Download TWOZIES List
The ‘08 Oscars are history, & as everyone knows by now, it was the least-buzzed, least-watched Oscar Bowl in years. I will offer my own analysis soon, but the bottom line is this: I believe this year’s list of top candiates was atrocious! Here’s our ‘07 TWOZIES List (which also identifies numerous WITASWAN films almost all of which were excluded way before Oscar Nominations were announced in January).
29.Feb.08 
Rants: Oscars & Other Awards 
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ENORMOUS CHANGES is based on three stories by Grace Paley, one of the most acclaimed short story writers of the 20th Century. The film has major stars such as Ellen Barkin & Kevin Bacon, & John Sayles is one of its credited screenwriters, so why is this film almost impossible to find?!?! I tracked down a “region 4″ copy (from Australia), & watched it again. It’s not perfect, but the first “chapter” (based on the story “An Interest in Life”) is extremely well-done & definitely worth the seach.
Paley aficionados will know that ”An Interest in Life” is the story that contains the line that became the title of GP’s first collection: The Little Disturbances of Man. The story is about Virginia –Virginia’s husband Jerry decides to “join the army” one day, leaving her alone with three children in a tiny Manhattan tennament…
Barkin is excellent as “Virginia,” able to convey all the passion & pathos required for her role. David Strathairn plays “Jerry” as a boy-man who’s both ardent & cruel. He knows he bears full responsibility for the predicament he’s in, but he’s determined to escape it nonetheless. Ron McLarty is touching & just a shade creepy as “John;” he makes it easy to understand why Virginia reacts as she does to his visits. Of course, the kids are all adorable, & when the inevitable “Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Johnday!” line comes, it’s perfect.
The other two chapters aren’t quite as strong, but they’re well-intentioned & definitely worth watching.
22.Feb.08 Rants: Jan's Wish List, Reviews: E-G Read more Comments (0)
March 1st eVite
I’m on my way to the Quad Cities next week to do a presentation at the Moline Public Library’s Southwest Branch) co-sponsored by two local AAUW branches: Rock Island/Moline (IL) & Davenport (IA). This is a special treat for me because A Jury of Her Peers was written by Susan Glaspell, who was born & raised in Davenport.
It’s also emotional for me because Sally Heckel (pictured above) was the special guest at the very first Chicago WITASWAN program, & in many ways the whole WITASWAN intiative actually began when members of AAUW-Illinois saw her wonderful film for the first time at our 2003 Spring Convention.
So this particular trip will close a loop for me, & bring many things full circle. Should YOU be anywhere near Moline on 3/1, please join us. This is a public program & everyone is welcome! Here is a wonderful article by Laura Fraembs posted Weds (2/24/08) on QCOnline.
22.Feb.08 Events: WITASWAN & SWAN Day Read more Comments (0)
Print eVite?
YOU’RE INVITED:
CCC professor Stephanie Shonekan needs YOUR help
to complete her new film LIONESS OF LISABI.
Set in the busy Western Nigerian town of Abeokuta during the 1920s, LIONESS OF LISABI is a celebration of the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a forgotten heroine best-known today as the mother & mentor of legendary afro-beat creator & political performer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Stephanie is the director of Black World Studies at Columbia College Chicago as well as one of the founders of the film company Creator’s Lamp. She is also a member of AAUW-Illinois’ Aurora Branch.
Contact Stephanie ASAP to RSVP. She will gratefully accept contributions of ANY size, so please remember to bring your checkbook!!!
Monday March 3rd from 6 to 8 PM
Hokin Auditorium
623 South Wabash–Room 109
19.Feb.08 Events: Metro Chicago Only, Events: WITASWAN & SWAN Day Read more Comments (0)
Decatur Magazine e-Calendar: Feb/Mar
“Jane Addams” will visit Decatur, IL in March to celebrate Women’s History Month with members of Decatur Branch AAUW. Presentation will include a screening of Suzanne Lacy’s documentary DINNER AT JANE’S. Everyone in central Illinois welcome 
03.Feb.08 Events: Jane Addams Day Read more Comments (0)
