April 25, 2014
December 08, 2013
Creative Team - Film
I am now accepting resumes and supporting materials from cinematographers, lighting designers, and art directors only for the independent film King Lear. Please visit the film's website for information.
November 29, 2013
I am pleased to announce the official website for my upcoming film of King Lear, now in pre-production. Please visit site for job information.
May 27, 2013
Synetic Theatre's The Three Musketeers
Fabulous theatre - you have two more weeks to see it. Trailer here.
November 29, 2012
November 24, 2012
November 12, 2012
September 12, 2012
No, No, No!
Another production of King Lear that has Lear molesting his daughters? How tiresome, banal and ridiculous.
There is nothing in the play to support that interpretation. Further -- if Lear is a monster, it makes Cordelia, Kent, Edgar, Gloucester, the Fool, Albany and his knights blithering idiots. They love him.
Most important - if Lear is an incestuous monster, there is no tragedy whatsoever. He deserves everything he gets. That makes Shakespeare a blithering idiot.
Please.
There is nothing in the play to support that interpretation. Further -- if Lear is a monster, it makes Cordelia, Kent, Edgar, Gloucester, the Fool, Albany and his knights blithering idiots. They love him.
Most important - if Lear is an incestuous monster, there is no tragedy whatsoever. He deserves everything he gets. That makes Shakespeare a blithering idiot.
Please.
September 11, 2012
Dead Gitmo detainee was cleared for release in 2009
So much for Obama's promises. And where is the anti-war demonstration? You can't object only when the party you don't like is in power. Sheer hypocrisy.
September 09, 2012
August 31, 2012
Was Vincent van Gogh color-blind?
A major problem with the suggestion of color-blindness is that it ignores van Gogh's incredibly specific written description of his paintings. I think not.
August 29, 2012
It Borders on Racist
For those who find it loathsome to vote for either Obama or Romney, I suggest you read the interview in Salon with Gary Johnson, the only candidate with the intelligence, the courage and the integrity to qualify for the presidency.
August 23, 2012
Hitler FInds Out Romney Strapped His Dog to the Car Roof
Hysterical. Funniest video I've ever seen. Wonderful.
August 03, 2012
Please sign the petition
http://www.wired.com/threatlevel/2012/08/nude-scanner-order/
This is an opportunity to force the TSA to comply with court directives.
This is an opportunity to force the TSA to comply with court directives.
May 23, 2012
New van Gogh exhibit
Van Gogh: Up Close - Organized by the National Gallery of Canada and the Philadelphia Museum of Art Opens at the National Gallery of Canada Until September 3, 2012
Source: PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1cBIK)
April 12, 2012
January 02, 2012
Sugar Ray Robinson: Bright Lights and Dark Shadows
An excellent biography of one of the two greatest prizefighters of all time.
A profile of the man considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter of all time includes film clips and interviews with Jake LaMotta, journalist Nigel Collins, wife Edna Mae Robinson and son Ray Robinson Jr. The original score was composed and performed by Wynton Marsalis...
A profile of the man considered by many to be the best pound-for-pound fighter of all time includes film clips and interviews with Jake LaMotta, journalist Nigel Collins, wife Edna Mae Robinson and son Ray Robinson Jr. The original score was composed and performed by Wynton Marsalis...
October 06, 2011
July 11, 2011
The Eyes of Van Gogh
I am very pleased to announce that my film, The Eyes of Van Gogh, has just completed a five year distribution deal with China. With prior deals for Hong Kong and Taiwan that just about covers southeast Asia.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460789/combined
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0460789/combined
June 30, 2011
June 25, 2011
Burzynski Movie subscribers
June 24, 2011
Screening June 26, 2011 - Ridgefield, CT:
This Sunday June 26, 2011 at 6:30PM "Burzynski, the Movie" will screen at the Ridgefield Playhouse as part of their Documentary Film Series.
Director Eric Merola, Dr. Greg Burzynski (Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski's son), and lung, liver and adrenal cancer survivor Kelsey Hill and her mother Sarah (who are featured in the documentary) will participate in a Q&A after the screening.
80 East Ridge Ave. Ridgfield, CT 06877. For tickets call (203) 438-5795
FREE Screening June 26, 2011 - Frankfort, Michigan
Also this Sunday June 26th at 1PM "Burzynski, the Movie" will screen for free at 1:00 PM. Doors open at 12:30 PM.
