Trippin' with Terry Southern

Trippin' with Terry Southern: What I Think I Remember by Gail Gerber with Tom Lisanti

Gail Gerber's memoir recalls her time spent with the famous novelist and screenwriter Terry Southern (Dr. Strangelove, the Magic Christian, Blue Movie, Candy, etc.).  Despite the title, the book is not filled with madcap, drug taking adventures.  Rather, we see an intimate portrait of a couple's life together through a thirty year period.  It also focuses on Southern's idiosyncrasies, humor and career highs and lows.

Gerber, a stage actress and ballet dancer, also shares several of her professional and personal experiences ranging from early 60's appearances in Beach Ball, The Loved One and a couple of Elvis Presley films to life as a casual farmer.  

Trippin' with Terry Southern is an interesting memoir and is certainly essential read for Southern fans.  In addition, those who enjoy reading about 1960's and 70's escapades will be really enjoy the memoir... just peak at the back index to see a list of all of the exciting characters who will pop up (there's Dennis Hopper, Rip Torn and Stanley Kubrick just to name a few)!

I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale [DVD]

I Knew It Was You: Rediscovering John Cazale a film by Richard Shepard

Though John Cazale isn't a household name, the five feature films he appeared in during his short life are movies that are regarded as perennial American classics.  The character actor can be found in The Godfather, The Conversation, The Godfather Part II, Dog Day Afternoon and The Deer Hunter.  To many he's "the guy who played Fredo", but to those who knew him and worked alongside, Cazale was an actor unlike any.

This short documentary consists of film clips, archival photos and footage and candid interviews from co-stars Meryl Streep (Streep and Cazale were also romantically involved), Al Pacino, Robert De Niro and Gene Hackman.  Directors Francis Ford Coppola and Sidney Lumet and followers Steve Buscemi, Philip Seymour Hoffman and Sam Rockwell are also featured providing analysis and admiration of Cazale's artistry.

After watching I Knew It Was You, I feel compelled to revisit these films and look a little closer at this mysterious supporting character.