The Tall Guy's Gear Guide

Echo Park Lake: A New Lease on Life

Since 1896, one of Los Angeles' iconic outdoor areas, Echo Park Lake, has served as a haven for all type of Angelenos: young, old, rich, and poor, as well as a picturesque example of nature in the city.  Over the last few years, the Park had unfortunately fallen into a state of disrepair and disregard, resulting in Echo Park Lake being shut down for two years in order to bring the facility back to acceptable standards.

The Echo Park Lake rehab in its early stages.

(Above) The new Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake is less than 10 minutes from downtown.  I've been spending the last few Sunday mornings taking Raj for a walk around the park.  It's a wonderful way to get a Sunday started.  Families are out, couples are cruising the lake in paddle boats, yoga classes are going on and all manner of ducks and geese stroll around the lake, easily sharing the space with their human neighbors. 

Many people complain about the lack of (fill in the blank) when you live in Los Angeles.  There's a lot to see and do, if you only get out there.  One of the easiest, cheapest, most pleasant ways to experience the best of Los Angeles is to turn off your cel, grab your favorite person and take a stroll around Echo Lake Park.

 

Captain America: The Winter Soldier

I can't remember a time when comic books weren't a part of my life.  My interest has ebbed and flowed over the years, but the fantastic world for visual, printed fiction has always captured my imagination. As a kid, I was happy to occassionally see 'Spider-Man' in animated form, or even black and white reruns of the 'Superman' tv series from the fifties, grateful to see my favorite super heroes spring to life from the printed page. 

For years, there were feeble attempts to translate comic books to movies and television.  Once in a great while, shows like 'The Incredible Hulk' would offer a fairly faithful adaptation on television, but that would be offset by painful bad follow ups, like the thankfully short lived 'Spider-Man' live action television series. 

(Spider-Man 1997 tv series.  Hopefully you never saw it.)

Movies didn't fare much better.  While 'Superman: The Movie' became an instant classic, the films that came in its wake ('Superman 3' with Richard Pryor, Cannon Films' low budget 'Captain America' and the literally unreleasable 'Fantastic Four', for example) suggested that comic books were unlikely to garner the same care that their more respectable cousin (novels) enjoyed repeatedly.  One might point to Tim Burton's 1989 'Batman', both a commercial and critical triumph, but the sequels fell short and the filmmakers seemed to be embarrassed about making 'comic book movies'.

('Batman & Robin', 1997.  It's a miracle the franchise survived.)

But in 1998, a change occurred.  Rarely getting the credit it deserves for kickstarting a new respect for comic book based films, and more importantly, getting Marvel Comics seriously in the movie business, Wesley Snipes' action horror film 'Blade', based on the second tier comic book character, was an unexpected hit. 

(Wesley Snipes is 'Blade' 1998)

As the half human vampire hunter, the leather clad Snipes brought style, humor and legitimate martial arts ability to a tortured character who protected humans from the undead.  'Blade' spawned two lesser sequels, but it was successful enough to get the major studios interested in seeing what else was available.  Shortly thereafter in your multiplex, you had so many choices of super hero, like the X-Men, Spider-Man, Daredevil, a reboot of Batman and many more. 

Flashforward a decade or so, and Marvel Studios has the super hero genre on lockdown.  They've released 9 films, and all have been hits.  Iron Man is the most noteworthy, making a superstar out of Robert Downey, jr. and lighting the fuse for what would be the biggest superhero movie of all time, 'The Avengers'. 

It's still difficult for me to believe that these films exist at all, let alone with the consistent quality across the bulk of the films.  With the advent of advanced technology, almost anything that can be imagined can be put on film.  That puts the onus on the story, now more than ever.  Since visually anything is possible, it's important to have a story that pulls you coupled with characters that you care about.

With that in mind, Marvel's latest triumph, 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier' succeeds on all levels.  Unlike the bombastic 'Avengers', 'X-Men' or 'Iron Man' films, Captain America's world is a bit more grounded.  An action packed tale, heavily inspired by seventies era political thrillers like '3 Days of the Condor' and 'The Parallax View', 'CA:TWS' turns a lens on the growing trust issues that exist between citizens and government.

My two favorite origin stories have always been Batman and Captain America's.  Batman, because he has no powers, just an unquenchable need to avenge the murder of his parents, and to prevent anyone from going through the pain he suffered from that tragic loss.  Captain America's origin spoke to me because he's a guy who just wants to do the right thing: tell the truth, defend his country and embody the American dream.  The few panels that illustrate his origin from scrawny Steve Rogers to the first and best Super Soldier, is one of the classic sequences in comic book history.

