The Skyline Unfolds

The Burj Dubai At 629 m (2064 ft) in April. Already the world's tallest free-standing structure. What a monster!

Crotchgrabbing from Chandigarh


Awesome! Dance acts like these might help soothe the wounds from Sanjaya and that strange Hrithik Roshan wannabe from last year.

Newness

Checked out three new haunts last month, which are certainly cause for excitement, in a life which is otherwise turning out to be pervaded by workaholism.

(1) Gansevoort South: On a recent (unplanned and extremely short - don't yell, B) trip to the dirty South, hit up a sneak preview bash of Miami's latest and spanking new designer hotel. Modeled around the ultra-chic (and my ultra favorite) Gansevoort Hotel in the Meatpacking District in NYC (Home of Plunge), this one's brighter, sunnier and spacier and located on one of South Beach's largest private beaches. Ah, sexy.

(2) Ago, 377 Greenwich Street: Robert De Niro's latest edition to his national Italian Trattoria chain, opened its doors last month in NYC, at his own Greenwich hotel. After LA, Vegas and Miami Beach, its great to see Ago come home to where it belongs. The food is phenomenal, and an absolute epicurean delight! Highly recommended for lovers of Il Food Italia - err, however that's said.

(3) Bowery Wine Company: NY hangouts have started to become divided into three types - the tourist magnets, which are highly avoidable. The pretentious crowd-type, which are even more avoidable. And finally, the unpretentious, untarnished variety. These are usually shortlived, because once the pretentious crowd finds out that there's a new spot that they can corrupt with their faux-Hamptons stories - game's over. BWC is one such untarnished spot, opened in April - and a must-visit for lovers of the grape. Chic and sexy crowd, phenomenal wine selection. A great place to chill, that's bringing The Bowery back.

Tune-age

Bringing this baby back from the early '00s. Abhijeet at his best. Rahman at his usual.

Manhattan Lounge?

Try Mumbai Home.

Yup, its Monsieur Anil-bhai Ambani's new planned hacienda - Antilla - in downtown Mumbai.

Poised to be the world's first "billion dollar home".
Check it out.

In other news, the recession in the US continues.

Its not always rainbows and butterflies, its compromise

I realize that what I loved most about Juno, was how everyone was justified. The emotional, sensitive wannabe-mother who wanted a child more than anything. The jingle-composer who couldn't deal with graduating to a father, and letting go of his youth/rock dreams. The stepmom trying to fit in. The protective dad. The cheerleader best friend who dug older men. And of course, Juno, who threaded all of these elements together - living her life, one disorderly episode at a time, with an attitude of sarcastic maturity bordering on arrogance. But guess what? You can't blame her.

Highly recommend: Lars and the Real Girl.

In other news, moving beyond the opinion of the Cambridge-based newly eyeglassed lyric-maker, I am not statistically inclined. At least I don't have blogger-diarrhoea. Touche, Xe!

Yours Truly, Mystic Statistic

Not true, Xinu-meister. While busy with work, travel and website updates which are still in the pipeline, I was merely plotting my next big ominous blog post (i.e. this one). Am also mourning Billary's win in PA. Here's to higher taxes, a sucky economy, and overall political tolerance that fluctuates every 28 days.

In other news, if you haven't yet heard it yet, go sample Classically Mild (detailed review here).

Daym!

Masala-fy your lives!

Doses of glamor, glitz and fashion. Topped off with Bollywood. Snazzed up with the latest happenings in Dubai. That's Masala for you! New and online at masala.com.

Ahem, and those of you who want to keep up with tunes and albums from the des - don't miss out their music reviews. I've heard that they're written by someone who really knows his stuff. :-)

Hehe! If you like what you read, pass the word on, wouldya?

More like this, Bollywood

Why aren't more movies like this made? From the team that brought you the 'laugh till you drop' Bheja Fry, Mithya is absolutely awesome, in the wierdest kind of way. Its Don peppered with Satya, seasoned with Whole 9/10 Yards. Only difference is that the implant is sent by a rival gang, not the cops.

A darkly funny gangster movie. An interesting genre which I haven't seen experimented with too much, in Bollywood. It has all the cliches. The angry gangster lord. The gorgeous gun moll. The innocent bystander who gets sucked in. And the laughs are not typical - they're strategically placed all across the movie.

But what's awesome about Mithya is the fact that they finally got the dark comedy right. The ending is very noir and very nicely done. The second half does have its weak moments. Its by no means anything close to a perfect movie - but its so refreshing to see Bollywood throw us these googlies in the midst of the rom-coms and action movies that we get used to.

Makes one want to look the industry in the eye and say, "More like this, Bollywood"

In other news, try dialling 1-877-IDOL-AID on a Blackberry. None of RIM's phones have alphabets over their numbers. Add to the growing list of my phone peeves. Hmph!

Kite Runner: The Movie

There's understated socio-moral commentary that runs parallel to this film. There are so many potential take-aways that one could have after watching "The Kite Runner", because every visual has popped out into reality. When you read Hosseini's book, you are able to selectively extract every ounce of meaning that you "want" to concentrate on based on your perception. The backdrop of war, and torn lives that it results in. The injuries of lost innocence, that sustain a lifetime. Friendships that last beyond time, without actual contact.

But the essential element of The Kite Runner is the undisputed and internal battle between good and bad, within your soul. And hence the film's tagline, "There's a way to be good again".

There's not much that can be said about a film/book which were as genuine and touching as this one. Even if the viewer is unaware of the intricacies of the Hazara/Afghan communities, the movie is able to provide a clear and unbiased viewpoint - which all can perceive easily. The second half of the film is truly heartwarming, especially the last scene where Amir runs the kite for Sohrab, the way Sohrab's father used to.

What is creditable is that The Kite Runner is able to say so much, without talking. To teach so much, without preaching. To express so much, without overt display.

Its more about what's understated in this film, than what is shown on screen.

Memorable Turbulence

There's something sublime about an electric blue train cutting through the beige scenery of India. Darjeeling Limited may not be the most profound film you'll ever see, but then again, none of Wes Anderson's films (Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums) have ever had any form of deep philosophy - but what you can expect is one hell of a ride into his peculiarly funny world - a ride which you won't forget for quite a while.

