Well, it's been absurdly long since I posted anything. Partly due to a lack of inspiration to write here...and partly due to personal struggles.

I'm still not sure I'm going to keep this blog up, but for now I thought I'd let you know I'm finally working on a new film of my own--a drama called THE MYSTERY OF EMMA THORN.

With film on the brain, I've been catching up on the 2023 film I wanted to see, but missed in their debut months. I'm still watching, but here's a list of what I've seen so far and my short takes on them.

Read whatever interests you. And remember: these are just my opinions; you're welcome to hold entirely different ones. It's art. It's always somewhat subjective. That's part of the magic of it: our experience of it is a blend of the film and our own history, personality, mood, taste and more. 

So, understanding that, here are my thoughts...

In alphabetical order:

 

AMERICAN FICTION (A-)
In a world of “fake news”, writer/director Cord Jefferson’s feature debut “American Fiction” is a near perfect comedy/drama about smalltime Black novelist (a brilliant Jeffrey Wright) who, using a pen name, hits the big time writing the very sort of racial pandering novel he hates and the snowballing charade that results. At once a witty satire of the media’s marketing of Black voices and a picture of one artist’s crisis with personal integrity, the film proves alternately poignant and hilarious. The acting is perfection across the board (standouts include those playing the writer’s struggling family, especially Sterling K. Brown as his messy, newly-out brother) and the savvy score buoys the proceedings deliciously. The first act is a hair too long, but that’s a small quibble in a film that so effectively skewers the publishing world, Hollywood, the perpetuation of stereotypes, and the public’s love of trashy confessionals—even if they’re a complete fiction.

ASTEROID CITY (A-)
Wes Anderson’s latest mix of comedic whimsy and topical depth will delight his fans and, hopefully, gain him a few more. A story within a story of a playwright struggling to make sense of his own creation: a play in which a parade of quirky characters grapple with plans gone awry: car trouble, death—even an alien encounter—all proving that life is a series of derailments and uncertainties. It’s colorful, laugh-out-loud funny, and every detail and performance is honed to Anderson perfection. And, for once, the fact that it’s so meticulously staged (as most of Anderson’s films are) perfectly suits the proceedings, most of which are—in fact—a filmed representation of a theater piece. There’s a lovely, recurring bit where two characters engage through their separate domicile windows: each, in a way, in their own proscenium. Even the “real life” of the playwright is staged or on stage more often than not. One could argue there’s a wink to Shakespeare perhaps, wherein all the world’s a stage. It certainly is in Asteroid City.

BARBIE (A-)
“Barbie” wins marks for its extensively researched, dream-logic satire of the effects (good and bad) the Barbie brand has had on girls (and women) throughout its impressive past. The play world of Barbie is exquisitely realized in production design, costumes, props and usage. The shower without water and the rock-hard ocean waves are just two of the pitch-perfect touches. Margot Robbie as “Stereotypical Barbie” and Ryan Gosling as (an equally stereotypical) Ken both go full out to breath goofy, lovable life into their roles. As Barbie’s personality (and body) morph with real-world concerns, she must journey to find out the cause. So, into the real world she goes--with Ken tagging along. There they both learn hard lessons before returning to decide how to live from now on with what they’ve learned. What makes “Barbie” work is its well-crafted blend of children’s fairy tale and adult social commentary—both provoking many laugh-out-loud moments. Running well past the two-hour mark, it does wear a little long in the plastic tooth; still, with its eye-popping visuals, its bounty of comedy and its unending originality, it’s no wonder “Barbie” stands on pointed feet as a bona fide hit.

EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE (A-)
A hilarious, frenzied and even heartfelt sci-fi/action/adventure about a weary Chinese American woman whose life gets sucked into alternate universes. Michelle Yeoh and Ke Huy Quan as her husband are flawless as the guides (of a sort) who we follow into the spiraling kaleidoscope that shifts not only worlds, but our heroine’s perspectives on (and value for) her original existence. It’s endlessly inventive in ideas and form, both coming at you with mind-blowing and eye-popping force. The lengthy runtime and the fact that the plot(s) don’t clearly all perfectly fit into a single package are forgivable sins, but they do make the film wear a bit by the third act (and umpteenth universe). Nonetheless, the funhouse ride is well worth taking.

INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY (B+) 
A welcome finale to the summer action glory film franchise, Harrison Ford goes on one last artifact search with (thankfully) a non-romantic female cohort, the marvelous Phoebe Waller-Bridge as his trouble-making goddaughter. The plot is a little clumsy at times (the time-travel element is a wonky as most time-travel tales are) and the run time is a bit long (including the protracted, nostalgic opening), but the film is packed with everything a fan could want: exciting chases, Nazi fighting, killer eels (the sea’s version of Indy’s hated snakes) and we get nice cameos and callbacks to films gone by along the way. All in all, it’s a fine farewell to a beloved actor in a beloved role.

