Behind the Screen

Hollywood and Indie Offerings

Have you ever wanted to know what the director had in mind when making a particular film? Or why the producer altered the original screenplay? Why was an actor or actress cast over another? Thomson has answers to these and other questions about filmmaking.

Washington Post film critic Desson Thomson brings Behind the Screen online for a discussion on filmmaking and the art of the cinema on Friday, Aug. 5, at 1 p.m.

'Dukes of Hazzard': Just Enjoy The Ride (Post, Aug. 5)

Hypnotic 'Last Days' Of a Rock Star (Post, Aug. 5)

'Flowers': Murray in Full Bloom (Post, Aug. 5)

Engaging 'Edukators' (Post, Aug. 5)

'Country': An Uninspired Journey (Post, Aug. 5)

Weekend Cover Story: Independents' Day (Post, Aug. 5)

Thomson, a movie critic at The Washington Post for 15 years, was raised in England where he was entranced, like most, by Hollywood movies. And it was a visit to see David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia," that made him realize movies had to be a part of his life.

A transcript follows.

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Desson Thomson: Hello everyone. I see the questions are already proliferating, so let me get started in right away.

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Morristown, N.J.: Hi Desson:

What did you think of the movie "Closer"? My wife and I Netflicked it and were not impressed. The acting, especially Jude Law and Julia Roberts, was pretty wooden and the dialogue inane.

Desson Thomson: I agree with your opinion. You could have interchanged any of those roles with the cast members and not seen any distinction among them.

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Front Royal, Va.: Hi Desson,

I just wanted to share that my favorite indie film has got to be Natural Born Killers. The casting was absolutely perfect! But anything that Quentin is even remotely involved in is bound to be good.

Desson Thomson: Hi FY. Yes, that movie had its own power. I wasn't as 100 per cent impressed as you with that one but I thought the game show scene with Rodney Dangerfield was amazing. So dark.

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Herndon, Va.: I'm not familiar with Jim Jarmusch's work but he sounds very interesting. Which film do you think would be a good place to start to get acquainted with his oeuvre?

Desson Thomson: Well, you could start with Stranger than Paradise, his first major film. And you could check out Stranger than Paradise and go from there. Why not see all of them since they're available at the AFI.?

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Washington, D.C.: What's the test score in the Ashes series?

Desson Thomson: I have to confess I am not a huge cricket fan. So I'm not watching. I'm paying attention to the upcoming footie season and whether or not Michael Owen will join Manchester United. Now that stuff is what gets me going.

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Washington, D.C.: Have you ever seen a movie that, upon reflection (perhaps a year later) you realized was much better (or much worse) than you first appreciated?

Desson Thomson: Yes, I made a terrible mistake with Magnolia. Was only half congratulatory. Seen it many times since. A movie of immense grace and power.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I don't know how much this pertains to the actual acting, but in the stuntman business, do directors tend to look for likeness in appearance or rather the caliber of the stuntman's ability?

Desson Thomson: Clearly they look for both, although many's the time when I've smirked at a stuntman dressed as a woman with an obvious wig.

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Springfield, Va.: Desson, Help! The E Street Cinema show times are not in my paper today. What happened? Please tell me this is a one-time deal and they will be back in place when I plan my weekend viewing tomorrow!

Desson Thomson: Gosh, not sure why. No answer at the Landmark theatre right now when I called. Check out landmarktheatres.com and they should have times for our local area.

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Ballston, Va.: Of the following moments in filmmaking history, which is the most classic?

When Shaft threw his detective's badge at the judge like a kung fu throwing star and it stuck in the wall, nearly missing the judge's head

or

when Rambo said, "I always thought the greatest weapon was the mind."

Desson Thomson: I guess that would be in the eye of the beholder. Both are special moments.

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Armchair mentions: Hey, submitting early, love the chats as always as much as I sometimes miss them.

Just found out that Zhang Ke Jia's film "The World" had it's last day at E street yesterday. It's too bad this film is absolutely amazing, I hope more people get a chance to see it. There was a good turnout yesterday when I saw it.

