Review Roundup
Oscar Wilde, Ernst Lubitsch, “Ordinary People” “Long Run” Michael Jackson, “Henry Dances”
Springtime evokes what’s new and worthy of renewal. Accordingly, this new feature for free and paid subscribers to my fiction media—Short Stories by Scott Holleran, a podcast, blog and e-news showcasing this author reading my fiction aloud—rounds up reviews and news of my (and others’) fiction writing. Note that a new short story’s coming soon as well as an invitational offer to upgrade your subscription..
I hope you gain value from the monthly roundup. It’s intended to be more thought-provoking and informative than promotional; I’m writing fiction and non-fiction for film, literature and journalism at an ambitious pace and gaining momentum. Thank you for cashing in the rewards with me.
The 50th anniversary of Ordinary People by Judith Guest
Let me begin with a nod to someone else’s fiction writing. For the 50th anniversary of Judith Guest’s unusual novel of a suburban Chicago family, I wrote a review of her 1976 novel, which you can read on Classic Chicago Magazine.
Also, read my new review of Robert Redford’s movie version:
“Is that shirt ripped?” Beth asks Conrad, attempting to forestall any display of emotion or discussion of serious issues. Her stifling is masked by the presumption that she aims to care—Beth’s a mother who tries to fix by fixating, all while in strident avoidance of grief over the loss of a child who was fourth in the family.
Here lies the inlaid brilliance of Ordinary People. With a director who once, like the movie’s departed, was an awarded star athlete and blond, objectified god, the movie grants grace to the ravages of unprocessed grief. Another nightmare—a visit to a psychiatrist—practicing first impressions on the elevator—going to the wrong door (with the door, like the telephone, as a symbol of access)—and being jarred from your comfort zone to learn to cope with uncertainty. Music abruptly blares, only this authority figure, the psychiatrist—Judd Hirsch as a Jew in Highland Park—unlike Beth, accepts not being in control (he’s also a talk therapist, not merely a signatory source for drugs like today’s psychiatrist). Conflict’s woven by the contrast, which challenges what Conrad knows. So begins his second becoming.”
Read my Classic Chicago Magazine review of Ordinary People (Oscar’s Best Picture winner 1980 before the Academy’s racist, sexist quota system). New articles in this series are also in progress.
Henry Dances screens at Lionsgate
The seven-minute movie inspired by “Strapped,” my short story about a dancer, screened in 4k at Lionsgate, the studio behind this season’s hit Michael Jackson movie. Invited movie industrialists attended the studio screening earlier this month.
Based on reviews, including some of those posted on the page for the movie, which debuted here, I’m encouraged. Having received requests for screeners, congratulations and well wishes from top show business professionals, including Lionsgate Vice Chairman Michael Burns, who asked the audience if they liked Henry Dances before they applauded, choreographer Debbie Allen and Shall We Dance (2004) director Peter Chelsom, I’m optimistic that the movie’s gaining a wider audience.
At the screening, I announced that I’m considering an offer to write a new Hollywood musically themed script as well as engaged in a question and answer with the director, Mike Voutsinos, moderated by movie producer David LaCour Simien. I also debuted my newest dance reel at the end of the screening, which was well received.
Long Run: Short Stories, Volume One earns five stars
One of my stories in my first book, Long Run: Short Stories, Volume One, inspired Mike Voutsinos to write and direct Henry Dances. Listen to me read the story, “Strapped,” aloud.
Some of you, my dear subscribers, readers and listeners, bought my book. Several have posted a review. For instance, Marney Elliott writes about Long Run:
I loved this collection; each story surprised me with its imaginative atmosphere, character development and revelations. Animating each chapter is a yearning for human relationships and the survival of that desire when confronted by corrupting bureaucracy and a societal breakdown of the individual. Scott Holleran invites you, through suspense-filled situations, to imagine how you would continue to trust others and take a chance on life. Despite betrayals and aggressive, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, would you fight for truth, love, yourself, and, ultimately, freedom? Would you take that chance?”
I’m also very grateful to my former writing student and friend Jeff Falk for his excellent critique and review of my first book, Long Run: Short Stories, Volume One. Jeff Falk’s literary review—“Heroes in a Culture of Anti-Heroes,” my book’s first published as an article—which Jeff posted on his media. Read Jeff’s insightful review.
