tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post8642894330945557994..comments2024-03-25T21:14:21.671-04:00Comments on Listen Eggroll: Spectator sport.md'ahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06055853987416332662noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-46311110342417704882008-06-19T15:25:00.000-04:002008-06-19T15:25:00.000-04:00Speaking of Daring Fireball -- I don't know if you...Speaking of Daring Fireball -- I don't know if you read that site, but John Gruber just linked to this:<BR/><BR/>http://magcloud.com/home<BR/><BR/>It's a print-on-demand service, but instead of books, it's magazines. They handle the subscriptions and mailing and all that, and all you have to do is upload a pdf. When I saw, my first thought was "Mike D'Angelo might be able to do something with that". Not sure if you want to get into the magazine game, but even a series of issues that collected your online writings would be awesome, imo. I'd subscribe, that's for sure. <BR/><BR/>(One thing: you'd probably want to put pictures/film stills in it, and I have no idea how that works with fair use, the MagCloud terms of agreement, etc. etc. etc. But anyway.)Kzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03490735195424831433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-61605565150471933222008-05-30T10:32:00.000-04:002008-05-30T10:32:00.000-04:00Dang. We may have butted heads a few times, but I'...Dang. We may have butted heads a few times, but I've always admired your writing.<BR/><BR/>Any idea what sort of second career you might like to try?Adam Villanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10694072629634740634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-62517279683808634202008-05-21T01:23:00.000-04:002008-05-21T01:23:00.000-04:00Along with Robert Koehler, you're probably my favo...Along with Robert Koehler, you're probably my favorite film critic. I've learned so much from you and frankly visit your site at least twice a day. Keep it up!Carlos Reyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07605381222081540250noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-4470879793620125992008-05-18T20:28:00.000-04:002008-05-18T20:28:00.000-04:00Mike, I'm sorry to hear about this. I've been rea...Mike, I'm sorry to hear about this. I've been reading your stuff since the mid-90s, starting with your comments on rec.arts.movies.current-films. I even recall reading a partial screenplay of yours called "The Ruse," IIRC. If the film criticism money is drying up, then maybe you could make another go at screenplays. I realize that won't solve the short-term money problem, but it has the potential for decent money should you make a sale.<BR/><BR/>Good luck...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-7847121225182758972008-05-16T18:43:00.000-04:002008-05-16T18:43:00.000-04:00Is now a good time to try to sell you on a rewardi...Is now a good time to try to sell you on a rewarding and lucrative career as a high school teacher?Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00914157472581200637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-33722387351748156912008-05-16T18:34:00.000-04:002008-05-16T18:34:00.000-04:00Find yourself a job and start writing in the free ...Find yourself a job and start writing in the free hours. A lot of people does (including me, but in portuguese). When you get used to the routine (it takes no longer then 6 months for your brain to start spitting ideas in the correct timing), think seriously to write that screenplay. Keep a low budget movie in mind. Don't make it too experimental, nor dumb down the matter. Something like a Carruth-Nolan-Mamet milkshake sounds tasty. When finished, send it to me. Here is why.<BR/><BR/>- production is much cheaper down here. Brazilians and specially our hermanos Argentinians have been doing fine jobs with bugets smaller than a couple million dollars. I doubt the Romenian abortion movie cost more than that. <BR/><BR/>- In a 100-mile-radius around Sampa (São Paulo's nickname), we have almost all kinds of locations (just don't think about polar bears and camels). And if you're gonna write an urban story, read what Nictate wrote about Sampa.<BR/><BR/>- Brazilian films are made with heavy public subvention. We could use it or, which I prefer, inovate and totaly break the paradigm: I have a some money, and some contacts that might provide more contacts and money. If we are able to make the right people see it as an investment, your screenplay could be the launch of "Sampawood"...<BR/><BR/>- competition is smaller, there are (much) less nice screenplays and movies here than in NY or the U.S. or Europe - a good project is likely too easier succeed (at least regionaly).<BR/><BR/>- Our PIB is growing 5% a year, our moviegoing (and also other media) public is fastly and continuously growing, etc.<BR/><BR/>Fisrt you have to heal your heart, "amend" your life. Some money and some comfort, even if "milked" from 8 or 10 not-so-pleasant hours a day, are important to feed the raising of our dreams. Take your time. But keep my words in mind. I mean what I'm saying. I read your reviews, all of them, since 2000. As I wrote in other post, you know a lot about movies (and in a unusual kind of way), and seems to know a lot about life. There's not much talent around these days, one can't afford to waste it before trying.htfernandeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10604307501795060817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-14533663010175756402008-05-16T16:19:00.000-04:002008-05-16T16:19:00.000-04:00Well, fuck. I was crazy excited about maybe gettin...Well, fuck. I was crazy excited about maybe getting to meet you there this year.