</i>, is in progress but not ready in time for his birthday today. Instead, I thought I'd share some past posts celebrating my top picks. </span></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Scanning the list, Film #7: <i>Arizona Dream</i> was the first to catch my eye. It's got an amazing cast, tells an unusual story, and is so entertaining (even if I don't always understand it). Recently, Paulina Porizkova, who plays Millie in the film, reminisced about the shoot on Instagram, remembering what a fantastic time everyone had making this movie. (Maybe that's why this one is on my mind.) </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">If you watch <i>Arizona Dream</i>, I think you'll see that everyone had fun. I had a good time writing about it too. Enjoy, and happy birthday, Johnny! </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Love, </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vKYe0BtTAQ/YMDcAb5Py8I/AAAAAAAAHTk/4KnSB_fRnmc7_37Ij8joI6b4LZyeNS7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vKYe0BtTAQ/YMDcAb5Py8I/AAAAAAAAHTk/4KnSB_fRnmc7_37Ij8joI6b4LZyeNS7mwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><span style="color: #cc0000;">What is Johnny Kitties? </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">See the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/p/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp.html" target="_blank">Johnny Kitties</a> page</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> for all the details.</span></p><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b>Johnny's in your dreams.</b></span></p><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1qemHaQzE/YMDhitHekiI/AAAAAAAAHTs/jR48n2kvTecayjewDIi0oLsmx9IQ7rvkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s220/images.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nD1qemHaQzE/YMDhitHekiI/AAAAAAAAHTs/jR48n2kvTecayjewDIi0oLsmx9IQ7rvkwCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/images.jpg" /></a></div>After <i>Edward Scissorhands</i>, Johnny Depp showed up in <i>Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare </i>as a thank you to the people who cast him in his first movie. In this funny cameo appearance, he makes an anti-drug public service announcement on late-night TV. It's only a few seconds before Freddy interrupts the commercial with a classic slapstick move. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't draw anything for this because I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I thought I should mention it. If you're not an avid follower of the <i>Nightmare on Elm Street</i> series, you can <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-AppdG1nZoQ" target="_blank">find Johnny's cameo on YouTube</a>. I was going to post it here, but Freddy Krueger makes The Kitties and me nervous<span style="font-size: 13.2px;">.</span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;">Johnny has his own weird dream.</span></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">With that, we move on to Johnny's next movie. Yesterday, I found a 12-page research article, printed in the European Journal of American Studies in 2010, that analyzes how </span><i>Arizona Dream</i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"> reflects the director's European view of America and details all the intentions and symbolism that go into that. Maybe I'll read it someday, but my short analysis is that </span><i>Arizona Dream</i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">, the first American project by Serbian film director Emir Kusturica, is a work of art. </span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">It sparks all sorts of emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, unease, confusion. The director manipulates the film throughout </span><span style="background-color: transparent;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">–</span></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"> smearing and blurring images, highlighting reflections, or maneuvering objects for a dreamlike state. The characters and situations are absurd, and there are flying fish and Eskimo dreams. I may never understand this movie fully – maybe I should read that study – but every time I play it, I find something new. Whatever it really means, Emir Kusturica's ingredients make this movie highly entertaining.</span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBkQXPSoG58/YMDhuc_wduI/AAAAAAAAHTw/W0YkKQ8b7KYwrx4FISLeSKQ1-qTMI_S1QCLcBGAsYHQ/s475/original.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="359" data-original-width="475" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sBkQXPSoG58/YMDhuc_wduI/AAAAAAAAHTw/W0YkKQ8b7KYwrx4FISLeSKQ1-qTMI_S1QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h302/original.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>In this coming-of-age story, New Yorker Axel Blackmar (Johnny Depp) is dragged back home to Arizona to attend his uncle's wedding. Uncle Leo (Jerry Lewis), a used car salesman, guilts Axel into staying in town to help him run the business. On his first day, he meets Elaine (Faye Dunaway) and her step-daughter Grace (Lili Taylor). The three become involved in a relationship that is at times sweet, weird, hilarious, and toxic.</span><br /><br /><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">At their first meeting, Emir Kusturica and Johnny hated each other, but they shook off their first impressions and got along fine during their second meeting three weeks later. (Today, they remain great friends.) For unexplained reasons – Johnny doesn't even know – Johnny saw his character as a chicken, growing up and becoming a rooster. You'll notice this in his hairstyle, mannerisms, and impeccable impression. "He lets you do anything – anything!" Johnny said of working with Emir Kusturica. "If you go to any other director and say, 'I'd like to seduce her by becoming a rooster,' that's it. You're fired. Get out!"</span><br /><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMuPTlddmWA/YMDjFtR926I/AAAAAAAAHUE/y1DIev7xHeYHSBzcGXoSuJHtvWRthat3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/image.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PMuPTlddmWA/YMDjFtR926I/AAAAAAAAHUE/y1DIev7xHeYHSBzcGXoSuJHtvWRthat3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/image.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div>What excited me most about this film was the people involved. I hadn't heard of Emir Kustrica at the time, but Johnny was working with Faye Dunaway, Jerry Lewis, Paulina Porizkova, and Lili Taylor! I was sold. Faye Dunaway is brilliant as Elaine, and while I never caught on to Jerry Lewis's trademark humor, he's really good as the grown-up in this movie. </span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">In a dream sequence during which Axel and Uncle Leo are Eskimos fishing in Alaska, they have a conversation in the native language. On the set, Jerry stopped Johnny from learning his lines in proper Eskimo, saying that they could just make it up during filming. (I think the Eskimos would notice, wouldn't they?) Johnny was terrified, but did his best trying to keep up with what Jerry Lewis could probably do in his sleep. I think it works, just as Jerry said it would. There's some talent in that, but you've got to love Johnny's preference for authenticity. The Eskimos probably would have appreciated that more too.</span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b>What's Tom Petty doing here? </b></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">Amid filming,</span><i> </i><span><i>Arizona Dream</i></span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><i> </i>was stalled a bit due to illness. During the break, Johnny made a quick trip to star in Tom Petty's latest music video, "Into t</span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he Great Wide Open." </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YjWTRWscSw/YMDlikb550I/AAAAAAAAHUk/lgoKkBOmE7kDIXFu44cq8emwq9sAOUdEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s300/images-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_YjWTRWscSw/YMDlikb550I/AAAAAAAAHUk/lgoKkBOmE7kDIXFu44cq8emwq9sAOUdEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h224/images-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>At the time, MTV was still playing videos, and Tom Petty was riding high as one of the art form's pioneers. His videos are like short films, and they became increasingly star-studded. Johnny plays Eddie in this story, but you'll also find him making a quick cameo as the tattoo artist working on Matt LeBlanc's arm. When Johnny asked Faye Dunaway if she would like to "meet my friend Tom" and shoot the video with him, he said she turned into a squealing teenage girl. </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, Comet just dug this video out of the archives, and The Kitties are already singing along. Blogger's embed feature isn't working to embed this great video, but you can </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqmFxgEGKH0" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">see it here</a><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="color: #666666; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;">Everybody get back to work! </span></b></div><p></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">After that side job, </span><i>Arizona Dream </i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">was completed. Johnny looks back on the film fondly: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">"Everybody in Hollywood, in the movie business, is always concerned about how much a movie's going to make in the box office and how many theaters it's in, how popular it becomes," </span><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">he said. