An Announcement

 Dear readers, thank you all for your continued support! I'm excited to share my latest project with all of you, my full length stage drama People's War which was just published with Off the Wall Plays. With the Zero Covid policy inspiring protests across China this play is more timely than ever. Happy holidays to all of you! I look forward to continuing to share in the love of storytelling with you all.

Miss E.

https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

Classics: A Review of Planet of the Apes By Lauren Ennis

Imagine if you will a world in which humanity answers to an animal master...that's just what Rod Serling did when he adapted Pierre Boulle's 1963 novel Planet of the Apes into a screenplay. While Serling's original draft was later reworked by screenwriter Michael Wilson the film maintains the eerie prescience that distinguished the most memorable episodes of Serling's iconic Twilight Zone. Much like its small screen predecessor the film uses the tropes of science fiction to explore difficult questions surrounding technology, religion, war, and human nature itself that continue to resonate today. Enter the the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition...an area which we call The Planet of the Apes.

The story begins when American astronaut George Taylor and his three colleagues land on an alien planet in the year 3978. Upon landing the crew learn that one of their colleagues died during the trip, leaving the remaining three to navigate their new home. Soon after landing, they encounter other humans who are primitive and mute. Worse yet, they are stunned to learn that the humans are hunted and enslaved by an advanced civilization of talking apes. The astronauts are then separated when they are captured by the apes who mistake them for their primitive counterparts. In the ensuing struggle Taylor is shot in his neck, leaving him unable to speak. He is then placed in captivity and studied by chimpanzee scientists Zira and Cornelius, who are attempting to prove their theory that apes evolved from humans. Impressed by Taylor's intelligence, the pair soon become his advocates, but encounter resistance in the form of their superior, authoritarian orangutan Dr. Zaius. When Zira and Cornelius' studies on Taylor call the science and religion that the apes' society is founded upon into question all three are placed into direct conflict with the state and in imminent danger.

With its lurid title and outlandish premise, casual viewers could easily mistake Planet of the Apes for a sci-fi B movie; but what a mistake that would be. The film takes viewers on a dark journey not through the jungles of an alien planet but instead into the darkest depths of human nature. Through its exploration of Taylor's interactions with the apes' society the film casts such pillars of human society as class structure, religion, and politics under unflinching scrutiny. In this way, the film uses the world of the apes to hold up a dark mirror to our own culture, exposing how irrational, tribal, and self-destructive our 'advanced' civilization actually is. The film's depiction of Dr. Zaius' single minded pursuit of accepted science particularly resonates after nearly three years of the populace being subjected to the mantra 'follow the science'. Similarly, his ruthless efforts to stop Zira and Cornelius' research eerily mirrors the ways in which media and governmental agencies colluded to destroy the work and careers of dissenting physicians and scientists. The film's devastating final reveal also proves nothing short of visceral as the threat of nuclear war dominates the headlines. For a sci-fi adventure that will get your pulse racing and your mind reeling book a ticket to the Planet of the Apes.

The film takes viewers on a journey that is out of this world thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Linda Harrison completes the herculean task of conveying innocence, vulnerability, longing, and warmth without uttering a single line of dialogue as Taylor's fellow captive turned love interest, Nova. The actors portraying the apes turn in equally astounding performances, particularly given the demands of their prosthetics and makeup heavy costumes. Roddy McDowell tempers Cornelius' dedication, intelligence, and skepticism with his desire to be accepted within the apes' society. Kim Hunter portrays Zira's determination, idealism, and free spirit with aplomb. Together, the two showcase a chemistry that is nothing short of adorable. Maurice Evans makes for a compelling villain as the ruthless Dr. Zaius, who will stop at nothing in order to protect his society from the threat of mankind. Charlton Heston turns in one of the most iconic performances in his extensive career in his portrayal of the ultimate stranger in a strange land, Taylor.

