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July 25, 2008
Calling Dr Freud's... Janitor, Barber... Anyone, Really...
Sometimes a sword-covered-in-sticky-drippy-blood-that-El-Kabob's-35-year-old-actress-top-should-be-smart-enough-to-know-is going-nowhere-and-the-actually-seeing-of-which-in-print-(complete-with-chainmail-push-up)-should-remind-her-that-she-should-be-chasing-Wes-Anderson-movies-and-not-licking-someone's-mid-life-crisising-38-year-old-daddy-who-is-more-clever-than-talented is just a sword.
And sometimes, it's a penis substitute for unsophisticated children, some of whom direct movies.
I have always held out hope that Rose McGowan, who has always shown signs of being more smartly earth-bound than the image, would find her place as a Bette Davis styled S&TC character. (The trouble is that as on-screen maneaters go, she makes “Samantha” look as over-that-hill as she is.) This feels a lot like the last squeeze out of the toothpaste tube. She might want to put a call into Heather Graham, who rose a little higher in features, but whose career is effectively over now at 38, having not been hired for a studio movie in over six years. A pilates body and blow-job lips can get you a boyfriend in Austin, but it won't convert your career, which has never found its strongest play, which pushes the body to the background and the only push-up is the line reading.
The real opportunity for McGowan was to be one of the four girls in the car for QT in Death Proof… relaxed, edgy, and sexy on screen. This would have also been really good for the duo of films. Instead, McGowan played a variation of that same character in both films. And though that has been the image, the only way to keep playing that past 35 is to be a big name or to be in a sitcom ensemble.

Posted by dpoland at July 25, 2008 09:50 AM
Comments
I think I'll wait for the actual movie before getting too bent out of shape over this, but I guess I take your point. Of course, I have no idea what kind of projects she's been "chasing," but chasing and getting are two different things, and it may be safe to assume that, like most actors, she's had to make some less than ideal choices in order to have any kind of career at all. Would she have done five seasons of Charmed if Wes Anderson had been returning her calls?
Still, Fifty Dead Men Walking and Black Oasis sound like interesting projects to me, especially the latter, in which she plays 50s B-movie actress Susan Cabot. Could be a Bette Davis type role for her, and it beats playing the girlfriend to some A-lister (artistically, if not financially), which is often the best case scenario for actresses above a certain age.
Posted by: yancyskancy
at July 25, 2008 10:48 AM
In the above, I'm assuming Black Oasis is still going to be made, and with McGowan. imdb lists the production as "back on track."
Posted by: yancyskancy
at July 25, 2008 10:51 AM
I find this poster appealing.
On the flip side, I missed the old Rose McG from Doom Generation and Scream. She scarcely resembles herself of late.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 11:47 AM
I don't understand, she's actually licking blood?
Like someone else's blood???
Why is that sexy?
Is she a vampire in the new movie? That seems like a plausible Rodriguez move.
Or possibly it's not someone else's blood. Maybe it's her own. Maybe that sword is how she got the cleft in her chin in the first place.
Posted by: guy
at July 25, 2008 11:58 AM
Boy!
Oh, man, this will OWN.
Need to see it first day.
Especially if other hot chicks are in it.
Rodriguez is awesome.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 12:22 PM
Well that poster is a relief, I was worried this project was going to end up trashy.
Posted by: hcat
at July 25, 2008 12:25 PM
I don't know if this is a good side note/clarification or not but don't forget Heather Graham toplined her own (albeit one-n-done) series for ABC just a couple of seasons ago.
I’d agree w/Yancy, do we need to wait to reserve judgment until the picture actually comes out? I so can't remember the first Red Sonja, it was kinda Xena Warrior Princess/Conanish, right? I'd imagine this isn't going to be a shot-by-shot remake, right? It seems like it'd be ripe to do an origins type story here ala X-Men, Batman: Begins, much of Superman Returns copied that pattern as well. The alternative would be to set her up in this time as already being this kick ass fighter, ala the 80s action heroes, and let her deal w/whatever invading power that's threatening her homeland. Unless there's some immediate transformation so she's thrust into a new world where it's fight or die from moment one on, ala Resident Evil.
Certainly the first scenario provides the most meat for actress to work with and thus the best showcase. My question is, as it relates to an actress 35-years-old or older, is there really such a thing as a bad franchise to star in? Removing personal satisfaction/fulfillment for a moment, is Milla Jovovich in a better or worse position than Rose or Heather right now?
