1 comments about The Films of Oshima Nagisa: Images of a Japanese Iconoclast.

1. Being the World Cinema buff that I am, I always ask my friends from other countries what their favorite film from their home countries is. Whenever I've asked a friend from Japan this question, they have unanimously responded by saying "Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence" by Oshima Nagisa. Here in the U.S., we are led to presume it would be Kurosawa Akira, but that isn't so. For some reason, Oshima's film about Japan's atrocities during World War II resonate more, if not with most Japanese, with the younger generation with whom I interact. Maureen Turim's book "The Films of Oshima Nagisa" proceeds to tell us why, reviewing beyond Oshima's major features to include his documentaries as well. Along the way, she presents the Eastern and Japanese specific references and influences in Oshima's work rather than assume that Oshima primarily looked to the West for his inspiration as is shown in the over-emphasis in Western reviews of the Brechtian influences and the parallels to Goddard. This book also provides a solid feminist critique of Oshima's films, again with respect to what Feminism means in Japan. This book has trully enhanced my appreciation of Oshima's films and I recommend it highly.

5 comments about Four Plays: Summer and Smoke; Orpheus Descending; Suddenly Last Summer; Period of Adjustment (Signet Classics).

1. How beautiful is Tennessee Williams? Consider his affections for his characters. Consider his appreciative and sensuous representations of his Southerness. Consider his status as a male writer whose female characters are the ambitions of American actresses. Arthur Miller, David Mamet and Sam Shepard, all members of the select American Giants Canon, cannot say so much. Edward Albee and Eugene O'Neill also gift wonderful women's parts, but nobody shares the trauma of fagility in a bruising world like Tennessee Williams.
   This collection of some of his lesser known works serves as a wonderful entrée to his milieu and brilliance.
   Summer and Smoke is a classic of his lesser known plays; a lifetime's changes for Alma and John takes place over a year, where the longings and passions of two people diametrically driven by the spirit and the flesh are danced about: bad timing, self-hatred, the tasks of responsibilities to one's parents, all serve as a foil for something marvelous, and in so doing illuminate the simple and monumental difficulties of love and hope.
   Orpheus Descending is the tale of Val Xavier's perilous trip into the fiery heart of a Southern small town, where outsiders are not welcome and sexuality will be burned by the fears of a violent community. Val's stimulation of the hatred and passion inside Lady and the sensuous inspiration of Carol spark the town's leading "citizens" to attack and subdue the whimsy of youth and the hopefulness of true connections. Highlighted by a very expressionistic set design, Williams offers his characters up as martyrs to the truth and the risk of emotional attachment.
   Suddenly Last Summer is a shorter piece, a long lone-act that proves a swift example of everything Williamsian. Essentially an expositional exercise in suspense, its tale is of a young doctor's visit to the estate of a wealthy Southern matron (Aunt Venable), who wants to endow the doctor's experiments with lobotomies. Her niece has been acting out and spreading a horrible story about Aunt Venable's son Sebastian and the trauma of the tale is enough to propose a lobotomy for Catherine, her erratic niece. Ultimately the horrific story is revealed, and presents Williams' penchant for extreme people in extreme circumstances and the volatility of being openly and actively indifferent to society's norms and codes of silence.
   Period of Adjustment is an odd piece, even for Williams. Of all the plays of his I've read (which is not all of them), it's the only full length piece that has a happy ending. Ironic too as it is about two married couples (never a sub-cultural group to fare well in his work) and the crossing dialogues of a husband from one and a wife from another, frequently about the loathing they feel for their mates. It is subtitled ;or, High Point over a Cavern, no doubt a metaphor for the nature of romance and relationships, marriage and fidelity. It would be a treat to see this performed, as it features a smaller cast than a usual Williams play and has an air of mild charm infused with the banter of tense marriages, and doesn't have the frequent emotionally broken, clipped-wing dreamers associated with the mighty Tennessee.
   This publication's plays are not necessarily the same as the Dramatists Plays or Samuel French series, as those represent productions scripts, are usually cut and feature stage directions and set designs that may be specific to that rendering.
   Also included in the collection are essays on Summer and Smoke's evolution from Eccentricities of a Nightingale to it's final version. There is also an essay on Williams and another on Battle of Angels becoming Orpheus Descending.
   Essential reading for actors, directors and lover of great American literature. Williams is a giant and needs to be read, if one cannot see his art live on stage.