KILLERS OF THE FLOWER MOON (B)
Scorsese knows his strengths. “Killers of the Flower Moon”, like all his period pieces, brings a bygone era (in this case, 1920’s Osage County, Oklahoma) to vivid life in rich detail. The visuals are glorious and the aim for authenticity is palpable. The acting, led by a bravura Leonardo DiCaprio performance, is top notch. The murders of the area’s Indigenous people of the time is a worthy tale, though its themes of collusion, exploitation and violence feel tired—especially for Scorsese. But the biggest flaw lies in the indulgent runtime which flounders unevenly: the killers and their plans are revealed so early, it fosters little suspense, making the proceedings lag; alternatively, the FBI’s emergence arrives so late that it and the ensuing trial feel rushed, which is saying something for a 3 ½ hour film. The denouement is especially indulgent; though its point about the commercialization of tragedy is fair, the satirical whimsiness feels inappropriate and pretentious.   

LEAVE THE WORLD ALONE (B-)
“Leave the World Alone” wins out solely due its actors adeptly giving us complex characters that hold us—even when the world around them seems to be falling apart. Yes, it’s about a half hour too long and (whether by intent or fault) it doesn’t explain or develop all the elements it throws at the viewer, but it’s a rare and welcome case of character over plot in this particular genre. Julia Roberts shines as the self-admitted misanthrope whose ice slowly melts just as Ethan Hawke, her sensitive husband, proves heartless as fear rules his actions when confronted by an unknown woman in need of help. It’s this kind of character dynamic ambivalence that makes “Leave the World Alone” as engaging as it is—much more so than the crashing boats and planes that imperil everyone. The lack of things tied up neatly will be off-putting for many, no doubt; I usually abhor it in film, myself. But in a story where all the answers won’t be discovered by the characters when we leave them, it seems apropos.

MAY DECEMBER (B)
Todd Haynes’ latest will likely be a love-or-hate it affair, but Julianne Moore and Charles Melton are stellar and very human as the emotionally odd couple with a tabloid past upon whom descends a sociopathic actress, eager to play Moore’s character in a biopic. Natalie Portman is in rare form as the subtextually moustache-twirling actress who woos and wangles her way into the couple, their family, friends, and past coworkers. Haynes’ understands the melodramatic made-for-TV subject matter and pokes fun at it, often with the help of composer Marcelo Zarvos. Even so, he balances that with the gut-wrenching honesty of the invaded couple’s emotional landscape. But balance has its downside: while the ongoing ambivalence intrigues, it also allows the film to lack a strong point of view which makes the overall effect less than fully satisfying. But Haynes does seem to make movies to be discussed; in that, he has certainly succeeded.

OPPENHEIMER (B+) 
Cillian Murphy makes a fine anchor as the titular character, leading a host of other great performances, including an excellent Matt Damon. But the film belongs to Robert Downey Jr. who steals the show; even outshining Christopher Nolan’s writing and directing which are smart as ever, but occasionally lack focus and depth, but add to the bloated three-hour runtime. Cases in point are the mostly unnecessary (if well-played) roles of Oppenheimer’s tragic lover, who is little more than sultry and sad, and his wife, who does little more than whine and vent. They are lengthy distractions from the tale of Oppenheimer’s building the team that builds the bomb and the man who orchestrates his fall from grace. There are also some metaphoric images that are eerily similar to those Nicholas Roeg used about the bomb’s destruction in “Insignificance” nearly 50 year earlier. But Jennifer Lame’s sometimes mad editing skills and Ludwig Göransson’s thrilling score fill much of the proceedings with effective tension and Nolan, as usual, offers many spectacular sights along the way. 

POOR THINGS (B-) 
“Poor Things” is a surreal reimagining of the Frankenstein ethos, though its bloated runtime stalls at times with its ambling, episodic plot and various excesses. The cast, led by a fearless Emma Stone as the creation Bella Baxter, is superlative and the production design of the quasi-steampunk world is exquisite; so is Jerskin Fendrix’s effectively bizarre score and Holly Waddington’s eye-popping costume parade. Yorgos Lanthimos’s attention-seeking, hyper-stylized direction feels appropriate for once, but its overused fisheye and peephole lens effects grow tiresome. And the script, despite many fine, funny moments, drags on—spending a little too much time on each leg of the journey and pushing the litmus test of prurience along the way. (Despite part of the tale being a woman’s realization of her physical self, many sex scenes feel gratuitous and go on ad nauseum.) Even when the tale has come full circle, we’re thrust into yet another virtually tangential (and predictable) plot string. A tighter script would have kept the story moving as quickly as Bella’s growing mind; instead, it lumbers at times, more like Bella’s slow-witted replacement. Still, the good outweighs the bad, overall.

RUSTIN (A-) 
Based on the true story of Baynard Rustin, who helped Martin Luther King Jr. and others organize the 1963 March on Washington, “Rustin” is a wholly engaging piece of entertainment. Colman Domingo gives a tour de force performance as the complicated, but determined, titular character who fights racism, homophobia and more in order to make a difference improving racial equality, human rights and democracy. But the whole cast shines—including a stellar Chris Rock as one of Rustin’s key antagonists. Excellent as well are the production values and the ambitious script that provides context and comedy to frame the central, dramatic proceedings. And bonus points for keeping it under two hours.

 SALTBURN (B-) 
“Saltburn” manages some savage, on-point black humor in fits and starts, but ultimately proves a predictable rehash of material that’s been done before (and better), without relying on sophomoric shock factor. The boy of humbler means visiting the world of the ultra-rich is as old as it gets; that he’s a manipulative psychopath isn’t even new. The film does boast some terrific acting—all the more impressive, since so many characters are nearly flatliners. Successful as well are the production value and cinematography, creating a bounty of breathtaking imagery: several shots not only look gorgeous, but provide manifestations of visual metaphors; notable examples include a shot of Oliver in a virtual black void, surrounded by an excess of platters of food, and another where he is caught in creepy colored lights with literal horns on his head. Alas, these metaphors are mere decoration in a plot that treads very little new water but for contrived scenes serving only to shock; the result renders “Saltburn” a bit of a well-dressed cheap trick. Even the aspect ratio proves more gimmick than depth.

