Seconds (1966) Movie Review

Posted on May 24, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Still from “Seconds” (1966)

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David Ely’s spellbinding novel “Seconds” became a Paramount film that failed miserably at the box office. Since then, it has gained respect amongst science-fiction fans. Additionally, Criterion has issued a blu-ray version with a few minutes of added footage.

So, what went wrong? Why didn’t “Seconds” connect with ’66 audiences? Several reasons…

Grim storyline.
Filmed in black & white, then considered “old”.
Audiences not ready to accept Rock Hudson in this type of role.
Too ahead of its time.

Today’s audience understand because…

Far-out freaky cinematography by James Wong Howe.
John Frankenheimer’s tight direction – an expert at realism.
Considered to be one of Rock Hudson’s best roles.
Black & white gives it that “classic” look.
Jerry Goldsmith’s score.
Superb supporting cast, some formerly blacklisted during the McCarthy era. (Will Geer, Jeff Corey and co-star John Randolph.)
Story is more plausible today, then in the past.

WARNING – REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS!

From the nightmarish opening credits by Saul Bass, we realize we are in for something different.

Arthur Hamilton (John Randolph) is a middle-aged businessman trapped in a lifeless marriage, a boring job and a desperate desire to change it. He receives phone calls from a friend named Charlie – someone he believed to be dead – telling him about a second chance at life.

This secret organization will transform its members into “reborns” or “seconds” – men physically transformed by plastic surgery, ready to begin a new life.

Hesitantly, Mr. Hamilton visits the company, unsure of what to expect. While there, Mr. Ruby (a very funny performance by Jeff Corey) explains things: how his duplicate body will be discovered, etc. (“The question of death selection may be the most important decision of your life!”)

Arthur H. is still not ready to sign until he is shown a film of what looks like him raping their secretary. This company takes no precautions, having drugged him earlier by putting him in this compromising position. At last, he speaks with the founder (Will Geer known as the “old man”), a benevolent-looking soul who convinces him that “Seconds” is the way to go.

Following extensive plastic surgery, he is congratulated as the doctors “masterpiece”. Arthur Hamilton is now Antiochus “Tony” Wilson, (Rock Hudson), a painter, already established with a place to live and a butler. (Wesley Addy as John.)

While walking on the beach, Tony conveniently meets Nora Marcus (Salome Jens), who becomes his new girlfriend. But all is not well. Those who work for “Seconds” can see their client is not happy. Nevertheless, Nora introduces Tony to a hedonistic lifestyle – parties, sex, new people, until…Tony in a drunken state, inadvertently begins telling the party guests who he was. Carrying him off to another room, he looks up and is told by John that the others are like him. “Reborns.” Nora enters, screaming, “Who the hell do you think you are?!!”

The next morning, Charlie phones again warning “Arthur” to stay there. Instead, Tony visits his old home and former wife (Francis Reid.) Under the guise of being a recent friend of her departed husband, Tony asks for a painting as a keepsake. His “wife” informs him that all his paintings have been “cleared out”. Tony/Arthur realizes that she has moved on, especially when she describes him as “a stranger in his own house,” “a quiet man who never let anything touch him.”

Walking out, John drives up saying, “I’m sorry, Mr. Wilson,” which says a lot.

Tony Wilson is taken back to the company. Mr. Ruby asks if he’ll sponsor any new clients. He is able to put him off.

After extensive photography of his body, he is taken to “the room”, where a number of men wait, are given desk work and sedatives. There, he meets Charlie (Murray Hamilton), his sponsor, who thought he’d “make it.”

Once again, Mr. Ruby asks Tony for sponsorship. After turning he down, the die is cast.

The next morning, Tony is awakened by the old man.

“I sure hope’d you’d make it. Make your dream come true.”

“Maybe, I never had a dream.”

The old man explains that the company has had a high rate of failures. Unfortunately, the organization has grown too big and the board won’t let him end it.

Doctors enter and Mr. Wilson believes it’s for new plastic surgery…until he’s given his last rites.

The same doctor who performed his transformation apologizes, saying, “You were my best work, Mr. Wilson. Cranial drill.”

Tony Wilson’s body is to be used for another “reborn”.

As his consciousness fades, the “dream” appears. On a beach, a man carries his child on his shoulders, a dog running in the background. The dream ends when the drill bores itself into his brain.

Margot Kidder Dead

Posted on May 15, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Actress Margot Kidder died May 13, 2018 at age 69 of undetermined causes.

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Polanski’s Komeda

Posted on May 8, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Krzysztof Komeda was best known as the composer for the early films of director Roman Polanski. His life was cut short by a fatal accidental injury which took his life on April 23, 1969. Some called it part of the “Rosemary’s Baby” curse. //ericreports.com/2016/02/04/curse-of-rosemarys-baby/

The first time I heard one of Komeda’s scores was in MGM’s “The Fearless Vampire Killers” (Or; Pardon Me, but Your Teeth are in my Neck (1967.) In this dark-humored farce, Polanski (as Alfred) is irresistibly drawn by the beautiful charms of Sarah (Sharon Tate.) The music is a quasi-baroque theme matched perfectly by the ironic conclusion.

Next, Paramount’s “Rosemary’s Baby” (1968). Like Hitchcock, Roman Polanski inserts comedy among the grimmest of circumstances. The opening lullaby (composed by Beethoven) is sung by Mia Farrow, eerily foretelling the proceedings. (Plot: A chic Manhattan couple find themselves amidst a coven of witches in the famed Dakota apartment building.)

Komeda’s last work was for “Riot” (1969), starring Jim Brown and Gene Hackman. The director was Buzz Kulik. Komeda wrote the music for “100 Years”. Lyric by Robert Wells.

Who knows what direction Roman Polanski’s films would’ve taken if his favorite composer had lived?

Verne Troyer (MINI-ME) Suicide

Posted on April 27, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Actor Verne Troyer Dead at 49

Actor Verne Troyer, who appeared as “Mini-Me” in Austin Powers “The Spy Who Shagged Me” and “Goldmember” is dead.