Where Wes Anderson has sustained himself par excellence is in terms of creating his own characteristic visuals, cinematography and fashion, and as expected, D. Limited is like one long, gorgeous extension of Wes Anderson's "My Life My Card" American Express ad. Unlike most directors who shoot in exotic locales, Wes doesn't capitalize entirely on Indian scenery, but uses it as a mere backdrop and enhances upon it, with his comic book and almost-painted and animated visuals. Each character, no matter how inconsequential to the story (Bill Murray, Kumar Pallana), is sharply etched. His timely techniques grow on you after a while, as do the movie's color palette and the eclectic costumes and accessories (Louis Vuitton and Marc Jacobs).

Owen Wilson (and his pointless pout) and Adrien Brody perform well, although the script and story itself are adequate to bind your attention. Anjelica Huston is awesome in her short cameo.

The comedy is dry and wry, unique and situational, at the edge of being absolutely eccentric. Silence is a character of its own in this movie, as is the simple sarcasm. Its like Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, with less acid and an Indian backdrop. While the movie pokes fun at the stereotypical American belief that one will find "salvation and spirituality" in India, it underscores brilliantly, especially through the usage of sub-characters like Sweet Lime, that at the end of the day, everyone has their own problems.

Note to Desis - do not watch this movie as someone who knows "India" - as its meant to be a visitation. Please don't go ga-ga over irreverent facts (Ooh! Look, its Irrfan Khan) as that is besides the point of the film. India and its lifestyle are both conveyed ever so gently in a movie that uses them as a foundation and builds upon them - a definite first, and its worth repeating.

But to truly love Darjeeling Limited is to love Wes Anderson's way of making movies, because I almost feel that one day we will find a way to link them all together. The way his camera roves. The way his scenes cut. The way he uses the same cliches in every film (the cigarette-smoking woman, drug/medicinal abuse, a constant color in every scene - blue in this case) and creates ironies. You can distinctly tell within a couple of frames that its him behind the wheel (like the BBDO/AT&T commercials which he created, where characters remain constant, and backdrops change).

I love the last scene that traverses different characters in each compartment of the train. Also creditable that he dedicated the film to his inspiration that led him to India in the first place, the legendary Satyajit Ray. While it may not be his best work, DL is a highly enjoyable film by a brilliant filmmaker.

.... apna apna?


Heard about this from one of our luxury sector IB analysts. Hyatt's been comparatively hush-hush about their new line, Hyatt Andaz. With one out in London, and the next batch expected for Midtown and Wall Street soon, and a few in Dubai by 2009, of course. Funky name! and their website's even more mysterious.

What a day!

India's Tata Motors buys Jaguar and Land Rover from Ford

First, the world's cheapest car and then, the other side of the spectrum as well. Is this the end of the British car industry, and the hyperlaunch of India's global appearance in this marketplace? Phenomenal.

Looking forward to this one.

After 2 trips to Vegas and several more to Atlantic City in the last year, I'm all Blackjacked out. But something about this movie looks cool - the whole MIT team mystique, Kevin Spacey, Lawrence Fishburne, the Oceans 11 glossy look, etc. - 21 better not suck!

In other news, beyond being a spam-magnet, what's the point of Names Database anyway?

3.2 Bedrock (Ambient Mix) by Humate

An awesome light electronica-ambient track from Cafe Del Mar. For fans of this genre, you'll notice the delicate build of pads and ensembles. Its a very patient track, which takes its time - very Jon Sa Trincha. This genre has seen its ups and downs - and been blended with techno and trance - but its nice to see it make a delicate comeback with tracks like these. Listen to this on full-on-surround - either home theater or headphones. Definitely not PC speakers, please.



In other news, encourage everyone to read Edward Luce's "In Spite of the Gods" - its an interesting take on India's resurgence.

Bhaag Daud

Oye Race Haters! I get your point. My two cents. Its ok to like a brain-dead movie once in a while cuz a whole lot depends on the timing and phase in which you watch a movie. I happened to watch Race after watching hard-core depressants like Ang Lee's Lust, Caution and re-watching There Will Be Blood, because I'm mentally masochistic like that. Hence, all the standard Abbas/Mustan schtick (a la Aitraaz, Ajnabee and Humraaz) and the lack of plot intensity coupled with lack of plot, seemed kinda breath-of-fresh-air-ish. Taking away my movie reviewing license? Now isn't that a bit much? :-( (Furthermore, who made you the authority anyway? Down with establishment!)

In other news, isn't Ramiele Malubay the cutest Filipino ever? Gotta admit that this year's American Idol crop is rather good looking, and talented. Without the Malakars and hoopla - its about serious performance, this time, making it fun to watch - when Family Guy's not on, of course. In Simon's words "more of a talent show, and less of a popularity contest".

Check it out! Check it out! David Cook's slowed-down blues/grunge performance of MJ's Billie Jean just blew me away (this rare arrangement was originally conceived and performed by Audioslave's Chris Cornell, last year). Its going to be the first video that I buy on ITunes because that performance was an absolute inspiration. Its evident. This dude has what it takes to be Idol.

Well Shuffled

One of my favorite Sunday evening, end of weekend activities is leaving my Nano on shuffle, on my JBL On Stage II (shameless plug) while I read and detox with some OJ and YoPlait (yes I'm strange like that). And it does have the ability to surprise me with some tracks once in a while, which I haven't heard in a while.

One such overlooked track surprised me today, which caused me to stop and listen. A beautiful piano theme; really well phased with thought-provoking movements and chord progressions. I almost thought it was classical, until I noticed some trademark Indian notations, and just had to check to figure out which song it was.

It was Ishaan's Theme from Taare Zameen Par. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy have traditionally been brilliant with musical themes (remember the ones in Dil Chahta Hai?) that set the mood of the film. This is one such gem.

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Teri Deewani

Wow, young Aamer Hameez took this song to the next level! A magical rendition of one of the most brilliant Kailash Kher songs out there. Especially the additional movements that Aamer added on his own (notice the way Sonu catches and responds to it)

And try and ignore the rather annoying Shashi Kapoor lookalike whom the camera guy apparently has a thing for.

Harmonization

I don't know how many of you caught it, but in the Sonu Nigam track, Deewane Hoke Hum Milne Lage Sanam, from his album, Jaan, there's this killer off-harmony that he does when the verse comes back into the chorus.

Its phenomenal because its so unexpected, both in terms of arrangement and placement. I finally figured out the notes that he used (check out the vocal sample below) and its challenging - both to compose and to sing.

Race-ism

The Economic Times review says it best - "Abbas-Mustaan" is past the "who-done-it" phase, and now make movies in the genre of "why-done-it". Such is Race - their latest stylish visual delight.

