The General
The General is one of Keaton’s best films. In this Civil War comedy, Keaton does battle with the General – only thing is the General is a stolen train, not a soldier. There’s a girl and some Union spies but, mostly it’s Keaton, the Great Stone Face, all the way.
Primary
Primary 1960, NR, 60 min. Directed by Robert Drew, Richard Leacock, Albert Maysles, Terrence Mccartney Filgate, D.A. Pennebaker, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring . If cinéma vérité can be said to be invented, then Robert Drew ought to be credited with its inception. More properly, Drew along with the Maysles brothers, D.A.…
8 1/2
Mastroianni plays a film director who’s just had a huge hit but is struggling to find an idea for his next project. Between fits and starts, he goes back through his life and confronts all his demons. And what a cavalcade of demons!
The Decalogue: Vol. One (Parts Five & Six)
The Decalogue: Vol. One (Parts Five & Six) NR, 115 min. Directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Miroslaw Baka, Krzysztof Globisz, Olaf Lubaszenko, Grazyna Szapolowska. Late Polish director Kieslowski’s widely acclaimed 10-part series (which originally aired in 10 separate hourlong segments on Polish television and was co-written with Kieslowski’s longtime…
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner 1967, NR, 108 min. Directed by Stanley Kramer, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Spencer Tracy, Katharine Hepburn, Sidney Poitier, Katharine Houghton, Beah Richards. An interracial couple’s marriage plans throw the white girl’s liberal parents for a loop. Spencer Tracy makes his last screen appearance here.
Postscripts
Upcoming events in Austin’s literary life
Second Helpings
City Grill 401 Sabine, 479-0817 Sun-Thu, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat, 5-10:30pm City Grill is a long-running favorite of the fish fans, with a bucolic setting on the banks of Waller Creek. Upper-moderate to expensive mesquite-grilled seafood and beef, served with your choice of 10 different sauces. Look for the ever-changing specials, like salmon with lemon-caper butter and…
Live Shots
The Skunks, Lazy Cowgirls, Sons of Hercules Continental Club, February 2 What’s that Johnny Rotten said about “no future”? No one really expected punk rock to age quite this gracefully, if at all — “Live fast, die young” and all that shite. But here they were: perhaps a bit reluctant to pogo for fear of…
The Seven Wonders of Cuban Socialism
First Wonder: The newspaper Granma Because it’s the only newspaper in the world in which the events that the newspaper reports on have nothing whatsoever to do with reality. It is the most optimistic newspaper in the world, and among the most frequent verbs you will find in its headlines are inspire, conquer, overthrow, achieve,…
Readings
Endless Honeymoon by Don Webb St. Martin’s/Minotaur, 243pp., $23.95 Halloween, comic books, chaos theory, frighteningly complex software programs, the FBI, hackers, mental aberrations, incest, and the urge to stay the hands of evil by giving it a metaphorical bat upside the head: That’s what Don Webb’s new novel is made of. And it all takes…
Second Helpings
Eddie V’s 301 E. Fifth, 472-1860 Mon-Sat, 5:30-11pm; Sun, 4:30-10pm Bar opens daily at 4:30pm Eddie V’s is Austin’s newest entry in the seafood genre, and they have selections from the best of America’s seafood treats, such as jumbo Florida stone crab claws ($14.50), crab & oyster gumbo ($5.50), sushi tuna & salmon tartare ($8.75),…
Live Shots
Amy RigbySaxon Pub, February 3 “I wanted to have a professional show,” said Amy Rigby after her second song, primping her already mussed up ‘do and adjusting her guacamole-green, hollow-body Les Paul. “I tried to put on some make-up in the bathroom before the show, and the brush fell in the toilet.” The cute, onetime…
It’s the Village, Idiot!
The latest casualty in Regal Cinemas’ nationwide overexpansion isn’t just another movie theatre.
Readings
Gynomite Fearless, Feminist Porn edited by Liz Belile New Mouth From the Dirty South, 280 pp., $14.95 (paper) Fuck-me feminism burst onto the scene in the early Nineties, a camera-friendly movement of well-coiffed feminists lounging in the pages of Esquire. The riot grrrls’ fuck-you feminism, on the other hand, was less luxuriant and substantially more…
Second Helpings
Gilligan’s 407 Colorado, 474-7474 Mon-Thu, 6-10pm; Fri-Sat, 6-11pm; Sun, 6-9:30pm This swanky seafood salon in the Warehouse District has enjoyed a long life of popularity and praise. A Caribbean-Southwestern-Asian fusion menu in the upper moderate to expensive range is served in a classic atmosphere. Entrées such as Macadamia Mahi on couscous with a sauce of…
Power Surge
Local company finds flywheel generated electric power is a growing niche in the current market.