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">"Who cares about the numbers when you're able to experience something like this, live through something like this, and be involved in something as magical as this."</span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="Apple-style-span" face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif"><br /></span></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtMo4xpiA_w/YMDuqFc01nI/AAAAAAAAHU8/mkl3z6Dueyc56YxlHfmNC-6vjGe3EQmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/41dpzUNu0jL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="352" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtMo4xpiA_w/YMDuqFc01nI/AAAAAAAAHU8/mkl3z6Dueyc56YxlHfmNC-6vjGe3EQmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/41dpzUNu0jL.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CtMo4xpiA_w/YMDuqFc01nI/AAAAAAAAHU8/mkl3z6Dueyc56YxlHfmNC-6vjGe3EQmmwCLcBGAsYHQ/s500/41dpzUNu0jL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">Though </span><i>Arizona Dream </i><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">did have a limited theatrical release somewhere in the world, I couldn't find it. "I imagine that when Warner Brothers saw this film, they must have been shocked,"Johnny said. Its sudden appearance on video and DVD three or so years later must have been a result of Johnny's increasing popularity. I think I bought the video through eBay, but I also saw the movie on cable, which gave me the full picture. Sadly, the video and DVD versions are not adjusted for letterbox format, a frustrating lapse. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, you miss the full humor of the scene where Uncle Leo and Elaine are discussing Axel's future over a civilized cup of tea because Axel and his cousin Paul (Vincent Gallo) – who are rolling around in the dirt beating each other up in the background – are cropped out of the frame. The DVD is also missing the subtitles for the conversation between Uncle Leo and Axel in the final Eskimo dream sequence that I mentioned earlier, a conversation that touches on one of the film's main themes. Dedicated to the memory of his father, Emir Kusturica's film reminds us that, in order to grow, you need to remember your roots, respect your elders, and learn from your ancestors.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">Despite these flawed products, the film still comes across well. I was absolutely thrilled when Roger Ebert featured the DVD on </span><i>At the Movies</i><span face="Trebuchet MS, Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">, calling it a whimsical love story and pointing out the fine performance by rising star, Johnny Depp. (Why do I remember these things?) People listen to Roger Ebert, I thought; the movie will be seen now.</span><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #666666;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;">The Kitties and I are unanimous.</span></b></p><span style="font-family: inherit;">For Johnny Kitties, the scene to draw was clear: Axel and Paul enjoying their first dinner with Elaine and Grace. One of the great things about this movie is that so much is going on in each scene, and this 15-minute, hilarious, crazy scene tops them all.</span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHWl3W5mlT8/YMDmMIXwM3I/AAAAAAAAHUs/1jQrAQxyObEbYAh4vtQ0E4A40A0Us-tiwCLcBGAsYHQ/s842/7-WEBArizonaDream2-13-11.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="842" height="440" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mHWl3W5mlT8/YMDmMIXwM3I/AAAAAAAAHUs/1jQrAQxyObEbYAh4vtQ0E4A40A0Us-tiwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h440/7-WEBArizonaDream2-13-11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">Elaine (The Mother Kitty) spends the evening talking about one of her obsessions, Papua New Ginea, a topic that is killing her step-daughter Grace, who threatens to yank the tablecloth off to destroy the table setting if she mentions it one more time. Meanwhile, Axel (Gordon) is explaining his recurring Eskimo dream (while keeping his eye on Grace's pet turtle, who has his mind set on escape.) Paul (Norman) is focused on Elaine's legs – and the big plate of spaghetti in front of him – and Grace is playing footsie with Axel under the table. Through it all, the wobbly ceiling fan is threatening to crash on the party, and Django Rhinehardt's fantastic song "Minor Swing" is whirling in the background.</span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">The Mother Kitty insisted on playing Faye Dunaway's role. No one could deny that she's perfect for it, though I hesitated considering Axel and Elaine's romantic entanglements later on in the story. But, if we're just doing this scene, I suppose it's okay. Simon was supposed to play the part of Axel's wily cousin Paul, but was bullied out of his seat once Norman saw all the food on the table and found out that all he had to do in the scene was eat the spaghetti. Ashes, who loves Lili Taylor as much as the rest of us, was excited to play Grace because she couldn't wait to smash the dishes. (She's disappointed that we didn't get to that point.)</span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">I added some windows in the background to highlight some other interesting movie moments: The first introduces Uncle Leo (B.J.) and his new wife Millie (Paulina Porizkova/Lily) next to his newly planted cactus on the front lawn of his flamingo pink home. The middle window shows the Eskimo family in Axel's dream after Dewey, the dad, returns home with fish for dinner. (Simon was happy to switch roles with Norman and play in the snow with Mini here.) The last window displays one of Elaine's beloved flying machines, which Axel keeps building and Grace keeps destroying in this story.</span><br /><br /><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">None of this makes much sense does it? Well, I don't always say this, but listen to Roger Ebert and rent </span><i>Arizona Dream</i><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif">. It still might not make complete sense, but it'll be worth it.</span><br /></span><p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;"><b>What's coming up? </b></span></p><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">After this, Simon got busy teaching Gordon his favorite circus tricks and pratfalls because, next, Johnny would channel Buster Keaton to create another memorable character and performance in <i>Benny and Joon</i>. Check out the Johnny Kitties page to see my review Benny and Joon and Johnny's other films. </span></span></b></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"> ---------</div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><br /></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-5987870487804511291" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: left; width: 626px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">Copyright credits: Nightmare on Elm Street (Freddy's Dead: The Final Nightmare) photo © New Line Cinema; Arizona Dream stills and DVD cover image © StudioCanal Image/Hachette Premiere; "Into the Great Wide Open" official music video still courtesy of TomPetty.com; Illustration © Melissa Connolly</span></span></b></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-82286915770236897552021-06-04T13:14:00.001-04:002021-06-04T14:44:39.696-04:00Anybody want a doughnut? <p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Happy National Doughnut Day! </p><p>I just finished my blogging course on May 31, and one of my goals is to create an editorial calendar for my blog. So far, all I've done is create the actual blank calendar. In my research of interesting days in June, though, I came across National Doughnut Day. I assumed it was a sales idea from Dunkin' or Krispy Kreme, but it was actually the Salvation Army's idea!</p><p>Celebrated on the first Friday of June every year since 1938, National Doughnut Day was first enacted by Chicago's Salvation Army as part of a fundraiser to help those in need during the Great Depression. However, this special day originated during World War I, honoring the Salvation Army Lassies who volunteered to serve home-cooked foods, including doughnuts, to soldiers on the front lines to help boost morale. </p><p>I suppose a fresh home-baked doughnut would brighten anyone's day. Just see how Norman reacts below!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apnn5el_BOg/YLp0hOKgBRI/AAAAAAAAHS8/WThinZtwliI7b4ZPO1yF-KjgOB_dRdS8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s720/Doughnuts05-30-21WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="720" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-apnn5el_BOg/YLp0hOKgBRI/AAAAAAAAHS8/WThinZtwliI7b4ZPO1yF-KjgOB_dRdS8QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/Doughnuts05-30-21WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>This morning, I also found out it's National Hug Your Cat Day! (Wait, is that not every day? It is at my house.) And, it's National Cheese Day! So, after you finish your doughnut, you know what to do.</p><p>Have a delicious weekend! