According to NYMag‘s “The Cut” ladyblog, the proposed Hillary-flicks have some pretty good names attached — “Courtney Hunt, writer and director of the gritty female perseverance drama ‘Frozen River’ “ for the NBC mini-series, “Oscar-winning ‘Inside Job’ director Charles Ferguson” for the CNN documentary. (Plus “girl coming-of-age experts: the Twilight Saga producers and James Ponsoldt, director of ‘The Spectacular Now'” for the proposed Rodham feature film. Hey, ticket sales are ticket sales.)
You have probably heard something about the GOP reaction already:
… Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, fired a warning shot to the major networks this morning in the form of open letters to NBC and CNN, warning them not to air planned shows — a miniseries and documentary, respectively — about Clinton. “If you have not agreed to pull this programming prior to the start of the RNC’s Summer Meeting on August 14,” he wrote, alerting the world that the RNC has a meeting this month, “I will seek a binding vote of the RNC stating that the committee will neither partner with you in the 2016 primary debates nor sanction primary debates which you sponsor.”…
Dave Weigel points out that this is not necessarily a bad/dumb move by Mister RNC PR BS:
… The Clinton hook is a little cute, and the RNC is already using it to raise money and build email lists, but I agree with the general idea that ideological candidate debates, put on by right-wingers, might be more interesting than the “MSM” debates. Ten questions from Fred Kagan or Ed Meese are more likely to burrow into the GOP’s philosophy than 10 questions from Handsome Cable Host of the Week. Indeed, though it was seen as a snoozer at the time, the think tank-sponsored debate of 2011 was the only one that got candidates on the record on drones and Patriot Act renewal.
Let’s not be Pollyannas, though. This is a popular campaign among Republicans not because they want harder questions but because they mistrust the press and think they let candidates be exploited for ratings in 2011–2012…
… also too, the Dems successfully used a (less blatantly stupid) version of this back in 2007, refusing to participate in a debate on Fox News even though Ailes had ‘partnered’ with the Congressional Black Caucus for cover.
Now NYMag brings news that “David Brock, founder of the liberal watchdog Media Matters For America” has decided to publicly View With Alarm:
… Aside from the networks’ reputations, Brock expresses concern that NBC’s miniseries and CNN’s documentary might portray Clinton in an unflattering light, if only to avoid the accusation that they’re campaign infomercials. As Politico notes, Brock is a longtime Clinton ally, and head the American Bridge super-PAC, which “recently launched an effort called ‘Correct the Record’ to protect Clinton and other Democrats from ‘Republican smears.’ ” Brock warns NBC Entertainment that, “a fictionalized caricature of Clinton may make for more dramatic appeal, but diversions from reality are likely to blow back on NBC News.” He also worries that the networks might be pressured into mentioning some “phony scandals” from the Clinton administration, and weirdly finds fault in CNN’s request that the RNC “reserve judgment” on its documentary. “This suggests that [Republicans] might, in fact, be pleased with it which is reason enough to suspend the project,” he writes.
Stop helping, Brock! Nothing that attracts the approbation of Politico will ever be a good thing.
NotMax
Something else pried from cold, dead hands.
raven
@NotMax: Sweet home Chicago. . .
NotMax
@raven
Well, they’re not going to be clamoring for an ambassadorship.
BillinGlendaleCA
@NotMax: Sure they will, for their spawn.
NotMax
Posted in wrong thread, so repeating here:
Really odd, rarely shown Fred MacMurray movie on TCM Wednesday at 8 p.m. (Eastern).
From 1945, it’s “Murder, He Says” (94 minutes running time).
The film’s rustic glow-in-the-dark granny is just the tip of the strangeness iceberg.
