Robs takes on Media and Entertainment

 Nihilism is always a popular theme or character trait in literature and movies. In "The Sunset Limited" (2011) nihilism is approximately 50% of the story. In that movie / play, 'White' is arguing that all life is meaningless and that he has no connection to anything worth living for. 'Black' is arguing that God is the reason for life and we are called to reach one another from that love.  The piece that struck me was the last exchange as White is leaving the apartment. White apologizes to Black. But what is he saying sorry for? It seems to me that he is sorry for how badly Black feels about being unable to save White. He feels empathy for Black hurting because Black has accepted his human frailty - and the consequence that White is doomed. As an otherwise perfect nihilist by White - it is this turn that is out of character. If nothing matters and all life is meaningless ... why be empathetic? Why extend a word of kindness & concern? Why try to make this o...

 I would like to label "Jackie Brown" (1997) as one of my 'perfect movies'. I would like to. While I think it is Quentin Tarantino's best work, I find one stand out flaw in the writing + directing (both of which QT is responsible for) that knocks it off that stage. How can a man responsible for such a number of cinematic triumphs mess up the denouement so badly. The opening offense is:    “Look out, Ray! He has a gun!” (-Jackie Brown) Then there is some nonsense about [is he dead], [did you call the police], and [marked bills].  Some tsking and tasking. The scene closes with:    "Ray? Remember when you said you hoped you'd get him before he gets me?" (-Jackie Brown)   "Mm-hmm." (-Ray Nicolette) "Well, you did. Thanks." (-Jackie Brown) {End scene} This last bit is a call back to an ominous comment by Ray as he is suspicious Jackie is holding out and messing with him. For a tense thriller it is like having your buddy next to you in ...