Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down!
Tie Me Up! Tie Me Down! 1990, NR, 101 min. Directed by Pedro Almodóvar, Starring Antonio Banderas, Victoria Abril, Francisco Rabal, Loles Leon, Julieta Serrano, Maria Barranco. A psychiatric patient kidnaps a famous actress who finds herself attracted to her captor in this darkly comic collaboration between Spanish auteur Pedro Almódovar and frequent leading man…
Exhibitionism
With I Stuck My Head in the Garden, Johnson / Long Dance Company moved into new territory in its exploration of things sexual and sensual, and the result was good-natured fun, a romp in the garden, with nothing remotely threatening or dangerous.
Phases and Stages
Catherine IrwinCut Yourself a Switch (Thrill Jockey) Sackcloth and ashes are fine for ascetic prophets and shamed celebrities, but they sure make for mighty bleak listening. Granted, no one should expect Owen Bradley-style production from a Thrill Jockey album, but all the same, its monochromatic texture and ponderous pace make Cut Yourself a Switch about…
Naked City
City officials last week gathered representatives of various state and federal agencies in one room to publicly declare that Barton Springs Pool is safe for swimming. The scientific Dream Team served another purpose as well: redeeming City Hall in the eyes of the people — or at least those few stalwarts who watch Channel 6…
Daredevil
Daredevil 2003, PG-13, 103 min. Directed by Mark Steven Johnson, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Michael Clarke Duncan, Colin Farrell, Joe Pantoliano, Jon Favreau. As rendered on film, Bruce Wayne and Vicki Vale left me cold. Peter Parker and Mary Jane played like a squeaky adolescent pop song. But…
Exhibitionism
The Austin Symphony’s Jan. 31 concert was to have been all French, but matters of health changed that and gave audiences the chance to hear a tender tribute to composer Kent Kennan and an exhilarating Beethoven concerto from André Watts.
Phases and Stages
Joseph ArthurRedemption’s Son (Enjoy/Real World) If Joseph Arthur ever decided to contract his name, “Joe Art” would work just fine, because this Ohio-born, NYC resident is a true artist. His paintings are stark and powerful and helped him earn a Grammy nod for album artwork previously. With sound, Arthur paints with both broad and subtle…
Naked City
It’s big, much bigger than the average central Austin house and often as pretty as a Wal-Mart tilt-wall box. Sometimes it’s set on stilts or has an odd (for Austin) name like “The Beach Houses.” It accommodates many residents, usually students. And in many center-city neighborhoods — particularly those near UT — it’s provoking fear…
The Quiet American
The Quiet American 2002, R, 101 min. Directed by Phillip Noyce, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Michael Caine, Brendan Fraser, Do Thi Hai Yen, Tzi Ma, Robert Stanton, Holmes Osborne, Pham Thi Mai Hoa. Delayed from national distribution last year in the midst of the country’s post-9/11 mood of circumspection, The Quiet American…
Nasdijj Reviewed
“More than the inherent unfairness of life, Nasdijj is angry at man’s cruelty and a culture which fosters the abuse of the young,” writes Michael Robertson. And as a writer, he “rough-hews the English language until it takes stunning forms.”
Phases and Stages
GZA/GeniusLegend of the Liquid Sword (MCA) In 1993, the Wu-Tang Clan brought prominence to a fifth NYC boro, Shaolin Island, releasing the groundbreaking 36 Chambers. By 1997’s Forever, that prominence had been short-lived. Picking up the pieces late last year, the godfather and oldest member of the Wu, GZA the Genius starts at square one…
Naked City
About 1,000 demonstrators from across Texas stood in front of the state Capitol on Feb. 10 and demanded that the Legislature raise their taxes. Yup. That’s right. R-A-I-S-E. Taxes. In Texas. These weren’t rabble-rousing communists doing their best to defile everything that is good and wholesome about the Lone Star State. They were working-class people…
The Guru
The Guru 2003, R, 91 min. Directed by Daisy von Scherler Mayer, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Heather Graham, Marisa Tomei, Jimi Mistry, Michael McKean, Dash Mihok, Christine Baranski, Malachy McCourt. There’s not a whole lot of heft to von Scherler Mayer’s romantic comedy with ethnic Indian entanglements; it’s like overdone naan, too…
Also this week: Utter
Utter, which welcomes everyone but features the likes of Scott Blackwood, Chronicle contributor Maria Hong, Vicente Lozano, and Philip Pardi, is back after three years, and will “revive their community reading series” at the Cactus Cafe on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 5:30pm… At Barnes & Noble Guadalupe the next day, Wednesday, Feb. 19, at 5pm,…
Phases and Stages
If any label can get away with dumping eight releases on the market at once, it’s Chicago’s Kranky Records, whose contemplative, soothing, and always-fascinating oeuvre makes for perfect winter music. Flagship band Low unleashes their sixth full-length with Trust. Minnesota’s original slowcore trio continues playing around with increased textures and overt rock, but ultimately, they…
Naked City
“It was a bad week to ask for clemency twice,” said Richard Bourke, a member of the pro bono British and Australian defense team that tried to save the life of John “Jackie” Elliott, convicted of an Austin homicide in 1987 and executed Feb. 4 in Huntsville. Bourke told the London Independent that the Travis…
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force 2002, R, 98 min. Directed by Bill Corcoran, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Chelsea Noble, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Janaya Stephens. Not reviewed at press time. It’s a week after the Rapture and people are still disappearing into thin air. The tribulation Force embark on…
Page Two
SXSW looms, Seton’s dubious deal, the war moves closer, the city silences the music, and the new GOP loves deficits.