Patricia Kayden
I agree with Brock. I assume that CNN and NBC will go out of their way to portray Secretary Clinton in an unflattering light just to appease the Repubs. But at the same time, a promise for Repubs to pull out of CNN/NBC-hosted debates would be a good thing for those networks (let’s not forget the endless number of Repub debates in 2012).
raven
@NotMax: He was great in Double Indemnity.
kc
Not weird at all. I had the same thought, that the network is going to trash her. You know, revive Whitewater and all that.
raven
Jesus, Mornin Joe is calling the people who want to shit down the government STUPID over and over. Even Mika is shocked!
BillinGlendaleCA
Joe Scar is on a rant, I’m laughing. It’s really funny.
Jerzy Russian
@raven:
Perhaps you meant “shut”, but “shit” works well here. Carry on.
raven
@Jerzy Russian: Damn it’s early!
Jerzy Russian
@raven:
Tell me about it. It is still dark here, and I still need to get to bed (why I am not there
now is a long story).
Randy P
@raven: Love that movie. MacMurray as a bad guy (well, probably initially a decent guy, but led astray by the lovely Barbara Stanwyck), and Edward G. Robinson as the good guy. Wonderful surprising casting and it all works beautifully.
Another old noir with weird casting that I only caught a few minutes of once while channel-surfing, but which I suspect doesn’t work: “Pete Kelly’s Blues” with Jack Webb as a jazz trumpeter. I can’t even write those last few words without shaking my head in disbelief.
Keith G
For good or ill, TSA is dropping another shoe as their efforts expand beyond airports and even beyond transport.
Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism
It’s an open thread, so….
McMegan was actually entertaining this morning with a nice takedown of the “evolutionary” justification for the paleo diet. She proposes another kitchen gadget as a replacement for a high-end mixer on paleos’ wedding registries.
This gadget. (Not a link to McMegan, but also not safe for weak stomachs.) It allows the dedicated paleo to grow his own protein, from a much more common protein source in a true hunter-gatherer diet than cows.
YellowJournalism
I think I got maybe an hour and a half of sleep. My dog had decided that every hour on the hour is the perfect time to be let outside to sniff around the backyard trying to find a mouse that’s possibly invaded our back steps. I’ve never seen it, so the dog may in fact be crazy. She figured out that I will ignore or sleep through her “something’s up” ruff, and now she uses her “I gotta pee really bad” bark to wake me (and doesn’t pee when let out, just sniffs around).
MikeJ
@NotMax:
Don’t miss one they have on this afternoon, Kisses for my President about the absurd idea of having a woman president. Fred MacMurray plays the first husband.
kc
@raven:
Double Indemnity is airing tonight at 10 on TCM. It’s Fred McMurray day!
raven
@kc: I saw that when I set up my dvr. It’s all Fred all day!
Keith P
Wouldn’t surprise me if either of those networks winds up re-airing “Hillary: The Movie” (aka the Citizens United movie)
JD_Rhoades
@raven: For someone whose only experience with Fred MacMurray was “My Three Sons”, ‘Double Indemnity’ was a pleasant shock. Caine Mutiny as well. The dude could act.
raven
@JD_Rhoades: Exactly! The first dramatic role I recall seeing him in was The Caine Mutiny and it was disturbing to see him as such a weasel.
Donut
@Patricia Kayden:
Yup.
My first reaction to Preibus’ letter was disgust at the bald attempt to intimidate.
Second reaction was to think it is kinda funny that Preibus seems to assume both Hillary-themed productions will portray her positively.
Brock’s response was a smart one, as you’d expect from a guy with his abiltiy and savvy. It’s more than a good idea to be in front of the shit-show the GOP will be maintaining about the Clintons, and work the refs from our side. Every GOPer from Sherrif to Senator is going to be flinging all kinds of poo, unless and until Clinton says she’s not in. They don’t care that primary season is still so far off. They’re all too happy to keep it going, and it’ll only get worse if Clinton actually declares. To which I say: bring it.
handsmile
Each day this month, TCM is devoting all of its programming to a single different movie star (“Summer Under the Stars”). To make up each 24 hours TCM is really digging into its vault, presenting some rarely screened masterworks (e.g., Joan Fontaine’s Letter from an Unknown Woman last night) or deservedly forgotten stinkers among them.