2. Although I bought this book just for a quick read of Suddenly Last Summer but found all of the other plays in this volume to be delights in their own respect. Each has their ups and downs, but all are undeniably in the style of Tennessee Williams. I think this book is a must read for any true Tennessee fan as it give any reader a fuller look into the style that is Tennessee.



3. Tennesse Williams has become of my favorite authors, partially due to this book. I have long been a fan of the movie adaptations of his work, but they come nowhere near to the superb quality of the written word. In all of his plays you can get a sense of what the characters are feeling. In most cases those feelings are angst and despair. "Suddenly Last Summer" is by far the best play in this book, but the others are not far behind. The characters in these plays are easy to "see", thanks to Williams' wonderful development. As with every Williams' play, these have surprising twists and revelations throughout. I highly recommend these, and all other Tennessee Williams plays.



4. Of the plays that I read, I found them all to have real life aplications. One of the suprising things was that his works were written several years ago but there are still points that he raises that are aplicable to today. Honestly I could not go to bed until I found out how he resolved his conflicts. I will have to read more of his work. He is not that bad for being an english paper topic.



5. This is one of the best plays I've ever read or seen. Definitely one of Williams' best, though I still have not read "The Night of the Iguana," or "The Rose Tattoo." This play is definitely Williams' most brutal, most shocking play. In the introduction to "Sweet Bird of Youth," he says that he only wrote "two violent plays": "Suddenly, and "Sweet Bird..." If you read it (PLEAE do), be prepared- Williams' style is like an extremely complex poem. There are levels to this play, like all of his. Consider the subtext, the allegory... and the LANGUAGE- definitely first-rate and poetic. WONDERFUL.

1 comments about The I Was a Teenage Juvenile Delinquent Rock'N'Roll Horror Beach Party Movie Book: A Complete Guide to the Teen Exploitation Film, 1954-1969.

1. I went out of my way to track down this book. You should too. A really fun look at this era of popular culture. A ton of interesting facts, and photos I'd never seen in any other source. Get this book!

5 comments about Titanic: The Complete Book of the Musical.

1. An excellent piece of theatre history with loads of terrific photographs and information about Titanic and the Broadway version of the musical. A must for all theatre buffs.



2. I have seen the tour of TITANIC twice before, and this book just livens the show even more. I totally reccomend it to any fan of the show. Or even anyone who is interested in it! It tells you everything that you could ever need to know about this glorious tribute to the stage. May the show sale on forever.



3. I am only 14 and I have seen many Broadway Musicals. This one is definatly up there with my top ten. The power of how all of the different people acted and learned on the great ship is greatly shown in this book. The musical really highlights on the fact that all of the classes looked at the world with different eyes. I have just purchased the soundtrack from amazon and hoping to purchase this too! It is a great story to be passed on.



4. I WAS at the closing of theshow and saw it 3 times before and it was terriffic this is a great memory for any fan of the show



5. Applause Books has published a beautiful and riveting edition of the Broadway musical "Titanic." In "Titanic: The Complete Book of the Musical" Peter Stone and Maury Yeston take us on their maiden voyage to getting the show mounted. The show endured disasterous technical difficulties in the previews and ended up shining on Tony night.I had the opportunity to see the musical in New York last year. Of course, the book has special interest to me. However, any musical theatre lover will want this book for their library.It's beautifully done with many rehearsal and production photos. And of course the entire book and lyrics of the musical are included.As the song says, "Sail on great ship Titanic". Happy reading

5 comments about How To Be A Working Actor: The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television.

1. 'How to Be a Working Actor' is divided into three sections: Nuts & Bolts, The Breaks, and Script Analysis.
   
