Grateful Dead

dead.net the official site

we are marshall. just saw it the second time.

does anyone know if the following is from a dvd set etc, thanks http://youtube.com/watch?v=AX9Vhv4akxc

I think it has to do with the Northwest thing a lot. Let's just say I found the constant sogginess at least as oppressive as Kesey probably meant me to, second-generation Californian that I am. On the other hand, it was 30 years ago if it was a day that I tried to read the book, so maybe I should give it another try.

I read this book nonstop over a Christmas vacation and was fascinated. Also have friends who say this is one of their favorite books ever. Much of our view is shaped by living in the Northwest, knowing the forest, the stumps, logging communities and families and gypo logging outfits. Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.) Walt Whitman-Song of Myself

marye,Now I need to see that movie again and try to read the damn book, too. Probably not in my own best mental health interests to do either. Maybe now you guys can see why I watch juvenile comedy movies. (Mutters to self, "Where did I put that damn Spaceballs DVD???) Sometimes I live in the country Sometimes I live in the town Sometimes I get a great notion To jump into the river an’ drown -Leadbelly

Also, as I recall Kesey wasn't too thrilled at what happened to Sometimes a Great Notion, either. Now personally I found Sometimes a Great Notion unreadable (unlike Cuckoo's Nest) and thought the movie was darn good, though doubtless dumbed down, and in any case so harrowing I'd never watch it again. But in general I think letting Hollywood get its clutches on your work is kind of a deal with the devil.

Thanks Hal R., Now that you mention your recollections, I also remember him saying (somewhere) that same thing about the point of view of characters and the change that occurred between the book and movie, being a sore subject. Too bad though, nothing's perfect and the movie was a brilliant piece and brave for that period of American culture. I can also see why Kesey would have felt it was important to his own personal focus and theme(s) to stick with the book's version. As for the Academy Award and not being mentioned, it's criminal but standard treatment for those of our society that will not categorically dismiss the benefits of entheogens, as Kesey was implored (and forced by law enforcement, ultimately). I'm not saying that these substances shouldn't be respected, I'm saying that they should be respected. Depending on your personal view of Kesey, one could make a point either way but regardless, what happened next was a horrible loss for our culture, one we are just now coming to grips with as the Orwellian reality unfolds before our very eyes. "Land of the Free, indeed."

It has been awhile but I think that one thing that Kesey was upset about was that he wasn't even mentioned or thanked when it won an academy award. Another was that the perspective was changed from where in the book it was from the Indian's view and in the movie it was more about the Nicholson character. I liked them both. I was working in a State Mental Hospital as an aide when the movie came out and had seen ECTs and patients like those portrayed so it was very personal for me. Not to mention the whole Kesey/Dead connection. Do I contradict myself? Very well then I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.) Walt Whitman-Song of Myself

Farley's last flick before his untimely (but not unexpected) death was panned (of course) by the various critics, employed by the fashion police media. Mathew Perry's over acting fit the masterful direction of Christopher Guest and the legendary Hamilton Camp's character role of Pratt was priceless. Camp as well as Farley will be forever and sorrowfully missed, in my home. Call me juvenile in my movie tastes, I like it that way. Oh and richard, I know exactly what you mean about "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". I can't watch it anymore. Also, I still can't see what Kesey was so upset about when I do watch. I feel it was very well done. "Good God man! I'm not talking about getting blind drunk, just a taste." "Well a taste it shall be!!! How 'bout you get 'cer own bottle!"

Just watched this movie for the first time in a really long time. Man is it fueling my mid-life crisis. I can feel the asylum we call society sucking the life right out of me.Trying so hard to fit in where I don't belong....maybe I'll go back to tilting at windmills. At least that is more soul-satisfying. I need to remember that money makes a great tool but a poor master. OK, I've vented....I'll go to bed now. Peace, Richard