Zhang is a great director. I hope more people in the D.C. area get a chance to see this somehow.

Desson Thomson: Thanks so much, glad you like the chat. Yes, I liked that movie considerably and wrote a thumbs up review last Friday. But Landmark processes a lot of movies. They're in one week, out the next, unless they do amazing business. Too bad, it's a real big screen movie.

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Linden, Va.: Do you think having a channel dedicated to just airing independent films (IFC) is helping the independents? I have to admit that I have watched a few really good movies on that channel that I probably wouldn't have thought about otherwise.

Desson Thomson: Linden, I think you answered your question.

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Indies, Outies: Have you ever seen the Black Maria film festival at the Hirshhorn?

Desson Thomson: Yes, it's been there for many years. A good show. And free even.

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Springfield, Va.: Would you shoot Vin Diesel in black and white or do you think he's more watchable in color?

Also, what do you think of casting Diesel in remakes of old Philip Marlowe movies?

Desson Thomson: I think Vin Diesel looks best when they put a cap over the camera lens.

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Silver Spring, Md.: When is 2046 coming out in the Washington area? Have you seen it?

Desson Thomson: As of now it's slated for August sometime, date TBD. I saw it in Cannes 2 festivals ago and thought it rather longwinded. But it's been recut so I'll see it with a new attitude when it gets screened here.

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Washington, D.C.: A friend in LA is working on a script for an independent film and is wondering about financing the film -- any suggestions would be appreciated -- this is her first.

Desson Thomson: My suggestion is to worry about the script first and then it'll deserve the financing. It's amazing how the money will come when the script is actually good. Indie films are financed in a million different ways, from back end financing in foreign countries to bugging your local dentist who's looking for a way to lose his money creatively.

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Bloomfield Hills, Mich.: I was thrilled to see "Superstar: The Karen Carpenter Story" on your list. We screened that at the Experimental Film Coalition in Chicago before it was removed from view, and I continue to remember it as one of the best films I've seen and a sort of secret treasure. Is there any hope of this film becoming generally available again?

Desson Thomson: Glad you are in the inner circle. It looks like it'll never see the light of day. The movie took liberties with A&M records (the Herb Alpert persona and the Carpenter songs), the Carpenter family, and Mattel for its use of Barbie dolls. Liability issues galore.

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Baltimore, Md.: Magnolia? It only gets worse with repeated exposure. I admire the audaciousness but it's just such a sloppy mess.

Desson Thomson: Well, we're heading in opposite directions. Such is life.

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Dukes o' Hazzardous movie: TV's Cooter is trying to persuade the public not to see "this sleezy insult". Does he have a point?

Desson Thomson: I don't think it's worth any controversy. It's a movie just trying to convey the spirit of the show. Not great. Not terrible.

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What!?: No "Night of the Living Dead" or "Dawn of the Dead"? If we're talking Indy horror ...

Desson Thomson: Why stop there? There's a good 3 or 4 hundred good titles I could have mentioned in any indie genre. Actually Night of the Living Dead is one of my favorites of all time, but there just wasn't room!

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Galesville, Md.: Dear Tom:

I have been taking my children to see indies lately (Migration, The March of the Penquins, Parrots of Telegraph Hill, etc.) They now like them better than Disney and the action films. If only I could get my husband to agree!

Desson Thomson: Just keep working on him. And my real name. :)

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2046: It's out on DVD. I rented it through Netflix a couple of months ago.

Desson Thomson: Already? Wow. Well, it's supposed to be coming here.

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Duh!: Thanks Desson. I just noticed the insert about the name change. please feel free to ignore my earlier inquiry.

You'd be surprised the number of discussions I had with my wife over this change ... we had always assumed you were a man. But when the name change hit ... we considered the possibility Desson was a woman's name and you got married. But that never felt right either ...

Thanks for putting this to bed!