For more info: marti.jeffs@yahoo.com • (231) 357-0864
Results from free online viewing: Since we placed this documentary online for free on June 10, 2011, it has been viewed over 500,000 times and still growing. Both Mr. Merola and The Burzynski Clinic have received hundreds of emails and inquiries into both this story and Burzynski's treatment itself. Although we only intended it to be a limited free release, due to high demand we are leaving it online for free until further notice. The first step in this fight is mass awareness, once we have a large enough percentage of the population willing to stand up and demand the release of these medicines for worldwide public use—a force for change can occur. The 500,000 online views in merely 2 weeks is a great start so far. This fight is just getting started. Please keep emailing the free link to the film and spreading the word! (Some people emailed about having trouble viewing the film online, this is also the direct ink to the film: http://vimeo.com/24821365
Screening June 26, 2011 - Ridgefield, CT:
This Sunday June 26, 2011 at 6:30PM "Burzynski, the Movie" will screen at the Ridgefield Playhouse as part of their Documentary Film Series.
Director Eric Merola, Dr. Greg Burzynski (Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski's son), and lung, liver and adrenal cancer survivor Kelsey Hill and her mother Sarah (who are featured in the documentary) will participate in a Q&A after the screening.
80 East Ridge Ave. Ridgfield, CT 06877. For tickets call (203) 438-5795
FREE Screening June 26, 2011 - Frankfort, Michigan
Also this Sunday June 26th at 1PM "Burzynski, the Movie" will screen for free at 1:00 PM. Doors open at 12:30 PM.
For more info: marti.jeffs@yahoo.com • (231) 357-0864
Results from free online viewing: Since we placed this documentary online for free on June 10, 2011, it has been viewed over 500,000 times and still growing. Both Mr. Merola and The Burzynski Clinic have received hundreds of emails and inquiries into both this story and Burzynski's treatment itself. Although we only intended it to be a limited free release, due to high demand we are leaving it online for free until further notice. The first step in this fight is mass awareness, once we have a large enough percentage of the population willing to stand up and demand the release of these medicines for worldwide public use—a force for change can occur. The 500,000 online views in merely 2 weeks is a great start so far. This fight is just getting started. Please keep emailing the free link to the film and spreading the word! (Some people emailed about having trouble viewing the film online, this is also the direct ink to the film: http://vimeo.com/24821365
June 14, 2011
The Great Cancer Hoax: The Brilliant Cure the FDA Tried Their Best to Shut Down...
I urge anyone who has cancer or has a friend or relative with cancer to see this film. I've read every book written on Dr. Burzynski and there is no question that the man is a brilliant pioneer in the treatment of cancer. For those who trust the government, the F.D.A., or the drug companies re: medical care, you're in for a very rude awakening.
Go to Dr. Mercola's website for Sat. 6/11 and hit 'The great cancer hoax' and then watch the movie for free through 6/20. The title is 'Burzynski: The movie'. Tell everyone you know about it. http://vimeo.com/24821365
Burzynski the Movie tells the story of Polish doctor Stanislaw Burzynski, who developed the gene-targeted cancer treatment method using antineoplastons.
Go to Dr. Mercola's website for Sat. 6/11 and hit 'The great cancer hoax' and then watch the movie for free through 6/20. The title is 'Burzynski: The movie'. Tell everyone you know about it. http://vimeo.com/24821365
Burzynski the Movie tells the story of Polish doctor Stanislaw Burzynski, who developed the gene-targeted cancer treatment method using antineoplastons.
April 30, 2011
King Lear
I congratulate Paata Tsikurishvili on a brilliantly reimagined King Lear along with the splendid Synetic theatre company. Bravo.
April 09, 2011
Putin: Freedom Fighter
It’s so refreshing and enlightening to have Putin (that great humanitarian and human rights advocate) weigh in on NATO’s action in Libya. This is the man who has carried out atrocities in Chechnya. This is the man who has had political enemies either murdered or imprisoned. This is the man who called the breakup of the Soviet Union the greatest tragedy of the 20th century. Yes, greater than the genocides committed b the Turks against the Armenians, the Nazis and East Europeans against the Jews, gypsies, gays, etc; the slaughter of 1/5 of the Cambodian people by Pol Pot; the decimation of over 800,000 Tutsis by the Hutus; the murder of millions in the Congo; the starvation of millions of Chinese by the loathsome Chinese communists and, closer to home, the murder of countless millions in Russia and neighboring areas by Stalin, a man whom Putin has spoken of with admiration; the rape and slaughter by the Japanese in Nanking. Unfortunately, the list goes on and on.
