Washingtonpost.com: Live Online

Behind The Screen
With Desson Howe
Washington Post Film Critic
Monday, Jan. 6, 2003; 12:30 p.m. ET

Washington Post film critic Desson Howe brings Behind The Screen Live Online for a discussion on filmmaking and the art of the cinema. Have you ever wanted to know what the director had in mind when making a particular film? Or why the producer altered the original screenplay? Why was an actor or actress cast over another? Howe has answers to these and other questions about filmmaking.

Howe, a movie critic at The Washington Post for 15 years, was raised in England where he was entranced, like most, by Hollywood movies. And it was a visit to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Desson Howe: Happy New Year everyone! What a relief it is to be at work and STOP EATING. This is really the high point of the year, where we turn the corner. The better films are all saved for this time. And I have enjoyed many Christmas releases. I'm sure you've had the chance to see many of them and have feedback, questions and so forth. Fire away.

College Park, Md.: "Talk to Her" by Almodovar -- wow, totally blown away. How refreshing it is to see a movie with quiet emotion and interesting dialog.

Is he the Spanish John Sayles? Amazing work, but do you foresee an Oscar for it? Probably not, but worth it I think.

Desson Howe: I would think it would be the entry for Spanish foreign film. It ought to win that category handily. Glad you liked as much as I did. Was on my top ten of the year. I think he and Sayles are vastly different in style. Almodovar is more playful and more cinematically adroit, I think.

Bethesda, Md.: Desson
I enjoy your chat more than any other on the Post site. Having said that, I wanted you to be aware of a new biography on Lawrence, in case you hadn't heard of it: T.E. Lawrence, Biography of a Broken Hero by H. Orlans, McFarland, 2002.

Desson Howe: Well, what a great compliment to start my year with. Thank you so much for that. And thanks for the information. I have a friend who's also nuts for the Lawrence film and the life of T.E. I'll mention this book to him as well.

Arlington, Va.: I just noticed that the Pentagon City Fashion Centre theater has been boarded up. Do you know if it is closed for good, or if they are just renovating? It would be great if it was going to be renovated and reopened.

Desson Howe: I'm told that the place is closed. As in closed down. Which surprises me. You'd think that would be a high traffic place. If I hear anything more I'll post it.

Washington, D.C.: I've heard that the dance sequences in "Chicago" are distracting, as they are cut too much like an MTV video; i.e., with only a few seconds between shots.

What did you think?

Desson Howe: I don't think much of that observation. I tend to dislike too much MTV video stuff in films. And I loved the movie. Yes, there is fancy cutting at times. But I guess it didn't strike as MTV whizz kid showing off. I thought it was just well done.

Takoma Park, Md.: Saw "Star Trek Nemesis" last week. Thought it was good for Trekkies (like myself) but only so-so for everyone else. Great special effects, though, especially during the climactic space battle. But the bad guy's lips were too plump! (Not Picard-like AT ALL!)

Desson Howe: Collagen alert.

Arlington, Va.: A few things, first, Pentagon City has closed their theater. Have you heard anything about it being replaced?

Second, Cinema Arts in Fairfax, they need to get automated ticket machines. The lines were a mess. The "lobby" area isn't big enough when they wait till 10 minutes before showtime to let people in. Anyone that was at the 4:45 p.m. showing of "Chicago" on Saturday knows what I am talking about.

Third, do you see "Adaptation" getting nominated for any Oscars?

Desson Howe: Well, I called there just now. And the manager wasn't there. Perhaps he'll call me back in time. If not maybe this can be readdressed in 2 weeks at next session. I did reach a very harried guy at the box office, but I don't think he knows whether or not the theater has plans for auto machines. They're not a chain theater, they might have limited resources. But let's see if I get that call back.

As to Adaptation, at the very least it will be nominated for a screenplay. It'll be interesting to see if it's under original or adapted screenplay, since it's a healthy amalgam of both! And it would be a crime if Chris Cooper isn't nominated for best supporting. And frankly Meryl Streep too.
I hope the movie gets more than a writing nod.