One thing that has to be said about Race. The movie has style. Dripping oozing sizzling p'zazz. This is the old school Abbas Mustaan going Dhoom II. The plot is over the top, just like every James Bond/Mission Impossible flick out there.

Now folks, every movie doesn't have to be a dramatic masterpiece. The thrill of going to the movies at times is about being "visually entertained". There is no suspension of disbelief in Race - but there are hot cars, hot babes and a sinewy plot that does keep you sufficiently hooked. And, that too, in classic A-M style. Now many could come out of the theater and do their whole "it-was-difficult-to-believe" dance. I say, daym n**ga, you got the best cars money can buy, awesome songs (esp. the title track and that new Raghav-like song, Sexy Lady), a 'fruity' comedy track by Anil Kapoor, funky stunts. a crazy twisted plot - Katrina AND Bipasha both looking smokin' - I'm entertained, buddy. Call me simple, I guess.

What I like best about the men-in-white's movies, is that every character and every dialogue has a purpose, which is revealed at a later time. If at any point in the movie, you hear something that may seem like it was a bit off, rest assured that it will soon come back to haunt.

But the cake was taken by the First Day First Show-watching, desi simpleton being interviewed on AVS on what he thought of Race ... he sincerely said, and i quote ... "it was funtastic movie. Movie had many suspences. Not one! It had three, four .. FIVE suspences".

Ah, Abbas-Mustaan. Jacks of many suspences.

Pritam ... aan milo

This is just regretful. The guy's so talented and still has to resort to lifting tunes a la the Bappis and Anus of B'wood. This is the original of one of my favorite tracks of recent times, and its rather heartbreaking to see Pritam take the accolades for someone else's hardwork, and not share any of the credit.



Btw - this expose is courtesy Vishesh, who has a more detailed splash of Pritam's copycatting antics on his blog.

Slow Poison

That's what this track is. Grows on you, slowly and infectiously and surely. "Dheere Dheere" from the soundtrack of the new Rahul Bose/Minissha Lamba (hotness!) army flick, Shaurya.

The music's Adnan Sami. Its pretty much in the same house as every other Adnan Sami track, right from Kabhi to Nazar to Bheege Bheege - in terms of tune and raag. But its awesomely simple.

Although its a Sami/Chauhan duet, the song belongs to Sunidhi. The song features her calmer and sweeter voice, vis-a-vis the raunchy/naughty side. I've always pictured her to have a split personality. When you hear her sing Beedi from Omkara, and then Kehta hai mann kabhi from Chameli - back to back - its almost impossible to picture that its the same person. Brilliant stuff though!

Current Consumption on long rides

A few forgotten nice ones:

Sakhi Piya (OST - Khoya Khoya Chand)
Your Woman (White Town) - "blast from the past", no?
Is Pal (OST - Aaja Nachle)

Mobile blogging is back!! And it is here to stay! Mind it.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

In typical Pepsi-India style

Dead cheesy, but cute!

Seen in SFO


Pizza Orgasmica
The Original Sin
P.S. We never fake it!


In other news, its 70 degrees out here and I don't wanna go home.

FYI World

Falling Slowly" is the new anthem of my life, supported by "The Hill". Just thought I'd let you all know.

In other news, currently consuming "Classically Mild", the new semi-classical meets Indi-pop world album by Sonu Nigam. Requires a slightly challenging change of ear, because it’s a rather unique sound. Review upcoming.

Falling Slowly - All Rise!

Daym! Nailed them predictions, didn't I? Best Director, Best Film, Best Actress, Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor. Had totally pictured Cate Blanchette winning for Supp. Actress, but Swinton bagged that one. But still - 5 out of 6!

• Jon Stewart was so much more confident and poised, this time around. He's truly filling Billy Crystal's shoes.
• Sheer hotness - Marion Cotillard!
  
• Diavlo (Juno) winning Original Screenplay - nice!
• Ratatouille bagging Best Animated Feature - tres bien!
  
• But without doubt - Best Original Song, everyone! All rise! Hansard/Irglova - you are both rockstars!
  

With stiff competition from Oscar legends like Alan Menken in one of the most intense categories, coupled with all that controversy about eligibility, Once emerged victorious. This goes to prove the immense power of honest heartfelt music. What a moving performance, and what a genuine and sincere award speech! Jon bringing Marketa back to complete hers was the sweetest thing ever!

Those who still haven't any of the following - Juno, Once, No Country for Old Men, There Will Be Blood and La Vie En Rose - please do!

Note from the Desi Oscars

Looking through the reports of the 53rd Filmfare Awards this year.

First of all, please examine the above selection of pictures that Indiatimes decides to put up to sum up the awards gala. There's Akshay with the misplaced heartache. What's with Shah Rukh and Saif in those bath towels and face masks??? These two have taken their gay/effeminate innuendo that they started off in KHNH too damn far. Kinda like a bunch of kids who've discovered something that their parents won't yell at them about. And Rishi Daddy looks like he's trying to hold a belligerent Ranbir down before he punches someone out - most probably Bhansali. So it looks like it was a semi-nude, raunchy and almost violent night. Fun! Sounds like last night's dream gone wrong. Dear God - why can't we have a classy awards show, made for television? Even the shadowed Indie Spirit Awards (which Juno swept) emerge with more eliteness.

But well, to give the black statuette her due, most of the actual awards were fairly attributed, with the exception of 3 glaring misfits (outlined further below), in order of increasing wrongness. Taare picked up Best Film and Story, and Aamir bagged Director (doubt he attended though). TZP's Darsheel Safary got a highly deserved critic's nod. Rahman won best music for Guru, Prasoon Joshi for his penmanship of Maa in Taare. Life in a Metro bagged the bridesmaids awards (supporting actor/actress) for Irrfan Khan and Konkona - well deserved again. Fresh new faces - Ranbir and Deepika. On the money, so far.

Questionable? Shah Rukh winning for Chak De India. One of his co-nominees was Abhishek for Guru. Fine, this is a slightly questionable turf. But although Guru had some issues with characterization and screenplay - Abhishek's performance was rock solid within those constraints. Shah Rukh's character was flawless, and so was his performance. But the question here is, the Actor's award is for performance, not for screenplay. And by sheer performance value - I would have to say that Abhishek's Gurukant Desai was miles ahead of Shah Rukh's Kabir Khan.

Shocking? Kareena picked up Best Actress for Jab We Met. Great performance by Kareena, but in the face of Vidya Balan in Bhool Bhulaiyyaa, which from what I've heard was one of the most challenging roles of the year. Bear in mind that BB was a remake of 1993 Malayalam classic Manichitrathaazu (try saying that after 4 Patrons), in which Shobhana's performance bagged her a National Award. So not too sure how that one went down.

