Hello October...

Alfred Hitchcock

It's the most wonderful month of the year! There I said it! October is my favorite month of the entire year! Due in no small part that we get to celebrate Halloween for thirty one days!!!

Not to mention all the other related types of celebrations that happen such as Day of the Dead.

Thus to kick off this most holy of months we have this iconic image of the master himself Alfred Hitchcock standing in front of the Psycho house.

Since Psycho is one of my favorite films and Hitchcock is one of my favorite directors and both have ties to "Spooky Season" there you have it, the perfect mascot for October.

Fittingly I am kicking off the first day of October by attending yoga at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

Yeah, I thought you all might like that...

October on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October

Indeed...

 

Alfred Hitchcock on Wikipedia -

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Hitchcock  

Film Buff Friday: North By Norhtwest

After this week I know I need to unwind and see a film that will Entertain Me. Thus I am recommending a classic Alfred Hitchcock film to help all of you do just that: North By Northwest. 

This movie was made with no other agenda than to be top notch entertainment and it's exhilarating!

How exhilarating is it you may ask? Well I'm glad you did, so much so that the American Film Institute rated it the 4th most thrilling film of all time!!!

If you would like to know more before viewing this gem hit the link below to my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog he's got all the 411 and them some.

T.G.I.F & Film! 

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/north-by-northwest-1959

Film Buff Friday: The Birds

Since "tis the season" this week we are going to take a gander at Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. I have seen The Birds a handful of times. The last being on the roof of the Ricardo Montalban Theater in Hollywood for their, what else, rooftop screening series.

It was great seeing it outdoors on a big screen in the heart of Hollywood. I had merely seen it on TV the other times. It was an experience I will never forget!

What's that you say? You've never seen the birds, well that's ca ca. What now? You want to know more about this horror classic?

Great, then I suggest you head over to my buddy Jay Jacobson's Classic Movie Blog for the 411. Jay gives great insights, not to mention behind the scenes gossip and truly wonderful bios of the actors and filmmakers involved in the making of the magic.

Hit the link below Minions...if you dare!!!

https://www.jaysclassicmovieblog.com/post/77-the-birds-1963  

What She Said: The Art Of Pauline Kael

What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael

coming to DVD and digital on June 16th via Juno Films

Critically-Acclaimed Film Explores the Controversial Critic's Life and Legacy 

Voiced by Sarah Jessica Parker and interviews with Quentin Tarantino, Camille Paglia, David O. Russell, Molly Haskell, Francis Ford Coppola, and more

Juno Films will release Rob Garver's What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael on June 16th via MVD Entertainment Group. The film had its world premiere at Telluride and premiered theatrically at Film Forum in January 2020.

Tagged by Roger Ebert as the most influential film critic of the late twentieth century, the film tells the story of Pauline's turbulent life and work, through never-seen archival footage, her published writing and personal letters, and interviews with both friends and foes of her pen. Pauline is voiced by Sarah Jessica Parker, and participants include Quentin Tarantino, Camille Paglia, David O. Russell, Molly Haskell, Francis Ford Coppola, and daughter Gina James.

Pauline Kael (1919-2001) was likely the most powerful, and personal, movie critic of the 20th century. Writing for The New Yorker and publishing a dozen best-selling books, she ruthlessly pursued what made a movie or an actor's performance work, or not, and why. Her passion made her both admired and despised amongst her readers and her subjects. Pauline's own story is one of struggle and obsession: the fight to establish her voice and have it heard, and to raise a daughter on her own in a time when the obstacles were high.  The latter golden age of movies of the 1960s and 1970s are the focus of this film that pursues the question of what made Pauline Kael's work so individual, so controversial - and so damned good.

New York-based director and editor Garver also produced for 29Pictures LLC, alongside Glen Zipper, producer of the Academy-Award winning documentary Undefeated,  and co-producer Doug Blush (20 Feet From Stardom).  Composer Rick Baitz (The Vagina Monologues) wrote original music for the film, and visual effects were created by Minbomb/LA.    