Perhaps of particular interest for Juicers is another one from those featuring Fred MacMurray today, Kisses for My President (6:00-8:00pm EST), a film that will certainly become better known if HRC does run in 2016. MacMurray plays “First Husband” to the first female president of the United States, Polly Bergen.
Silent film legend Ramon Novarro is tomorrow’s star (when TCM viewership will likely plummet), with Steve McQueen, Lana Turner, and Henry Fonda following later this week.
Also too, flicking onto the Morning Joe frat party today, the gang was guffawing over Mika’s weight gain. Keeping the public informed, I guess.
Elizabelle
Went to see The Lone Ranger yesterday.
Expecting to see a disaster; curious where it had gone wrong.
BUT: it was good; quite good. Did not even notice it was a long movie, and the audience applauded at movie’s end. Depp was terrific; Armie Hammer is charming. There were several messages in this film, and entertainingly delivered. Impressive action sequence at end. (Some oddities, involving improbable horse and rabbit activities.)
TLR did not deserve the venomous press it got; yes, it was likely too expensive as filmed, but it would have done fine with some better reviews.
I hope time is kinder to this movie.
Elizabelle
Elmore Leonard’s recovering from a stroke, suffered a week ago.
Family is “guardedly optimistic.”
Get better, Elmore. You got more books in you, even with 45 already out. EL’s in a Detroit area hospital.
Patricia Kayden
@Donut: Also looking forward to her bringing it!! Unless Christie runs, I expect her to win in a landslide against any of the Clown Car running for the other side. That’s why the Repubs are acting up in 2012 — four years before the next Presidential elections!!!!
Patricia Kayden
@Elizabelle: That’s how I felt about Waterworld. Didn’t feel it was the disaster that critics ranted and raved about. Not Costner’s best film, but not worthy of all the vitriolic attacks. I’ll rent The Lone Ranger as soon as it’s on DVD. Depp is a great actor in my humble opinion.
handsmile
@Elizabelle:
The Walt Disney Company would love to hear from you! Why your name might even appear in print ads!
Reporting its third quarter results earlier today, the company estimated that it would lose $160-190 Million on the film. One must wonder how many of the company suits who green-lighted this project will soon become familiar with “structural unemployment.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23598825
As fond as I am of your commentary, this is one recommendation I’m going to let pass by. :)
Ted & Hellen
So…is the consensus here that the recent, “crazy pants” terror warnings and embassy closings were part of the overall administration to do damage control re NSA/Snowwald?
People who know about these things are calling bullshit.
Elizabelle
@handsmile:
It’s funny, though, I was expecting to see a failed film, and went out of curiosity. On $2 Tuesday.
And The Lone Ranger was compelling, with good acting. (Interesting villains.)
Extended train chase sequence at the end, complete with Silver prancing atop railcars.
Might do very well in Asia and abroad. Opens in the UK today.
I’d like to see the conventional wisdom upended; no particular love for Disney. Just distaste for cynics.
RP
This post is incomprehensible.
Citizen_X
“YOU MADE OUR GUYS LOOK LIKE PSYCHOTIC IDIOTS, BY SHOWING THEM TALKING!”
@Elizabelle: I liked it too.
RepubAnon
Maybe NBC and CNN could promise to run the Hillary “documentary” that was the core of the Citizens United ruling? The sheer gall of the Republicans to loudly proclaim their right to put a political hit piece on the air, while simultaneously doing everything they can to suppress an opposing view, is disgusting – but no longer astonishing.
On a side note, it would be interesting to watch the clown car cavalcade MC’d by Fox News personalities with red foam noses…
dance around in your bones
@Elizabelle:
I went to see The Lone Ranger when my mom and sister were visiting from out of town (matinee, cheap!). I was kind of dubious because I had heard all these bad reviews, but once it started I quite enjoyed it – it was played for comedic effect and the over-the-top action sequences were funny, too.
