The Town

I saw The Town, this afternoon and give it enthusiastic thumbs up. I love love love Jon Hamm from Mad Men, and he gets to show his acting chops as an FBI agent, with his own demons, chasing a gang of Boston bank robbers. Hamm's character, SSA Farley dubs the gang the "not fucking around gang", because they are ruthlessly efficient in throwing the authorities off their trail. The gang hails from an area of Boston called Charlestown, that is known for producing bank robbers, a "skill" passed down from father to son.

The police and FBI are fairly certain they know the members of the gang, but there is never any forensic evidence to tie them to any of the crime scenes. Ben Affleck does double duty as director and, plays Doug McCray, also known as the Architect, because he plans the heists with absolute precision, so that no one gets hurt and they don't get caught. Of course there is always the crazy, reckless guy in the gang who is itching to shoot someone, and James Coughlin fills that role admirably. He plays crazy very well. Why is it that the sane one in the gang is always beholden to the crazy one in some way???

The plot centers around a bank job that the gang pulls and Coughlin "tunes up" the manager, giving the assistant, Clair Keesy (Rebecca Hall/Vicki Christina Barcelona) an opportunity to trip the silent alarm. McCray sees her do it, but doesn't let on and Coughlin decides to take her hostage. They let her go after they escape, only to find she lives in the Charlestown. They fear she might be able to somehow identify them even though they wore masks. None of the others have the stomach for murder, but Coughlin starts talking ominously about "taking care of her." McCray assures him he will handle things with Claire, and in the process, falls in love with her. Claire doesn't recognize him and still bruised from the trauma of the robbery, is drawn into a relationship with him.

The gang gets tapped by the local mob boss to pull a big heist at Fenway Park. McCray at first refuses, but after they threaten Claire, he agrees. Can McCray pull one last job, get the girl and change his life? It's a tall order, for sure.

Ultimately the film is about redemption, with some justice mixed in for good measure. In the end McCray, in spite of the pervasive bleakness of his life, hangs onto hope and "hope" as someone once said, "is a good thing."

The Perfect Getaway

The Perfect Getaway is a suspense thriller about two couples hiking a remote trail in Hawaii when they hear reports of psychopaths stalking and killing tourists in the vicinity. Steve Zahn plays Cliff Anderson a screenplay writer, recently married to Cydney (Mila Jovovich). After being harassed by a very creepy couple who appears to be following them, they join Nick (Olyphant) and Gina (Kiele Sanchez) hiking along a remote trail which requires permits to enter the area. Nick is a "hard to kill" special ops Iraq veteran and Gina is a a tough as nails southern girl who knows how to handle herself. There is a scene where Nick goes off into the woods and kills a goat, and Gina field dresses it without blinking an eye.

When they start hearing the reports about the killers, Cliff, in particular, gets very anxious about being in such a remote area with a couple he knows little about. Nick comes off as a little crazy, harping on Cliff to write a screenplay about his exploits in Iraq. Eventually the creepy couple shows up again and things start to heat up as the fight for survival begins.

The film does a good job building the suspense and you get to see Timothy Olyphant without his shirt a lot, which is always a good thing. Kiele Sanchez, a relative unknown, hits just the right notes as tough, but also kind of sweet. If you have ever watched the The Glades on A&E you will recognize her. Mila Jovovich, who usually plays a bad ass in The Resident Evil series, gets to play against type as a newlywed who wants to settle down and raise kids. I liked the characters and the suspense and a shirtless Timothy Olyphant certainly didn't hurt :)

State of Play

I recently saw State of Play with Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, Rachael McAdams and Helen Mirren. It was in theaters briefly last year and got good reviews, but disappeared all too quickly. Apparently adult dramas are out of vogue and The Transformers are in.

