Great review. I just finished this book today after 5 months of reading. I always had to set it down after each vignette to take in the feelings of what I’d just read, so it took me a very long time. I cried through probably a 3rd of this book’s stories, and found myself dazzled and overwhelmed by another 3rd. What you said about magic realism and the very lowkey elements of sci fi/fantasy is what made this book so special in my opinion. Coming of age stories are a dime a dozen but few manage to capture the intense emotion and imagination of childhood, I guess most adults forget what it was really like to be a kid when they write.
@shostakovichdmitri3121
3 жыл бұрын
This is such a fantastic book. One of my favourites. Idk why is often overlooked in favor of his dystopic fahrenheit 451, which is also good, but not so magical. I love the story about the serial killer too. It was so scary and it sets the mood so wonderfully that I couldnt stop for a second until he wrapped it up. Nice review!
@mangalapalliv
7 ай бұрын
Just finished reading this fabulous book. It will remain with me for a long time to come...... Ray does magic with words.... Can't tell how grateful I am to Ray for the stories and novels he wrote. This book should be in the must read list of every adolescent and adult. I run a story reading group for children in the place I stay and out of the 293 stories we read till date, 72 are from Ray. Dandelion Wine has many chapters published as stories viz: The Sound of Summer Running, The Night, A Season of Disbelief, Calling Mexico, The Happiness Machine, The Leave-Taking and The Whole Town's Sleeping (It is here we get to meet the silent killer). An unusual thing about this book is the profusion of similes and metaphors. The prose has wonderful beauty to it and some of the paragraphs have a poetic quality to them. Green Town - Illinois has many characters who are hyperboles and in persisting with their hyperbole they tell us what it is to be truly human. Thank you Ray and Thanks Ms. Jerome Weiselberry for a wonderful review of the book !!
@eduardo_corrochio
Жыл бұрын
This book is my favorite piece of fiction. It's been many years since I read it so I'm going to locate it in the house and curl up with it this summer and escape into its charming world. Or maybe I will listen to the audiobook with headphones. I will peruse a few videos on YT and pick the best narrator. It's not often that I say a book is beautiful but this is exactly a fitting description because Bradbury weaves magic with his words and transports the reader back to another place and time for a while, and his book is nostalgic, touching, spooky, and charming. Your review hit the nail on the head in capturing what it feels like to enjoy Ray's prose.
@Dr5ives
5 жыл бұрын
It was so long since I read this, yet something about the last line in the book (if I remember right) "and so sleeping, put an end to summer 1928." just always tore me up as a kid. Kind of my "rosebud" moment if you will.
@nurityalieva3852
Жыл бұрын
the old veteran with dementia that loved to call to mexico city just to hear the city made me weep so hard... my grandpa passed away last year and he wanted to visit mexico city one more time but he couldn't... I visited mexico city last month and yes, once you get there your heart stays there forever
@rachelport3723
5 жыл бұрын
I was hoping you would read out loud that wonderful opening about the magic of new sneakers at the beginning of summer. It's decades since I read this book, and that still makes me feel young.
@nhmisnomer
Жыл бұрын
I love Dandelion Wine. I remember Douglas describing to a shoe shop owner what it feels like wearing your brand new sneakers for the first time. By the end of it, you feel like you've just had this exhilarating experience. Bradbury makes us see the magic in what we normally dismiss as ordinary.
@richardlee2120
3 жыл бұрын
I've decided to buy several of Ray Bradbury's books. It's crazy, but I KNEW Ray Bradbury. My great-aunt used to drive him to the writers' meetings, and she can be seen in a 1960s Ray Bradbury documentary. He invited me to a private screening of the film "The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit" wherein he wrote the screenplay. He was so kind and generous. I miss him, and will always cherish the times I got to have with him and his autographs, including a cartoon of a cat he even drew for me. I was in his home, and I quoted the title of his nonfiction book's title, "Too Soon From the Cave, Too Far From the Stars." His eyes lit up and he yelled to his nurse to bring me another of his books to give to me. This memory will be with me for the rest of my life. I sure wish that I could meet you to discuss the wonderful Bradbury and some great stories.
@robertnordling4990
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this thoughtful review. I read this book once per year to remind myself that life can be good and full and wondrous.
