Monday, March 30, 2009

Maurice Jarre: 1924 - 2009

Film composer Maurice Jarre has died. The LA Times has a nice piece remembering the man who composed such scores for Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, Jacob's Ladder, Ghost, Fatal Attraction, Shogun, The Message, The Longest Day (1962), and Topaz.

In coming weeks, listen for a special episode of Sounds of Cinema to feature music of Jarre's career.

Sunday, March 29, 2009

MST3K and Twilight

For those who are fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000 or the film Twilight (or especially those who cannot stand the film):


The Matrix Remembered on Sounds of Cinema

On Sunday, April 5th 2009, Sounds of Cinema will celebrate the tenth anniversary of the release of The Matrix.

The show will include music from both the score and the album, retrospectives on what the film has meant for science fiction and for film in general, as well as commentary on the deeper philosophical ideas in the story.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

KMSU Pledge Drive

Starting Wednesday, March 25th until Sunday, April 5th, 89.7 KMSU FM "The Maverick" will be holding its spring pledge drive. Those of you who listen to The Maverick are strongly encouraged to tune in and pledge whatever you can manage. As I have often said, the amount you give is not nearly as important as that you do give, because your pledges demonstrate that independent public radio is an important and valued part of the community.

To make a pledge, please call 507-389-5678 or visit kmsu.org

Those listening to Sounds of Cinema from KMSU, on Sunday March 29th will hear a special pledge drive edition of the program. Those listening to the show on 89.5 KQAL FM in Winona will hear a brand new episode with reviews of Knowing and I Love You, Man.

Update: In an extraordinary show of generosity, the listeners of KMSU have pledged enough money to allow the station to quit the pledge drive early. This Sunday's episode of Sounds of Cinema on KMSU should be the same episode that will air on KQAL.

Update 2: Due to a computer error, KMSU aired last week's episode (number 232). The newest episode (number 233) can be heard on KQAL at 4pm.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sounds of Cinema Delayed in Winona Again

Sounds of Cinema has been delayed on 89.5 KQAL in Winona due to Winona State University sports coverage.

Update: The show will air after the basketball game.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Comic Book Films Featured on Sounds of Cinema

This Sunday, March 15th 2009, Sounds of Cinema will feature music of comic book films including scores from Superman: the Movie, 300, and Dick Tracy. I will also review Watchmen and have a DVD pick to match the theme.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Open Letter from "Watchmen" Screenwriter

David Hayter, the screenwriter on Watchmen, has posted an open letter to fans asking them to see the film again this weekend. Here is an excerpt:

So look, this is a note to the fanboys and fangirls. The true believers. Dedicated for life.

If the film made you think. Or argue with your friends. If it inspired a debate about the nature of man, or vigilante justice, or the horror of Nixon abolishing term limits. If you laughed at Bowie hanging with Adrian at Studio 54, or the Silhouette kissing that nurse.

Please go see the movie again next weekend.

You have to understand, everyone is watching to see how the film will do in its second week. If you care about movies that have a brain, or balls, (and this film's got both, literally), or true adaptations -- And if you're thinking of seeing it again anyway, please go back this weekend, Friday or Saturday night. Demonstrate the power of the fans, because it'll help let the people who pay for these movies know what we'd like to see. Because if it drops off the radar after the first weekend, they will never allow a film like this to be made again.


I think Hayter is exagerating his case. First, the movie wasn't nearly as good as he is making it sound and with Iron Man and The Dark Knight having been so successful last year (in part because they were far superior films), I think it is safe to say that we will see more films like it made in the future.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Sounds of Cinema May Be Delayed in Winona

The March 8th broadcast of Sounds of Cinema may be delayed in Winona due to WSU Women's Basketball, depending on the results of the Saturday games. If it is delayed, the program will play later Sunday afternoon or evening.