it’s a little early, even for me, but i’m gonna go ahead and call PSH for the best actor.  globes, oscars, etc.

it’s the first movie in years that i had to argue with myself about not going straight back in for the 2nd showing.

i will see it again, of course, but probably tonight.  

it’s too bad PSH died, and died of heroin, because people might try to say it’s a sympathy vote, but fuck all that.  it was an incredible performance.

the whole flick screams the same thing.

i did not know that John Le Carre was still alive.  he co-produced it.  maybe cuz he wanted it done right, but i’m a big fan of many of the film versions of his work.

i have to admit that i’m a little guilty of thinking the spy-thriller genre was over since 9-11, but i’m happy report that this movie just makes me want to re-read and review all the great spy stuff i’ve loved over the years.

it’s an important distinction to separate the james bond type stuff with the real life material.  i love ‘em both.

AND…you have to stay for the very last frame.  i was walking out after most of the credits had finished when…wait for it…TOM WAITS started bellowing the closing theme, “Hoist That Rag”.   the song is an homage to the assfucking Uncle Sam is guilty of administering to the rest of the planet.

yes, i love movies.  yes, i love a lot of movies.  yes, i am a big fan of PSH and feel it almost personally.  but in spite of all of this evidence that says my vote was automatic, i have to say that i’m right anyway.  the movie just makes you care.  all of the actors were going all the way.  the script was seamless.  the cinematography just made me know that that is the color of hamburg in present day germany.  the interior shots were set in modern day “interrogation” rooms.  the exterior scenes looked like hamburg must look.  i didn’t look to see if it was shot on location, but i’d be surprised to find out they used pittsburgh or cleveland.

and Tom Waits’ lullaby to “what used to be america” is just the cherry on top.

i haven’t used my phrase “what used to be america” in months.  maybe even years.  Tom’s song was called “Hoist That Rag”.

it has the first new piece of poetry i’ve written in a long time percolating.

here’s the teaser (i’m thinking i like the title “suicide by crucifixion”)

with her undies in her purse

her dignity on the altar

america slithered away

make-up smeared

revealing suicide by crucifixion

#confessional #psh #movies