Three weeks prior, he had been diagnosed as “suicidal” and “depressed”. Consequently, he was forcibly placed in a mental health care facility. His last YouTube video was on his worst “pet-peeves”. “I don’t like it when people pat me on the head.”

TSA searches Verne Troyer at airport security.

I recall a few years ago, the British newspaper known as the “Daily Mail” posted the above photo. After all, nothing says terrorism more than a 2 foot, 8 inch dwarf. What kind of insanity would cause them to do that?

In “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus”, Verne was put in a cage and made monkey noises. Is it any wonder he ended up like this?

Now he’s not around anymore to be tormented and laughed at, until there is somebody else.

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Highly Recommended Viewing – The 15:17 to Paris

Posted on February 28, 2018 by ericreportsnews

ABC’s “The View” Ridicules VP Mike Pence’s Christianity

Posted on February 20, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Cast member of “The View”

Vice-President Mike Pence

Ex-Trump flunky Omarosa commented on “Celebrity Big Brother” that “Vice-President Mike Pence is an extremist Christian, who thinks Jesus talks to him.” “The View” (ABC’s all-female opinion show), decided to also go on the attack.

Joy Behar stated that “It’s one thing to talk to Jesus. It’s another to say Jesus talks to you. Hearing voices…that’s mental illness.”

Sunny Hostin said, “I don’t want my vice-president speaking in tongues.” (Referred to in the New Testament Acts Ch. 2, a gift of the Holy Spirit to the disciples.)

What happened to America? After eight years of a closeted Muslim president has everyone gone nuts? Do you think anyone on “The View” would criticize any religion except Christianity? With the sole exception of Meghan McCain, they all that it was oh so funny that Mike Pence is a God-fearing Christian. And since when is a disgruntled fired employee’s opinion worth anything? Let Mike Pence speak for himself.

Some reading this will say “So what? Who cares about these TV programs?” A lot of women do. It’s dawning on the MSM that one day Mike Pence might be the president. That’s why they are creating an image of him as a fanatical madman.

Q. Whom would you trust to run our country in the future – the steady hand of a strong leader like Mike Pence? Or…

Oprah Winfrey

Joe Biden

Ally Sheedy’s Revenge on James Franco Results in Oscar Snub

Posted on February 14, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Actress Ally Sheedy, an ex-Brat Packer who has since fallen on hard times, has found a new claim to fame as part of the “MeToo – Time’s Up” bowel movement. On 1/7/18, she issued a tweet, attacking actor James Franco, who had just won a Golden Globe for Best Actor.

In that tweet, she issued no specific allegation. It’s all by implication. Supposedly, a play they had done earlier had caused her to quit acting. Let me state that acting had already quit her. She hasn’t had any success since her lesbian (coming out?) feature titled “High Art”. [Success among the LGBTQ crowd, that is.] Ally Sheedy is years past it and she knows it. Best to grab some spotlight thru vauge allegations on a real celebrity.

James Franco, when questioned by Stephen Colbert, said he did not know what Ms. Sheedy was tweeting about. He continued on by saying that if he had done anything wrong in the past, he would try to make right.

This, apparently, wasn’t good enough for the Academy Award voters, who nearly shut out Franco’s film “The Disaster Artist”. It received only one nomination for “Best Adaptive Screenplay”.

Award shows have become showcases for activism. The films themselves must take a back seat to whatever ultra-left wing cause comes down the pike. The tip-off is in the rest of Sheedy’s rant, where she writes “Why is a man hosting?”

In this Trump-era, where real America stood up and voted against a radical feminist ideology, it’s indicative of the left to take a sore loser mentality and act out in destructive ways.

One Hour Photo (2002) Review

Posted on February 2, 2018 by ericreportsnews

This is Robin Williams as we’ve never seen him before.

In “Insomnia”, (2002) with Al Pacino, he played a writer turned killer. This became a cop drama, a cat-and-mouse game with a showy performance by Pacino.

In “One Hour Photo”, Williams doesn’t share star billing and he owns this.

“1-Hour” is what I would call, events that could occur in real life. What makes it so real? “Sy” Parrish (Robin Williams) is like a million other people. A face in the crowd; a colorless individual who doesn’t stand out. What goes on in the minds of people who aren’t noticed?

PLOT. Sy Parris works at a mammoth superstore called “SavMart”, behind the photo counter. We soon learn that he is an obsessive perfectionist, producing high quality work. A “slight .3 blue shift to cyan” bothers him enough to cause a major argument with an AGFA repairman. During lunch, the store manager (well played by Gary Cole) notices Sy “spacing out”, drifting off into a daydream world. What is Sy thinking about?

See the source image

In his mind, is the Yorkin family, his idolized, adopted, photo family. Because Sy is privy to people’s private moments, (moments that he would be locked out of otherwise), he begins to imagine himself as part of their lives. From the duplicate photos he’s pasted on his entire wall, he’s documented everything and, even worse, he fantasizes himself in the photos as “Uncle Sy”.

Sy attempts contact with Nina (the wife and mother) and Jake Yorkin (the son), played by Connie Nielson and Dylan Smith. He gives Jake a free “throwaway” camera. He just happens to meet up with Nina at the food court where he’s reading her favorite book. He drives to their house and imagines himself inside, enjoying himself inside “paradise”.

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It’s a different story when he meets Will Yorkin, the father/husband. (Michael Vartan.) Will is cordial, but thinks Sy is odd. Under his breath, he tells his son not to talk to strangers, meaning Sy. Sy buys Jake an action figure which Jake cannot accept. This figure, holding a silver sword, becomes a totem – a symbol of revenge for Sy.

Sy’s house of cards begins to crash down when the store manager notices missing film chemicals, those used in the duplicate pictures. Sy is fired, effective at the end of the week. When he’s told, it’s as if his “family” has been killed.

Image result for one hour photo 2002 Through coincidental circumstances, a girl he’s seen before (Erin Daniels as Maya Burson), brings in some film for developing. As it turns out, she’s having an affair with Will Yorkin, as Sy discovers within her photos. He swaps envelopes with Nina’s, so she becomes aware of it. Following them home, Sy watches, waiting for the big argument, which doesn’t come.