Short Cuts
South by Southwest announces attendees, the Texas Hall of Fame releases names of first honorees, and other news and events of interest to the local film community.
The House of Mirth
The House of Mirth 2000, PG, 140 min. Directed by Terence Davies, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Gillian Anderson, Eric Stoltz, Dan Aykroyd, Eleanor Bron, Terry Kinney, Anthony LaPaglia, Laura Linney, Elizabeth McGovern, Jodhi May. Many aspects of Edith Wharton’s turn-of-the-century New York can be glimpsed in writer and director Terence Davies’ new…
Readings
On Writing A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King Scribner, 288 pp., $25 Reading On Writing is like getting to spend a long afternoon interviewing Stephen King, who is a smart, funny, unpretentious guy, and more than willing to tell you just about anything you want to know about his life and his work.…
Second Helpings
Landry’s Seafood House 600 E. Riverside Dr., 441-1010 Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm Austin’s version of the national chain resides on the south banks of Town Lake with great views of downtown over the water. All seafood options (at moderate prices) are covered, from gumbos, salads, and pastas, to blackened, broiled, fried, boiled, and plattered. Landry’s…
Carving Up Texas
A Preview of Redistricting at the Lege
Video Reviews
John Waters must have loved this movie.
Local Bestsellers
Local bestsellers are based on recent sales at Austin bookstores selected to reflect varied reading interests.
Second Helpings
Mariscos Seafood 1504 Town Creek Dr., 462-9119 Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm Mariscos Seafood has been specializing in seafood dishes from south of the border for the last 11 years. The Vuelve la Vida makes the ideal starter with an assortment of shrimp cocktail, oysters, octopus, and ceviche, and the Caldo Marisco (Seafood Soup) has long…
The Legislative Players
Senate Committee on RedistrictingChair: Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio Vice Chair: Mike Jackson, R-La Porte Robert Duncan, R-Lubbock Florence Shapiro, R-Plano Ken Armbrister, D-Victoria David Cain, D-Dallas Rodney Ellis, D-Houston Judith Zaffirini, D-LaredoHouse Committee on RedistrictingChair: Delwin Jones, R-Lubbock Vice Chair: Bob Glaze, D-Gilmer Kent Grusendorf, R-Arlington Bob Hunter, R-Abilene Terry Keel, R-Austin Kenny Marchant, R-Carrollton…
Video Reviews
Like a car wreck you can’t take your eyes off of.
Page Two
Farewell to the Village Cinema and our own Robert Bryce.
Second Helpings
Pacific Star Restaurant & Oyster Bar 13507 N. Hwy 183, 219-5373 Sun-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm Pacific Star has an even mix of fried vs. broiled and a large palette of choices and combos. You’ll find the oxymoronic jumbo shrimp in all categories, as well as platters, po-boys, and crawdad pirogues. Look for changing specials like…
Naked City
Rep. Ann Kitchen prepares to file a pipeline safety bill. Judge Sam Sparks questions the Longhorn Pipeline permit process. Ken Herman goes after a Pulitzer Prize.
Video Reviews
The G-monster returns to form.
Public Notice
Your pals at Pub Notes say, “Get your love on in the name of ol’ Saint Valentine!” Here are some suggestions to take your lover a step or two beyond the flowers and chocolate routine and benefit a few local causes, to boot.
Second Helpings
Pappadeaux 6319 N. I-35, 452-9363 Sun-Thu, 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11pm An Austin arm of the Papas chain from Houston, Pappadeaux is the 300-pound gorilla of the local Cajun seafood scene. Moderately pricey, loud, and raucous, and you’re assured of a wait. Monstrous portions of all manner of sea critters, available fried, blackened, broiled, or grilled, are…
Naked City
Local Austin news and gossip
Hannibal
Hannibal 2001, R, 131 min. Directed by Ridley Scott, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Anthony Hopkins, Julianne Moore, Ray Liotta, Frankie R. Faison, Giancarlo Giannini, Gary Oldman, Francesca Neri, Zeljko Ivanek, Hazelle Goodman. It walks like Hannibal Lecter. It talks like Hannibal Lecter. But it sure doesn’t taste like Hannibal Lecter. This sequel…
After a Fashion
Our Style Avatar discovers dirt cheap cigs and trumpets the extravagant Bikes & Babes in Toyland benefit.
