Remembering Phil Hartman: YOU MIGHT REMEMBER ME

To be totally honest, I didn't really care for Phil Hartman's work.

In light of the circumstances around his passing, that's not the most endearing sentiment to have. Words like "genius" and "talent" get thrown around....but except for his work on NewsRadio, much of his work left me cold. It didn't help that SNL was approaching what it eventually became - a middlebrow "live" show that went off like clockwork without any sense of creative anarchy. So I approached reading Mike Thomas' You Might Remember Me with great curiosity, but not with great enthusiasm

The result: Mike Thomas presents a very intriguing portait of a man who may have been more comfortable portraying fictional characters than in his own skin.
In many ways, You Might Remember Me reflects HBO's Life and Death of Peter Sellers - both men seemed adept at playing a variety of characters, and whose personal lives had a great deal of turmoil. Thankfully, Thomas practices a great form of discretion with Hartman's life - it's a warts-and-all portrait that feels all the more human. Granted, Hartman led a more varied life than most people - starting as a graphic artist for record covers, early involvement with the Groundlings, moving onto television and (seemingly) progressing as a solid character actor.

When the tragic end comes, Thomas pulls no punches...but he also gracefull describes the aftermath and loss. (It's to his credit that Thomas doesn't dwell or speculate on what happened the night of Hartman's death, but provides as much detail as he reasonably can).

In the end, part of the frustration with You Might Remember Me is that Thomas' subject was also....well, tough to get to know. This isn't meant as a criticism of the book, and to Thomas' credit, he paints a pretty vivid portrait of Hartman's life. You Might Remember Me is a relatively brisk and easy read, but it also feels a bit unfinished....but since the book portrays an actor who was always on a quest for identity, that isn't a drawback - it's part and parcel of the narrative, and definitely worth exploring.
Highly recommended

Love is the Drug: BURTON & TAYLOR

(Special thanks to BBC Home Entertainment for providing a complimentary DVD for review)

They were one of the most dysfunctional couples in pop culture. Married - and divorced - twice, noted for their addictive and dysfunctional behavior. And yes, they inspired a Lifetime movie featuring Lindsey Lohan.

Thankfully, the BBC's Burton & Taylor  isn't that television movie - in fact, despite some flaws it's a very warm, tender observation of a couple learning how to live with each other....and to live despite each other.

Focusing on their 1983 revival of Noel Coward's Private Lives, the film provides a portrait of two people - one getting healthier and facing personal demons; the other seemingly lost in addictive behaviors - attempting to sort out their feelings for each other. While one party is attempting to seemingly revive their relationship, the other is playing it safe and sober...and the drama comes not from high-pitched antics, but from the efforts of two people to learn how to be adults.

Although it's an exceptional film, the script seems to be relatively one-sided in how it portrays the pair. Dominic West (of The Wire) captures an actor towards the end of his life who is gaining - and in some ways, regaining - a high level of self-respect. But Helena Bonham Carter as Elizabeth Taylor....well, she seems way too broad, too much of a drama queen....but that is precisely the point. Somehow, despite the separate styles, both actors have a strong chemistry, and the movie never threatens to sink to the depths of Liz and Dick.


This is a very good Sunday afternoon movie - the kind of film that can be viewed, enjoyed, and that provides a touching coda to one of the tumultuous pairings in popular culture. I expected Burton & Taylor to be a bit over-the-top; the fact that it's subdued - and is still extremely powerful - makes it a definite must-view.

The Biography of Steel

OK, I admit it, I have a love/hate relationship with serious attempts to examine pop culture and its impact on mainstream culture. I'm finding that several times which include "....and Philosophy" in their title are geared more towards the hardcore philosopher than, say, the casual reader.

(I've had enough philosophy in college to really mess up my thinking, to paraphrase Steve Martin).

On the plus side, I really enjoy Sequart's work (currently making my way through Teenagers of the Future via Kindle Cloud Reader). And the most recent "hardbound" book I've read - and thoroughly enjoyed - is Larry Tye's Superman: The High Flying History of America's Most Enduring Hero. 

Think of this book as a more fact-based, in-depth, text version of the 2007 documentary Look, Up in The Sky, focusing on the history of the character, but also providing some of the historical backdrop behind the character's creation. (Think of it as having a little bit more heft than Gerard Jones' Men of Tomorrow, which focused more on comics in general). Thankfully, the book does focus on the travails and experiences of Siegel and Shuster, but does so in a much more open-minded, honest way. (Neither man is necessarily portrayed as a saint, and in reading some of the details around past rights' violations and current  litigation....well, it shows that both sides may have acted less-than-pristinely.)

My only complaint? The book feels way too short. Granted, not much happens after the Byrne-era reboot (only the Death of Superman, the Lois and Clark show, and Superman Returns), but there seems to be more story there. Of course, that may just be my own frustration that the book seemed to end too soon.