Frustrated, Sy turns his attentions on the manager’s daughter, who he photographs through a zoom lens as she plays on the front lawn. These are the last photos he has developed at SavMart and Bill the manager gets the message. Police are called into Sy’s apartment, where they discover all his photos with Will’s face scratched out. Sy isn’t there. He is at the hotel, where Will and Maya meet for the final confrontation.

Kudos to 20th Century-Fox and director/writer Mark Romanek for giving Mr. Williams this role, which easily could have gone to a dramatic actor. Williams really brings out the humanity of this character, a tragic man who has fallen through the cracks. If you notice, most of Sy’s customers don’t even look at him and he is keenly aware of it. In these modern times, technology has forced a major disconnect between people. I’d expect there are a lot of Sy Parrishs out there.

“One Hour Photo” is a quiet film, ominous with subtle effects, muted tones and an eerie, electronic background score. That is why it slowly gets under your skin, unlike other loud, deafening “thrillers”. That is also why “1 Hour” probably didn’t receive any Oscar nominations, as these types of films usually don’t.

I remember when “The Shootist” came out, Regin Philbin did a review. He describes it as the film we’ve been waiting for, the movie John Wayne almost didn’t make and the one we’ll always remember him for.

The same could be said for this.

Feminist Slogans Die!

Posted on January 25, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Feminists and former leaders of the 2016 Women’s March have announced the end of the “pussy-hat”. Reasons being: some have found it offensive, but mainly because the transgendered don’t have a pussy. Also, some objected to the color pink. Yes, the pussy-hat is going the way of the dodo bird.

Image result for Women's March Pink Hats Image result for dodo bird

Likewise, I’m seeing many fissures in the so-called “MeToo Movement” and “Times Up”, all spawned by the sexual excesses of Miramax movie mogul Harvey Weinstein.

Image result for catherine deneuve French actress Catherine Deneuve and one hundred French women (academics, writers, actresses, etc.) have come out against “MeToo”. Link here

In France it is called, “Balance Ton Porc” meaning “Call out your pig.”

Here in America, it has been compared to a witch hunt by actor Liam Neeson. There have been comparisons to the McCarthy era, when an accusation was as good as a formal charge.

Image result for david copperfield Today, magician David Copperfield has been accused which he has denied. Link here

Image result for james franco and ally sheedy Actor/director James Franco has been accused by actress Ally Sheedy. (Betrayed on Twitter.)

Image result for michale douglas Actor Michael Douglas is vehemently denying charges of masturbating in front of his accuser, saying it’s all about her being fired and selling her book.

Image result for woody allen Currently on the “MeToo – Time’s Up” radar is Woody Allen. There are allegations of child abuse. Again, no proof. Q. Why don’t these feminists go after the Muslims marrying eight year old girls? Why? Because the Muslims would kill them. It’s much easier to go after an 82-year old Jewish film director.

The MeToo Movement attempts to write new rules of etiquette for men. Or are they painting them into a corner? Will men require written permission from a woman’s vagina for sex? And what if women who regret having mutually agreed upon sex change their minds and go on the attack?

Legally, accusations will not hold up in court without proof. [Example: Clarence Thomas vs. Anita Hill.]

At the recent Golden Globe Awards, women were told to wear black in solidarity – and God help any women who didn’t. Most will remember a year earlier, where Meryl Streep referred to Harvey Weinstein as “God”. A year later, Oprah Winfrey accepted the “Cecil B. DeMille Award”, a joke unto itself.

Seal’s Twitter comment (above)

The DeMille Award is for filmmaking. Winfrey has made few films, mostly appearing on television. The even bigger joke is Oprah’s presidential bid, based on rumor, from her rotten speech farted-out in her bullfrog voice.

Isn’t this hysteria, this hyper-emotionalized ranting, all about Donald Trump defeating Hillary Clinton?

Feminism is nothing new. It dates back to the Old Testament as the reason for the homosexuality in Sodom and Gomorrah. Civilizations die. This poisoned branch of the women’s movement will bear bitter fruit. It too, will die.

Movie of the Year

Posted on January 18, 2018 by ericreportsnews

“The Disaster Artist” (2017) chronicles the endeavors of Tommy Wiseau and is based on “The Disaster Artist: My Life Inside the Room, the Greatest Bad Film Ever Made” by Greg Sestero.

The plot begins with Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero, who are attending an acting class. Tommy wants to be the next Marlon Brando or James Dean. The problem is his strangeness, his foreign accent and inability to get an agent. Thru Tommy’s unlimited income, he produces his own film, titled “The Room”.

Some critics have called this one of the worst films ever made, but it isn’t. Wiseau’s take on things, his script, his direction, create a surreal world of his own. Like Ed Wood, he crosses the boundaries of what we expect. You cannot say this is similar to other films. Hollywood is a mass Xerox machine, printing out imitative product, one after another. “The Room” is one of a kind and so is Tommy Wiseau.

Star/director James Franco does a remarkable impersonation of Tommy Wiseau, so much so, he’s already won a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Dramatic Film.

The book that it’s based on is a more detailed and a funnier look at Wiseau’s quest for artistic expression. Ultimately, the message many might miss: this is an anti-Hollywood story about a man forced to produce his own movie, against all odds. While some may laugh at an outsider trying to be a moviemaker, it’s better than being somebody who never tried, stood on the sidelines and did nothing.

Was Tonya Harding Guilty?

Posted on January 12, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Nancy Kerrigan, Tonya Harding

A biopic of former figure skater Tonya Harding was released recently: “I, Tonya”. Rumor is, the star Margot Robbie will probably receive a Best Actress Oscar nomination. Grist for the mill.

Margot Robbie (left), Tonya Harding (right)

This article is about what really happened in 1994. Back then, Nancy Kerrigan was the darling of the figure skating world. She was favored to win the gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

Tonya Harding achieved fame by being the only woman who could perform the triple axle. On the flip side, her grace and form were no match against Kerrigan, who was sometimes referred to as “Audrey Hepburn on ice”.

Figure-Skater-Nancy-Kerrigan-performs

Thus, the plan to take Nancy out of the competition by any means necessary. The question is: Was Tonya Harding involved?

