Noir de Mexico

When was the last time you stopped a film less than five minutes in, just to make sure you just saw what you just saw? That's what happened to me tonight, screening Aventurera, a 1950 noir-musical gem from Mexico.

Actually, truth told, the plot lurches forward several more times before the nine-minute mark--by then, you realize that what you are confronted with is the template for everything from telenovelas to Desperate Housewives and pretty much everything inbetween. Imagine The Bad & The Beautiful with a half-dozen cabaret numbers, and you're close.

Running a search for stills to post on this post, I came across a festival happening next month in Austin: the 13th Cine Las Americas (21-29 April 2010). Looks like a great fest--I guess us folks stuck in Massachusetts will have to content ourselves with some of the other free classic titles the fest has screened in years past under the title Sin, Scandal & Song: Victimas del Picado (Victims of Sin, 1951) and La Mujer del Puerto (Woman of the Port, 1934).

Here's a teaser for Aventurera--the film is worth seeking out!

My life according to Gary Numan

I blame ASP for this...But I also thank her! Her Go-Go's-fueled post has inspired me to sort one of my own.

The game is: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST (or band), cleverly answer these questions. Pass it on any others you would like and include me. You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. You can use current or older artists. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)"

Your Artist: Gary Numan


Yeesh--here's an amazingly iffy video from 1982, for those reading on the blog site...Great bass on that album, but the persona he crafted...well, check out the video!

Are you a male or female: White Boys & Heroes
Describe yourself: Noise Noise
How do you feel: Berserker
Describe where you currently live: Cars
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: A Dream of Siam
Your favorite form of transportation: Films
Your best friend is: Are "Friends" Electric?
You and your best friends are: Remind Me to Smile
What's the weather like: Complex
Favorite time of day: Friends
If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: I Still Remember
What is life to you? Oceans
Your relationship: Blue Eyes
Your fear: The Life Machine
What is the best advice you have to give: Cry, the Clock Said
Thought for the Day: Call Out the Dogs
How I would like to die: Down in the Park
My soul's present condition: This is New Love
My motto: Please Push No More