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rL-LwRVBiE/YLpe6ljA5UI/AAAAAAAAHSw/s53ogIK-N7cWbbr7YpvfIswPF7d0oAnIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rL-LwRVBiE/YLpe6ljA5UI/AAAAAAAAHSw/s53ogIK-N7cWbbr7YpvfIswPF7d0oAnIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-3681614326666318602021-05-11T10:12:00.002-04:002021-05-11T10:12:19.140-04:00Melissa's Kitties blogs into a new era<p>Hi everyone,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSTOapye_W0/YJnj-YSbT7I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/TUkry8RMTYwNf08CKCdvhoNCwEBaAcj5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s784/E-is-for-Environment-1-20-06_2_2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="784" data-original-width="557" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSTOapye_W0/YJnj-YSbT7I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/TUkry8RMTYwNf08CKCdvhoNCwEBaAcj5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/E-is-for-Environment-1-20-06_2_2.jpg" /></a></div>For me, 2021 is a year of new beginnings. More than a year into the pandemic, I am working at home and still figuring out a daily routine that incorporates more healthy habits. (Will I ever stick to it?) I'm also intent on focusing the things that bring me joy every day. <p></p><p>One of those things is sharing my kitty drawings on Melissa's Kitties blog, which I have done since 2006. I participated in the Illustration Friday drawing challenge, which provided a single word or topic each week for art inspiration. That humble beginning started on a whim with my first Illustration Friday drawing – <a href="https://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2006/01/illustration-friday-january-13-2006-e.html">"E is for... Environment"</a> – and grew into today's 18 cuddly characters, a popular monthly film tribute series, and hundreds of random quirky kitty adventures. </p><p>In recent years, I posted on my blog more sporadically, inconsistent in time and topic, because of personal distractions and lack of motivation. In fact, I burned out last year and stopped drawing altogether. Toward the end of 2020, however, I woke up from my unplanned hibernation and shook off the crustiness. I realized it's disrespectful to neglect Melissa's Kitties and its readers after the 15 years of joy they've given me.</p><p>Toward the end of the year, despite discovering that the Illustration Friday drawing challenge no longer existed, I slowly began drawing again....but....at a....snail's....pace. My heart was back in it, but something was still missing.</p><p>Then, I got an email from Holly Becker, founder of <a href="https://www.decor8blog.com/" target="_blank">Decor8</a> and <a href="https://www.decor8blog.com/courses" target="_blank">Decor8 Courses</a>, pioneer blogger, and overall inspirational, nice person. In 2010, I took her great online course, Blogging Your Way, to learned the basics of blogging. (I still have all my notes!) After a break from teaching to focus on books, print media, and other work, Holly magically showed up in my inbox this year with a new blogging course – Attract, Engage, Grow! – and it couldn't have come at a better time! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkeV3anOGMU/YJnrqp_dKoI/AAAAAAAAHOs/Z6KpV5F6DzAC7IqTu5OaMvpN0C9ev_lxACLcBGAsYHQ/s842/Carry07-24-12WEB.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="580" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tkeV3anOGMU/YJnrqp_dKoI/AAAAAAAAHOs/Z6KpV5F6DzAC7IqTu5OaMvpN0C9ev_lxACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Carry07-24-12WEB.jpg" /></a></div>As the title suggests, this six-week course promises to help bloggers grow their platform with integrity and heart. I am ready to do it! <p></p><p>For me, the lessons have been eye-opening and inspiring from the start, answering my nagging questions and providing special guest expertise on specific topics. Class began in mid-April, and I had an epiphany after the first week, which focused on finding my voice. I realized that Melissa's Kitties needs to get back to its original kitty-centric focus on a new, easy-to-use, modern platform. My blog needs love, attention, and maybe just a whole new start. </p><p>With this in mind, I am renaming this blog: Melissa's Kitties is now The Mother Kitty, inspired by the cat who started it all. You might remember the recent post I wrote about her, <a href="https://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2021/01/beauty.html" target="_blank">Beauty</a>. Those memories convinced me that the new blog name is the right one: It celebrates The OG Kitty, my original inspiration, everything that came after her, and everything she continues to inspire. </p><p>For class homework, I created this mood board, representing my initial vision and inspiration for The Mother Kitty blog. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_3oOmAc7G8/YJnlHCgbJyI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PUGtjRM-bDAR1tTQGHChM3KHfQJwl1fIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s792/Mood-Board-05-02-21WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="792" height="495" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_3oOmAc7G8/YJnlHCgbJyI/AAAAAAAAHOk/PUGtjRM-bDAR1tTQGHChM3KHfQJwl1fIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h495/Mood-Board-05-02-21WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div>There's not much to it: It's all about the kitties, their stories, personalities, and special talents. The Mother Kitty blog will continue to explore their fascinating lives through daily activities and special series, highlighting our mutual love for arts and entertainment. I am still working out content details as class continues, but the kitties and I are excited to reintroduce ourselves to you soon as The Mother Kitty family. </div><p>Stay tuned for exciting changes this summer as we transfer to a new and improved blogging platform, where Melissa's Kitties blog will refresh, revive and move into The Mother Kitty's world! Thanks for sticking with us on this exciting journey, and don't forget to join us on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/themotherkitty/">Instagram @themotherkitty</a> too. </p><p>Lots of love, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUWGg9F5Z3U/YJnsOSyBqdI/AAAAAAAAHO0/NrTxAL3qN0YKsPDuU_XgPjH_vy-b2rCRACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hUWGg9F5Z3U/YJnsOSyBqdI/AAAAAAAAHO0/NrTxAL3qN0YKsPDuU_XgPjH_vy-b2rCRACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-43350606087141814682021-03-29T21:52:00.007-04:002021-03-29T23:13:15.900-04:00Spring!<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Tyrone, Emily, and Walter are ready to play with you...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MSsRtS6Chc/YGKTTqKi48I/AAAAAAAAHJ8/gmTobS-0wzAfUTIgMHSLuSV9fVCWNYQPwCLcBGAsYHQ/s840/Spring03-28-21WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="592" data-original-width="840" height="451" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3MSsRtS6Chc/YGKTTqKi48I/AAAAAAAAHJ8/gmTobS-0wzAfUTIgMHSLuSV9fVCWNYQPwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h451/Spring03-28-21WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a><span style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">Do you have spring fever too?</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2J8aQ-Dd-g/YGKTrQ-AJXI/AAAAAAAAHKE/8rRmS7RIzqQhmQS65tqoPz6Fx-C2om39gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2J8aQ-Dd-g/YGKTrQ-AJXI/AAAAAAAAHKE/8rRmS7RIzqQhmQS65tqoPz6Fx-C2om39gCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-9419509742528772772021-03-17T15:19:00.007-04:002021-03-29T22:52:29.951-04:00Queen<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Recently, I watched Disney's <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4341582/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0" target="_blank">Queen of Katwe</a>, the 2016 biographical film directed by Mira Nair about the discovery and rise of Ugandan chess champion Phiona Mutesi. Aside from the inspiring story and wonderful performances by Lupita N'yongo, David Oyelowo and others, the colorful costumes really made an impression on me by somehow capturing Africa's vibrancy, even in the Ugandan slums. </p><p>Here is Ashes playing the part of the chess prodigy. She won't tell me if she knows how to play chess, but I assume she does because she's smart like that. The background is inspired by the many colors of African flags, from Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and more. With too many to represent, I couldn't include all of the colors that make up Africa's diversity, but I hope this at least captures the spirit of the whole beautiful continent. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9zFESHdwB0/YGKRXGGBm7I/AAAAAAAAHJs/5Nt4x-er3ZIe3J3AfFDNrfgsBqga3INzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s839/Queen03-13-21WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="839" data-original-width="592" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L9zFESHdwB0/YGKRXGGBm7I/AAAAAAAAHJs/5Nt4x-er3ZIe3J3AfFDNrfgsBqga3INzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Queen03-13-21WEB.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you haven't already seen it, watch the movie and let me know what you think. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SneMd8QM9Ao/YGKR_I7pLII/AAAAAAAAHJ0/ash-uWPtO0cAVQe6O5JXBffBPppaejXIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SneMd8QM9Ao/YGKR_I7pLII/AAAAAAAAHJ0/ash-uWPtO0cAVQe6O5JXBffBPppaejXIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-78179081775454086522021-02-26T14:23:00.009-05:002021-03-29T22:44:12.721-04:00Sweets!<p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Last month, the managers of my apartment building surprised us with goody bags. You'll see below what Chef Simon did with the contents. As usual, Norman helped in his own way. </p><p>I aimed to get this posted in time for Valentines Day, but I just couldn't stop eating the marshmallows and forgot all of my other priorities. Norman and I have some things in common. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7TaHAl3fbQ/YGKQKxzWC-I/AAAAAAAAHJc/DISns2io8awTiQnGV8u8LE-NBwyeh7bdwCLcBGAsYHQ/s829/Sweets02-25-21WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="829" height="436" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i7TaHAl3fbQ/YGKQKxzWC-I/AAAAAAAAHJc/DISns2io8awTiQnGV8u8LE-NBwyeh7bdwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h436/Sweets02-25-21WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Yum!