According to a CBS news program, the FBI had found notes in a dumpster, detailing plans to “get Kerrigan”. Ms. Harding denies being part of the conspiracy; however, the FBI said her handwriting was found on the notes.

One idea was to kidnap her, then cut her Achilles’s tendon. Another was to get rid of her altogether. Eventually, Tonya’s team decided to go with a blow to her knee – fracturing her knee cap.

On January 6, 1994, the attack-man, Shane Stant was ready to go through the plan…

until he watched Nancy Kerrigan skate. Stant said he didn’t want to go through with it and wished he could use his club (a retractable police baton) on the people who devised this scheme. That’s why Stant hit Kerrigan, but couldn’t shatter her knee. His conscience wouldn’t allow him.

Nancy K. recovered from her injury and went on to win the Silver Medal. (Oksana Baiul won the gold.)

Tonya’s gang (husband Jeff Gillooly, Shawn Eckhardt, Derrick Smith and Shane Stant) were arrested and jailed. Ms. Harding quickly pled to a lesser charge of knowing about the plan beforehand. (Legal term “Conspiring to hinder prosecution”.) She explained this away by saying she feared for her life. Tonya’s punishment was community service, probation and a fine. The FBI could no longer charge her for a more serious crime, because of her Constitution right “not being able to charge someone twice for the same crime.”

The Figure Skating Association attempted to bar Tonya Harding from performing at the Winter Olympics by replacing her with Nancy Kwan. Instead, Tonya sued them and was allowed to skate. She finished in eighth place.

Throughout all this, Nancy Kerrigan displayed strength, courage and beauty.

So, why does Hollywood celebrate a villain?

Robin Williams Suicide – The Last Word

Posted on January 9, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Robin Williams Death Mask

It’s been almost three and a half years since actor/comedian Robin Williams was found dead from an apparent suicide. I’m not disputing the fact that he took his own life. What it always comes back to is this: who was with Williams the most in those final days? Susan Schneider – his wife.

Ms. Schneider claims her husband was “losing his mind” from “Lewy Body Dementia”. In an interview, she states that his suicide was “a way out”, i.e., a way to avoid “tests” and eventual hospitalization.

Q. If Robin Williams was about to be institutionalized, whose idea was that in the first place? His doctors or his wife? Isn’t it credible that her insistence for him to be put away drove him to his death? If Mr. Williams had been locked up in a madhouse, he would have lost control of all his rights. He would’ve lost control of everything. If that happened, who would be in control of his estate. Susan Schneider.

Before Williams died, what must have been Schneider’s greatest fear? Divorce? And what if the only way to prevent a divorce would be to drive a man to suicide? If the wife describes their marriage as a “nightmare”, what would the husband have to say about it? And did R.W. threaten divorce? According to their pre-nup, she would’ve received nothing, if this had occurred.

In those final days, we have by her own words, proof they were living separate lives in separate bedrooms. Based on Robin’s expression, he is profoundly unhappy.

One of the last photos taken

My guess is that his sex life had become a virtual Siberia. Why was he hermitting himself away in his bedroom, if they had a “happy marriage”? Where was she on the day of his death? Why didn’t she check on him? How could he be left hanging dead for twelve hours unattended? Why was his assistant the one left to discover his body? Was there one last WWIII argument that pushed him over the edge?

When Ms. Schneider was told over the phone, she rushed back in her car screaming, “ROBIN, I FORGIVE YOU WITH ALL OF MY HEART!” This is one of the most selfish statements of all time. It’s all about her.

Following R.W.’s death, we have Ms. Schneider eager to play the “grieving widow” on “The View”, ABC News and “Good Morning, America”. In real life, Schneider sued Robin’s children for control of his estate. There was a legal battle over “kick-knacks”, indicative of her petty meanness and a quest to acquire as much as she could from a three year marriage. According to her lawyer, Robin wanted his wife cared for, for the rest of her life, in the house they lived in. With $50,000,000, I’m sure she’ll do okay. Ignored by the MSM, was Ms. Schneider’s past new age cult experience, where she was left suicidal and driven to divorce her first husband. While her past troubles may have nothing to do with what happened to her second husband, the MSM is remiss not to mention it.

https://www.nationalenquirer.com/celebrity/legal-docs-robin-wifes-own-suicide-nightmare/

In conclusion, I end with the beginning. Robin met Susan when he was set for open heart surgery. It probably wasn’t difficult to get him to do what she wanted, when he was at his most vulnerable. While he may have thought this marriage was a new beginning, what was on her mind? The eventual outcome speaks for itself.

New Top Ten Song List

Posted on January 2, 2018 by ericreportsnews

Bless the Beasts and the Children – The Carpenters. (ryanche33 on YouTube)

Hurt – Johnny Cash

My Angel – Lina Morgana (Intersouffle)

Woman in Chains – Tears for Fears (TearsForFearsVEVO)

Barcelona – Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballe (QueenHouse85 on YouTube)

No One – Aly & AJ (disneymusic – YouTube)

Goodbye, Norma Jean – Candle in the Wind (flymanhot on YouTube)

Apocalypse – Jackie Evancho (YouTube)

God Give Me Strength – Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach (deerfried on YouTube)

Miserere – Andrea Bocelli and Zucchero (AndreaBocelliVEVO on YouTube)

Exorcist II – The Heretic (Maybe not the worst sequel ever made)

Posted on December 21, 2017 by ericreportsnews

In 1977, Warner Bros. released the long anticipated sequel to the 1973 blockbuster “The Exorcist”. Weekend box-office receipts were huge, but the reviews were terrible – so bad that the film was re-edited, then re-released. The new cuts didn’t help much and the “Exorcist II” died a quick death.

Backstory. “Exorcist II” was directed by John Boorman, known best for “Deliverance” (1972.) Boorman hated the original film, said it “wasn’t uplifting”, which may account as to why this one is so different.

Jon Voight was originally cast as Father Lamont. Voight asked for script changes to make it “more believable.” After three screenplay revisions, Voight still unsatisfied, quit. (Star Linda Blair said that with each rewrite, it only became worse.) Richard Burton replaces him.