I, for one, hope that the rebels in Libya prevail and that Gaddafi, his sons, and all his supporters are totally eliminated. I don’t, for a second, believe in an afterlife, but if there were one, I would passionately hope that Gaddafi and his forenamed brothers in horrors find a special, reserved place. We can dream, can’t we?
I, for one, hope that the rebels in Libya prevail and that Gaddafi, his sons, and all his supporters are totally eliminated. I don’t, for a second, believe in an afterlife, but if there were one, I would passionately hope that Gaddafi and his forenamed brothers in horrors find a special, reserved place. We can dream, can’t we?
March 19, 2011
UN Action on Libya. Finally.
Finally, after Rwanda, Darfur and the inexcusable delay in Bosnia and Croatia, the UN has voted to intervene and stop the slaughter of innocent people in Libya.
Amazing. Even Russia and China, who never saw a situation that justified foreign intervention, abstained but did not vote against it.
Finally we can act by principle and not some feel good barometer and not by a balance sheet consideration. This is the chance for the US to fundamentally reorder, at last, its relations with key Arab states.
We have the chance to support both the government and the democratic movements erupting throughout the Middle East. We have the chance, for the first time, to change the narrative, fundamentally, throughout this area and hopefully throughout Africa. Perhaps we can show, finally, that we can practice what we preach.
Even Al Jazeera and the Arab League (another first) support a no-fly zone and arms for the rebels. There are many who say the slaughter of the rebels is very unfortunate but we must be purely objective. To that I say, “Never at the expense of being human.” If we lose our humanity what do we possibly have left of any value?
“Responsibility to protect”, adopted by the UN in 2005 and affirmed by the Obama administration stresses the responsibility of the international community to protect people threatened with mass atrocities including by their own government.
Remember, we’re not talking about troops on the ground, we’re talking about a no-fly zone and, if they keep on attacking (and there has, as yet, been no let up) the destruction of all government armed vehicles.
Some of the arguments against it are: “If a civilian population takes up arms they should no longer be considered civilians. Gaddafi has every right to reign his country back in.” This is nonsense. Civilians took up arms only after many were killed by Gaddafi’s thugs.
“Intervention will violate Libya’s sovereignty. As soon as intervention begins the Libyan people will start to lost control of their own county and future.” That sacred word of the non-interventionists: Sovereignty. Totally flawed reasoning. When you threaten and kill your own people then you have given up the right to call this your country. The whole point is the Libyan people don’t have control of their own country. That control rests with Gaddafi and his hired killers. The Libyan people want to take it away from them. Human life trumps sovereignty.
“No-fly zones and supplying arms will not be able to halt the conflict and will lead to more bloodshed, not less.” The fact is, one of the key reasons the rebels have been losing this war is the air supremacy of Gaddafi. It is ludicrous to think that a no-fly zone will lead to the loss of more life that allowing Gaddafi a free hand would. If he prevails by using jets, tanks and gunships, there will be a terrible settling of scores. He has sworn that he will exterminate every single rebel fighter and supporter.
If you don’t believe it, you haven’t’ followed Gaddafi’s past actions (one of the biggest supporters of international terrorism, Lockerbie bombing, etc. Or you’ve been living in a cave for the past 41 years.)
“We have no obligation nor owe anything to the rebels opposing Gaddafi.” Dead wrong. We helped (along with Europe) to enable this monster, Gaddafi, over the past 41 years. So we cannot just avert our gaze and wash our hands.
“A justly motivated revolutionary movement doesn’t need outside assistance to prevail.” Oh, really. Without Frances’s help it is highly unlikely we would have prevailed against the British.
“This is like the invasion of Iraq repeating itself.” Wrong. That was an illegal bombing and an illegal invasion. Here, the international community has spoken and through the UN Security Council a no-fly zone is clearly what is wanted by the majority of rebel fighters and the Libyan people. Therefore no self-determination issue exists.