Very highly recommended.

One Good Reason to Watch PBS Monday Night

Photo via Flickr

Sometimes, it pays to be able to Netflix a documentary before it comes out.

 Awhile ago, I had decided to check out Phil Ochs: There But For Fortune on DVD - admittedly, I had read about his music via another blog (and I can't remember who - shame on me!), and decided that, at the very least, I should check out something about his work, if only to help me decide whether or not seeking out his recorded work would be worth it.

Thankfully, it is - and this film is the kickoff to the latest season of PBS' American Masters. It's on Monday night at 10:00 pm EST (and in Chicago, it's on WTTW HD at 9 pm CST). It's quite enjoyable, and honestly - you really need to see this.

In an age where protests and ideology can often devolve into sniping (look at the recent SOPA debates), There But For Fortune is a great example of how a person attempted to live up to his own ideals....and where that led him creatively. This could have easily turned into a Behind the Music-style arrangement of cliches: although the documentary does not shy away from Ochs' political and psychic turmoil; however, this is one of the better portraits of an artist, his art, and his time....and how all three impacted upon him.

When you read critics like, say, David Bianculli of TV Worth Watching praise this documentary (and he is one of my favorite critics), it's easy to dismiss. As a regular guy with a blog, this is definitely appointment television.

Check your local listings. Tomorrow night, catch this documentary.

At the very least, you'll enjoy the soundtrack.

Could He Be The One: A Review of SEE A LITTLE LIGHT

I was introduced to Husker Du in 1985, my freshman (and sole) year at University of Chicago; a guy named Jack was into alternative music. He, along with a cat from Boston named Jonathan, both helped open my ears - and heart - to loud, passionate music. And Husker Du seemed to hit me in a unique way, a mixture of noise and melody that somehow feels right. If the Replacements reflected my confused, aching young adult heart in its lyrics, Husker Du reflected my intellectually confused, aching young adult mind.

Thankfully, I was able to acquire a copy of See A Little Light - Bob Mould's autobiography - through my local library. After reading a very disappointing Husker Du bio earlier this year (which featured content from Greg Norton and Grant Hart), I was wondering how this would come about - would Bob Mould come off (as his ex-bandmates suggest) as an absolute control freak...or as a misunderstood genius?

I'm glad to say that the book straddles a thin line - Mould admits his past mistakes (even suggesting that yes, he might have been a little too driven), but is a pretty decent, well-thought memoir. Even in discussing potentially hot-button topics (such as his life in and out of the closet as a gay man), Mould demonstrates a strong, well-considered sense of discretion. Some reviews have suggested that this book is a little too cut-and-dry; I appreciated the fact that Mould pulls no punches in discussing his experiences, but seems to have been spurred by co-author Michael Azerrad to shape the narrative.

In terms of content, well....I don't think a fiction writer could have introduced turns and twists. Yes, we get the low-down on Mould's perspective of the Husker Du breakup. (In short - saying it here seems like spoiling). Mould's take on various aspects of his solo career range from the insightful to extremely self-critical. When we get to the later point of his life - from writing for professional wrestling to his involvement with electronic music - it seems like a radical turn, yet Mould places it in a great perspective where it seems like the only logical outcome.

See A Little Light is one of the better musician autobiographies....one that does what a good book should: lead you back to the artists' music.

This book has probably done as much to open my late-adult, yet-still-confused mind as Zen Arcade did back in the day.

Good job, Bob.

An Open Letter To David Bianculli

Dear Mr. Bianculli,

First, I have to publicly say - I love your work. TV Worth Watching is one of my favorite blogs about television, and I always enjoyed hearing you on NPR's Fresh Air.

My purpose in writing this is to simply gush over your new book about the Smothers Brothers, entitled Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour". It is one of the best books I have read about television, about free speech, and comedy...and how sometimes business and entertainment often can clash.

I have to admit, I'm a little biased - I absolutely adore the Smothers Brothers, and am unashamed to say it. (In fact, I even podcasted about Rhino's Sibling Revelry: The Best of the Smothers Brothers collection) I listened to many of their early 1960s album (which I'm surprised you covered, and I mean this in a good way). In many ways, this reads like an expanded version of the 2002 documentary Smothered, although we do have some further hindsight and greater context. (After all, The Daily Show was only recently gaining prominence, and I think Stephen Colbert was still doing voice work for Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law).

But rather than continue to gush (especially for readers who have no idea what I'm talking about), I'll use your promotional video to provide some overview:






But I wanted to thank you because, in a time when some networks are accused of simply spewing the party line on other site, we need satire more than ever. Reading Dangerously Funny, I'm struck by the fact that whenever our nation is in crisis, usually free speech is the first right to be questioned...and your book is a really good argument for honest and open dialogue. It's also an immensely entertaining read. (Yes, it does get a little gushing towards the end, but the Smothers are worth it).