Ellen Burstyn (as Chris MacNeil, the possessed girl’s mother) refuses to take part. Still on board are Linda Blair as Regan MacNeil, Kitty Wynn as Sharon and Max Van Sydow as Father Merrin.

PLOT: The Catholic Church decides to investigate what killed Father Merrin in an exorcism, sending Father Lamont (Richard Burton.) Regan MacNeil is now undergoing hypnotherapy with her psychiatrist Dr. Gene Tuskin (Louise Fletcher.) Father Lamont participates in these sessions and finds that the demon “Pazuzu” still lurks within, prohibiting Regan from her true destiny.

Dr. Tuskin is skeptical. Major plot point: Science vs. religion.

Regan, besides being an artist, miraculously heals an autistic girl by briefly speaking with her. She also has some psychic abilities and is “in synch” with the priest.

Thru flashbacks, it’s revealed that Father Merrin’s previous exorcism was of a boy named Kokumo – a healer in Africa who has the power to drive away locusts. Lamont comes to the conclusion that it is “great goodness that attracts evil,” in an attempt to destroy it.

Lamont, against the church’s orders, travels to Africa. He sees that his visions are correct.

Weirdest Scene. As Regan dances onstage – Father Lamont is attacked by an angry mob. They think he’s in league with Satan. Regan feels his pain and goes into seizures. Lamont barely escapes.

Lamont, with the help of “Ecumenical Edwards” (Ned Beatty) finds Kokumo (James Earl Jones), now a scientist who is breeding a new locust that will resist its destructive tendencies.

“The Good Locust.”

Returning to the states, Lamont meets Regan, they go into synch again, where the spirit of Father Merrin tells him to guard her against evil. Instead, Lamont takes Regan back to Georgetown, back to where the original exorcism took place. Dr. Tuskin and Sharon find out and while rushing there, they are met with a plague of locusts. Their taxi crashes next to the house.

In that house, Lamont meets the second Regan – the evil one. The demon-possessed twin urges Lamont to kill the good Regan, but he realizes that he must kill the evil one, by “tearing out her heart.”

A larger swarm of locusts descends, smashing into the house. Lamont kills the evil Regan. Good Regan begins twirling an instrument thru the air (the same used by Kokumo.) This calms down the locusts. Lamont and Regan leave, the evil one vanquished.

First, the highpoints. Camerawork (by William Fraker) is exceptional, some of the shots are starkly beautiful. Louise Fletcher’s look when she realizes Regan’s drawing foretold the future… Father Lamont’s first meeting Kokumo and when Regan sleepwalks on top of the roof.

Music is by the legendary composer Ennio Morricone.

Some costly set decoration – Regan’s glassy penthouse apartment is remarkable.

Richard Burton’s performance. By 1977, he was divorced from Liz Taylor and on the wagon, anxious to prove he could still act. He gives it one hundred percent.

What Went Wrong? The storyline goes off in too many directions. The strobe-light hypnosis sessions go on for too long – the effect is irritating. The idea that the Catholic Church would investigate a four year old exorcism is farfetched. (Isn’t that a job for the police?) The grand finale is so over the top, but where else are you going to see Richard Burton tear out Linda Blair’s heart?

The 70’s has been called Hollywood’s Silver Age and it would be fair to say that the “Exorcist II” could only happen in the 70’s.

Videos of the Week (MK Ultra, Hillary Clinton and ABBA reunites)

Posted on December 20, 2017 by ericreportsnews

MK Ultra Glitches and Strange Behaviors – from knowledgeispower on YouTube

Report: Hillary Clinton ‘spiraling into total madness’, getting worse by the day from Trump Mafia on YouTube

ABBA’s Future Revealed – Band Reunion by ChoppyAir on YouTube

(None of these video are affiliated with EricReportsNews.)

“Eyes Wide Shut” – Original 3 Hour Director’s Cut

Posted on December 8, 2017 by ericreportsnews

A framed image of a nude couple kissing – she with her eye open – against a purple background. Below the picture frame are the film's credits. Due to increased interest in this article, further content has been added in RED text.

In the special features section, on the “Eyes Wide Shut” DVD, there are three interviews, labeled under “Cast & Crew”. Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman and Steven Spielberg. (Why is Spielberg listed as a crew member? Because he helped cut the missing 29 minutes.)

Contrary to what Warner Bros. execs said at the time, they were not “delighted” with the original version of “Eyes Wide Shut”. They didn’t like it, didn’t understand it and wanted cuts. Director Stanley Kubrick said “no,” (he had final authority), until he was found dead four days later from a heart attack.

Edited scene: Originally, Alice does have a brief sexual encounter with Sander Szavost at the Christmas party. (Song follows, titled “Baby did a Bad Thing”.)

Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut (1999): A satirical comedy about an affluent middle-class ...

Sky du Mont as Sander Szavost with Nicole Kidman as Alice.

Edited: Victor Ziegler (Sydney Pollack) is betraying Bill Harford (Tom Cruise.) Alice (Nicole Kidman) is being used as a sex slave by the Illuminati-like lodge, and by Ziegler himself.

See the source image

Probably the most interesting sequence rumored to be cut is Alice Harford’s dream, which Nicole Kidman mentions indirectly. The interviewer asks her why did she laugh while sleeping? Kidman replies, “I was laughing at the imagery of the dream.” Apparently, her character is a victim of a secret society (the Illuminati) and she’s remembering her MK-Ultra programming thru the dream.

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Warner Bros. were especially disturbed by whatever was in this scene.

Further proof of the cut dream sequence occurs at the film’s conclusion. At the toy store, Helena Harford (Madison Eginton) picks up a Barbie doll with wings. In the edited dream, Alice is seen “flying”. [ILLUMINATI BUTTERFLY SYBOLISM.]

Helena Harford shows mother an image of her other half.

See the source image

Not edited, but not easily understood are the final scenes. The daughter appears separated from her parents, while Alice keeps Bill occupied in conversation. (As their daughter is being taken away by the secret society.)

Nicole Kidman said she’s seen the movie twice. Is this a hint, i.e., once the original, twice, the cut version?