Downright Abysmal!!! Shaan winning Best Playback Singer for Jab Se Tere Naina (Saawariya). Versus Sonu's heart rendered Main Agar Kahoon (OSO). Say what? Say WHAT? Jab Se was, first of all, a deflated composition. Had all the air sucked out of it. The song had the flair of a flat can of diet soda, and negative hummability. Basically, it was made for Shaan - who adds his smiley voice to such compositions and makes them slightly listenable. Main Agar Kahoon was the anti-thesis of this. Brilliant composition, immensely well sung, hugely popular. Now that, people, is just plain wrong.

In other news, check out this awesome Sonu track from Kannada film, Mungaru Male. What a voice!

Back and Psyched!

Rooting beyond belief for "Falling Slowly" (OST - Once) for Best Original Song - one of the most beautiful melancholic ballads of the year. Seeing this one performed live at the Oscars is going to be a MOMENT!

In other news, Hyderabad's epic Paradise Biryani now in New Jersey. Woo hoo - anyone been? So many memories of "double masala chicken biryani" and "bottle coke" (coke in a glass bottle tastes way zingier than can/recyclable bottle coke, trust me - its a desi thing) at 4 AM, postgaming, at Paradise Circle. And if you're ambitious, top it off with Double-ka-meetha. Or even early morning Irani Chai, on the way to the airport. It had its own lingo, even. If you wanted Irani chai to go at Paradise while you're on the move, you had to say "ek chalti phirti chai, jaldi". To which you'd get a busy 'hau, miyaan', in response. Hehe. Good times!

Oscar Predictions 2008

My '07 Prediction Score: 5 on 5 (see post here)

My '06 Prediction Score: 4 on 5 (was pleasantly shocked about Crash, see post here)

Not bad, no? Hopefully I should be back in time to catch the Oscars live, but here go my predictions.

As always, there's that eternal battle about who I think should and who I think will. But, having sampled most of the Oscar grub up for grabs this year, here goes:

Best Picture/Director: No Country for Old Men. Dark, disturbing and effortlessly beautiful. Judging by the Academy's history with dark movies, this should clearly bag it, without too much competition.

Best Actor: Hands down! Daniel Day Lewis for There Will Be Blood. Sadly, this is only the second Day Lewis movie I've seen, in nearly 19 years. And he won an Oscar for the last one - My Left Foot, back in 1989. A prolific actor, and a brilliant performance.

My Supporting vote goes to Javier Bardem for No Country for Old Men.

Best Actress: Yes, yes, I know. A lot of people think this one should go to Ellen Page for Juno. Purely for complexity of character, and an effortless performance. She lived the role, we loved her in it. But will she win? I strongly doubt it. Even though Juno is the only happy movie of the lot of significantly "feel-bad" movies, this year. But the Oscars has almost always been about seasoned performance a pointe. The SAGs and Golden Globes may go for encouragement of new talent, but the Academy has been fairly regular about picking pedigree/experience over debuts. Therefore, I'm going to have to go with Marion Cotillard (La Vie En Rose). From what I hear, she could likely be upset by Julie Christie, but I haven't seen Away From Her, so cannot comment.

Supporting should likely be Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There), but could be upset by Tilda Swinton (Michael Clayton). My vote's with Cate, cuz she's awesome. And it would be regretful if she swings out of both her historic nominations this year.

Rock out, Stewart!

Only in NYC

This is one of the most awesome stunts ever! Quirky creative stuff like this is the reason I love New York so much.

Not a good day to be in NYC, I'm told

Don't Miss It!

Jon Stewart on Larry King Live on Wednesday. And of course, hosting the Oscars, this weekend.

Despite harrowing distant travails, will try and put up predictions. After all, have my priorities straight! :)

B.A.M.A.

Caught this version of the classic Skynyrd track, Sweet Home Alabama, by a group called BAMA Boyz, on the Jeff Foxworthy Roast on ComCen.

Pretty ill!!

Sattar Minute: The "Chak De India" Review

The "Success of the Underdog" style of movie making - Gotta love 'em! Especially when they have a sports angle, it synchronizes the climax better. Bollywood hasn't traditionally had too many such Sports/Underdog flicks, and Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander was probably the last decent attempt. Haven't seen Goal so can't comment, but I heard that it was more focused on the racism aspect.

I wouldn't classify Lagaan in this category, because it had the whole historical/patriotic angle thrown in, which took away from the sportiness of it. Although the cricket theme did help substantially in Lagaan's success in India. But its even more challenging when you take a sport like hockey, which is as 'brick and mortar' a sport as it gets. Stick, ball, goal, with a few fouls thrown in. Cricket has so many intricacies, vagaries and variations, which can keep you engaged - many of which Lagaan used effectively.

But I give it to Shimit "Chhappan" Amin for creating an effective "feel-good" movie, generating awareness about how the Sports Authority of India ensures that segmented sports in India live under the shadow of their sensationalized, glamorous and celebrity-powered step-sister, cricket. The cast was believable and real. I did feel that every character didn't get enough identity though. There was significant focus on Preeti Sabharwal (Lord! Sagarika Ghatge rocks my world, btw), Komal, Bindya and the Punjabi one. Unlike Lagaan, where each character had their own identifiers and idiosyncrasies which grew on you - all 12 of them.

Also, and I know this is a strange qualm to have, but the story really wasn't complicated enough. It definitely needed more substance, beyond the fact that, given the right motivation and practice, a weak team can win the World Cup. Especially the penalty shot climax. Pretty standard stuff. I mean, from the first scene of this movie, we know that this movie is going to have a happy ending where forgotten glory is going to be revived, and a bunch of female hockey players are going to emerge victorious. But the challenge is to make a predictable story so gripping, that you suspend the viewers ability to predict the future of the film, by his intense involvement in the present. This genre calls for a few more additional twists which would have made Chak De, a little more "edge-of-seat"-ish and a little less predictable. Like, say, the opposition team trying some underhanded stuff. Or one of the team's players working for the opposition (like Laakha in Lagaan), and turning around at the last minute.

And I know that was my umpteenth cross-reference to Lagaan - but its purely attributed to the fact that I don't have too much else to compare to in Bollywood.

