Finally - a summer-like day. It was gorgeous out there. I was hoping the public would be in a buying mood. That wasn't the case, but I did make a couple of sales. Muchisimas gracias to the lovely Latina with the beautiful smile and positive disposition, who purchased Peter Straub's Ghost Story for her 23-year-old son, who has been in Coney Island Hospital the past five days, undergoing evaluation for bi-polar disorder. That wake up call should have put everything into perspective, but it wasn't long before I was inwardly pissing and moaning about the lack of buyers. I guess I didn't deserve it when Grizzly Bear saved the day by buying six thrillers. His opinion of Patricia Cornwell has changed. He is now a fan. Thanks, buddy.
A few days ago New York native Sidney Lumet, a great film-maker, passed away. His work was known for its seriousness and gritty realism. Here are my six favorites:
12 Angry Men (1957) - Reginald Rose's script may be contrived, but the dialogue is riveting and expertly rendered by a great cast led by Henry Fonda.
The Pawnbroker (1964) - Rod Steiger is magnificent as a Holocaust survivor doing business in a tough neighborhood. Screenplay by Morton S. Fine & David Friedkin from the novel by Edward Lewis Wallant.
Serpico - Al Pacino as the cop who exposed the vast corruption in the NYC police department.
Dog Day Afternoon (1975) - Pacino and John Cazale as bank robbers. "Attica! Attica!" Screenplay by Frank Pierson from the novel by Thomas Moore.
Network (1976) - Paddy Chayefsky's scathing satire of television, with William Holden and Faye Dunaway as producers and Peter Finch as the anchorman. "I'm mad as hell and I'm not gonna take it any more."
The Verdict (1982) - Paul Newman at his best as a down and out lawyer seeking redemption, screenplay by David Mamet from a novel by Barry Reed.
Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007) - Riveting despite the reprehensible people, played by Philip Seymour Hoffman, Marisa Tomei and Ethan Hawke, at the heart of Kelly Masterson's story.
There are many other good ones. Check out Lumet's pages at IMDB or allmovie.com.
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