I'm seeing the light...

This semester is ALMOST OVER!

About freaking time.

Every semester, I tell myself, "This is the hardest semester!  And next semester will be SO much easier!"  And then it's not.

My last day is Monday.  I turn in one project and present another.  Yes, my professor assigned TWO projects for the same day.  And a paper.  Which I just finished a half hour ago.

Then it's off to work on my giallo/sci-fi hybrid.

Monday after class, I'm treating myself to some Chipotle.  Then swinging by the Naro and picking up some movies.  Because my stupid ass proposed a film series assignment for my independent study.  And because I need to watch some anyway.

Think I'm gonna re-evaluate My Dear Killer.  I saw it once and hated it.  But looking back, I realized that I was really sleep deprived when I sat down to watch it and that may have soured my experience.  Plus it's super dark and I need to get to that place to write this script.

Okay.  20 minutes before I gotta start getting ready for work.  My head hurts.  Please let the idiots not come in tonight...

Later.
-Justin

If I were to...

If I were going to start looking into Italian/Euro-Crime movies, what would you suggest I start with?

Been thinking about it lately.  Might make a cool element to add my giallo/sci fi mashup.  Which my professor likes, BTW.

Later.
-Justin

Hey, look! A new poll!

At the top of the page, there is a new poll.  Do me a favor and VOTE!

This semester is almost over.  And a day of watchin gialli is long overdue.

My brain is fried.

Later.
-Justin

Tasty Brains...

Ah, that wonderful time of year where everything piles up at once.

Finals.

I just turned in two papers for the same class within a day of each other.  One was a ten page research paper comparing sexuality in 70's American horror and 70's Italian horror.  The other was a five page paper explaining how Mikel J. Koven's La Dolce Morte is an excellent source for my ten page research paper.

Proud of myself considering the research paper though.  I managed to write 1000 words of it in under two hours right before class.  I would say God Bless AMP energy drink, but that stuff is the devil and should only be taken in moderation.

Yesterday I had to take an obviously much needed break.  Between the paper on Tuesday, and work that night, I was totally spent.  Coworkers were telling me to go home and get some rest.  I really must've looked like shit.  Ended up taking a nap while doing laundry, and my body thanked me for every extra minute of rest.

Anyhow, I used the four-hour break between classes today to write my proposal for next semester's independent study.  May have bitten off more than I can chew.  But considering I only have one other class at a time, I oughta be able to pull it off.

Considering taking my professor's advice and mixing giallo with a "more profitable" genre for this new screenplay.  So that might be my next project (romantic comedy still going on, too).  I remembered an old sci-fi concept that I always kept on the back burner because I'm not much of a sci-fi fan.  But I figured out how to use that concept to cleverly disguise my giallo aesthetics into something with sequel potential.  Because how many giallo movies have sequels? (Nothing Underneath doesn't count)

Since I have a lack of sci-fi knowledge, I proposed adding a Film Series of some sci-fi movies to acquaint myself with some movies that I think are similar to what I want.  Mainly Strange Days,and  eXistenZ (which I have seen).

Which leads me to ask: What do you guys think of Strange Days?  Would you see another movie with similar ideas?

Okay. I'm gonna fart around for another half hour.  Then off to 70's class!

Later.
-Justin

My latest scene

Hey.

Yes, it's been a long while.

This semester has been agonizing.

Anyhow, I finished the rough edit for my latest scene for Directing class.  Check it out:  Cherry

This isn't a cave-in...

Got some early birthday money and used it on cinema-de-bizarre.com

And got gialli.

But birthday money trumps weight loss goals.

Anyhow, here's what I got:

Corruption of Chris Miller
Delitto D'Autore
Crazy Desires of a Murderer
Silent Madness

and for my free titles, I got:
Mortuary (with Bill Paxton allegedly skipping through a cemetery)
So Sweet So Dead

Can't wait...

Later.
-Justin

Where I've Never Gone Before...