Silver Spring, Md.: Hi Desson. Please tell me if I have a problem. "Catch Me if you Can" was just "cute," and "Chicago" was great, but didn't live up to the hype. Do I need to see these movies again to share others' enthusiasm?

Desson Howe: I shared your view of Catch Me. It was light and diverting. Nothing more. But I thought Chicago was super and I'm sorry you didn't feel the enthusiasm I did. But hey, it wasn't your thing.

Washington, D.C.: Am I the only person east of the Mississippi who thinks Lord of the Rings II is an unimaginative, bombastic bore? The story-telling is negligible, the emotional engagement zip, the scenery and computerized glitz recycled from the first movie. It looks like a complete recycling of material hashed up earlier, though I liked the first installment. Is there hope of something better in the last episode?

Desson Howe: Yes, you are the only person. Oh wait, there was someone else I know who thought the same thing. So that's two. I jest, my friend. There is no actual law that says you need to have the same response as millions of others. But I can't agree with you. And yes there is virtual certainty (in my book) of the 3rd one being good.

Seattle, Wash.: Hey, thanks very much for your appreciation column on Joe Strummer. I had the occasion to meet him myself once and he was exceptionally gracious to a bonehead fan like myself.

Desson Howe: Thanks Seattle. I have had incredible response for that article. More than anything I've written. And it's nice to hear from each and every one who responds.

Punch-Drunk Love: So happy to see that PDL made your top ten! It was one of my favorites this year, although most of my friends didn't seem to like it.

Considering the tough competition coming out in December and January: what are its chances for some academy award nominations?

Thanks!

Desson Howe: It seems to have been lost in the rush of unusually strong competition at the end of the year. I'd like to see Sandler nominated for acting, Emily Watson for supporting, Paul T. Anderson for script and direction. And the cinematography was outstanding. we'll have to see.

Washington, D.C.: I just saw Gangs of New York. Please tell me Daniel Day Lewis is a shoe-in for an Oscar; he was amazing. And if not, who?

Desson Howe: Yes, he's an obvious shot. I was just telling a friend, I thought the movie was horrible! But yes, Lewis will likely get a nom. And almost dutifully the film might get a best pic nom, because it's been in the papers so much, and it's Scorsese and Miramax is pushing the hell out of it and blah blah.

Landover, Md.: After reading Michael O'Sullivan's review of "Gangs of New York", I must inform him that it wasn't Katherine Harris who wanted to "keep counting". It was Boss Daly and company. Can't I read a film review without getting a lesson in revisionist history?

Desson Howe: I'll pass on your commentary.

Philadelphia, Pa.: What did you think of Polanski's The Pianist?

Desson Howe: Fantastic. One of my top ten.

Capitol Hill: FYI, I saw " Chicago" yesterday and was AMAZED at how good it was! I usually hate musicals (rented Moulin Rouge and couldn't finish it), but the concept of the dream/song sequences worked, and all of the actors did a great job. Renee Zellweger really surprised me. Hope it does well and gets some nominations.

Desson Howe: Same. Glad you loved it too.

Your recommendation: Hi Desson,

Two of us girls are going out this week for a movie. Only ones either of us have seen since December are Two Towers and Antwone Fisher. What would be your recommendation for the best movie out right now? Thanks!

Desson Howe: See The Hours, opening Friday. Incredible film. Three great performances from Streep, Kidman and Moore.

Judiciary Square: Desson,

Had the privilege of seeing "Chicago" the movie at its 10 a.m. opening Friday the 27th at the fabulous Ziegfeld Theater, all crushed red velvet and chandeliers, in New York City. There were a good 400 people and it was largely a stage theater crowd, as one could tell by their conversations and responses. They applauded various performers and applauded after every musical number, as if it were a live show. As a musical theater lover, it was a treat to see this fabulous movie musical in a setting 180 degrees removed from a suburban mall.