@anitacalloway3032
4 жыл бұрын
Anyone who loves Ray Bradbury as much as I do is aces in my book. I offered it to my daughter to read but was puzzled when she just didn’t get it. I really like his style of writing and Dandelion Wine captures the strength of memories and the power of being 12 with a new pair of gym shoes. I too truly enjoyed The Lonely One and the mystery and fear surrounding him. It’s one of my favorite parts along with the half blind grandmother with her seemingly magical cooking. This is a fantastic book and it’s nice to hear someone else recognized it’s power and value as a transport of the mind.
@joylederman4501
Жыл бұрын
I'm so glad you did this review and put "Dandelion Wine" on my radar. I listened to the book on Audible, eyes closed as I spent hours treading water in my pool, surrounded by many of the sounds mentioned in the book. The narrator was excellent and I could see everything in my mind's eye just as clearly as if I'd read it myself. I found the entire experience to be marvelous. I was born the year this book was published, so can still remember Summers before air conditioning. As much as I love my A/C, it does seem that much was lost of the social fabric that held society together when Summer evenings were spent out on the front porch socializing, rather than everyone huddling in their own chilled houses. As I get older, I can appreciate the reflections on aging in the book. Truly a wonderful experience. Thanks for the recommendation!
@Nax12345678910
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this great review; I will look for it. Also thanks for partially clearing up the mystery of the bowing bookshelf. I noticed it 'groaning' under the weight of books, and then one day, the shelf was fixed! As if by magic. Probably you hired a handyman (or yourself) to change the shelf or maybe even bought a whole new case. The backdrop is perfect for you, along with the owls, etc. A nice anchor for your channel.
@susantownsend8397
Жыл бұрын
This is our August book for our book club. I love it, an excellent summer read.
@williamblakehall2773
5 жыл бұрын
Thank you very much! Loved this book as a kid, and can probably stand to take another look at it. Somehow I recall its magical sense of time, the old man as a kind of living time machine, or the very idea that a distinct bottle can help you relive a specific day. Imagine my surprise to learn that electric cars like the Green Machine are real and part of our lost history. I tend to lean towards harder, grittier science fiction writers, but when my step-grandmother asked me how to get started in science fiction I recommended Bradbury and it was a good fit, there is something so poetic and accessible and universal about him. It's a bit odd that Wine always felt nostalgic, and now I fondly recall when I first read it, so that leads us to, what ... nostalgia squared? Please feel free to review more Bradbury. It's a shame I can't think of any visual adaptations I can recommend, it's as if he requires a very delicate touch. Thanks again.
@mordecaiesther3591
Жыл бұрын
Dandelion wine pertains to my life in 1976 … not too much changes since then … a tv .. a radio .. a real. Telephone … no computers … being in a real library . Iam so proud of you 🔴🔴🔴🔴
@RT-me3wn
4 жыл бұрын
Bradbury's prose is singular in its beauty. Side note, The Lonely One , a serial killer that is the topic of one of the vignettes in Dandelion Wine, was also covered in the television show Ray Bradbury presents.
@mangalapalliv
7 ай бұрын
The 'Lonely Ones' is a story about two astronauts on Mars missing their women folk. I think what you are referring to is a story called 'The Whole Town's Sleeping'
@unimpressedalchemist
3 ай бұрын
This was my first Bradbury read, and I absolutely loved it. Even started to tear up in the last few pages. Makes me sad to realize that much of the child in me has dwindled away, but inspired to appreciate the day to day a little more.
@robertrodriguez7087
4 жыл бұрын
Alright, you sold me on this one. I almost read it for a class in high school, but the first couple of pages made me decide to choose something I was more sure I'd like, and I never went back to it. I do generally like Bradbury, but I'm not a fan of sappy, Spielberg-y sentimentality, and I got the feeling that was where this one was going. I don't mind that in something like *Something Wicked This Way Comes,* but if that was more of the focus, I don't know how I'd feel. Either way, I will definitely pick it up.
