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Larceny

Last night (ahh serendipity) the Seattle International Film Festival was showing Larceny with John Payne and Joan Caulfield. It was a perfect opportunity to check a film noir off the list; plus, this one hasn't been released on DVD, so it would be my only chance to see it. It was far more funny than dark or sinister. Great, tongue-in-cheek dialogue and plotting. I bet the Coen brothers love this one. Check it out whenever it is released on DVD.

Film Noir Month

I have decided to make this film noir month, not following any particular calendar dates to determine the beginning or end. I am going to focus my viewing efforts on classic film noir for 30 days, give or take.

Last night, I kicked things off with Touch of Evil, by Orson Wells (and starring him as a repugnant and crooked cop). The opening shot struck me - as it has apparently stricken others. I did some research after watching and learned that the opening of this movie defined the tracking shot. It still stands out 50 some years later. For other great examples, see any P.T. Anderson film.

Aside from the fact that some of the dialogue was obviously looped, the film was great through and through. All the elements were there: a mysterious murder, illicit sex, drugs, assassins popping out of alleys. If there was any element lacking, it was a strong femme fatale - some interesting women, but no one truly playing the role of the siren luring the hero into danger. Conclusion: a great introduction into the world of film noir.

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Whole Roasted Fish Basquaise

Since today is a holiday, I thought I would spend a little time trying a new dish for dinner: whole roasted fish basquaise. The recipe is from my recently acquired cookbook - a selection of recipes from Anthony Bourdain's Les Halles restaurant in Manhattan. Of course, the most important part is to get good fresh ingredients, including red snapper...

...and fresh vegetables and herbs, all from the Market.
Recipes; I dislike the experience of cooking from a recipe. The fun starts when I have learned it and can start to improvise on it. It's like learning to play a new song - not so fun until it feels natural.
The smelly gentleman, the garlic and the thyme.
Short version: brown the veggies, garlic and thyme in olive oil, add vin blanc, add broth, add potatoes (parboiled), add fish, bake for 30, separate and broil fish for 5 (I would suggest broiling potatoes, too) and serve. You should leave the head on because that is where a lot of the flavor resides - don't forget to dig out and eat the cheeks.

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First Week of February

Jaime is on a business trip to Portland for the week. I went and stayed with her Tuesday night - an easy trip from Olympia. We had dinner at Clyde Commons, where I was delighted to find they serve pork shank with spaetzle, a favorite of mine from Germany that I had not yet enjoyed back in the New World. This weekend Sue, Nate, Harper and Mom are in town.

Tomorrow night is the Belltown Art Walk. Going out with Jess and Joe - probably hit the Whiskey Bar and Juju.

Watching Synechdoche, New York again, tonight. It is one of those great pieces of art, like Fellini's 81/2, that I just can't believe a mere human made.

Joe's Blog

Some of you will remember Joe Nichol, an old friend of mine from high school. Some of my family will remember him as "Joe that lived in our basement for a year or so".

We lost touch for a few years and recently those years have been quite fruitful for him. I met up with him last night and we talked mostly about his art. I am sure he would prefer I keep his financial and business details private, but suffice it to say he is not just doing art for fun anymore. He started out just doing graffiti and has transformed it into so much more. Here is his blog:

joeynix.wordpress.com/

Joe has always been a good guy and a good friend to have. I am glad to see him succeeding at something he loves. I expect to stay in touch.

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