The Silver Screen Oasis

You probably won't regret the purchase, JF, it's a superlative film with all the key
Woolrichian components in place. I hope you're getting a clean copy; Universal is
yet to release an official version.
One Woolrich adaptation ChiO didn't mention is THE MARK OF THE WHISTLER. It's
my favorite of all eight Whistler films and the complete set is available on line
(eBay) for a very reasonable price. Legit sets may never appear.

I am wondering if I actually saw this one. I like Richard Dix and they showed some of the Whistler movies on TCM some time ago. They seemed quite entertaining but there was one that really stood out. I wish I could remember.... but then if I look it up, and I haven't seen it, I will have spoiled it for myself!

MARK OF THE WHISTLER was the only film from the series not included in TCM's
broadcast. The reason is simple on the surface, very complicated below the surface:
Columbia (now Sony) never successfully negotiated the rights with the Woolrich
estate, making the film unavailable for broadcast and home video. At this late date
it's not likely that an "above board" version will turn up anytime soon.

Dang!

What I want to see is a movie ABOUT Mr. Woolrich! THE BLACK...help me here!

Starring Steve Buscemi.

Helen Mirren as Mama Woolrich?

Starring Steve Buscemi.

Absolutely.

This actually could be a good picture. And the director?
David Lynch? David Cronenberg? David Fincher?

Lynch and Cronenberg had immediately crossed my mind, too. I eliminated Cronenberg, though -- he might add unnecessary mind-body elements. Tim Burton? Did fine with Ed Wood. Ken Russell? Too, too flamboyant? Pedro Costa? Not popular enough...yet? Werner Herzog? The Kinski experience may be helpful. Gus Van Sant? Then it hit me...

Todd Haynes

JackFavell wrote:You guys are so far ahead of me!

I just ordered a cheap copy of The Night Has Thousand Eyes on ioffer. I hate buying things, but...I had to.

Geez, just talk to us before you spend money! Three of us here have a decent copy of the film.

Ark --

JF had to buy it...it was Fate...black, black Fate.

Dewey --

I absolutely concur on the casting of Steve Buscemi. Wow! Howzabout John Turturro as Don Yates (or some other friend) and Natalie Portman as Violet Virginia (Gloria) Blackton?

I like the director suggestions. Even those whose work I usually don't care for (Lynch, Van Sant) seem well suited for this dark, possibly surreal material. If Lynch leaned the way of the sad and disturbing ELEPHANT MAN rather than the grotesque BLUE VELVET, it could work. Likewise, Van Sant could draw from the sensitive and exciting MILK and not the indescribably boring "Cowgirls."

Haven't seen Todd Haynes telling of MILDRED PIERCE, but he does have an erotic "not for the squeamish" side. Shall we start working on the screenplay?

Happy (though undoubtedly Dark) Birthday, Mr. Woolrich.