On tomorrow’s KPBS Film Club of the Air
June 24th, 2008 by Scott Marks
Tomorrow’s show will be unprecedented: we’re coming up on July and I like all five of the films we are reviewing and only two are sub-titled!!! This doesn’t happen in winter let alone summer.
Tune in tomorrow to hear Beth Accomando, Tom Fudge and your obedient servant when we review Mongol, Savage Grace, Mother of Tears, Up the Yangtze and my favorite American movie of the year, The Wackness.
For those of you in the San Diego area…how the hell do you afford to live out here? Anyway, for you hometown lads and laddies the show airs at 10 am on 89.5 FM. There will be a link posted amidst tomorrow’s madness.
Tags: Beth Accomando, Film Club, Film Club of the Air, Film Reviews, KPBS, KPBS Radio, Scott Marks, Tom FudgeFiled Under News
Phil Donahue joins KPBS-Radio’s Film Club of the Air
April 23rd, 2008 by Scott Marks
Eddie Vedder, Tomas Young, Ellen Spiro, Phil Donahue
On this morning’s Film Club we were joined via telephone by Phil Donahue who is making the rounds promoting his exceptional new anti-war documentary Body of War which he co-wrote and directed with Ellen Spiro. Phil spoke with great passion and intensity about the film’s subject Tomas Young, a paralyzed veteran cut down after only five days of service. The film details the unspeakable indignities the 25-year-old vet must endure on a daily basis as well his rapidly changing feelings concerning the merit of Bush’s “war on terror.”
Sadly, more people will see Morgan Spurlock’s giggle fest than Body of War. It’s not often that I use the word important when it come to cinema. I was hipped to this after seeing the trailer for A Night at the Opera which refers to the Marx Bros. romp as one of “the most important comedies ever made!”
Generally, if a poster contains the loaded term I break out in hives. That said, this is one of the most important films I have seen in years, and even though I’m a born pacifist and a die-hard Bush-hater it has forever changed the way I look at war.
I’ve talked this film up to like-minded friends as well as strangers at the checkout stand. (I hold back by not mentioning the catheter scene or that I cried all the way through it.) Unfortunately, the reaction is almost always the same: “I don’t know if I want to see it. It sounds too depressing.” It angers me that our society is pulling a blanket over their collective eyes as I am convinced that films like this (not Redacted) will help bring about an end to the war.
Since starting this blog I have never once insisted that you see a film, not even one of Marty’s. I’m doing it now. Please, hold off on seeing Harold and Kumar and if you’re smart, skip The Life Before Her Eyes and Deception altogether. Break away from your computers and home entertainment centers and see this movie opening weekend.
Also on the show, three concise minutes on Shine a Light, reviews of My Blueberry Nights, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden and Redbelt in addition to some closing fireworks over Zombie Strippers.
Note to San Diegans: Ellen Spiro will be making a personal appearance at this Saturday night’s 7:15 pm screening at The Ken.
Download the Film Club podcast here.
Tags: Beth Accomando, BODY OF WAR, Documentary, Eddie Vedder, Ellen Spiro, Film Club, Film Club of the Air, Film Reviews, Harold_and_Kumar, KPBS, KPBS Radio, MY BLUEBERRY NIGHTS, Phil Donahue, Podcast, Radio, REDBELT, Scott Marks, SHINE A LIGHT, Tom Fudge, Tomas Young, WHERE IN THE WORLD IS OSAMA BIN LADEN, ZOMBIE STRIPPERSFiled Under News
Phil Donahue guests on KPBS Film Club tomorrow morning
April 22nd, 2008 by Scott Marks
Phil Donahue, Tomas Young, Ellen Spiro & Eddie Vedder
Phil Donahue will be joining us by telephone on KPBS-Radio’s These Days tomorrow to talk about his new film Body of War.
The dean of the modern American talk show, long absent from the airwaves, co-wrote and directed this gut wrenching documentary about Iraq vet Tomas Young. Young felt it his patriotic duty to enlist two days after 9/11. The 25-year-old soldier took a bullet to the spine after serving only five days in Iraq. (Young arrived in Iraq ten months after our disillusioned Commander in Chief declared “Mission Accomplished!)