Second Helpings
Shoreline Grill 98 San Jacinto Blvd., 477-3300 Mon-Fri, 11am-10pm; Fri, 11am-10:30pm; Sat, 5pm-10:30pm; Sun, 5-10pm Shoreline has matured beautifully over the years and offers the best view of the bats and banks of Town Lake in the city. Ron and Peggy Weiss and Jeff Weinberger offer pan-fusion food of the first order in the upper-moderate…
Naked City
Texans for Public Justice criticizes a longstanding recruitment practice of big law firms — paying hiring bonuses and other benefits to Supreme Court clerks who agree to join the firms after their clerkships.
Left Behind
Left Behind 2000, PG-13, 92 min. Directed by Victor Sarin, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Kirk Cameron, Brad Johnson, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Chelsea Noble, Daniel Pilon, Gordon Currie. Growing Pains heartthrob Kirk Cameron and his actress wife Chelsea Noble co-star in this evangelical Christian movie based on the Book of Revelation. Shaped as…
Mr. Smarty Pants
An icing of trivia for the cupcake of your mind.
Mini-Review
Ninfa’s on 6th 612 W. Sixth, 476-0612 Sun-Mon, 11am-9pm; Tue-Thu, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-1am Although part of my job is reviewing restaurants, many times when I go out for the evening, I consider myself off the clock, just another restaurant patron looking to enjoy a good meal in the company of friends. I make this point…
Naked City
Over objections from two council members, the City Council votes to reduce parkland dedication fees for the Four Seasons Residences on Town Lake, but doesn’t — as the project’s developer would like — waive the fee entirely
Valentine
Valentine 2001, R, 124 min. Directed by Jamie Blanks, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Fulvio Cecere, Katherine Heigl, Jessica Cauffiel, Jessica Capshaw, Marley Shelton, David Boreanaz, Denise Richards. I miss the early Eighties, I really do. And I’ll give you five reasons why: Friday the 13th, My Bloody Valentine, Prom Night, The Funhouse,…
Theatrical Fuse
Writer and performer Zell Miller III is an incendiary device waiting for a match, and once he flicks an ember into the hidden dry undergrowth of text, there is nowhere to hide. And the good news is that he has only begun to explode.
Day Trips
The historic hotels of San Antonio.
Liquid Assets
Let me tell you what wine insiders know to be the gospel truth: The very best way to learn about wine is to go to a winery, talk to the winemaker, tour the facility, and taste the final product. Whether you’re an expert or a novice, the producers will always be happy to be good-natured…
Naked City
This issue includes an insightful article, “Power Surge (p. 24),” by our colleague and friend Robert Bryce, who left the Chronicle last month after a 13-year run that began with a Feb. 12, 1988 profile of choreographer Yoshiko Chuma. Bryce began as a dance and theatre critic, but before his first year ended he was…
Lies
Lies 1999, NR, 115 min. Directed by Sun-Woo Jang, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Min Soo Shin, Myung Keum Jung, Hyuk Poong Kwon, Kwan Taek Han, Hyun Joo Choi, Hye Jin Jeon, Tae Yeon Kim, Sang Hyun Lee. It may be banned in its native South Korea, but I’d be willing to bet…
Articulations
Just when you thought that Elizabethan drama fad was fading, a slew of Shakespeares hits the scene.
About AIDS
Let’s hear it for National Condom Week!
Trouble Men
The post-SRV trials and tribulations of Texas’ most famous rhythm section
Naked City
Under fire, designs for the new city hall received a less-than-enthusiastic approval by City Council last week.
Split Decision
Split Decision 2000, NR, 75 min. Directed by Marcy Garriott, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Jesus Gabriel Sandoval Chavez, Jesus Sandoval, Rosario Sandoval. A documentary so modest it doesn’t include narration, Marcy Garriott’s Split Decision is nonetheless an engaging and moving account of boxer Jesus Chavez’s (as of yet) unsuccessful battle with the…
TV Eye
Keeping one eye on television and the other on pop culture.
Coach’s Corner
The XFLdebut: It has to get better, doesn’t it?.
