'The Social Network'

Source: IMDb

This movie is a genius melding of artful writing, acting and directing. The minds behind 'The Social Network' are as brilliant as the subject of the film. Aaron Sorkin's script is the backbone of the movie and it creates a solid foundation for Jesse Eisenberg who plays Mark Zuckerberg founder of Facebook, Andrew Garfield who portrays his business partner and friend, Eduardo Saverin, and David Fincher the director, to create a masterpiece.

I have seen this movie twice and will probably see it a third time, yes it is that good. So far for me, 'The Social Network' is the front-runner for the Best Picture Award.

The themes running through this movie mirror 'Citizen Kane', a dynamic person who is a pioneer in his chosen field and whose achievements raise him to great heights. Like Charles Foster Kane, the character in 'Citizen Kane' based upon real-life newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, Mark Zuckerberg also manages to alienate everyone, even those closest to him in his quest to succeed.

The movie may have taken a few artistic liberties, however the addage that it's lonely at the top, seems to fit 'The Social Network'.

This morning, I tweeted a thank you note to Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti who produced the movie and Mr. Brunetti returned a thank you tweet-exciting! If you have not yet seen the movie, I highly recommend it.

What's Happening to Television?

Source: Google graphics

Television, the equipment, television programming and viewership have all changed dramatically over the past 58 years in Canada and the US. Television was introduced to Canadian audiences in 1952-the CBC was Canada's first broadcaster. At that time there were 85,000 television sets in Canada; in 2010 that number is 21,500,000 (ref: pressreference.com). The number of broadcast channels available today is limitless and most host programs 24/7/365 days a year.

Today, I read in 24 Hours that 70% of Americans (by extension Canadians) still watch their favourite television shows at the time they are broadcast and only 16% record them to watch later. Nearly 80% of viewers over 45 years old watch TV traditionally that figure falls to 56% for people under 45. Nearly 9% watch TV shows online (Source: Marist College phone poll of 1,005 people).

There are so many choices available both in channels and how we watch television. I watch a lot of online content, nearly half of my television viewing is done online. However, my overall television viewing has significantly decreased (8 shows a week), whether that is due to content or me getting older or a combination thereof - before I commit a half hour or an hour to watching anything, it better be worth my time. My television of choice are such shows as "Mad Men", "Boardwalk Empire", "TrueBlood" and "Glee". Of course, there are my 'guilty pleasures' such as "The Vampire Diaries" and "Life Unexpected". The other two shows I watch are "House" and "Fringe".

CNN posted an article lamenting the fact that the 2010 fall television season is rather lacking in breakout hits and has suffered three cancellations already, one of which was "Lone Star" a show I really liked and I am still hoping that AMC, HBO or another cable channel will resurrect. The viewership for these cancelled shows is equal to a "Mad Men" audience (3 to 4 million); network television demands higher viewership -ie- advertising placements.

Some have said that audiences get the shows they deserve, however, networks are also less likely to support a low-performing show as they did in the 1980's when "Cheers" debuted to low ratings and would have been cancelled in its first season had it aired in 2010. There is still a place for quality programming on network television, which is supported by the success of shows such as "Glee", "The Good Wife" and "House".

Boardwalk Empire

HBO's 'Boardwalk Empire' was borne from the minds of Terrence Winter, he of 'The Sopranos' and Martin Scorcese, he of 'Mean Streets', 'The Departed', etc. not too shabby. 'Boardwalk' follows the lives of Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson, et al. in Atlantic City as Prohibition is introduced in January, 1920.

The series had only aired two episodes when it was renewed for a second season. As any actor will tell you, it all starts with the scripts and 'Boardwalk Empire' is no exception; the writing is stellar and is matched beautifully with actors who embody their character. Steve Buscemi is such a talented actor, having followed his career for many years now, he is a treat to watch as Nucky along with the notable cast of supporting characters - Michael Pitt as Jimmy Darmody; Michael Shannon as Agent Nelson Van Alden; Kelly MacDonald as Margaret Schroeder.

Prohibition has never looked so good.

Mad Men Season 4 Finale




Don Draper pondering his future...calling it off with Faye

Last night the 'Mad Men' season 4 finale, 'Tomorrowland', capped the best season of 'Mad Men' yet. If season 4 was about change, adaptation and coming to terms then season 5 will be about the journey that follows.

I will leave the dissection of last night's episode to others, but there are a few stand-out scenes for me as follows:

• Don introduces Sally and Bobby to Stephanie and tells them that his 'nickname' is Dick. I only wish that this had taken place when Anna was still alive.
• Don referring to Megan as Maria Von Trapp (The Sound of Music is my favourite movie, and celebrating its 45th anniversary this year :)
• Joan and Peggy commisserating about the men and the women they choose to share their lives. Priceless and so true.
• Joan revealing that she did not have an abortion and that she will have Roger's lovechild.
• Betty setting it up so she would meet Don at what was their marital home before it's sold. She pretending to have forgotten some items in the guest bathroom; he retrieving a hidden bottle of Canadian Club whiskey. Sharing a drink and Don telling Betty that he is engaged. The pained look on Betty's face, her trying to be mature and adult about the situation, congratulating him reluctantly...Don saw her struggle and tried to make it easier for her. The shot of them literally parting ways leaving the bottle and cup on the counter-leaving behind memories both bad & good, and the life they shared...at least in that house.

Matthew Weiner and his staff of writers are some of the most talented people in Hollywood. The lives of the characters are in good hands and I can't wait for season 5, is it July 2011 yet?!