</div><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4VletRJAEM/YDlJxOqURwI/AAAAAAAAHII/ejF7oJWak88iIyn9LR5O0lcUcFWNxAJAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4VletRJAEM/YDlJxOqURwI/AAAAAAAAHII/ejF7oJWak88iIyn9LR5O0lcUcFWNxAJAQCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aaKsehgHM4g/YDlJGJGxKDI/AAAAAAAAHIA/YDGVlBLo4jESypY3_PEjUOxAzWcQqde4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s829/Sweets02-25-21WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-14937771466227010542021-01-28T20:38:00.142-05:002021-03-29T22:39:41.449-04:00Beauty<p>Hi everyone,</p><p>Here's a true story: In 1987, not long after we moved from Massachusetts to Ohio and were steeped in culture shock, Dad heard about a homeless cat who was hanging around the University of Akron, not far from where we lived.</p><p>He brought her home as a surprise, leaving her in our garage for us to find. The Kitty was scruffy and gray in spots from spending too much time outdoors, under cars and in other unladylike places. </p><p>But this is how she looked to me when I first saw her. We were instant best friends. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obXch-sIV6Y/YGKPLOQDJLI/AAAAAAAAHJM/uBw3T7YQixY8pufEqVvtY1vXoUXFdTUfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s837/Beauty01-21-21WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="588" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-obXch-sIV6Y/YGKPLOQDJLI/AAAAAAAAHJM/uBw3T7YQixY8pufEqVvtY1vXoUXFdTUfgCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/Beauty01-21-21WEB.jpg" /></a></div><p>Mom insisted that The Kitty have a bath in our kitchen sink, which revealed a snow-white, fluffy coat. Afterward, The Kitty said, "Thank you," proceeded to give herself another bath on her own (as cats do), and began to explore her new home. </p><p>The Kitty settled into our hearts for the next 20 years and beyond. She became The Mother Kitty after having six kittens, including her world-traveling son Gordon. </p><p>Later in life, she shared her space with her kind-hearted and entertaining Siamese friend, Simon, who ran literal circles around her daily – just for fun. This pastime has nothing to do with demonstrating his level of intelligence. Instead, it relates to his days as a traveling circus performer. He wants to keep in shape and his skills sharp for whenever the circus comes back to town. </p><p>Granted, we all know who is the smarter one in this odd couple, but The Mother Kitty would never brag about that. When you are Kitty #1, you don't need to brag about anything. </p><p>The Mother Kitty is a one-in-a-million original beauty, inside and out. And she knows it.</p><p>Love, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqIFpv_dIb0/YBNFLtm83oI/AAAAAAAAHGE/5MWqAZxt6NwikDWHeacdrqdN5kXDO4MuACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqIFpv_dIb0/YBNFLtm83oI/AAAAAAAAHGE/5MWqAZxt6NwikDWHeacdrqdN5kXDO4MuACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-41310604523837634982021-01-20T13:46:00.008-05:002021-03-29T22:31:45.339-04:00Intrepid<div class="separator"></div><p> Hi everyone,</p><p>Happy Inauguration Day! As we begin a new era in the United States, let us be intrepid in our choices, words, actions, love, and kindness towards others. We can make the world a better place for all of us.</p><p>I didn't have this in mind when I drew the illustration below. My inspiration actually came from Drew Barrymore (and my cat). I found out about Drew's new daily talk show – launched amid the pandemic in late September – and set my DVR for it because who doesn't like Drew Barrymore? </p><p>At first, I must admit, the overt joy, love, silliness, weirdness, and hippie-dippie positivity that is The Drew Barrymore Show was a shock to my tired, heavy system. But I kept at it and now look forward to this mood board of a show, as she refers to it, as my time to decompress with a cup of tea. It's a daily shot of sunshine, whether you want it or not. </p><p>One day, Drew showed up carrying her personal, giant dictionary and unveiled the show's first Word of the Week: Intrepid. This revelation made me gasp because I had been trying to think of a way to revive my blog with new drawings. </p><p>Until 2019, a website called Illustration Friday posted a new word every Friday that served as my inspiration for a weekly drawing challenge. I had been doing this routinely since 2006 and, eventually, I saw the site repeat some terms, which was disappointing. (Sometimes I drew something newly inspired by the repeated word, but usually these repeats inspired nothing new for me.) </p><p>As a result, some weeks, I skipped the drawing challenges and, as time went on, I found it harder and harder to feel motivated to draw and post because of other things going on in my life. Then, I unintentionally took 2019 off from drawing anything, and my typical schedule faded away. It was during this time that Illustration Friday's website disappeared. You may have noticed that new posts since then has been sporadic at best. </p><p>In my attempt to start fresh in 2021, it occurred to me that I could come up with my own inspiring words of the week, creating my own drawing challenge and schedule. A few hours later, Drew Barrymore showed up with her dictionary and gave me this word – intrepid – to kick things off. </p><p>What are the odds? (This is one of the many reasons I love Drew Barrymore!) This happened before Thanksgiving, and I don't think she has introduced another Word of the Week since then, but still: Thank you, Drew Barrymore, for blowing the dust off and sparking my imagination! </p><p>According to Merriam-Webster, intrepid means being characterized by resolute fearlessness, fortitude, and endurance. Here, Lily faces her own daily challenge – a brave leap from our comfy lounge chair to her trusty window seat. </p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="827" height="448" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FuLl4arFdZc/YAh58S0ZNFI/AAAAAAAAHFI/X4DKFzbb7yQ4L_ATzGB7wWzNmbirUKGkwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h448/Intrepid01-15-21WEB.jpg" width="640" /></div>She makes it every time. Go, Lily! <p></p><p></p><p>Until next time, be intrepid, friends...and, also, still keep your distance, wear your masks, and wash your hands! </p><p>Love,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZhLfkRpnOs/YAh7ap0hauI/AAAAAAAAHFU/2Dti1Qg_Q_EXYJl9b33siVokTnWBcFHhACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iZhLfkRpnOs/YAh7ap0hauI/AAAAAAAAHFU/2Dti1Qg_Q_EXYJl9b33siVokTnWBcFHhACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><p><br /></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-77739806739112615222021-01-04T22:08:00.011-05:002021-03-29T22:33:07.601-04:00Happy New Year!<p>Hi everyone,</p><p>I don't think I've ever looked forward more to the start of a new year, and I know I'm not alone. While nothing is very different from a few days ago, I feel determined and motivated to make positive changes and look to the future with hope and optimism. </p><p>One of my priorities is to refocus on drawing for my blog and building it into something larger. (I know I have said this before, but I might mean it this time.) </p><p>I am going to find new sources of inspiration and practice drawing and posting more consistently. A new drawing series is swirling in my head, and I aim to get around to building a portfolio website with a store. These are all thoughts and works in progress right now, but I'll do my best to tackle things one at a time. So, please stay tuned!</p><p>Step one, here's a new blog banner featuring the growing Kitty family. What do you think of this crowd? They barely fit: It's a good thing they all get along. Shouldn't we all? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbsbKAADHvY/X_PSMpRInwI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/fNIHbmTTUbc6ipNNJQMAUrgsir3IWg75QCLcBGAsYHQ/s839/2021Banner08-09-20WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="839" height="444" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbsbKAADHvY/X_PSMpRInwI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/fNIHbmTTUbc6ipNNJQMAUrgsir3IWg75QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h444/2021Banner08-09-20WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Take care, everyone: Until safer times, keep wearing your mask, wash your hands, and stay socially distant – unlike the Kitties, here, but it's okay: They are in their Kitty Bubble.</p><p>New drawings and more are on the way. Here's to new beginnings in 2021!</p><p>Love, </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VevOoN3YlN4/X_PSnNatW9I/AAAAAAAAHEc/CpsgPCR1lWQjlwamDlpaFOHvze-_YxXYACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VevOoN3YlN4/X_PSnNatW9I/AAAAAAAAHEc/CpsgPCR1lWQjlwamDlpaFOHvze-_YxXYACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-60962982056282484562020-12-22T22:11:00.001-05:002021-03-29T22:23:30.976-04:00Seasons Greetings from The Kitties and meHi everyone,<div><br /></div><div>2020 continues to be a crazy year for all of us. But I found that these turbulent, uncertain times are a reminder to be grateful for every little thing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your friends and families, near and far, as we await brighter days ahead. (We did just pass the Winter Solstice, so they really will arrive.) </div><div><br /></div><div>Remember – now more than ever – we must continue to wear our masks, stay socially distant, and wash our hands. Stay safe and healthy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Here's to a fresh start in 2021, full of fun, joy, peace, togetherness, and Kitties! See you soon. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-nj_3Aw59U/X-Kzh7SgHnI/AAAAAAAAHDo/cKlLd7PZ_awHNy1VlGryGMccAIzQAO7JACLcBGAsYHQ/s831/HappyHolidays2020WEB.