As a fan of 40s flicks, the original 'Captain America; The First Avenger' hit the sweet spot for me.  Directed by Joe Johnston, who also helmed the overlooked but beloved 30s era superhero flick, 'The Rocketeer', 'The First Avenger' gave us the ideal origin story, set during WWII.  It was an old fashioned romp that had an admirable hero, a treacherous villain and arguably Marvel's most adult love story.  The film ends with Captain America waking up 70 years after WWII in a new America that he doesn't recognize or understand.

In 'The Avengers', a little time is spent showing Steve Rogers' struggle to fit into the new century.  Jokes are made at his expense and he wears an awful costume, but the film was high entertainment and set the course of the next set of sequels of Marvel films. 

(the unfortunate uniform from 'The Avengers')

I didn't care for either 'Iron Man' sequel, and I liked the characters of 'Thor' and 'Loki' more than I did the two 'Thor' films currently in circulation.  Chris Hemsworth as the God of Thunder and Tom Hiddleston as his evil half brother nearly make up for the deficiencies of the screenplays.

But for me, it all came together in 'Captain America: The Winter Soldier'.  We meet Steve Rogers, now living in Washington, adjusting to his new life, with a sense of humor and resignation that he can't go home again.  In short order, he finds that SHIELD, the government security organization that he works for is riddled with corruption and threatens Rogers personal belief system.  Teaming up with a perfectly cast Anthony Mackie as the high flying 'Falcon', and Scarlett Johansson returning as the 'Black Widow', Cap sets out to take SHIELD apart before it can destroy the fragile fabric of the state of the Union.

Above, the Black Widow's on the run; below, Captain America meets the Falcon.

On top of that, Cap also has to face the deadly and mysterious assassin, the 'Winter Soldier', who has a connection to Steve Rogers that turns his world upside down.

Chris Evans owns the role of a man out of time.  Clearly more comfortable in the role, he's funny, a leader of men, who carries a low key but hard to miss melancholy throughout the film.   He's rocking a great uniform this time around, is also still awkward around women and more deadly than ever, as evidenced repeatedly by best action sequences of any Marvel flick by far.  The hand to hand fight scenes have a tough, ragged style that rarely looks or feels like choreography.  The car chases are exciting and the way the action is shot allows you to easily follow what's going on, and what's going on will put you on the edge of your seat.

If you aren't a fan of superhero movies, there's still a good chance that you'll enjoy 'CA:TWS'.  It's a smart thriller and really aren't any super powers in it.  You'll care about the characters, and the acting is uniformly solid.  Even Samuel L. Jackson seems totally engaged when he's onscreen. 

The film has made over 300 million dollars worldwide already and is being heralded by many as Marvel's best film.  It's already made the summer complete for me.  This was the film I was most looking forward to, and it exceeded my expectations by a landslide.  The Russo Brothers, masterminds of this film, are already locked up for 'Captain America 3', due out in 2016.  I can't wait to see what they come up with next.  I can't recommend it highly enough.

 

 

 

LiveTime

Spring and summer usher in a great variety of live entertainment options.  Here's a quick look at a calendar of events that I'll be checking out.  Maybe I'll see you around.

April:

4/15- Bryan Ferry @ Club Nokia

4/17- Audra McDonald as Billie Holiday in 'Lady Day at Emerson's Grill', Circle in the Square, New York

4/19- 'Satchmo at the Waldorf', The Mandel Theater, New York

May:

5/10- Chic featuring Nile Rodgers @ Hollywood Bowl

5/22- Ledisi @ Club Nokia

June:

6/4- Barry Gibb @ The Hollywood Bowl

6/8- James Taylor @ The Hollywood Bowl

6/27- Maxwell & Jill Scott @ The Staples Center

And we haven't even gotten to July yet!  It's a time for live entertainment.  More to follow.

Anita Hill: Speaking Truth to Power

In 1991, I was vaguely aware of the controversy surrounding the nomination of eventual Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.  At the time, I was newly married, on a rollercoaster career ride, programming a radio station in Los Angeles and enjoying a new start in an exciting city.  Politics weren't high on my priority list, for better or worse.