Desson Thomson: Glad it's all cleared up! :)

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Alexandria, Va.: Last Friday I saw The Wizard Of Oz on the big screen at Wolf Trap with the NSO playing the soundtrack live and in-house. I know that John Williams conducted a live orchestra during the premiere of Spielberg's remastered E.T., but I hadn't heard of it being done with a musical. It was a fun night. Is this something we can look forward to in the future? I can think of a lot of films I'd like to see with a live orchestra playing.

Desson Thomson: This orchestra and movie thing happens a lot, especially in the summer stretch. At Wolf Trap and a few other venues. Not sure what's coming up per se. Also the National Gallery of Art's East building -- Washington's best kept secret -- shows classics with musical accompaniments often. Not a full orchestra but a combo. And they're free! Another occasional venue is the Ken Center.

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Dumfries, Va.: Why don't indie movies have more explosions, car chases, stunts and musclebound actors? I think they might make some more money that way.

Desson Thomson: You're joking, I assume. Indies' very existence is to give people a smart and resourceful alternative to movies like that. Indies give you stories not effects. At least, that's the idea.

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Washington, D.C.: It seems like the Loews Dupont theater has had the exact same middling, not-very-popular films for a good month now.

I know this theater is already on its last legs, but it seems like Loews is pushing it towards its doom. I know it's small, but I will miss neighborhood theaters like this ...

Desson Thomson: Loews will never be accused of putting community interests and traditional history in the way of business. Let's just say, enjoy any Loews theater (that's old) while you can.

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Washington, D.C..: Saw Hustle and Flow last night and really enjoyed it. What do you think Terrence Howard's chances are for an Oscar nom? He was hypnotic.

Desson Thomson: Glad you liked. One of the best of the year. Definitely going to make my top ten. I think Howard's nomination is all but a certainty.

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Steamy Maryland: Any good horror or sci-fi movies in the pipeline? I need a fix soon.

Desson Thomson: Slim pickings, I'm afraid.

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Clifton, Va.: Are there any TV Shows from 60's,70's and 80's that Hollywood has not turned into a movie? I think Jessica Simpson and her idiot husband and sister should remake Green Acres. Russell Crowe could do the voice for Arnold the pig. Come one Hollywood, let's have some original ideas! And then there's Petticoat junction with the Pussycat Dolls playing the sisters.

Desson Thomson: I hear you Clifton. When will it end indeed.

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Baltimore, Md.: Any advance word on that Jodie Foster movie of her searching for her daughter on an airplane? I can't remember the name, but I've seen the preview and it looks really creepy and with some potential.

Desson Thomson: Yeah it's coming. "Flightplan." The trailer looked good. And she is a smart cookie and doesn't usually put her name into bad projects. Slated for fall sometime.

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Arlington, Va.: Is March of the Penguins ever going to be released in an IMAX version?

Desson Thomson: I could be wrong, but I haven't heard that it will be doing so. Imagine a penguin 65 feet high. Now that's a big tuxedo.

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Connecticut and L, NW, D.C.: Hi Desson!

Love the opportunity to pick your brain after all these years of reading your reviews. Are you familiar with "All the Real Girls?" I just saw it on DVD and I was stunned by its complete lack of ... well, anything! Boorish kids behaving in remarkably uninteresting ways. And in black and white? Was that supposed to be "artsy?" The scenery in North Carolina might have been a mitigating component but they wouldn't even give us that. What am I missing? For me, this was the biggest snoozefest I can remember. Have some film "auteurs" taken the "slice-of-life" concept too far?

Desson Thomson: Hi C&L:

I understand what you mean. It's a sort of formless movie, but David Green is after something different. Here's the top part of what I wrote about it when it came out:

In his follow-up to the lyrical "George Washington," writer-director David Gordon Green proves he hasn't lost his poetic instincts.

"All the Real Girls," co-written with lead performer Paul Schneider, doesn't outdo the first film. But it's a movie of deft impressions and telling human moments. Whether or not those impressions and moments add up to anything is almost beside the point. This is an instinctive movie, a series of loosely connected sketches not designed to complete a circle, further a thesis or answer questions. Its simplicity and sense of mystery are its main, disarming assets. And if the story remains formless, there's such a feeling for the characters, you get a whole new set of values to savor.

blah blah blah

So that was my feeling about it.