The deal was negotiated between Elizabeth Sheldon, Juno's CEO and co-founder, and Eric Sloss of Cinetic. "Pauline Kael was a badass female film critic at a time when women were fighting for equality and respect," says Sheldon. "She remains an icon and iconoclast for film lovers today. We are thrilled to be working with Rob Garver to bring the film to American audiences."

Garver adds, "I think Pauline would be amused (and maybe worried) that a movie had been made about her.  And she'd get a kick out of it being distributed by another woman.  I am very excited to work with Elizabeth and Juno Films on a 5-year labor of love."

Juno Films distributes an eclectic and critically-acclaimed mix of films. Recent releases include the BFI's 2K restoration of Shiraz and Barbara Rubin and The Exploding New York Underground.

DVD bonus features:

- Never before released interview of Pauline Kael with Alfred Hitchcock

- Quentin Tarantino Interview Excerpts
- Paul Schrader Interview Excerpts
- Deleted Scenes

Info: https://mvdb2b.com/s/WhatSheSaidTheArtOfPaulineKael/MVD3012D

Pre-Order: https://mvdshop.com/products/what-she-said-the-art-of-pauline-kael-dvd  

Michael's Musings

"Sometimes We All Go A Little Mad"
Michael Shinafelt

In case you don't wrap your head around my look and quote this week, it's all about me letting loose my inner Norman Bates courtesy of Sir Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho. Which just so happens to be one of my favorite films of all time. 

It's only one week until Halloween minions, get in formation!

I'm gonna lick Satan's _______  fill in the blank. There is something you want from Satan I'm sure!

Ghosts have fashion rules, deal with it.

"Before Trump I was not aware of how many different ways a person could be awful" - The Tweet Of God

When that cute guy at the gym pulls down his pants and shows you the stitches in his booty, and you didn't ask to see them

Is having “no filter” just a way to avoid empathy?

In case you were wondering...Martha Stewart has some thoughts about Felicity Huffman's prison ensemble.

Cool fact of the week - John Cena is now following me on Twitter, Oh Daddy!

"It doesn’t matter who or what you are, I’m going to torture you in hell just the same as everyone else" - Satan

Woman Crush of the Week - Rose McGowan "Scream" I always liked my women strong & sassy

Pardon me, did I hear you say spinach?!

It's time for Skeleton on Gelatin

Moving on up to the gutter

Let's have a Raveyard!

Don't ever tell a Vampire to suck it, unless you mean it

I see you and I know what you do at...
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt  

Hitchcock and Humor

"Hitchcock and Humor - Modes of Comedy in Twelve Defining Films" by Wes D. Gehring coming June 26th I don't want to start any blasphemous rumors, but I think Alfred Hitchcock has a sick sense of humor... Paperback, 282 pages, McFarland & Co inc "Gehring remains supreme in film comedy scholarship" - Choice

Woody Allen's Manhattan Murder Mystery has been described as "a kind of Rear Window for retirees." As this quote suggests, an analysis of Alfred Hitchcock's methodical use of comedy in his films is past due. One of Turner Classic Movies' on-screen scholars for their summer 2017 online Hitchcock class, Gehring grew tired during research of misleading throwaway references to the director's "comic relief." This book examines what should be obvious: Hitchcock systematically incorporated assorted types of comedy-black humor, parody, farce/screwball comedy and romantic comedy-in his films to entertain his audience with "comic" thrillers. And a bonus twist is a provocatively new dark comedy "reading" of the Hitchcock MacGuffin. Wes D. Gehring is a distinguished professor of film at Ball State University and associate media editor for USA Todaymagazine, for which he also writes a column "Reel World." He is the author of 39 film books.

"Homewrecker"

Filmmaker and horror fan Robert Hensley has made a delectable short film in the genre with the title Homewrecker - let me give my opinion on it before Robert explains it all to you.

I really love that he has gotten to the root of horror films from my youth, yeah they weren't all slasher films and bloodbaths, stuff like that. They had character, and played upon our inner anxiety and fears. 