I always thought Rose was one of the sexiest women in Hllywd but this was more looking at stills of her, not any particular role that she played. Like Scream was a good role for her. (Yes, Lex, I was OWNED) Jawbreaker may've been too tame for her. Otherwise, as hot as I think she is, I kinda have to accept her place in the pecking order may be a poor man's Shannon Doherty…which, ya know - umm, yeah.
While it seems like unfulfilled potential, even as a sex kitten/femme fatale, which seemed to be what her career could’ve been teed up for, Rose has worked consistently for the past dozen, fifteen years. That’s extremely commendable. As much as I’d love to see her career take on a pattern like Julianne Moore’s or Holly Hunters’ from this point on, I don’t know if Rose isn’t anything more than a straight, fastball pitcher. As alluring and talented as the aforementioned are, at any point in their career could anyone pictured them playing the action heroine? Hopefully, she’ll take pride in what she’s capable of. The question is is donning the Heavy Metal actionware for Rose going to result in a last gasp desperation stunt like Chloe or Wynona or could it provide the chance for career recognition that happens only after an Eckersley or Righetti get moved from the rotation into the bullpen?
Posted by: Triple Option
at July 25, 2008 12:44 PM
This is the same director who made Planet Terror and Sin City, so a certain amount of topping himself is in order. (Did DP just call Robert Rodriguez "El Kabob"?)
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 01:08 PM
As long as this gets her off TCM, I don't care what she does. Honestly, who over there thought she was an authority on classic movies?
I used to love Red Sonja...when I was seven. Honestly, was the story so original and revolutionary that it warrants a remake? Can't Rodriguez come up with his own medieval-chick-that-kicks-ass concept? Is it really worth the extra fifty bucks that will be raked in from "die-hard Red Sonja fans?" So many questions...
Posted by: Noah
at July 25, 2008 01:20 PM
"As alluring and talented as the aforementioned are, at any point in their career could anyone pictured them playing the action heroine?"
Moore was certainly tough enough in Hannibal, the movie overall was silly but she was believable as an FBI agent. Holly Hunter also played some sort of cop nicely in CopyCat. Again not a good movie but she had a commanding presence (despite her apparant 4 foot 2 inch height).
That said I cant picture McGowen playing anything. Haven't seen her in a film since Scream, and Rodriquez's involvement would be the only thing that keeps this from going direct to video. (haven't seen any distributor mentioned yet but this looks like Lionsgate material to me)
Posted by: hcat
at July 25, 2008 01:47 PM
I would have guessed it was an MGM/Weinstein plea for fast cash.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 01:49 PM
And Heather Graham rose more than a little bit higher in features than McGowen. She actually made movies, some of which were very popular. I certainly dont miss her now that she's dropped off the studio radar but McGowen was never really on it.
Posted by: hcat
at July 25, 2008 01:55 PM
Actually, Holly Hunter is kicking a great deal of ass as the lead of Saving Grace on TNT right now.
Posted by: Joe Leydon
at July 25, 2008 01:57 PM
I do miss Heatgher Graham. Her performance in the forgotten From Hell was one of the best of 2001. In fact, From Hell was ahead of its time. it was one of the first of the non-superhero, graphic-novel adaptations that took the form seriously.
It is a crime that The Hughes Brothers aren't working more. Menace II sociert remains one of the most powerful movies about the inner city ever made. Dead Presidents is flawed, but when it works it is astonishing.
And American Pimp is one the best documentaries of the decade. It would get more respect if it had Errol Morris' name attached.
I hope their HBO Wire-like show about pimps and 'ho's takes off.
Posted by: Jimmy the Gent
at July 25, 2008 02:09 PM
Yeah, I don't think anyone's knocking on her door with feature leads except Rodriguez (who doesn't have to knock). I thought she was great in both Grindhouse roles (the Death Proof role was essentially a cameo, but she brought real pathos to her key scene, IMO). But the box office failure of that project didn't give her much to build on. I don't see the downside of her doing Red Sonja. Either it propels her to a few years of viable leading lady status or, y'know, not. Either way, I wouldn't be surprised to see her in another TV series within 5 years.
Still haven't seen her on TCM, because I've usually already seen all those "Essentials" a few times. Is she embarrassing herself? From what I've read, it sounds like she's a big fan of classic cinema. Frankly, even Robert Osborne has trouble sounding like much of an expert during his brief intros and outros. He usually just rattles off some trivia tidbits. Maybe "The Essentials" is different and requires some actual back-and-forth about the films?
Posted by: yancyskancy
at July 25, 2008 03:14 PM
As far as Heather Graham goes, I don't let myself write off anybody's career. As huge as Heath Ledger is right now, does NOBODY else remember that he was all but sealed inside a plane back to Australia after "The Order" and "The Four Feathers"? People wrote a lot worse things about him back then, but all he needed was "Brokeback Mountain" to catapult his credibility higher than it had ever been before.