It's a Watergate style whodunit complete with a murdered female staffer, the earnest young senator who is having an affair with her (Affleck) and an old style journalist who finds himself with a hot story and a potential conflict of interest. Russell Crowe is Cal McAffrey a cynical wisecracking reporter for the Washington Mirror (read Post) who happens to be the former college roommate of Senator Stephen Collins. Paunchy and disheveled, McAffrey is kicking it old school, with in depth reporting, a network of carefully cultivated police contacts and stories written on his twelve year old computer. He has little use for his young colleague, Della Frye (is that a great name or what?) played by McAdams. She writes the online blog for the newspaper and is trolling for the story of the minute. The always fabulous Helen Mirren is Cameron Lynne, the hard as nails managing editor trying to balance journalistic integrity with making a buck to keep the paper alive.

The story begins when two people are inexplicably shot in an alley, one of them, a pizza delivery guy who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The next day a young staffer working for Senator Collins is killed when she falls in front of a subway. Initially it appears to be an accident, but of course, it's murder. McAffrey sees a conspiracy and starts investigating and Frye is more interested in writing about the rumors that the Senator was having an affair with the staffer. In the end they join forces to uncover the truth, but they find their lives in danger as they are pulled into a maelstrom of deceit and power politics played out in the back rooms and bedrooms of DC.

McAffrey is no superhero, but an every man kind of character. Just like Bob Woodward (Redford) in All the President's Men, who finds himself alone and terrified in an underground parking garage, McAffrey inadvertently stumbles onto the man responsible for the murders. He does what any one of us would do and runs, just like Woodward did in the movie. He manages to escape using his wits, but he has no desire to take on the killer. Della Frye starts out a bit perky for my taste, but in the end shows her mettle and wins McAffrey's respect. The debate between the two of what constitutes news in these times is relevant and thought provoking. The Senator is handsome, ambitious and seemingly vacuous, until you see beneath the facade that he is formidable and kind of scary.

This movie kept my interest throughout and it has a nice twist at the end, so just when you think you have it all figured out, think again. Eat your heart out, Transformers.

In Queso Fever: A Movie About Cheese Dip

If you love cheese dip, you will love this documentary short:

"In Queso Fever: A Movie About Cheese Dip" from Nick Rogers on Vimeo.

Fourth Annual Little Rock Film Festival

The fourth annual Little Rock Film Festival was a smashing success. Every year the festival grows and becomes more polished. It is truly a crown jewel for the city of Little Rock. http://www.littlerockfilmfestival.org/

I was lucky enough to see approximately fifteen films over the course of four days. Unfortunately I missed Winter's Bone, the opening night film, which won Best Narrative. I heard nothing but high praise from all who saw it.

Here are some of my favorites:

Alamar -- Part documentary, part narrative about five year old Natan who embarks on a journey with his Mexican father, Jorge, before he is taken back to Rome to live with his mother. Through their experiences, Jorge instills in Natan a sense of his Mayan heritage. It is a moving bittersweet film with breathtaking scenery.

Black White and Blues -- Jefferson Bailey, a troubled blues musician with a bad case of stage fright, travels from Austin, Texas to his hometown of Huntsville, Alabama to collect an inheritance left to him by his grandfather. He is accompanied by a a mysterious stranger (Augy), played by Michael Clarke Duncan, who claims to work for the attorney handing his grandfather's estate. As their stories unfold, they discover they are connected in an unexpected and life altering way. Directed by Mario Van Peeples.

Interesting note: Tom Skerritt plays a bar owner called Santa. During the film I noticed a gentleman sitting three seats over from me who looked VERY familiar. I finally realized it was Holmes Osborne, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0651660/ (That Thing You Do and many other roles) who during the Q & A, said that he had read for Tom Skerritt's role.

Happythankyoumoreplease -- A romantic comedy that hits all the right notes about six New Yorkers balancing friendship, romance and life's intricacies. Josh Radnor of "How I Met Your Mother" makes his directorial and screenwriting debut. He plays Sam, a struggling writer who sees a young boy separated from his family on the subway. He takes the child home with him intending to contact the authorities, then cannot bring himself to do it. I loved this film and hope it gets a theatrical release.

I Am Comic -- A documentary about stand-up comedy narrated by Ritch Shynder who was at the top of his comedic game in the 80's during the heyday of stand-up. Shynder gets so jazzed by the energy of the comics he interviews and the atmosphere of the clubs, he decides to try stand again himself. A penetrating look behind the scenes at the life of a comic. This film can be seen on Showtime this month.