Robert's short which won the Direct Monthly Online Film Festival is well deserved. It does  a quite modern take on an old tale La Llorona and it works like a charm. I have actually watched it a few times, it's that good. I felt the best way to convey the cool factor of it to all of you minions was this statement from the man behind it all Robert Hensley!!! 

"When did horror films become a vehicle for grotesque gore and franchisable maniacs with the weakest of plots barely gluing it all together? Thankfully, filmmakers such as James Wan are producing films which throw back to a more story and character-rich horror genre. This, too, is where I found the inspiration for HOMEWRECKER.

Rona

A huge fan of Hitchcock and Carpenter, I set out to create a short horror film which built up a sense of anticipation. The audience knows something is going on, something is coming, and it all leads up to that reveal. Blood and guts were incidental to the story as a whole.

I was inspired by the traditional fable of “La Llorona,” also known as the Wailing Woman or Woman in White. There are several variations of the tale, all featuring a beautiful woman who married for money, and kills herself in despair when her husband leaves her for another woman. In one version, she kills her children in a rage and then takes her own life when she realizes what she’s done. In all the various tellings, she comes back and walks the riverside where she drowned and wails for the loss of her children or her marriage. Whoever hears her scream is cursed to die.

For HOMEWRECKER, I focused on a failing marriage and a philandering husband. This was the catalyst for Rona to take her own life and her transformation into a vengeful spirit. While “La Llorona” is always connected to water: a stream, a river, or a lake, I chose to consider more domestic uses for water such as bathing, showering, and laundry. 

C&C (Chests & Crack)

The first horror film I actually had permission to watch was “My Bloody Valentine,” which has an infamous laundromat scene. Being a child of the eighties, the horror films I grew up with were R-rated, T&A, boy’s club franchises. I also wanted to pay tribute to these movies in some way. Getting permission to film a scene in a laundromat was a start!

Nudity was another. However, I made the decision to keep my female talent clothed, and undress the men, turning T&A into C&C (chests and crack). I cast actors who were not afraid to disrobe and appear nude on camera for a vigorous sex scene, which builds along with the drama happening with Rona at home.
​
Finally, the colors, saturation, and tones in the finished film find comparisons to the horror films of the 70’s and 80’s. Jason Lange, our cinematographer, who lit and shot HOMEWRECKER by himself, created a beautiful visual tribute to the films which inspired me."

Become a Homewrecker at:

https://homewreckerfilm.weebly.com/  

Michael's Musings

Tell Everyone What Your Really Think
Michael Shinafelt

Hello minions I just got in from a screening of The Nun at the Arclight in Hollywood. Honestly I am feeling completely underwhelmed especially since the horror opus from which it sprang, The Conjuring was actually good. Basically I'm stating that The Nun is lame.

Apparently this is my week for "The" films because Tuesday night I took in Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds under the stars on the rooftop of The Montalban Theater.

In other news...

I'm Team Nike

Op-ed is the word

This isn't my first time at the human doll rodeo!

Why is it when I see the acronym for The Real Housewives of New York, RHONY I think "Real Horny?!"

All hail the New York Times

Byline of the week - "Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop to Pay $145,000 in Vaginal Egg Settlement"(this is wrong in so many ways, think about it, but not too much)

Boooooooo! Kyle Richard's American Woman has been cancelled after only one season

Colin Kaepernick

Colin Kaepernick, Colin Kaepernick, Colin Kaepernick 

I'm looking forward to the new Halloween movie, I'm sure it's better than The (F#cking) Nun

A woman while sitting across from me on the bus the other day was sucking on a dildo, the more you know

There's a new sensation that's sweeping the nation: Name That Author

Silent Disco, beware of the music that no one can hear...

What now Little Bunny Foo Foo?