Although, the crowning glory of Chak De was that The King didn't take away from his subjects. SRK blended so well into the role of "Kabir Khan", with a look reminiscent of his character in Swades, that he allowed the focus of the film to remain on the team, the sport and the storyline. And as always, his was a seasoned and brilliant performance. Especially in the "sattar minute" pep talk sequence.

The background score was signature Salim-Suleiman. Songs were nothing to write home about at all, with the distinct exception of "Maula Mere Lele Meri Jaan". Its in a very thought-provoking and moody raag.

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The hook line sounds a lot like "nahin kuch sivaa pyaar ke" from that Anuradha Paudwal song (God, from the school of annoying Nadeem Shravan flop songs from the 90s that just sit in your head, coming back to haunt you decades later. Can totally imagine sitting in a retirement home someday, and humming "Zamaane ke dekhe hain rang hazaar").

Verdict? Definitely not historic, but capable of swaying the direction of the Bollywood film armada by a few degrees towards ports of meaningful entertainment. My guess is that there will be more like this in the next few years, and I do hope that we start to see more "independent" cinema.

And my favorite line in Chak De was definitely, "Cricket ki tarah, humaare hockey mein chhakke nahin hote". Freaking Sweet!

Hum-surfer

Been sampling KK's new album on my trips, and its a refreshing change from Bollywood. Its been a while since I heard some Indi-pop. The last albums that I enjoyed in entirety were probably Shaan's Tanha Dil and Euphoria's Doom, I mean, Dhoom collection.

Nothing to compare to Pal, which was a phenomenal album, but Humsafar is definitely worth a listen. Interestingly, none of the songs really have any element of stickiness. They have a great sound and a great mood, that maintains itself consistently throughout the album, but if you ask me to hum you a tune (other than Aasmaan Ke), I wouldn't have a clue.

What I like most about KK is that he sticks to his genre, and what suits his voice. He doesn't cram a dozen different genres into an album to prove some kind of hyper-versatility, like other artists. You know the kind who will do a slow song, then a fast song, then a qawwali song, then a rap song, then some wannabe hip/hop (with wierd lines like "come on baby. you and me tonight", because they think it sounds cool) and then an accent-laden english song as well, for good measure. Reminds me of a circus clown going "look at me! aren't I amazing? I can juggle porcupines while I do this too".

In other news, Dr. Evil's Dad did invent the question mark.

Icy

Rediff's (R. Sen's) review of Jodhaa-Akbar stands contrastingly far away from those of Mercedes-gifted and gilted reviewers on sites whose names mysteriously sound like national radio stations, when they aren't.

To quote one of the most generous lines in his review: "The director can handle romance and emotional conversations well, as we are well aware, and war is just not his forte. Soldiers charge at each other visibly trying to hold back, and while I'm sure hundreds or thousands of extras are impossible to control, the battle sequences are amateurish to an embarrassing extreme. They might have worked if shown in fits and spurts, swords thrust strongly in rapidly edited montages set to a peaking score, but here we are shown long and tiresome battle sequences -- scenes where we see extras twirling weapons and jabbing the air pointlessly. Tsk."

Wow! Why don't you tell us how you really feel there, babumoshai?

On the brink of phenomenon

Linking to a post on Vishesh's website which highlights some of the amazing growth stories and ridiculous projects that Dubai has, on its horizon. Epic!

Music Review: Jodhaa Akbar

The unique sound that results from the fusion of two distinct talents is a thing of wonder. R. D. Burman and Gulzar. Yash Chopra and Shiv-Hari. A R Rahman and Mani Ratnam. There's an aura that their music has, which emanates from their individual creativities, and the union of their mindsets and styles.

Rahman and Gowariker are two such minds. There's overstated grandeur and an element of "larger-than-life"-ness associated with a production like Jodhaa Akbar, which rests like an inverted pyramid on the needlepoint of simplicity. The music conveys this vision, grandly.

Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah has this trademark ARR percussive energy that kicks off the soundtrack. Listen to this on the highest subwoofer setting that your system can muster, and you can generate a 6.1 on the Richter. This marching song is both regal and powerful - a great start!

Jashn-E-Bahaaraa, the next track, is my personal favorite on the album. Sung brilliantly by Javed Ali, a Sonu soundalike with enough vocal variation to keep him distinct from his idol (unlike Rahul Vaidya who has conveniently disappeared ... or been made to? .. hmm).

This song is classic Rahman - seamless transition between chorus and verse, supported with beautiful interludes and a killer bass track. The quintessential, refreshing romantic track in his album that relaxes you the minute it starts. Like Ennavale in Kaadhalan, Ajooba in Jeans, Jaan-E-Bahara in Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha, Roja Roja from Kadhalar Dinam, Khamosh Raat in Thakshak. The list is endless. Its funny that the opening notes are inspired by Imli Ka Boota from Saudagar, and the opening rhythms of the song sound curiously like Aisa Lagta Hai from Refugee. But Rahman adds so many of his own musical touches to a song/soundtrack, that the source of inspiration can, in no way, be attributed to its appeal.

The bassline, clap loop and tabla in Khwaja Mere Khwaja is beautiful. This song brings back memories of Piya Haji Ali from Fiza. This hopeful, prayer-like song has Rahman doing a very interesting opening qawwali-style khayaal, very unlike his usual vocal style. The progressive build of this song is very well done.

Inn Lamhon Ke Daaman Mein is a pretty song, but somehow not captivating at first listen. Kinda like O Ri Chori from Lagaan. Really sweet song, but a little plain. Probably a situational thing in the movie. The best part of the song for me, is Sonu's solo vocal interlude around 4:55. This song also hallmarks a popular technique Rahman uses. He has a sweet and melodic romantic ballad in a major chord, interrupted by choral, louder segments with higher energy, usually a minor chord, and he capitalizes on the sharp-edged transition between the two (Like Ishq Bina from Taal and more aptly, Bharat Humko from Roja).

Mann Mohanaa contains some of the most brilliant legato and staccato classical string ensemble sequences, coupled with great singing by Bela Shende (remember her from the classical track, Khaali Hai Tere Bin in Paheli, with Hariharan). Mann Mohanaa is the O Paalanhare of Jodhaa Akbar - albeit, much more evolved.

The kicker for me on this album is the flute version of Jashn-E-Bahaara. On a rainy day, I could listen to this on endless repeat, with an infinite supply of chai and namkeen.

The opening brass ensemble that one can hear in the teasers, which opens the album as well, is very reminiscent of Lagaan. And so is the overall sound of the album. With Jodhaa Akbar, their third album as a team, all of which were musically outstanding, it is evident that Rahman and Gowariker are out to create a musical character for their productions together.