Of the three interviewed, she’s the only one who cries, saying Kubrick’s death “seemed wrong” and “that he had more to say.”

Tom Cruise describes his director as a “magical, wonderful guy.”

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Tom Cruise with director Stanley Kubrick.

“Eyes Wide Shut”, three years in the making, was wearing on Cruise, who both “dreaded and looked forward to ending” the Dr. Bill Harford character. Kubrick said, “Every scene, every moment, has to be earned.” Cruise asks, “Just tell me how long is this gonna take? Two years?” Kubrick laughed, saying, “Tom, if it took that long, then everything they say about us is true!” When asked about his death, Cruise replies that he had great concern for the movie – another indication that he was telling us something happened to “Eyes Wide Shut” after the director died.

Stanley Kubrick & Steven Spielberg

The Salieri of the piece is Steven Spielberg, who doesn’t talk about “Eyes Wide Shut” at all. He mentions that he didn’t like “The Shining” at first, that Jack Nicholson’s performance was “Kabuki theater”; however, “Stanley’s films grow on you over time.” For him, Kubrick’s best gifts were “his friendship” and “his impeccable craft, his compositions, and his films.”

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Sketches for Kubrick’s concept for “A.I.”

In another interview, not on this DVD, Spielberg claims that Kubrick wanted him to direct “A.I.” (Artificial Intelligence.) Kubrick would produce it. What most people aren’t aware of is that Spielberg completely rewrote the script Kubrick wrote. “A.I” (based on the short story “Summer Toys Last All Summer Long” by Brian Aldiss.) “A.I.” was headed for darker themes, something Steven Spielberg wanted no part of. Thus, with “A.I.” we have a Disneyized version of an unrealized Stanley Kubrick film.

As for any hope for the missing “Eyes Wide Shut” footage reappearing, it ain’t gonna happen. The cast, the crew and Kubrick’s family have been sworn to secrecy. Warners denies there ever were any major cuts. (There is what is called the “European Version” containing 90 seconds more of orgy footage.)

A positive note: only Stanley Kubrick would’ve dared make this movie and there are still clues to what can be learned from it.

Eyes Wide Shut (1999) [957 × 1350] by Aleksander Szczepaniak : MoviePosterPorn | Classic horror ...

Vanilla Sky’s 9/11 Predictive Programming

Posted on December 1, 2017 by ericreportsnews

What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? Mark 8:36

“Vanilla Sky” (2001) opens with aerial shots of Manhattan, or what it looks like if you’re flying in too low, ready to crash into a building. Thus, begins the dream… and what is a movie if not a dream? Sometimes, dreams predict things. The camera zooms down toward “The Dakota” – that notorious apartment building we all know from “Rosemary’s Baby” and from where John Lennon was murdered.

Vanilla Sky (2001) Filming Locations - The Movie District

The Beatles – Illuminati hand signals by Paul McCartney and John Lennon.

“Vanilla Sky” was filmed in 2000 and then released on Dec. 14th, 2001. I’m surprised it wasn’t cut – reedited – as some other pre-9/11 films were. (e.g. “Men in Black 2”, “Spiderman”, and “Collateral Damage”.) There are more 9/11 references , which I’ll get to later.

PLOT. David Aames (Tom Cruise) is a rich playboy who has everything. David and his best friend/employee Brian (Jason Lee) are nearly killed in a car accident toward the beginning. Brian remarks, “You know what? Your life flashed before my eyes.” This warning is laughed off.

David’s quandary: He controls a media conglomerate (left to him by his father), but he’s not taken seriously by “the board”, who want to take it away from him.

More seriously: He is involved with Julie Gianni (Cameron Diaz) whom Brian refers to as his “fuck buddy”. When Sophia (Penelope Cruz) enters the picture, Julie knows she’s about to lose him.

cdiazcharact See the source image

When David meets Sophia (originally Brian’s girl), they become soulmates in one evening. Just when our hero thinks he’s found his dream girl, Julie returns, luring him into her car, possibly for a sexual rendezvous. While driving, she begins to unravel, revealing that she knows she’s his “fuck buddy” and asks “When did you stop caring?” Ms. Psycho Girlfriend asks “Do you believe in God?”, then rams her car through a railing, crashing into a concrete wall.

vanilla-sky

David survives, but is left disfigured, his side partially paralyzed with excruciating headaches. After some time of being alone and depressed, he attempts to resume his relationship with Sophia. On their reunion date, she brings along Brian. Things do not go well from there. Drinking tequila shots, David sees Sophia dancing and also sees that she has moved on.

In a short, but very funny scene, David stares at his face in the men’s room mirror. Three guys pass by and one tells him, “Dude, fix your fucking face!” (Even Tom Cruise laughs.)

David finds Sophia (speaking with another man) and basically wants her to tell him where they stand. She doesn’t want to say, then finally she blurts out: “I’ll tell you in another life, when we’re cats.”

Going home, she ditches him for Brian and our former hero is left passed out drunk on the sidewalk.

“Vanilla Sky” shifts into many gears after this, but like I promised , I’ll get to the other 9/11 references.

[WARNING – SPOILER ALERT.]

At the conclusion, David (whom we do not know if he’s dead, alive or dreaming), is forced to confront his greatest fear: heights. His dream guide takes him up an elevator into one of the tallest skyscrapers in New York City. His guide explains that he’s in the future now, “much has changed and your money will not last long.” On top of the building, he meets with his psychiatrist, Brian and Sophia. He is faced with a decision: stay in his “Lucid Dream” or wake up by jumping off the building. Speaking with the only woman he ever loved, he asks Sophia if she remembers telling him – “Every passing minute is a chance to turn it all around.”

Vanilla_Sky

David makes the decision to jump. End the dream.

See the source image

9/11 – The Falling Man

As he is falling, one cannot help but be reminded of the 9/11 jumpers. This is the subliminal message. America was woken out of its dream – its vision of invulnerability. So how did the filmmakers know this beforehand?

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In the last shot, we see one eye opening.

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Conspiracy Theory Analysis: The Murder of Sal Mineo

Posted on November 25, 2017 by ericreportsnews

Sal-Mineo-sal-mineo-33559647-644-960 thX0OLQIZQ On Feb. 12, 1976, actor Sal Mineo was stabbed to death after rehearsal for the L.A. stage production of “P.S. Your Cat is Dead.” Who did it and why?