I do remember hearing about Anita Hill, and her testimony against Thomas, in lieu of his alleged unprofessional behavior when she was his assistant in the early 80s.  It was probably one of the first times the term 'sexual harrassment' ever reached my ears.  Once again, I didn't look closely into it, assuming the government hearing could figure it out better than I could.

Now, over 20 years later, sexual harrassment is, unfortunately, still a part of our culture, but thanks in no small part to the bravery and determination of Anita Hill, the youngest of 13 children, it is no longer swept under the carpet and can no longer be written off as a woman 'overreacting' to the behavior of an employer, friend or lover.

'Anita Hill: Speaking Truth to Power' is an excellent, new documentary that sheds light on the story of a woman who never wanted the spotlight, only sought to tell the truth, and the incredibly unfair treatment she received for exercising her right to free speech while doing what she believed was in the best interest of her country.

 

Ms. Hill participates via new interviews, interspersed with archival footage of the hearing, with Joe Biden presiding, alongside Teddy Kennedy, Orrin Hatch and other Republicans and Democrats, as they fumbled awkwardly trying to break Anita Hill's resolve.  They were unsuccessful, to say the least.   I have to admit, I was disappointed to find out that ('Uncle') Joe Biden refused to call other women to the stand who also claimed to have been harrassed by Clarence Thomas, wanting to close the book on an uncomfortable chapter in America history as quickly as possible.

It's apropo that while Clarence Thomas has been one of our least effective judges, often silent on most issues excluding shooting down the afffirmative action programs that were in part beneficial to his career path, Anita Hill has become a well regarded, well respected voice for women's rights and gender equality, with nary a blemish on her record.

(Anita Hill and Clarence Thomas today)

Looking at the women she has and continues to inspire, the film offers a hopeful and positive message about the way young women can see themselves, their opportunities and their choices.  If you have a daughter, granddaughter, wife or sister, taking them to see 'Anita Hill: Speaking Truth to Power' is a nice way to demonstrate what you think of them.

The film is in limited release, check the website for cities and theaters.  https://www.facebook.com/anitahillmovie

Music: New and Old

Here are a few albums that I'm enjoying and wanted to pass on.

George Michael- Symphonica

While he may be better known now for his mishaps with the law over the last few years, George Michael remains one of our most potent pop artists.  George has cleaned up his act, left the cannibis alone, reclaimed his health and returns with a live album of some of his biggest hits and a selection of standards, backed by a full orchestra.  Hopefully the studio album he's been working on isn't too far away.  Below is a sample of  'Praying for Time' from the Symphonica tour in Europe.

 

Ledisi- The Truth

One of the best female vocalists of the last twenty years, Ledisi is finally getting her due after spending too much of her career as the classic 'best kept secret'.  Her brand new album 'The Truth' showcases a more upbeat Ledisi, singing grown folks songs with bright, crackling grooves.  Always a tasteful singer with an incredible range, Ledisi makes the drive down the I-10 freeway a bit more tolerable.  This is the first single 'I Blame You', performed on the David Letterman show.  She managed to get Dave worked up, so you know she's into something.

 

Ed Motta- AOR

As a student at the University of Toledo, I used to frequent Boogie Records, a really cool independent record store that sold all kinds of music, but was known for having a great selection of import albums and 12" singles.  Pete Michaels was one of the clerks in the store, and we wound up bonding over music (and women), resulting in a friendship that has lasted over 30 years.

(with Pete Michaels in LA circa 2012)

We're always turning each other on to music, sometimes reissues, sometimes new stuff.  Pete sent me Ed Motta's 'AOR' cd, with a note that informed me that this guy was heavy into Boz Scaggs, Steely Dan and other blue eyed soul brothers of the 70s.  I'm glad he told me, because looking at the album cover, I would have never made the connection.  Motta is a Brazilian, but he's definitely got a feel for those classic artists from back in the day.  The album always plays straight through when it's cued up in the Jeep.  This is 'Dondi', featuring the legendary David T. Walker.

 

Finally, I've been on David Bowie's Soul Man tip for the past few weeks.  His album 'Young Americans', has always been one of my favorites.  It was recorded in Philadelphia when Bowie was a dope fiend and in his 'Plastic Soul' phase.  Eschewing his glitter persona, Bowie stripped it down and brought in top notch players to help him find his groove.  In addition to the title track, 'Fame' (the result of a drunken recording session with John Lennon) was birthed, as well as great soul songs like 'Win', 'Right' and 'Can You Hear Me'.  These songs were aided in no small part by Luther Vandross, who did both background vocals and vocal arrangements for the album.  One of the best albums Bowie ever recorded.

