Steal This Movie

[sarahlee]

I just finished "Steal This Movie" and I'm surprised how touched I was by VDO's portrayal of Abbie Hoffman. Has anybody else seen it? I'm not saying that I now agree with Mr. Hoffman on all his views, but I don't have to agree with you to like you. And he turned out to be right about Cointelpro after all--(just because you're paranoid, it doesn't mean they're not following you!)

Anyway, the movie has gotten me to thinking about those days and manic depression in great people and I'm reading about Mr. Hoffman now and looking at his books. I would appreciate some of your insights fellow travelers, help me out.

[Patcat]

Sarahlee, did you get to see the DVD edition with the extras? There are some interesting interviews, including one where Mr. D'Onofrio seems to be very much in character as Mr. Hoffman. And the commentary by Mr. D'Onofrio and (I think) the director is revealing as well.

Patcat

[sarahlee]

No, not DVD. I got a couple bags o' movies from a video rental chain that was getting rid of VHS. I'm working on building a VDO collection, and I'm starting with VHS. Better on the budget, don't cha know.
"So "Steal" is worth renting? I've started "Steal this Book", and I'm researching news reports on Abbie Hoffman. The net is very helpful with sites too. I'm also interested in his wives, they were vital and strong women.

[spaniard]

Just saw on thereel that Steal this movie is available on google video. Another night I will go to bed at 4 am! I shouldn't read forums at night.

[sarahlee]

Sleep tight spaniard, I already know you will have sweet dreams...(of VDO) ;D

[spaniard]

Oh my....

I don't know what to think, such a weird movie with great actors. And that hair...I know it is the real hairdo but where is the artistic license when you need it? Still sexy though.

Ok, my two cents: I liked it, I don't know if I would buy it but sure I would rent it is someday I see it in Spain, something I doubt because VDO's movies are always too indies to cross the pond. Miss Garofalo was great, she is one of my favorite actresses, always so natural like if she was the real person she is portraying.

Google should air Guy, if someone paid more than $300 for a copy it is obvious that there is a possible audience.

[filmnoir5]

spaniard said:

Ok, my two cents: I liked it, I don't know if I would buy it but sure I would rent it is someday I see it in Spain, something I doubt because VDO's movies are always too indies to cross the pond.

I only purchased this one because it was not for rent and I read on several boards about how funny the commentary was between Garofalo and D'Onofrio. It was funny.

[sarahlee]

I bought and watched for the obvious reason--VDO! Still, I was interested to see his take on that time. What I think I remember and what I study is so different from what I saw on the screen. I've also been thinking alot about talented people and manic depression. I'm still working on that idea; alot of people to learn about, much to keep me interested.

[gibbsfandan]

Steal This Movie and Impostor are the only two VDO movies I own at present. I have a feeling, though, that this board is going to change that. As soon as my wife detects signs that I'm now interested in seeing more of D'Onofrio's work, without doubt I'll start seeing packages from assorted internet sites, containing every single film of VDO's that's possible to be obtained. (Legally, I hope. Any sign of copyright infringement, and the recording goes into the fireplace. If that leads to me lying face-down on an ER bed while the docs pull BB pellets out of my butt, so be it.)

Since Tessa knows what I'm thinking before I do, I expect a copy of Naked Tango to arrive Tuesday (Monday being a federal holiday, unfortunately for my eager spouse), with an extra $20 or so added to the bill for expedited delivery.