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Washington, D.C.: I read somewhere that Mel Gibson wants to produce a movie in the Mayan language. Are Mayans a bigger audience than people who speak Aramaic? Did this concept get the green light?

Desson Thomson: It's great to have other languages and cultures brought to our attention on the screen. The Mayans the merrier.

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Columbia Heights, Md.: Hi Desson! Though I don't agree with you all the time, you are hands down my favorite critic. That said, I wonder, have you made any independent films yourself? If so, how could a loyal reader get their hands on a copy?

Desson Thomson: Thanks so much for the nice comment. And I am always relieved to hear people say they disagree with me from time to time. We all have different takes on reality, let alone movies, right? To answer your question, I have made 16 mm student films when I was in film school at American University. My most notable was a 15 min doc film about a hospice called The Washington Home. But no I haven't made any in commercial release. At least, not yet ...

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Springfield, Va. Two indies that really touched me were "The Sweet Hereafter" and "The Straight Story".

Desson Thomson: Both those movies are a dream and are among my favorites. Both heartbreaking films in different ways.

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Rosslyn, Va.: Hi Dessen,

Is it just me or does Jessica Simpson have some pretty impressive uh ... assets?

Desson Thomson: She's in real estate?

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Memoirs of a Geisha: Why, oh, why is this film being made with two Chinese actresses as the leads? Does Hollywood not realize that it is about Japan? Two very different countries.

Desson Thomson: We got into this before I think. It's a good question. I believe it may have to do with the right choices of actress over the superficial aspects of nationality? Others may infer that it's a sort of blanket approach to our view of Asians. But surely they considered Japanese actresses as well and decided these two would be right? I guess I am assuming better motives rather than bad ones. But I look forward to hearing more about it as the movie draws nearer.

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20011: OK, that scares me -- the "Enjoy any Loew's theater that's old while you can."

If they do ANYTHING BAD to the Uptown, I will hurt them all.

They already killed the Circle and the Ontario and the Outer Circle and the Cinema -- don't LET them take the Uptown!

(OK, some of that was Cineplex Odeon, but didn't Loew's eat them? So they can share the blame.)

Desson Thomson: yes Loews took over Cineplex. And the Uptown is definitely in vague danger. Loews refused to even call me back when I tried to ask about all this.

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Chelsea-DC United: Just had to ask: Did you go, all the time wishing it was Man U playing instead? If you did attend or watch it on TV, thoughts? I saw Chelsea play West Ham United at Stamford Bridge last year (Chelsea won 1-0, when it was expected they would win by 3 or 4 goals), and attending this match I experienced a bit of deja vu. True, DC's in the middle of the season, and the EPL starts next week, but it seemed to me like Chelsea had the same mentality as they did when playing West Ham, which was "This team isn't as good as we are, so let's gear things down a bit and we shouldn't have a problem." I thought Chelsea played defensively in the first 25 minutes, and DC United took advantage of this, but they picked things up after the DC goal. They were much better in first half of the 2nd, turning to the attack, but once they took the lead they decided to sit on it. A few good saves and some calls by the ref helped them out. There were a lot of "little" moves that made me think, "Yep, that's a $76 million dollar team," but otherwise I think they could have done much better and DC United certainly gave a good effort. And you can tell Adu is still a teenager; he has a good growth spurt or two to go.

And now, back to movies.

Desson Thomson: I didn't go because I had -- you know-- movies to see and review. But I saw the highlights and I was proud of our local DC U team for scaring the bejeezus out of Chelsea by scoring first. Had 'em worried for sure. Hope Chelsea don't steal Adu away. They're like a giant sucking machine, taking the best players from the world and offering them ridiculous salaries that are way above normal market value.

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Danger danger : The Biograph is now a CVS so things happen ...