I don't know if Heather Graham could actually turn it all around like that, but she's done a lot of good movies before.
Posted by: Hallick
at July 25, 2008 03:26 PM
It's harder for women, not to mention that Heather Graham never (to my knowledge) really has proven herself as a thespian the way Ledger had.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 03:35 PM
no offence, hallick, but comparing heather g. to heath l. may not be the most apt choice...one couldn't act her way out of a paper bag if her life depended on it while the other...owns the paper bag company...or something along those lines
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 03:35 PM
It's called TV, David. It's the place beautiful people like Graham go, when the feature people want to ignore her. She will pop up again. She also does not have to work, David. ABC did have to pay her off.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 03:41 PM
sorta channeling scoot with all those dots...
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 03:41 PM
I'm also glad that it's a Red Sonja remake and not a Barbarella remake - I mean, doesn't this fit the category of 'movie that wasn't that great in the first place' that people are always saying are the ones that should get remade, as opposed to upcoming remakes like Pelham 123 or My Fair Lady?
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 03:47 PM
Heather Graham still headlines plenty of movies... they're usually limited-release rom-coms or kinky thrillers, but Blockbuster's new release section is rife with middling titles with her on the cover (Broken, Grey Matters, etc.)
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 04:49 PM
If Graham does not have to work, why did she do episodic in the first place? IIRC, didn't she do a pilot that didn't get picked up?
I like Graham, and Jimmy's dead-right about From Hell. But McGowan's been a flake from the outset. You can't hook up with Marilyn Manson and expect people to look at you as serious. She would have made a good Catwoman, though.
...and now to the real disaster, the unmentioned Rodriguez. It was one thing to claim to be Mr. Independent while latching to Harvey's teet, it's another to implode your family to make crap like this. Has no one learned from Harrison Ford, Michael Douglas and Anthony Hopkins that personal stability, while not the most exciting, allows for focus? Just look at the choices these guys made after jetting for greener...pastures. Douglas wouldn't be begging for Rupees to make a third Romancing The Stone. Hopkins would have passed on Red Dragon. Ford...people would stop shaking their head and wondering what the hell happened to him.
What's sad is that she'll flit away once this run together ends in disaster. For those that weren't around for Mariachi at Sundance, you have no idea what promise Rodriguez brought. He was supposed to be what Tyler Perry made of himself. Instead, he's becoming the Gen X answer to Bogdanovich. But instead of Daisy Miller, he'll have Red Sonja. Perfect.
Posted by: Martin S
at July 25, 2008 04:55 PM
Bogdanovich's Daisy Miller is actually underrated. It's not perfect, but I always thought the book was a little ooverrated.
It's really a book about a tease who dies.
Posted by: Jimmy the Gent
at July 25, 2008 06:02 PM
hope heather graham works more, and R-Rod works less.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 06:19 PM
um, i thought heather graham was appalling bad in 'from hell' (her dialect coach should be shot), and martin s., did you see manson in 'bowling for columbine'? (i'm thinking 'yes') a good example of 'don't judge a book by it's cover', he's an articulate, clever guy, whatever his weirdnesses may be
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 06:28 PM
I like From Hell alot.
I don't know Leah, don;t forget how 'lower class' she was supposed to be...she wouldn;t have a cogent accent anyway. after all my years in Lahn-dun she didn't bug me alot. Gwynnie in Sliding Doors bugged me WAAAAY more. The way she said "bastard" **baaahstaaahd*** make people laugh out loud in the Show, even though the movie was liked in London town well enough. Not hating on Gwynnie, she's ok.
I think Heather Graham should be in a Dickensian/Hardy-ian movie. She could revive her fortunes in a tragedy I think. i actually would have loved to see her in Bleak House but 2 yankees from TV might have caused a ripple across the pond.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 06:38 PM
Rodriguez was supposed to aggrevate some folks in his ethnicity by making films that some felt stereotypical and pandering? Really?
That fact aside from the parts of the African-American community who dislike Tyler Perry, Robert and Rose broke up. So maybe they came to a realization with this movie.
Back to Graham: she got a development deal, Martin. You know how those things work. Artie Lange has a freakin shore-house thanks to development deals. So she had a deal, they cancelled the show, but she got paid.
Paid enough money to chill out, enjoy life, and make weird lesbian movies with Tom Cavanaugh!
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 06:40 PM
"she wouldn;t have a cogent accent anyway"
Really? How do you figure that?