Kind of unofficially working on my next screenwriting project.  A couple months ago, I remembered this old script idea I had and quickly wrote a scene to use for my Directing class project.  The project has gotten a good reception so far.  The only flak I really got was the location used for the shoot.  But we only had two places to shoot: A dark soundstage or a lobby.  So we did our best to make the lobby look like a living room.

For the most part, it's relatively believable.  The only moment it sticks out is when one character exits into the janitor's closet.

Anyhow, since directing that scene, I've been thinking about this script all the time.  I've thought of more scenes I wanted to add, how to work everything together, etc.  And last night I came up with a scene (and especially a line of dialogue) that I couldn't shake until today when I started to write it.

Now I'm totally wanting to finish this.

And it's not a giallo.

It's a semi-romantic comedy.

::gasp::

I dunno...I really dunno where it came from.  And it isn't the only romantic comedy idea I have, either.  But it's been gestating in my warped little mind and I think it's about ready to bring it out into the world.

Okay.  Now I'm writing all fragmented and stuff.

Off to finish this scene before I rock back and forth...

And check out the original scene: Chicks Dig Scars

Later.
-Justin

That's my story and I'm sticking to it...

Not a lot going on lately giallo-wise.

I made it to seven pounds.  Three more and I get to buy a giallo.

But I did manage to cash in my coins for an Amazon.com gift certificate.  Used it to get Drive In Delirium Volume 2.  It arrived today.  Looking through the Giallo-A-Go-Go section, I noticed there are only three movies on the list I haven't seen...Damn...

Though I am asking for gift certificates for cinema-de-bizarre.com for my birthday.  Birthday bucks don't count toward the weight loss thingy.


In class, we were given a play and we have to design the set, costumes, lighting, and sound.  The play is about a woman who has amnesia and forgets everything every time she wakes up.  I decided to stage the play through the main character's eyes and take a sensory overload approach.  And I went with the 60's.  A mix of mod and psychedelia.  Lots of mixed patterns.

Already finished the model.  Here's a pic.

Now we're onto the next unit, costumes.  I kinda went the extra mile and went to spoonflower.com and actually designed my own fabrics for one character.  The swatches came in today.  Here's a peek.

Yeah.  I'm kinda proud.  I feel there's a giallo influence there.  But not overt.  It is a comedy, after all...

Okay.  It's Wednesday night.  My prime-time lineup starts at 8.  Gonna do some more costume research and then veg out in front of the TV.

Later.
-Justin

Screw Valentine's Day.

I hate Valentine's Day.  Lame ass holiday.  An excuse for single people to feel bad and attached people to feel obligated to buy something.

I was gonna watch a giallo or two on Valentine's Night.  Or maybe Human Centipede 2.  But now I have to work that night.

I hope chocolates get recalled on the 15th for something that causes debilitating diarrhea.

I hope some Cabin Fever-infested hobo molests all the lingerie at Victoria's Secret.

I did have a joke about hoping birth control failed, too.  But it ended too dark.  Even for me.

Anyhow, at least Valentine's Day will be the day my first Film Series is due for 70's class.

My professor expected me to do gialli.  And I delivered.  But of course my stupid ass decided to challenge myself.

I'm doing gialli that criticize the Catholic church.

Don't Torture a Duckling, House with the Laughing Windows, Alice Sweet Alice (I call it an American giallo), and Killer Nun.

I barely see why Killer Nun has been classified as a giallo.  But its giallo elements are almost an afterthought.  And Anita Ekberg needed to really get naked.  Paola Morra was hot, but her browned teeth ruined it for me.  I mean, I have a jacked up grill, but if I had any brown on my teeth, I'd take out another student loan to fix that shit.

Rewatching Don't Torture a Duckling, I forgot how well crafted a film it really is.


On another note, I keep remembering old stories and treatments that I had ages ago.  You know, that went in the fire of 2000 with my computer.

Latest rediscovery is a treatment I had called Noir.  It was very Suspiria-Phenomena-batshit crazy like.  I might have to revisit it sometime soon.