I hope Chicago is wildly successful and inspires other movie musicals of its caliber.

Desson Howe: Nice to hear your anecdote. Sounds like a great experience for you!

Bethlehem, Pa.: If I hated Chicago the musical, is there any remote chance I'll like the film?

Desson Howe: Actually, there is a very good chance. It takes a different approach. I didn't see the musical, but that's what I;m told.

Washington, D.C.: I just saw Chicago on Broadway. Is the move the same as or different from the musical? Should I let some time lapse?

Desson Howe: What I just said.

Washington, D.C.: I am HUGE Tilda Swinton fan, why isn't her name on the ads for "Adaptation?" She should be in more American movies!

Desson Howe: I share your fan appreciation of her. She's pretty low in the pecking order on that film, is why. Did you see her in The Deep End? She was terrif in that.

Laurel, Md.: Desson, I think you and your readers would like to know that Gosford Park is a great DVD rental. I specify DVD because only on DVD can you turn on the subtitles -- which gives viewers a fighting chance of understanding what the characters are saying. A complex and intriguing murder mystery is then possible to follow.

Desson Howe: Good to know. I pass it on !

Re: The Pianist: Yes, fabulous. But will Polanski be able to come to the US and accept the awards?

Desson Howe: Good question. I would doubt it. But how many years has it been? Interesting idea.

Washington, D.C. 20003: What did you think was so wonderful about Adaptation? I think the film suffered from just the same flaws the character accused himself of -- self-indulgent and unoriginal. I found the shoot-em-up ending disappointing and unmotivated. The movie is everything it claims to not want to be, plus kind of slow and boring.

Desson Howe: No, no. I can't agree with that dismissal. It was the ending that the 1st Cage character would have hated. And that was the point. And I don't think it was self indulgent at all. It showed the characters self indulgence, but that's a different matter.

Washington, D.C.: Why, why, did you think Gangs was horrible? I was really mesmerized by it, and can't think of a criticism.

Desson Howe: If you really felt for the characters, beyond enjoying Scorsese's visual skills (which were great), then you were a happier viewer than me. And if the ending didn't strike you as a mess of highlights jammed together, then again, you had a greater time than me.

Rockville, Md.: What's all the hype about "Gangs of N.Y." about? It's just three hours of people beating each other up and getting killed.

Desson Howe: I'm with you.

Bethesda, Md: Saw 'Gangs of New York' over the weekend -- what I'd like to know is what happened to all the horse manure? This was supposed to be the 19th century, right?

Desson Howe: I think they used it to write the script.

London, England: Happy New Year Desson Old Chum from the mother country.. Now that 2002 is dead, please reveal your worst flick, the one you would never see again even under pain of death. (And Dana Carvey's too easy.) I loathed Signs -- a lot.

Desson Howe: Swept Away.

Oscars coming:: So what's your prediction for Oscar's best picture noms? Mine so far are Gangs of New York, Chicago and Two Towers. What do you think will round that out? The Hours? Adaptation? Far from Heaven?

Desson Howe: I believe all the films you have mentioned are contenders. And maybe The Pianist gets in there. And maybe My Big Fat Greek Wedding has a shot.

Re: Adaptation: What is the difference between being a self-indulgent film and showing the character's self-indulgence?

Desson Howe: If the film is self indulgent, then the film is self indulgent for whatever reason. But you can, in a good film, introduce a character who is self indulgent. And you might even resort to what seem to be self indulgent passages as a metaphor for the character. The narration in which Cage is talking about his own obsession and his self hatred is intentionally self indulgent to bring us to a close understanding of the character.

Alexandria, Va.: Please tell Washington that there are at least two more people who found "The Two Towers" a bore -- my husband and me. Just one battle after the other, zero emotional engagement, confusing romantic story (if that's what the women were supposed to be there for)... all in all, we didn't enjoy it much, despite the remarkable graphics, computer animation, etc. Seemed like it was more about special effects than about a story.

