Day 10: Watch "The Big Chill"

I haven't seen this movie in years. I often think (after I've watched some horrible, modern-day romantic comedy) that I should re-visit this classic film. But I never do. Because usually I am watching Fantastic Mr. Fox or The Incredibles, or Kung Fun Panda. Yep. That's life with a almost 4 year old and an almost 7 year old.

But the kids were off to Grandma's for the afternoon so I was able to cross this one of my list. And it is still a fantastic movie. An observation on things you just don't see in the movies/TV anymore:

• forehead wrinkles
• records and record players
• characters smoking (except for Mad Men, of course)
• small-ish boobs on the leading characters (females, obviously)
• permed hair

Once you come to grips with the above peculiarities, it's really fun to watch. And if you haven't ever seen this movie, you should. The writing and the delivery of the lines is wonderful. And there are some top notch actors: Kevin Kline, Glenn Close, Jeff Goldblum, William Hurt - just to name a few. In a nutshell, it's the story of a group of college pals who meet up for a reunion of sorts about 15 years post graduation. Except the reunion is happening b/c one of their friends, Alex, has committed suicide. It's dramatic and funny and sad and hopeful and lovely. See for yourself, just a snippet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O19k-YtwXTg

Roger Ebert had this to say about the film, back in the day: "The Big Chill is a splendid technical exercise. It has all the right moves. It knows all the right words. Its characters have all the right clothes, expressions, fears, lusts and ambitions. But there's no payoff and it doesn't lead anywhere. I thought at first that was a weakness of the movie. There also is the possibility that it's the movie's message." Works for me.

The morning scene with the running shoes is my personal favorite. It personifies the characters perfectly.

The soundtrack is also fabulous. (Note to self: download this sucker in iTunes.) And the house where the movie is filmed is To Die For. A true Southern gem.

I leave you with this little dialogue between -2- of the characters who are talking about sex....

Sam Weber: Nothing's more important than sex!
Michael: Oh yeah, have you ever gone a week without a rationalization?
Michael: I don't know anyone who could get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex.
Sam Weber: Ah, come on. Nothing's more important than sex.
Michael: Oh yeah? Ever gone a week without a rationalization?

Brilliant!