And ironically, I received the first disc of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: Season 3 via Netflix, and was pleasantly surprised to hear that some language had been "bleeped". Oh, well, the more things change...

But anyway, thanks again for a great book. I appreciate it.

November 2009 Record You Should Own

This month, we're featuring not just an artist, but also a biography (so you can read while you listen!)

This month, it's Warren Zevon's Excitable Boy, featuring I'll Sleep When I'm Dead, an oral biography assembled by his ex-wife.

Plus, a blatant commercial message (which will be repeated on the blog tomorrow).

Either download directly from the page, or listen in the blog's sidebar player. (That Doctor Who/Kennedy podcast is still up, but you can just download it from this site).

To Sweetcheeks From Mr. Know-It-All

Dear Sweetcheeks,

Oh, I know that's not your real name, and that it's been years since we worked together. However, I wanted to keep you relatively anonymous on my blog - you didn't ask for me to address this to you, so I figured it was "sweetcheeks" or "Jennifer", since 80% of the women I worked with were named Jennifer.

However, since Jennifer isn't your name, and "Sweetcheeks" is, well, funnier, there you go.

I know you've been busy doing...well, whatever you're doing, and I wanted to ask you a favor.

Could you please send me back my copy of The Moose That Roared, Keith Scott's biography of animator Jay Ward?

Oh, sure, I could take back my mom's copy (which I bought for her on her birthday), or simply buy another one from Amazon.com...but quite frankly, I'm tired of having to borrow my library's copy, because it's quite a good book. I thought I had said you could borrow it - unfortunately, I probably should have been more assertive. By the time I realized my error, I didn't have your number, although you can contact me through Facebook and Linked In, if you want to connect.

Granted, it's not for everyone's taste - in fact, I'm rather flattered that you kept it and forgot to give it back. (Unless I told you that it was OK to keep, in which case - my bad). It's a really strong survey of a man who helped shape much of contemporary humor and culture. It takes two readings to really get - often, Scott attempts to mimic the tone of the old Bullwinkle and Rocky show, and it often doesn't come across well in print. But there's a real treasure trove of information for fans of classic cartoons...and quite frankly, you can tell that Keith Scott is a real aficionado.

And not just because he did the Bullwinkle voice in that movie a few years back, either.

But anyway, if I could have my copy back, it would be really appreciated. And fair's fair - I allowed you to tease me about my Alex Ross Superman poster without complaining. I think this is the least you can do, and I'll never ask anything from you again.

Oh, and if you're ever in my neck of the woods, let get together to catch up on old times.

Your former co-worker,
Mr. Know-It-All

P.S. Just as a side note - I want to see some Bullwinkle/Bully the Little Stuffed Bull crossover fanfiction. It just simply makes sense.

You're A Good Man, Charles Schulz

Literally, I grew up with Peanuts.

One of the earliest photos taken of me was my pregnant mother wearing a hideously orange Snoopy t-shirt. Part of my reading as a child were the paperback collections of Peanuts strips. As a child at camp, I was selected to "play" Snoopy in a very amateur (read: singing around the piano) version of You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown. I think it's safe to say that I not only identified with Charlie Brown, but that it provided a context and commentary on childhood.

Much like a recent edition of American Masters, David Michaelis' biography of Schulz attempts to meld Schulz's work with his life. It has also been criticized by members of Schulz's family for being slightly askew, misrepresenting aspects of Schulz's life. They had given Michaelis approval to write the book, but did not like the conclusions he drew...claiming that Michaelis discussed the life of a man who could not love, but who showed his children affection on a regular basis.

However, this is one of the most revealing, less prurient biographies ever written. Even during the "darker" times of Schulz's life, Michaelis often exercises the better part of valor, making Schulz more human - and ironically, giving his strips greater resonance. We can see how his life poured into his work, and the strips are used sparingly. (Some reviewers have wished that Michaelis put more emphasis on the strips, but I disagree - they're used in a way that really shows not only how Schulz integrated aspects of his own life into his strips...but more importantly, the craft that Schulz used in doing so. This is one of the few books that actually deconstructs comic strips...and reveals why Schulz was such a trailblazer.

In short, this book is much like a PG version of the HBO biopic The Life and Death of Peter Sellers. Both deal with artists who tended to "lose themselves" in their work, who used their work as a way of working through inner demons. (Although, admittedly, Sellers claimed to have no sense of self, having it "surgically removed"). Despite growing up with a self-deprecating father, a slightly distant mother, living within a culture that did not promote emotional expression...it is not unlikely that Schulz would turn to art to express his innermost thoughts and feelings It would seem very unlikely that, by doing so, Schulz would create a revolution in graphic literature.

Consider Schulz and Peanuts not just highly recommended, but mandatory reading.



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