Alien in It's 40th Annversery

I have an embarassing story ideal for Halloween. 40 years ago, I went to the Uptown Theater with a date to see the sci-fi horror film Alien. The review in The Post was great (an iconic monster) and we arrived way early in anticipation of crowds.

I dropped her off to get in line (this before reserved seating) while I went to park my car. Then my worst fear happened-I got lost! I was not too familiar with this part of DC at the time and I learned the states names as every street had a state name. I finally found my way back right before the showtime and wound up with a pretty food space as the previous show was letting out. My date was furious asking where did I go. When I told her what happened, she couldn't really get too upset at me- how could I makeup such a dumb story?

We wound up in seats close to the screen but it was a memorable film with the first shock with the contents of the opening egg causing the audience to scream and then giggle after  good scare. That was for openers in this space funhouse of terror.

This essentially remade version of the 50s film It the Terror from Beyond Space was Ridley Scott's second film that launched his great run. It made a star of Sigourney Weaver. The tagline was even unique, "In Space No One Can Hear You Scream". It won a deserved Oscar for visual effects abetted by Swiss artist H. R. Giger's alien designs. It spawned a series of lesser sequels (except for the terrific Aliens).

It was a great experience despite my wild goose chase. I even met one of its stars Veronica Cartwright at The MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention a few years back. She signed my one-sheet. Ah what thrilling memories.

Producer Extraordinaire Evans

Producer Robert Evans passed away at 89. Despite a controversial personal life, he helped revive Paramount Studios in the 1970s into a powerhouse with films like Rosemary's Baby, Love Story, The Godfather, Chinatown, and Marathon Man. Not too shabby.

The Dark Psyche of JOKER

In remarkable change of pace, director/co-writer Todd Phillips (The Hangover) has re-envisioned the origin story of an iconic, DC Comics villain, Joker, and the result is an astonishing performance by Joaquin Phoenix in a fascinating, yet disturbing journey into the dark side of humanity.  

Arthur Fleck (Phoenix) is a wannabe standup comedian who toils his menial life as a clown for hire and tending to his frail mother in 1980s Gotham City. Living with a condition where he spontaneously laughs uncontrollably, and relying on the meager resources of social services and a system that lets him down, he has one last chance at redemption that culminates in a fateful appearance on The Murray Franklin Show (modelled after The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson).

The film touches upon Arthur’s mental illness in the real world as it depicts his fascination with death and hallucinations.  He empowers himself through his alter ego and becomes a mysterious avenger who unwittingly galvanizes a movement among a faceless, urban population.

Phoenix (Oscar worthy) is a revelation as Arthur (losing significant weight), a tragic victim of a cruel, immoral world whose descent into madness and rage erupts in startling violence. It’s a scary role that a younger Robert DeNiro (who excels as Franklin) could have taken. 

With surprising twists and Easter eggs, the film’s DNA ties to Taxi Driver, The King of Comedy, Network, and Death Wish, with its incendiary climax (akin to The Day of the Locust) and ominous ending. The soundtrack is embellished with pop standards, and the film’s muted color scheme adds to the mood.  

Audiences will be divided about the merits or value of this film; there is no middle ground. Yet there is no doubt that Phoenix has delivered a knockout. 

***1/2 of **** stars (for Phoenix fans)

Vet Actor Made Comeback in Jackie Brown

Veteran actor Robert Forster passed away at 78. He starred for half a century in various tv shows and over 100 movies, but no role stood out like his bail bondsman in Jackie Brown for which he was nominated an Oscar. His scenes with Pam Grier are priceless moments of respect and love. This film and others in recent years (including El Camino, the Breaking Bad sequel), rejuvenated his long career for new generations to appreciate.

Pioneering TV Star Carroll is Gone

TV pioneer, Diahann Carroll passed away at 84. She was a multi-talented singer and actress on stage (Tony Award winner), screen (an Oscar nomination) and especially TV. She starred in Julia 50 years ago about a single mom and nurse which marked the very first time a black actress had a non-stereotyped starring primetime role. Other roles followed in Dynasty, The Colbys, and the movie Claudine. She was a multi-Emmy nominated actress who studied acting under the legendary Lee Strasberg.

Only a year ago, she visited the MidAtlantic Nostalgia Convention along with other past and current stars like Morgan Fairchild. Gone but not forgotten.