@Weiselberry
4 жыл бұрын
Definitely give it another try! And if you get a few pages in and you're not feeling it, well, then you'll know. :)
@invictusunum4808
11 ай бұрын
Dandelion Wine is my favorite Ray Bradbury novel. I read it 5 or 6 times! Fahrenheit 451 is great as well. My favorite short story of his is The Scythe. Of course i havent read everything Bradbury has done yet...
@FAHRENHEIT451JL
4 жыл бұрын
I finished this beautiful book, two days ago. I just started it again last night. I didn't mean to read it in summer Although it doesn't make a difference as I live in England and its shite. Lol Thank you for the vid. Very informative, which I think beckons to audiences of Ray Bradbury. Further more I feel like you echoed my own thoughts and feelings and yet described it a way I don't think I may have formed by myself. Again thank you. 🦄
@kellyjkennedy
5 жыл бұрын
Every review you do always feels like you're telling a story, you kind of take us on a little journey with you - I think that's what makes your YT series so good! Even if it's a movie or book I'd never had any interest in before, you still make it entertaining and interesting! Well done Ms. W!!
@Weiselberry
5 жыл бұрын
Aw, thank you! That's a lovely compliment. :)
@missioncodez
5 жыл бұрын
As someone who is very seasonally in tune with his media consumption, _almost_ to the point of insufferability ( i.e. _"You can't watch _*_Jaws_*_ in the winter!"_ ), this is a great review, at the perfect time. Considering it's Bradbury, whose *The Martian Chronicles* helped to reignite my love of reading, *Dandelion Wine* might very well become a new tradition to mark the change of seasons for me. If you are naturally drawn to writing as a form of expression, then I hope you continue to work at it. Trust me, Bradbury probably hated his first 100 attempts, and tolerated every one since: It's par for the course. If you have stories you need to tell, then you will find a way to tell them, in time. Cherish the process, the good and the bad, along the way.
@thechaz83
2 жыл бұрын
I echo the same words. I’m a published prose poet and vignette writer. It took me 10 years of reading and writing and practicing until I got my first acceptance and, ultimately, discovered my voice. Listen to your heart. It’s faint but truthful, your compass. Good luck :-)
@garethcumming667
4 жыл бұрын
Really inspired to buy and read.. new to this Author!
@yahodad
5 жыл бұрын
Take a look. It's in a book. Reading Rainbow. That's what it reminds me of. I don't read books. Last book I read was The Long Walk by Steven King. That was probably 15 years ago. Great job on the book review!
@Weiselberry
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@BobPlaysOfficial
5 жыл бұрын
Interesting. I only know Bradbury for his science fiction work. I wasn't aware that he had written something like this before. You certainly make it sound fascinating so I guess I'll have to check it out. Also, I think I'd also be really interested in hearing this story you wrote that you mentioned in the video, even if it's just an excerpt. C'mon, I'm dying to read it! 📖
@MrFredstt
2 жыл бұрын
I just ordered this book, thanks for the review!
@Weiselberry
2 жыл бұрын
Happy reading!
@Mark.G475
2 жыл бұрын
It's a great book! Magic. The older neighbor calling Mexico city, wow. Cheers from Milwaukee Wisconsin.
@OperationAdventure
4 жыл бұрын
You hit the nail on the head with the description of the book! Awesome review.
@Weiselberry
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you!
@paulw.9669
5 жыл бұрын
The story about 'The Lonely One' is great; there are a few passages revised from the original to tie it in better with the other stories in the book, that threw me a little bit.
@judesstar
2 ай бұрын
Mən azərbaycanlıyam və bu kitabın Azərbaycan dili tərcüməsini almışam. Kitabın 180-ci səyifəsindəyəm və kitab çox pozitif, nostaljik bir kitabdır. Hamıya tövsiyə edirəm..
@my1after909
3 жыл бұрын
For years, Dandelion Wine, had been kicking around here, for ages. I wasn't a Sci-fi fan, and thought that is what this would be, but of boredom, took a look. Actually, I only read a chapter or two, and was captivated. His description of his youth and the significance of the wine, was so near to home. The best phrase, had to do with it being like liquid sunlight. That spring, I gathered a ton of dandelion heads, to make the wine. Sadly it never got much beyond that point, as it got too stinky for my tastes. Oddly, also never got past the first chapters about that. Listening to what you've said about it, at 1st made me glad that I'd not read further, but as you go on, it sounds so interesting, not the least in that it sounds to stray far afield from that idyllic youth. I'll be listening for more. p.s. Favorite books - Papillon, West with the Night, and Angela's Ashes.