I have to say that I just don't think much of Heather Graham. I think she was good in one scene of one movie (the back of the car scene in Boogie Nights) and the rest of the time she looks like a mannequin to me, no sign of anything behind those eyes.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 06:42 PM
She has more signs of life than Jessica Alba, and the freakin studios love being in that ALBA BUSINESS! So give me the blonde with the cheerful smile over Jessica Alba any day of the week.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 06:47 PM
it was the part she was playing Jeff. She wasn't an Oxford educated lady.
if she's a mannequin, she's better than most but maybe has not lived up to what she could have...yet.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 06:52 PM
ALBA OWNS.
Have no doubt. Do not deny. Quit while you're ahead, IO. You really shouldn't play.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 06:54 PM
Alba owns only the mens mags Lex. I hope she won't get too many dramatic parts as she doesn't have the chops.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 06:59 PM
Alba owns a rather conversative wardrobe that represents her epic level... luke-warmness.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 07:06 PM
we'll have to agree to disagree on graham's 'from hell' accent, lota! johhny d. and the crew supposedly gave her a very hard time, what with johnny's rather impeccable british brogues. i don't dislike the movie (mainly cuz johnny d. is in it and he's special. i bought 'dead man' from the bargain bin the other day, and i think it may be my fave dep of all time, but that's a hard call)
graham his no discernible talent that i can see, but angelic looks to die for. i always think, 'man, there were probably 100 better actresses out there for that part, but without those big baby blues.' she was ok in 'bowfinger', though, perfect casting there (and eddie murphy was, or course, priceless)
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 07:08 PM
And I also wanna make a point about Martin S's post about personality stability.
It's a nice thought and all, but please, sir, listen to some Leykis. Men date and marry the best (aka, hottest) they can afford at the time. It may not be a P.C. thing to say or hear, but stability, family, "doing the right thing" all goes out the window when one's schlub ass can suddenly score younger, prettier, model-level Hollywood women. Men are not SOCIALISTS. Men are MEN.
It's the American Dream.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:10 PM
that might be the set gossip but I still think Heather has more range than Cameron Diaz and Rebecca Romijn and Famke Janssen and I could make a long list of 32-42 y old femmes who are 'limited'.
and I think she should save her rack for vodka print ads and dye her hair brown and go for drama/tragedy in the shakespearian sense.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 07:13 PM
some men are SHALLOW; some aren't
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 07:14 PM
I tend to believe ALL men are exactly that shallow if enough money and temptation are involved.
ALL.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:17 PM
Lota, I still don't know what you're talking about re: accents. An uneducated person in the 19th century could be expected to have a stronger, more consistent accent than someone educated who might have refined their accent over the year or through travels.
I would actually make the arrangement that Alba has better screen-presence than Graham - I can tell there's a real person on screen in an Alba movie, even if she doesn't have much range or gravitas.
Lex, you say all that stuff as if it was good and desireable to anything except the one's little head. Or are you being 'silly'? Because I can't tell the difference.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 07:17 PM
'make the argument', not arrangement.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 07:18 PM
"marry the best (aka, hottest) they can afford at the time"
only men with small brains and money to burn
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 07:19 PM
alba can be luminescent on screen but she is not a good actress
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 07:21 PM
No, I'm not being silly. The GREATEST THING about a capitalist society is that a man can level the playing field in terms of desirable partners by increasing his cash flow or his place in society.
If we were all Socialists, all the pretty girls would go for all the scruffy Oliver Martinez looking guys with accoustic guitars and be all political and earthy and hot and perfect.
INSTEAD, because the world OWNS, some nerd or film geek or tool or broke sadsack or goateed spazz can MAKE A MOVIE and suddenly get to ROLL WITH THE HOLLYWOOD ELITE and MEET MODELS. He can start a ROCK BAND and date beautiful women; Obviously those women WOULD NEVER BE IN HIS SOCIAL SPHERE OTHERWISE... Really, what are you gonna do, go with the hot, beautiful, famous woman or the 40-something HIGH-SCHOOL SWEETHEART from your Podunk town?
99.99999999% of men could not resist that temptation. It sounds shallow but it's the way of the world, like it or not.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:23 PM
By the way, let us commend the Lexman on three days of sobriety! YAY ME!
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:25 PM
oliver martinez makes my skin crawl. just thought i'd add that useless tidbit.
and lex, i never thought you were drunk in the first place, you would have slurred your letters more
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 07:28 PM
Lex, this is where I have a hard time dealing with you: either this stance of yours is the continuation of your 'persona' and some kind of zany performance-art Borat kind of stuff, or it's a genuinely abhorrent, neanderthal, awful attitude to have - and I'm not talking about 'the way of the world', I'm talking about 'THE GREATEST THING' because obviously only a crazy person, or an asshole, would call that the best thing about capitalism (and what you're talking about isn't even capitalism anyway).