In other news, doesn't Aishwarya look like a slice of heaven in the trailers of this movie?

Brevity : Underestimated

Ernest Hemingway was once asked to convey a story in 3 sentences, purportedly as part of a bet at a bar. He upped it a notch by saying it in 6 words. The famous shortest story went "For Sale. Baby Shoes. Never Used".

The point of fiction is to inspire emotions or thoughts in someone, which are an escape from everyday reality. The ability of a writer to execute this inspiration in not so many words is key. Hemingway's genius is subtly evident in that six word classified ad - as they make one think. A child who just passed away? A shopping trip gone wrong? There could be so much behind those six words, which he has left to our imagination. Flash fiction was born.

Brevity is an oft underestimated talent. One sentence, if conceptualized thoughtfully and used tastefully, could stand for a thousand paragraphs. Not just in the world of script writing or song writing, but even in the social world; in conversation. Somewhere down this generation's traversal of time, we have stopped to study the impact of our words. Switching between TCM and NBC highlights a significant and heightened modification in what was/is considered to be intense articulation. Even in our new-found fascination for dark and sarcastic humor.

"like ... uhh .... that's what i'm saying ... uhhh ... man .... this whole .... new.... uhh .... political... thing. ... you know ... uhh .. its pretty f***ed up, isn't it?"

Wow, is that because of the writer's strike, or are you actually one of those intellectually defunct organisms?

In other news, shout out to "Global Shanti" for a "W"onderful "W"eekend. Cafe Boulud was tres classy et magnifique, as was SM and the candid conversations between martinis. Here's to expensive dorm rooms and summer!

Miluju tebe

Eureka! The line that Marketa Irglova says in Czech when Glen asks her if she still loves her husband. And it means "I love you". I realize that this is the n-th reference to Once on this blog. Contrary to public opinion, I do have a life beyond this movie.

Currently Consuming

Gregory David Roberts'
Shantaram

What a read!

What a game!

Superbowl XLII. Nothing short of nailbiting towards the finish, there! Especially with all the dramatics. Its manic to be in New York today, as the Giants swept that victory from under the Pats! Ridiculousness!

Commercials were gloriously lackluster; you can catch them here if you missed 'em. I loved Audi's spin on the Godfather horse's head scene. A lesser known favorite was E*Trade's Talking Baby, and an oomph-honorable mention to the Victoria's Secret Valentine Spot, which was sensually simple.

We all walk in different shoes

Watch this one through to the end. One heck of a smooth campaign.

Chiseled Golden Men

Dem Oscar nominations are sure dreary this time around. Last few years have been rather colorful, with controversial and alternative flicks like Departed, Crash, Brokeback Mountain et al.

However, this time around, the bleaker ones (No Country for Old Men..., There Will Be Blood .... Atonement ..... god, it sounds like badly rhymed Edgar Allen Poe on depressants) seem to have dominated, with the exception of Juno (yay!). Granted that 2007's been a rather horrid year in terms of good quality commercial cinema, and most of the really good films have been foreign and indie, but have the Oscars not got it right this time? Hmmm, lets see.

Not glad

• First of all, where the hell is A Mighty Heart? At the very least, Angelina Jolie deserved a nomination for one of the most well-delivered, challenging performances of the year
• C'mon! Tom Hanks deserved a nom for CWW!
• Once??
  
• Denzel for American Gangster?
  
• 300? (for Visual Effects)
• Once?? Going twice!!
  
• Namesake (maybe asking for too much with regards the last one, but at least a nom for Best Original Score - Nitin Sawhney outdid himself on this one).
  

Glad

• Philip Seymour Hoffman nominated for Charlie Wilson, and Ellen Page for Juno!
• Cate Blanchett making history with nominations in BOTH the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress category - wow!
• Falling Slowly (Once) nominated in the Best Song category - I absolutely cannot wait to see this one performed live at the ceremony!

Too early for predictions. I've revved up my Netflix queue to watch (and in some cases, rewatch) most of these flicks prior to the ceremony, and will have detailed thoughts up there. Michael Clayton is back in theaters, so that's good. But all in all, a tad bit disappointed with the overall selection theme, this year, vis-a-vis last year. Almost funereal.

In other news, Cloverfield rocked! Its a 9/11-hysteria-flick-meets-Blair Witch-Project! An absolute edge-of-your-seat-er must-see in terms of realism! And a serious study in movie marketing - loved the hype on this one, especially the fake newscasts on the oil rig (Geniusness!). *Vroom* Mini-Spoiler Alert. Did anybody see the thing fall into the ocean in the last scene?

And people, with regards shows like Moment of Truth. *Sigh*. I mean, is this what this country has come to? To resort to get innocent people up on screen, treat them like criminals with polygraph tests, and make them embarrass themselves by bringing out skeletons out of their personal closets in front of the whole television-watching world. I mean, its one thing to win half a million dollars, and another thing to have to spend it on alimony checks after the freaking show.

The Screwed-Up-Life-Portrayed-Effectively-On-Celluloid Pie

Fox Searchlight has been on a roll in terms of their alternative yet viable commercially genre, or as I like to call it Alt-Via-Com (Note to self: a good way to bide away time during recessive times is to come up with innovative, catchy yet utterly useless acronyms). Last year there was Water, Namesake, Once and Juno - all classics in their own right. And a bright little movie that may have gone unnoticed - Waitress. Like Once, it was a delightful hit at Sundance, as well.

And despite what the trailer may look like, its not a traditional romantic comedy, or RomCom (see? - I know, that's not an original one, but you get my drift). And although I'm not particularly fond of Keri Russell and her permanent knotted-eyebrow, frowny-face, she comes across fresh and warranted in this well-baked pie movie - a simple story of a depressed waitress in a Southern Country small town pie-diner. Do watch!

In other news, hoorah for Ellen Page and Juno for their well-deserved Oscar nominations - Juno was a true breath of fresh air from the comparatively darker films that have dominated this year's nominees. More on this soon.

Once

Its finally out on DVD, and a must-see for true music aficionados. Felt that my one-liner in a previous blog post about this breakout Sundance indie flick, didn't do it justice. Once was the simplest, quirkiest film I have seen. Until you watch it, you could never imagine that a movie like this could keep you hooked with enrapt attention for 85 minutes. The biggest star of the movie is, without a doubt, the music.