THE HOLDOVERS (A-) 
Alexander Payne’s bittersweet comedic nod to the classic American cinema of the 1970s is about as perfect as a film can get. Paul Giamatti, Dominic Sessa and Da’Vine Joy Randolph are solid gold as, respectively, an unlikeable teacher and student and the head cook who are forced to spend the winter break at their deserted New England academy. True to form, little by little, misadventures, revealed secrets and hard truths of their various lives make them all realize how human one another is…and how they are more in common than they ever knew as aching, imperfect people. It’s a bravura celebration of how we must never judge others, for we can never know their story…until they share it with us. It gets a little long in the second half, but it’s a small flaw in such an otherwise well-crafted, heartfelt film.

 

So, there you go. Till next time, keep patronizing the arts in whatever way you choose. It's vital to a richer and more rewarding life. Even more so in a time where divisive views are becoming more and more dangerous all around. 

Stay safe. Seek out goodness. Keep loving.

 

 

 

        It was near the end of the night on February 5^th at the 36^th annual Robby Awards when it happened. The awards recognize achievements in theater for the year just passed and the awards show included celebrity performances of songs by the late Stephen Sondheim. The penultimate award was for “Best Actor in a Drama”. Three of us from Angels in America had been nominated along with acting giants Bryan Cranston, John Rubinstein and Harry Groener. Being included in a list of names alongside those luminaries was an incredible honor and enough for me to live happily the rest of my days.

        Angels in America had been nominated for a total of ten awards and, at this late in the evening, we had won none. Not surprising, considering the amount and caliber of talent that we were up against, but I think we had all secretly hoped for at least one win. Thus, at this late hour, it looked like a bust. I think we all were stunned—no one more than I—when Rob Stevens announced the winner of the "Best Actor in a Drama" award and we heard my name. I stumbled to the stage and improvised the best expression of gratitude my reeling brain could compose.

        I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: any win of this nature is a testament to more than the person whose name ends up on the trophy or plaque: the entire cast and crew of a production work as a team to make each element the best it can be, so everyone’s success is inextricably linked. And this is true even more so in smaller scale productions—every person adds something to the mix. My performance as Roy Cohn was the result of Tony Kushner’s script, Mikey Mulhearn's direction, the support of my brilliant cast whose talent inspired and propelled my own; every person involved shares in whatever success any one us may achieve. And this award is no different; it truly is for everyone who made this production of Angels in America the unique theatrical experience that it was.

        I am so grateful for the opportunity to have played this character. To have been a part of this monumental piece of theater. And, yes, to have been recognized for it.  

“You'll find, my friend, that what you love will take you places you never dreamed you'd go.”
― Tony Kushner, Angels in America

Angels, Gifts and Joy

 

Well, it’s been a while…and my apologies. But here’s to 2023 being a great year for everyone.

Now…If you want to know what I got up to since last May’s post, I have a full run-down of the year here: http://www.2writers.com/Gregory_2022Review.htm

Lots of great things happened, but the most recent have truly been exceptional for me.

I received two nominations for “Best Actor” for my role as Roy Cohn in “Angels In America”. These are exceptionally meaningful, since I had not been on stage for several years and the play (and the role) are monumental in scope.  The play (actually two plays) span about 7 ½ hours and the role of Roy goes from the height of his power to his tragic and horrific death.

Being cast and getting to play the role was a gift. Getting to do it surrounded by a dedicated and talented cast was a gift as well. So were the glowing reviews we received.

And then I was nominated for first a Broadway World Award and then a Robby Award. Both awards are huge in the theater world for Los Angeles.  And I am honored to be considered alongside such luminaries as Bryan Cranston, John Rubenstein and Harry Groener. Again: what a gift!

I feel very blessed. I will cherish all the gifts this production has bestowed upon me for the rest of my days.

With gratitude to all who have allowed me such joy.

May we all find more joy in the days to come.

Angels in the Wings

“Angels in America” is a monumental piece of theater. No one who sees it, ever forgets it. And no one involved in it, leaves it behind without a broken heart.

So, with our final performances anon, I write this farewell to the people who have shared this journey of the “great work” with me, to commemorate forever the impact they have had on me.

To Mikey Mulhearn, our fearless leader—and equally fearless Prior Walter: the passion and prowess you so openly shared on stage and off has been and remains inspirational.  The love you have for the transformative magic of theater is palpable and touches everyone you meet. It has touched me and changed me in profound, wonderful ways.

To Emma Maltby—our defiant, lunatic Harper (and my blathering, slurping Martin): your vibrance and artistic acuity have made working with you a treat. We may not have shared much stage time, but I’ve treasured every minute and have enjoyed our time together all these months. Seeds have been planted.

To Nathan Frizzell—our ever-verbose Luis: your intrinsic charm has created a Luis that, though self-sabotaging and dogmatic, proves utterly endearing and sympathetic—a feat no other actor in the role (that I’ve seen) has ever accomplished as you have managed. What a gift. My yarmulka’ s off to you.