At once a rousing futuristic adventure and a dire warning for the present, Planet of the Apes makes for viewing that is truly out of this world. Through its at once thrilling and thought provoking script the film spurs the imagination while raising vital questions that continue to resonate today. The uniformly superb performances brilliantly bring the diverse array of characters and the societies in which they live to vibrant life. Go ape with Nova and Taylor in Planet of the Apes.

Be sure to check out my full length drama published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/

Classics: A Review of The Outfit By Lauren Ennis

 "You cannot make something good until you understand who you're making it for", insists Savile Row trained cutter Leonard Burling. Within the first few minutes of 2022's The Outfit it's obvious that the film's makers knew exactly who they were making it for. Perfectly capturing the mix of grit and glamour that dominated the streets of 1950's Chicago the film relates a mystery that is every bit as intricate as a well made suit. For a classic crime drama that contemporary cinephiles will love schedule your appointment with The Outfit.

The story begins in 1956 with mild mannered English cutter Leonard Burling running a tailor shop in Chicago with his secretary, Mabel. The pair form a familial bond with Leonard acting as the stable father that Mabel never had and Mabel filling the void left in the wake of his daughter's death. Unfortunately for the duo, the shop is located in a neighborhood controlled by mob boss Roy Boyle. As a result, the pair are forced to work under the constant threat of violence and extortion. In an effort to ensure his and Mabel's safety and the shop's security Leonard allows Boyle's men to use the shop as a stash house to store their ill gotten gains. When Boyle's son, Richie, arrives at the shop after being shot by a rival gang the stage is set for a battle of wills that will determine the fate of Leonard, Mabel, their shop, and the ultimately the neighborhood.

At one point in the film Leonard acknowledges the impossibility of perfection, but maintains that "If you don't aim for perfection you cannot make anything great", and The Outfit does just that. The film deftly blends beloved elements of the gangster genre to relate a tale of family, rivalry, and betrayal that any wise guy would appreciate. The film's attention to historical detail is nothing short of mesmerizing as its use of period costumes, sets, and dialogue transports viewers into the heart of 1950's Chicago. Rather than resigning itself to acting as an homage to past works, however, the film offers something unexpected. By telling its story from Leonard's perspective the film highlights the plight of everyday people forced to live in the crosshairs of organized crime. As a result, the drama lies not in the neighborhood gun fights, but within ordinary citizens' ability to maneuver the bullet riddled streets unscathed. Through this approach the film sheds vital light upon the toll of crime upon individuals and entire cities alike, while inviting viewers to contemplate how they would fare in Leonard and Mabel's positions. In this way the film offers a story that is at once invitingly familiar and exhilaratingly unknown. The film also succeeds in its efforts to combine gangland drama with mystery as it manages to weave an intricate maze of plot twists into the mob action without sacrificing the impact of either.  While the film might not be perfect, it certainly aims for perfection and in doing so achieves something truly great. For a a night to remember try The Outfit on for size.

The film transports viewers to the gritty streets of 1950's Chicago thanks to the brilliant work of its cast. Dylan O'Brien infuses Richie with roguish charm, recklessness, and menace. Johnny Flynn recalls such mob movie greats as James Cagney and Edward G Robinson as the calculating Francis. Simon Russell Beale expertly blends gentlemanly charisma, paternal concern, and visceral brutality as Roy Boyle. Nikki Amuka-Bird is an alluring mix of sultry and sinister as rival mob boss Violet La Fontaine. Zoey Deutch expertly blends girl next door charm and street smarts in her winning turn as Mabel. Even in the midst of outstanding supporting performances the film belongs to Mark Rylance in his magnetic turn as the enigmatic Leonard. 

At once deceptively simple and unexpectedly intricate The Outfit is a film that offers more with every viewing. Through its razor sharp writing the script transports today's viewers to the mean streets of 50's Chicago. The uniformly excellent performances treat viewers to an intimate look at a fascinating array of characters.   For a crime drama that is a cut above, join Leonard and Mabel in The Outfit.

Be sure to check out my full length drama People's War published with Off the Wall Plays https://offthewallplays.com/product/peoples-war-drama-about-the-start-of-covid-19-in-wuhan/