In the 90s, when the Rwanda massacre was on the verge of beginning, Clinton, Annan and the UN and Europe did nothing and after the massacre started, still did nothing. Like today, there were many people who said we shouldn’t get involved. Of course, after the numbers were released, 800,000 to one million murdered, they became very quiet. When the slaughter started in Bosnia and Croatia, the same protest against involvement. And of course, most recently, Darfur. Over 350,000 killed by Bashir and his thugs. I spent four years working for the “Save Darfur” movement and we tried desperately to enact, at the least, a no-fly zone, all to no avail. Many of the same people are against the no-fly zone in Libya. They were wrong then and they are wrong now. I am convinced they will never change.
The Libyan people are demanding the right to choose their own destiny. They do not want foreign troops on their soil. They just want us to level the playing field. Without this their struggle is doomed. If we don’t act to stop the killing in Libya, how can the US and Europe credibly encourage the Egyptian military to hold free and fair elections, push for commitments for non-violence by new political parties and convince the Arab autocrats to reform? Inaction is a statement to all brutal regimes.
Amazing. Even Russia and China, who never saw a situation that justified foreign intervention, abstained but did not vote against it.
Finally we can act by principle and not some feel good barometer and not by a balance sheet consideration. This is the chance for the US to fundamentally reorder, at last, its relations with key Arab states.
We have the chance to support both the government and the democratic movements erupting throughout the Middle East. We have the chance, for the first time, to change the narrative, fundamentally, throughout this area and hopefully throughout Africa. Perhaps we can show, finally, that we can practice what we preach.
Even Al Jazeera and the Arab League (another first) support a no-fly zone and arms for the rebels. There are many who say the slaughter of the rebels is very unfortunate but we must be purely objective. To that I say, “Never at the expense of being human.” If we lose our humanity what do we possibly have left of any value?
“Responsibility to protect”, adopted by the UN in 2005 and affirmed by the Obama administration stresses the responsibility of the international community to protect people threatened with mass atrocities including by their own government.
Remember, we’re not talking about troops on the ground, we’re talking about a no-fly zone and, if they keep on attacking (and there has, as yet, been no let up) the destruction of all government armed vehicles.
Some of the arguments against it are: “If a civilian population takes up arms they should no longer be considered civilians. Gaddafi has every right to reign his country back in.” This is nonsense. Civilians took up arms only after many were killed by Gaddafi’s thugs.
“Intervention will violate Libya’s sovereignty. As soon as intervention begins the Libyan people will start to lost control of their own county and future.” That sacred word of the non-interventionists: Sovereignty. Totally flawed reasoning. When you threaten and kill your own people then you have given up the right to call this your country. The whole point is the Libyan people don’t have control of their own country. That control rests with Gaddafi and his hired killers. The Libyan people want to take it away from them. Human life trumps sovereignty.
“No-fly zones and supplying arms will not be able to halt the conflict and will lead to more bloodshed, not less.” The fact is, one of the key reasons the rebels have been losing this war is the air supremacy of Gaddafi. It is ludicrous to think that a no-fly zone will lead to the loss of more life that allowing Gaddafi a free hand would. If he prevails by using jets, tanks and gunships, there will be a terrible settling of scores. He has sworn that he will exterminate every single rebel fighter and supporter.
If you don’t believe it, you haven’t’ followed Gaddafi’s past actions (one of the biggest supporters of international terrorism, Lockerbie bombing, etc. Or you’ve been living in a cave for the past 41 years.)
“We have no obligation nor owe anything to the rebels opposing Gaddafi.” Dead wrong. We helped (along with Europe) to enable this monster, Gaddafi, over the past 41 years. So we cannot just avert our gaze and wash our hands.
“A justly motivated revolutionary movement doesn’t need outside assistance to prevail.” Oh, really. Without Frances’s help it is highly unlikely we would have prevailed against the British.
“This is like the invasion of Iraq repeating itself.” Wrong. That was an illegal bombing and an illegal invasion. Here, the international community has spoken and through the UN Security Council a no-fly zone is clearly what is wanted by the majority of rebel fighters and the Libyan people. Therefore no self-determination issue exists.
In the 90s, when the Rwanda massacre was on the verge of beginning, Clinton, Annan and the UN and Europe did nothing and after the massacre started, still did nothing. Like today, there were many people who said we shouldn’t get involved. Of course, after the numbers were released, 800,000 to one million murdered, they became very quiet. When the slaughter started in Bosnia and Croatia, the same protest against involvement. And of course, most recently, Darfur. Over 350,000 killed by Bashir and his thugs. I spent four years working for the “Save Darfur” movement and we tried desperately to enact, at the least, a no-fly zone, all to no avail. Many of the same people are against the no-fly zone in Libya. They were wrong then and they are wrong now. I am convinced they will never change.