To Michael Matts—our wise and witty Belize, the sly Mr. Lies and the Man: you prove every performance that you can say volumes with a single phrase or look—that every moment on stage can be full of entrancing, nuanced life. Thank you for getting me into this; you are my own, personal angel!

To Sarah Flemming—our Hannah (and my dry Henry and wry Ethel Rosenberg): what a joy to get to work with such an endlessly devoted, diligent actress. Watching you dive into each role and blossom into them has been a beautiful experience. You can sing to me anytime!

To Jahel Corbán Caldera—our fierce Angel, our charming Emily and Sister Ella, and our crazy Homeless Person: the innate talent and honed craft you have brought to your multiple roles has been a thrill to watch; you make each character thoroughly on-point and memorable. We have been blessed.

To Dane Larsen—my baby Joe (and my Prior 1 compatriot): sharing the stage with you has been my honor and my pleasure: you are as talented as you are warm and generous. I could not imagine anyone else I’d rather call my son. Or my friend.  You are forever “familia, now.

And to our incredible crew, who worked and continue to work tirelessly in ways that leave me in awe: you are the necessary and welcome wind that sends this ship sailing every night and I thank you.

And finally, to our audiences: I shall be ever grateful for your taking this journey with us. You are the raison d'être for it all.

I shall miss you all, terribly. But the ache will forever be outshone by the love I bear for all of you.

I think playwright Tony Kushner sums it up best:

“You are all fabulous creatures, each and every one.”

~Gregory

What Makes a Winner

History was made at the Oscars this year, but it’s probably not why you think. 

Forget Will Smith for a moment and take note of these pioneering achievements:

--Troy Kotsur became the first deaf actor ever to win “Best Supporting Actor”.

--Ariana DeBose became the first openly queer woman of color to win “Best Supporting Actress”.

--Jane Campion became the third woman in the history of the Oscars to win “Best Director”.

--“Best Picture” and “Best Adapted Screenplay”, also normally dominated by men, were both won by a woman, Sian Heder.

We must not allow these milestones to be overshadowed by one privileged man committing (and getting away with) battery on live television. While that event and all its factors and ramifications must be discussed for us to learn from, let us remember that far more good happened on that stage Sunday night. You have only to look at the list above to see that.

But I would leave you with one more. One that I think is a far better thing to share, remember and cherish as a lesson about who we should be and how we should treat others: the moment of grace, respect and care when Lady Gaga helped a struggling Liza Minnelli get through her guest appearance, offering a comforting “I got it”. 

If Will Smith showed us who we can be when we let anger and poor judgement guide our actions, Lady Gaga showed us who we can be when we allow love and kindness to guide us.

That is the lesson of the night: be like Lady Gaga. Act with love. Gentle, mindful love. 

Do that and you become a winner.

And so do we all.

Things To Look Forward To

Another December comes to an end and we all begin to wonder what the new year will bring. I think all of us are hoping for more joy than grief; more love than hate; more cooperation than contention.

I can’t foretell the future, but I can promise you a few good things that are coming your way. I’ve been involved in several projects that should be making their debuts next year.  And you will be able to see them all...

~

First and foremost (because it will have no shelf life) is my appearance--live on stage--as Roy Cohn in ANGELS IN AMERICA. It’s a jaw-dropping play and dream role and you won’t want to miss it. Arriving April/May for a very limited engagement.

"Angels in America"...live on stage!

Next, you should be able to see me as the unexpectedly psychotic biker Simon in Heroic Age Studio’s brutal new horror feature “TRICK AND TREATS”, which also features Gary Busey and the voice of Malcolm McDowell. It’s perhaps the darkest, scariest film I’ve ever done. You’ve been warned.

Gregory in "Trick and Treats"

Then there’s the feature film 16 BITS from the mind of writer/director Aaron Mento (“UGLY SWEATER PARTY”). I only have a small role, but it’s a hoot…as is the entire crazy, genre-bending film. If you’ve seen Aaron’s work, you know you’re in for a wild ride.

Gregory and Kevin Caliber in "16 Bits"

FAVORITE SON is a short thriller with an LGBTQ quotient that director Dustin Clingan (PHOTGRAPHIC MEMORY) hopes to complete in time for Outfest. I helped write it and also play one of the pivotal roles in the story’s web of deceit.

Tag line for "Favorite Son"

I also play a role in Mikey Mulhearn's short comedy ENVELOPE which will most likely be released next year as well. I play a hilariously histrionic hairdresser.

The cast of "Envelope"

And, last but not least, the 10-year anniversary cut of DEADLY REVISIONS (including cast interviews) will likely appear toward the end of the year. I’m especially thrilled with the new cut and think it’s going to be something you'll want to add to your collection.

"Deadly Revisions"

So there you go. Things to look forward to in 2022.

Till, then, all the best and Happy New Year!

~Gregory

To Help Us Survive

I feel a great sense of loss at the departure of Stephen Sondheim. His mastery of the musical theater medium may arguably be unparalleled in our age. Certainly the breadth of his works is incomparable. And not just the volume, but the diversity. From murderous barbers to marriage foibles, from the death of vaudeville to the birth of East/West relations, from the aspirations of artists to the rancor of society’s disenchanted, Sondheim’s works have gone places no other composer/lyricist has gone.