@littlepurpleseashell
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! That was great! I had read this in middle school and had liked it a lot. I am now middle aged! I have gotten into learning and working with herbs and I was recently remembering the book and when Douglas was dying of despair and Jonas brought him a bottle of air to breath and also I remember the idea of Dandelion wine capturing the summer- so I just wanted to revisit the book again. I feel like herbs can do a lot of all that for me and others as well!
@thechaz83
2 жыл бұрын
“Women who read and devour books are sexy” ;) All joking aside, Dandelion Wine is a fantastic book. Ray unconsciously created a Greentown, Illinois trilogy: 1. Dandelion Wine 2. Farewell Summer (sequel to Dandelion Wine) and 3. Something Wicked This Way Comes. There is also a companion book called Summer Morning, Summer Night. For real chills check out his book The October Country
@feslenraster
5 жыл бұрын
Bradbury is an amazing writer. Thanks for reviewing one of my favorite sci-fi authors, Jerome. I wasn't aware of his other titles, will check it out.
@bluesnagg
4 жыл бұрын
I knew Ray Bradbury. I’ve been to his home. Truthfully, I haven’t read many of his works, and he even gave me some of his books. He was a wonderful man.
@michaelmayo
Жыл бұрын
Love Bradbury. I became a writer because of his work.
@villagechillershorror228
3 жыл бұрын
Wow what a great review!
@Weiselberry
3 жыл бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@user-fx9jj2xh1n
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another excellent review! Liked the book, especially the parts dealing with boyhood in a small town. But, didn't like the "magical realism". Seems to me, the experience of childhood in summer has enough of a feeling of magic in it already. The addition of more felt like a contrivance. It would have been enough to simply describe the wonder of life from a 12 year-old's perspective. Looking forward to your next review!
@Paladin12572
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I haven't read Dandelion Wine, though I have an old paperback copy around here somewhere. Bradbury was a tremendous author, and probably my favorite of his efforts is Something Wicked This Way Comes. Deliciously scary--and equally soulful.
@frankg7177
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks for another excellent review! This is going right onto my to-do list of Bradbury. Have you read "Something Wicked This Way Comes"? If "Dandelion Wine" is 'summer', "Something Wicked" is quintessential 'autumn'' I would love to hear what you have to say about that novel, as well as the film of it, which is entertaining, albeit lacking in some of the finer nuances of the book.
@Weiselberry
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it! I haven't read Something Wicked..., but I've heard that said about it.
@Entedeficción
5 жыл бұрын
Hi, Jerome! I love "The Martian Chronicles" and "Fahrenheit 451". Thank you for sharing your knowledge!
@Entedeficción
5 жыл бұрын
By the way, you're kind of pretty and charming.
@winterburden
5 жыл бұрын
I read this book a long time ago when my godmother got it for me mistakenly thinking Ray Bradbury was my favourite author instead of Jack Vance (she never did get me a Jack Vance novel 😄), thanks for this video allowing me to revisit the past!
@Navigator87110
4 жыл бұрын
Aha! A Jack Vance fan in the wild! I knew there were others!
@acepedro12
4 жыл бұрын
Bradbury is basically Stephen King if the latter was a good writer. 🙃
@missusmoon3867
9 ай бұрын
My favorite book!