(Luther Vandross with David Bowie, 1974)

Here's Bowie doing 'Young Americans' on The Dick Cavett Show.  Look closely, you'll see Luther Vandross and Ava Cherry in the background, while David Sanborn stretches out on sax.

 

 

 

Concert Photography Through the Years

(Frankie Beverly, Nokia Theater, LA 2012)

This spring is shaping up to be a busy one for a guy who loves live entertainment.  In April, the return of Bryan Ferry, Audra McDonald as Billie Holliday on Broadway, Ledisi and Chic (!) in May, then June tops it off with Barry Gibb's first ever US solo tour, followed by James Taylor, both at the Hollywood Bowl.

(Bryan Ferry, Greek Theater LA 2011)

I've been going to concerts since my mother took me to my maiden voyage in 1972 at the 10,000 seat Public Hall in Cleveland, Ohio.  I was scared to death, never having been in a venue anywhere near that size, and not knowing what to expect.  When the lights went down and The Dramatics took the stage, I was immediately hooked.  After an exciting 30 minute set, they made way for The Stylistics, who, while not as polished and flashy as the opening act, had an impressive lead tenor, Russell Thompkins, jr., whose floating falsetto on 'People Make the World Go 'Round', 'Stop, Look, Listen' and other hits, resulted in a satisfying experience.  

Joe Simon followed with his then current hit, 'Drowning In the Sea of Love'.  The headliners, however, showed that they were in that spot for a reason.  Riding the top of the R&B and Pop charts that week with the classic 'I'll Take You There', The Staple Singers brought the church, soul and funk to Cleveland that night.  Women climbed onstage to hug and kiss senior citizen, vocalist and lead guitarist Roebuck 'Pops' Staple, while his daughter Mavis demonstrated that she possessed one of most stirring voices in all of popular music.  The Staple Singers took me 'there'.

 

Ever since then, going to concerts has been in my blood.  There's something about the immediacy, spontaneity and connection between artist and audience that can be like church to me when it's coming from a real place.  Now, hundreds of shows later, I still get excited like a kid when walking through the doors of a venue, bristling with anticipation of (hopefully) an evening that I'll never forget.

(Prince with Andre Cymone- Sports Arena, Toledo 1979)

In my early concert going days, it was easy to take a professional camera to a venue and shoot a concert without fear of reprisal.  These days, only point and shoots are allowed in most venues without incident (unless you're at a Prince concert).  However, I have a couple of good point and shoot cameras that have served me well over the last few years.

(Rihanna- Staples Center, LA 2011)

As I got fired up for the shows to come, I went through my photo archives and am pleased to offer a few shots that I have taken from unforgettable shows.  I hope you find them interesting.

(Maze, Featuring Frankie Beverly, Cincinnati- 1982)

(Prince- opening night of the Purple Rain Tour. Joe Louis Arena, Detroit- 1984)

(Marvin Gaye- Cobo Hall, Datroit 1983)

(Luther Vandross- Masonic Temple, Detroit 1983)

(Donald Fagen- Dukes of September tour, Gibson Amphitheater 2012)

(Eminem and Rihanna, Staples Center LA 2010)

(Chic, Front Row Theater- Cleveland 1980)

(Michael Jackson- opening night of the Bad tour, Kansas City 1987)

(Lenny Kravitz- Nokia Theater, LA 2012)

(Sting- Wiltern Theater, LA 2011)

(Gino Vannelli- Saban Theater, LA 2013)

(Janet Jackson- Gibson Amphitheater LA, 2011)

(Justin Timberlake- Rose Bowl, LA 2013)

(Sade- Staples Center, LA 2011)

(Seal- LA Live, LA 2010)

(Beyonce' Staples Center, LA 2013)

 

Christopher Hargadon: The Man in HANNIBAL's Closet, part 2

Last Friday kicked off the second season of 'Hannibal' in high style.  I'm all in and looking forward to seeing how it all plays out over the next 12 weeks. 

Also featured last week was part one of my conversation with 'Hannibal' costume designer Christopher Hargadon.  In part two, Christopher begins by talking about having more room 'to play' in season two, when it comes to dressing Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelson).  The conversation continues immediately following this photo.