Desson Thomson: Exactly.

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D.C. Hoosier: Hi Desson, I know it wasn't an indie film, but Breaking Away could have been. Great film about a great University (Indiana) and a great state (also Indiana). There needs to be more films about Indiana culture/life ... agree?

Desson Thomson: Super film, yes.

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Armchair just has to say ... : DAVID GORDON GREEN IS AWESOME! Although I still haven't seen GW.

When I walked out of all the Real Girls I saw big huge JOCK guys with their girlfriends walking out of there WIPING tears from their eyes. THAT'S the power Green has, one of my most fav watching movie experiences (and a Dupont Circle nonetheless).

Just had to throw that in..

Desson Thomson: Nice. Thanks.

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Murrayville: Has Bill Murray actually killed his typecasting? This must be the fourth serious movie he's done in a row, without any wacky stuff in between (Royal Tenenbaums, Lost in Translation, Life Aquatic).

Desson Thomson: He certainly has freed himself up to do anything, this way.

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Washington, D.C.: Desson, ye gods. I'm surprised that you wrote such a nice review of "Dukes of Hazzard." It doesn't, well, seem like you.

I have a hard time getting over Texas-born Jessica Simpson saying, in the worst Southern accent of all time, "I think somethin's bounced up into mah undercarriage."

Desson Thomson: Well, it seemed predictable to say it was bad. I looked for the bright side.

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Arlington, Va. I'd like to see some props for Hal Hartley flicks. Simple Men ... Trust ...

Desson Thomson: Yes I am a fan of his. I love anyone who values language and puts it into the movies.

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Washington, D.C.: Any advance buzz on Capote? Philip Seymour Hoffman always seems to pick great projects, so I'm hopeful.

Desson Thomson: Haven't heard but isn't the casting perfect?

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Charger-less in Maryland: I liked the old Dukes of Hazzard TV show, starring the General Lee and a few pairs of shorts, until I realized that show single-handedly raised the price of '69 Dodge Chargers by destroying 300 of them. I want to like the new movie, but then I heard that they wrecked 30! Already, the going price of Chargers has increased. There's even been a ripple effect to other-year Chargers.

Now I'll never be able to afford a '69 Charger to make into a replica '69 Charger Daytona unless I strike it rich.

So, is the movie worth it? Am I going to love the stunts enough to ignore the wreckage?

Desson Thomson: Sounds like you will have a good time with it, while understanding you can never completely redo a show. But at least the film doesn't try to add some postmodern b.s.

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11th and E, Washington, D.C.: I have enjoyed many of the films playing at the Landmark E Street in the past month or so that you have praised in this chat. Thank you! I also wanted to throw "The Beat that My Heart Skipped" out there. I felt the film could easily have turned hokey (and/or overly violent) due to the plot but that the lead actor's restrained performance kept it emotionally gripping. Any thoughts?

Desson Thomson: I have missed the movie because so many come and go there so fast. And you're not the first that has told me great things about it. I want to see it when I can. Probably DVD if I don't act quick.

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Arlington, Va.: Are you a fan of Broken Lizard and Jay Chandrasekhar?

Desson Thomson: Yes. He has a wonderfully silly sense of humor. The movies could be better but there are many things that make me laugh.

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Rosslyn, Va.: Hi Desson, were you a fan of Super Troopers? Jay's new Dukes of Hazzard film has me worried that he has let the money go to his head. Please tell me the Broken Lizard crew will be back soon!

Desson Thomson: Ditto answer as last one. I hope so.

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Washington, D.C.: I don't know if March of the Penguins is coming on IMAX, but is opening at the UPTOWN this weekend!

Desson Thomson: That movie is doing phenomenally.

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Talking Movies on BBCA: Do you watch this? Entertaining half hour each morning. Although they tend to repeat the episodes a lot.

What is the deal with Aristocrats (never heard of it before BBCA mentioned it) and ditto Happy Endings? Good, bad -- and how risque is Aristocrats really?

