MEANDERINGS
– by Peter Rocchio
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Over the past month I have heard more than a few media types say the following, “I’m not a homophobe but I won't see BROKEBACK MOUTAIN”. The problem they go on to explain has to do with the ‘images’. A very dark and clothes on flash of a sex scene and a long shot of a passionate kiss - are these images likely to give offense? So, let me hear from you – are these persons in fact homophobic or merely sensitive? What do you think?
A couple more films worthy of comment – MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA is a gorgeous cultural journey. Geishas have never been properly understood in this country and this film sets the record straight. These carefully selected young ladies are schooled in a myriad of graces which raise them to a level of high art. The film spans decades, which include WWII and the accompanying cultural, social and economic restructuring of Japan. The John William score is well deserving of the Golden Globe he received. It helped to have the gifts of Yo Yo Ma and Itzahk Pearlman providing the sounds of the ethereal
When is Woody Allen not being a sophisticated, witty and anxiety driven NY Jew? When he takes on the persona of Alfred Hitchcock. MATCH POINT is a helluva film. Set in England (not NYC) everyone is upper crust and not neurotic – well almost everyone. Jonathan Rhys-Jones is a tennis pro who upon coming to a exclusive London club begins to give lessons to a young man of his age – the pro is invited home to meet Mother, Father, sister and girl friend. Girl friend sets her eyes on tennis pro and tennis pro immediately falls in lust with girl friend. The scenario becomes hopelessly involved and concludes in a most reprehensible way with a most remarkable ending.
MATCH POINT is a very satisfying film and proves that Woody Allen is both a brilliant director and creative screenplay writer without having to rely on all those often irritating Woody Allenisms. Woody Allen meets Alfred Hitchcock – eHarmony couldn’t have made a better match. And the sound track is totally operatic – yum!
In case you may have missed it at another location on this web site, let me reiterate that LOGGERHEADS which was at the Orlando Downtown Media Arts Center is no longer there but keep your eye out for the DVD. Quality gay-themed films don’t come around all that often and this one has high production values, excellent acting and a meaningful story line woven deftly by the director Tom Kirkland.
Some of us move more slowly than others. I don’t know how long Cirque due Soleil has been in residence in Orlando but we went last week. We had seen ‘Cirque’ a number of years ago, under a tent in San Francisco and as spectacular as it was, it was light years from La Nouba. An evening filled with ooohs and aaahs – reactions for both the circus/balletic movements and the accompanying music and costumes. The audience and we were thrilled. There is about to be five, that’s right five separate Cirque shows in Las Vegas –each one completely different and each one a must see. One set totally to the music of the Beatles.
This past weekend we went over to the SUNCOAST RESORT in St. Petersburgh
to visit with our friend from New Orleans who had stayed there as an
evacuee from Katrina. The owners of this very popular and swinging
gay resort, Lester Wolff and his partner Chuck Williams generously
opened their facility to many gay New Orleans evacuees.
We all benefit
when our community comes together to help our own.
One good turn deserves another – if you’re looking to get
away for a bit or just a weekend you just might enjoy some time hanging
out at the pool, etc at SUNCOAST. Suncoastresort.com
We paid our first, and not our last, visit to PRIMO, the fine restaurant
at the J. W.Marriott where we ran into Jeff Miller and Ted Maines also
dining with friends.
It is gorgeous and comfortable with an excellent and inviting menu. PRIMO
is priced at the more affordable end of high market. What the hell
does that mean?
Appetizers were in the $12 range; entrees $28; desserts $8.50. cocktails
were a bit pricey at $8.50 and $10. The excellent wine list appeared
to be based on a 100% markup – not bad when we are increasingly
see two and three times that.
On the subject of food – I recently was informed that the Baldwin Park Publix is now carrying USDA Prime beef. It has been so long since I saw Prime that I thought the USDA was no long grading for that quality only Select and Choice. Well, now when you decide to serve a standing Prime ribs of beef you can really do so. (don’t forget the Yorkshire Pudding).
Super Bowl Sunday is neigh upon us and, sports nut that I am, I really don’t care. I’m suffering from subjectiveness. I have four teams that I care about and none of them made it to the big game. I root, in this order, for the Redskins, the Patriots, The Forty-Niners and the Jaguars. Seahawks and Steelers? Ugh!
How about that Tiger? How many can he win this season? And then there’s Jeff Gordon…Nextel Cup here we come.
Am I a sports fan or just one in lust?
Ciao for now.
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