<BR/><BR/>On that note, I would totally buy a book of your writings, or pay for a website, etc. Good luck with everything.Matt Nollerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09103247767411374713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-59834313628865788632008-05-16T03:30:00.000-04:002008-05-16T03:30:00.000-04:00Yeah, when are we going to see "Written by Mike D'...Yeah, when are we going to see "Written by Mike D'Angelo" on the screen? All this film criticism has been a sponge for your considerable talents! Go write some stories, make some movies!Michael Caseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10898217244551917935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-10448822235949752342008-05-15T17:13:00.000-04:002008-05-15T17:13:00.000-04:00Crap. I've been reading your stuff since 1995 (I b...Crap. I've been reading your stuff since 1995 (I believe that's when EW covered your site). As a creepy internet stranger, I can only say: "Finish 'The Ruse'".Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05555698262881756645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-54376280305968743872008-05-15T16:13:00.000-04:002008-05-15T16:13:00.000-04:00Jesus Christ, Mike, that sucks. I don't think we'v...Jesus Christ, Mike, that sucks. I don't think we've ever met, but I've always enjoyed reading your work, even (perhaps especially) when disagreement was involved. Definitely sorry to hear you're not here in Cans.<BR/><BR/>I suspect the writing is on the wall for everybody who does this for a living. Which sucks if you care about, you know, movies and culture and thinking and stuff. As various people have suggested, as a personal "transition" it might work out. Absolutely write a book, about movies or something else. Write a screenplay, a novel, a nonfiction exploration of something, whatever. <BR/><BR/>But first take a long trip to someplace you've never been. I'm serious. Go for longer than you think you want to. You'll never regret it, and you'll ALWAYS regret it if you don't. You probably don't have the money, but who cares? Nobody has money. Our government has no money. It's all debt. Might as well experience something before it all goes to shit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-75445817843584062692008-05-15T13:21:00.000-04:002008-05-15T13:21:00.000-04:00Goddamn, Mike. I think we canned film crits need t...Goddamn, Mike. I think we canned film crits need to form a consortium. Or a junta. I'll be in touch.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-50717447554929085732008-05-15T10:09:00.000-04:002008-05-15T10:09:00.000-04:00Hmmm...film critics....poker...I've got it! Pitch ...Hmmm...film critics....poker...I've got it! Pitch a show to both the Sundance and IFC channel that features film critics sitting around playing high-stakes poker while discussing things like <I>Mise en scène</I> in the films of Hugh Wilson, or what a crime it is that Jack Elam never won an Oscar.<BR/><BR/>How can this not be a hit? At the very least it'll be better than that cloying Jon Favreau dinner show.Andrew Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16127459771065474707noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-78323294885564812532008-05-15T02:28:00.000-04:002008-05-15T02:28:00.000-04:00The BIG question is: Will this prevent your Clip P...The BIG question is: Will this prevent your Clip Party visits? Now THAT would be sad.<BR/><BR/>But really -- sorry to hear of your travails. That Real Job prospect can be damn scary -- I'm dealing with it myself, and went back to school to sort it out.tbhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08242807801940412863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-41427873090188747432008-05-15T01:19:00.000-04:002008-05-15T01:19:00.000-04:00What the KZA said. I'd pay for that shit, yo.As an...What the KZA said. I'd pay for that shit, yo.<BR/><BR/>As an avowed MD'A acolyte (since '98, no less), I will miss the Cannes report. I will also offer wishes of good fortune in regards to your tight financial situation. And sorry about the girlfriend thing, too. That's total ass.<BR/><BR/>I will also vow to not be so goddamn stilted next time I comment.Steve C.https://www.blogger.com/profile/01958138092537744506noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-2143914811162807912008-05-15T00:34:00.000-04:002008-05-15T00:34:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.alexpreisshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09091919069616234363noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-4913529186346313442008-05-14T23:04:00.000-04:002008-05-14T23:04:00.000-04:00Well, this sucks. I hope things turn around for y...Well, this sucks. I hope things turn around for you. <BR/><BR/>More fwiw suggestions/comments:<BR/><BR/>1. I'd buy a book of your reviews in a heartbeat.<BR/><BR/>2. Maybe you could be the Daring Fireball of film criticism? Some kind of membership-based blog/website to bring in money? This is going to sound stupid, but that's never stopped me before, so: MD'A is a brand, and a recognizable one to a specific segment of the internet population. Why not try and work it?<BR/><BR/>3. I'd buy a book of just about anything you wrote in a heartbeat. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, my best wishes to you.Kzahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03490735195424831433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-11954402497431918512008-05-14T21:04:00.000-04:002008-05-14T21:04:00.000-04:00You have a unique view on films. And you're toughe...You have a unique view on films. And you're tougher than most, which is apprciated. I hope you keep on keepin' on.Matthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04977662030208589392noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-82628705488116005152008-05-14T18:15:00.000-04:002008-05-14T18:15:00.000-04:00A gifted writer is a terrible thing to waste.I vot...A gifted writer is a terrible thing to waste.<BR/><BR/>I vote for the screenplay, at least on the side. Wasn't there some mention of something called "The Heist" many moons ago?<BR/><BR/>I'd like to see the name MD'A in a title sequence on the silver screen.