American: The Bill Hicks Story -- A documentary about the life and comedy of Bill Hicks whose died in 1994 of pancreatic cancer at the age of thirty-two in Little Rock. He grew up in Houston, Texas, but his parents moved to Little Rock and still reside here. His in-your-face cutting edge comedy about politics and social mores never caught on in the US like it did in the UK and Europe. His ground breaking commentary has paved the way for the likes of Jon Stewart and Bill Maher. The Q & A featured Mary and Steve Hicks, Bill's mother and brother. They said a feature film about Bill's life is being discussed and Russell Crowe is interested in playing the lead.

Table at Luigi's -- A sparkling romantic comedy about the chef in an Italian restaurant who spices his gourmet creations with a little magic. The Feature Film Making Class at the University of Central Arkansas produced this enchanting film and they did an excellent job. I was very impressed by the screenplay, the acting and the production values.

Documentary Short: In Queso Fever: A Movie About Cheese Dip -- I am relieved to know my obsession with cheese dip is shared by the entire state of Arkansas. Of course everyone interviewed allowed as how their taste for the cheesy concoction was influenced by an Arkansas institution, Mexico Chiquito. The Tex Mex restaurant opened in Protho Junction in 1935 with dirt floors. In those days people came from all other the state to dine there. When questioned about putting cheese dip on his menu, the Head Chef at Ashley's in the Capital Hotel, was nonplussed, but then admitted that most Arkansas restaurants do have cheese dip on their menu, even if they serve nothing else even remotely Mexican. We do love our cheese dip!

Sex and the City II: Not all Bad (Spoilers)

I have always been a fan of Sex and the City. I loved the clothes and shoes and the show's humorous look at dating, relationships and friendships. The movies, though falling short of the success of the show, is like a reunion of old friends, even if the vehicle for bringing them together is less than stellar.

There were some cringe worthy moments in SATC II, but there are also some scenes that harken back to the glory days of the series. It made me wish that instead of a a feature length film, they would make a SATC miniseries of say, six episodes for HBO again. The tightly constructed thirty minute shows involved each character having a story line tied together with a theme. In the movie the themes were about, women finding their voice, and figuring out how to combine tradition and individuality. As the movie opens, all the characters are struggling with this.

Carrie (is she nuts??) is finding marriage to Big to be less than exciting a bare two years after the wedding that almost didn't happen. I have to say, I thought their life together looked pretty good. I can think of worse things than watching old movies in bed with Big (Chris Noth).

Miranda is dealing with a senior partner at her law firm that dislikes her. Charlotte is finding motherhood more taxing and exhausting than she thought it would be (doesn't everyone?) and Samantha is determined not to let menopause slow her down (more power to her).

One of my big gripes is Samantha's story line. I think it's great to portray her as a sexy and brash, but couldn't they give her something else to do? Fighting off menopause is a one trick pony, that could have used some help. Also, she takes off to Abu Dhabi with no understanding of Arabic culture, behaving like one of the Pussy Cat Dolls, all the while hoping to win an account representing a posh hotel there. How can Samantha, who having built a successful PR business in cutthroat New York, jeopardize a multi-million dollar account even for the joy of a little illicit sex? Samantha is not that dumb even in the throes of a menopausal melt-down. The story could have been written so that when Samantha did have her melt-down, the audience would have been cheering instead of thinking she acted like an ass.

With Carrie, I know they had to add some drama, and it was good to see John Corbett again, but come on. Carrie didn't marry Aiden years before, because she couldn't let go of Big and now, she is tempted by him? When Carrie and Aiden kissed, it made her realize she loved Big. I was a little disappointed in a straight arrow like Aiden falling prey to temptation. I know being in a foreign country can make you do crazy things, but Aiden was most unforgiving about that sort of betrayal in the series.

I thought it cathartic when Carrie, sobbing, tells Charlotte that seeing Aiden reminded her of her old life and when she kissed him, she remembered what it was really like. "Running around New York like a crazy person trying to convince the one man I loved to love me back." When Samantha comes in and advises Carrie NOT to tell Big about the kiss, she seems almost wise.