Desson Thomson: I watch it once in a while. Sort of cut and dried information, not much personality--at least when I have seen it. Aristocrats which opens Friday is about the world's dirtiest joke as told by many many known comics. Not a funny joke but the challenge is in how it's told. It's very sleazy. And Happy Endings I also missed through there not being enough of me to see everything. I've heard good about that too. Another one I intend to catch up with.

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Boodleborough, Pa.: Can you explain one of my movie pet peeves? In The Deer Hunter, the snowcapped North Cascades are used as the location for the hunting scenes. Why did they not use the beautiful woods of Pennsylvania? They did such a great job recreating western Pennsylvania -- then jolt! Best Picture, indeed.

Desson Thomson: I remember when it was made, there was a fuss about that. Not sure of the story behind it. Could have had something to do with working with the state authorities in Penn. I don't know. Or he wanted a certain look. Or ... Who knows.

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Arlington, Va.: Hi Desson, I have enjoyed your film reviews for several years, even when I've disagreed with you. I must say your review of Jersey Girl gave me a great laugh. Thanks for being so direct. I've never gotten the love affair some people have with Kevin Smith's movies. He seems to be held up as an "indie" darling. Any insight?

Desson Thomson: Many thanks for that. I loved Clerks and I also like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. But he has made some films that I have hated. So I'm up and down with him.

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Bethesda, Md.: OK, call me a heretic, but I am so sick of all this adulation of the Uptown! Yes, I would hate to see it go, and it's great to have such a grand old theater with a big screen around. But it has always driven me crazy that it doesn't have a big-enough wall across the back, so whenever anyone opens one of the doors into the lobby, the lobby light flashes onto the screen. I couldn't believe they didn't fix this problem when the renovated the theater a few years back. It sure makes you realize the surprising number of people who get up in the middle of movies. Thanks for letting me vent.

Desson Thomson: Okay. You have vented!

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Alexandria, Va.: I saw you had Amores Perros listed as a top 10 indie film: Y tu mama Tambien and Crimes of Padre Amarro are just as good.

Desson Thomson: Yes, they are. And I only had 20 spots on my list.

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Washington, D.C.: Weren't several of Brian De Palma's early works filmed independently? A big fan here of "Sisters" and "Phantom of the Paradise."

Desson Thomson: For sure. His early works are great. Carrie is a classic too.

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Manassas, Va.: Why isn't Lenny on your list? It seems to always be forgotten but one of the best movies that always stuck with me. His life really pushed the envelope -- both in the movie and 10 years earlier when he was alive.

Desson Thomson: Many are the movies that I have missed. As I tried to say, this is just one list I made up. And it's hoped it'll spur you to make your own list. Which you are clearly starting to do.

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Arlington, Va.: Will we see a Scientology movie in the near future?

Desson Thomson: I don't think they're shy about spreading the message in any way they can. So .. yes.

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Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C.: Desson

The last two movies had previews of Jackson's "King Kong". At the end of both trailers the audience laughed. Is this a bad sign?

Desson Thomson: Yes and no. People will go anyway.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Where can I see The Aristocrats next weekend? The censorship in this area is disturbing ...

Desson Thomson: It'll be at between 1 and 4 theaters I should think.

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For the sci-fi movie seeker: It's not a film, but if you haven't already, you might want to check out the new Battlestar Galactica series running on the Sci-Fi network. The storylines and productions values are as good (or even better) than many of the sci-fi movies of recent memory.

Desson Thomson: Cool, thanks.

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Southern Maryland: Slate magazine recently carried two reviews of "The Aristocrats" where the writers didn't seem to understand the point of the movie. Your colleague Gene Weingarten has been discussing the movie's concept at length in his chats. (It's based on an insider joke among professional comedians.) Although "The Aristocrats" isn't yet in wide release, if you are tapped to review it, I would suggest that you get some background information from Gene.

Desson Thomson: Gene Weingarten is a constant source of information to me. He is a funny man. And an office pal. But he really needs to get rid of that mustache.