@missioncodez
3 жыл бұрын
So, on July 2nd of this year, while imitating the life of a working man, the heel of my right foot tightened up and, within the span of about fifty more fateful and labored steps, my Achilles tendon depreciated into extreme pain, to where I had to shut it down for the day. I thought (i.e. prayed against reason) that maybe some extra rest that evening would grant enough of a pardon going forward.... That call from the governor never came. In fact, I'm still waiting on it. In essence, the remainder of summer 2020 was spent in my apartment, either on crutches, in bed with a propped balloon of a foot, or sporting a walking boot* . In the end, *Dandelion Wine* ended up _being_ my summer instead, and one more emotionally impactful and resonant than any actual season could ever hope to be. I have no doubt that this may very well become a yearly revisit for me. Like beautiful music from a great concept album, where single tracks can be enjoyed on their own merits, while still acknowledging their place in the larger collective, I can see myself able to savor a moment here, a sentiment there...over the full duration of a long summer spell. _"Time is so strange and life is twice as strange. The cogs miss, the wheels turn, and lives interlace too early or too late. I lived too long that much is certain. And you were born either too early or too late. It was a terrible bit of timing. But perhaps I am being punished for being a silly girl. Anyway, the next spin around, wheels might function right again."_ Beautiful notes, indeed! Thanks for the recommendation, Jerome. I doubt I would have found this on my own, and if I had, it probably would have been much further down the line, and a great shame that would have been, to have that many more summers wasted in the interim without its touch upon them. * Please, no pity wanted or needed, as I've drowned in my own supply of it over the past few months. ; )
@Weiselberry
3 жыл бұрын
Well, I'm going to express my sympathy anyway because that stinks. But sometimes bad things have to happen to direct you to good things. Here's hoping you can revisit Dandelion Wine many summers into the future... under more comfortable and more mobile circumstances. :)
@johnkoyiii9650
4 жыл бұрын
I haven't read Dandelion Wine yet, but I plan on picking it up once I finish with Something Wicked This Way Comes.
@ericbond5276
Жыл бұрын
Several yrs. ago, my Ikea Finnby bowed and collapsed after I put too many railroad books on a shelf- life lesson learned.
@mayhemfilmfestival362
5 жыл бұрын
Bradbury inspired by Mr. Electrico: "I watched mesmerized as he picked up a silver sword, leaned down and with it touched me on both shoulders, then the tip of my nose. The electricity surged through me, making my hair stand on end. He shouted, ''Live forever!""
@vgovger4373
5 жыл бұрын
I thought I saw the shelf bending down...lol
@chetthebee1322
5 жыл бұрын
Jerome, do you ever feel like you are being watched? Haha...the owls behind you. My sister is a huge collector of owl figurines.
@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855
5 жыл бұрын
I have a book shelf above my bed I need to organise or I'll end up getting beaten to death by the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a mystery you wouldn't have to be Sherlock Holmes to solve,, "Idiocy my dear Watson. lol, I've not read Dandelion wine, not sure why that is, wanted to read it and then Farewell Summer but never did, have read quite a bit of his Science fiction, became interested in Bradbury after learning he came up with the story for " It came from Outer Space" a film I like, everything about Dandelion wine sounds very appealing, excited to get to it, may listen to some Summer sounds as I do, we don't have the sound of Cicada's here, not sure if that's a good or bad thing, bugs : | ~ thank you Ms Weiselberry ~ Oh, I really loved the 1990 version of Phantom.
@Weiselberry
5 жыл бұрын
LOL, well, of all the ways to go I suppose death by book avalanche isn't too bad. I hope you get a chance to read Dandelion Wine! I think you'd like it. As far as cicadas go, I don't think I'd want one in my house, but they mostly keep to themselves. Like crickets, they seem to be most vocal on hot, humid nights, which can get kind of intense. It's a pretty classic summer night noise, and, of course, you can find videos on KZitem that supply hours of such sounds. :) Oh, you did?! Yay! That's one of my favorites, so I'm really glad to hear you enjoyed it. :D
@bartolomeuomacduibheamhnad6855
5 жыл бұрын