Christopher Hargadon:  I'm kind of surprised to see that in season two that my interest has actually increased  in the costuming of this show rather than the opposite, which is what I kind of expected.  I feel like we can play around a little bit now.  He (Hannibal)'s got this kind of determined look...I'm looking at the suits in his closet.  He's got about 50, all different patterns and colors.  

Last week I was pulling clothes for the next day and accidentally I pulled out a jacket from one suit and a vest from another suit.  I thought they were part of the same suit.  I put them together, then I put a shirt with it and I realized it was two different patterns.  I kept on going with it and finished putting together the look.  And I thought, 'this guy, he probably walks into this closet of suits and once in awhile he starts playing around with them.'  So I offered that (idea) up to Bryan Fuller and he said 'if it works, it works'.  When I showed it to Mads, I asked him what he thought and he said, 'I like it.  It's cheeky!'

In season one, was there any particular look that made you say, 'we got it, this is Hannibal'? You know, everytime I'd see him in person, I felt that way.  I don't even recognize what he has on.  I just see the whole of him.  That's what every costume designer strives for: to highlight the person and not necessarily the clothes.  

There is one suit that we did this year that I really, really, really love.  It was sad because I planned it for a short scene so that I could repeat it.  But Mads liked it so much that he wound up wearing it for 25 consecutive scenes!  Unfortunately I could never play that suit again.  It's a charcoal gray with a red graphic grid pattern in it.  It was just an awesome looking suit.  Bryan Fuller loved it so much I made one for him.

(one of costume designer Christopher Hargadon's favorite outfits from season 2)

Were there any outfits from last season that were particularly memorable to you?  I really liked him in a velvet jacket that I thought looked terrific on him.  He used to host his dinner parties in it sometimes.  He had a couple of suits that I call his 'Easter Bunny' suits, because they're a lighter weight wool, one was a buttery yellow, the other was a very soft blue.  I loved those suits because the weather was warm enough to wear them and they looked so fresh.  Unfortunately they can't play very long because we plunge into fall quickly, the way the season runs.  

My great heartbreak is I had this one beautiful, beautiful blue Easter Bunny suit.  We ended up not playing it because it needed a coat with it and there really wasn't a coat that went with it, for an exterior.  In the end they didn't shoot the exterior, so I could have put it on him anyway!  It's sitting in his closet now, I hope someday I get to use it.  

How do you find the amazingly unique fabric for his suits?  I found a couple of sources and depleted them, then I kept looking.  I started to have to find suppliers so that I could get fabric from Europe.  As time progresses, that's going to be a costume designer's greatest challenge: finding fabric.  If you can't find the fabric, you have to find one that will work.

It's interesting to see how you dress Mads, because while it's cutting edge, it's also timeless and won't date.  That said, I can't imagine a scenario where he would ever own a pair of jeans.  Can you? No (laughs).  Unless he's on the run.  He could be in leather, jeans, God knows what.  I hope we do it (laughs)! 

Thanks  to Christopher Hargadon, Martha De Laurentiis and Adrienne Kakoullis. 

'Hannibal' airs Friday night at 10pm on NBC. 

Christopher Hargadon: The Man in HANNIBAL's Closet, part 1

This Friday at 10pm marks the return of 'Hannibal', the creepiest and most stylish series on all of television, including cable.  NBC's brave journey into the life of the world's most popular serial killer (sorry 'Dexter') begins its second season picking up where the first concluded, with FBI agent Will Graham (Hugh Dancy) behind bars, framed by one Doctor Hannibal Lecter (Mads Mikkelson), who now consults for the FBI, as Will did before him.

(FBI agent Will Graham [Hugh Dancy] and Dr. Hannibal Lector [Mads Mikkelson])

Showrunner Bryan Fuller continues to paint a vivid story using imaginative visuals, rich, evocative characters and a deeply disturbing storyline, brought to life by an impressive team of creators.  Costume designer Christopher Hargadon talked with me recently about the challenges of styling a well dressed cannibal and how his work fits into the overall vision of the show.  This is the first part of a two part post, the second will run the Monday following this Friday's season premiere.

(Hannibal costume designer Christopher Hargadon)

Thanks so much for making the time to talk.  Thank you so much for your interest.  And thanks for noticing the clothes!  It's not always the case with the work that we do.  It's kind of gratifying.  I don't think of it as anything out of the ordinary, as you kind of develop things as you have to, but I'm glad that the look that we went for has been pleasing to people. 

