The Pianist

After all, there were limits.
No reason why he should waste his time yearning after someone to whom he meant nothing...to whom he could never mean anything.
-Nial Kent
"The Divided Path"

I saw what I thought was a most remarkable film the other night called VITUS. If you like piano you'll love it. It's quite INSPIRING. It was one of the most successful Swiss films of 2006. Take a peek at the preview here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JfAZ0nBV1Zg

I was cleaning out my desk drawer and found this postcard that I picked up somewhere in NYC. It was to remind me to watch the VITUS film. I'm glad I finally watched it--even if it was a few years later.
PHOTO:
Postcard of VITUS

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SOLDIER'S GIRL (USA, 2002)
Screened: May 11, 2003, Tribeca Film Festival 2003
Director: Frank Pierson

Veteran filmmaker Pierson (screenwriter of Dog Day Afternoon) tackles the true story of a G.I.'s affair with a transsexual and the complexities surrounding his murder by a fellow soldier. Pierson depicts the story with such honesty (thanks in no small part to Philadelphia scribe, Ron Nyswaner's compassionate script and spectacular performances led by Troy Garity (Jane Fonda's son) and Lee Pace). You forget all of the stranger-than-fiction variables and hone in on the subtle beauty of this tragic love story.

My Comments: 5 STARS
"Your mission...should you choose to accept it: Does she have a package or a gash?"
"Easy boys!"
"Perhaps it's not your thing."
"I'm an actress, I can pretend I'm anything."
"You can take the girl out of the Navy buy you can't take the Navy out of the girl."
"Welcome to the outside of the looking glass, Alice!"
"I must look a wreck!"
"You're not allowed to say negative things in my presence."
"Every body's entitled to a private life."
"They get up with the roosters."
"You know what pisses me off...you outrank me!"
"I just want to be fuckin' happy!"
"My favorite place in all the world..."
"I was beginning to coalesce a dream of 'us' being together."

This was a shocking, yet great, film. Troy is Jane Fonda's son. What performances! Excellent.

Twenty-five years ago today:

January 16, 1985
Wednesday

My workday was pretty much a drag (especially with regard to new sales).

Mary McTiernan and her cohort, Sue, of Data Marketing are really fun. I enjoy their company and sense of humor. They make me laugh.

I ran into Mary Halverson on the BART train this morning. She's an Alameda High School fellow graduate of my class and once again she asked, "So, are you ready to switch jobs?"
She is a headhunter in San Francisco and she said business is back to being good.

I put several calls through to HOMEFINDERS and The Berkeley Connection in hopes of finding that roommate.

After work I hit the Sperm Bank and received a paycheck. I don't think I'll be going there any more to make deposits. I know, sounds funny, huh?

I went over to my brother John's townhouse on Cook Lane and saw the baby (Ashley). I dropped off Sherri's Birthday gift. She is twenty years old today. My next stop was to see Dad where we ate a chicken dinner together. He was extra nice and even loaned me ten dollars (without my asking).

When I arrived at my pad I quickly changed clothes and left to the Nautilus place to see about a gym membership. I met Mike. What a wimp! He showed me around and I almost became a member but he gave me a flimsy excuse about the credit card machines not working well.
"Well then, I'll just come on Friday with a check," I said.
"Okay, that will be great."

When I returned home Chris Cordellos rang my bell.
"Why haven't you called me?"
"Well, I've been busy at work and stuff."
"Oh...well, I might take BART tomorrow after I register at DVC and come meet you-- at say--five-thirty at the Fruitvale BART station."
"Cool."

And so, it will be really nice to see my good buddy again. I'm surprised he will be registering at DVC (Diablo Vally Community College). Chris wants to see about getting together this coming Saturday, too. What gives?

While watching DYNASTY the telephone rang. It was a pianist fellow who currently lives in The City named Alan Steger.
"I was calling about your ad."
"Oh!" I replied in surprise.
I told him about my pad and he may be interested. He seems to be pretty mellow. This could work out.

Then I received another phone call from another guy.
"Hello?" I asked, thinking it was Alan Steger once again.
"Oh, I have the wrong number."
So...who knows what the future holds?

I telephoned Bob Umland to verify our lunch this Thursday. I changed it to Friday as I needed to get a cash advance of $500 at noon on Thursday. I just need to buy some groceries and all that sort of necessary stuff.
"Okay Bob, then we're on for a noon lunch on Friday at CITY EATS at the Crocker Galleria."
"I've got it in my book."

It looks like Saturday I will spend with Chris over wine and cheese at some local park. I hope he doesn't expect anything 'steamy' tomorrow night. It won't happen.

Good results require that one take TIME and CARE.
-Julia Child
"My Life In France"