Instead of adapting a straightforward “bash Bush” approach, the film chronicles Young’s return home and his struggle to adapt to a paralyzed body. We watch in horror as he slowly regains consciousness at Walter Reed Hospital and begins questioning the entire premise of Bush’s folly.
It is not often that I cry at movies (unless it’s a debilitating Will Ferrell comedy), but this one had me weeping almost from the get-go. I probably won’t sell any tickets by telling you upfront that the film is a downer, so if you feel like taking a walk on the mild side there is always the new Morgan Spurlock assembly of skits, Where in the World is Osama Bin Laden?
There has been a glut of anti-war documentaries released over the past several years and after having seen all of them, Body of War is easily the strongest and most honest indictment of America’s “war on terror.” Don’t waste your time on another SNL-spawned atrocity this weekend. As difficult as the subject matter may be, I doubt that you will see a finer, more moving portrait anytime soon.
For those of you living in the San Diego area, Donahue’s collaborator Ellen Spiro will make a personal appearance this Saturday night at Landmark’s Ken Cinema.
If you can’t join us live, make sure to download the podcast.
Filed Under News
KPBS-RADIO SHOWS
March 1st, 2008 by Scott Marks
Pineapple Express, Man on Wire, The Last Mistress, Vicky Christina Barcelona, Baghead
Aug 06, 2008
There’s a new documentary about the man who walked a wire between the World Trade Towers in the 1970’s and a horror movie that satirizes indie movies. We talk about these films and more on this Film Club of the Air.
Mongol, Up the Yangtze, Savage Grace, The Wackness, Mother of Tears
Jun 25, 2008
On this Film Club of the Air, we talk about a new epic film made in the old Hollywood style about Genghis Kahn, a documentary about the modernization of China, a stoner comedy with heart, and a tragic drama about a wealthy family with no sense of boundaries.
Indiana Jones, The Visitor, Before the Rains
May 21, 2008
We’ll talk about the new Indiana Jones movie as well as fan tribute to the first film in the franchise, Raiders of the Lost Ark. We’ll also get our critics to weigh in on an independent film called The Visitor, the latest from Merchant and Ivory, and a new French thriller called Roman de Gare.
My Blueberry Nights, Body of War, Zombie Strippers, and More
Apr 23, 2008
We talk about Wong Kar-Wai’s first English language film “My Blueberry Nights” and Phil Donahue joins Beth Accomando and Scott Marks to talk about his new documentary “Body of War.”
Horton Hears a Who!, Chicago 10, Funny Games, Married Life, Snow Angels
Mar 19, 2008
The Academy Award nominations were announced yesterday; we agree and disagree with the Academy’s choices. We also talk about ‘There Will Be Blood,’ the new Woody Allen movie ‘Cassandra’s Dream,’ a documentary called ‘War/Dance,’ and a family movie called ‘The Water Horse.’
Sweeney Todd, Juno, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The Savages, Youth Without YouthDec 19, 2007
There are a lot of movies to see this holiday season and we make sure to recommend the best of the bunch. Our critics for this Film Club of the Air will discuss Sweeney Todd, Juno, The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, The Savages and Youth Without Youth.
Jan 31, 2008
Once a month, local film critics gather to discuss some of the new films opening in theaters. Film Club of the Air is broadcast as a regular segment on These Days with host Tom Fudge.
No Country for Old Men, Redacted, Dr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Margot at the WeddingNov 20, 2007
During this Film Club of the Air, we’ll talk about the Coen brothers’ dark new thriller “No Country for Old Men,” as well as a war movie from Brian DePalma and some family fare with “Dr. Magorium’s Family Emporium.”
American Gangster, Rendition, Control, Finishing the GameOct 30, 2007
Ridley Scott’s take on the gangster movie opens in theaters this weekend. We’ll also talk about a comedy called “Finishing the Game,” Ben Affleck’s directorial debut and a new biopic about Joy Division’s tragic lead singer Ian Curtis.