Then there is the excellent scene with Charlotte and Miranda at the bar discussing motherhood and its frustrations (Sip). In the show, Miranda faced motherhood somewhat reluctantly and pretty much alone. She has no qualms about articulating how difficult it is. In the end Charlotte discovers that taking a break is not a bad thing after all.

While I thought I would enjoy the fun and flashiness of the girls' trip to the middle east, it became distracting. Too much time changing outfits, not enough time spent on a more interesting and cohesive plot.

The bottom line is the series was at its best when it focused on the friendship between the four women. Like Samantha said, "Men, babies, doesn't matter, we made a deal a long time ago. We're soul mates." If there is another movie, the writers would do well to remember that.

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo - Official Trailer [HD]

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a riveting, edge of your seat thriller with memorable characters that leave you wanting more. It is based on a series of three books by Stieg Larsson, who sadly, died before he could see the success of his work come to its fruition. http://www.amazon.com/Stieg-Larsson/e/B001J95ACO/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1275718364&sr=1-2-ent

Lisbeth Salander, computer hacker extraodinaire, and Mikael Blomkvist, a disgraced journalist become embroiled in a decades old missing persons investigation which puts them on the trail of serial killer. Lisbeth Salander has anger issues dating back to when she was a child and at twenty-four is under guardianship of the state. When her current guardian has a stroke, she is assigned a new guardian who sees it as an opportunity to brutalize her unmercifully. While I knew she would get the upper hand, before she does, there are two very graphic scenes, that are extremely difficult to watch. She does indeed finally have her revenge and puts her anger issues to good use.

Lisbeth works for a security company and is assigned to investigate journalist Mikael Blomkvist, specifically his prosecution for libel, at the request of Henrik Vanger, an old school titan of Swedish industry. Vanger wants to hire Mikael to search for his niece, Harriett who disappeared almost forty years ago. As Mikael begins his investigation, Lisbeth hacks his computer and begins offering her expertise to help with his search. Before long they are collaborating, working in a cabin on a remote island where almost all the Vangers live. (Remote, creepy islands have certainly been a popular setting in films this year) Under no illusions about his family, Henrik tells Mikael that is his family is a nasty bunch and any one of them could be responsible for Harriet's disappearance. as Lisbeth and Mikael come closer to answers, they don't realize that danger is lurking, even after forty years.

Please don't avoid seeing this film because of the subtitles, trust me, you will not notice them after the first few minutes. You will be on the edge of your seat until the end.

Law and Order Loves Animals

I am a long time fan of the Law and Order franchise. The original, from which all the others have sprung, has undergone many changes since its debut. Of the new characters added over the last few years I very much like ADA Cutter (Linus Roach) and Detective Lupo (Jeremy Sisto). Detective Lupo has a soft spot for pets left homeless by murder and mayhem. He adopted a dog that belonged to a murder victim on a previous episode. On last week's episode he took the murder victim's cat to a no kill shelter. Good thing too, because they needed the cat's DNA to solve the case. Kudos to whoever is responsible for making homeless pets a part of the story line.

(Photo credit Wireimage.com)

Dr. Snooze?

I hate to stay it, but I was a little bored with last Saturday's episode of Dr. Who. I know the Daleks have to survive annihilation so they can continue to be the Doctor's nemesis, but it all was a bit ho hum. The actor they chose to play Winston Churchill seemed to be a caricature of himself. A friend pointed out that she liked the authenticity of the war room scenes. They did a good job portraying the fear of imminent invasion that the British were facing. I hope the next episode with the stone angels recaptures the energy of the first episode.

KYLE SCHMID ~ One man - many faces

This video, Kyle Schmid: One Man Many Faces, by Rasit3 was posted on the Face Book page promoting Kyle to play d'Artagnan in one of the upcoming remakes of The Three Musketeers. It's a great video, which show cases him very well. Enjoy!
If you are on Face Book, please be sure to join our group "Kyle Schmid should star as d'Artagman in the new Three Musketeers Movie."

