Turner Classic Movies (TCM) host Robert Osborne talked to me about TCM’s first Star of the Month in the new year, Robert Redford, (read my exclusive interview here). I’ve interviewed the classic movie historian many times about movie stars and Hollywood and I think it’s one of our best. You be the judge and let me know what you think. I am an admirer of Mr. Redford’s movies, so I am excited that TCM is honoring Robert Redford. I’ve added some archived reviews of his films, too, including one of my favorites, An Unfinished Life (2005).
That picture is directed by my favorite working director, Lasse Hallström, whose recent movie The Hundred-Foot Journey (available on Blu-Ray this month) is his best work yet. If you want to feel good, really good, and you appreciate good food, family, friends and work, see this light, intelligent and enjoyable picture. Mr. Hallström’s films are cumulatively the closest I get to feeling like I’m being treated to a visual-intellectual feast, at least some that don’t insult or assault the mind or senses, and his best work reminds me of Hollywood legends Howard Hawks and Ernst Lubitsch in the sense of humor, playfulness and clarity. His new movie offers a vision of perfect harmony for the new year (read the review here).
I reviewed a few movies opening this Christmas. Unfortunately, Selma is not very good, though I wish it had been. Into the Woods, on the other hand, is very well done and recommended, especially for fans of the film musical and Stephen Sondheim. It’s not a romantic production, of course, like the Rodgers and Hammerstein shows, which I prefer, but it is extremely thought-provoking and moving. The best movie coming out on Christmas Day is Clint Eastwood’s American Sniper, a tense, utterly involving movie that every American ought to see, now more than ever. As I wrote this, Sony Pictures also announced plans to release The Interview in certain theaters on Christmas. While I have not had an opportunity to review it, I certainly support the Culver City, California studio, which is under attack from a dictatorship, and its right to create, release and profit from the picture.
Profiting from good production is the aim of several business workshops I plan to give in L.A. in the new year. The four-part series includes 90-minute workshops for artists, entrepreneurs and executives on fostering good public relations, branding, how to get new customers and success with social media. Each workshop adopts an interactive approach with visual display in a small classroom setting and space is limited, so reserve a seat soon by calling (818) 379-7000 (or click here) if you’re local to Los Angeles. Admission is $20 per workshop. The series is sponsored by The Valley Economic Alliance in L.A.’s San Fernando Valley (where classes are held). The series’ goal is to get you fit for business in the new year. Registration is also open for my 10-week course on social media, which has been expanded and added to Burbank Adult School‘s spring schedule. The communication course starts at 6:00 pm on Feb. 23 and continues on most following Monday nights. The course fee is $79 (a few dollars less if registering online or call (818) 558-4611 to enroll). Otherwise, whether you’re in Los Angeles, feel free to let me know if I can help. Use the Contact tab or read my Bio or about my Method above. I’m also on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
I’m catching up on reading, writing and other work, though I posted an interview with the writer and director of St. Vincent starring Bill Murray, Melissa McCarthy and Naomi Watts, Theodore Melfi (read it here), and I plan to post a new filmmaker interview soon. First, I plan to spend some time with friends and family. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy new year.