Yet, within these esoteric subjects and intellectual musings, he has created some of the most beautiful music of our time. “Send in the Clowns”, “No One is Alone”, “Not While I’m Around” and so on.  Songs singers love to sing. To record. To share.

My first memory of hearing Sondheim was a television special called “Musical Comedy Tonight". Carol Burnett sang “The Ladies Who Lunch” which fascinated me; Bernadette Peters and Richard Chamberlain did “Barcelona”; and Sandy Duncan banged out “Another Hundred People”—a song that thrilled me like nothing ever before. Then I saw the original Broadway production of “Sweeney Todd” and I was obsessed. I never knew a score could be so complex. Then, by sheer chance, I got the original Broadway cast recording of “Merrily We Roll Along”. It was that album that cemented my love for this master of the art. The way the score itself worked backwards—like the actual plot—gave me unending lessons in composition and the mechanics of musicals. Not to mention songs that give me chills forever more. “Our Time”, “Not a Day Goes By”, “Franklin Shepard Inc.”. And that original ending. That gut-punch, ugly-cry ending.

Then it was “Follies”, “Anyone Can Whistle”, “Pacific Overtures” and on and on. Each show having moments of such magic; treasures that make my life all the richer for having heard them. I’ll never forget watching ”Sunday” from “Sunday in the Park With George” on the Tony Awards. I had no idea what the show was about. But I heard it was by Sondheim, so I figured it had to be worthy. And by the time the number ended and the painting was complete, I was shaking. Jaw dropped. Unable to move. Had I really just witnessed a theatrical representation of the creation of a famous painting? How did anyone even conjure up that idea? And to manifest it in such a visually clear way in synch with such a beautiful, stirring song?

That is the genius of Sondheim. With full props to his manifold collaborators, surely. Because theater is a collaborative art; “no one acts alone”. But to have a score that can stand so perfectly and solidly on its own is a marvelous, magical thing. And to create a lifetime of them and provide the world with “so much stuff to sing” is one of the greatest gifts I can imagine.

There’s a moment in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s recent film version of “tick, tick...BOOM!" where the main character, in the middle of a musical homage to “Sunday”, faces Bernadette Peters and puts his hands over his heart as if he cannot keep it inside for the love and respect he bears for her. It’s a callback to her gesture in the show being honored, sure. But it’s a perfect visual representation of the emotions I bear for Sondheim and the gift he gave to me.

“Look at all the things you gave to me”.

To all of us.

Farewell, “Old Friend”. You never knew me. But you have been some of the best “company” I have had. You helped "make me alive". And I will sing and celebrate your songs as long as I have breath within me. 

Till the days go by.

 

The Importance of Appreciating the Moment

Don’t worry: I’m not gonna get all “mystic guru” or anything. There has been a glut of folks yammering on about “being in the moment” in western culture as we slowly realize the value of each moment for what it’s worth. It’s a good thing to be aware of, but not a good thing to over-analyze or spend too much time thinking about; it pretty much invalidates the whole concept of noticing and accepting a moment if you’re engaged in picking it apart.

But here’s something I have learned…or re-learned as I was struck by two things. The first was my lack of offering a blog post for so long. That prompted me to wonder what I had been so busy doing that I neglected this aspect of my creative content output. The second was, as is my November/December routine, going through the year to see what I had accomplished to layout in my annual review I share on the “History” pages of my website. 

Here’s what I discovered.

I had some very busy periods…and some periods where it seemed I was not as “productive”. But notice those quotation marks. I think it’s important to recognize that you can be very productive without having a physical result to show for it. This is what vacations and other forms of time off, rest and relaxation and so on are all about: it’s productive for your body and mind to take time to recharge. To review. To ponder. To sift through or let go of things. And I think we’re realizing that more and more. Life is not all about achieving external things; it’s about achieving internal things as well.

So, what I came to realize was that I had problem…and maybe you have it, too. I felt a great sense of satisfaction and worth when I was busy and active achieving external goals but felt significantly less of that when I was “having” time off. Notice those quotation marks, again. What I wanted to say was “enjoying”. But I wasn’t exactly enjoying the time when I wasn’t working. I felt antsy. Guilty. Wondered about my worth to others. And the double-edged sword was: when I was crazy busy, I often pined for some time off…and when I had the time, I pined for work.

So, here’s the point of all of this. I think it’s important to learn to enjoy and embrace the moment you are in, regardless of whether it’s filled with externally “productive” activity or not. If we can learn to appreciate who and where we are—in each moment—we will live much happier, peaceful lives inside. And I think, how we feel inside translates to the outside world through our mood, our attitude, and our behavior: the more peace and joy we have inside, the more peace and joy slips out and is shared with others. And, as we move into the season that touts being all about peace and joy, that seems like a good thing to remember and to try to manifest.

So, appreciate the moment: whether it’s busy or not, challenging or not, you’ll never have the chance to embrace it again. Breath it in.

Now, let’s all sing Kumbya.

Sharing my Tools

A colleague of mine, filmmaker Jason Horton, asked if I’d be interested in creating a series of videos about some aspect of filmmaking that he could host on his YouTube channel. I was honored and said “Yes!” before realizing I might not have anything new to say.

But maybe the way I said it would resonate with someone. Or maybe I’d reach people who hadn’t heard some of these ideas before. In other words, if I did some good for anyone, it would be worth it.