Pet Tales: Gnatalie aka The Viper

The following story is from my friend Sissy about one of her precious doggie rescues, Gnatalie. Found on the side of the road, they at first thought she was a he and called him Gnat because he was so little. Later when they realized their mistake, they changed her name to Gnatalie.

Sissy writes:

Gnatalie aka The Viper continues to be more than a handful- more like a carload!

I bought the precious little munchkin a new doggie coat from the CARE (Central Arkansas Rescue Effort) store. Leopard trimmed in red- I would have worn it- Well, when I tried to put it on her, she bit the hell out of me. Her tooth was actually caught in my fingernail. I was yelling and bleeding and she was growling at me. LITTLE INGRATE!

Yesterday, I had to take her to the vet because when she was trying to kill one of the other guys, she snagged her dewclaw. I dare not touch her feet, so to the vet we went. I dropped her off in her crate and FLED!!!

When I got back three hours later, the gal at the front desk whispered to me, "Dr Sonya wants to talk to you." Sonya came out laughing to tell me that she usually tells people their little darlings were sooo good while getting treated. She then told me that Gnatalie wasn't bad…she was AWFUL! "No," she said, "she was HORRIBLE!!!!!!"

It took three people to get a muzzle on her and then they had to wrap her up like a mummy in a large towel and take one foot out at a time!!
Sonya then told one of the girls to go bring Gnat out to me. The girl came out with large elbow length leather gloves holding Gnat in front of her. Sonya and I simultaneously said, "Get her crate and do not put her down until she is in it!!"

Everyone in the waiting room was hysterically laughing and one lady asked if she was good with kids. To that, Sonya replied, "yes, she eats them for dinner."

Sonya told me to put some antibiotic ointment on her foot and then said, "oh never mind, we'll just hope for the best."
My precious little doggie!!!!

She is presently lying happily on the couch watching an Animal Planet show about grizzly bears! YIKES!

If you want to know more about CARE, visit their website at careforanimals.org.

The New Doctor Who

Since I am a huge fan of both David Tennant and Russell Davies, I was prepared to be skeptical of Matt Smith and David Moffat in the new Doctor Who. After Saturday night's season five opener on BBC America, I am won over...well mostly. I thought Matt Smith very charming and funny, delivering a fast talking frenetic Doctor, much like his predecessor. I look forward to him turning the Doctor into a character that is uniquely his own. Based on the previews for the upcoming episodes, Moffat has taken some of the best of Doctor Who lore and is expanding it. Funniest moment? When the Doctor, who has saved the world in just twenty minutes, explains how he did it all in one breath, and jubilantly finishes with "Who da man??" Everyone stares at him, in stunned silence, and he says, "Ok, I'm never saying that again!" New episode next week, Saturday night on BBC America at 8:00 CST. Check it out. (Photo credit to the BBC)

Ghost Writer Delivers Psychological Suspense

If you want to see a psychologically suspenseful film, set on a gray windswept island, you can choose from either Ghost Writer or Shutter Island. The similarities are pronounced, both are based on novels, and are told solely from the point of view of the central character. Both maintain a relentless level of suspense throughout, with a twist at the end that makes you go "ah ha!"

Ghost Writer is based on a book by Robert Harris, who also wrote Red Dragon. For those of you who might not know, Hannibal Lector first appears in Red Dragon as a secondary character.

The film begins with an abandoned vehicle on a ferry. The next scene is of a body washed up on the beach in a pounding surf. As the viewer is pondering this turn of events, we cut to London where a ghost writer (Ewan McGregor), oddly known only as "ghost" throughout the film, is meeting with nervous editors about taking over a project with a thirty day deadline. Seems that the original ghost is the body that washed up on that island shore. Ghost is being paid a boat load of money to finish the memoirs of Adam Lang, a former British Prime Minister played in Tony Blair-like style by Pierce Brosnan.

