Of course I'll ramble about movies, art, and music. But there might even be a few surprises, so read on. My film choice for last week was called Law of the Border, a film from 1966 Turkey that was presumed lost. The restoration came from the only remaining print, and that was missing a reel and in terrible shape. After a military coup, all prints were thought destroyed. It is a strange film, taking place on the border (Iran?). A poor village survives by smuggling, and the film reminds me of a Mexican western. There is a lot of gunfire and shoot outs, though the setting is 1960s Turkey. The border is now fenced and bobby trapped with land mines, and so the missions become more and more dangerous. This is an eye-opening look into desperate poverty. The government wants to open a school and hopefully save some of the next generation, but the smugglers fear that the teacher will get wind of what is happening and report them. Lots of action, but also lots of realism and starkness. They try farming, but the land is poor, and the competing smugglers run a herd of sheep over the plantings, destroying the crop. Not a heart warming tale, but it is essential viewing. The lead actor is totally amazing, and steals every scene he is in.
Law of the Border, 1966, Turkey. Now showing on Criterion.
Part of Martin Scorsese's World Cinema Project.
A still from the film.
Deb's film choice was Marked Woman, starring Bette Davis and Humphrey Bogart, from 1937. Five prostitutes stand up to an untouchable gangster to bring charges of murder and mayhem against him. This is a hard hitting flic, not a soap opera. And it is highly ironic that we finished watching it on the day that Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on two of five charges brought against him, including 3rd degree rape (and I don't even want to know what that charge stands for). The battle will go on, and it began a lot earlier than 1937.
Now showing on Criterion.
Eventually, five women stand up for what is right.
Bogart as the prosecutor, puts away the bad guys.
In weather news, we are getting more Spring-like days than Winter ones. However, we are still getting winter ones, about 3 out of 7. More snow and cold are on the way, after a mild weekend. There were 5 incredibly clear nights in a row, something that boggles my mind. I was able to get out for the final two with my telescope. The first two nights were way too cold, far below my threshold of enjoyment while standing around in an open field. The third night was a howling wind storm. There was still wind on my two nights out, but I did get some observing done. I'm still working on my notes.
In music listening news, we have now listened to 92 Haydn Symphonies, as well as works up to Op 92 for Brahms and Britten. It's quite a ride, with a new Haydn work coming up later tonight. And I have been practicing my newest piano pieces for three weeks now. The first month is very frustrating, but things should improve a lot over March.
Today's artwork is brought to you by German Romanticism, a style of painting that I really love. Sadly, Detroit has virtually no major work in this area, despite the vast and famous collection of German Expressionist art.
The Waterfall, Karl Blechen. German, 1798-1840. Oil on canvas.
Unframed, 15" x 11". Undated work. Detroit Institute of Arts.
The location is not specified, but it is not difficult to think of The Final Problem, where Holmes encounters Moriarty. It's worth it to Google some of his other pictures, especially something like Mountain Canyon In Winter. Great stuff!!
While we still hope to jet off to San Diego next week, we are keeping a close watch on the latest Corona virus developments. Other than the fact that this might be the end of humanity, and the economy is tanking too, along with our RSPs it just might be a good idea to go ahead with the journey and see one more Bruegel painting before we expire. We have cancellation insurance that be used at will, but I really want to make this trip.
Mapman Mike
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