Okay.  Gonna fart around and drink my smoothie while waiting for my 3:00 class.  We're watching Black Caesar.

Later.
-Justin

5 lbs

Halfway to my first goal.

I've lost five pounds so far, according to my scale at home.

Of course, I am still getting Four Flies on Grey Velvet on Shameless Blu Ray.  Dario Blu Rays are non-negotiable exceptions.  Other exceptions: Birthday Money and if my family does anything for Valentine's.

Though I will ask a question.

I have a shitload of coins saved up that I plan on cashing in for amazon.com gift cards.  Can I use any of them on gialli?  I'll ask your permission.

Okay.  Off to bed.

Later.
-Justin

Orchid Revisions

I keep on telling myself I'm gonna work on Orchid.  Then I end up going to work.  Or falling asleep in my comfy comfy bed.  Or cataloging my giallo collection.

Now I have a chunk of time where if I really wanted to, I could work on it.  But I'm not.

Ah, Procrastination.  Everybody's favorite vacation nation.

Anyhow, my new plan involves adding a character.  But I'm trying to figure out how to introduce this character.  Once he's introduced, I pretty much know the rest of the trajectory and how he fits into the picture.  I'm just stuck on how to introduce him.

I'm sure I'll figure something out.

BLAHBLAHBLAHBLAHBLAHBLAH...

Later.
-Justin

My current catalog

Here it is.  A list of every giallo I own.  The shelf is alphabetized, but by the title on the spine of the case.  I'm gonna write the English title whenever possible.  Because I want to.

2 Gatti a Nove Code e Mezzi ad Amsterdam

2 Masks for Alexa

AAA Massagiatrice, Bella, Presenza Offresi

All the Colors of the Dark

Amer

Bird with the Crystal Plumage

Black Belly of the Tarantula

Black Sabbath

Blood and Black Lace

Bloodbath in the House of Knives

Sweets for a Stranger

The Card Player

Cat O'Nine Tails

Clap You're Dead

Death Carries a Cane

Death Laid an Egg

Death Occurred Last Night

Deep Red

Delitti Privati

Do You Like Hitchcock?

Don't Torture A Duckling

Door Into Darkness

The Double

A Dragonfly For Each Corpse

Night Evelyn Came Out of Her Grave  (Emilio P. Miraglia box set)

Red Queen Kills Seven Times  (Emilio P. Miraglia box set)

Eyeball

Phantom of Death (in 2-pack w/Eyeball)

Eyes Behind the Wall

Eyes of Crystal

Fashion Crimes

Flower with the Petals of Steel

Footprints

Forbidden Photos of a Lady Above Suspicion

Formula for a Murder

Four Flies on Gray Velvet

Giallo

Who Saw Her Die (Giallo Collection)

Short Night of the Glass Dolls (Giallo Collection)

The Bloodstained Shadow (Giallo Collection)

The Case of the Bloody Iris (Giallo Collection)

Erotic Games in a Respectable Family

The Girl Next Door

House with the Yellow Carpet

Human Cobras

Snapshot of a Crime

Interrabang

Kill the Fatted Calf

The Killer is One of Thirteen

The Killer Reserved Nine Seats

Libido

Love Me Strangely

Mia Moglie, Un Corpo por L'Amore

Nothing Underneath

Suspected Death of a Minor

Eye in the Labyrinth

Opera

Perfume of the Lady in Black

Phenomena

Plot of Fear

Police Grope Around in the Dark

Puzzle

The Pyjama Girl Case

Qui?

The Room Next Door

Rorret

The Seducers

The Vanity Serum

The Skin Under The Claws

Sleepless

Spirits of Death

Stagefright

The Stendhal Syndrome

The Strange Story of Olga O

Tattoo (I counted it)

Tenebrae

Too Beautiful To Die

Torso

Trauma

The Weapon, The Hour, The Motive

Without Trace (Calling All Police Cars)

And coming soon, courtesy of an awesome sale at Christmas time, New York Ripper (Blu Ray) and Strip Nude For Your Killer (Blu Ray preorder).  Along with the Shameless Blu Ray of Four Flies on Gray Velvet.