Desson Howe: Well, I got the juices flowing didn't I? Thanks for posting. And of course there are more than 2 who hated it.

Silver Spring, Md.: What do you think about North Koreans protesting the latest Bond film?

Desson Howe: I'm more worried about their nuclear weapons.

Washington, D.C.: Hi, Desson -

Look forward to your opinions -- it's an interesting chat.

Saw "Chicago" yesterday and really liked it. I thought it was very well done. Your thoughts?

Desson Howe: Thanks Washington, D.C. Well, I thought it was wonderful too. My thoughts, well, I wrote them in the review. But yes, a lot of flair, visual style, great dancing, good story, fine performances. The whole shebang: style and substance together.

Arlington, Va.: I've described Gangs of New York to my friends as being like a bad, but expensive Sci-Fi movie: all special-effects, no compelling story, character, etc. Do you think that analogy holds?

Desson Howe: I can understand the sentiment.

Gangs: Actually, I thought the ending was very strong, stirring. But, yeah, that's a good point, I guess I didn't really care about the characters. Though Daniel Day Lewis is now my God!

Desson Howe: Thanks. He's a fine actor.

Your recommendation, part 2: ...but if we're going out during the week (i.e., before Friday when The Hours opens), what should we see?

Desson Howe: Adaptation is on the arty side, I suppose. But I liked it. And The Pianist was depressing but deep. And About Schmidt is great.

Washington, D.C.: Hi there Desson!

1. Regarding the chatter with the comment on the quick takes in Chicago's dance scenes, I figured they were used to distract audiences from the fact neither of the Zs are exactly Fred Astaire (and I loved the movie.)

2. Can you explain something about His Secret Life to me? I can't understand why the boyfriend and his mix of eclecticc, interesting friends would have been so friendly with the widow, given she never added much to the group, its conversations, or the atmosphere. I can see idle curiosity, (especially from the boyfriend) but not such closeness. I couldn't get past that during the movie.

Desson Howe: 1) You may be right.
2) Well, I think her history with them (she shared the same man, that's pretty compelling) made them very intrigued. And they admired that she had the courage to keep coming back. And they could feel her strength. And her honesty. Many reasons, I think.

Movie re: Adolph Hitler: I understand there is a new movie called "Max" which is about Hitler.

Any idea when it will open in our area? Thanks.

Desson Howe: Yes, there is a film called Max. John Cusack plays an art dealer in Vienna who discovers a fledgling artist who eventually becomes the Adolf of infamy. And it's coming out January 24.

Silver Spring, Md.: Are there any plans to re-open the Avalon?

Desson Howe: Yes. Let's hope it works. It's a Don Quixote project. And may they prosper. Don't know when it will reopen. This year I would think.

Adaptation: I saw ADAPTATION and really wasn't that impressed. It was amusing but there are other Xmas releases that I enjoyed more than this (Talk to Her, Catch Me, LOTR).

Maybe it's the style that holds little appeal for me.

--MINI-SPOILER ALERT--

It was kinda funny how the screenplay became more formulaic a la Donald Kaufman at the end. But not THAT funny.

Am I missing anything else?

Desson Howe: Thanks for your comments. I think the ending was the point of the movie: only these endings make for success. Not much more to get than that. But for me that was a great punchline.

Washington, D.C.: I saw About Schmidt this weekend. Although I agree Jack Nicholson gave a great performance, the movie itself was a real bore. I kept waiting for something to happen but nothing ever did. And the end was too corny and overly sentimental for words. I can't understand why all the critics seemed to love it so much.

Desson Howe: I think it was subtle not boring. And very moving.