The Libyan people are demanding the right to choose their own destiny. They do not want foreign troops on their soil. They just want us to level the playing field. Without this their struggle is doomed. If we don’t act to stop the killing in Libya, how can the US and Europe credibly encourage the Egyptian military to hold free and fair elections, push for commitments for non-violence by new political parties and convince the Arab autocrats to reform? Inaction is a statement to all brutal regimes.
March 15, 2011
Black Leaders: Their Romance With Qaddafi and Other Dictators
This is one of the finest and most intelligent articles ever written on this extremely important topic.
Join the 2011 Boycott to Save Seals
Please write to the Canadian government and tell them you are boycotting Canadian seafood until they stop this barbaric practice. It's been going on for years and it must be stopped once and for all.
March 08, 2011
The Tracer
Congrats to Francisco Campos-Lopez and Greg Hess whose short film, The Tracer, just won BEST PICTURE and BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY for the DC 48 Hour Go Green competition. I'm pleased to have been part of it.
February 07, 2011
Egyptian Heroine
This is a video made by a young Egyptian woman which is being credited as the spark that ignited the Revolution. The young woman is Asmaa Mahfouz. Asmaa’s bravery to put her name, number and face on the video is extraordinary considering the terrifying risk of retribution from the Egyptian Ministry of the Interior. She is a 26 year old human rights activist, and one of the founders of the April 6 Youth Movement.
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January 17, 2011
New Film Poster
A new poster has been designed for my feature film The Eyes of Van Gogh. I hope you like it.
December 21, 2010
A Sense of Outrage
This is a must read. A great piece by a great lady about an outstanding man. If it hadn't been for Holbrooke we never would have intevened in Bosnia. Clinton had to be dragged into it. If it had been solely left to him he would have done what he did in Rawanda. Nothing. And of course the cowardly Europeans stood by and did nothing. Par for the course. One of the greatest tragedies in our world today is the lack of a sense of outrage. Holbrooke had it and so does Ms. Amanpour. There are still a few left.
December 20, 2010
No danger from Wikileaks
Julian Assange claims, unequivocally, that no one's life has been put in danger by the release of all the transcripts. Okay, fine. I'm just very curious, how does he know this? I just assume that if he's certain of this he must have read all 250,000 plus transcripts. Or perhaps the private who gave him the transcripts read all of them and assured Assange that no one was put in danger. I would also assume that both of them are familiar with all the people mentioned and the particular work they do and again are quite certain that none of them have been put in danger. Just curious.
Cross-posted to Salon.com
Cross-posted to Salon.com
December 06, 2010
The Eyes of Van Gogh
I am so pleased to announce that my film, The Eyes of Van Gogh, has been picked up by Unicorn Entertainment International LTD., in a 5-year distribution deal for Hong Kong. My thanks to Sales Agent Wonderphil Productions.
November 03, 2010
The Life and Legacy of Simon Wiesenthal
What can one man do to improve the human condition and to make a positive difference in the world? I urge anyone who has asked this question to see, 'I HAVE NEVER FORGOTTEN YOU' [ The life and legacy of Simon Weisenthal]. After viewing it, ask yourself what would have happened , or better, what wouldn't have happened, ...if this man had not survived the war.See More
The Passion of Joan of Arc
I cannot recommend this film from Theodore Dreyer too highly. It is a cinematic feast. You can watch it instantly on Netflix.
October 20, 2010
Nobel Peace Prize
I am so pleased to learn that Chinese prisoner of conscience Liu Xiaobo was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Liu is a writer and human rights defender who was chosen by the Nobel Committee for "his long and non-violent struggle for fundamental human rights in China."
It has been a long time since the committee honored someone for a profound commitment to individual liberty.
It has been a long time since the committee honored someone for a profound commitment to individual liberty.
July 30, 2010
In whose world is this sane?
Just consider the implications of the last line in this quote from the article.
Meanwhile, those exploding budgets increasingly line the coffers of private firms who provide not only an arsenal of spy gadgets, but some 30 percent of the staff at the intelligence agencies. Assuming that private contracts continue to account for about 70 percent of the intelligence budget, the firms in the secret sector are competing for some $50 billion annually in tax money. (By way of comparison, the global movie industry pulled in a hair under $30 billion in 2009.)
I hope you'll read the article and pass it along.