WHEW!  That's an awful lot of black gloves...

So, what do you think?  Impressed?  Creeped out?  You'd totally do me?

Later.
-Justin

Re-alphabetized...

First day of school.  Tired as crap.  Up at 6 am, class at 9.  Home by 12.  Needed to do something to stay awake.

So I finally did what I've been meaning to do for months: Re-alphabetize my DVD collection.

Because since moving into this house, I've purchased quite a lot of DVDs and haven't taken the time to put them in their place.

I also learned something:

I have completely filled my bookshelf.  And had to put the last bit in a separate DVD storage thingy my Mom got for me 6 years ago.

Yep, I'm a collector.

Once I figure out how to post some pics from my new smartphone, I'll show you my masterwork.

"That and Misery's Child.  Those are the only two divine things EVER in this world."

Later.
-Justin

Check it out.

The fruit of my labor, the series my TV Production class worked on, is on Vimeo. Here are some links: http://vimeo.com/33731559 Episode 1 http://vimeo.com/33746929 Episode 2 http://vimeo.com/34670826 Episode 3, the episode I wrote http://vimeo.com/34670961 Episode 4, the one I edited http://vimeo.com/34670961 Episode 5, the thrilling conclusion.

New Year!

Happy New Year, y'all!

This has been a Winter Break without the Break.

Once school ended, I got thrust into work and the Christmas holiday.  Luckily most of the customers were relatively cool this year.  The idiocy didn't come around until after Christmas day.

Then I got offered the head writing job for the ODU Film Society project we're doing next semester.  So my non-work time got spent on working on that.  I finished the treatment on New Year's Eve.  With one half hour to spare of 2011...

Thus explaining my lack of giallo watching.  And giallo posting.  And working on Orchid.

I've only watched one giallo this break.  Death Carries a Cane.  Had its moments, but I couldn't stay 100% invested in it.

My giallo buying might change as well.

I was going to spend my Christmas money on gialli, but only bought three: New York Ripper, and preorders of Strip Nude For Your Killer on Blu Ray and the Shameless Blu Ray of Four Flies on Gray Velvet.  The rest, I spent on workout clothing.  At one point I had lost 65 pounds.  I gained 50 back over the past year and a half.

So I am going to go back to the gym.  That, plus craploads of gift certificates for Tropical Smoothie and Subway, and I am going to lose this weight again.

And it's not a resolution.  Those things break.

Anyhow, my cousin came up with a great idea.  I can come up with a series of weight loss goals.  And every time I hit a goal, I can buy a giallo to reward myself.  Unlike past rewards, which usually involved food.

I like this idea.  Of course, if any Dario Argento movies come out on Blu Ray, or if Case of the Bloody Iris comes to Blu Ray, I'll buy those anyway.  Non negotiable.  But anything else, only if I lose this poundage.

I'm thinking maybe every ten pounds.  What do you think?

Later.
-Justin

This semester is officially OVER!

Holy crap.  This was a tough one.

I say that every semester.  But this time, I mean it.  Two film series (one I may post on here), an eight-page research paper completed over the course of three days from conception to completion, 40+ shop hours, learning all about lighting a film, and the production of a web series.  All while working in retail and not murdering anybody.

I got my last grade today.  Let's see...

Lighting for Stage and Film: B
Introduction to Production Technology: B
TV Production: A-
American Film History: A

Dunno how TV Production constitutes an A-, since I got a 94%.  But whatever.  It's not keeping me from graduation.  And every time I think of mentioning it to the professor, I think of that scene in Welcome to the Dollhouse where Dawn has to face the class and talk about "grade-grubbing."


All in all, a 3.425!  My lowest GPA since starting at ODU, but it's still pretty damn good.  Especially considering how hard this semester was.

In the next couple days, I'm gonna take a day to do nothing but watch gialli.  Death Carries a Cane and the Blu Ray of Torso are sitting next to my player.