<BR/><BR/>I'll keep my virtual fingers crossed for you.<BR/><BR/>Oh, and the Brazil idea is not a bad one. I just got back from Sao Paulo and would move there in an instant if I could speak Portuguese. It's New York with more passionate PDA and more affordable epicurean delights.Nictatehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12174200071752059810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-11669919839478570732008-05-14T17:58:00.000-04:002008-05-14T17:58:00.000-04:00Mike, you and I butted heads regularly during my t...Mike, you and I butted heads regularly during my time in the web-group Cinemasters (where I posted as Mark Harris, my "real" name, but with the Entertainment Weekly Mark Harris also out there, it gets confusing, hence my blogging nom de plume Patrick Murtha). Nonetheless, I am very saddened to read of this development. No matter my disagreements with you, you are a fine professional writer, and it is quite disheartening to read what has been happening to you and other similarly situated critics. Having been a freelance writer and film critic myself long years ago, I thoroughly understand the economics of it; including the necessity of living in one of the world's most expensive cities (NYC, LA, London, Paris) in order to maintain any pretense of being connected to the main flow of cinematic events. (Not sure how Rosenbaum has gotten away with being Chicago-based all these years, it's a decent movie city but not really in the top tier.)<BR/><BR/>It's ironic that with the Internet, there are more opportunities to write about movies than ever before, and less chance of making money at it -- especially with the veritable replacement army of potential writers for any given commercial assignment. <BR/><BR/>I guess I made my peace with this situation some time ago by taking corporate employment (not "secure" -- what is, these days? -- but decently paid) in one of the more affordable reaches of small city America. It has disappointed me that I was not able to make my real interests "pay," but such is life, I guess.<BR/><BR/>I really do hope you find some decent regular gigs and can keep at it, Mike. I have always continued to read your work with interest.Patrick Murthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08103905929956454199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-45354992413952662222008-05-14T17:42:00.000-04:002008-05-14T17:42:00.000-04:00Non illigitamus carborundum-- Shawn LevyNon illigitamus carborundum<BR/><BR/>-- Shawn LevyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-62102884803729041272008-05-14T16:57:00.000-04:002008-05-14T16:57:00.000-04:00Ereneta is right. Taking his advices will not only...Ereneta is right. Taking his advices will not only increase your exposure, but also make your saddend fans a little happier.<BR/><BR/>Some other suggenstons:<BR/><BR/>- why not writing fiction (screenplays)? You know a lot about movies, and seems to know a lot about life too.<BR/><BR/>- why not producing a documentary about film critics and similars who live a "double" life (like watching movies during the day, playing poker at night)? Sounds funny and instructive.<BR/><BR/>- try to sell your reviews (and your forthcoming book) abroad. None of Brazilian critics write like you. And we have at least two yearly huge film festivals (each presenting more then 350 movies), which could take advantage of your reviews (since the movies presented have usually been previously shown at Cannes, Venice, and other festivals).htfernandeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10604307501795060817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-85887876468072038202008-05-14T16:27:00.000-04:002008-05-14T16:27:00.000-04:00I just had this horrible vision of a dystopian fut...I just had this horrible vision of a dystopian future where the only person getting paid to review movies anywhere in the country is Peter Travers.<BR/><BR/>Pardon me, I have to go curl up in a fetal ball now.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-77489374667819760212008-05-14T16:16:00.000-04:002008-05-14T16:16:00.000-04:00My three suggestions, fwiw:1. Go back and update T...My three suggestions, fwiw:<BR/><BR/>1. Go back and update The Man Who Viewed Too Much with various TONY/Nerve/LasVegasWeekly/Esquire/Twitter reviews (whichever you have permission to repost), so that the google juice gets back to you.<BR/><BR/>2. Set up a wiki of all your reviews for the same reason.<BR/><BR/>3. Assemble all reviews (long, short, etc.) in alpha order for assembly into book (see blurb.com, lulu.com).<BR/><BR/>4. Ok, it's four suggestions. Blog more here.cjerenetahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07686860968972197291noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-49147050049714176282008-05-14T16:13:00.000-04:002008-05-14T16:13:00.000-04:00Well, if it's any consolation, here's another pro ...Well, if it's any consolation, here's another pro writer who'll likely be looking for a Real Job later this annum for the first time in years.<BR/><BR/>Dismayed to hear it, though - I've been a faithful reader since before you last had a real job, and I was looking forward, as ever, to this year's Cannes reports.Jonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17475458068193351080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8838733.post-61406325814099505062008-05-14T16:12:00.000-04:002008-05-14T16:12:00.000-04:00I always enjoyed your reviews in TIME OUT NEW YORK...I always enjoyed your reviews in TIME OUT NEW YORK and I'm very saddened to hear of your hardship. You had reached an admirable level of success, at least from a recognition standpoint if not actual dollars, that was an inspiration to many writers trying without any success to do the same thing. <BR/><BR/>Do you suppose we displaced critics might form some kind of James-Younger style outlaw band?Arbogasthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12670776992289080245noreply@blogger.com