Robert Mitchum was made for celluloid

“There just isn't any pleasing some people. The trick is to stop trying.” - Robert Mitchum

I love this quote (and Robert Mitchum, of corpse). Lately, I have been doing a lot ruminating about, not only what makes me happy but, what the hell I want out of this life? Do I want to be a writer, filmmaker, dabbler extraordinaire or maybe a wax figure maker? The short answer is: I am still figuring that out. One thing is certain: I have learned that my happiness most often revolves around the things I am working on and the place I am trying to get to. I am goal orientated and I live my best life when I have something I am working towards. Without a doubt, I’m one of those people that enjoys the journey more than the actual end result. I complete a task and when it is time to celebrate, I fade into the night and immediately start plotting my next big scheme.

Lately, I feel that I am getting pulled in a lot of different directions and have this sense that I need to take control of the wheel, so that I don’t end up somewhere I do not want to be. It is not that I am unhappy with what I am working on… lately I just have felt a bit unfulfilled in terms of my own creativity. Long story short: I have been neglecting my own personal projects for the greater good.

It has been a year since I quit my corporate job, and if I learned anything thus far it is this… The route I take to the destination may change along the way and that’s totally fine. I am in control of my density (George McFly reference, IYKYK). I’m the boss. If I am not pleased with the path I am on or am finding the ride has gotten a bit bumpy, I have the power to find a new route. The most important thing to remember is that I am in control and I am NOT living this life for anyone but me.

Guess where I spent the last two weekends? At the movie theater, of corpse!

Last weekend… I slung zines in the lobby of Ambler Theater with my partner in crime Benjamin for the annual 35mm Film Festival.

Didn’t this line-up cook?

The 35mm Festival truly ailed my blues, as it was held the same week as this year’s Turner Classic Movie Festival. It has been several years since I made it out for the grand event in Tinseltown, so having something like the 35mm Film Festival has been such a pick-me-up. I loved seeing all these motion pictures on the big screen. Their were a couple stand-outs. Obviously Blue Velvet was a most excellent experience and I have now determined that I need to see all the Lynch films on the big screen. The screening of Out of The Past proved Mitchum was made for celluloid and, despite seeing this movie many times previously, this time somehow managed to feel like the first time in which I ACTUALLY SAW IT. For this time, I watched the film as it was intended… on film. The other watch that stood out was the silent picture, Captain Blood with live organ accompaniment. The score was exquisitely played by Brett Miller and truly was such a treat. The biggest surprise from the weekend though was the screening of Gypsy. I went into this film not extremely interested and came out totally stunned by how much it moved me. Natalie Wood truly gives a tremendous performance that took me on a ride, but it was Rosalind Russell that managed to steal the show with her incredible portrayal of Mama Rose.

As for this week, I made the trek up to Salem, Massachusetts for the eighth annual Salem Horror Fest with my MovieJawn pal, Kate Beach.

We have both been having a grand time in Witch City filled with films, delicious foods and awesome adventures. Make sure to check MovieJawn.com for our latest dispatches and more to come about some of the fun stuff we have been getting up to. This may have been my first trip to Salem but it certainly will not be my last.

This week I am proud of… stepping out of the shadows and into the spotlight!

As my close personal friend, Norma Desmond (from Sunset Boulevard) would say: “All right, Mr. DeMille, I'm ready for my close-up.”

During the 35mm Film Festival, I stepped in front of the camera in effort to make MovieJawn videos for our social media platforms. With the grand assistance of fellow staffers, Shayna Davis and Sergio Valentine serving as my cinematographers, I went up to fest goers and asked them if they would like to answer a movie related question.

• If you were stranded on a desert island, what movie are you taking?

The hope is that videos will create engagement with our readers and possibly even get people talking about us. I will keep you posted on how it goes. We have lots of ideas for future videos including an entire series on: Cinema Etiquette.

Want to watch the videos? Follow MovieJawn on Instagram here, TikTok here, or YouTube here 

This week I recommend… checking out the motion picture, Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! from 1965, directed by Russ Meyer.

I caught this movie at the 35mm Film Festival and all I can say is: more films like this please. There truly was not a stinker in the line-up, each one of the films that screened made for a thrilling watch. In this picture, three go-go dancers kidnap a young girl and go on the run after committing murder. Upon stumbling on a destitute ranch, they quickly learn that this location offers more than a hideout. In fact, they may have just stumbled upon a jackpot and an answer to all their problems.

It is absolutely a thrill that I got to witness this exquisite picture not only on the silver screen but in glorious 35mm. The character of Varla, played by Tura Satana was astounding, and could easily become my entire personality… take that as you will. I truly need to do a deeper dive on this incredible piece of cinema.

Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! is available to watch online here.

Happy you are here.xx.goodbye.

Tell a friend.