The audience all seemed to like it, too – lots of laughter and in all the right spots. I don’t know why it got dissed so much – and I am of the age where I watched most of the original Lone Ranger series on TV.
There was some rather graphic violence (ripping a heart out and eating it? eeeewww) that would keep me from taking the grandkids to see it. Otherwise I think they would love it.
Cracked me up when LR says to Tonto “You know what tonto means in Spanish?”
TLR got a bad rap from the reviewers, which is why we should all make up our own minds and maybe read reviews after we see the movie.
Anybodybuther2016
Poor Annie, are you afraid that people will be reminded what a vile classless empty pantsuit she is?
Amir Khalid
@Elizabelle:
It’s a more challenging film than many expected, I think. The Lone Ranger himself is shown here as a naive fool too ready to trust in the Great White Father’s good intentions; Tonto, as a man deranged by grief and guilt over his complicity in the annihilation of his own people. Even Silver the horse isn’t quite right in the head. The audience for stories of the Lone Ranger is represented by a little boy in a Lone Ranger outfit, carrying a toy gun. You get your action sequences with the William Tell Overture at the end, but first the bullshit in the story is laid bare for you and it doesn’t smell nice. All in all, it’s an insightful take on the myth and its audience, but one that doesn’t bother to flatter either of them.
NotMax
@handsmile
Shame, that.
Novarro possessed screen presence aplenty, and an impish comic quality which was, alas, rarely allowed to shine much beyond his thousand-watt grin.
An example of that is “The Pagan,” being shown on Thursday. Plus it pre-dates the Ewoks by fifty years by having a song end with a joyous “Yub-yub!”
Villago Delenda Est
Rinse Prebus is a guy just screaming to be given a wedgie.
Sister Rail Gun of Warm Humanitarianism
One orange kitteh’s sudden horrid thought.
Elizabelle
@Amir Khalid:
You are a better film critic than our domestic ones. Well put.
catclub
@Patricia Kayden: “Depp is a great actor in my humble opinion. ” Benny and Joon.
zombie rotten mcdonald
@Ted & Hellen:
After the last dozen years, I am a bit skeptical about the ravings of un-named “people who know about these things”.
burnspbesq
In which Texas tells DOJ and the District Court to eat a bag of salted disenfranchised Latino voters.
http://sblog.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Texas-reply-on-Sec.-3-of-VRA-8-5-13.pdf
Elizabelle
@dance around in your bones:
Yeah, I thought the heart-eating scene was gratuitous.
And it’s what LA Times critic Kenneth Turan opened his abysmal review with.
Otherwise: a good flick. Glad you liked it too.
Anne Laurie
@Elizabelle: Re: The Lone Ranger, the movie we see is framed as a story being told by an old man to a young boy, which is how I figured some of the less-probable horse & rabbit biology came from. Not to mention the dynamic duo’s cartoonish ability to walk away from major explosions… uphill, both ways, in the snow…
@handsmile:
Yeah, except Hollywood finance reporting is notoriously “more art than science”. As with any other disaster, there’s a tendency to inflate the awful terribleness in order to pad out the insurance claims / hide some tenuously-related back-office & advertising costs / deflate the stars’ salary demands for the next movie.
Elizabelle
@Anne Laurie:
TLR is very much a “choose nostalgia over what actually happened” piece. You can see the story shifting as the child reminds of inconsistencies in Tonto’s recounting.
I wonder if it’s meant as a tribute, of sorts, to Liberty Valance. “This is the West, sir. When the legend becomes fact, print the legend”. (alleged quote, per wiki)
Lex
Pshaw. The RNC just wants to avoid a repeat of the 2012 Clown Car performances that everyone, out of a sense of politeness, agreed to call the GOP debates.
Good luck with that, guys. And all indications suggest you’re gonna need a bigger car.