Down & Out

"True," he said, "in town one can very easily manage to go without what isn't good for one. If one does not do without it, then one has only oneself to blame for the bad consequences. One will be sorry and in this way come to see for the first time really clearly how to manage the next time."
-Franz Kafka
"Wedding Preparations in the Country"

AN EVENING OF CHINESE COFFEE AND CONVERSATION WITH AL PACINO
(USA, 2000); Screened on May 8, 2003 at Tribeca Film Festival
Director: Al Pacino

Pacino's fine adaptation of Ira Lewis' 1992 stage play featuring himself and Jerry Orbach as starving writers living on the fringes of Greenwich Village's artists' community is a labor of love nearly four years in the making. Pacino also directed 'The Local Stigmatic' and 'Looking for Richard'.

My Comments: 3 STARS
This film was filled with interesting dialogue by two so-called friends, living in New York City. They shared words of laughter, sadness, aging pains and simple twangs of living life. I laughed when I heard Jerry Orbach accuse Al Pacino of stealing his word that he used two years ago. It made me think of myself.

I liked seeing Al Pacino playing this aspiring, middle-aged writer who is still trying to 'make it'. The panel discussion with Al Pacino after the screening was a real treat. Pacino confirmed his LOVE for the dramatic play. I got a photo of Al Pacino and Robert DeNiro. Then two solo shots of Pacino. That was cool. I hope the pictures are good.
Twenty-five years ago today:

January 7, 1985
Monday

This morning I called Dr. Hinkle's office to verify my dental appointment for two o'clock on Wednesday.

I telephoned mom from work only to get no answer because Dad took her to the doctor. She has bronchitis and won't be going to work today or tomorrow.

I had a fair day with regard to my sales.

At lunch I went for a large yogurt. I saw Karyn Kossoff walking alone and decided to run up behind her to chat. She seemed withdrawn and 'down and out'. I can't help but think it's because I have been somewhat avoiding her. I did not call her last weekend. In fact, I have not called her at all as of late.
Karen said, "I bought a VCR over the weekend."
I still had that feeling that she was a bit perturbed because (I know) she wants more from me. I can't give her more because I can't help but feel the way I do. I don't love her 'in that way' or feel the tilt like she does.

Brenda Dickson, an actress on The Young & The Restless, has not written back to me after I sent her two cards. (?)
PHOTO: Actress, Brenda Dickson, 1985

After my workday I went to visit mom. Janet Lewis (Sherri's mom) was there with Ashley. Mom still looked under the weather. I spent some time there looking and choosing the developed Christmas pictures I had taken. It was a great time. A lot of the shots are really good.

When Janet and Ashley left I helped mom make 'sloppy joes' and we watched Part II of THE THORN BIRDS. I stayed there until well passed 11PM. I knew Paloma was supposed to call me but I decided to stay there (with ma being sick n' all). I wanted to be near.

Oh yes, Bonnie Jayne called me from New York on Saturday. That was a surprise since it wasn't a collect-call! We had a nice chat. I promised I would write to her.
PHOTO: Bonni Jayne, Alameda High School, Class of 1977

"You haven't got LOST in the woods have you?"
-as heard while watching the 2009
classic film, AVATAR