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 07:33 PM
lex has a point (I know...the sky is falling)
I do have some wealthy businessmen friends & associates and they do have this problem...it is harder to pick quality if there are many more beauties at your beck & call.
Smart men don't think with their zipper though when it comes to picking a wife. Picking the most beautiful woman you've ever seen has some ugly consequences if she's braindead, unfaithful or mental...lots of them are from my experience with working with them.
Women have the same problem if they have dough. COmmon sense goes out the window.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 07:34 PM
Lex typed; "If we were all Socialists, all the pretty girls would go for all the scruffy Oliver Martinez looking guys with accoustic guitars and be all political and earthy and hot and perfect."
DEVENDRA BANHART AND NATALIE PORTMAN EVERYBODY!
I also tend to think Lex has a point. A lot of men are not exactly secure with themselves. So if you get the money and the prestige that boost that ego. Most men will jump at the chance at younger, hotter, and possibly sexier.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 07:40 PM
Jeff, you need to listen to some Leykis.
Lota, you own.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:42 PM
Lex I am glad you are sober. but let us leave socialism and capitalism alone until you are sober for about 2 weeks.
that bearded guitar-playing nonsense is silly. All the Euro socialists I know look like they just walked out of GQ and they are wealthy. it's only in the US are 'socialists' seen as being a hippee oddity.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 07:43 PM
Yeah, instead of the guitar-hippie thing I should've presented some super-horny, lefty, modelly-looking, politically-passionate Euro couple straight out of a bad Bertolucci movie or something.
(Lota and leah, I usually AM stone-cold sober on here; I just didn't want Quick-Draw D-Po to think I was violating his "POST SOBER!" edict by using a few caps when discussing something I'm passionate about.)
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:48 PM
Lex, you're missing my point. Here's an another analogy:
Union Carbide had a terrible industrial accident in India, as a result of not giving a crap about safety regulations, a weak Indian government that didn't enforce the regulations that it had, and cheap designs meant to keep costs down. After the accident happened the company was penalized but has never paid up the whole amount due to being able to afford high-priced lawyers to appeal the case endlessly.
Therefore, CAPITALISM IS AWESOME!
Just because things happen a certain way - which I am not disupting - is no reason to applaud them to continue on. Pardon the language, but that's a bullshit attitude towards life - and one which, deep down, I don't believe that you actually believe in. I think this is the latest "Look, I can piss people off by saying something Crazy!" post.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 07:48 PM
Jeff, I'm talking about some dude upgrading to Rose McGowan, not that horrific shit you're bringing up.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:53 PM
Anyway, my post of 12:22pm didn't get enough praise. It is very creative and funny! Sheck it out.
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 07:54 PM
Lex it seems like everytime you post you act like you just danced the Macarena without any assistance.
Is Rose McGowan an upgrade from what R Rod had at home LexG? Likely not or they wouldn't be busting up already.
Posted by: Lota
at July 25, 2008 08:04 PM
Lex, I'm talking about the same basic underlying principle. Again, I hate to waste my time arguing about something that I'm pretty sure, deep down, that you don't actually believe in, especially since it's irrational for someone with three degrees to hold such a bizarre position, besides being not in your best interest, since you're not rich or successful.
I bet you were happy when O.J. was acquitted too, to be consistent.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 08:06 PM
Rodriguez upgraded by tossing his incredibly smart producer wife (who knew how to keep his budgets in line with their prospective revenues) for someone who will be shopping for yet another comeback in a year or two? Okay.
Posted by: L.B.
at July 25, 2008 08:11 PM
L.B., can "incredibly smart" compete with what is displayed in the above poster (for most men)?
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 08:17 PM
Lota: she was at the time. She was at the time.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 08:17 PM
Lex, you're not making a rational argument. You keep returning to "I'm just saying it like it is" while conveniently ignoring the implications.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 08:21 PM
The implications are that someday if a schmo makes enough money, he can get Hollywood-level women that would otherwise not be available to him.
Those implications are fucking awesome, and the main thing I am banking on in life.
It does not get any simpler. What are you not getting? Am I supposed to crying over some injustice here?
Posted by: LexG
at July 25, 2008 08:26 PM
J-Mc... you have become this blog's #1 enabler.
Posted by: David Poland
at July 25, 2008 08:29 PM
What implications? There's implications to everything. Everything has an implication to something else.
