Random thoughts

[gurdymonkey]

I kicked back with a few episodes of Rome last night on DVD. While I hadn't exactly forgotten how wonderful the series is, there were a lot of I-didn't-remember-that-bit moments that refreshed and invigorated the experience. Then I decided when I hit episode 5 to try watching it with the accompanying commentary on, because, hey, it was Ray Stephenson (Titus Pullo) and I was curious to hear what he had to say. (OK, girls, it's not JUST cause his voice reaches into my lizard brain and yanks hard either, his character was one of the two anchors of the series.) Stephenson is an affable, articulate and often funny commentator, full of praise for his fellow cast members and for the detailed work by the costume, armor and art departments that made his job as an actor easier. Well, maybe not the sandals. He hated his caligae.   However, with the commentary running, you miss so much of the dialogue - and the dialogue in this series is brilliant stuff in service of multiple intricate plot lines. I'm going to have to watch that episode again without it.

Next on my list of things to do: 
EDIT: 
Apply purple goop to my hair. Wow, the Excellence "Dark Brown" dried really dark, much darker than the "Medium Golden Brown." This is not a bad thing, especially considering the fact that I want to wear Japanese in two days, but it's dark.
Finish painting the hiogi today so I can re-lace it.  EDIT One side is painted and drying - see next message for photo.
Start pressing 70 yards of karaginu mo and try to pack it so it doesn't get wrinkled all over again. EDIT Not sure I can face this right now. What i really want is a nap....
Start organizing my packing for Annapolis since I fly out Wednesday. EDIT Purple silk suit still fits nicely despite holiday overindulgence and will do for Maureen's wedding. Need to pick up some pantyhose tomorrow.
Dishes are washed. Sink is clean. Yeah. Nap....

Comments

[silk-noir.livejournal.com]

Stephenson is an affable, articulate and often funny commentator, full of praise for his fellow cast members and for the detailed work by the costume, armor and art departments

My favorite kind of man. The fact that he's 6'4" and built like an Arc d'Triumphe doesn't hurt either.

Although by the end, I was hopelessly hooked on awful, pitiable Vorenus.

[gurdymonkey.livejournal.com]

Kevin McKidd has done a lot of time in supporting roles and it was nice to see him up front on "Rome." He and Stephenson did a topnotch job in the love-hate friendship they portrayed. What was not to love?

Now then, if you haven't seen it, run out and rent "Topsy Turvy," about Gilbert and Sullivan and the writing of "The Mikado." Our Wee Kevin plays a prissy tenor so different from Vorenus you may not recognize him. And he can SING! (If you look closely, you'll see the actor who plays Posca in "Rome" in the TT cast as well.)

[czina.livejournal.com]

Heheheh - now if you dont' mind a bit of ... make that a LOT of violence, go see Stephenson in 'Punisher: War Zone'. Not much plot, not much but violence - but his sense of humor still comes out in it, and his acceptance of brutality is very similar to Pullo (the scene where he's planting weapons around the square comes to mind).