Eastern Promises, The Brave One, Across the UniverseSep 19, 2007
David Cronenberg has a new film set in the underworld of the Russian mafia, and Paul Haggis follows his Oscar-winning “Crash” by turning to the Iraq War with Tommy Lee Jones in the lead. We’ll also talk about Jodie Foster in “The Brave One” and Julie Taymor’s Beatles extravaganza, “Across the Universe.”
David Lynch, King of Kong, No End in Sight and ColmaAug 29, 2007
David Lynch’s latest feature film goes straight to video, but we’ll talk about it anyway. We’ll also discuss two new documentaries, one about the Iraq War and the other about a little known war between two classic video game champions. Finally, we’ll look at a modern-day musical set in Colma, California.
The Simpsons Movie, Rescue Dawn, The Interview, SunshineJul 25, 2007
The longest running sitcom in television history heads to the big screen this weekend. On this Film Club of the Air, we’ll talk about “The Simpsons Movie”, Werner Herzog’s new film “Rescue Dawn”, Steve Buscemi’s film “The Interview”, and the latest sci-fi thriller from Trainspotting director Danny Boyle.
Michael Moore’s Sicko, A Mighty Heart, Broken English, Killer of SheepJun 27, 2007
We speak with two film critics about the films in area theaters, including “Sicko”, the new Michael Moore documentary and “A Mighty Heart,” which tells the story of the kidnapping of journalist Daniel Pearl.
Paprika, Chalk, Knocked Up and OnceMay 31, 2007
While the third “Spiderman” and “Pirates of the Carribean” break box office records, we explore some of early summer’s smaller releases. We talk about a modern-day musical from a former member of The Frames, an adult-oriented anime movie called “Paprika,” and we’ll see if the comedies “Chalk” and “Knocked Up” make us laugh.
Hot Fuzz, Jindabyne, Red Road, Black BookApr 25, 2007
New films by Paul Verhoeven and the team behind “Shaun of the Dead” are currently in area theaters. We’ll talk to our film critics Beth Accomando and Scott Marks about what they think about what’s on the big screen in San Diego. We’ll also get a DVD recommendation from the film curator at the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art.
The Lookout, The Namesake, The Hoax, Color Me KubrickMar 28, 2007
Beth Accomando and Scott Marks discuss The Lookout, The Namesake, The Hoax, Color Me Kubrick, and more.
Academy Awards, Zodiac, Black Snake Moan, The Astronaut Farmer, The HostFeb 28, 2007
Film critics Beth Accomando and Scott Marks join These Days host Tom Fudge for a review of the Academy Awards, as well as new films currently in theaters, including Zodiac, Black Snake Moan, The Astronaut Farmer and The Host.
Venus, Breaking and Entering, Pans Labyrinth, Rules of the Game and Smoking AcesJan 30, 2007
Film critics discuss some of the new films in local theatres. Films include “Venus,” “Breaking and Entering,” “Pans Labyrinth,” “Rules of the Game,” and “Smoking Aces.”
Apocalypto, The Good German, Notes on a Scandal, The Painted Veil, DreamgirlsDec 20, 2006
Beth Accomando and Scott Marks are back with another hour of film. They cover controversial films like “Apocalypto,” smaller independent releases like “Notes on a Scandal,” and the blockbuster options like “Dreamgirls.”
Borat, Volver, Babel, Casino RoyaleNov 15, 2006
Beth Accomando and Scott Marks are in studio for opinionated talk about new films. Expect a mix of ranting and laughter as the Film Club critics review “Borat,” “Volver,” “Babel” and “Casino Royale.”
The Departed, Flags of Our Father, Jesus Camp and MoreOct 12, 2006
Film critics Beth Accomando and Scott Marks come together for an hour on new movies. They cover Martin Scorsese’s new film “The Departed,” Clint Eastwood’s “Flags of Our Father,” a documentary “Jesus Camp,” Sophia Cappola’s “Marie Antoinette,” and Hou Hsiao Hsien’s “Three Times” screening at the local Asian Film Festival.