Things immediately go awry when after accepting the job, Ghost is mugged by a mysterious duo on a motorcycle, taking from him an unread manuscript. It was given to him by Lang's attorney (Timothy Hutton) and was allegedly written by one of his friends. While he is in route to the island, a story is leaked to the press about the former PM's involvement in handing terror suspects over to the CIA for torture. Both Ghost and I began to wonder if the stolen manuscript was actually THE manuscript. Upon his arrival to the island Ghost finds security surrounding the manuscript very tight and unleakable. He is introduced to a mysterious cast of characters, Lang's wife, personal assistant and various other staff who all treat him like an interloper. Struggling with jet lag and fatigue and thrown off balance by the stifling and cryptic atmosphere, Ghost begins to investigate not only the death of his predecessor, but also his subject, who may not be what he seems.

McGregor is dead on with his portrayal of Ghost as a regular guy, caught up in extraordinary circumstances. In fact a great deal of the suspense derives from Ghost grappling with the notion that something is amiss and he really is in danger. Brosnan seems to have hit his post Bond stride with roles like this one. He portrays Lang as mostly affable with a volatile streak that leaves the viewer wondering just exactly who he is.

The film is directed by Roman Polanski, so even though the island is supposed to be in the US, it was actually filmed in Germany. There was a moment of derisive laughter in the theater when Lang, due to his role in the torture of the terror suspects, is indicted by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. He is advised by his attorney that he is safe as long as he is in the United States because our government doesn't recognize the court's jurisdiction along with countries like China, India and Russia. Kim Cattrall has a nice turn as Lang's assistant where she gets to speak in her British voice for a change. It was fun to see her play something besides Samantha Jones, although Amelia is a much more subdued character.

Ghost Writer will keep you guessing until the end, and even then you find out something you probably did not suspect at all. (Photo Credit to Summit Entertainment)

Next post: Shutter Island

Henry Fitzroy is Back

Word is that Fremantle Corporation and Kaleidoscope are partnering to develop Tanya Huff's Smoke series for television. The premise is that Henry Fitzroy, the 480 year old vampire, goes to L. A. to oversee the development and filming of one of his graphic novels. Schmid's performance in Blood Ties indisputably branded Henry Fitzroy HIS character. He spoiled his fans for anyone else.











http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/world/news/e3i2a3dbc1bc0ae71ccdac7fd519fe10c34


Kyle Schmid as d'Artagnan and Henry Fitzroy? His fans would be in heaven.

To Di For Jewelry

My friend Diane has created a line of jewelry called "To Di for Jewelry." Her unique designs are bold, dramatic and beautiful. I wanted to display a necklace that she just designed for me. I call it Mardi Gras Mystique. I've already gotten tons of compliments about it. Thanks Diane! Diane will very shortly have a website to display and sell her designs. I will post it when it is available.

Kyle Schmid as d'Artagnan

Kyle Schmid should star as d'Artagnan in the new Three Musketeers movie


My friends know that I am a total fan girl where Kyle Schmid is concerned. He won legions of fans playing Henry Fitzroy, the sexy 480 year old vampire in Blood Ties. I must admit that meeting him at MegaCon took my "fan girlism" to new heights, lol! Some of us are trying to draw attention to the fact that he would be PERFECT to play d'Artagnan in either one of two remakes of The Three Musketeers that are currently being cast. So I encourage to to blog or twitter or post on Face Book if you want to help spread the word. A Face Book page has been created and we just reached 100 members.

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112882352069302&ref=ts

If you are on Face Book...check it out!!

More from the Literary Festival...

Christopher Rice: The Moonlit Earth

“I didn’t plan to become a writer, it took me…”

Handsome, charming and witty, Christopher Rice once aspired to acting not writing. Bryan Batt of Mad Men fame, once told him about acting, “If you can see yourself doing anything else at all, do that instead.”

Rice said at first he wrote plays…”really bad plays," he laughed, "where the straight guy falls in love with me at the end.” Then he wrote short stories and tried his hand at screenwriting, since, he said with irony, “doors were just flying open for aspiring screenwriters.” He said it was only when his mother was ill, and he was in New Orleans for three months, that he started work on a short story which morphed into a novel. Having written four novels, he is now a New York Times best selling author. His latest, The Moonlit Earth, was released just last week.