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="831" data-original-width="577" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a-nj_3Aw59U/X-Kzh7SgHnI/AAAAAAAAHDo/cKlLd7PZ_awHNy1VlGryGMccAIzQAO7JACLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/HappyHolidays2020WEB.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lots of love, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rWGiGEwtCw/X-KoPuN0ZFI/AAAAAAAAHDU/v-ZWZNs14-Ak0UYGaHDwnk0PL8H6UV2ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rWGiGEwtCw/X-KoPuN0ZFI/AAAAAAAAHDU/v-ZWZNs14-Ak0UYGaHDwnk0PL8H6UV2ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4rWGiGEwtCw/X-KoPuN0ZFI/AAAAAAAAHDU/v-ZWZNs14-Ak0UYGaHDwnk0PL8H6UV2ggCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-83289611249829442102020-12-09T17:50:00.002-05:002020-12-09T18:26:06.012-05:00Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #58. Waiting for the Barbarians (2019)<div class="columns-inner" style="background-color: white; min-height: 0px;"><div class="column-center-outer" style="float: left; position: relative; width: 650px;"><div class="column-center-inner" style="padding: 0px;"><div class="main section" id="main" name="Main" style="margin: 0px 1em;"><div class="widget Blog" data-version="1" id="Blog1" style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="blog-posts hfeed"><div class="date-outer"><div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry uncustomized-post-template" itemprop="blogPost" itemscope="itemscope" itemtype="http://schema.org/BlogPosting" style="margin: 0px 0px 45px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;">[<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">What is Johnny Kitties?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> See </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2010/06/johnnys-kitties-johnny-depp-project.html" style="color: #bb5321; text-decoration-line: none;">Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> for all the details. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">Visit the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/p/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp.html" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;">Johnny Kitties page</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #88bb21; text-decoration-line: none;"><span id="goog_103826983"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">for a full list of Johnny Depp's filmography and links to all previous Johnny Kitties blog posts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">]</span></p><p style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---mmqOpMtUk/X9Aw92oI5mI/AAAAAAAAHAs/fc0q1wvMFBgnVlrDW0GNEcOLoAB6vDnnQCLcBGAsYHQ/s990/newFile-8.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="742" data-original-width="990" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/---mmqOpMtUk/X9Aw92oI5mI/AAAAAAAAHAs/fc0q1wvMFBgnVlrDW0GNEcOLoAB6vDnnQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/newFile-8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">"So, to me, Joll is a series of very strong protective walls he's built to ward off feeling, to escape feeling. I mean, what does he do when he's alone? He may weep in a closet. I don't know. To me he seemed like he was ready to pounce on anything that penetrated his armor. I think Joll is, in a sense, a victim on his own." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Johnny Depp on Colonel Joll</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">"He was very charming and across the camera was very present and focused. A lovely person to act with. He brings up a kind of great vulnerability." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Mark Rylance on Johnny Depp</span></span></span></span></span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial;"><b>Why are we waiting for barbarians?</b></span></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcZt-h5bdLc/X9AxuUhYoSI/AAAAAAAAHA4/2OvIx4AjWtoUMus_BaW0msqXIwSSlkSEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s853/857789008815.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="680" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dcZt-h5bdLc/X9AxuUhYoSI/AAAAAAAAHA4/2OvIx4AjWtoUMus_BaW0msqXIwSSlkSEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w255-h320/857789008815.jpg" width="255" /></a></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><span>The daily routines of a magistrate (Mark Rylance) managing an isolated outpost of an unnamed empire is disrupted by a visit from Colonel Joll (Johnny Depp), who demands a report on the current state of affairs amid growing concerns of an impending uprising by the local nomads or — as the colonel refers to them — the barbarians. His cruel interrogation tactics toward them makes the m</span></span><span>agistrate question his loyalty to the empire over his conscience. Director Ciro Guerra's</span><span style="color: #666666;"> </span><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6149154/plotsummary?ref_=tt_stry_pl" style="color: #666666;"><i>Waiting for the Barbarians</i></a><span> is a thought-provoking film based on the 1980 novel, written and adapted by Nobel laureate J.M. Coetzee. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span><span>I haven't read this novel, but both Johnny and Mark Rylance immediately connected to the story's relevance. "The shocking thing for me, which was the beacon that stayed there, was the fact that it felt all true and relevant to today in many ways in a lot of different places in the world," Johnny explains. "Power begets power, and there are those who decide who follows or who is disposable or unnecessary, and all those decisions are made by the people at the top</span>." Mark Rylance adds, "The way the novel can be extrapolated to almost any circumstance in the world, to any point in history, is staggering." </span></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Who are the real barbarians here? <br /></span></b>Because of the pandemic, <i>Waiting for the Barbarians</i> was released to streaming services, and I ended up watching it at my desk on my iMac.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I prefer a trip to a movie theater for the big screen, but it was nice to be able to prepare my own snacks (hot chocolate and strawberries) and click play on YouTube whenever I was ready. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />I was afraid to watch this movie because I already unintentionally saw headlines of mixed reviews that praised Johnny's terrifying performance. But that didn't stop me. Not only did I watch it, but I liked it! Of course, I prefer no cruelty or torture, but as a whole, I liked the look and feel of everything else in this film. Beautifully shot by cinematographer Chris Menges, it's got a meditative, slow pace and a great soundtrack by Giampiero Ambrosi to match.</span></div><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkDou2eeY54/X9AzMJQ2rrI/AAAAAAAAHBE/er5iFnGrAhU-XOOrm_OHNTf7zHi3z_ZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s540/EbgRkdNWsAAVOYY.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KkDou2eeY54/X9AzMJQ2rrI/AAAAAAAAHBE/er5iFnGrAhU-XOOrm_OHNTf7zHi3z_ZzQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/EbgRkdNWsAAVOYY.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The movie opens to this pulsating beat in an expansive desert, following a lone carriage surrounded by soldiers on horseback. Colonel</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> Joll, a member of the police from the Bureau of State Security, has arrived at this random outpost to question the magistrate and locals about the current state of affairs. </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Johnny is sinister and stoic with a steadfast frown here: He has always been great at expressing everything with a look rather than a word, and this performance is a good example. He does have some great lines, but mostly, he instills fear by just looking official and menacing. With a nod or other minor gesture, he can get his underlings to spring into action. </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><p style="color: #666666;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBWMvuw6fo8/X9A8lJD65MI/AAAAAAAAHCo/GDcUSiaf_yoU2INYDC_cq5rEDw8s9bISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/63882.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1600" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nBWMvuw6fo8/X9A8lJD65MI/AAAAAAAAHCo/GDcUSiaf_yoU2INYDC_cq5rEDw8s9bISQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/63882.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"I find the most interesting thing about bad guys throughout history, or characters like Joll, is that people don't wake up in the morning and decide while they are shaving: 'I'm going to be the meanest or worst human being. I'm going to cause as much havoc as possible,'" Johnny explains. "No, for me, playing Joll, he seemed very different to me than a bad guy. That felt like it would have been too easy. If you try to think about how a man like that is built, how he is turned, how a man like this arrives at that place: Is it really to be without emotion; is it sociopathy or psychopathy? Or is there somewhere in that guy that harbors a broken child in there or that has been hammered into a shape by his father or mother in his upbringing?"</span></span><p></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfF61Un_9Y/X9A0qi7sMxI/AAAAAAAAHBc/4t4oEu-vKmE3nN6mhhPX-0ng9VpPY07EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/MV5BMzdkNmExNjMtMjMxZS00NWVjLTg0ZDMtMzU0OTE1YTVhOGEwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzEyMTQyNA%2540%2540._V1_.