Career peaks: “Rebel Without a Cause” with James Dean (1956) and “Exodus” (1960.) Mineo received two Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Behind the Scenes Photos from Rebel without a Cause, 1955 (16)

1n 1960, he was engaged to his beautiful “Exodus” costar Jill Haworth.

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And then roles became scarce. The engagement was called off. After a role in “The Greatest Story Ever Told” (1965), Mineo starred in “Who Killed Teddy Bear?” (1965), an extremely low-budget sleazoid that has gained cult film status.

Who_Killed_Teddy_Bear-Sal_Mineo-Poster5

In 1969, he co-starred in “Krakatoa, East of Java” and directed the stage play “Fortune and Men’s Eyes”. In the 70’s, Mineo played minor roles in episodic television (“Columbo”, “Harry O”.) In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola was prepared to cast him as Fredo in “The Godfather”, but costar James Caan threatened to quit, if “that fag” was allowed on the set. He was still hoping for that comeback role and may have found it in “P.S. Your Cat is Dead”, which gained favorable notices in San Francisco (1975.)

Sal Mineo dead outside his West Hollywood apartment.

February 12, 1976. Sal Mineo was found dying from one fatal stab would to the heart. Witnesses saw a man running away with long, blond hair. Police searched Mineo’s apartment and found a stash of gay porn. The LAPD wrote it off as a “fag killing” and they were prepared to sweep it under the rug, until…

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Lionel Ray Williams, a black man had been disguised in blond dreadlocks. His ex-wife said he had returned home that day, bloody. Williams, stupidly, had bragged to others about how “easy” it was to kill the unsuspecting actor. He was found guilty of murder and spent fourteen years in prison.

Because of the initial reports of a blond man (presumed to be a gay lover), plus Williams denials of guilt, there are some who still think it was a homosexual vendetta. There’s no doubt Williams killed Mineo, but why?

Robbery? Maybe, but why was his wallet left behind?

Revenge? Some say Williams heard Mineo speaking to inmates in prison, encouraging their rehabilitation. Upon hearing this, Williams vowed to get him, calling him “a phony, tough guy.”

Drugs? Did Mineo owe money for an illegal drug deal? Was this payback?

Sal Mineo screamed for help, which means he saw the attack coming. Murder seems more likely than robbery. But, why? The “why” we may never know.

David Cassidy Dead

Posted on November 22, 2017 by EricReportsNews

David Cassidy, who starred as Keith in “The Partridge Family” (1970-1974), died on November 21, 2017. He was 67. Cause of death was organ failure. Earlier this year, Cassidy was diagnosed with dementia and forced to retire in March.

David Cassidy made somewhat of a comeback in the 90’s, beginning with this song video titled “Lyin’ to Myself”. (from the album titled “David Cassidy”.)

Is the Illuminati Driving Kevin Spacey to Suicide?

Posted on November 10, 2017 by ericreportsnews

The Illuminati controls the film industry. Some are deeper in it than others.

Oct. 29, 2017. Actor Kevin Spacey is accused of trying to grab a young actor named Anthony Rapp at a drunken Hollywood party.

Nov. 2, 2017. Kevin Spacey is accused of attempted homosexual rape.

Nov. 4, 2017. Kevin Spacey is fired from the “House of Cards” television series.

Nov. 8, 2017. Kevin Spacey’s role in “All the Money in the World” is cut from the film. He’s replaced by actor Christopher Plummer. Additionally, his finished film on Gore Vidal is denied release.

Kevin Spacey had reached the pinnacles of success, winning two Academy Awards for “The Usual Suspect” (1995) and “American Beauty” (1999.) Suddenly, everything is crashing down around him. Why? In his case, he has outlived his usefulness for the controllers known as the ILLUMINATI. Offending them in some way, he is now going through the HUMILIATION RITUAL. Generally, this ritual doesn’t go so far. It’s unlikely his career will recover.

Robin Williams and Kevin Spacey (below) use the same Illuminati hand signal.

See the source image In 2014, Robin Williams committed suicide. The MSM (also controlled by the Illuminati) explained it all away, blaming it on mental illness. This was confirmed by his wife and Illuminati handler Susan Schneider. Image result for robin williams wife, Robin Williams had become unreliable; unreliable in the sense that whatever he knew about this secret organization, troubled him to the extent that he took his own life, at the behest of others.

Image result for romAN POLANSKI, ILLUMINATI Director Roman Polanski’s wife and unborn son were killed in 1969, plus a statutory rape charge in 1977. Charles Manson himself rhetorically asked, “How does an unknown Polish film director become world famous?” “Rosemary’s Baby” and “The Ninth Gate” were about the secret cabals of Satanism.

There are some who said Polanski’s wife Sharon Tate wanted out of the Illuminati. Too little, too late.

Image result for kevin spacey, illuminati Kevin Spacey has reached the depths of despair. If his death occurs, will this be another sacrifice to the ruler of Tinseltown: Satan?

Conspiracy Theory Analysis: Was John Lennon Killed by the CIA?

Posted on November 9, 2017 by ericreportsnews

John Lennon signs his autograph for his murderer Mark David Chapman

On Dec. 8, 1980, singer/songwriter/ex-Beatle John Lennon was gunned down by a former fan named Mark David Chapman. Since then, conspiracy theorists have speculated that Lennon was murdered by the CIA because he would have made trouble for the new Reagan Administration. Is there any truth to this hypothesis?

For those who believe in this theory, Mark David Chapman was trained by the CIA in special camps in South America, under the guise of a Peace Corps-type outfit. Hopelessly brainwashed, he was triggered by the novel “Catcher in the Rye” and the movie “The Wizard of Oz”. After the killing, Chapman barely knew what he was doing, nor remembered killing Lennon. Further proof is that the guard at the Dakota did not try to apprehend Chapman, because he too worked for the CIA.

While all this may seem to make sense, the theory has several fatal flaws. The biggest is that Jimmy Carter was still president in 1980. Reagan was president-elect.

