This hasn’t been the best of weeks. Robin Williams’ death was a shocking piece of news. I liked some of his films, but wouldn’t have described myself as a fan until I saw him live a few years back. It was at a small club in Seattle and I went just because friends had somehow scored tickets. I thought it’d make for a pleasant and amusing evening out. I ended up in tears of laughter. He had such an incredibly energy on the stage. I’ve seen many famous comedians over the years, but none had the kind of intensity he created. Heartbreaking that such a talent could die the way he did.
Following that came news of Lauren Bacall’s death. She at least passed on naturally after a long and eventful life, but it was still a sad moment. She was one of the great talents and characters of Hollywood. I loved her movies, particularly the ones she played opposite Humphrey Bogart. I think this quote about her granddaughter dragging her to see the recent Twilight flicks sums up her personality beautifully.
“She said it was the greatest vampire film ever made,” Bacall recalled. “After the film was over, I wanted to smack her across the head with my shoe.”
The first image below, with a bit of Bogart bondage, is from The Big Sleep. That has the unique characteristic of being one of my favorite movies and also one of my favorite books. The second image looks like a publicity shot. To paraphrase the great Raymond Chandler, she gives me a look I can feel in my hip pocket. In fact it’s almost impossible to find a photograph she doesn’t look amazing in (for example these two shots here and here).
Thanks for all the memories Robin and Lauren.
Hi Paltego:
A very sad week indeed. Apparently Robin had the early stages of Parkinson’s which does help explain why he took his own life but it was still very very sad. Lauren Bacall somewhat less so because she lived a long full and happy life but she will also be sorely missed. Truly a goddess of the silver screen. It’s great that you got to see Robin perform live, I am sure that is an experience you will always remember fondly.
Hey hmp,
I saw a couple of articles today that mentioned the Parkinson’s issue for Robin. I have to think it was the depression that was the key issue, although no doubt that diagnosis did nothing to help his depression. Of course it’s pointless to speculate about what his state of mind might have been, just so sad that we lost such a talent too early. I almost didn’t go and see him perform, and I’ll be forever grateful that I did and have that memory still.
Lauren Bacall did indeed feel her life with many great moments. I’m sad that she’s gone, but I also want to celebrate her for the amazing person that she was. The last great icon from that era of cinema.
-paltego