Somewhere, USA: Your choices for worst film of the year? I'm tempted to go with "Life or Something Like It," which I saw on a recent flight (an international flight, so I didn't have to pay). It was like watching a car wreck. I kept hoping against hope that some hint or originality or unpredictability would appear. No such luck. I haven't even seen "Maid In Manhattan," but any film with a multi-millionaire actor/actress, who demands huge sums of money for each movie they appear in, that tries to convince me that poor people have more fun ("Titanic" included) makes me ill.

Desson Howe: You are so right. I had repressed that movie. Life or Something Like It. What a horrible horrible film that was. Uh, thanks for reminding me.

Woodley Park: Although he seems to be in every third movie these days, Brian Cox was fantastic in Adaptation. It was such a short on-screen part, but the character's role in the film was hugely important. I just thought the film was genius, and if someone thought it was self-indulgent, maybe they just missed some of the clues. It was like Memento in that you keep thinking about the beginning at the end of the film.

Desson Howe: Good comments. Thanks.

Washington, D.C.: I think the new "movie theaters" in Georgetown are a big disappointment. Other than stadium seating they have nothing to recommend them. The screens are unacceptably small for new construction and the auditoriums have all the charm of the little room you're herded into to watch the jury duty movie. Bottom line -- they're screening rooms, not movie theaters.

Desson Howe: Interesting feedback. Thanks.

Bond film: It must have been the South Koreans who protested the film. I doubt any North Koreans even saw it.

Desson Howe: You're probably right. I was being flippant.

Laurel: Re: Polanski getting an Oscar

I'm envisioning his name being announced and some substitute comes up to the podium and says "Mr. Polanski was not able to be here tonight."

Reminds me of the time Jack Nicholson got a People's Choice Award for As Good As It Gets and Helen Hunt accepted his award saying "Jack wasn't able to be with us tonight" as if Jack Nicholson would have been caught dead at something like that.

Desson Howe: Hee hee.

Rockville, Md.: Do you think the man who "played" Semagol/Gollum in LOTR will get an award nod from any of the award groups? Just the "Leave me alone!" scene should get him something, much less acting like a sniveling dog!

Desson Howe: Wasn't he great? The best CGI creation I've ever seen. It would be some kind of technological breakthrough if he were nominated.

Alexandria, Va.: Any chance of Lilo & Stitch making any 10 Best lists? I got that DVD with my new player and we can't stop watching it.

Desson Howe: I know that the new Washington Film Critics association voted it best on their list.
http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Entertainment/reuters20030103_31.html

Work zone: I saw the Two Towers on Saturday, and enjoyed it for the most part. I haven't read LOTR and was able to enjoy the movie without comparing it to the book. However, I should have rented LOTR before seeing TT because I was confused about some of the plot.

However my beef is before the movie there was 5 minutes of commercials and 15, yes 15 minutes of previews. There must have been 10 movies previewed and most of them stunk. When the last three were previewed there was a collective groan at each one. Why do studios do this?? Does it make that much of a difference as far as box office numbers?

Desson Howe: Makes me think of a song by Alan Price in the great movie O Lucky Man: Sell, sell, sell, sell everything you stand for.

Silver Spring, Md.: I need you to decide the fate of a lunch bet. I know I'll win, but let's just go through the motions, shall we?

Which "Bedazzled" movie is better, the lame re-make with Brendan Fraser and the model, or the original starring the brilliant and funny Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore?

Happy New Year too, and I hope you enjoy this softie question.

Desson Howe: Oh puh leez. The Peter Cook-Dudley Moore one is 15 million times better. And who ever even thinks the other one is good should see the first and then beg forgiveness for their sins.

Washington, D.C.: Enough of the movies, what can you tell me about Cairo Fred?

Desson Howe: I can tell you they're one great band. And they'll be playing this Friday, so you can see them. Rhodeside Grill in Arlington. 10 till 1 a.m.

Arlington, Va.: Just curious,

As a film critic, are you sent the films on DVD and watch them in the privacy of your own home/office or do you go someplace for a screening? If you watch DVDs at home, do you ever go to the theater when the movie comes out to see it again on the big screen?