You've heard of the 12 Monkeys, now there is the 45th Buffoon 

Time to get oiled up with me at:
https://www.instagram.com/michaelshinafelt/?hl=en
https://twitter.com/MShinafelt   

Freaky Friday

Look, Up In The Sky...
Tippi Hedren 

Ever wonder what would happen if nature rebelled against you in the form of a docile creature such as a bird? Well I actually don't my sister's parakeet attacked me a few times, so that has been scratched off my bucket list.

This coming Tuesday I will be hitting The Montalban Theater in Hollywood for a retro screening of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds. It has been a long time since I have seen it, like, I believe I saw it when I was in High School. So I don't remember too much about it, other than cute little birdies taking on the demeanor of animals gone wild and that Tippi Hedren was a stalker of sorts.

So in case you haven't guessed it Ornithophobia - fear of birds, is this weeks Freaky Friday inspiration.

Thanks Tippi & Alfred looking forward to revisiting this classic under the stars on the rooftop of The Montalban this Tuesday. I hope there are no birds in sight...Ca ca ca!

The Birds on IMDB:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056869/?ref_=nv_sr_1  

The Horror: Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho

Who Does Your Eyebrows?
Janet Leigh

Leaving one of the most indelible impressions of any horror film in history Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho is a classic that has endured through the generations. It has spawned three sequels, one remake and a prequel TV series, Bates Motel which is coming up on it's fifth and final season. 

Nothing had ever been seen on the silver screen before like Janet Leigh's shower scene death as Marion Crane. Not only was it shocking in it's brutality it was the first time a protagonist had been killed off in the first thirty minutes of a movie.

So for a Halloween treat I have decided to post a montage of images from one of my favorite horror movie deaths of all time, the "shower scene" from Psycho for you to savor. 

T.G.I.F! 

Help Me!

Watch Out!

The Original Scream Queen

Psycho on IMDB:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054215/?ref_=nv_sr_2   

Jamie Lee Curtis Goes "Psycho"

Like Mother, Like Daughter
Jamie Lee Curtis & Janet Leigh

OK, everyone knows I am a HUGE horror fan! So it stands to reason I am quite excited about the premiere of Scream Queens (not Screaming Queens) September 22nd on FOX. 

A main attraction for this horror junkie being Scream Queen Supreme Jamie Lee Curtis. Jamie was in one of my all time favorite slasher/suspense flicks John Carpenter's Halloween, and as you recall followed that up with a bunch of others in the 1980's such as Prom Night and Terror Train.

It was most likely her destiny to fill the role since her Mother, Janet Leigh was one of the original Scream Queens when she appeared in Alfred Hitchcock's classic Psycho. Another of my favorite things!

You know the movie where the female lead gets killed off in the first fifteen minutes of footage, yeah that one.

Well Jamie Lee recently Tweeted this image with the caption: "Recreated Mom's PSYCHO shower scene 4 a special ep of @ScreamQueens,"

Yes!!! I know where I will be this coming Tuesday the 22nd at 9 pm!

Scream Queen, Scream at: http://www.fox.com/scream-queens

TBT: "Pretty Little Liars" Pants On Fire!

Like, Duh!

I have decided to honor Throwback Thursday on this blog starting, like, today...

My first TBT post is an image from one of my favorite TV shows Pretty Little Liars season deux episode six.

My niece Shauna Waters and I are obsessed with it. Our thing? We text each other weekly about it and give our theories on who the big "A" is.

That being stated even if it does not turn out to be Ally, she is still not a very nice person. Check out the posted image.

What keeps this show amazing to moi? Keeping it real. Even though a lot of the situations are crazy and out there, they are balanced with a nice blend of real life situations and the characters respond to all the twists and turns as real people would.

Pure entertainment should be believable even when the situation is not.

Hats off to all the great actors, writers & producers on this show!

Me and Shauna will keep obsessing until the very end, but please let us know who the big "A" is ASAP!

PS - I also love the many Alfred Hitchcock references.

Feel "Pretty" at:
https://www.facebook.com/prettylittleliars
https://twitter.com/abcfpll

"Kiss Me, Kill Me"

"While confronting his unfaithful boyfriend Dusty blacks-out. When he comes to, his boyfriend was murdered and he's the prime suspect."