So I did.

I decided to focus on writing—specifically screenwriting, since I do consulting for folks on that front. I thought I’d share some basic tools to help people make their writing a little better—even after a single video.

So, if you’d like to take a look, feel free. Some of the tips and tools are specific to screenwriting, but many of them are usable for all writing--including email, blogs and other prose.

The series is called ”Tools, Not Rules” and can be found on Jason Horton’s YouTube channel—which is full of great content for filmmakers.

The introduction is here:  https://youtu.be/RrbPYihHZ4s

Enjoy. And feel free to leave a comment!

And for tons of other great filmmaking stuff, visit Jason's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/jhorton2003

Oh...and if you're interested in my screenplay consulting, check out http://www.2writers.com/Gregory_ScriptConsulting.htm

Keep Pushing

Long ago,                 Today, 
trying to fit in         being myself

When I started to try to get film roles, no one wanted me. I didn’t fit any brand. I wasn't tall enough, pretty enough, bulky enough. Back then there just wasn’t a cornucopia of roles for off-beat, quirky 20-somethings. So, I did background work. Some people love background work; I find it tedious and unfulfilling.

I finally got a few meaty roles in a few independent projects and, after years of that, landed an agent. Through him I got a nice recurring role on TV One’s “Love That Girl”—a perfect fit for my off-beat, quirky look and style. We all thought this was the beginning of a new trajectory in television. But, what we both learned, eventually, was that off-beat, quirky roles remained far rarer than the hunky, handsome heroes and winsome pretty boys that make up the bulk of male roles in film. The competition for the few crumbs was fierce and the roles often went to "known" names.

That’s changed a bit in the last decade or so with the explosion of new entertainment platforms creating a much wider variety of material—often aimed at niche markets. Sure, hunky handsome heroes and winsome pretty boys remain at the top of the food chain, but there are a lot more opportunities for those of us outside that domain of pedestrian pulchritude: those of us who fit in with Steve Buscemi more than Tom Cruise.

I’ve been fortunate enough to find directors, producers and audiences for my unique brand. But it took years—decades, in fact—and I’ve still got more to do.  The point of all this to remind any of you pursuing this career—or any career in entertainment or the arts—that this is a long game and there are many ups and downs. So my advice would be to tell you to enjoy whatever you can, wherever you are and (as the title of this entry spoils) keep pushing forward.

Best of luck on your journey!

The Story of How Things Work

I wrote a biopic script over twenty years ago. It got optioned once, but never produced. So, it sat on the proverbial shelf collecting proverbial dust for decades. 

Then, I was in a production of the musical “Working” a decade or so later. Theater is such an act of love and investment; I always make friends that last a lifetime when I do it. In this case, I met Jacquelyn Levy.  We did another musical together nearly a decade later.

Then, just last year, she hooked me up with a novelist who wanted to do a joint screenplay and novel deal about a famous musical group. I sent him a copy of my thirty-year-old script as a biopic sample. He dug it and so I started the new script. 

A few months later it was done, and he started pitching it. A producer contacted me to get a copy and find out more. I told her the story you’re reading right now.  She asked me to send her the new script as well as my thirty-year-old script.

A few weeks later, she called and said she wanted to produce the script that had been collecting proverbial dust for decades.

In short, it took time, friends, networking, patience, and the script finding the right person for this story to have its long-overdue happy ending. 

“Behind the Smile: The Story of Hattie McDaniel” is slated to go into production this June.

The moral of the story is: things have a way of working that you may never be able to force or foresee. So, make your art and let what happens happen.

Goodbye 2020

A challenging year, fraught with drama, unrest and loss. But as each year ends, I aim to look back on the good things that happened with gratitude. I hope you do the same. 

Thus, a career-related recap of good things that happened in my 2020 is here: Gregory's 2020 Review. You may read about yourself or a project you’re connected with or interested in. And maybe there’s a surprise or two; something you missed along the way. I certainly don't blog about it all!

In any event, I thank you for reading and being a part of my journey on this little planet. Best wishes to you all for a spectacular New Year!

~Gregory

The Art of Sharing the Gift of Art

I normally take this time to say something about being kind, being a better person...or aiming to do that in the new year. If you’ve missed my year-end posts from previous years about that and need some inspiration, see here and here and here.

This year, I’d like to do another round of sharing the gift of art. So below, you’ll find a list of artists and their various offerings for you to enjoy, discover and/or gift. Filmmakers, musicians, writers, and more. These are good people, so please watch and/or partake in their work. It will help keep you entertained while stuck at home.

And, if you want to support me and my work, go to Gregory's Store and/or Gregory's Patreon.

Other than that, let me simply wish you a very happy and safe holiday season.

Thank you for being here.  

Stay safe.  Stay kind.