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TvfF61Un_9Y/X9A0qi7sMxI/AAAAAAAAHBc/4t4oEu-vKmE3nN6mhhPX-0ng9VpPY07EwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/MV5BMzdkNmExNjMtMjMxZS00NWVjLTg0ZDMtMzU0OTE1YTVhOGEwXkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyMzEyMTQyNA%2540%2540._V1_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Colonel Joll is a stark contrast to the magistrate, wonderfully portrayed by Mark Rylance. This quiet, thoughtful observer is kind, gentle and respectful toward the natives. Having witnessed the unnecessary pain and suffering that Colonel Joll inflicts on the locals without any real cause, you see the magistrate's frustration grow. The Colonel's explanation — "Pain is truth; all else is subject to doubt." — just doesn't cut it. As Colonel Joll's crew disturbs the peace and leaves the outpost in ruins, the magistrate's loyalty sides with the locals. It's a good thing, too, because these nomads will eventually get it together. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">I like that there's so little action in this movie that it's hard for me to describe. For example, one scene shows the magistrate falling asleep after hours of washing a local woman's injured feet with warm water. Watching this movie, I could focus on and see what the characters were thinking. How often does that happen?</span></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;">The Kitties will put a stop to any barbaric behavior.</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wijrz8Ry18w/X9A7e3UoVMI/AAAAAAAAHCY/InrthNBUaUQ9TotG_z1m8YPPNoxaBWysQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1110/Waiting-For-The-Barbarians-06.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="1110" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Wijrz8Ry18w/X9A7e3UoVMI/AAAAAAAAHCY/InrthNBUaUQ9TotG_z1m8YPPNoxaBWysQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Waiting-For-The-Barbarians-06.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The best part of Colonel Joll is his cool shades. Johnny describes them: "When Ciro came up with the shape, they were threatening, menacing, somehow; and the fact that he wouldn't take them off, he would make the magistrate as uncomfortable as possible. He learnt some tricks over the years. Calmness, stillness and quiet, and holding your response to a question can be quite disturbing to the person on the other side of you. They are levels of maintaining the armor." <p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCV7s32IsBs/X9A1OQiJFCI/AAAAAAAAHBw/f2AuJmHtJw4WJqRkMaYgmVmWCVtWS3oOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/WFTB-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCV7s32IsBs/X9A1OQiJFCI/AAAAAAAAHBw/f2AuJmHtJw4WJqRkMaYgmVmWCVtWS3oOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WFTB-3.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out this sketch by production designer/set decorator Crispain Sallis. "Through that characterization, [Johnny] cut Colonel Joll back to the absolute bone, making any additional theatrical flourishes, such as the glasses or the swagger stick, things to absolutely relish," he explains. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my own illustration, I'm not sure the shades come across quite as menacing, but Colonel Joll (Gordon) also accessorizes his uniform with a golden hammer that he considers using to beat up the next barbarian. (Did I mention he's not a nice guy?) This is the only moment where Colonel Joll manages a slight smirk, pleased with the fear-induced power he has over these nomads. When the magistrate (Comet) speaks up, pointing out his evil ways, Colonel Joll's face and stance stiffen and his frown returns. Don't worry, Comet didn't get hurt in the making of this illustration. (Also, I realized after I finished this drawing that the uniforms are a deep navy color — not black — but it all depends on the sunlight, right?)</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8XIixJ7cQg/X9FR4enxBfI/AAAAAAAAHC0/xn0eRH_cQUYtE4dxY-0uPnsW0P0zetsVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s839/58-WEBWaitingForTheBarbarians12-04-20.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="591" data-original-width="839" height="451" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V8XIixJ7cQg/X9FR4enxBfI/AAAAAAAAHC0/xn0eRH_cQUYtE4dxY-0uPnsW0P0zetsVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h451/58-WEBWaitingForTheBarbarians12-04-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BKn1wVjuVA/X9A3ZMoCLoI/AAAAAAAAHCM/Ec6B-Kkb6PkOgmG806yXQWmo8JvUbQQ-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/s-l640.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="432" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_BKn1wVjuVA/X9A3ZMoCLoI/AAAAAAAAHCM/Ec6B-Kkb6PkOgmG806yXQWmo8JvUbQQ-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w135-h200/s-l640.jpg" width="135" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: inherit;">Check out this Crock of Gold!</span></b></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In other exciting Johnny news, be sure to catch <i>Crock of Gold: A Few Rounds with Shane MacGowan</i>, a documentary that Johnny produced about his friend and frontman of the Pogues. It is available now in the United States and Canada for viewing on home digital platforms and DVD. Additional worldwide releases are coming later this month. I am getting ready to watch it with the volume up. </span></div><div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-2806420194129573681" itemprop="description articleBody" style="line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 626px;"><span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span><span style="color: #cc0000;">What's next? </span><br /></span></b>Look at me, all caught up with Johnny Kitties! Mark your calendars for February 5 to see Johnny as war photographer W. Eugene Smith in <i>Minamata</i>. I am pacing the floors for this one. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">All photos © Samuel Goldwin Films, except the glasses sketch, courtesy of Crispain Sallis, and the Crock of Gold poster, courtesy of Magnolia Pictures. </span></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-28064201941295736812020-11-11T21:02:00.001-05:002020-12-07T18:31:05.982-05:00Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp Film #57. The Professor (2018)<p style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;">[<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: bold;">What is Johnny Kitties?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> See </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2010/06/johnnys-kitties-johnny-depp-project.html" style="color: #bb5321;">Johnny Kitties: Celebrating Johnny Depp</a></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"> for all the details. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">Visit the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="http://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/p/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp.html" style="color: #88bb21;">Johnny Kitties page</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/" style="color: #88bb21;"><span id="goog_103826983"></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">for a full list of Johnny Depp's filmography and links to all previous Johnny Kitties blog posts.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">]</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XukFiym70Q/X6yCyzmzfaI/AAAAAAAAG_E/uCy_v2jcCV8Kze6Aevry_587ymWB6fp8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1240/The-Professor.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XukFiym70Q/X6yCyzmzfaI/AAAAAAAAG_E/uCy_v2jcCV8Kze6Aevry_587ymWB6fp8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/The-Professor.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">"<i>The Professor </i>is a quirky comedy of sorts – stark, enchanting, funny, tragic. It's rare to see comedies that tackle the subject of death." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">Danny Houston</span></div></span><p></p><p></p><p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">"Accepting one's mortality and the fact that we're going to die shouldn't be a depressing thing." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18px;">Wayne Roberts</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;">"May we forever remember that in each and every moment, we are composing the stories of our lives. Let's aim to make it a meaningful read or at least an interesting one." </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Richard Brown (Johnny Depp)</span></span></p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Life is what you make of it. </b></span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijpj3lbK7xU/X6yEX3cmf2I/AAAAAAAAG_c/zwbT7MgAl48LIcAdLTihoF3jLAPwGliEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s750/159742b40b0339e3397517240019.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="750" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ijpj3lbK7xU/X6yEX3cmf2I/AAAAAAAAG_c/zwbT7MgAl48LIcAdLTihoF3jLAPwGliEwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/159742b40b0339e3397517240019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>After learning that he has terminal lung cancer and maybe six months to live, Professor Richard Brown (Johnny Depp) realizes that he has no time to waste and spends the rest of it teaching his last students to say what they mean, live however they want, and make the most out of life. Taking his own advice, Richard speaks without a filter, indulges in his whims, and creates his own path toward the exit. Through <i>The Professor</i>, writer/director Wayne Roberts poses tough questions and makes bold statements to remind us that death is an important part of life.