STAGING | Erstwhile Flâneur, Philosopher

Not-So-Jumping July 2026

Greatest hits included: “They Drive By Night”, “The Asphalt Jungle,” and “The Prestige”. Lows …. “Close Encounters of The Third Kind”?

2026-07-04
Monthly Reading, Viewing Report

A Debut Novel, Showing Its Signs

Maritta Wolff’s debut novel “Whistle Stop” showed promise, despite some of its shortcomings.

2026-06-16
On Literature, Books Reading Journal

Malicious May 2026 Consumption

Greatest Hits: Shakespeare’s “Richard III”, and Bunuel’s “El” and “This Gun for Hire”, being the first screen collaboration of Alan Ladd and Veronica Lake.

2026-06-05
Monthly Reading, Viewing Report

1983 Specialized Sirrus: Goodbye Sweet Prince

A short report on my first real bike, a used 1983 Specialized Sirrus. Purchased for a song and sold for $20.

2026-06-01
Idle Reflections

Aspiring April Consumption 2026

Best of included “The Heat” (2013), “The Violent Men” (1955), “Brute Force” (1947) and Percival Everett’s novel “The Trees”. Worst of? “Happy Gilmore 2”!

2026-05-06
Monthly Reading, Viewing Report

The Violent Men (1955): Bad Title, Great Horsemanship!

Americans only like bullies when they do not recognize them: Here it’s Glenn Ford vs. Edward G. Robinson et al.

2026-04-30
On Film, Movies, Cinema Viewing Journal

The Trees: Am I Enjoying This?

Everett’s “The Trees” is a hilarious book that makes you ask the question: am I enjoying this? Should I be?

2026-04-24
New Acquisitions On Literature, Books

Meretricious March 2026 Reading and Writing

Greatest Hits!: “The Hit” (1980) and “Plate Tectonics”. Lowest Lows: “Death Proof” and “The Big Hit”.

2026-04-09
Monthly Reading, Viewing Report

Wuthering Heights (1939): He Ain’t Good for You!

Day 2 of 30 Days of Remakes! As part of the “30 Days of Remakes!” I decided to watch this, although I really had no interest. And my lack of...

2026-04-07
On Film, Movies, Cinema 30 Days of Remakes

Alien (1979) Without Aliens (1986)!

Day 1 of 30 Days of Remakes (destined to last at least 30 years): Ridley Scott’s 1979 film “Alien” — remade out the ying yang.

2026-04-03
On Film, Movies, Cinema 30 Days of Remakes Viewing Journal

The Complete Sherlock Holmes

Let there be one Sherlock Holmes volume to rule them all!!!

2026-03-23
New Acquisitions On Literature, Books

Pastiche or Double Dipping: Tarantino’s “Deathproof”

I opine that Tarantino’s “Death Proof” double-dips: that it marks out sexist language and imagery as much as it trades in them.

2026-03-05
On Film, Movies, Cinema Confessions of a Bad Movie Watcher Viewing Journal

Febrifugal February 2026 Consumption

Greatest hits!: “Okla-fucking-homa!” (1955). Not even kidding. “Millions” (2004). “Reservation Dogs” (2021-23)
Lowest lows …. “The Aprils Fools” (1969)?

2026-03-01
Monthly Reading, Viewing Report

Not for the Weak of Heart

Malaparte is an author blurring the lines between fact and fiction, to the benefit of a close reader.

2026-02-18
On Literature, Books Reading Journal

Cinema’s Concepts? Deleuze’s The Time Image

Thinking about montage and decided to pick up “The Time Image” and …

2026-02-16
Reading Journal On Ideas, Concepts, Intuitions On Literature, Books