Cry Me A River

Oooh, it looks like there's an interesting documentary coming on tonight called 'Autism:  The Musical' for those of you who like such things. And to narrow the advertising audience down even further, it seems to me that you'll need the extended bonus channel cable deluxe package because it's on HBO.  I don't have that channel but I need to make a mental note for my Netflix queue makin' hubby to get it on the list(ahem, that's for you N.F.Q.M.H, so could you jot that down for me-thanks;).  

 I DO love an interesting documentary!  These days I almost prefer them to the regular movie selection for some reason.  Maybe it's all that reality t.v. seeping in to my not so subconscious lately.  I don't watch the telly quite as much as I did when we were first surprised with extra channels after the cable man visited us to check on our fleeting internet connection.  Our computer got a little faster but our t.v. was suddenly a whirlwind of superfluous activity.  I was an HGTV and BRAVO channel junkie for a while let me tell you!  I had some catching up to do with some half a million people I  still don't know from Adam!  I had been so remiss on all of their updates, makeovers and personal growth!  It was positively neglectful of me.  

Now that I'm mostly weaned back off of that stuff, I have some freed up space in my veg-out allotment to get in a few DVD's here and there.  Here is a short list of documentaries that I have quite enjoyed and you may or may not have seen:

Gray Gardens-(1975) This is a fascinating peek into the lives of Edith and "little Edie" Bouvier Beales, a  mother and daughter team whom back in their day seemed to have it all; running in wealthy circles, being related to Jackie O. and living  as socialites in Long Island's Hamptons.  The movie is of them years later in the same house but far from royal in any way, living a reclusive and physically and mentally altered existence together. I got some great quotes out of this one!

  

The Up Series-(1964) follows the lives of several British children from age seven to present(I think they are in between age 49 and 56 right now), revisiting them every 7 years for as long as the individuals in the group are willing to participate.  This one will take you a while but it's really amazing to see these people change before your eyes.

Supersize Me-(2004) A jolly good look at bad food.

Devil's Playground-(2002) A very interesting look into the Amish religion!  This documentary strictly films the teenagers in an Amish community who have reached the age of 16 and are entitled to have a what is called "rumspiga".   During Rumspiga these youth are allowed to live wherever and do whatever they want including living"English", drinking, doing drugs etc. up until the age of 21.  After this time of rebellion they must choose to be Amish or leave the religion entirely.  Superb!  I must find the one on Mormons.

Dark Days-(2000) The filmmaker takes you down below NYC through a manhole type entrance to an area where he gets to know some homeless people who have made a small community in an area of abandoned tunnels.  Fascinating! 

It WAS a Wonderful Life-(1993) A film about six different women who were part of the "hidden homeless".  People you might see on the streets of a big city and never realize they live in their cars or worse.  Most of these ladies came from normal or wealthy situations and found themselves without an income and floundering after a failed marriage.  Curious.

Brothers Keeper-(1992) The story of the Ward Brothers in rural New York who received national media attention when one of them was accused of murdering another and questions of euthanasia, incest and mental retardation all come into play.  This is not for the faint hearted.  One scene scared and may have even scarred me as well.  

My Flesh and Blood-(2003) About a lady named Susan Tom who has adopted 11 special needs kids(in addition to her own children).  This is a heart-wrenching year in the life of these people and their everyday issues that are certainly not everyones everyday issues.  Crying will ensue. 

Well if that list doesn't make you want to shoot yourself in the foot I don't know what will!  These movies for the most part take you right out of the poor me mindset in a quick hurry and I think that's why I liked them.  I have had such a blessed life so far that I sometimes need reminding that I've actually got it pretty easy here in Shansland.

 

 If your anything like my mother and prefer not to weep through your spare time(I know, WEIRD) then I would strongly encourage you to avoid my list and go straight for the MOCKumentaries or the romantic comedies.  I will not be offended.  I like those too. :D