If the title didn't get your attention I knew the above tidbit would. Sounds intriguing! Want to know more about this movie and how you can be a part of it? Read on, if you dare...

"Kiss Me, Kill Me” stars Van Hansis (“As the World Turns,” “Eastsiders”) and Gale Harold, who is playing a gay character for the first time since his legendary role as Brian Kinney on Showtime’s groundbreaking “Queer as Folk.”

Gay Again, Gale Harold

Directed by Casper Andreas (“Going Down In LA-LA Land,” “The Big Gay

Musical,”), from a screenplay by David Michael Barrett (“Such Good People,”

“Bad Actress”), picture boasts some powerhouse indie talent: Willam Belli

(“RuPaul’s Drag Race”), Kit Williamson (“Eastsiders,” “Mad Men”), Independent

Spirit nominee, Yolonda Ross (“Treme”), Tom Lenk (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”),

Brianna Brown (“Devious Maids”), Jonathan Lisecki (“Gayby”), Michael Maize

(“True Blood”), Craig Robert Young (“NCIS: Los Angeles”), Jackie Monahan

(“Foxy Merkins,” “Codependent Lesbian Space Alien Seeks Same”), as well as

Matthew Ludwinski and Allison Lane (“Going Down in LALA Land”).

It's Van Hansis

“I’m beyond thrilled about the fantastic cast we have assembled,” says director

Andreas. “That we managed to attach such great talent is a testament to David’s

sensational screenplay." He adds, "I can’t wait to get started on the production

and get to work with these wonderful actors, including my two “Going Down in

LA-LA Land” stars, Matthew and Allison.”

“Casper is a world-class filmmaker,” says screenwriter Barrett, “It’s going to be a

really fun ride seeing him, and this spectacular group of talent, bring my script to life.”

“Kiss Me, Kill Me” is a contemporary Alfred Hitchcock/Agatha Christie-style “whodone-it,” with the mystery centered on Dusty who confronts his unfaithful

boyfriend and blacks-out, only to wake up to find the boyfriend murdered and

he’s the prime suspect.

Director Andreas and screenwriter Barrett are producing. Their 30-day campaign

is looking for $100,000 and offering perks that range from digital downloads, to

being an extra, a speaking part, and different producing levels. 

Grab a weapon & make out at: 
www.kissmekillmemovie.com

TV Watch: Norman, Is That You? "Bates Motel"

Being a hardcore Alfred Hitchcock fan and having yet another spin-off made of my favorite Hitchcock film "Psycho" as usual, my curiosity was piqued, yet my dread was building...let's face it, no other Hitchcock masterpiece has been ripped off, paid homage to or had as many sequels or related projects made based on it than the king "Psycho".

With pretty much all of it being disastrous! OK all of it with the exception, of "Psycho 3" with the late great Anthony Perkins, which was genuinely disturbing and had religious imagery that Mr. Hitchcock would have been proud to call his own.

Now, what to say about "Bates Motel" a prequel of Norman Bate's formative years BKMC (before killing Marion Crane) - the fact that it is set in modern times, for me is a little distracting, but the essence of the story and characters are there, so I will give that part a pass.

Also on the plus side we should all be grateful Gus Van Sant has no part in this (the biggest and most horrible blemish on his resume a shot by shot remake of "Psycho") which as a huge fan I went to out of morbid curiosity...it was awful and really should have killed the careers of the the two leads (which seem finally dead now) being void of talent and charisma Vince Vaughn and Anne Heche.

Freddie Highmore & Vera Farmiga

That can not be said for this multiple take on Norman Bates and his Mother Norma...Freddie Highmore as Norman and Vera Farmiga as Norma are very talented, capable actors with charisma to burn. Oedipus didn't see his mother coming either...FYI.