The thing of it is: it's not really capitalism as much as a it's a male ego/sex thing. Men are weird. Money makes men weird. So this is what happens when men have the opportunity. They usually seize it, but mostly faily miserably! HIYOOO!!!
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 08:35 PM
The feeling is mutual, DP.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 08:35 PM
"someday if a schmo makes enough money, he can get Hollywood-level women that would otherwise not be available to him."
Okay, so since we've come this far: This is predicated on several terribly flawed premises. First of all, women are totally objectified in this worldview, not as people with specific wants or desires of their own, but as commodities, the kind that are only 'available' when your income level is high enough.
Next is the idea that 'more expensive' women = more 'desireable' or 'rewarding' women, which is pretty much demonstrably untrue, unless one's only goal in life is to have someone around with the newest designer breasts, which is certainly a possible criteria on which to base one's worldview but I don't one that is a true roadmap for happiness and fulfillment.
Lastly is the idea that 'talent' correlates directly with 'income' which is obviously untrue when we see compare (insert lousy big-budget filmmaker here) with (insert good indie filmmaker here); or that 'men' are all equally deserving of and striving for high-class poon and the ones who make it to the top are inherently more worthy, like some twisted kind of Ayn Rand philosophy to reward the victors.
And yes, I think Lex is still pulling my leg.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 08:44 PM
any woman who wants a man just for his money and any man who wants a woman just for youthful looks deserve each other...they can wallow in the shallow pool with the other babies
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 09:09 PM
I think it's time that McMahon gets some MCWEENEY STYLE! HOLD ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Okay, so since we've come this far: This is predicated on several terribly flawed premises. First of all, women are totally objectified in this worldview,"
Dan Savage has a way of putting this, it goes a little something like white heterosexual males are raised to be that women are born and bred simply for them.
So yeah, to many, women are objects to be obtained, maintained, and to heighten's one own ego. It sucks, but the women luckily run most of the porn industry.
This is also a rather ethnocentric view of the world. Women have been objectified long before Ira Singer used good-looking ladies to sell sewing machines. It's an unfortunate part of being a woman in this world.
"not as people with specific wants or desires of their own, but as commodities, the kind that are only 'available' when your income level is high enough."
You are being trite about a rather real aspect of not just our culture but many cultures now and in the past. Many cultures see women as objects to inflate the male ego and to be shown off as token. Again, it's an unfortunate part of being a woman. Glossing it over in order to sell an argument does show you may have never taken an anthropology class in your life.
"Next is the idea that 'more expensive' women = more 'desireable' or 'rewarding' women, which is pretty much demonstrably untrue, unless one's only goal in life is to have someone around with the newest designer breasts, which is certainly a possible criteria on which to base one's worldview but I don't one that is a true roadmap for happiness and fulfillment."
That last sentence is a figurative mouthful, Jeff. I mean, really, happiness and fulfillment are subjective. Basing it around a person can lead to problems. Nevertheless, some people are happy to have the pretty trinket they can have sex with on a regular basis.
"Lastly is the idea that 'talent' correlates directly with 'income' which is obviously untrue when we see compare (insert lousy big-budget filmmaker here) with (insert good indie filmmaker here); or that 'men' are all equally deserving of and striving for high-class poon and the ones who make it to the top are inherently more worthy, like some twisted kind of Ayn Rand philosophy to reward the victors."
If you know anything about traits. The folks who are the better looking and making, are usually the ones whose traits are passed on via evolution. This is how it goes.
So those guys are sort of the victors. Which makes you a bit foolish for coming up with such an argument that proves Lex rather right.
"And yes, I think Lex is still pulling my leg."
Rather well indeed.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 25, 2008 09:35 PM
I'm not sure if you're agreeing with me or arguing against me.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 25, 2008 09:54 PM
io,
you don't have the first clue what it's like being a woman in this world so please stop saying, 'the unfortunate part of being a woman' like some kind of authority on the subject.
you think only good-looking people pass on 'traits' in human evolution? you obviously haven't stepped outside in...ever
and finally, shallow morons with lots of money and shallow trophy girls on their arm aren't the victors, they just fool other shallow morons into thinking they are. When in reality, they've missed the point all together and are just sad
Posted by: leahnz
at July 25, 2008 11:36 PM
LexG has invalidated every single one of his admittedly insane past, present and future comments by invoking that fat toad Tom Leykis, the enabler of wannabe wife-beaters across LA and beyond.
Posted by: christian
at July 25, 2008 11:41 PM
Kinda getting back to Red Sonja, I'm surprised nobody has made mention of the most worrying aspect of this whole deal - the poster. Throw this alongside the poster for Jennifer's Body and I must ask if it is so impossible to actually take a real photograph of a real person. It's also like the poster for The Women. Those five women were definitely on the same set for at least one day, so why not take some time between set ups and take a good group photo or two and throw it on a poster. Can't be too hard, surely.
