Saw
new film by Jim Jarmuch. Enjoyed it much. So beautiful, so poetic. Adam Driver was a good choice for a Jarmuch movie, he fits right in with John Laurie, Tom Waits etc.
The poetry written for the film didn’t really make it with me. I missed the humor of some of the older movies.
Overall I really like it.
More detail than I wanted.
Basic story – undone by slavery, of which he was a avid supporter. Achievements: Border with Maine/Canada, trade agreement with China, annexation of Texas, Tyler Doctrine in Pacific (which eventually lead to annexation of Hawaii).
Believed expanding the borders would keep nation together, and eventually would lead to the end of slavery (weird idea). First Vice President to become President, played a large role in setting precedence that VP would become Pres. for rest of term. Constitution was unclear on that point.
He was a Whig, but big on “states rights”, like his idols Jefferson and Madison. Caused him to become very unpopular within his own party. Was not even nominated for a run at a second term.
by Rumi
Saw “The Salesman”, written and directed by Asghar Farhadi, a well-know Iranian director working inside Iran.
My impression was that the movie took way too long to get to the point. The last half-hour was engrossing as the movie worked it’s way to the climax. I suppose the theme was revenge vs. forgiveness, the husband taking the side of revenge, the wife forgiveness.
Farhadi also made acclaimed The Separation, which I did’t like so much, and About Elly, which I did.
Been trying to see some of the “big” movies of the year. List is roughly order of preference (best to worst).
Also saw Gimme Danger, Jarmusch’s documentary about Iggy Pop.
Typical rock star on drugs story. I wish it had focused more on the music instead of her tragic life. Amazing the harm well-meaning parents can do do a child, especially if that child is susceptible to being affected by it.
The ninth president. Died after only one month in office. Ran as an Indian War hero, notably the battle of Tippecanoe. Actually did a poor job at that battle, but did better in subsequent ones. Ran as a man of the people, but actually grew up relatively rich (sound familiar?). First candidate to openly campaign for the office.