Jerome Weiselberry I have ordered a copy of Dandelion Wine and I'm very excited to read it. :) If Cicadas mostly keep to themselves and don't come indoors I feel we'd get on pretty well lol, I never thought to look up their sound on KZitem, I may fall on the side of it being a bad thing, it's strangely soothing. Ladybirds and Butterfly's need to pull their socks up, do hear the occasional red Fox, not often but sometimes a long-eared Owl or Barn Owl, Long-eared is great but I'm sure the Banshee legend sprung from someone hearing the squeal of a Barn Owl, they're beautiful but their squeal can be a tad unnerving, and rain, unfortunately rain can be a summer sound here also. Death by Book Avalanche, lol I'd read or watch that. ~ thank you again Ms Weiselberry ~
@RSEFX
4 жыл бұрын
YIKES!! ---LONG COMMENT! Thanks so much for bringing this Bradbury book back to my attention! Good book, and emotional to me...but...I need to re-read it. It's been WAY too long/read it when I was a teenager. That was (deleted!) years ago. Ha. Ok, some random thots from a couple of your other postings/kind of a "catch-all catch-up: Pirates: Are you familiar with the work of Czech film maker Karel Zeman? He worked in the 40's and on into the early 80's. More importantly, he had a one of a kind style that combined live action with animation and camera tricks in a very unique and very magical way. Three of his films deal with pirates. Lots of humor and wild imagery. The titles: THE FABULOUS WORLD OF JULES VERNE (that's the dubbed US version of his film AN INVENTION OF DESTRUCTION). Also THE STOLEN AIRSHIP and OFF ON A COMET. I've written about him and met and interviewed his family, that's how much he inspired me...and in recent decade or two his works of imagination are getting far more world-wide attention, finally. A real genius. But...as to the pirate thing (really "rogues", and henchmen along with pirates):---the pirate characters are treated with all the "eye-patch, aargh and peg leg" swarthy-ness one could ask for, even tho they aren't the main characters. BOOKS: A couple books you might find of interest: THE PURPLE CLOUD, by M.P. Shiel: A mysterious gas cloud destroys all but a couple human beings on Earth. This book served as basis, loosely, for the film THE WORLD, THE FLESH AND THE DEVIL, and is epic in every sense/written in early 20th century. If you are interested in "atomic war" themes (I think I picked that up somewhere) I might mention the book STAR MAN'S SON 2250 AD---released in paperback as DAYBREAK: 2250AD---by Andre Norton (who, you may know, was a female writer using pen name---she wrote tons of very very well-crafted books on sf and fantasy themes). STAR MAN'S SON deals with travel across the countryside after the world has changed from nuclear war. It is, essentially, a juvenile, but of the first order. It is also one of the very first written in this sub-genre, and I feel must've inspired many subsequent books and films. (The hardback is nicely illustrated/very stylized...but hardcovers of this title aren't easily found anymore. MOVIES: At some point you referred to Ray Milland (on a video), I might mention a film called PANIC IN YEAR ZERO, which he starred in and also directed, which deals with a family trying to survive after the US has undergone nuclear attack (some copies of it are letterboxed, but it is a panavision film). Milland is a favorite. His film "X" terrified my younger sister who saw it when it first came out/she really was too young to see a film like that---she can't even look at a still photo from that film to this day! But it IS a film worth watching. Another Milland film well worth seeing: THE BIG CLOCK, noir/40's....A very likable, solid (and often very charming) actor, to me at least. Ok...I sure went on and on here. Sorry. Taking another break from writing. By...er...writing!! ;-7
@Weiselberry
4 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thanks for the recommendations! I'm not familiar with any of Karel Zeman's work, although I've heard his name. And I haven't read any of those books, so all those titles are going on my "recommended" list. But I have seen all three of those Ray Milland films. I thought Panic in Year Zero was very good. Oh, X (The Man with the X-Ray Eyes) is terrifying! My mom saw it when she was younger and I think it scarred her for life. She would often refer to it, but I wasn't allowed to watch it for the longest time. I finally saw it a few years ago, and, well, I think she was right not to let me see it at a young age. One of the most disturbing films. My mom had the dubious satisfaction of saying, "I told you so!" I saw The Big Clock in May 2018 (I did a mini review of it) and really enjoyed it. I like Milland too--he was more versatile than people give him credit for. For the longest time I just knew him from Dial M for Murder; it was quite a surprise to see him playing a charming good guy in The Uninvited or being silly in The Major and the Minor.