Of course this is the central relationship to the story, and Norman seems like a fairly well adjusted young man despite his Mother's overbearing, control freak ways...until around episode three, yep we are starting to see the cracks in Norman's veneer...the more his Mother uses and abuses him and the more things in their world become unraveled, the more young Norman does too.

It does not help that our youthful Norman has some help pushing him, other than his "psycho" Mother, in the form of an equally unbalanced half brother named Dylan expertly played by Max Theiriot.

What do I think of the show overall? Other than the distraction of having it set in modern times, I am intrigued from week to week, the show plays to fans of the great film that was "Psycho" and is a stand alone for the uninitiated. Hey, it's been keeping me interested....and is the best use of the source material since the original and third sequel, let's face it no one will ever be Alfred Hitchcock, but they can at least do an honorable homage and not crap all over a classic like Gus Van Sant....

"Bates Motel' airs on A&E at 10pm on Mondays

TV Watch: Booooo! "Pretty Little Liars" Season Finale Next Week...!!!

There are always a handful of TV shows I can never get enough of and, yeah I think you have guessed one of them already.

I just love, love and, yes, love "Pretty Little Liars"...!! So well written, plotted and acted, with clever references, verbally and visually to the master of suspense Alfred Hitchcock. The people behind this show know their stuff!

So, as a fan, I thought I would bring you my 10 favorite quotes from this season of "PLL" ....

Here is my number 1 favorite and the rest follow in no particular order, let's rock this!

1) Hanna - "There's a downside to being too smart"

2) Spencer: Why do you even bother coming to church?

Ali: I like to cover my bets.

3) Mona: And who's looking cray-cray now, Spencer?

4) Spencer: Is she "Saint Ali" now? Are her bones holy relics or something?

Aria & Spencer, Chillin' 

5) Aria: I wake up every morning with the intention of telling him, and then I go to sleep every night feeling guilty that I didn't. 

Hanna: At least you have your afternoons free.

6) Aria: "Unable are the loved to die for love is immortality."

Hanna: That's creepy.

Aria: It's Emily Dickinson.

Hanna: I don't care if it's Santa Claus, considered me creeped.

7) Mona: Fear cuts deeper than a sword.

8) Hanna: I always hated biology. I mean who cares how a cell divides, it just does.

Look it's Mona aka Satan in Disguise

9) Andrew Campbell: Put on your Hastings face and spank her tomorrow night like I know you can.

10) Aria: Playing dress up for your man on Halloween is one thing. You do it any other night, you end up on an afternoon talk show.

Can't wait for the Season 4 premiere on June 11th!

Watch your back, at: http://prettylittleliars.alloyentertainment.com/

The Horror: On "Entertain Me"

I'm such a Devil

'Tis the season to get scary, fa la la la la, la la la la - This October 2012 here on "Entertain Me" along with  our typical entertainment blogs, we are introducing a Halloween oriented blog that will be posted throughout the month featuring my fellow lovers of things that go bump in the night called: "The Horror" -

When you see this at the beginning of a blog you can either choose to run or bask in the glory that is gory, scary & fun!

Me on "The Lair"

Every subject of a blog with this caption is a lover of all things macabre and other worldly or directly involved in a project that is reflective of that sensibility -

So, here is a little something on yours truly, I love horror, I can't wait for the premiere of "American Horror Story" on October 17th! My favorite horror movie of all time is the original "Halloween" - Alfred Hitchock's "Psycho" is a close second.

I love haunted houses and hay rides and if I could be a supernatural creature I would love to be a vampire - oh and the late great Tony Scott's "The Hunger" is my favorite vampire movie ever.

The devil would be a second choice as a hot supernatural creature to be.

Also I have been in two horror projects, the Here TV Show "The Lair" where I played a "Leather Daddy Vampire" and the hot award winning flick Joe Castro's "The Summer of Massacre" where I play an undercover cop who gets his skull crushed in by The Boogeyman...!

The Summer Of Massacre Movie Poster

It's October everyone, be prepared to scream and get ready for "The Horror" Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek...!!!


Follow me on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/MShinafelt


Boo!