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Movies
The gangster of Hollywood
FEATURE. Johnny Depp doesn’t know what time it is. Though he technically calls an adorable village in France home and owns an island in the Caribbean, the mercurial actor spends so much time working that his internal clock is all out of whack.
 
 
Movies
Directorial debut is a shot at the ‘Moon’
INTERVIEW. When directors are limited to a $5 million budget and a 33-day shooting schedule, they usually won’t do anything too arduous — especially for their first films. But director Duncan Jones, 37, tells us that he “wanted to do something with ambition” for his debut flick. So instead, Jones, who is the son of David Bowie, decided to make the sci-fi adventure “Moon,” which opens Friday. The affable Brit explains how.
 
The Word
The Beckhams’ island getaway
GOSSIP. According to the Sun, David Beckham is planning a trip to Necker Island, Richard Branson’s private island hideaway, to celebrate his 10th wedding anniversary with Victoria Beckham. And the best part? It only costs $51,000 a night to have the whole island to themselves.
 
Movies
Bale does light-lifting
 MOVIES. Christian Bale is more relaxed than usual, and with good reason. The heavy lifting in promoting his latest film, “Public Enemies,” falls to Johnny Depp. For once, the success or failure of the movie doesn’t rest on Bale’s shoulders. There’s no talk of on-set outbursts or franchise potential. And for that, he’s grateful — and cheerful.
 
Updated 23:05, September the 19th, 2007
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Stellar!

New Rep’s ‘Streetcar’ worth the ride

REVIEW. The New Repertory Theatre Company’s production of “A Streetcar Named Desire” is definitely a ride worth taking. The three-plus hour foray into the depressing world of Tennessee Williams is emotionally and physically draining, but director Rick Lombardo pulls off a masterful telling of the classic tale of Southern belle Blanche DuBois and her steamy, life-changing summer in the home of her sister, Stella, and angry, jealous brother-in-law, Stanley.

Everyone knows the film, and everyone’s heard someone yell “Stella” in his or her best Marlon Brando voice. As Stanley, Todd Alan Johnson tries just a bit too hard not to be Brando, and the result is an oddly South Jersey-sounding Stanley whose apish, aggressive walk belies the soft qualities Johnson brings to the role. Brute is better, at least in the Kowalski household.

Rachel Harker is a perfect Southern lady as her Blanche overtakes the dumpy flat, but her descent into insanity could use a bit more reserved Southern charm and much less hysteria.

You can go mad without going over the top.

As Stella, Marianna Bassham delivers a flawless performance. Though grounded, accepting of her fate and wonderfully uncomfortably pregnant, she subtly takes you on an emotional rollercoaster ride that even the actress herself has a hard time shaking by curtain call. 

Bates Wilder also delivers an understated yet powerful performance as Mitch, the quiet, awkward sometimes suitor of Blanche, whose own desperation and fear is barely concealed by his “aw shucks” demeanor. Maureen Keiller brings great warmth and humor to the production as the upstairs neighbor, Eunice Hubbell, and Paul D. Farwell finds the perfect mix of pathetic and sleazy as her husband, Steve.

The dumpy Janie E. Howland set creates the perfect tone for the piece, and Frances Nelson McSherry’s costumes seem to almost mirror the emotional changes the characters experience.

There is no happy ending in this part of New Orleans, but you can still enjoy a powerful, rewarding, albeit depressing, journey into the bleak world of Tennessee Williams’ “Streetcar.”

‘A Streetcar Named Desire’
Through Oct. 7
The Arsenal Center for the Arts
321 Arsenal St., Watertown
617-923-8487
www.newrep.org
 

 
 
Music
MMMpod
The June edition of MMMpod features an interview with Perry Farrell on getting Jane's Addiction back together, as well as a talk with actor Ed Helms about his love/hate relationship with a capella music. We also have new music from Phoenix, Magic Magic, Lady Sovereign, and a classic from Booker T. & the MGs. As always, there's a chance to win a whole lot of free music.
 
 
Metro Life Panel
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