Yes, it’s that time of year and I’ve got a suggestion: Movies, movies, movies for the Dog Days of August.
Lately I’ve been chillin’ on my couch because it’s so damn hot outside (even in the woods.) There was a fourteen day stretch where I never left my apartment, not for a moment. Granted, I was in some pain, having tweaked my sciatic nerve in a bad way–packing and moving boxes down to the garage. I had been sweating like a dog, too. And so I was ready for a break.
The Dog Days of August is an old baseball expression. Because in August it is so damn hot. Moreover, the pennant races slow down before the September home stretch. The players are tired, beat up, and need a break. Just like me.
I’m Moving
at the end of the month. It’s time for me to really retire and let the chips fall where they may. Subsequently, I’ve not been reading, writing, thinking, and drinking as much. Drinking Writer Man is unlearning some things, and learning new ways. One of which is watching more movies instead of news and talking heads talking about shit. Additionally, I’m watching less sports, too.
Because the Yankees suck; and Caitlin Clark is injured. It is indeed The Dog Days. So I’ve made a list to share with you of movies for the Dog Days of August.
Let’s go!
The List
is made up of lesser known flicks. None of which I’d ever heard of; but all are pretty damn good. I’ve ordered them by pub date. In addition, I’ve listed Google’s take on what category they fall in. The category regarding their tone.
- Voyage of the damned (1976) A true story about Jewish refugees from Germany in 1939. Dark, harrowing, and serious.
- The boys from Brazil (1978) A fictional story about Nazi eugenics. Malicious, dark, serious.
- Stormy Monday (1988) Harrowing, sultry, brooding.
- Blood and wine (1996) Bleak, gritty, suspenseful.
- Primary colors (1998) Political satire about Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992. Chilling (My word.)
- City of ghosts (2002) Gritty, suspenseful, mysterious.
- The slaughter rules (2002) Thoughtful, touching, brooding.
- Archangel (2005) Dangerous, biting, suspenseful.
- The last lullaby (2008) Intense, thrilling, romantic
- Fear and loathing in Aspen (2021) Wry, brash, unrestrained.
You are what you watch
Uh-oh. If I’m right about you are what you watch? i’m getting out of this shit storm in the knick of time. The above listed movies all are free on YouTube, or on Amazon Prime. It takes me quite a bit of scrolling to find a movie that peaks my interest. I’m rather picky. However, taking that list as a whole – I’d say I have a pretty glum opinion of people.
These are not uplifting stories. They are mostly dark and the characters mostly unlikeable. So why do such stories appeal to me? That might be a topic for a session with Psych-girl.
In Conclusion
Watch at your own risk. These are good movies; but not with happy endings. For the most part.
My list of Movies for The Dog Days of August can be foreboding of the times we are living in. In other words–times with no certainty of a happy ending. Maybe that’s what drives me to them – they’re realistic. As opposed to idealistic.
Have you watched any of them? Do you have a favorite type of movie?
I gotta tell you Mark, I haven’t seen any of the ten movies you listed. Of course, my movie tastes are about as esoteric as you can get. I’ll watch Wall Street, Boiler Room, The Wolf of Wall Street, and then chill with all three Major League movies. Weird, huh?
Maybe that says you’re balanced 🙂 a well rounded person. 🍻
Or maybe it says I’m into very weird movies??? But I’m OK with that. My wife watches weirder stuff than that!
I’ve a question, Rich. Do you and your wife only watch movies together?
Movies? Rarely. We both like action/adventure stuff, but beyond that, no. We usually watch TV shows together. We test them out by watching two episodes and if we both like them, it goes into the rotation. If only one of us likes it, the other can watch it on their own. Currently we are deciding on Netflix’ “Building The Band”. Just saw the first episode last night. It looks promising. It’s got a LOT better talent than American Idol (which I stopped watching years ago). Only problem is, I don’t know any of the music. My wife knows more about that than I do. She was surprised when I said I’d never heard of Brittany Spears’ “Toxic”. Oh well…I was a talk show host, and stopped spinning records in the 1980’s.
I support the shift to movies, Mark. Been watching a lot more these past few years as well. My tastes have drifted towards a lot of suspense and horror, so maybe I could use an appointment with psych-girl as well.
Only one I’ve seen on your list is Blood and Wine. The director, Bob Rafelson, is probably best known for his early 70s New Hollywood movies like Five Easy Pieces and The King of Marvin Gardens, both also with Jack Nicholson and both excellent. The latter is a Jersey movie, Atlantic City to be specific, so I can’t help liking it.
Blood and Wine if I remember correctly was more of a neo-noir genre film. Along those neo-noir lines, I can also recommend you Night Moves (1975), Cutter’s Way (1981), and Kill Me Again (1989).
Good look with the move, buddy.
Thanks, Mike. My last rodeo?
Regarding movies: I think they’re the easiest form of entertainment and/or escape. Especially now, when you can sit at home with a pause and mute button. With movies there is no effort whatsoever resting upon you. Just which one shall I watch? Therein lies an interesting question. Horror and suspense?
Yeah, Nicholson was a very good actor. Many good films to his credit. In Blood and Wine he’s a ruthless, business man without conscience. Happy ending? Ambiguous.
I think I’ve seen your three recommends. The tech is very good in that way. But it can’t tell you why. For that, Psych-girl is top tier.
I watched two more yesterday – one good one bad. The good one was the next three days, dumb title but I gave it a shot because Russell Crowe had the lead. Google calls it “Intense, Unflinching, Thrilling”. I would add “Romantic”; and it had a happy ending. so maybe there’s hope for me yet. 🙂
An against all odds trope with likable characters. I can relate!
Watched “Cutter’s Way” (1981) “Compelling, Thrilling, Gritty”. Yes, it fits perfectly with my theme. Additionally, it’s actually relevant now! Forty-four years after the movie was made. (It was a novel.) AND, I can vouch for its authenticity in that – I knew persons like the characters, back in the day. Yeah. Happy ending? Ambiguous; but I think not.