I’m starting with a few movie vid’s because I don’t have a separate slot for them, but also because music is at the heart of life in ways. We need the Muses to do the rest of what we do. What do we have without inspiration?
Heartworn Highways — A documentary of the main musicians behind the 70’s Texas scene, centering on the godfathers of the budding Austin sound. This is true blue country-style music, minus Nashville or any big budget. This is driving your own bus across the South nonstop for decades, like David Allan Coe is portrayed. The scenes of Townes van Zandt stand out strongest. But Guy Clark is a winner, too. Especially with his workshop scene. This is a true-blue musician. A real craftsman, as one of his CDs puts it. You play a guitar: you work on a guitar. For your friends. Darn straight. You know he’s got the right stuff when you see that scene. This movie is a great look into the heart of American music—a heart that’s still beating in the indy scene.
Chet Baker: Let’s Get Lost — A black’n’white supercool documentary of the 60’s cool-jazz innovator. Shows his prime…and features him at the end of his life as well. He died a year after the film. A troubled person who caused trouble—and who captivated many. Filmed by sexy Calvin Klein Passion TV ads guy Bruce Weber. The old music could’ve been played up more. Still, it’s a fine look at jazz trouble and passion.
Straight No Chaser: MONK — The life’n’times of jazzman Monk. Great behind the scenes quips from the Master. “Doesn’t anyone listen to me?” Shows genius really at work. Lost in the music…
Round Midnight — Maybe the best jazz profile movie. Of Dexter Gordon, but showing the whole scene nicely.
Choose Me/VHS 
“https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005O06R/jeffpottersoutyo”>Choose Me/DVD Keith Carradine is an amazingly casual genius…or crazy man? A romantic date movie for the Jack-of-all-trades admirer. Wonderful Teddy Pendergrass soundtrack, great steamy LA night-time setting. It might be dated to the 80’s, but it’s in a good way. Irony hadn’t caught on yet, thankfully. But like any great romance, it’s also funny. Irony makes a lousy date anyway. (“After Hours” is not a date movie—and it’s also dated, but in a good way.) Great acting all around, dialog that won’t quit, and a one of a kind storyline.
Francesco/VHS
Here’s how world religions get started. From a heart daring to go with inspiration. Mickey Rourke plays a complex good guy—a unique casting choice not to be missed.
The Hairdresser’s Husband/VHS 
Sensuality and willy-nilly dancing beyond compare. You won’t notice the subtitles. (Did it have subtitles?)
Naked/VHS
Edgy dialog on edgy living. This flick was made FOR David Thewliss, literally. When an actor is good enough to build a movie around, that’s saying something. Mike Leigh directs.
The Misfits/VHS 
“https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005AUKC/jeffpottersoutyo”>The Misfits/DVD What do we really want, anyway? Monty, Clark and Marilyn give it a great shot in this dark, modernday western. Maybe this was the last movie of each of them? Something like that.
The Razor’s Edge/VHS 
Follow, listen, see how far ya get. Bill can act. The meaning of life always works well with a sense of humor. Bill doesn’t let us down.
Runaway Train/VHS 
“https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0792838424/jeffpottersoutyo”>Runaway Train/DVD At least 20 stunning, memorable scenes in this un. You don’t get any better than Jon Voight. Eric Roberts rocks out supporting Voight with several sticks of dynamite worth of great acting, lifting DeMornay. Heck, even the blacksuited badguy rises up in celluloid glory in this flick. Metaphor, you want metaphor? No, I mean realism, scrub that floor with an itty-bitty toothbrush realism. Heck, even the train station manager who never meets our anti-heroes is inspired by whatthey’re doing. The only movie where Kurasawa took second billing, as writer, just for the chance to make such a story happen.
The Whole Wide World/VHS 
A wild, ranting writer who follows where the muse leads. Vincent d’Onofrio’s best role so far. You might like Renee Zelweg. as well. But Vince acts up a storm in this over the top role set in a small town. Desperate, daring…what else is a writer?
Chunking Express/VHS 
City folk hanging out, relating, in gritty Tokyo.
Meetings with Remarkable Men  Amazing adventure stories that branch out from the Caucasus, from a story by world philosopher Gurdjieff. Terence Stamp looks and acts great as always, in a supporting role, in this amazing tale of life questing. In the vein of “The Razor’s Edge,” only more authentic—possibly Somerset even got his idea from the story behind this movie.