@RSEFX
4 жыл бұрын
@@Weiselberry I've always liked Ray Milland---he's in that group of very very special actors to me----I've mentioned a few before---and a number of them overlap with actors you've had a special liking for---Ronald Colman, Rains, Tierney, Price...ok, am stopping here, as this list could quickly get out of control. "X" is one of the best Sf films from that period, and I do regret having my sister see it at too young of an age. It really really bothered her, as I mentioned. I do think it might be an idea to re-do and/or modify some of the POV efx shots that the budget couldn't really afford to create at the time, but don't think that making it into some kind of a "special effects" movie is a good idea---even thought that's the business I'm in. The story concept, the dialogue and the performances are the most important aspects. I feel that today's "critics" and audiences far too quickly jump on and denigrate older films because of the technical limitations of the times in which they were made, especially frustrating when they miss the heart and "soul" of the thing. Well, thanks for putting up with my long long comments. Your videos have provided nice breaks from a difficult writing assignment. I've been tied to my office and keyboard for the last couple of months...I really have enjoyed your postings and have been recommending your videos to my friends. I appreciate your open-minded, fresh, clear and perceptive takes on the books and films you cover. I wish there were more "Jeromes" out there.
@Weiselberry
4 жыл бұрын
I think one of X's strengths is that it still holds up. The horror of the situation is potent, the visuals are shocking (even now), and the morality tale is timeless in the same vein as cautionary science-fiction classics like Frankenstein and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Maybe that's giving it a little too much credit, but I think a lot of people who've seen it (whether they were as traumatized as your sister, my mom and me or not!) have found it very effective. I suppose it could be improved with some updated, high-tech visual effects in places, but I don't know if I'd be able to handle it if it was too real and grotesque! Yes, I also find it disappointing how many people will pass over a movie just because it's in black and white or because the effects are dated. They'll never know what they're missing. I hope I'm doing my part to encourage people to give older movies (among other things) a try who might otherwise dismiss them. I'm very happy that you found my channel. I enjoy your stories and background info and our occasional back-and-forth. And thank you for sharing my videos so enthusiastically! :)
@RSEFX
4 жыл бұрын
@@Weiselberry And we DO very much appreciate your opening up viewers eyes/exposing people to the very idea of considering older films and moving past ad hoc biases due to "black and white", older styles of acting etc. One of the things about the vis efx in older films isn't like there was a lack of skill and intelligence and some solid technologies, behind them, it was lack of money and time: the efx departments could only do what the studios invested in the work----a glance at films like METROPOLIS, GONE WITH THE WIND, FORBIDDEN PLANET, A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH etc will show that when/where investments were made the work could be pretty spot-on spectacular and flawless.. As to X: I'M glad to see you did see it and came away with some of the moral/scientific etc aspects embedded in the tale. A couple notes you may be interested in: The art director (who is still alive, btw) had the idea of suggesting---as the story unfolded----the interior of the body: The dripping red paint on the walls of the ante-room at the sideshow (the purple room) which recall the scalpel cuts of the hospital; the orange fleshy drapery in the "seeing-eye" sequence (also at the carnival), the blood cell-like/cellular patterns on the wallpaper and on some of the dressings in the rooms occupied by Xavier "the healer" in that phase of his story etc. And this stuff was intentional---Roger and Dan Haller (the art d.) have spoken about some of these things long ago. (I interviewed the wife of the main writer last year and she talked about how seriously her husband took the project. Keeping my fingers crossed I can convince Haller to do an interview----it's a little tricky...and I'm not sure how much longer he'll be around.) Anyway, I hope I haven't gone on too long. The glib take and cynicism about these older films (and life in general) has kinda overstayed their welcome, or at least I would've hoped so. (Edit/added on note: Please excuse my tendency to repeat myself. I'll try to double-check my own replies: I either need more sleep or more coffee.)
@Weiselberry
4 жыл бұрын
Yes, the effects in the films you listed are amazing and completely timeless. I wish more people could see that. What I'm learning to appreciate just as much is when a movie with a lower budget still shows how much hard work and creativity went into making special effects that maybe aren't as convincing don't hold up so well, but are still surprisingly good considering the crew's limited resources. Interesting to hear that info about the set design. I never noticed that. I'll have to keep that in mind if/when I ever get up the nerve to watch the movie again. :)
@justalittleamerican
5 жыл бұрын
I sall the book before, but I thought it looked really lame. I guess I was wrong.
@Videogamelover58
5 жыл бұрын
Great video :)
@Weiselberry
5 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@ThunderingJove
5 жыл бұрын
Good review, thanks. I’ve had that book on myself for years, that & Something Wicked.
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