   Even after being in "the biz' for a few years, I found the first 217 pages (Nuts & Bolts) to be super helpful and informative. It suggests some of the most effective ways to create an actor resume, flattering colors and clothing types to wear to an agent interview, and the best books and guides to read to find work. It also explores ways to create a website, average wages for various acting jobs, and the differences between NY, LA and other cities (when I read this book I didn't want to move from NY to LA because of "parking", but when I did make the move I found out it wasn't that bad!)
   
   This book features tips from casting directors and talent agents, and, like Michael Bofshever's 'Your Face Looks Familiar: Journey of a Working Actor', anecdotes from professional actors.
   
   Maybe I shouldn't be writing this stellar review, when I'm an actor myself, looking to hone my skills and career abilility like the next person. But I believe the universe gives back, and there's a role out there for all of us.



2. This book is very helpful for anyone seeking to land an audition - once inside the door, your own talent will carry you......or not. The book helps you get a foot in that doorway.



3. I read this book when I first decided to risk a career in acting several years ago. It was very helpful in that it covered all the basics (and not-so-basics) that I would need to learn: terminology, career steps, pitfalls, different industries and cities. I still occasionally refer to it.

   Yes, it is a little outdated now, and I would imagine it's more useful to those in LA or NYC with its heavy focus on TV and film, but I appreciated the little section on acting in Chicago. All in all, its breadth makes it a good investment.

   FYI, for Chicago actors (bless your hearts), be sure to pick up "The Book," published by the trade paper PerformInk. A great (and necessary) resource guide to acting in Chicago.




4. I like this book but is has been around for a while.
   There are a couple of new books out there that are as good or better,
   depending on where you are in your career.
   Check our Twelve Step Plan To Beciming an Actor in LA.
   It is a fabulous guide for anyone breaking in the business.

   Sam Hammel
   LA




5. A very straight-forward resource for any aspiring actor. Novice or otherwise, this book gives the inside scoop and is honest about it. As I'm not one to want to put myself out-on-a-limb (no pun intended) without some plan of action and notion of how to stay solvent, what I really like about this book is the author's ability to fill in all the practical details and guide the reader through "The Business." In this day and age, where scams abound in and around Tinsel Towne, I wouldn't leave home to pound the pavement without first having read this book. I can't say enough good things about it!

No comments about Television Production, Thirteenth Edition.

2 comments about Jodie Foster: A Life on Screen.

1. NIELSEN RATINGS 1974 1975 TV SEASON
   
   Here are the season average Nielsen ratings for the 1974-75 television season.
   Only series are included in the ratings.
   The number preceding the series name is the series ranking.
   The network carrying the series is in parenthesis, and the average rating follows.
   
