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Synchronicity strikes again. The three DVDs I have at home from netflix are two discs of The Singing Detective and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang." Double synchronicity I just realized. It's the UK mini-series of The Singing Detective. Robert Downey, Jr was in the the US version (which I've never seen). Downey also stars in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Totally unplanned.
Ok. So within minutes of watching the first hour or TSD I realized I'd already seen the series--where and when I've not a clue. But it's great so I watched it again (the first three hours so far). Brilliant-funny, complex, clever, moving. I have this weird feeling that I missed an awful lot the first time around, partly because it took me awhile to twig to what was going on with the shift from present, past, and the writing the new novel in his head--not to mention his hallucinating. Quickie summary: writer of detective novels (all out of print) has suffered for 25-30 years from a major skin disease that also causes arthritis and has had him hospitalized around 13 times in 25 years. Of course, various folk suggested I watch it because of my London hospital ward experience and yes indeedy, I laughed aloud at times. The cast stars the brilliant Michael Gambon, with Joanna Whalley, Imelda Staunten, and Janet Suzman.
I took a break after the first disc and watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang about a thief in New York who has to leave town quick to escape the law, lands in Hollywood by accident and becomes embroiled in murder and mayhem. Val Kilmer plays a detective who is supposed to show the Downey character how a detective works, as Downey is to audition for a part as one the next week. Downey runs into a childhood friend from Indiana, Michelle Monaghan, who has been trying (and failing) to make it as an actress. I enjoyed the out of the picture narration and other post modern touches. There's a lot of funny stuff in it. I don't recall who recommended it, but thank you.
Ok. So within minutes of watching the first hour or TSD I realized I'd already seen the series--where and when I've not a clue. But it's great so I watched it again (the first three hours so far). Brilliant-funny, complex, clever, moving. I have this weird feeling that I missed an awful lot the first time around, partly because it took me awhile to twig to what was going on with the shift from present, past, and the writing the new novel in his head--not to mention his hallucinating. Quickie summary: writer of detective novels (all out of print) has suffered for 25-30 years from a major skin disease that also causes arthritis and has had him hospitalized around 13 times in 25 years. Of course, various folk suggested I watch it because of my London hospital ward experience and yes indeedy, I laughed aloud at times. The cast stars the brilliant Michael Gambon, with Joanna Whalley, Imelda Staunten, and Janet Suzman.
I took a break after the first disc and watched Kiss Kiss Bang Bang about a thief in New York who has to leave town quick to escape the law, lands in Hollywood by accident and becomes embroiled in murder and mayhem. Val Kilmer plays a detective who is supposed to show the Downey character how a detective works, as Downey is to audition for a part as one the next week. Downey runs into a childhood friend from Indiana, Michelle Monaghan, who has been trying (and failing) to make it as an actress. I enjoyed the out of the picture narration and other post modern touches. There's a lot of funny stuff in it. I don't recall who recommended it, but thank you.
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