Pfunksfoolosophy

I know, I know…I’ve been remiss. Lots of stuff happening and some minor computer ‘challenges’…

Okay, we left off with Michael’s (oh, so now it’s MICHAEL) take on the direction of film today–in America at least. He’s seen a trend of less than optimistic features coming out of Hollywood and in some cases, independent film. He believes that it’s in direct relationship to the war in Iraq. It seems he’s not interested in the popcorn movies as much as films that have something of value to impart to the viewers out there.

I asked him if we’re to blame for the glut of crap movies out there and his response was that we are, since we’re paying money for all of those remakes, which creates a demand. Since Hollywood is getting lazier and lazier, we’re feeding the monster. I couldn’t agree more.
(wait, this isn’t about MY opinion!)

His favorite actors today are mainly British. That saddens me, but with the exception of a few Americans like Meryl Streep and Angela Bassett, we’re in trouble. Helen Mirren, Judi Dench and Ian McKellan are really kicking our butts. He adores Ms. Streep. So, Meryl…if I may call Meryl…I can’t? Okay…if you’re reading this…please throw him a bone and make him a nice ham sandwich.

Maybe it’s because most British actors receive the training. Maybe it’s because in Great Britain, they cast according to ability not just sex appeal. Hmm, something to think about the next time you consider plunking down your hard earned cash for a feature length version of ‘The Jeffersons’. Yeah, Halle Berry as Weezie might make you consider it, right?
Stop reading and take a nap.

Mr. M gave me some of his Oscar picks and they include Ms. Berry for her performance in ‘Things We Lost in the Fire’.  I was crestfallen. Halle Berry? Is she…? Can she…? Is she an actress? Whoa.

The state of theater was another topic that we covered and his view is slightly dim, but when you think about it, Broadway is seeing a lot of Disney. A LOT. I am reminded of a speech that Gary Merrill made in ‘All About Eve’ where he said basically that even if we think it’s crap, it’s theater for someone. I can’t disparage those animated musicals too much…but still. We didn’t  need to see “Tarzan” on the Great White Way.  He was looking forward to a couple of plays, including ‘Cyrano’ with the lovely and talented Kevin Kline. I went with Claude and a review may follow. There are no words. (well, there are, but later)

When I spoke with Mr. Musto, the thing that struck me most was that he is such a fan of it all: the glamor, the art; even the crap, that it made me happy to speak with him. I wish I hadn’t felt that I was taking him away from his work.

He said that most of all, after all of his years covering the entertainment world, he’s still a fan. He’s that little solitary Italian kid from Brooklyn. He’s still appreciating it all from afar while right smack dab in the middle of the mix.  Check out his work in The Village Voice. You can get it online. I’m sure you’ll bookmark it because he’s got a great way with words and now you know he’s a friend of the foolosophy. Great kid–I know he’s gonna make it home okay.
 

So, the same day that I found out about Deborah Kerr passing away, I found out that Joey Bishop had gone to the big stage in the sky. What the heck is happening?
Ya can’t live forever, I know…but Joey was a part of something so cool, so groovy, so ring-a ding-ding that I am really saddened. The Rat Pack-Frank, Dean, Sammy, Peter and Joey were like my really cool, really hip uncles, ya know? They worked hard at entertaining us (let’s face it, some more than others), partied until the wee hours and kept on going.

Sammy Davis, Junior was a premier showman who could do impressions, play the drums, do fancy six  shooter tricks, dance…jiminy christmas he was a powerhouse! But Joey…Joey was the not so subtle comedian.

“Hey Frank, get over here and tell us about the GOOD things the Mob’s been doing”

(that ain’t a direct quote, but it’s close) Joey pushed the envelope for a laugh. He was ironic and funny and I loved watching him. Stand up comedy has changed since the days of the borscht belt schtick that made Joey famous, but there is a place for it still. Some of that stuff is still funny. Shelley Berman, Corbett Monica…they all lay the foundation, whether you believe it or not, for Richard Pryor, George Carlin, Bill Cosby, Joan Rivers, Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock and Jerry Seinfeld. So, they all owe something to Joey Bishop.

He was a mensch. He’ll be missed. It’s official. The big room is cookin’, ’cause they’re all up there now. Two shows a night and there’s plenty of ring-a-ding-ding. If there’s a rock and roll heaven, there’s GOT to be a Vegas heaven, right?