Christmas is six days away.  Got your shopping done?  I do!

Just hoping I got a giallo or two in my stocking.  Or a gift certificate to www.cinema-de-bizarre.com.  Or money.

Okay.  Gonna relax a bit for the night.

Later.
-Justin

Light at the end of the tunnel...

Spending all day tomorrow working on my two (?) final projects for Lighting class.  Then there's also a test for that class on Thursday.

Then Friday, it'll be the American Film History final.

Then I'll be DONE FOR THE SEMESTER!

I say this every semester, but this is the most demanding semester I have ever had.  But it has also been the most fun.  I've managed to come out of my shell and have made a lot of cool friends.  It makes me look forward to next semester.


BTW, I had an ultrasound on my leg last week.  I didn't tear anything.  I do have a couple of blood clots underneath the skin, but they're not in the veins, so they won't travel to my lungs or my brain or anything.

And the big honking knot?  Just a big ass bruise.  I got lucky.


Half tempted to unwind with a giallo tonight.  After all, I gotta work my ass off tomorrow.  If so, what'll it be?

Later.
-Justin

My Christmas Watch List

This is one tough-ass semester.  Everything's piling up.

I have a 2500-word research paper due Friday that I haven't even started.  A final edit for my TV Production episode due Tuesday.  Another short film for Lighting that I haven't even started yet, and a light plot for the same class.  And a painting for Production Tech.

Hence the lack of giallo-watching.

Then on top of it, on Black Friday, I fell through a floorboard on my deck and royally fucked up my leg.  Nothing's broken, but the hospital didn't have an MRI.  So I dunno if I tore anything.  I think I did, because the side of my knee is hard as a rock and it still hurts.  Missed a crap ton of work, too.

So I WAS planning on going to the gym during break.  But with this new development, I doubt that'll be possible.  Unless I grab a personal trainer and find out some things I can do that won't bother my leg.

Anyhow, I think on my days off I'll probably spend them catching up on my "purchased but unwatched" collection.  You know, those movies I bought but haven't had time to see.

I just piled a whole bunch on my book shelf for the occasion.  Here's what I have:

Taxi Driver (not a giallo, but I'm still mad at myself for never having seen it)
Death Carries a Cane
Human Cobras
Erotic Games in a Respectable Family
The Seducers
Love Me Strangely
Spirits of Death
Amer (watched first 40 minutes, loved it, but had to get some sleep)
Phantom of Death
The Girl From Cortina
Bloodbath in the House of Knives
Torso (Blu Ray)

I doubt I'll watch all of them.  I will still have to work.  And I can't really spend all Christmas day holed up in my room...or can I?

Anyhow, I'm gonna fart around a bit before getting ready for work.  Hopefully I can stand/walk for the whole shift...

Later.
-Justin

Dang...

I dunno why, but I was bored for a brief second.

Why?  It's not like I have plenty to do or anything...editing, writing a paper for Production Tech, working on other films for other classes, No Shave November...

So I decided to count how many gialli are in my movie collection.

And my grand total?

81.

I own 81 gialli.

And that is not counting multiple editions of the same film.  Otherwise I would probably be at 90.

Holy crap.

If I watched one every day, that's almost three months worth of movies.

Again, Holy crap.

And I have, like, 5 or 6 in my Christmas wish list from Amazon.com.


Sometimes I think I am truly going to die a virgin.


Later.
-Justin

Batting around ideas...

I wanna start writing another script.  Something to take my mind off Orchid for a while before restructuring it.

In the summer, I'm gonna be doing an independent study with my Screenwriting professor where I write another script over the course of a semester.  Debating over what I want to work on with him.

Just stole my friend's tactic and wrote all my ideas onto one page.

Over the winter break, I wanna write a synopsis/treatment.  I've narrowed it down to two, but I think I know which one I wanna go with after talking with my friend.  It's a totally crazed out Suspiria bat shit crazy script.  And it's gonna rock while breaking your heart at the same time.

Okay.  Shoot in an hour.

Later.
-Justin