Meanwhile, those exploding budgets increasingly line the coffers of private firms who provide not only an arsenal of spy gadgets, but some 30 percent of the staff at the intelligence agencies. Assuming that private contracts continue to account for about 70 percent of the intelligence budget, the firms in the secret sector are competing for some $50 billion annually in tax money. (By way of comparison, the global movie industry pulled in a hair under $30 billion in 2009.)
I hope you'll read the article and pass it along.
July 08, 2010
Othello
I congratulate the Synetic Theater Company on a brilliantly conceived and performed movement adaptation of Othello. Bravo.
June 16, 2010
Killing Whales is a Crime
I urge everyone to contact the president and tell him to make the moratorium on the killing of whales stronger not weaker. If we can't keep from killing these magnificent, incredibly intelligent and peace loving creatures how can we ever keep from killing our own? Ultimately we must outlaw commercial whaling. Amazingly the president and his people are going in the opposite direction. Please make your voice heard.
Gulf Oil Spill
I recommend this very intelligent commentary from the Cato Institue senior fellow Gerald P. O'Driscoll Jr. on the Gulf Spill, the Financial Crisis and Government Failure.
April 14, 2010
Lear Seeks Liberation in Madness - A rebuttal
In regard to the character of King Lear, Stacy Keach says, ‘In Lear’s case, the decision to enter into the world of madness liberated him from the painful realities before him.’
This cannot be the King Lear I’m familiar with. The main quality that gives Lear epic status is his implacable nature and total refusal to give in to adversity. Lear has always taken huge pride in his total control of himself and everyone around him.
Note what Kent says to him in 3/6 after his mind is broken: ’ O pity! Sir, where is the patience now
That you so oft have boasted to retain?’
For Lear, the idea of going mad would be the most atrocious thing imaginable and his greatest battle is against encroaching madness.
Note what he says throughout the play until his mind cracks:
1/5 ’ O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!’
2/4 ’ I prithee daughter, do not make me mad…."
‘You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need…'
'O’ fool, I shall go mad.'
3/2 ‘No I will be the pattern of all patience. I will say nothing.’
‘My wits begin to turn.’
3/4 'But I will punish home! No, I will weep no more….'
'Pour on I will endure.’
'O,that way madness lies; let me shun that.'
'No more of that.’ ‘This tempest will not give me leave to ponder on things would hurt me more.’
This is most definitely not a man seeking an outlet in madness . One final thought. The scene at Dover, 3/6, where Lear enters mad is invariably played quietly, as though he were soothed and free of pain. Shakespeare had something very different in mind. Near the end of the scene, when Lear is surrounded by French soldiers he says, in what to me is one of the most powerfully dramatic and horrific lines in all of Shakespeare: 'Let me have surgeons; I am cut to the brains.’
That line is the key to Lear’s mental condition here. Rather than quiet and subdued, throughout the scene Lear is going through the torments of hell. Anything less is a betrayel of the character.
cross-posted to DC Theatre Scene
This cannot be the King Lear I’m familiar with. The main quality that gives Lear epic status is his implacable nature and total refusal to give in to adversity. Lear has always taken huge pride in his total control of himself and everyone around him.
Note what Kent says to him in 3/6 after his mind is broken: ’ O pity! Sir, where is the patience now
That you so oft have boasted to retain?’
For Lear, the idea of going mad would be the most atrocious thing imaginable and his greatest battle is against encroaching madness.
Note what he says throughout the play until his mind cracks:
1/5 ’ O, let me not be mad, not mad, sweet heaven! Keep me in temper; I would not be mad!’
2/4 ’ I prithee daughter, do not make me mad…."
‘You heavens, give me that patience, patience I need…'
'O’ fool, I shall go mad.'
3/2 ‘No I will be the pattern of all patience. I will say nothing.’
‘My wits begin to turn.’
3/4 'But I will punish home! No, I will weep no more….'
'Pour on I will endure.’
'O,that way madness lies; let me shun that.'
'No more of that.’ ‘This tempest will not give me leave to ponder on things would hurt me more.’
This is most definitely not a man seeking an outlet in madness . One final thought. The scene at Dover, 3/6, where Lear enters mad is invariably played quietly, as though he were soothed and free of pain. Shakespeare had something very different in mind. Near the end of the scene, when Lear is surrounded by French soldiers he says, in what to me is one of the most powerfully dramatic and horrific lines in all of Shakespeare: 'Let me have surgeons; I am cut to the brains.’
