Also available from Anchor Bay today is this updated, gritty reimagining of the classic television series, The Virginian. As I love a good western, I settled into take a look at this one, and quickly discovered that it contains pretty much all the tropes and moments you would expect from the generic western. There’s the…
Tag: writer
Toronto Screenwriting Conference 2015
Its that time of year again! The Toronto Screenwriting Conference is here again, and Sue and I are lucky enough to be invited back for our third year. Each year we’ve met and seen some amazing people, not to mention taking lots of notes to use for our own writing and storytelling. This year…
Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1994) – Kenneth Branagh
The final version of Frankenstein to be suggested for viewing by the Sci-Fi Chronicles book is this 1994 adaptation by actor/writer/director Kenneth Branagh. He takes on this version of the tale by creating a lush and beautiful looking period film. Despite the films he would later make, this one feels restrained, not quite stuffy but…
Fade In: From Idea to Final Draft – The Writing of Star Trek Insurrection (1999) – Michael Piller
This is a book that was never published but should have been. I’ve included the link below to read it online if it’s something that might catch your interest. Now, don’t get scared about the name Star Trek in the title, yes, I’m a fan, and I’ve got things I like and don’t like…
The Rockford Files (1978) – Black Mirror
This two-parter aired 24 November, 1978 and was written by David Chase. As it was later split into two episodes, there are two separate phone gags. The first is a friend calling from London trying to figure out what his arrival time is, with time changes and flight times. The second one is the…
The Lost Weekend (1945) – Billy Wilder
Ray Milland and Jane Wyman star in this first recommendation from Great Movies – 100 Years of Film following my viewing of On The Waterfront. And wow… $10 went a long way back in 1945! This one took Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, and Milland too Best Actor at the Oscars that year,…
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – Mad Buck Gibson & The Taking of Dick McWilliams
Darren McGavin guest stars in the first episode of Magnum, p.i. this week. Mad Buck Gibson (McGavin) was written by Robert Hamilton and aired 26 November, 1981. Thomas is hired by Joan Gibson (Vera Miles) to help her keep an eye on her ex-husband, Buck, until she can finally serve him with his alimony…
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – The Woman on the Beach & From Moscow to Maui
Rick’s (Larry Manetti) broken heart ends up setting Thomas (Tom Selleck) on a ghost hunt in the first episode in this week’s double episode. The Woman on the Beach originally screened 22 October, 1981, it was written by Andrew Schneider and directed by Bellisario. When a girl doesn’t show up for a date with…
The Rockford Files (1977) – Beamer’s Last Case & Trouble in Chapter 17
Season 4 of The Rockford Files got under way on 16 September, 1977 with Beamer’s Last Case, written by Cannell from a story by Booker Bradshaw and Calvin Kelly. The first phone gag of the season features a call from Angel (Stuart Margolin) who announces he’s got a new apartment, and has some friends…
Happiness (1998) – Todd Solondz
Another odd recommendation from Great Movies – 100 Years of Film, for my screening of Pulp Fiction. A trio of sisters lives interweave with a number of other characters, all of whom are seeking happiness, but are all looking for it in really dark and troubling places. Joy (Jane Adams) is a struggling songwriter,…
The Mind Reels 