After not going to any parties last night and sleeping in a bit this morning I thought I would feel refreshed. All I have felt all day is sick. I think the cold I have been fighting off for about two months has finally caught up with me. The trials of power festing...Matthew and I started off the morning together with THE NOTORIOUS BETTIE PAGE. I didn’t realize how ironic the title was, learning that Miss Page was notorious in reputation only. Gretchen Mol is convincing as the innocent and devout “pin up of the century,” but near the beginning the film flat lines and never returns to life.

TRISTRAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY is an experimental film within a film starring Steve Coogan as both Shandy and himself, but we never quite know which is which. Despite a few hilarious moments, one involving a roasted chestnut, ultimately both the reality and the film were disappointing.

Richard Gere is an obsessed father/academic in BEE SEASON. Suspecting that his daughter may have powers of ancient Judaism, Gere proceeds to groom her for spelling bees he unconsciously alienates the rest of the family. An intriguing premise, the film explores the delicacy of family dynamics.

My last film of the day, GABRIELLE was an emotional Victorian tale about what happens when a marriage is compromised. In contrast to PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, this film portrays the painfulness the era’s lack of emotion inflicted on relationships. The passion is no less intense, but the participants suffer rather than enjoy brief moments of intimacy.

A few other highlights I forgot…Adam Brody sat next to me in Winter Passing...Matthew ran into Philip Seymour Hoffman in the bathroom but didn’t speak to him out of respect (I’m sure he’s grateful!)…I saw Steven Soderbergh going into the Varsity Theater last night…tonight Matthew and I are going to a party for his film Bubble and a few others…more on that tomorrow.

Store name of the day: Shkank