Rice said that now one of his favorite parts of the writing process is the book tour. He said, “I spend the better part of a year in a room, by myself, with just the characters in my head, so it’s good to get out and talk to people.”

When he asked for questions there was a brief silence while he surveyed the room, he said, “Ok, what happens now, is that there will be a three minute silence, like social studies class, then someone will raise their hand and ask a question about my mother. So, let’s get it over with…”

No one asked anything about his famous mom though.

On how he gets his ideas: Rice said that news stories were a great source. He said, “I know that sounds pedestrian, but it’s true. I often hear a news story that grabs my attention and gives me an idea for a story.” He said when he gets THE idea for his next project; he has a physical tingling in the back of his neck. After the idea for the book, he sorts out the characters and their relationships, and then finally, the place where it will be set. The book he is currently working on is set in New Orleans with the Riverwalk shipping accident as it’s backdrop.

On Katrina: “People in New Orleans grow up with the idea of a devastating hurricane, the same way that people in California live with the idea of “the big one.” What happened with Katrina is not nearly as bad as it could have been. It was a lake hurricane. If a river hurricane ever hits New Orleans dead on, it will be far worse.”

Is there a movie deal for any of his books? Rice said his books were a combination of edgy characters and action and suspense. “Hollywood can’t figure out how to do both,” he said, “either they want to make an indie film, with the gay characters and leave out the action, or do an action film and make the characters straight.”

On his favorite authors: Rice said Lee Childs is one of the premier suspense/mystery writers working today. Rice also mentioned Pat Conroy and said that his favorite book by his mom is The Witching Hour.

On Blind Fall: Rice spoke at length about his last novel, the critically acclaimed Blind Fall, about a murdered gay marine. One of his fellow marines teams up with his boyfriend to track down his killer. Instead of research on the internet, he interviewed and spent time with marines to get a sense of their lives. In the book, the marine has to teach the boyfriend of the murdered marine how to defend himself and even how to kill someone. Rice consequently did much research on how marines kill. When asked if he met any gay marines, he said he had met MANY. He said they really are standing with a foot in two different worlds.

Check out Christopher Rice’s website at: http://www.christopherricebooks.com.

While I have read none of Rice’s books yet, I plan to start with his first novel, A Density of Souls, which I picked up at the festival.

Arkansas Literary Festival

ANNA FIELDS: CONFESSIONS OF A REBEL DEBUTANTE

Make them tell you no… but don't pay any attention when they do.

“I’ve tricked more people into taking meetings with me than I can remember.” Blonde with angelic good looks, Anna Fields sports a devilish glint in her eye. “I’ve been told no more times than I can count. You just have to keep working to find another way to achieve your dreams.”

From Dollywood to Hollywood, Anna Fields writes about the unconventional road she has traveled in her soon to be released memoir, Confessions of a Rebel Debutante. Born in a small town in North Carolina, she was educated at an exclusive all girls prep school. She applied to Brown University on a whim, because “she liked the t-shirt” that Julia Roberts wore in a movie, and to her surprise, she was accepted.

After majoring in cognitive neuro science and not sure what to do after graduation, she went to Los Angeles, where she worked as actress and a personal assistant to Diana Ross, Chris Pine and other celebs. She wrote a play, submitted it to NYU and was accepted into their MFA program. She moved back to New York, where she completed her MFA, wrote for soap operas (eighty-five pages a week!!) and worked for Jill Zarin, one of the Real Housewives of New York featured on Bravo.

“I come from a long line of home makers and insurance agents, and that’s fine, but it just wasn’t the best way for me to make the most of my life.”

Fields said she wrote her memoir to empower and encourage women to follow their dreams. She said when someone tells you no, take what they say, use it to your advantage and keep going.

Without a SAG card when she first moved to LA, she sneaked into an audition when the proctor went to the bathroom. She won the role and her SAG card.

In her book, Fields dishes on different celebrities that she worked for over the years. She left Diana Ross’s employ when “she asked her to do something she wasn’t comfortable with.” Like any good author, Fields didn’t reveal any further details, she said we would have to buy the book.

Check out her website at: http://www.annafields.net/