Everybody Loves a Wynn-er
Will Wynn is his own flavor of ice cream — pure vanilla, but mixed with nuts
Naked City
On Feb. 7 the nonprofit Center for Public Integrity made public a draft of the Domestic Security Enhancement Act of 2003, written by the Dept. of Justice as a follow-up to 2001’s USA PATRIOT Act. The new legislation would enhance the government’s power to track information and people, restrict access to open records and restrain…
Mr. Smarty Pants Knows
French singer Edith Piaf, who grew up in the streets of Paris, was nicknamed “Kid Sparrow.”According to Feng Shui belief, you can help your current romance bloom by placing peonies in your bedroom. If you are looking for a new partner, the peonies could cast the spell you need to make it happen.When John Keats’…
Will Will Wynn Win?
A rundown on Wynn’s opponents — so far — in the 2003 mayor’s race.
Capitol Chronicle
The people advising state government “belt-tightening” never seem to have very tight belts.
Day Trips
The Havana Riverwalk Inn has been selected by readers of an online travel service as the “most romantic hotel” in San Antonio. Nestled in the older area of Downtown, the boutique hotel has the body and character of a 90-year-old and the vigor of a teenager. This hospice offers an alternative to the cookie-cutter plastic…
T.A.B. to Earle: Drop Dead, Democrat!
The Texas Association of Business sues the DA and claims “partisan politics” are behind the T.A.B. ethics case.
Austin @ Large: Austin at Large
Can a super-sized Long Center fit in Austin’s Happy Meal box of civic dreams?
After a Fashion
Did that gal on the local news crew DHOH? With so many great stylists in Austin: why, why, why??? And guess who was seen at Starlite again?
On the Lege
The GOP prepares to vote down Robin Hood without bothering to craft a replacement school-funding system.
The Hightower Lowdown
Death and taxes — the poor get both, corporations get neither.
To Your Health
I want to try a supplement of DHEA. Is it worth paying extra for 7-keto DHEA, since I’ve heard it has less chance of side effects?
The House Democrats on Ending Robin Hood
Statement by the Texas House Democratic Caucus in response to HB 604, passed out of the Public Education Committee on Feb. 4, 2003 Feb. 5, 2003 Read by Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, and Chair of the House Democratic Caucus In Texas yesterday morning, a young girl, a young girl who might well be the next…
Short, but Not Necessarily Sweet
It’s a bit of a stretch to call the short films of Jay Rosenblatt documentaries. Let’s call them experimental docs — or shorts — and leave it at that. Just prepare to be amazed by the reel of eight short films the genre-bending San Francisco filmmaker is bringing to the Alamo next week.
A Shared Love of Dance
My Funny Valentine is Tapestry Dance Company’s second show following the addition of five new dancers, and their stories are as varied as the dance styles the multiform company employs.
About AIDS
Treatment Update Lunch at ASA on Feb. 26 What’s the latest word on HIV treatment? HIV-positive people, service providers, and the interested public will have a chance to find out at a Treatment Update Seminar to be held at AIDS Services of Austin on Wednesday, Feb. 26, noon-2pm. Lunch will be provided at no charge.…
Austin City Council Iraq Resolution
RESOLUTION NO. 030206-31 WHEREAS, Americans have always risen to the need to protect our freedom and security, as well as the freedom and security of nations around the world, when a clear danger is demonstrated; and WHEREAS, this Council supports the men and women serving in the armed forces and honors their commitment to our…
Double Bogey
An ingenious prank — steal a bad script, make it better, and shoot it all on shaky cam — turns sour for “The Sean Connery Golf Project” filmmakers, Rhys Southan and Sara Rimensnyder.
Second Helpings: Sushi, Part IV
Sushi: The possibilities are quiet literally endless.
Elegance Never Forgets
Jazz is certainly sensuous music, and a couple of finely fashioned drinks followed by a good meal could work wonders for lovers: Reed’s Jazz and Supper Club has it all and offers a terrific spot for romance this Valentine’s Day.
P.I.’S Case Casts (Another) Cloud Over Yogurt Shop Probe
Private investigator Louis Akin alleges that police and prosecutors busted him on false charges to block defense efforts in the yogurt-shop case.