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Alexandria, Va.: Dear Tom:

I wish that the larger theaters like Hoffman would carry more independents. Occasionally they do, but I have usually already seen the movie at a smaller theater by the time they carry it. With so many screens you would think one could be an indie.

P.S. I vote for the Parrots of Telegraph Hill.

Desson Thomson: Right on. You should send a letter to the manager. They listen sometimes.

Tom

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Bill Murray Comment:: Um, Royal Tenenbaums and Life Aquatic were serious movies?

Desson Thomson: No, no. Good point.

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Nani, Tex.: Maybe I'll give Magnolia another try. What was up with those raining frogs? I enjoyed the ensemble cast; weren't most of them in Boogie Nights? (That was a film I learned to appreciate after a second viewing. Most of the characters broke my heart, as did Charlize Theron in Monster. I'll never make another unkind remark about prostitutes).

Desson Thomson: Biblical. Metaphorical.

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Not so independent: I have to take issue with the idea that independent films are so "independent" ..

As Sundance proves every year, are "independents" not merely well-funded movies with alternative storylines, and decorated with actors who appear in mainstream movies?

Really, aren't the true independents -- those made with the director's own money and equipment? (e.g., Blair Witch) these rarely see the light of day, no?

Desson Thomson: Yes, you have made a useful point. There is a lot of miscegenation.

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Derwood, Md.: What's the buzz on Red Eye?

Desson Thomson: Sounds like it might be good.

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Il Postino: The wife and I watched it last night, actually she watched it, I snoozed through it. Her laughter kept waking me up. What was your take?

Desson Thomson: I liked it much.

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U St NW: I hope Mickey Owen does go to Man USA. Hopefully he'll be very happy there.

I'm sure he has no regrets whatsoever about the leaving of Liverpool. After all, he wanted to "play for a big club" and "win trophies."

5/25/05 -- You'll Never Walk Alone.

Desson Thomson: We will see what we will see.

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Maryland: Have you ever been an extra in any movie shot in this area?

Desson Thomson: Yes. I was in Hair.

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Escanaba, Mich.:

Good morning. I saw "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." I thought you said it was good. It was terrible. When the Oompa Loompas sang, I could not hear the lyrics because the music was so loud. Depp's performance seemed like a cross between Gene Wilder and Michael Jackson. Worst of all, there was no Baruka song, my favorite bit from the original!

On the bright side, it was better than "Muppet Wizard of Oz!"

Desson Thomson: My review was gray, in the middle. I hated some things, like depp's performance. liked the decor and the feel.

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Alexandria, Va.: My co-worker came in today ranting about how he'd seeing the Caine Mutiny last night. He said "when Fred MacMurray is the best actor in the film, you know you've got problems."

Forget the fact that my friend ignored the fact that Van Johnson, Jose Ferrer and Humphrey Bogart were also in the movie and that my co-worker obviously has no sense of film history, what do you think of Fred MacMurray as an actor? I always thought he was very good and thought Hollywood agreed, but what is the sense you have of MacMurray and how will he be looked at as an actor historically?

Desson Thomson: I think he was terrific. Your friend should at least see Double Indemnity.

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Classic Indie Film: "sex, lies and videotape" -- kind of broke open the whole field, don't you think? And unlike many indie films which lose their appeal after a few years (sorry ... Tarantino falls in that catagory for me), this movie is still fantastic.

Desson Thomson: Agreed. It was a watershed event for indie films.

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Arlington, Va.: Will the D.C. area get a viewing of "Duma" like Chicago, or will we have to suffer the stupidity of Warner Bros. for making a "family friendly" movie that is actually pretty good? Props to "Salon" for exposing the idiocy of WB!

Desson Thomson: Duma has been threatening to open for months. Goodness knows when it is coming at this point .

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New York: I saw Mysterious Skin recently and the experience for me was similar watching Requiem for a Dream. I can't say that I enjoyed it, but it was compelling and riveting. What did you think?

Desson Thomson: Great film. Loved it.