Desson Howe: I try to see it on the big screen every time. I only see something on DVD or video if it's the only way I can see it before I write the review.

Centreville, Va.: Hi, Desson. I'm a lurker, but love your chats.

First, please don't pick on Cinema Arts, chatters. It isn't a chain and those of us suburbanites who don't get to "the city" for these movies are so grateful that we can go there and get some real film experiences, rather than the multiplex. And if you have ever been to Hoyts in Manassas or Shirlington theaters will never complain about lobby space.

But speaking of Cinema Arts, I went there yesterday to see The Pianist. It blew me away emotionally and intellectually. But the theater was full of talkers! And some people were actually chuckling at what were apparently private jokes as there was certainly nothing humorous on screen. I hated that.

Sorry for rambling.

Desson Howe: Hey, thanks for standing up for the Cinema Arts. Really, you're right. It offers films you can't see elsewhere and yes people should bear the cramped lobby or whatever other problems for the great service they provide. Glad you liked Pianist. There's a great reason to go to the Cin Arts right now.

Alexandria, Va.: Desson I've seen Minority Report mentioned repeatedly as one of the best films of last year. What's with that? I found it cold and sterile, it's action uninvolving, plot full of holes, and Cruise's portrayal utterly unsympathetic. Those who disagree should watch the director's cut of Blade Runner a few times.

Desson Howe: A lot of people would disagree. And it was the top film on Roger Ebert's list for what it's worth. I liked it but didn't love it. And I agree that Blade Runner is infinitely better.

Dupont Circle, D.C.: Well, I loved "Adaptation" and the new Georgetown theater! Even my long legged boyfriend was comfortable. We also saw Rabbit-Proof Fence" which I thought was extremely well done. I did Google search and found a fascinating interview with Noyce. He is planning a follow up film with the same three girls. And there is a write-up on the film in Amnesty International's members magazine.

Desson Howe: All right. Good comments. Thanks.

Washington, D.C.: "I think they used it to write the script. "

Ha! Good one. Made me spill coffee on my computer keyboard!

Desson Howe: It was mean of me. But hard to resist. And I'm sorry about the coffee.

University of Maryland, College Park : In "Catch Me If You Can" L. DiCaprio masquerades as an airline captain in one part of the film. I find this interesting because Leo is slated to play Howard Hughes. Anybody who knows anything about HH, and especially after reading the book by Hughes' longtime right hand man Noah Dietrich, knows that Hughes disappeared from sight in the early thirties. When Dietrich found him he was working as a baggage handler for TAT, the forerunner of TWA in which Hughes would later control to some degree. I thought the comparison was interesting and perhaps Spielberg or Hanks did a little research and picked this up.

Desson Howe: Very interesting. Thanks.

Boca Raton, Fla.: Desson,
I saw "About Schmidt" last night and although I didn't love the movie, I thought that Nicholson's performance was terrific. What are the chances that he'll get yet another Oscar nomination? What about the film?

Desson Howe: I think he'll be nominated. And I hope he wins. He should. Incredible performance.

Bethesda, Md.: Hi Desson -- Happy New Year!

Two questions:

1. Like Capitol Hill, I rented Moulin Rouge and couldn't finish it (and I don't mind musicals). Is it safe to go to Chicago (i.e., is it completely different from Moulin Rouge)?

2. -SPOILER ALERT FOR ADAPTATION-. Regarding Adaptation, which I loved, do you think the change in tone and approach half-way through the movie worked? I assume the movie-makers were trying to show how a more "typical" Hollywood movie would go, and hence changed the approach after Charlie's twin got more involved and after Charlie wentscreen writingting classes. But it just didn't work for me -- I wanted to see the movie that was established in the first half -- that's a great movie! Why clobber me with a "Hollywood" movie for the second half? And the death of the twin didn't work either- wouldn't the death have returned to movie to its original tone? Or did the tone subtly change to combine the two approaches?

I'm confused.