   1. All in the Family (CBS) 30.2
   2. Sanford and Son (NBC) 29.8
   3. Chico and the Man (NBC) 28.6
   4. The Jeffersons (CBS) 27.6
   5. MASH (CBS) 27.2
   6. Rhoda (CBS) 25.9
   7. The Waltons (CBS) 25.7
   8. Good Times (CBS) 25.6
   9. Maude (CBS) 24.8
   10. Hawaii Five-0 (CBS) 24.6
   I I . Mary Tyler Moore (CBS) 24.0
   12. Rockford Files (NBC) 23.8
   13. Kojak (CBS) 23.5
   14. Little House on the Prairie (NBC) 23.1
   15. Police Woman (NBC) 22.9
   16. SWAT (ABC) 22.6
   17. Bob Newhart (CBS) 22.5
   18. World of Disney (NBC) 22.2
   19. Mannix (CBS) 21.7
   20. Cannon (CBS)
   -The Rookies (ABC)
   -Sunday Mystery Movie (NBC) each 21.5
   23. Streets of San Francisco (ABC)
   -Cher (CBS) each 21.3
   25. Paul Sand (CBS) 20.9
   26. Gunsmoke
   -Medical Center (both CBS) 20.7
   28. Adams of Eagle Lake (ABC) 20.6
   29. Carol Burnett (CBS) 20.5
   30. Tony Orlando and Dawn (CBS) 20.3
   31. Emergency (NBC) 20.2
   32. NFL Football (ABC) 19.8
   33. Barnaby Jones (CBS) 19.6
   34. ABC Sunday Movie 19.1
   35. NBC Monday Movie 19.0
   36. Caribe (ABC) 18.9
   37. NBC Saturday Movie 18.8
   38. Wesnesday Movie of the Week (ABC) 18.7
   39. Mac Davis (NBC)
   - CBS Thursday Movie, each 18.5
   41. Smothers Brothers (NBC)
   -That's My Mama (ABC) each 18.3
   43. World Premiere Movie (NBC) 18.0
   44. The Manhunter (CBS)
   -Harry 0 (ABC) each 17.8
   46. Apple's Way (CBS) 17.7
   47. Tuesday Movie of the Week (ABC) 17.6
   48. Petrocelli (NBC)
   -Happy Days (ABC) each 17.5
   50. Lucas Tanner (NBC) 17.4
   51. Six Million Dollar Man (ABC)
   -Movin' On (NBC) each 17.1
   53. Marcus Welby (ABC) 16.6
   54. CBS Friday Movie 16.2
   55. We'll Get By (CBS) 16.1
   56. Adam-12 (NBC) 15.9
   57 The Law (NBC) 15.8
   58. ABC Monday Movie 15.7
   59. Born Free (NBC) 15.6
   60. Sons and Daughters
   - Dan August (both CBS) 15.2
   62. Archer (NBC)
   - Baretta (ABC) each 15.1
   64. Sunshine (NBC) 15.0
   65. Bob Crane (NBC) 14.9
   66. ABC Saturday Movie
   - Planet of the Apes (CBS) each 14.8
   68. Hot l Baltimore (ABC)
   - Barney Miller (ABC)
   - Ironside (NBC), each 14.7
   71. Karen (ABC) 14.5
   72. Get Christie Love (ABC) 14.3
   73. Sierra (NBC) 14.1
   74. Kolchak (ABC) 13.6
   75. Sonny Comedy Revue (ABC) 13.2
   76. Odd Couple (ABC) 13.1
   77. Paper Moon (ABC) 12.5
   78. Nakia (ABC) 11.9
   79. Friday Comedy Special (CBS) 11.2
   80. Khan (CBS) 11.1
   81. Texas-Wheelers (ABC) 11.0
   82. Kung Fu
   - Kodiak (both ABC) each 9.9
   84. The New Land (ABC) 7.9



2. Allright, perhaps that is not such a ringing endorsment. But "Jodie Foster a Life on screen" is a fine book. It is a must read for any of Ms. Fosters fans. Indeed for anyone interested in American film. Debateably Ms. Foster is the most powerful woman in film. She is also feircely private. This makes for no easy task when one has to write a bio about someone who refuses to discuss anything about there romantic life, and has had everything else about her published in magasines. This book manages to find interesting things that I did not know about. I am a devoted fan and have read every magasine article I can find. This book provides thoughtful insights and is an interesting read. Saddly Ms. Fosters life story could not be told without including that whole "Hinkley" thing. The book does not dwell on it or give that person any more attention then he deserves. The nicest part is the way the author, Philippa Kennedy, does her very best not to trash Jodies father, Lucius, he divorced his wife Brandy before Jodie was born. He is given a chapter and allowed to present his side. Buddy Foster is also given a chapter. Saddly he has written a "tell All" biography which I, and I would hope, all other true fans, refuse to read. Phillipa Kennedy does a fine job writing the life story of a famouse person who discusses little about herself.

   "Lost Johnny"

3 comments about Youth Leadership in Action: A Guide to Cooperative Games and Group Activities.

1. This book was writtend by Youth for Youth. If you with with experiential learning/activities and youth -- this is a good book to have. However, it is NOT a MUST BUY. There are better books out there -- but if you have some extra money -- this is an OK book. I don't regret purchasing it -- but there are better books.