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McLean, Va.: Top ten lists are good because they force you to make choices. I also like them because they remind me of films I have yet to see. The question is do all foreign films qualify as 'independent?' I'd say yes, as in independent from Hollywood. That being said, the big glaring omission (in my mind, as far a being memorable) from your list is "Amelie."

Desson Thomson: Ah yes. A glaring omission is right.

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Arlington, Va.: I've recently attempted to expand my movie interest to include some older movies that are considered classics. The Maltese Falcon and 39 Steps for example. Didn't enjoy either one so am curious about how some of these movies make the must-see, best movies type lists? Is it necessary to put yourself in the time period and realize that it was groundbreaking for that time? Can you suggest some older movies that have, in your opinion, "stood the test of time" Many thanks.

OpenMinded

Desson Thomson: This is a question for two weeks from now. And for everyone to answer then. I think it could make for spirited chatter. Gotta close this session I am afraid....

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Washington, D.C.: Hi!

My favorite movie of all time is Shortcuts, by Robert Altman. I know that Nashville is supposed to be his greatest film, but I just couldn't get into it. Do you think Nashville is just too much of a seventies movie for someone in their thirties? Is a movie great if it doesn't transcend its place in time?

Desson Thomson: Altman is a huge figure in indie cinema, you;re right. Nashville was a powerful film back then. It has its flaws when you see it now. Shortcuts was good too.

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Annandale, Va.: Desson, an interesting article about indie films, but in looking at the 60s and early 70s you glossed over Robert Altman's films -- M-A-S-H, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, Nashville -- all of which are imbued with an independent spirit, even though they were products of the studios. It is really interesting how different films from that period seem from films, even indie films, are today.

Desson Thomson: I was answering this question too sorta.

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Bethesda, Md.: In an effort to save money and exercise more, I've been running to the video store and back instead of eating out before going to a movie theater. In recent weeks, I've watched a couple really great (IMHO) foreign films (City of God, Good Bye Lenin!) ... can you recommend some others that are out on DVD/VHS? Thanks so much.

Desson Thomson: read my indie piece today. See above.

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Flagstaff, Ariz.: Hey Desson (my fave critic)

A couple of weeks ago you mentioned that the Post was going to change how you guys do movie reviews, and that the staff would only be doing one review per movie --

Can I just say that today's reviews show exactly why that is a bad idea? You and Stephen Hunter each viewed The Dukes of Hazzard and appear to have not seen the same film! Red light vs. Green light -- I love it when that happens --

So, two reviews per movie! Please! Pass it along to the Post!

On a side note, I saw Sideways on DVD the other night, and I think I might be in the 2 percent of critics who panned it -- as my boyfriend put it, "those guys were jerks." What kind of guy steals hundreds of dollars from his mother to go out drinking? Great performances and all that, but kind of a sour taste overall -- it left me thinking of the two-dollar-a-bottle Merlot at Trader Joe's. Drinkable, but nothing to admire.

Desson Thomson: Well, thanks for the nice flattery!

Sideways is meant to be about two antiheroes. So that's why that was put in there. That's what makes the movie so unique and rich, in my humble opin.

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Centreville, Va.: Hi Desson! I hate to sound all negative, but this year's crop of summer movies is missing something. Though I liked Batman, Sith, and Wedding Crashers, I thought Wonka, War of the Worlds, Longest Yard, and Bewitched were all badly damaged by script and/or lack of heart. Cinderella Man savaged the legacy of a man (Max Baer) for story, Smith and Smith (yawn). And F-Four, Island and Stealth look like Hollywood just ain't trying anymore. Also missing from this summer, a surprise hit like Napoleon Dynamite (Penguins close). Thankful for the indies. Bill Murray's new movie looks promising ... hope springs eternal, eh?

Desson Thomson: Hope always springs eternal, my friend.

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Desson Thomson: Sorry to close out before I could answer everyone. I try to get to as many as I can. Let's meet again, in two weeks. Enjoy the movies and thanks for chatting with me. Ciao.

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