In 1980, Lennon was busy recording and was doing nothing remotely political. (In the early 1970’s, he was on Pres. Nixon’s enemy list and protested the Vietnam War.) In his last interview, Lennon was philosophical about Reagan, said he “never voted” and that “we should try to make the 1980’s better.” There was no ill will.

As a child, Mark Chapman believed that little people lived in his walls and that he was the their ruler. In 1977, he had nearly committed suicide. Losing his identity, he signed his name as “John Lennon” or as “Holden Caulfield” (the main character in “Catcher in the Rye”.)

There’s no doubt the CIA has been up to some shady operations, but there’s no real motive for them to go so far out of their way to kill a pop star minding his own business. Mark David Chapman was truly insane. It behooves the far-left that a sick nobody brought down a famed celebrity activist…except that’s exactly what happened. Lennon himself once joked that he probably would be killed by a “nutter”.

John Lennon with wife Yoko Ono outside the Dakota. (NYC)

Eric Bolling’s Son Murdered?

Posted on September 12, 2017 by ericreportsnews

Eric Bolling (former co-host of “The Five”) with his recently deceased son, Eric Chase Bolling, 19.

One day following the firing of Fox News reporter Eric Bolling, his son Eric Chase Bolling, age 19, was found dead from a drug overdose. How does this add up to murder?

One. Eric Bolling was on “the list”. This list contains those who the far-left want removed from the mainstream media. On top of that list was Bill O’Reilly. Another is Sean Hannity, who verifies there are people who want him removed. There are many more.

Two. Eric Bolling was fired from FoxNews for allegedly sending pictures of male genitals from his cell phone to three female employees of Fox News. Bolling denies it. The fact is Smartphones can be hacked. Also, those involved in the conspiracy at first said it was a picture of Bolling’s penis. Now it has changed to “just pictures”. Whenever someone story changes, it means they’re lying.

Three. The death of his son occurs the following day of his dismissal. This is a clear message from those behind this. Bolling’s family should hire a private investigator to find out where the drugs came from and who were the people he saw last.

Four. Democrats have aligned themselves with a criminal element. Look at their former Presidential candidate. The Clintons have had enough people killed to fill a cemetery. ANTIFA is an arm of the left. What about their violence? How far does this have to go until people realize what is going on?

Five. The MSM is trying to brand this death as a “suicide” – with no evidence. When politicians have people killed, it is often called a suicide, with no investigation. It is not believable for anyone to kill themselves over a fraudulent charge involving their parents.

Six. Fox News is getting rid of their conservative format and that entails getting rid of their most conservative reporters. Both O’Reilly and Bolling were fired before their cases were proven in court.

With the election of Donald Trump, we are living in dangerous times for those who oppose our President. They will stop at nothing to renew their agenda, i.e., creating a Socialist welfare state with a crippled military and open borders to “dreamers” who want to turn us into a third-world nation.

ELVIS Films RECUT for DVDs

Posted on September 5, 2017 by ericreportsnews

Generally, a theatrical film isn’t changed for a DVD release. If it is, the public is warned, “Director’s Cut”, e.g.. Not so for three Elvis Presley movies.

Change of Habit 1969 Poster.jpg The first and worst example is “Change of Habit” (1969), where the King portrays Dr. John Carpenter, a doctor working in the ghetto. He is joined by three nuns incognito. (Mary Tyler Moore, Barbara McNair and Jane Elliot.) In the plot, Dr. Elvis mistakenly believes the three women are there for abortions, which he refuses. (It was illegal then.) The punchline? He asks them “By the way, was it the same guy?” This scene was cut by Universal, I presume, so that people don’t know abortion was once considered a bad thing.

Next, “Elvis on Tour” (1972), is a documentary released by MGM. Today, it’s owned by Warner Bros. The original song over the title credits was “Johnny B. Goode”. It’s been replaced by “Don’t be Cruel”. Now, we can argue back and forth about Elvis being on something while singing “Johnny B. Goode”. I don’t care. Elvis on chemical substances is still ten times better than the singers of today. “Elvis on Tour” is not the same without this song.

This is elvis.jpg Finally, “This is Elvis” (1981) is an excellent retrospective of the King’s career: part documentary-part reenactment. Towards the conclusion, Elvis sings “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” which has been removed for the “Special Edition” at the request of his estate. (His ex-wife? His daughter?) This song was cut because Elvis forgets the words at one point. It does show, however, Elvis at the end of his rope, raw and unvarnished.

Likewise, CBS would cut “Unchained Melody” from “Elvis in Concert” (1977), a real shocker.

It is unforgiveable in this day and age to edit out, whitewash, a part of rock and roll history. If this article does any good, Universal and Warner Bros. will restore these films UNCUT.

Jerry Lewis Dead

Posted on August 23, 2017 by ericreportsnews

Comedian Jerry Lewis died on August 20, 2017 at the age of 91 from natural causes in his Las Vegas home. He made fifty feature films, mostly comedies, except for “The King of Comedy” (1983) and “Max Rose” (2016), his last. “The Day the Clown Cried” (1972) remains the holy grail of unreleased movies – Jerry’s ode to the Holocaust.

For 44 years, Jerry hosted the MDA Muscular Dystrophy Telethon. He was unceremoniously fired in 2011 for not agreeing to a shortened, modernized revolving-host format. Without him, the telethon lasted only four years. (2011-2014.)

For whatever reason, many hated Jerry. They hated the telethon, they hated his TV shows, his films. I guess there are some folks who hate Christmas too.

My personal favorite films were “The Errand Boy” (1961) and “The Patsy” (1964.)

"Jerry Lewis in The Family Jewels" Stickers by Art Cinema ... My favorite scene comes from “The Family Jewels” (1965), where he portrays the most evil, rotten clown of all time.

He is gone now. A remnant of Hollywood’s golden age. He’s been replaced by filthy-minded people I wouldn’t break bread with.

Glen Campbell Dead

Posted on August 16, 2017 by ericreportsnews

Image result for glen campbell , back cover of adios

Singer Glen Campbell died on August 8, 2017 from Alzheimer’s Disease. He was 81.

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