2. This book, about experiential learning/activities, is written by youth for youth. If you work with youth groups, this is a nice addition to your leadership library. However, it is not a "must buy." If you have extra money to spend -- this is a book you may want to have.



3. I teach a leadership group who in turn has to work with a variety of clients building teams and community. They loved this book. Easy to read and comprehend, it lends itself to youth leaders. Many of the activities are unique and easy to incorporate. The personal notes allow for students to get insight as to the best way to sequence the games or activities. The fact that it was developed by teens who are working in the field adds to it's credibility. An excellent find! Thank you.

2 comments about Enchanted Evenings: The Broadway Musical from Show Boat to Sondheim.

1. Block clearly knows his music theory, but he doesn't really understand musical theatre in any serious way. If you want some college music theory analysis of some show tunes, you might like this -- if you want insights into musical theatre, you won't get much of value here. And more than that, he appears to be one of those who believes musicals today all suck and only the old-fashioned ones have any value. All in all, not a great book...



2. The contents of this book are very thorough, complete, and factual. The subject is very interesting, but if you don't understand music, he is sometimes hard to follow. He was my professor and this was a class text. Without his oral interpretation, I was, at times, left wondering what he meant. The book is filled with great pictures and original score. If your interested in how musicals are created, definately read this book.

3 comments about Collected Stories.

1. PBS (KCET) has made a television episodic drama based on this play by Donald Margulies, starring Linda Lavin and Samantha Matthis, who have both performed this play on stage at the Geffen playhouse. This is simply a moving and inspirational play, well-written and powerful. It takes place in the early 90's in Greenwich Village. A young writer and student (Debra) has applied for a job as an assistant/gopher to an elderly teacher and successfully published writer, Ruth Steiner. She undergoes tutorials with Ruth and they develop a friendship, although there are moments when Debra invades Ruth's personal space. For example, Debra rearranges Ruth's things and Ruth becomes upset. There is also a scene in which Debra accidentally discovers a letter by Ruth's old flame and mentor, the beatnick poet Delmore Schwartz.

   Ruth and Debra's relationship dominates the play. They have a tense, fragile relationship that in the end, has to do with time, although the argument about professional jealousy can be made. Debra has made it as a writer, enjoying both friendship and support from the wise, urbane Ruth who has become set in her ways. But when Debra writes her first novel, she touches a subject that is too personal for Ruth. It is in fact the first love and artistic experience that Ruth had with Delmore Swartz that causes the gap between their friendship. It is interesting to note how easily you can at first sympathize with Debra, whose excuse was that she was honoring Ruth and not parodying her in any way. Nevertheless, I've read this play time and again, and can also understand the heartbreak and betrayal Ruth goes when her stories are taken. That is the point of the play: who owns your life ? Who has the right to tell a story ? It is as much a lesson in great drama as it is in life.

   Actors and actresses will benefit immensely from this play. It is well written, makes a good script or screenplay and has every inch of emotional and powerful material, especially concering older colleague versus younger. Both characters are well-rounded, intelligent, mature, emotional and must be electric on stage. Ruth Steiner's character, in my opinion, has the most characterization. She is sophisticated, she is urbane, she is innately Jewish and possesses a great deal of knowledge and in the same light as Debra's young, intense persona, it's clearly great drama. Secondly and finally, this is a great book to read in a drama class or simply in an English course in high school. What teacher would not consider this great modern drama ? I will be only glad to recommend this to my fellow teacher friends.




2. This is a fantastic play. It really explores the teacher/student relationship at the deepest level; and as in the manner of Oleanna, leaves the reader with a sense of displacement and confusion as to who is right, what is true and virtuous, and where it all went wrong. Magulies style, however, is milder than Mamet, although equally effective. I loved it.



3. I always say that plays are meant to be seen not read. There are of course notable exceptions and this is one of the few contemporary plays which I found as good to read as to watch. The intertwining of the lives of two women writers, one mentor, one student over a period of years is a delightful, surprising and emotional journey. The title is apt. There are all sorts of stories -those we read, those we tell, those we imagine and the ones we live.