Another former student of my adult writing course, Deborah Zavitka, who bought Long Run, also reviewed the movie inspired by one of my short stories:
Great movie, Henry Dances. You are an amazing dancer. The dancing idea fits well with the Michael movie that came out recently. Michael’s line was always: you’ve got to feel it. Too bad our culture is so averse to dancing especially solo dancing like you perform...people usually laugh at those who take off in individual performance and joke about dancing in general when it is actually built into everyone’s humanity…[T]he story attached to your movie STRAPPED has quite a premise…always keep dancing.”
Here’s a sample of other reviews of Henry Dances:
“We’ve been so inundated with negativity and so conditioned to expect the worst in the media that the video starts off with a very ominous feeling, what is this guy gonna do? When he starts dancing there’s a sense of unexpected joy and relief. Very well made.” —Don Cameron
“Great positive video. Really makes you think about life and how we can be afraid to express ourselves through our talents. The guy dancing is expressing himself while others watch in the shadows and are afraid to just dance or share some of the talents because of what others might think. It teaches us we all can dance and we all have hidden talents … and not be afraid to express ourselves.” —Frank Simoes
“You can't act this pure generosity of spirit. Scott Holleran exudes the master class in underplay and allows us to be drawn in at our own pace. We so need this kind of willingness to communicate in these distrustful, hostile times and the first step is the courage to gently open the door You sir, are one class act.” —Lady Sings the Blues (1972) screenwriter and former Motown executive Chris Clark
“This literally brought tears of joy to my eyes...the emotion is so powerful. Your ability to evoke feelings is awesome!! Thank you so much.” —Thomas Mignone
“This movie is inspiring and above all relatable!! The performance by Scott Holleran is dazzling and affecting! Overall a short film that's delightful and entertaining! I rate it five stars!” —David LaCour Simien
“What an amazing and inspiring story. I absolutely love that body language told the story and it was not filled with unnecessary dialogue. It was beautiful to see the main character felt free to express himself no matter where he was and share his talent with strangers. This is a life lesson all should learn.” —Kathy Sussinghaus
“I really enjoyed this [film]. There’s not a lot of dialogue, but the dialogue is powerful…Very well done and very powerful.” —Debbie Feyerabend
“Finally! A modern film that is true Sense-Of-Life cinema! Henry Dances is one of the purest and most optimistic films I've seen in a very long time. And definitely the purest and most optimistic of most modern films that I am presently aware. Scott Holleran and company offer the audience the chance to feel joy; the joy of movement, of feeling the beauty of life, sharing that beauty with like souls, and reminding us that life is now and that we have every right enjoy it! Bravissimo!” —Kyle Sing
Finally, L.T. Hanlon expresses his review with honesty:
Henry Dances puts author, essayist, and choreographer Scott Holleran out in a public park with no safety net. It spins off his story “Strapped,” but strips things down to one idea: step out, take the hit, keep moving. He dances like no one signed off on it. That’s the point.
At first, you wait for the cringe. It never lands. The crowd reads him, and the mood turns. Heads swivel. Smiles show up. A few people drift closer. What could have gone sideways instead lifts the entire space a notch.
I like the nerve of it. No wink to the camera, no hedge. Just a guy betting that most people aren’t out to cut you down — and winning that bet. I’m not sure I’d do it. Not today. But I watch it, and the idea sticks.”
Watch Henry Dances on YouTube here and feel free to post a review.
—and watch Henry Dances without distraction on the official page here and post a comment or review.
The Michael Jackson Movie Review
I screened Henry Dances the week Michael beat box office forecasts and made movie history. Read my review of Lionsgate’s newest hit movie, Michael, the movie about Micahel Jackson—now the biggest box office musical biopic in history—on Autonomia.
Wilde’s first play adapted by Lubitsch, screened at TCM Film Festival
At this year’s Turner Classic Movie festival, I attended a screening of a 101 year-old movie based on Oscar Wilde’s first play, Lady Windermere’s Fan. The film’s directed by Ernst Lubitsch. It’s the best mother-themed movie I’ve seen. Read my review.