<p></p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>The Professor </i>got a failing grade. </b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spsnjtDKgw8/X6yDKSh3l_I/AAAAAAAAG_M/AgUyU3WHPqkQQ3Ih1iG-Uz3ls0DU8hj2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s740/optimize.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="740" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-spsnjtDKgw8/X6yDKSh3l_I/AAAAAAAAG_M/AgUyU3WHPqkQQ3Ih1iG-Uz3ls0DU8hj2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/optimize.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Typically, I don't look for or read movie reviews before I see them – especially for movies I'm looking forward to seeing. Reviews affect my own opinions: Once I read them, I can't forget what was said while I'm watching the movie. In the case of <i>The Professor</i>, the reviews found me and most of them were bad. The sentiment was so universal that the movie was never properly released in theaters in the United States. Instead, it went straight to DVD in 2019. <p></p><p>I only read a couple of these bad reviews before I decided to deduce the opinions from just the headlines. Some reviewers made the unfair comparison of Richard's behavior to Johnny's own, so I stopped reading and waited to see this thing for myself. </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-9Ebg5l8l8/X6xuU0QbCPI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/1su7sWI6rKwFFH5YxQP2LB7MbuSXVzQKgCLcBGAsYHQ/s595/0031398304777_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="421" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w-9Ebg5l8l8/X6xuU0QbCPI/AAAAAAAAG9Y/1su7sWI6rKwFFH5YxQP2LB7MbuSXVzQKgCLcBGAsYHQ/w141-h200/0031398304777_p0_v1_s600x595.jpg" width="141" /></a><b></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I see what they mean, but...</b></span></p><p></p>Maybe it was because of the reviews, but I didn't like <i>The Professor </i>at first. He and his wife are so mean to each other. He is bad at his job and doesn't care. He's a bad influence on his students. He's making bad choices. Is this really what people think Johnny is doing in his own life? How dismal. <p></p><p>What I find so jarring is that Richard's choices of how to spend the rest of his days are so different from what I would think to do, but that's probably the point. Anyone who finds out that they are going to die soon probably assumes that they should do whatever they feel like doing in the moment. In Richard's case, that includes drugs, infidelity, and a bender in the middle of the week. </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">...<i>The Professor</i> has some good points.</span></b></p><p>I warmed up to <i>The Professor</i> because there are also moments of reflection, clarity and purpose. In fact, it made me cry by the end, which has got to mean something. </p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTFgzycp4o/X6xsxXEdRqI/AAAAAAAAG8w/0ir7P_Vz2mEvqGG3fnVxaw_Zgu6ANeXWwCLcBGAsYHQ/s306/download.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="165" data-original-width="306" height="173" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6MTFgzycp4o/X6xsxXEdRqI/AAAAAAAAG8w/0ir7P_Vz2mEvqGG3fnVxaw_Zgu6ANeXWwCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h173/download.jpg" width="320" /></a>Like most Johnny movies, <i>The Professor</i> has a great beginning. In the opening scene, Richard is in the doctor's office getting the bad news – a terminal diagnosis and only a few months to live. For the next few minutes that span the rest of his day, the news sinks in and Richard is lost in thought about what it means. Johnny is so good at saying so much without saying anything, but Richard shares his distress and anger every once in a while with a single repeated curse word, expressed in a variety of ways. It's both funny and sad.</p><p>I also love the elements that glue this movie together – the structure and soundtrack, the cinematography and scenery, and the script and cast. </p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qVJmiKmpL8/X6yDa0ZARiI/AAAAAAAAG_U/z7TlHTnPnTIPozPpNQbviY1XzG9SBUtFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s284/download-3.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="177" data-original-width="284" height="199" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8qVJmiKmpL8/X6yDa0ZARiI/AAAAAAAAG_U/z7TlHTnPnTIPozPpNQbviY1XzG9SBUtFgCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h199/download-3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><i>The Professor</i> is divided into chapters that reflect Richard's thought process: For example, Chapter 1 is I Have Something To Say and Chapter 3 is I'm Really Going to Die. I like how these titles set the tone for the next scenes. </li><li>Also setting the tone is a great soundtrack that includes refreshing classical and comforting Motown. </li><li>Filmed in Vancouver, <i>The Professor </i>is full of beautiful shots, highlighting impressive architecture, sets, and scenery that makes me want to plan a vacation there. Given the grim start and Richard's resulting irreverence, I appreciate having something pretty to look at. </li><li>Unorthodox behavior aside, Richard offers plenty of worthwhile lessons about not letting life pass by unnoticed. </li><li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrObozj07n8/X6xw2ypCJxI/AAAAAAAAG98/NjExhszisfAR0nK3iuwRrIfFaoxw0xg7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/merlin_154785423_c11bcc7f-f191-42d6-b2df-4e42b3d92ba2-superJumbo.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WrObozj07n8/X6xw2ypCJxI/AAAAAAAAG98/NjExhszisfAR0nK3iuwRrIfFaoxw0xg7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/merlin_154785423_c11bcc7f-f191-42d6-b2df-4e42b3d92ba2-superJumbo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This great cast, including Rosemarie DeWitt, Danny Houston, Odessa Young, and Zoey Deutch, seem wholly invested in capturing the balance between life and death, and it's clear that they are having fun doing it. "Johnny's just so alive and present and real in every moment," says Devon Terrell (who plays student Danny). "It's so brilliant to be in a scene with someone who is so kind of almost animalistic in a way that something's going to happen in every moment. You just didn't know what."</li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGW5P23L2Is/X6xyFt3SA4I/AAAAAAAAG-E/hhVd5PNAOPouFifKW7HktU2Es7NTCNmyACLcBGAsYHQ/s275/download-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dGW5P23L2Is/X6xyFt3SA4I/AAAAAAAAG-E/hhVd5PNAOPouFifKW7HktU2Es7NTCNmyACLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/download-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love seeing the relationship between Richard and his best friend Peter (Danny Houston). Danny Houston's performance is my favorite in this movie, maybe because I would likely react the same way to the news of a friend's (or Johnny's) impending death. Apparently, the feeling was mutual: "My experience with Johnny was love at first sight," Danny Houston says. "I don't know if we're playing into what's required for the characters of the piece or whether it's truly heartfelt, but at the moment, it feels absolutely real." I also related to Richard's bond with his daughter Olivia (Odessa Young). In the end, their goodbye is what brought me to tears. (The original title of this movie was <i>Richard Says Goodbye</i>, which makes more sense to me.) <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XiQUAx7GZ0/X6x3u9tq5pI/AAAAAAAAG-w/SoRkC6boYlExATLKvZYmGcc8RoQRrQtoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1000/tumblr_pv094w3wGZ1rglixoo1_1280.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4XiQUAx7GZ0/X6x3u9tq5pI/AAAAAAAAG-w/SoRkC6boYlExATLKvZYmGcc8RoQRrQtoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tumblr_pv094w3wGZ1rglixoo1_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I'm not sure <i>The Professor </i>deserves all the bad reviews it got. Sometimes, it lays it on thick that life should not be wasted, but is that such a bad message? The humor might be lost on some people because of the seriousness of this subject, but I appreciate the attempt to take the sting out of death. <i>The Professor</i> suggests that we should not be afraid of death but let it help us focus on a well-lived life, there is no time like the present to make changes and do what we need to do, and when the time comes, we should go out however we want. These are themes Johnny has always seemed to live by, so I'm not surprised that he connected to this character. This story may have struck close to home too: <i>The Professor </i>is dedicated to Johnny's mom, who died of lung cancer in 2016. <p></p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">The Kitties get it. </span></b></p><p>When thinking of how The Kitties could represent <i>The Professor</i>, one scene kept coming back to me. Most of the movie shows Richard indulging in his vices, telling people what he really thinks, imparting words of wisdom to his students, or saying goodbye to those he loves. But in this scene, Richard is alone, dealing with his own thoughts and pain. Maybe I'm reading too much into this moment, but it seems like Richard is realizing that this is really happening, that it's out of his control, and it's something bigger than everything else. He looks up toward the sky, as church bells toll in the background, and it cuts to Chapter 4, titled, It's Really Starting to Kick In. Maybe I'm not too far off. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt3gie8Gi1U/X6yNeTGiwpI/AAAAAAAAG_o/ig5JBJZUpMIZ5Yghxlb8mxU_wylRLAkugCLcBGAsYHQ/s840/57-WEBTheProfessor11-10-20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="840" height="453" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zt3gie8Gi1U/X6yNeTGiwpI/AAAAAAAAG_o/ig5JBJZUpMIZ5Yghxlb8mxU_wylRLAkugCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h453/57-WEBTheProfessor11-10-20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I was also struck by the interesting stark angles and textures in this shot of someone huddled in a space with jagged rock, aged wood, and hard tile. It's an uncomfortable but pretty space. </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">What's next? </span></b></p><p>In <i>Waiting for the Barbarians</i>, Johnny plays a colonel who doesn't have to say much to instill fear in innocent people, waving his misguided authority around with a fancy golden hammer. </p><p><span face=""Trebuchet MS", Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-size: x-small;">All film images © Global Road Entertainment; illustration © Melissa Connolly</span></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-2567140504178785432020-10-21T21:58:00.008-04:002020-10-21T22:01:31.375-04:00Johnny Kitties Special Edition: Cry-Baby Revisited<p>Hi everyone,</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzF8BhXF9mU/X5Dl2ul89lI/AAAAAAAAG8g/HK7sRrGErt0V5tJmhYGrACZVhx9q8ZVFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s196/AAAAC-GNo2YAAAAAAEcd9A.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="144" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzF8BhXF9mU/X5Dl2ul89lI/AAAAAAAAG8g/HK7sRrGErt0V5tJmhYGrACZVhx9q8ZVFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s0/AAAAC-GNo2YAAAAAAEcd9A.jpg" /></a></div>Surprise! This drawing took me weeks to finish, I think, because I feel like I captured everything I wanted to capture about John Waters' 1990 classic <i><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099329/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Cry-Baby</a></i> in <a href="https://melissaconnolly.blogspot.com/2011/02/johnny-kitties-celebrating-johnny-depp_1923.html" target="_blank">my first tribute drawing in 2011</a>. Can you believe it's been almost 10 years?<p></p><p>I've always felt uneasy about including the Confederate flag stage curtain in that original drawing, even though it is accurate to and fits well in the film. The Black Lives Matter movement and recent events only amplified my concern. Yet, that <i>Cry-Baby</i> artwork was drawn with nothing but love, so I will keep it in my Johnny Kitties collection. </p><p>But here's another piece to celebrate <i>Cry-Baby</i> that I think I might love just as much: It's <i>Cry-Baby</i> in the daytime. The nice thing about revisiting this movie to create a new illustration so many years later is that enough Kitties have joined our family to play all the characters. </p><p><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Welcome to Turkey Point! </span></b></p><p>This scene is early in the movie, just after Cry-Baby talked to Allison for the first time and then serenaded her while driving on the wrong side of the road after school. Now at home, with Allison still on his mind, Cry-Baby and his gang greet Grandma Ramona and Uncle Belvedere. I knew this movie was going to be great when I saw that Director John Waters got Iggy Pop to take a bath outside in a bucket. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9qog2NAltM/X5DjIyXvoAI/AAAAAAAAG8U/onGsF6veAck6PcI_nfFUCUK5IcMe4TLQwCLcBGAsYHQ/s838/Cry-BabyRevisited10-20-20WEB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="838" height="452" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9qog2NAltM/X5DjIyXvoAI/AAAAAAAAG8U/onGsF6veAck6PcI_nfFUCUK5IcMe4TLQwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h452/Cry-BabyRevisited10-20-20WEB.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>In this illustration, Gordon plays Johnny's character, as always, and Lily, again as Allison (Amy Locane), invades Cry-Baby's thoughts. The Mother Kitty and B.J. also reprise their roles as Ramona and Belvedere (Susan Tyrrell and Iggy Pop). The rest of the Kitties mix it up: This time around, Comet and Ashes play Milton and Hatchet-Face (Darren E. Burrows and Kim McGuire). Mini portrays Cry-Baby's sister Pepper (Ricki Lake), with Stephen and Mew as her little kids (Jonathan Benya and Jessica Raskin). Emily shows her stuff as Wanda (Traci Lords), and Walter plays it cool as Dupree (Robert Tyree). </p><p>But maybe the real star of this drawing is the skeleton head, just in time for Halloween. The Kitties stayed away from that role. </p><p>The only thing missing from this drawing is a snippet of <i>Cry-Baby</i>'s fantastic soundtrack. I couldn't fit the lyrics, but I did have <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3EKdPfWOyc">"(My Heart Goes) Piddily Patter, Patter" by Nappy Brown</a> in my head the entire time I was coloring: "My heart goes Piddily Patter, Patter/ Piddily Patter, Patter/ Every time I look at you/ Don't I know what's the matter, matter?/ What's the matter, but I think it's cause I love you." That <i>Cry-Baby</i> soundtrack still rocks, '50s style! </p><p><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>What's Next?</b></span> </p><p>New Johnny Kitties illustrations, celebrating Johnny's two latest films – <i>The Professor </i>and <i>Waiting for the Barbarians</i> – are swirling in my head and on the horizon. Until next time, I hope you enjoy this flashback.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLWWRRLMzFU/X4-YHkBoS_I/AAAAAAAAG8E/6G-HAHMZAHQSO4yFGeVs6d_ojUEy1FHYACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLWWRRLMzFU/X4-YHkBoS_I/AAAAAAAAG8E/6G-HAHMZAHQSO4yFGeVs6d_ojUEy1FHYACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><p></p>Melissa Connollyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16921332076592128334noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21033529.post-7364231460670343242020-09-23T17:48:00.004-04:002020-09-23T17:49:49.795-04:00Ruth Bader Ginsburg<p>Hi everyone,</p><p>Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg stood up for and educated us like no other, leading the way to a better future. She created a path, and we must continue to push it forward. </p><p>Here are just a few of her inspiring words to live by:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My mother told me to be a lady, and for her, that meant be your own person, be independent. </li></ul><div><ul><li>If you're a boy and you like teaching, you like nursing, you would like to have a doll, that's okay. We should each be free to develop our own talents, whatever they may be, and not be held back by artificial barriers. </li></ul><ul><li>So often in life, things that you regard as an impediment turn out to be great, good fortune. </li></ul><ul><li>Reading is the key that opens to many good things in life. Reading shaped my dreams, and more reading helped me make my dreams come true.</li></ul><ul><li>I'm a very strong believer in listening and learning from others. </li></ul><ul><li>You can disagree without being disagreeable. </li></ul><ul><li>Don't be distracted by emotions like anger, envy, resentment. These just zap energy and waste time. </li></ul><ul><li>Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn't be that women are the exception.</li></ul><ul><li>I don't say women's rights – I say the constitutional principle of the equal citizenship stature of men and women.</li></ul><ul><li>I didn't change the Constitution; the equality principle was there from the start. I just was an advocate for seeing its full realization. </li></ul><ul><li>Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.</li></ul><ul><li>In my life, what I find most satisfying is that I was part of a movement that made life better, not just for women...gender discrimination is bad for everyone. </li></ul><ul></ul></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. </li></ul><p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability. </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don't do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived. </li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSLZ8eADenc/X2u_3P6LqUI/AAAAAAAAG7k/NmFT-rW8whE8LgqGdW1ldxw-66Zw_xqVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s838/RBG2020WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="583" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSLZ8eADenc/X2u_3P6LqUI/AAAAAAAAG7k/NmFT-rW8whE8LgqGdW1ldxw-66Zw_xqVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s16000/RBG2020WEB.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for all your hard work, R.B.G. Your wisdom, guidance, and spirit are sorely missed. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, everybody, do what she says here and vote – November 3 or (if you can) earlier! Visit <a href="https://www.betterknowaballot.com/" target="_blank">BetterKnowABallot.com</a> to find out how and where in your local area.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UdQM-rfx-o/X2u9HwUUGhI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/LFSjsH6WL30Ld3seiiOHAEu7Bvgspb6dACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/signature.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6UdQM-rfx-o/X2u9HwUUGhI/AAAAAAAAG7Y/LFSjsH6WL30Ld3seiiOHAEu7Bvgspb6dACLcBGAsYHQ/s0/signature.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div id="piano-inline" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; clear: both; font-family: Charter, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; margin-left: 47.5938px; margin-right: 0px; outline: 0px;"></div><p></p><div class="screen-reader-only" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; clip: rect(0px, 0px, 0px, 0px); color: black; font-family: Charter, Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 19px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; height: 1px; letter-spacing: normal; margin: -1px; orphans: 2; outline: 0px; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; position: absolute; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; width: 1px; word-spacing: 0px;">This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. 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