Before "Action" and After "Cut!"

Ever wondered how thespians behave between takes? Yeah? Me too. Well, here are some shots of actors and actresses seen behind the scenes. Featuring a gamut of personalities, these photos are just as fascinating as watching a film's apogee. Okay. Maybe that's an overstatement. Anyway, enjoy.

(This is a sequel to my first on-the-set post.)

It's amusing the way some actors show their love...

Tom Cruise and a guy on the set of Top Gun, circa 1985.

...and their friendliness...

L-R: A "friendly" Henry Fonda with Katharine Hepburn and Mark Rydell.

On Golden Pond set, c. 1981.

Unsung Heroism

BENJI THE HUNTED
Joe Camp, 1987

By now you've probably seen the story of Tara, the (heroic) tabby who saved her "kid brother" from their vicious neighbor dog. But what if the kid was a stranger to the tabby? Would Tara still be willing to protect a stranger from someone/something life-threatening?

What about you? Are you willing to compromise your existence just so you could save a bunch of strangers? Yes? Good for you and those strangers. What about this: are you willing to compromise your existence just so you could save a bunch of strangers, but — here's the catch — you won't get credit for doing so? Yes? Weh... 'di nga? Really? Are you sure? Hmm...

Fave Movie Moments: 2001: A Space Odyssey

Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey is considered by many as one of the most beautiful and transcendent — if not flawless — films of all time. Deeply cerebral and photogenic, Kubrick's 1968 oeuvre is utterly mesmerizing on many levels. (If I say too much, I might spoil the film's beauty; so please check it out if you still haven't.)

One of my most favorite moments in 2001: A Space Odyssey is its ending, which is mindf*ck at its most orgasmic. I've always thought that Kubrick's film is two films in one; you just have to watch it again right after your first viewing.

The Final Work of a Master

Tagline: Cruise. Kidman. Kubrick.

EYES WIDE SHUT
Stanley Kubrick, 1999

Eyes Wide Shut is the final work of celebrated film director Stanley Kubrick. It is also an intriguing look at the realities of marriage.