~Gregory

Artists (in no particular order)

Film/Entertainers 

Chris Moore
“A Stranger Among Us” (a horror film) https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08K2P5T57

Mikeal Burgin
“The Caregivers” (a screenplay) https://www.facebook.com/TheCaregiversMovie/

Edward Martin III
Media creator
https://www.hellbendermedia.com/

Itai Guberman
Filmmaker https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2760127/

Mark Schaefer
“Hell Childress, Episode 7” (TV Series)
https://youtu.be/PEFuogBXYBY

Paul Stephen Edwards
"The Great American Horror Road Trip"
(Horror filmmaking docuseries)
https://youtu.be/snitFLL-6SY

Dawn Fields
“Yesterday’s Moon” (a romance film’s journey) www.YesterdaysMoon.com

Kevin Quezada and Hannah Koi Prado
Entertainment Film Producers
HKP-Entertainment.com

Jenn Nangle
"Malvolia: The Queen of Screams" TV Series
www.YouTube.com/malvoliathequeenofscreams

Judd Angel
Actor (demo reel)
https://youtu.be/qVmRWyDF4m0

Colton Baumgartner
Entertainer (Amazon page)
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Colton+Baumgartner

Music/Video

Roy Padro
Music creator
https://allmylinks.com/flava1radio

Anthony Honore
"Get Up!" (Music video)
https://youtu.be/NWdhVc7EzBM

Books/Other Media

Brian Fitzpatrick
Writer
http://www.brianfitzpatrickbooks.com/

Daryl Hajek
“Blood Blossom” (a suspense drama novel)  https://amzn.to/397VgUa

Mindy Dougherty
An entrepreneurial idea & inspirational books www.feedmycity.net 

Edison F Cortez
Fashion Designer, Costume Designer & Artist https://www.instagram.com/edisonsatelier/

Dónaco Smyth
“Animal Watch” (card game)
www.animalwatchgame.com

Tim Gross
“Tales from the Gross Side” short horror tales
https://rb.gy/p6q3nx

Addison Rose Peacock
“Heart Games” (podcast) https://twitter.com/HeartGamesPod

From “Us vs. Them” to “We, Together”

America has spoken. Starting next year, Trump will no longer be our president. Joe Biden beat him by over five million votes. Five million votes.  That’s a monumental statement our country has proclaimed for the world to hear. And history has been made: Biden won more votes than any presidential candidate prior. We’ve voted in the first Black female vice president. And more people voted than ever before. All of that is monumental.  The people have spoken and spoken loudly.

Trump can cry “fraud” all he wants; false narratives and finger-pointing have been two of his more fascistic tactics all along. But it’s pure irony: he’s been the fraud since Day One and enough of America has, thankfully, gotten wise to the fact. Most of the civilized world is sighing with relief that we’ve managed to kick him out of office. So is most of America, as evidenced by Biden not only winning both the popular vote and the electoral college, but by earning more votes than anyone in the history of our country. 

There’s no denying Trump has been the most divisive, dismissive, disrespectful, bullying, belittling, bragging, obstreperous, recalcitrant president of our lifetimes. History will rightfully brand him as one of the great stains on the legacy of American presidents: casually lying, scoffing at science, failing at diplomacy and—literally and figuratively—recklessly endangering the nation from the COVID 19 virus to willfully emboldening bigots to murderous action. Even in the final hours of the election, he once again proved his true nature: falsely claiming victories that weren’t true; spreading lies about wide-spread election fraud with little to no supporting evidence, knee-jerk suing multiple states he feared he’d lost and prematurely demanding either recounts or ends to counting, and so on; the desperate acts of a drowning despot.

Those of you voted him out: I thank you for putting decency over all the unacceptable behaviors listed above. You have restored my faith in the goodness of America. You have shown that the majority of Americans agree that Trump’s egregious words and actions are unacceptable for anyone—especially a president; that bad behavior must never be rewarded; that bigotry in all forms—from racism to sexism to homophobia and more—must be called out without hesitation and eradicated without yielding. I celebrate you. I honor you. I am with you.

To those of you who supported Trump: I love you no less (love is unconditional), I care for you no less (caring is the mark of a civilized society), but I do respect you just a little less because your support of Trump means you approve and enable all his ugly words and actions and all the ugly words and actions he’s incited in our streets. That is something I simply cannot honor. However, I’m confident most of you can and will earn that respect again. The opportunities are bountiful and I look forward to the day when we can work together, side by side, to make this country the best it can be: one that shuns harmful behavior and beliefs; that honors transparency, inclusivity and diversity; that values kindness, decency…and liberty and justice for all.  I hope it's any day, now.

So, here's to a brighter future. It’s in our grasp. There is still much to do, but we can certainly do it faster and better, together.

I almost never talk politics, but this is a historic time and I think a few words are appropriate.  So, here are my thoughts on the Presidential race and, specifically, the latest debate--especially for anyone who is still undecided.

Trump successfully appeared calmer and less orange, but he still talked over the moderator, slung mud instead of answering questions, lied often (all the fact checkers agree) and boasted laughable statements like “I'm the least racist president. I'm the least racist person in this room."  His regular attempts at restraint allowed him to make a far better impression than last time, but his content was all the same game of finger-pointing and falsehoods, egregious claims and egomaniacal boasts. Ironically, his most true statement, in more ways than one, may have been “I know more about wind than you do.” Indeed.

Biden wavered between relaxed and confident to floundering and stammering to fired-up and strong. He called out Trump on some of his more outlandish claims and fired back a fair amount of return digs. But he also choked and misspoke a few times (such as referring to the “Proud Boys” as “Poor Boys”). But Biden’s heartfelt, genuine answers about the country’s race problem and the border children without parents demonstrated the difference between a candidate who brags about how he understand and cares “better than anyone” and a candidate who actually does seem to care. If that weren’t enough, his closing remarks blew Trump’s out of existence and came with a mic drop which is good enough to repeat, here:


"What is on the ballot, here, is the character of this country. Decency. Honor. Respect. Treating people with dignity.  Making sure that everyone has an even chance. And I'm going to make sure you get that. You haven't been getting that the last four years."