Nevertheless, I don't feel as angry about the making of this film as some people seem to be purely because - and somebody else brought it up towards the top I believe - this is the sort of movie that a remake of feels entirely justified. Sure, the people behind/in front of the camera may be questionable, but if Rodriguez had to decide between remaking this Neilsen/Schwarzenegger movie or, oh I dunno, The Goonies, then I'd be happier with the former.
Although I remain utterly confused as to why nobody has thought of remaking Children of the Corn. I'm sure whatever they could come up with today would be better than the garbage they released in '84, right?
Posted by: KamikazeCamelV2.0
at July 26, 2008 12:46 AM
Oh, and Heather Graham was "quite good!" on Scrubs.
Posted by: KamikazeCamelV2.0
at July 26, 2008 12:49 AM
Of the people I've known or known of, guys w/career success who've married a trophy wife, it's been the other way around. Promising career and they marry the hottie. The marriage didn't last all that long. While they still found career success, the next wife they married were for the "right" reasons. It wasn't for looks but to last.
Who knows what was going on w/Robert Rod. His marriage could've been vulnerable despite Rose figuring into the mix. He might not've been thinking "upgrade" but more of a disconnected fun. Actually, thinking should proll be in " " back there. Whatever kind of relationship plans they were babbling was prolly more a way of justifying what they were doing.
Posted by: Triple Option
at July 26, 2008 01:55 AM
IO - I wasn't referring to the quality of Perry's material, but to his ability to thrive outside the system. R Rod promised the exact same thing and he didn't deliver. It's a personal letdown; he was supposed to revolutionize the indie world and instead he walked away. It was expected from Quentin and Smith, but not him.
And you're right about Graham. I thought you were inferring she could kick back from the Austin Powers money, which couldn't have been much of a cut.
Leahnz - I know a number of people who knew him pre-Spooky Kids. He's smart, but he's got more personal baggage than Samsonite and Rose knew that. She was with him for the same reason she said she'd blow Clinton if given the opportunity, shock value.
And any guy who faints when Michael Chiklis sticks a fake gun in you face, during a shoot, needs to reassess reality.
Lex - you're right, I don't disagree. But you're talking about single men first entering marriage at whatever level of success they've achieved. I'm talking about guys who achieve success after marriage. As L.B pointed out, R Rod's was was his partner, and he scuttled that for a piece of crazy ass and photo ops. Typical mid-life crisis.
And Triple Option is spot-on.
Posted by: Martin S
at July 26, 2008 06:57 AM
Lex and Jeff are comic gold together. They should make a movie. Maybe Lex could be a bad-boy movie star who takes his mild-mannered accountant (Jeff) on a wild night of debauchery or a rollicking road trip. Amid the hijinks, they each learn to temper their respective world views. But it's too late for Lex -- after an all-night orgy of sex and drugs, his heart gives out. Jeff narrowly escapes the same fate, but lives to become a more well-rounded guy - responsible, but more open to life's possibilities. Lex's hot co-star (Rose McGowan? Heather Graham?) notices the change, and she and Jeff walk off into the sunset together, with the spirit of Lex looking down, nodding and giving a "thumbs up," flanked by Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield (or maybe Olivia Thirlby and Kristen Stewart, whom we establish as having died in a car accident in Act 1). Laughs, tears, Oscars all around.
Posted by: yancyskancy
at July 26, 2008 08:57 AM
I'm thinking it should be a reverse on You've Got Mail. Online they hate each other, but it turns out they're actually lovers in the real world.
Posted by: KamikazeCamelV2.0
at July 26, 2008 09:43 AM
Good one, Kami. Lex, Jeff -- look closely at that person across the room from you right now. Is it possible...? :)
Posted by: yancyskancy
at July 26, 2008 11:29 AM
wah, ha ha, you are Evil Camel.
actually Lex, don't be so impressed with Hollywood types who seem to have girls fawning over them at parties & clubs.
Many parties I've been to (and clubs too) many of those girls are PAID to be there, or even bribed in other ways. All for the photo-ops and to feed egos. Girls wouldn't tell a man that but they'll tell other females and have a laugh about it, because women are mean.
If you aint got no Game, you have to pay the labour, no matter who you are. Plenty of these men who are supposedly so rich or well-known blah blah are Paying. More expensive ass but they still have to pay to get some. Sad.
Develop your personality and you don't have to pay as much.
