Book review - "Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker" by Barry Sonnenfeld

Very well written. Some great moments. I actually didn't have that much fun reading it, though, I've got to be honest. Not quite sure why.

Interesting stuff, like his observations as to why DOPs generally make bad directors (they promote their old crew, so still think like a DOP - he used someone he'd never worked before). Funny story about working in porn but even that is a little off (he gets covered in sh*t). He clashed with Penny Marshall on Big. Scott Rudin is very colourful.

He falls into rich person's troubles at times - the plane crash story, he whines about being put on the cheapest private plane. Excellent insight into being a DOP.

Movie review - “True Grit” (2010) **1/2

I know this makes me a cinematic philistine but I’ve never warmed to the Coen brothers. Their skill and talent are beyond question, as are their intelligence, and I rejoice in their continued success because they’re not cookie cutter Hollywood. Still, their films leave me cold. Jeff Bridges is fine as Rooster Cogburn, but I missed the fatter, more charismatic John Wayne. Hailee Steinfeld is wonderful, as is the period detail and the language (from the novel). Josh Brolin is effective in a small role and Barry Pepper even better. The sudden outbursts of violence are expertly done, I’m glad it was a big hit. Still, I’ve got to admit – didn’t really go for it.

Movie review – “No Country for Old Men” (2007) ***1/2

I couldn’t say I had fun watching this but its an excellently made movie, jam packed with heart thumping suspense and unexpected twists. The Coens do desolate bad lands very well – there are strong echoes of Fargo and Blood Simple here. They also do violence exceptionally well. Josh Brolin comes out of nowhere (seemingly) to carry his role – it’s always great when an 80s teen star survives. Javier Barderm makes one of the most terrifying villains in cinema history and Tommy Lee Jones’ history is used very well. You keep thinking the film is going to end a certain way, but they pull the rug out from under your feet – and, after you think about it, it is very satisfying.