Desson Howe: I think you should try Chicago for sure. Sorry running out of time, so I can only say: I think the ending of Adapt worked for me/ And happy new year to you 2!

Take Your Pick: Punch-Drunk Love: A thin story, really just pudding thrown up on a wall. A passable performance by Adam Sandler. All the other characters as thin as single-ply toilet tissue.

Gangs of New York: A brilliant performance by Daniel Day-Lewis, amazing cinematography and mise-en-scene, excellent editing, interesting musical selections, fascinating locations, and devastatingly thought-provoking material. (And yes, some phoned-in scenes and an ending that doesn't gel as well as it should.)

Take your pick.

Desson Howe: Punch-Drunk is my choice every time. But you say potato and I say potahtah. Or however that goes.

Arlington: It seems the passing of Joe Strummer has hit a chord (no pun intended) with many of my musical cronies. Were the Clash the Last Important Band? I still reserve my judgment on that one, since the Talking Heads and REM came along afterward, but there's credence to the argument ...

Desson Howe: All three of those bands are great in my book. Of course I really liked the Clash.

Re: Film critics: Are you given any material, like the script, to help with the review? Or do you just have to scribble down that great quote?

Desson Howe: Have to scribble it. Unless they quote it in the press materials.

Fairfax, Va.: Did you ever get around to watching PCU (Politically Correct University), starring Jeremy Piven? If so, did you find it funny, as I did?

Desson Howe: Didn't. But thanks for the reminder!

Silver Spring, Md.: Hi, Desson-
Love reading your reviews. I'm a high school student who is interested in becoming a film critic, can you give me any advice?

Desson Howe: E mail me later. Howed@washpost.com

Falls Church, Va.: Hi Desson,

Happy New Year! I just wanted to know what you thought about the supporting cast (mom, preacher's wife, and the girl who lived in the house) of Antwone Fisher. I thought they did a superb job even though many were on the screen for a short time! I felt SO much animosity towards them that it wasn't until the next morning that I realized how wonderful they played their parts.

Desson Howe: Glad you liked them/the movie. I had the same reaction. Good actors. And I hated them too.

DC in D.C.: Hi Desson--
Saw Chicago over the weekend, and enjoyed it very much. Not having seen the musical, I wonder if critics think the movie version had something the musical version lacked. When I was watching it, I thought that it would be a very fun musical to watch. Why turn it into a movie?

Desson Howe: Well, it's a great movie. So that question got answered, I guess.

Re: H. Hughes: The book by Noah Dietrich was called "Howard: The Amazing Mr. Hughes"

Desson Howe: Thanks.

Alexandria, Va.: Today the Washington Post Style Section had an article on the good business done by a lot of movies. It included a list of the 22 movies that made over 100 million dollars. What a depressing list. I only saw one movie on the list (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), and there are several other worthy movies on the list in genres I don't care for (kids' movies, action thrillers, and heavily promoted and product-tie-in films made from popular book series), but the rest of the list is really depressing -- sequels, remakes. It's not that the movie studios decide what movies get made by the numbers, it's that the public falls for it by paying to go see them!

Desson Howe: You're right. Thanks for your comments.

Fairfax, Va.: Cinema Arts in Fairfax has been a godsend for those of us who live out in the boondocks. It's a low rent place, but the only place to see art films in Fairfax. I see something every other week. I'd 'never' go to the movies if it weren't there.

Desson Howe: Hear hear!

Del Ray: Your Bedazzled reference reminded of one of my favorite little known films -- The Wrong Box, with story by R.L. Stevenson, and starring Michael Caine, John Mills, Ralph Richardson, Peter Sellers, Dudley Moore, and Peter Cook. Fab farce.

Desson Howe: Yes, fun film. Enjoyed that one years ago!

Desson Howe: Sorry, I have to pull the plug on our fun! It's been great as always. Come back in two weeks, everyone. Fun chatting with all of you! See if you can honor those new year's resolutions! Bye.

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