Posted by: Lota
at July 26, 2008 11:35 AM
Leah: I was typing in a rather clinical fashion. If you want to fight about your failure to interpret the English language on a screen, then we can fight about that as well. Yet, I refuse to be given any crap when you failed to get the tone of my post.
So in conclusion... learn something about anthropology and anthropological theory before you take out your soapbox.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 26, 2008 01:54 PM
"I love to laugh and have fun"
-IOIOI
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 26, 2008 02:22 PM
io, i did fail to get your 'clinical' tone - what ever the hell that means - so in utter shame i hang my head and i'm off back to university to re-take my anthropology classes so that i might actually comprehend your level of genius. my bad
kam...classic :-D
i can see the marketing now: 'jeff & lex: the odd couple for the new millennium'. it's just crying out for episodic tv, and the script could be written almost entirely from this blog
Posted by: leahnz
at July 26, 2008 03:25 PM
Uh... J-Mc... it's my blog. That does kind of make me responsible. We aren't starting on equal ground on that basis alone, whether you like it or not.
As usual, you miss the point utterly. You complain and complain and complain, but you keep taking the bait like an eager puppy who doesn't remember that the last thing he bit on squirted something in his mouth that made him sick.
If their schtick is fighting back against others with "style," they need someone who will keep fighting, no matter how idiotic, in order to rev their engines. And you da man, Jeff.
Try limiting you blog comments to 50 a week... restraint... use your comments with some sense of value... try it for a week... maybe you'll like it... and maybe it will stop being so much like Step Brothers Live in here for a bit...
Posted by: David Poland
at July 26, 2008 07:48 PM
Leah: again, people like you have a problem with people like Lex and I, why again? The way you act is worse than anything Lex or I have ever posted on this blog. So... before you hate again... realize that the hate starts with you. THE MORE YOU KNOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 26, 2008 08:14 PM
look, io, i've just come in from driving rain and sleet, i'm cold and weary, my fingers are numb as is my nose and possibly my brain, but i feel compelled to respond cuz i don't like hassels: i don't hate you (or anyone else here for that matter), how could i, i don't even know you, you're words on a screen. for all i know you could be a 7th grade exchange student having a laugh or a bored housewife or a columbian drug runner, i have no idea. that's one of the fun things about blogging, initially at least we are all just ghosts in the machine fumbling about in the dark. i come here to hear the thoughts and opinions of knowledgeable people who love movies as much - if not more - than i do, have the occasional discussion if anyone is interested (and yes, perhaps a disagreement here and there), go off on the occasional tangent, perhaps talk with a few people of whom i have grown fond, past that i'm just chillin. there will always be disagreements and a few dust-ups when people who are passionate about movies get together for a proverbial chin-wag, but i find you irritating because you often bad mouth the host, which i find rude, and pick what appear to be irrational fights with people whodisagree with you, which seems pointless, and sometimes it's hard to ignore (though i try). i also find it hard to read your comments at times due to your habit of using periods to separate your thoughts in a sentence rather than commas, though i'm getter better at that. hey, i can be hell on wheels, no doubt about that, but i assure you i'm never looking for a fight. i'm mostly a big girl's blouse and perfectly reasonable (though equally stubborn). i even sometimes use lame attempts at humour to lighten a thread going pear-shaped, which granted never works, but i try. also, i can't recall ever getting into a drama with lex past a comment here and there - i've had far more to say to you - so i'm a bit confused as to why you always drag him into your dealings with me, but whatever. well think that's a wrap, i'm still freezin and i'm off to get another hot cocoa and warm my ass up on the heater
Posted by: leahnz
at July 26, 2008 11:05 PM
THIS POSTER GIVES ME A RED BONJA.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIIIIIIIIIIIIING.
BE SUPERIOR.
KNOW.
Posted by: LexG
at July 27, 2008 01:12 AM
"You complain and complain and complain, but you keep taking the bait like an eager puppy who doesn't remember that the last thing he bit on squirted something in his mouth that made him sick."
Dammit, David: I just got around to reading this, and I spat green tea all over my computer monitor while laughing.
Posted by: Joe Leydon
at July 27, 2008 11:34 AM
Okay, I just now actually read the last five comments on this thread.
Very reaffirmatory.
Posted by: jeffmcm
at July 31, 2008 08:47 PM
Exactly. You... go home, take leah with you, and the rest of us... PARTY!
Few things are funnier than a woman who does not hit the ENTER KEY after she finishes a PARAGRAPH. Pot. Kettle. OH I forgot, I can actually keep my paragraphs from running into one another.
Posted by: IOIOIOI
at July 31, 2008 09:16 PM
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