Why am I the last to know???
Song of the Day: Magnet - The Recluse
For the past six years of my life, I've pretty much been consumed in my own work and immediate work to not see what I have been missing in terms of the arts, culture, and society. For exam, on a whim, I decided to download "The United States of Leland" because I have heard that Jenna Malone had a supporting role in it. By GOd, low and behold, the movie was spec-fucking-tacular. It's movies like this that make me think what the hell I have missed throughout univeristy. This tiny bubble called Waterloo consumes my every thought without me recognizing it. I think this movie was even recognized at the Sundance Film Fesitval in Park City, Utah. Anyways, the move is so great and you'll be surpised by the list of actors in this film:
Don Cheadle | .... | Pearl Madison |
Ryan Gosling | .... | Leland P. Fitzgerald |
Chris Klein | .... | Allen Harris |
Jena Malone | .... | Becky Pollard |
Lena Olin | .... | Marybeth Fitzgerald |
Kevin Spacey | .... | Albert T. Fitzgerald |
Michelle Williams | .... | Julie Pollard |
Martin Donovan | .... | Harry Pollard |
Ann Magnuson | .... | Karen Pollard |
Kerry Washington | .... | Ayesha |
Sherilyn Fenn | .... | Mrs. Calderon |
Matt Malloy | .... | Charlie |
Wesley Jonathan | .... | Bengel |
Michael Pena | .... | Guillermo (as Michael Peña) |
Michael Welch | .... | Ryan Pollard |
That's a pretty impressive cast to say the least. I'm in shock that this movie flew under the radar. I'm sure that one of my friends would have mentioned it to me in passing rather. This movie totally broke the visiual that habitually pops into my head when Ryan Gosling's name appears: the nerdy, but cool character Sean Hanlon of the teen television series Breaker High.
Interstingly enough, the background music was very relaxing and soothing that it struck a nerve with me to inquire more about the tracklisting. Yet again, I was amazed by this soundtrack compilation of such great songs, though I don't think a soundtrack was ever released. Some notables to pass along, Frank Black, the Pixies, Imperial Teen and Jeremy Enigk of the fire theft fame. One of the surprising contribution was from an artist by name of Even Johansen otherwise known as Magnet. It's funny that I happen to see Even perform in Waterloo this Monday past as the opening act for Stars. One of the things that stuck in my mind from the Magnet set was the how Even asked the audience if they've heard of his music. After an ili response from the uninterested crowd, he shamelessly remarked that his song was in the movie Monster-in-Law with the ever so bootylicious Jennifer Lopez. What I thought Magnet should have told the crowd was that his song was in this movie instead.
All in all, definitely check out the film. It's somewhat of a thinker. It keeps you wanting to know why. The answer is more complex and compassionate than you think.
xend transmissionx
March 11, 2006 10:14 AM
Ya, and Gosling is engaged to my secret girlfriend (and hottest Canadian ever*), Rachel McAdams. Lucky bastard!
*Yes, even hotter than the young Adrienne Clarkson!