Irish Glen Hansard and Czech Marketa Irglova create an emotional and spirited sound, which have a goosebump-inspiring, magnetic ability to be enchanting. The piano/guitar gives it a very early Coldplay feel, but much more heartfelt and amateur and "real". My favorites are "The Hill", "When your mind's made up", and of course, "Falling Slowly". The dreamy scene in the music shop which shows the birth of this song, is an example of classic cinema. I must have seen that sequence at least 5 times, because it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen.

The movie is free of cosmetics, and extremely raw, which adds to its appeal. Highly, highly recommended, as is the soundtrack, which you should get only after watching the movie.

What Once really makes me perceive, is that there is a very small subset of emotions that an audience requires to be captivated - its a movie that gives hope to artists, musicians and film-makers on so many levels. The chemistry between Hansard and Irglova is bittersweet and charming. Once is a movie that makes you .. believe.

Echo of Love

Was pointed to check out a song by Uzbek pop singer, Iroda Dilroz, called "Sevgi Sadosi", the translation of which is the title of this post (hmm, aren't I mysteriously nifty, today?).

Dilroz, being a hardcore Rahmaniac, has adapted Saathiya's "Aye Udi Udi" into a rather catchy number. Wonder if I like it just because I've heard the original. Its difficult to displace my frame of reference now, but this is a really nice rehash.



Moreover, while we're on the topic of the legend himself, his music is finding its way into mainstream Hollywood, in more ways than one, especially after the opening credits of Inside Man featured "Chaiyya Chaiyya". A poignant sequence of "Lord of War" was supported by the strains of the eternal Theme track of 'Bombay'. Check it out below:




Was also told that a remix version of "Ae Ajnabi" played for a few seconds in an episode of Entourage. Now that is extreme randomness. But all in all, it definitely points to the fact that he is as mainstream as it gets.

You're so money, don't even know it!

On a day like today...

.. the recession special at Gray's ($3.50 for 2 hot dogs and a drink) doesn't really seem that bad.

PS - Thanks a million for the kind words of appreciation, folks. You should be hearing more exciting info about forthcoming projects, very shortly. Watch this space! :-)

In other news, if you haven't yet, watch Once. Its the most heartwarming movie you'll ever see.
As Spielberg put it best, "A little movie called Once gave me enough inspiration to last the rest of the year. And the soundtrack - heavenly!

The proof is in the math, though. Production Cost: $160,000. Gross Revenues: $14 million.

A Few Moments with the Maestro



A clip from Sahara One's recent broadcast of the A R Rahman North America Talent Hunt which was conducted in July 2007. Don't know if I mentioned this on the blogosphere earlier, but I was one of the 20 finalists, picked from about 4,000 audio clips that were submitted for this contest, which finally picked winners who got to sing with Rahman at his concert tour.

Rock the Vote!

You know what really grinds my gears?

People who use the line, "I wanna say". Know what I mean? As in, "I was at the theater at ... uhh, .. i wanna say .. uhh .. 9 PM?".

Dude, if you "wanna say" 9 PM, then why don't you just say it? Wait a minute, you ARE saying it. Then what's with the "I wanna say" crap that you prelude it with. It sounds affected and annoying - and wherever you picked it up from, it isn't making you sound as cool as you think it is. If you're not sure about something, you could say "approximately", "nearly" or "I'm just plain daft", don't fake it up with "uhh I wanna say ...". You sound like Big Moose, dumb and delirious.

And that's what really grinds my gears. Tom?

Wizard!

What would you call Juno? Reality? Sarcasm? A Tragicomedy? How about a Realisarcitragicomedy? And no, I'm not trying to play on those ever-so-annoying AT&T ads.

(I need a phone that works where I work. A place called ThisAdsSoBadlyScriptedThatImGonnaThrowUp)

Although the movie starts out with dialogue that seems almost read out of cue cards, because we are unable to relate to the film's format or visualize its end goal. But as we get to understand Juno's character better (and believe me, it doesn't take long), this movie is like real life, bent and wound, swung around a tree, and rammed with a baseball bat.

A chunky constitutent of the film's charm is Ellen Page, and how in-sync she is with the challengingly devised character. Juno is clearly unlike anything we have seen on screen before. She has more attitude and spunk than Pulp Fiction and the Kill Bill trilogy put-together, and for a teenager, she has comebacks to make the Bronx blush. She's Punky Brewster on acid.

And to add to all that, she has one hell of a complicated life. And Juno is an unpretentious, voyeur's-eye view of it. Simplistically speaking, I'm glad someone made a well-scripted, funny, and bittersweet TEEN movie that doesn't oversimplify or patronize one of the most complex periods of our lives. Juno's bound to sweep up the globes.

In other news, I love Ankasa pillows.

We f***ed up the endgame!

I had never heard of Charlie Wilson, prior to the hype generated by the movie, leave alone understood the primary role that he played in the end of the Cold War. I was aware of the wicked quadrangular interplay between US-Pakistan-Afghanistan and Russia, but the key strategic role of the womanizing Texan senator was somewhat baffling.

Charlie Wilson's War is a movie about forgotten glory. And more importantly, its a movie that makes you aghast at the irony that the US has historically created, staffed and fortified its enemies, prior to launching an offensive war on them. It does not dilute the cruciality that Charlie had in terms of allocating mammoth budgets to the initiative, nor does it overplay it by giving him a messiah-like status.

As you watch Tom Hanks slip deeper into the character of Wilson, one starts to realize that he is by far one of the greatest actors of our time. From Philadelphia, to Forrest Gump. From Saving Private Ryan, to Castaway. From Sleepless in Seattle, to The Terminal. Hanks defines versatility that legends are made of. Julia Roberts was unbelievably droll - completely not with it. Philip Seymour Hoffman - brilliant as always. Om Puri as ex-Pakistani president, Zia-Ul-Haq was interesting and adequate.

CWW is the kind of non-documentary that makes you rethink the mental image that you have of the past, and truly makes it leap out of the pages of your history books, and become a real story that is capable of being perceived, especially in light of the events of the last few years. The highlight of the movie are the last few definitive scenes, where Charlie strives to bring his epic work to closure. Its clear that he wanted America to seal the open wound that was post-war Afghanistan by building the foundation blocks of education and a non-corrupt political system. But its clear that this never happened. The well-equipped, military-trained country slipped into the ranks of religious fanaticism, causing the birth of the Taliban, and the mushrooming of Jihadist organizations that had a multiplier effect across the Middle East over the years, coming back to bite the US in the a$$ less than 2 decades later.

As Wilson puts it simply yet sadly in the ominous closing quote of the movie, before fade-to-black,

"These things happened. They were glorious and they changed the world".

