Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by mikenyc on May 27, 2002 at 11:44:58

Viewed "Medium Cool" and "Joe" this past week.

Interesting period pieces, that somehow transcend their late sixties release dates.

Especially "Medium Cool". Robert Forster perculates along with the 1986 Chicago Convention setting, to give an outstanding acting performance. Verna Bloom gives such an understated performance, and like Forster, one doesn't discern where the acting begins and reality takes off.

One thing both films share is Peter Boyle. His comedic "Everything Loves Raymond" role is nowhere to be found here. Boyle is one of those confrontational, in your face dramatic actors...with a light touch, never heavy handed. He rivets your attention to him and is so completely natural and matter of fact. Never saw him hand in a dull characterization, though his roles were, generally, supporting.

I believe, Susan Sarandon, was in her first film in "Joe". You can tell.