Black Dahlia, Hollywoodland, The Last Kiss, and more…Sep 13, 2006
Film critics discuss some of the new films in local theatres. Films include “Black Dahlia,” “Hollywoodland,” “Factotum,” and “The Last Kiss.”
Woody Allen’s Scoop, Clerks II, and more…Jul 27, 2006
Film critics discuss some of the new films in local theatres. Films include Woody Allen’s “Scoop,” “Clerks II,” “Lady of Vengeance,” “Wassup Rockers” and the local “Alt Picture Show.”
Who Killed the Electric Car, Road to Guantanamo, and more…Jul 13, 2006
Film critics discuss some of the new films in local theatres. Films include “The Road to Guantanamo,” “Strangers with Candy,” “Who Killed the Electric Car,” and “A Scanner Darkly.”
Filed Under Rants
Scott Marks talks about “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “The Lemon Drop Kid”
December 24th, 2007 by Scott Marks
Les…
(Dolores Hope’s version of Silver Bells plays softly underneath)
It’s not often that I step out of character, but what the hell? It’s Christmas. You know ladies and gentlemen, no website is a failure that has friends. And I mean it. When I see the look on the faces of those kids who visit Emulsion Compulsion every day to study my reviews, read my rants and know the true meaning of 2 Girls 1 Kup, I tell ya’ it gets me right here. You have my utmost fondness and appreciation.
And to the man behind the curtain, my buddy Charles who called me up one day and said, “I read your crappy AOL blog. I’d like to build you a website that people will actually come to.” For a Republican who lives as far north of Chicago as possible while still being in Illinois and hasn’t been inside a movie theater since we saw 54 together in ‘98 you see things in me that confound your average aesthete. Your advice on how to make this site tick has been invaluable. Beyond all else, you are one of the most loyal people on the planet. Who needs Scorsese when I can talk to you everyday? You’re a great man, Charles, and one that I both value and love. Thanks!
And now before we all start vomiting blood from the sugar overkill, this is a piece that I did for KPBS -Radio’s These Days that I am particularly proud of. For a guy who never had a tree in his living room, I sure do have good taste in Christmas pictures!
Leave it to a Jew to point up the cynicism inherent in Frank Capra’s beloved holiday chestnut and leave it to a die hard Frank Tashlin devotee to champion a Bob Hope obscurity over the more familiar holiday DVD stuffers.
And speaking of people that I value, I pretty much owe my life on San Diego radio to Angela Carone. Like Charles, she not only gets me, but Angela unleashes me over the public airwaves. Listen to how brilliantly this piece is put together. She’s my personal Thelma.
Take it away Tom…
Tom Fudge: When the 1946 movie It’s A Wonderful Life entered the public domain in the 1970’s, practically every television station began broadcasting the film during the holiday season. The story is a familiar one. Jimmy Stewart plays George Bailey, who looks back on a lifetime of dashed dreams and personal sacrifices. One day, after a string of bad luck, he decides he wants to end it all. But before he can, a bumbling angel named Clarence shows him what life would be like without him. And he convinces George that he really does have “a wonderful life.”
Some argue that Frank Capra’s film is sentimental and even a little cheesy. But our Film Club of the Air’s Scott Marks has a different take on it. He stopped by the studio to give us his impression of It’s a Wonderful Life and to tell us about one of his favorite holiday movies starring Bob Hope.
Filed Under KPBS Radio Shows
About
May 20th, 2007 by Scott Marks
Emulsion Compulsion is an electronic altar built at the feet of the Great Gods Cinema. You will find many full length and blurb reviews of new films as well as classic DVD releases. Featuring a collection of tens of thousands of pictures, posters, books, magazines, tchotchkes and many other sorts of movie collectibles that will be regularly post for your enjoyment and edification.Scott Marks regularly deliver reviews on San Diego’s KPBS-Radio.