"And then we went, and we f***ed up the endgame".

So, turning 27

.. today, isn't all that its steamed up to be.

As I'm short of words, I'll turn the baton to Vishesh, who shares this potent quote which he requested me to post on RevEv on this day. So here goes.

27

When I think about years gone by,
and what I'd still just like to do.
I pray to our Lord above,
to grant these things that I pursue.

But I keep adding to my story,
another chapter to proclaim.
For everything I'm doing now,
I don't do it for acclaim.

For I've paid my life long dues,
and now its time to play.
Just so long as I remember
to thank God when I pray.

Ahem ... thanks. I think?

In other news, Viva Capricorn!

God I love this show...

'08

its gonna be one heck of a year!

Don't be hatin'

As much as I detest One Tree Hill and the likes, have been seeing this song in the Season 5 promos, that has me hooked. A really nice and good ol' american rock track.

This is our town, by We The Kings

merry christmas, kids!

and a frolicking 2008!

giggity-giggity!

Postcard from New England

Loving it! Kept your word.

R - hope you enjoyed your stay in NYC! U need to come back for that last Patron! Salute.

Tanha Safar..



Abhijeet Sawant's Junoon. Not too phenomenal or pathbreaking in terms of singing/lyrics - but a real nice loungey feel, with a Tanha Dil-esque video shot in Ladakh. Love the beats, the guitar solo and the stop/start interludes (especially the one at around 3:40).

The "Junoon"-repeat chorus line sounds mysteriously like "hello hello, how low" from Nirvana's Smells Like Teen Spirit.

"It was a little far-fetched, no?"

"So far from reality", "I mean this kind of stuff doesn't happen in real life". "Yeah right, like that's going to ever happen".

That's precisely why we go to watch a motion picture in the first place, doofus. These kind of comments get to me, because I think that people watch movies as an escape from reality. Good movies actually achieve suspension of disbelief. But there are some of those nay-sayers who sit through the entire movie going "Tch, that's not realistic, uff".

Furthermore, don't ever come to watch an Anees Bazmee or David Dhawan flick and expect freaking reality. You want reality, go watch a Shyam Benegal movie.

All it takes is a little faith, and a lotta heart....

You've got yours, and I've got mine.

Friend of mine pointed out this song to me. You all may know it as the theme track to the new "Old Navy" commercials.

Its Stars by The Weepies, a Cali pop-acoustic group. Very cozy sound, takes a little bit to grow on you. Reminds me of that London group, 'White Town', that came out with Your Woman back in the '90s, and then disappeared. Listen to "Gotta Have You" as while. Tight!

And for those who haven't caught it, the Blue House is Chagall. Heavenly.

Happy Holidays!

Charisma: Born Again



Despite the PT-style choreography and Sunil Shetty, this song is nothing less than badass, even after all these years.

As the guy who posted the video said it best, "the exact moment" in time when Karisma Kapoor got pretty all of a sudden. Especially in the yellow dress, the chick got a makeover and a half in this movie. Certainly came a long way from her purple dress/red lipsmudge days in Prem Qaidi.

A Perfect '10'?

The predictability and the cliches are outweighed by the sheer gumption of the experiment itself!

More like this, Bollywood!

Review coming up.

Sung to the tune of Nickelback's I Wanna Be a Rockstar

Gonna change my last name to Khan or Kapoor
My signing price will start at a few crores
100% advance, half cash, half check, you see

Gonna wear magenta over my white jeans
Surrounded by a posse of Bollywood has-beens
Black tinted windows on my new Class E

18 bedroom bungalow up on Pali Hill
Every morning, I'll wave from my windowsill
Whose the king of Bollywood? Me! That's right.

Be it cops or censors, I will have no fear,
whether I'm shooting movies, or shootin' deer.
Trashy magazines will talk about who and what I did last night.

Will need a big apartment just for my fanmail
Hush-hush encounters at a farmhouse in Panvel
Hoping that paparazzi didn't see the item girl come in

Six Pack Abs that could make Rambo weep
Steroids and Botox don't come cheap
Will start a designer label called "Its Rockin'"
(How creative!)

For college girls needing a break, i will vouch
As soon as they get comfy on my casting couch

Hey, hey I wanna be a film ishtar

Sexy New Hangouts

Its December. The mood is laidback, sexy, loungey, upscale yet mystic.

To fit the bill, here are the new frontiers -


The Back Room

Del Posto

Milk & Honey

The Stanton Social

Shalel

And if you really love your sake, Sakagura.

Deewar Times!

Edgy

Seriously Black

If anyone has wondered what that violin-loop drum 'n' bass track is, in the background of the sexy Johnnie Walker Black Label ad - its Never the Same, by Supreme Beings of Leisure.

Smooth!

Switched at birth?

If I had to vote (and more importantly, could), I'd vote for Alfred E. Neuman. His MADness scares me less than Bush's.

In other news, the Energizer Bunny has been arrested. Charged with battery.

General Annoyance
Testing, testing. Mini-rant is being conducted in this blogspace.

I've finally found something that 'grinds my gears' more than Sarah Jessica Parker's pretentious pout (Oh God, how I wish I could legally eliminate that woman from ever existing. Why men would actually want that twisted waif traipsing around Manhattan as their arm candy is beyond me).

And that is .... standardized test questions set by menopausal spinster nuns. Especially those "none of the above", "all of the above", and my arch nemesis - (a) I only (b) I and II (c) I, II and III, but not IV (c) None of the above. Jesus! Can't we just tell you what we know and get on with life? Does there have to be this hare-brained pretzel-knotted way of assessing our thinkability?
Sorry, a little too furious for a snowy Sunday afternoon.

In other news, highly recommended Indie flick of the week - "Sex and Lucia". Playing at a few decrepit screens in Chelsea, but available over Netflix. To contrast the adorableness of Paz Vega (who is a far, far better actress than her many-considered doppelganger Penelope Cruz, as this film clearly justifies) , SNL falls between the domains of explicit and obscure, rather comfortably. A visual artistic delight as Julio Medem captures starry nights in dark cities and bright days on the island. A startling follow-up to his earlier "Lovers of the Arctic Circle", which was AWESOME. In conclusion, SNL is engaging yet shocking. Its "Y Tu Mama Tambien" meets "Motorcycle Diaries", with Gael Garcia Bernal replaced by Vega, peppered with a smidgen of David Lynch influence (you'll see touches of Mulholland Drive, especially in the silent beach walks with the sounds of surf).