Eat Your Heart Out
Not in the mood for love this Valentine’s Day? We think we have the answer.
TCB
Cops storm the Mercury, the Red Eyed Fly spars with the city, Kissinger get shit-faced in Detroit, and local musicians get all lovey-dovey.
Food-o-File
What’s cooking in the Central Texas food scene.
Naked City
Quote of the Week: “Seton Healthcare Network, to borrow a phrase from The Godfather, has made the city of Austin an offer it can’t refuse. Austin City Council members should take the deal.” — the Statesman editorial board, in Monday’s edition. The “deal” does not exist, according to City Hall, and apparently the Statesman editorialists…
Short Cuts
Austin’s on the list.
Secrets of “Secret Furniture’
The examples of domestic utility at Gallery Lombardi’s exhibit “Secret Furniture” — chairs, tables, dressers, lamps, shelving units — are such compelling combinations of professional manufacture and artistic vision that they’ll be talked about for months to come.
Liquid Assets
Here are some romantic ideas to fill your Valentine’s belly.
Naked City
Public support for the City Council’s recent resolution against unilateral U.S. military action against Iraq and in support of continued UN inspections is running about 4-3 (57%) in favor, according to Council Member Daryl Slusher, who co-sponsored the resolution with Jackie Goodman and Raul Alvarez. (The response nearly mirrors the council vote of 5-0-2; Will…
TV Eye
The good, the bad, and the God on TV.
A Fine Romance
This Valentine’s Day, Austin is blessed with opportunities to explore romance on stage, and here are some samples.
Rent Party Blues
Are post-boom rents killing the Austin music scene?
Naked City
Gov. Rick Perry delivered his State of the State address to the Legislature Tuesday, and there were no surprises. Perry described the state of the state as “strong” but said he is concerned by “the state of the government” — because it has not set clear spending priorities. His are “education, security, and fiscal responsibility.”…
Video Reviews
Johnny Depp plays Axel Blackmar, a guy who talks to fish, dreams of the Arctic, and sure as hell isn’t going to take over the Cadillac dealership his Uncle Leo (Jerry Lewis!) owns.
Articulations
Long Center supporters do a funding turnaround by asking the city for $25 million in bond money, another bunch of Lone Stars are being honored by the Texas Cultural Trust Council with Texas Medal of the Arts Awards, and John Walch wins an award from the American Theatre Critics Association.
Phases and Stages
15th Annual North American Folk Alliance Conference & Woody Guthrie 90th Birthday Celebration Feb. 5-8, Nashville, Tenn. Anyone who thinks that SXSW is overwhelming should’ve been in Nashville last week. With more than 2,000 attendees, the North American Folk Alliance held its best-attended conference/music festival ever. It kicked off Wednesday night with a tribute to…
Naked City
A Valentine’s Day fundraiser for local Iraq peace efforts will be held Friday in conjunction with the opening of “Faces of Iraq,” a photo exhibit by Alan Pogue. The event is 6-10pm at 1604 E. 11th; $25 admission includes chocolates, champagne, and a silent auction. Call 478-8387 for more info. Also Friday, a “Freak Fest…
Shanghai Knights
Shanghai Knights 2003, PG-13, 114 min. Directed by David Dobkin, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Jackie Chan, Owen Wilson, Aaron Johnson, Thomas Fisher, Aidan Gillen, Fann Wong, Donnie Yeb. The casual anachronisms and historical/geographical inaccuracies in Shanghai Knights, the martial arts buddy comedy set in Victorian England, are either an irritation or its…
Exhibitionism
Some of the production elements in the Zachary Scott Theatre Center’s staging of Limonade Tous les Jours may be sour, but with Charles Mee’s adorably written script, adorably acted here, the show takes lemons and makes champagne: an effervescent, intoxicating evening.
Phases and Stages
Nick Cave & the Bad SeedsNocturama (Anti/Mute)Dirty ThreeShe Has No Strings Apollo (Touch & Go) Here comes Nick Cave, prayer book in hand. On Cave’s commercial peak, 1996’s killing Murder Ballads — and for the previous dozen Bad Seed years — it was a pitchfork. Then came the conversion, 1997’s penitent The Boatman’s Call, which…
Naked City
“What ‘deal’ are they talking about?” City Manager Toby Futrell wondered in response to Monday’s Statesman editorial urging the city to accept Seton Healthcare Network’s latest offer on Children’s Hospital. That editorial informed Austinites that “an agreement is emerging” where Seton would take possession of the city-owned Children’s and invest $175 million in a new…
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days 2003, PG-13, 116 min. Directed by Donald Petrie, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Kate Hudson, Matthew McConaughey, Adam Goldberg, Michael Michele, Shalom Harlow, Robert Klein, Bebe Neuwirth, Kathryn Hahn, Rebecca Harris. Hudson’s Andie Anderson, an NYC writer with “serious” aspirations working at a fluffy women’s…