Is your approach to Hannibal similar to the way you've worked on other shows?  Everytime we start up a project, it's like a new book.  I think there's a process that a costume designer has to engage in that's sort of theoretically similar:  you start off by visually researching whatever area applies to your project.  In this case, it's contemporary, but in the very beginning I had a discussion with (showrunner) Bryan Fuller about how specifically this was not the Hannibal that had been seen before, he was something new, with a different person playing the part.  His background, a kind of indeterminate European heritage, with an awareness of history and culture; personally, very erudite and cultivated.  I wanted him to have a cutting edge look, very modern, but I wanted to integrate almost a historical feel into his clothing as well.  So that he was very distinct and different from the people around him.  Aspects of his clothing are almost Edwardian, the nipped waist, the narrow leg of the trouser, showcases the physique well.  I don't think I've ever dressed anyone even remotely like this.  I don't go for spread collars, I'm kind of a traditionalist, but I wanted him to have strong shoulders, bold ties; I like the peak lapels because it has an authority to it.    

The checked pattern woolens is also something I've never really done before.  He's also got a lot of color, but they don't quite read that way.  The colors change in the lighting and the post production, but I'm quite happy with the overall effect, it blends into the overall harmony between all of the elements of the show.  It gets subdued in a certain way.  It's an interesting thing for me to observe.  

Mads Mikkeson has a unique physical presence, one whose charisma and bearing allow him to wear those cutting edge clothes like a second skin.  How did you approach dressing him as Hannibal?  I knew of Mads, but didn't know a lot about him.  He was unreachable, shooting in some remote place in Europe.  I couldn't really speak with him and I like to speak with actors about the direction I want to go in, to get their input.  They're going to wear the clothes and I want them to give me feedback and their ideas.  I couldn't really have that discussion with Mads, until the day he arrived, which was a week to camera, I think.  When I saw the clothes on him, they came to life; up until that point they were theoretical.  We're just really fortunate to have somebody who has a dynamic physicality.  He has a dancing background, and was a gymnast for years.  I can't say that I've met a lot of people who can wear clothes the way that he can.  He brings 80% to the thing, I believe.

And from what I understand, in real life he's a very casual dresser?  Oh yeah, he's just wearing sneakers, training pants.  (But as Hannibal) he inhabits the character.  It's always heartening for me to think that actors do really benefit from the clothing to really be in the character.  It's very rare that he's ever said that something wouldn't work, but he knows if it doesn't.  If he's happy with it, it's instantaneous, if he's not, he'll just say it doesn't feel right for the scene or whatever. 

In the second season, has Hannibal's style changed or evolved?  I sort of go scene by scene.  The odd time, after a fresh kill, I put him in something bright or happy, something shiny or proud.  I've never gone to black (with anyone on this show).  That was one of the requests that Bryan had very early on in the show, not to do him as an apparent bad guy.  In subtle ways there have been evolutions, but honestly if I had an endless budget, I'd probably be doing grades of color differently, darkening it as we've gone along.  But I haven't really ventured along that path specifically because there's a limit to how much I have to spend on this stuff (laughs)!
Part two of my conversation with Christopher Hargadon will be available on Monday, March 3rd.

'Hannibal' returns Friday, February 28th at 10pm on NBC.   

Movies You May Have Missed: Capers and Heists

I'm in the process of transitioning my DVD movies to digital, making them easier to view, transport and share.  While sorting out what makes the cut, I continue to run across movies that I haven't screened at in a long time, that still have great appeal.  Some were once popular but now largely forgotten, others are totally obscure, but totally deserving of an audience. 

With that in mind, from time to time, I'm going to post trailer links to a few of these films that I think you'll enjoy.  If you haven't seen them before, it could be a nice discovery.  If you have seen them, but not in a long while, you may have a good time getting reacquainted with them.  Ideally, this will be a helpful list when you're roaming around Netflix or iTunes, trying to find something that catches your attention. 

I'm going to start by listing films by genre.  Heist/Caper films are sweet spots for me.  Something about the high wire act of executing well thought out (or not so well thought out) plans with colorful masterminds consistently makes for exciting, often humorous films.  Below is a handful of films that will entertainingly take you through the ups and downs of the high minded criminal.  Click on the title to see each respective trailer.

The Bank Job- while primarily known as an action guy, Jason Statham has good acting chops that he brings to the fore, in this fact-based British heist caper, set in the seventies.  Taut suspense, a few laughs and one brief fight scene, The Bank Job successfully showcases Statham's thespian abilities as well his raw charisma.