Biden makes it clear he understands that, in the final analysis, this isn’t about right and left. It’s about right and wrong.  Are you (we) going to reward a man who regularly and shamelessly lies, belittles, boasts, mudslings, denies fault and recklessly endangers or do we want to be represented (and have our country) represented by a man who listens to the experts, learns from his mistakes and sincerely wants to help us become a wiser, kinder and more unified country? There is only one acceptable choice. 

So...to you as yet undecided few.  I beg you: don't be an enabler of Trump's crimes; it's a stain of guilt and shame that will live with you for the rest of your life. That's why so many who voted for him the first time--Republicans and Democrats alike--are staunchly against him; they, like Biden, recognize their mistakes, recognize villainy, and aim to do better.  And we deserve so much better.

Vote decency.  Vote Biden.

All The Write Stuff

 

Writing is tough. Choosing the right subject, the right words, the right rhythm. So much more than simply dragging a pen across paper. Or typing on a keyboard. But, if writing is tough, for writers, not writing is tougher.  Especially when we want to be writing. Well, I’m here to tell you scribes out there to relax and take heart: that part of writing actually is not writing.

Let me explain.

Just the other day, I sat at my desk, script open to the last scene I had written. And I stared at the screen. I reviewed what I’d done so far. I stared at the screen. I perused my notes of what was to come next. I stared at the screen. I tweaked some of the notes. I stared at the screen. I made coffee.  I stared at the screen. I walked the dog. I stared at the screen. I had lunch. I stared at the screen. And so on.

By the end of the day, I had written not a single new word in the script. I used to get quite despondent about that. But time has taught me that such days are part of the process. Our brains often need time to sift through ideas—not just consciously, but unconsciously. I think doing other things energizes and refreshes us, clears away cobwebs, and lets ideas percolate and gel on their own accord.

The next day, I banged out ten pages with (relative) ease. I have no doubt that was a result of my efforts at the computer and my time away from it the previous day. That seemingly unproductive time was, in fact, very productive; it just didn’t manifest itself on the page until the following day.

Thus, I say to all my fellow wordsmiths, don’t despair the next time you’re sitting at your desk, unable to put words on the page.  You don’t suck. You’re not suffering from writer’s block. Your brain is busy processing input in ways that will make a scene seem to magically pop out of your head in the very near future. And that’s gonna feel so good!

So, in the meantime, enjoy your coffee.  

Walk the dog.  

Love your life.

2020: Midpoint Musings

There's a far worse pandemic than COVID19.  But fortunately, there's a cure...

We're only half way through the year and it's already clear that, looking back, 2020 will be remembered as the year it all came out; when all the systemic evils of our lives were thrust into the zeitgeist. The economic and judicial iniquities, the racism and bigotry, the oligarchy-run news outlets; the perfect storm of the COVID19 pandemic and social media brought all these monsters out, screaming too loud to be quelled and swept quietly aside this time. 

Sure, those issues were a part of the U.S. before and we had protests and vigils in the past and had some champions to fight to end some of the atrocities.  But for every Harvey Milk there was a Harvey Weinstein; for every Martin Luther King Jr. there was a Roy Cohn; many of the villains working behind closed doors or out of the public eye. But this time, no one could hide from the spotlight that shone on the systems that were failing us or those who were responsible: from the smallest town’s malcontent ranting on YouTube that they were free to shun masks, black, gay and/or transgender Americans and anything else they chose, to the country’s president lying on national television about the border wall, the COVID19 pandemic and his own political prowess—punctuated by inflammatory, finger-pointing tweet storms.  It was all out there for everyone to see: inarguable, infuriating, and utterly irreversible from the analogues of history.

Everyone who looked at all that without filters saw it for what it was; evidence that there was a pernicious pandemic—and not the latest coronavirus, which was temporary—but a pandemic of a contagion causing a lack of empathy.  And lack of empathy is the root of all bigotry, all greed, all injustice.  Because with empathy, we cannot heartlessly harm another living creature without feeling harmed ourselves.  And whether that amounts to killing an animal for food, fashion or sport or denying a human being justice and equal rights, it is a crime against nature and it is what destroys our world.  With empathy for the planet and all its inhabitants, you cannot condone pollution just to line your pockets; you cannot hate someone because of who they are by birth—whether it’s immediately evident like skin color or realized later in life like orientation; you cannot create religions, governments or laws that harm people with dogma or decree.  But we do.  And we are damned forever to live in a world of iniquity and hatred unless we change.  Unless we end the pandemic of prejudice, greed and the abuse of power. 

Fortunately, a cure for this pestilent malfeasance exists. And the cure—as old as the world itself—is love. Because love breeds empathy.  And empathy breeds kindness and respect.  And kindness and respect are what will guide us to make the changes necessary to build a better humanity.  A better world.  A future in which we can—not only survive—but thrive.  Together.  In harmony.  But it is up to us demand those changes in ourselves and our systems.  

There is work to be done and we cannot afford to wait or to be afraid to begin.  With a brave spirit and a kind heart, we can all do our part, however small.  

And do it, we must.