That line is the key to Lear’s mental condition here. Rather than quiet and subdued, throughout the scene Lear is going through the torments of hell. Anything less is a betrayel of the character.
cross-posted to DC Theatre Scene
April 06, 2010
The Eyes of Van Gogh
The DVD for my film, The Eyes of Van Gogh, is now on sale for $14.99 at http://www.theeyesofvangogh.com/. The DVD is also available from http://www.amazon.com/.
April 02, 2010
Thank you all
I'd like to thank all of you on LinkedIn who took the time to comment on the trailer for my film The Eyes of Van Gogh.
Group: Film Independent
What a wonderful and inspired portrayal of a troubled mind! Posted by Stanley N. Lozowski
Group: Film Independent
Congratulations on the new film. I am a Van Gogh fan so the topic matter is of much interest. I have a screening room in New Mexico and would love to show your film. Posted by Kenneth Segura Knoll
Group: DC Media
Excellent hair and makeup! Captured Von Gogh's self-portrait look. Perhaps you'd consider a voiceover like the one I did for Random House Books?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdT8S0RT9Qk
Group: DC Media
Looks like an awesome film, Alexander! When will it premiere? Posted by Katherine Hutt
Group: Filmmakers
The trailer looks excellent and from what I see the performances are great. Let us know if we can be of any assistance in the musical score department on any future productions----Good Luck, Brad Hord
Group: Media & Entertainment Professionals
Cool trailer, the man playing Van Gogh looks just like him! Good LUCK!Mike E.T.http://www.miketrapp.com Posted by Michael Trapp
Group: Independent Filmmakers and Screenwriters
Looks very intense and I like its tone when compared to, "Lust for Life". Posted by Brian Duggan
Group: Actors and Casting Directors
Impressive. Nicely done, Alexander! Posted by Lee Armstrong
Group: Actors and Casting Directors
Wow, that was hard to watch. You captured a lifetime in Three minutes, can't wait for the film. Posted by Paul Marshall
Group: Actors and Casting Directors
Looks good. Great job casting! Posted by Tony Folden
March 25, 2010
Assault on the Fourth Amendment
I saw this film at the Cato Institute. It was written and produced by interns who had worked there. Not only is the film hugely important for civil rights, but is expertly produced, cast and directed. Please give the film and the group exposure.
March 12, 2010
Women as Tools of War
The article by Mr. Goldberg is excellent. The response is frightening and yet totally predictable. I have done enormous research re atrocities committed against women, especially in Africa, the Middle East and Eastern Europe. The statistics are horrific and quite accurate. Rape and the enslavement of women are being used as a tools of war throughout the world. Women are being treated like road kill. Unfortunately this has been true throughout history and the problem has gotten progressively worse. For those sceptics, I invite them to check out what's happening now in The Republic Of the Congo and then research the practice of honor killings and the murder of female babys and genital mutilation of women and the enormous slave trade in women (which by the way would never survive without all the customers from the so-called civilized countries like the U.S. Japan, England, France, etc.) Check out what the Japanese did to the Chinese women in Nanking and what the Serbs did in Bosnia and what the Russians did to the German women near the end of World War 11. In Bosnia and herzegovina over 70000 women and girls were raped by the Serbs, often in front of their parents, many as young as 12 or 13. Scores of them were killed, their bodies dumped like garbage. In Africa as in most other third world countries men reign supreme. Women are not committing any of these atrocities: Men are. Cross posted to the Chigago Tribune.
March 11, 2010
New trailer for The Eyes of Van Gogh
Please take a look at the trailer for my film The Eyes of Van Gogh here.
February 21, 2010
Exploring King Lear
King Lear is Shakespeare's greatest play and very likely the greatest work in all of English literature: Its themes are of the most profound nature -- self realization; the myth of universal justice; fortuitousness in the battle between good and evil; the nature of evil. First and foremost Lear is a fighter and never gives in to adversity. In any production of King Lear we must see the lion in Lear and his raging battle between his age and failing mind. What makes him so fascinating and exciting are his tremendous extremes of temperment. He fights an epic and and magnificent struggle against overwhelming physical and emotional turmoil and his implacable refusal to surrender make him one of the greatest, most towering and passionate tragic characters ever created. This is why Lear is both a tragic and yet an uplifting experience.
Cross-posted to E-Notes
Cross-posted to E-Notes
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