Lassiter- 'Magnum PI' made Tom Selleck one of the most in demand television actors of his day.  He tried to parlay that popularity into motion pictures, with mixed results.  But he did a sort of tribute to Cary Grant in 'Lassister', where he plays an American jewel thief transplanted to London in the late thirties, just prior to WWII.  The US government blackmails him into stealing 10 million dollars in jewels from the German Embassy or go to jail for good.  Great clothes, nicely done action and a fine star turn from Selleck make 'Lassiter' a real find.

Out of Sight- I didn't get George Clooney when he was blowing up on 'ER'.  He just seemed like a sleepy eyed guy who couldn't keep his head from bobbing up and down.  But his turn as Jack Foley, an unlucky bank robber who breaks out of jail, in Steven Soderbergh's 'Out of Sight',  served him up as a movie star.  Charming, funny and completely relaxed, Clooney is everything you want a leading man to be.  Jennifer Lopez, as the US Marshall out to arrest Clooney if she can keep from falling in love with him, has never been better and the supporting cast is A+: Don Cheadle, Ving Rhames, Dennis Farina, Michael Keaton, Albert Brooks and Steve Zahn make 'Out of Sight' one of my favorite films..ever.  Unfortunately released in the summer of 1998 and ineffectually marketed, 'Out of Sight' garnered huge critical acclaim, but not much box office.  Happily, it is available on almost every video format and only gets better with time.

Ripley's Game- John Malkovich is one of those actors whose personal style often informs, but rarely intrudes on the role that he's playing.  Like Jack Nicholson or Christopher Walken, Malkovich has a persona that is uniquely his own, and when cast correctly, he provides the moviegoer with a refreshing and entertaining experience.  'Ripley's Game' may be the perfect fit for him.  As the adult Tom Ripley, Malkovich picks up years after Matt Damon's 'Talented Mr. Ripley' left off.  Malkovich's Ripley is a more refined, understated criminal based in Italy, where he puts a deadly game in motion against a local picture framer who has casually insulted him.  Beautifully photographed, with a fey, witty Malkovich in top form, 'Ripley's Game' came and went quickly from your local theater, but I'll pay your rental if you watch it and don't love it.  It's that good.

Thief- Michael Mann's debut film is a character study of 'Frank', a longtime jewel thief, expertly played by James Caan.  Going after the fabled 'one last job' in order to provide for himself and his makeshift family, Frank finds that things aren't destined to go as smoothly as he would like.  Caan looks like a million in sharp Armani suits, but is as hard and cold as the Chicago skyline that the film is set in.  Even in 1981, Michael Mann had an impressive visual style, an affinity for shooting at night on rain wet big city streets and most importantly, getting deeply under the skin of the criminal at large. 

To Catch A Thief- Finally, THE Hollywood jewel thief flick of all time.  Cary Grant, Grace Kelly, Alfred Hitchcock, The French Riviera, what else is there to say?  If you've never seen it, do it now!

If you're still not sated, try 'Cool Breeze' a Blaxploitation version of 'The Asphalt Jungle', or a trio of outstanding french caper flicks:  'Rififi' (which contains one of the most admired heists in all of moviedom: a 20 minute robbery with no dialogue, tension personified!), 'Grisbi' and 'Bob LeFlambeur'.

If there's a genre you'd like me to put together a list for, just post in the 'reply' section at the bottom of this post. 

Inspiration 2014/RRL AfterParty

This past weekend Inspiration LA returned to Los Angeles.  A 'ComicCon of vintage clothing, put on by Japanese Americana afficionado Rin Tanaka, Inspiration LA celebrates vintage America style, ranging from clothes, to leather goods to hand made bicycles. 

The last two years the event was held at the dank, dark, gigantic Queen Mary.  This year, it moved to LA Mart, just east of downtown.  While a much better, more user friendly space, it was overwhelming, with literally hundreds of vendors selling their wares old and new.  Below are a few shots from the day.

After Inspiration LA closed its doors until next year, RRL, opened theirs for the annual official after party.  With Kogi Tacos and free beer, RRL was a gracious host, keeping the store open until 10pm for partygoers to eat, drink and shop, staying warm in the cool winter night by the heat of good vibes (and great Mexican food).

Next week, the first installment of  'Movies You Might Have Missed'.