I must admit that even though I see upwards of 200 new releases each year, for all intents and purposes Hollywood abandoned making films for adults somewhere around the time of Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark. (Needless to say, spielberg and lucas are neither spoken or welcome here.) With the exception of the 15 or 20 films a year I find praiseworthy, if you’re looking for someone to back up your disappointment and disgust over a current release, I’m your man.
Enjoy the site and by all means drop a line if you have a comment, criticism or a request
Scott Marks is available for radio, TV & print interviews, to add his unique perspective on movies and popular culture.
emulsioncompulsion@gmail.com
Full Press Release
Scott Marks was born and raised in some of Chicago’s finest single-screen theatres. He credits getting his start as a cineholic when his parents allowed their 9-year-old son to stay up till all hours of the morning watching Marx Bros. and W. C. Fields movies on The Late, Late Show.
It was love at first site. Every movie theatre in town became his home the day Scott obtained his driver’s license. It wasn’t long before he was a regular at both Northwestern Universities’ Film Society as well as the University of Chicago’s legendary Doc Films, to which Scott was the first civilian to have a set of keys to the film vault.
Scott wrote criticism for the Illinois Entertainer, managed the Parkway Theatre when it was a revival house that changed double-bills daily, and eventually taught film history and aesthetics electives for 11 years at Columbia College.
In the late 90s, Scott was brought on board to oversee the Woodfield 5 - 9, Cineplex Odeons’ valiant effort to bring art films to suburbia. While in Chicago, the greatest gift he gave movie lovers was the rebirth of the LaSalle Bank Theatre which, he is proud to say, continues to draw big crowds even to this day.
In 2000, Scott answered the call West to curate the Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) inaugural film program in San Diego. For five years Scott booked and programmed a wide variety of film series in MoPA’ state-of-the-art Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theatre. He also hosted and introduced the screenings which ranged from esoteric items like Japanese stylist Yasujiro Ozu and master documentarian Chris Marker to a hugely successful annual summer series of offbeat favorites that featured the work of such cultists as schlock-meister Ed Wood and Russ Meyer, King of Bosomania!
Scott currently co-hosts The KPBS-Radio Film Club of the Air. In addition to teaching film classes as UCSD and SDSU, Scott also ventured into television with a stint as Fox 6 in the Morning’s film critic as well as a televised version of the KPBS Film Club of the Air.Late in 2006, San Diego’s North Park Theatre called upon Scott to lend his talent and expertise where he programs and hosts classic film screenings in the magnificently refurbished picture palace. Given the venue and the sterling bookings, it’s no wonder that San Diegans are turning out in droves.
Emulsion Compulsion affords Scott a platform to spout his unique, at times caustic and always refreshing opinions on cinema & popular culture. Scott cautions, “If you’re looking for puff ball pieces, glorified plot synopses instead of criticism, or someone who embraces theme park rides that pass for movies, feel free to check out the competition.”According to Scott, “Many so-called discerning contemporary viewers turn their noses up at genre films or anything released before last week.
Just because I worship Welles and Renoir doesn’t mean that I don’t have a soft spot in my heart (and head) for “Hot Rods to Hell” and “The Oscar,” two unintentional comedies that are funnier than any of the ones ever produced by SNL. Who cares why you’re laughing just so you are!”
Scott stands fearless in the face of all cinema. For him, there’s no such thing as a bad genre, only bad storytellers. You never know where or when you’re going to find a great (or grate) movie and Scott refuses to stop trying.
Scott Marks is available for radio, TV & print interviews, to add his unique perspective on movies and popular culture.
contact information -
email: emulsioncompulsion@gmail.com
Tags: About, Contact, Email, Emulsion Compulsion, KPBS, KPBS Radio, San Diego, Scott MarksFiled Under Uncategorized
Twitter Feed- scottmarks: Apart from decrepit whoremaster Hugh Hefner's line readings, there is nothing to laugh at in THE HOUSE BUNNY.
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Fun Facts: The Honeymooners Jane Keane, the Curly Joe DeRita of Trixies, claimed that toast of the town Ed Sullivan sexually assaulted her.
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