I thought the pointless death was the point of (Milos Forman's version of) HAIR. (whitefonted) Because Burger was the ruler of his universe but death was the only thing he had no power over. Remember Claude's Dad's advice at the very beginning? "It's just those smart people gotta worry. The good lord's gonna take care of the ignorant ones." And the lord did take care of Claude.

True. But Costner's character wasn't raised by Indians. Which is what I was focusing on, I guess.

I really liked 13th Warrior, but I don't remember how the Vikings were costumed. I don't think they had the horned helmets. I recall it all being fairly realistic, except for the part where Banderas' character makes a scimitar out of a broadsword by grinding it down into a curve. Argh. That scene was hard to forgive.

eta - oh, I knew the pointless death was the point, I just hate sacrificial, otherwise pointless deaths.

I just hate sacrificial, otherwise pointless deaths.

How did you feel about Thelma & Louise?

Differently. That's helpful, isn't it? Um. I was sad that they died. I was cheering for the way they chose it. What's the difference...? thinking I think it's that T&L died for themselves, to free themselves. They were powerful; they weren't sacrificial lambs, helpless in someone else's hands. They didn't have to die, but they chose to, rather than take the only other choice offered. Someone else might have said, I surrendered because they gave me no choice but there is a choice; it's just a choice most of us won't make. Surrendering at that point, after they'd finally taken their freedom, would have negated everything they'd done to make themselves powerful.

I adore The (original) Wicker Man. I saw the long version, but the one I have on tape is, unfortunately, the short version. Is the long version running about anywhere?

Anchor Bay has a double-dvd set with both versions. I think it may be out of print (or just came back into print). Nice packaging: a wooden box with scorch marks on it (I think the writing on the box is burnt into it as well). I picked up the shorter one because it was significantly cheaper.

Pathfinder's got Karl Urban starring in it! That's enough to get me to the theater.

Funny thing about Hair--it was released in the theaters when I was 13, and when my sister (15 at the time) and I asked Dad if he'd take us to see it, he had no problem. Of course, I had to look up certain words when I got home (fellatio, cunnilingus), but other than that, there was no problem with the film. But, now, if my 13-y.o. niece asked to watch it with me? I'd be so iffy over the idea that I'd have to clear it with my brother and SIL, who I think would say "No!" immediately.

I would totally be behind Cuaron doing another HP film. His was the only one I really fell in love with.

Mom took me to see HAIR when I was in the 5th grade. I went to school the next day and told everyone how great drugs are. I was also the star of 6th grade english class. We each had a dictionary under our desks and I knew all the fun words to look up.

Just finished watching the Tracy/March version of Inherit the Wind. What a brilliant, beautiful movie. So many recognizable actors! Henry Morgan as the judge, Dick York as the teacher on trial, Norman Fell in a bit role!

The script is excellent, based on the Broadway play, but it's Spencer Tracy's performance that illuminates the whole film. March was in many ways just doing an impersonation. He does it well, and it's a pivotal role, but Tracy just inhabits the character, bringing that wonderful warmth, life, and world weary wisdom Tracy was able to bring to so many roles. Just seeing the film made my whole day.

I keep thinking I'd like to go down to Dayton, TN, when they have their annual re-enactment of the Scopes trial.