The setting for John Dickson Carr's Nine-and Death Makes Ten is certainly atmospheric. The rolling fog horns, the unsteadiness of the ocean, and the cold, oppressive darkness give us the appropriate apprehension required by murder mysteries. Of course, it's the functionality of such a setting that I most appreciate. Nine passengers (and a largely faceless… Continue reading Nine-and Death Makes Ten
Drugstore Cowboy (1989) Gus Van Sant Gus Van Sant's best films tend to focus on outsiders, people separate from mainstream society. The makeshift family of Drugstore Cowboy (and the junkies with whom they interact)are firmly entrenched in the outskirts of Portland--hounded by police, haunted by dreams, and living in constant fear of feeling anything. Matt… Continue reading My favorite films of the 1980s
I like to feed the squirrels in my neighborhood. I don't buy proper feed or raw nuts, I just buy a jar of Planters when I'm at the store. Sometimes, I'll buy peanuts in the shell or a cheaper bag of mixed nuts, but usually, I throw them salted, processed, nuts. I'm sure I've killed… Continue reading January
I've come to the end of my Four Corners journey and while it has been enjoyable, the overriding feeling I am left with is that there are far too many lost Roscoe masterworks out there. The Four Corners series is just from the Argosy magazine collections. As such, it should not be seen as a… Continue reading “Ghost on Lonesome Hill” from Four Corners Vol II
James Scott Byrnside 