Double Trouble Reviewed
Double TroubleBeen a Long Time (Tone Cool) Despite three solid, radio-friendly tracks that start off Been a Long Time, it’s not until Susan Tedeschi belts out “Been a long time since I rock and rolled!” that Double Trouble’s first “solo” album kicks into gear. Maybe that’s why the opening line to the Led Zeppelin classic…
The Hightower Lowdown
The New Environmental Regime; Ripping Off the Pentagon
Saving Silverman
Saving Silverman 2001, PG-13, 91 min. Directed by Dennis Dugan, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Kyle Gass, Neil Diamond, Amanda Detmer, R. Lee Ermey, Amanda Peet, Jack Black, Steve Zahn, Jason Biggs. If your life won’t be complete until you get to see the naked backsides of both crusty R. Lee Ermey and…
Exhibitionism
Austin Musical Theatre’s Oklahoma! pulses with a rousing liveliness that makes it delightfully fresh, a territory that a joy to visit.
Eating the New Economy
22 is elegant in that minimalist, California sort of way, Barbara Chisholm writes. The walls are gently curved and unadorned except for their warm, soothing colors of ocher and gray. At least she thinks those are the colors; the lighting is kept very low and intimate, so it’s hard to be certain.
Almost Willie
On the Road Again with the King of the RV Parks.
Capitol Chronicle
In Texas Courtrooms, a Fair Legal Defense is Often an Empty Promise
Before Night Falls
Before Night Falls 2000, R, 133 min. Directed by Julian Schnabel, Narrated by , Voices by , Starring Javier Bardem, Olivier Martinez, Andrea Di Stefano, Vito Maria Schnabel, Olatz Lopez Garmendia, Michael Wincott, Johnny Depp, Hector Babenco, Najwa Nimri, Sean Penn. There are times in Before Night Falls when it physically hurts to watch. Yes,…
Exhibitionism
Guy Roberts and a talented cast stage Anton Chekhov’s The Seagull as a rehearsal, rather than performance, and in doing so allow the audience to watch the nuts and bolts of how a show is put together, the process of exploration, the sometimes messy, personal world of the rehearsal.
Food-o-File
Virginia B. Wood thought her previous column about local chef changes was pretty comprehensive until the last few days of January, when all kinds of newsworthy information began pouring in via phone, fax, and e-mail.
Dancing About Architecture
The Austin Music Awards firm up the line-up, while Ozzy Osbourne sneaks in the SXSW back door with the film conference.
The Inspiration of Jesus Chavez
Why a top-ranked boxer, jailed once and deported twice, became the subject of a documentary and a Fighter for the American Dream
Exhibitionism
Buzz Productions’ version of the cult hit Six Women With Brain Death gives it the old college try, but even a striking performance by Jo Beth Henderson can’t overcome the flat mockery of trash culture that we’ve seen too many times before.
Second Helpings: Simply Seafood
Where to find the fruits of the sea in Austin
Live Shots
Low Thirty Three Degrees, January 26 It was almost fire marshal time at Thirty Three Degrees, and for once, it was about thirty-three degrees — on the Celsius side — inside, body heat emanating from about as many people as can fit into a Guadalupe record store that carries a full stock of Amon Düül…
In His Corner
Marcy Garriott’s first documentary, Split Decision, follows the vigilant struggles of Jesus “El Matador” Chavez, who continues to be punished for a crime he has already paid for. Prior to the film’s release in Austin this Friday, February 9, Garriott shares her reflections on the film and on her role as a filmmaker and activist.
Still Life
Whether it is the coterie around the world’s most famous photographer or a group of cowboys on a West Texas ranch, Laura Wilson, who peeked inside a reclusive Christian sect for her new photography book Hutterites of Montana, has an instinct for penetrating insular, tightly knit societies.
Second Helpings
Captain’s Halfshell Oyster Bar 5700 N. I-35, 452-1417 Mon-Thu, 11am-11pm; Fri-Sat, 11am-11:45pm; Sun, noon-11pm Captain’s started as a Houston chain; Austin’s branch rests behind the boat on I-35. The Captain has a full range of both fried and broiled seafoods, with moderate prices easy on the wallet. Especially popular are the oyster or shrimp Diablos…
Live Shots
Jay Farrar, Anders ParkerThe Mercury, January 27 Most of us couldn’t see a thing. The earth-toned expanse of the Mercury was a sea of hopeful heads, wreathed in smoke and wondering what would happen next. Anders Parker, opening act and former boss of Varnaline, had been politely received and mildly appreciated. Standing alone in front…
A Full Color Palette
Julian Schnabel is a rare hybrid: a painter-director. Perhaps it shouldn’t be this way. Cinema is, after all, primarily a visual medium that draws heavily on painting and the history of art for its effects. But Schnabel makes it look easier than it actually is. David Salle and Robert Longo, painter-directors who came from the…