Getting to the topic: I very much enjoyed Steal This Movie. The only two real complaints I have are these: My gut feeling (partly based on what I've heard from my parents' generation, whether they were in Vietnam or were at Woodstock), is that the movie somewhat over-idealizes the Vietnam-era counterculture. The minor complaint: VDO's take on Hoffman's accent made me very glad that subtitles were provided. I've read elsewhere that Hoffman had a peculiar voice, but perhaps that's one more area (besides not using a fake nose) where artistic license could have been used. The stereotypical Brooklyn accent, for instance, would have been realistic and taxing enough. ;)

What I liked best: Like Sarahlee, since watching this movie I've done a great deal of thinking and reading about the time period in which the movie takes place. I've learned a number of things that surprised me simply by the fact that I hadn't learned them before, and I find that situation more than a bit disconcerting. The revelation about Cointelpro was unsettling enough (in fact, with further confirmation, it makes me furious) — and there was so much more: not just related to (often) illegal and amoral/immoral internal espionage, but also concerning foreign affairs in general and Vietnam in particular.

I appreciated the balance between the depiction of Hoffman's personal life, and his life as an activist and very public figure, the part of his life by which he defined himself. I found it engrossing to learn a bit about the other people involved with the "Chicago Eight" (seven, once Bobby Seale was tried separately). When you stop to think about the variety of personalities involved with "the movement," it's fairly amazing that they accomplished as much as they did as dissidents who apparently were often at odds among themselves, but for a long time presented a united front against The Establishment. (I'm not including average citizens in that group; rather, anyone who had proof of illegal or immoral government ops and actively or passively helped perpetuate them.)

Something I wish there'd been more time to get into: How much were the Yippies connected to the Black Panthers, the Weathermen, and the SDS? I know that strictly speaking, the Yippies were nonviolent; still, it's hard to believe that their activities didn't help fuel the fires (literally) started by more radical groups or by the disenfranchised who were basically just "mad as hell and not going to take it anymore." And I'm not passing judgment on that; I haven't been there, and don't know what I'd be capable of doing while still feeling that I was obeying my conscience and helping my fellow humans.

Besides the more personal elements, I also appreciated the humor that helped keep the movie spirited and not overwhelming. — Also re. Hoffman's personal life, I was very interested in watching the developments in the triangle between Abbie, Anita, and (sorry, am drawing a blank on the character's name) Abbie's lover. It was all very different from what I'd expected, and I found that relationship — particularly with the Hoffmans' son involved — to be very moving, particularly in the face of ongoing governmental harrassment for Anita.

The ending, with the court scene and all, was very uplifting, until you found out that Hoffman committed suicide, apparently a direct result of his worsening manic-depression and his paranoia. Tragic. As was Anita Hoffman's death from breast cancer.

Still, one message of hope and great inspiration came through loud and clear: Act on your convictions. You don't have to hate anyone in the process; you just need to feel very strongly about justice and mercy (they should never be separated), and what will do the greatest good for the greatest number of people.

[DonnaJo]

Wonder post, gibbsfandan! Makes me want to view this movie again. I rented it about a year ago & watched it while doing chores around the house. Only scene I really remember with clarity is when Abbie is walking around with no pants on.

Be sure to post your thoughts on Naked Tango. I can't seem to find this movie to rent or buy (for a reasonable price) and would like to hear what you have to say about it.

[gibbsfandan]

Donna, thanks once again for the positive feedback.

donna said:

Only scene I really remember with clarity is when Abbie is walking around with no pants on.

It never ceases to amaze me just how interested chicks can be in watching some dude's buttocks. Are you all hoping that maybe, just this once, a frontal shot will sneak in and not wind up on the cutting-room floor? — Nah, I know you ladies are too smart for that. Go figure. — Now, if it's a woman's body, that of course is an entirely different matter.

Along those lines (coughs), here's something else of interest from Steal This Movie.

As others have posted, the DVD commentaries are very interesting. That provided by VDO and Janeane Garofalo is sometimes related to filmmaking, sometimes to the politics of the time, sometimes to Hoffman personally; but quite often, it's Vincent and Janeane messing with each other and having a great time.

At one point, D'Onofrio alerts the viewers to an upcoming "great shot" of Ms. Garofalo, which turns out to be primarily of her t-shirt-clad chest during a mud fight. The shot lasts long enough for VDO to get in another remark about just how great a shot it is. (And he's not exaggerating.)

Gotta love it: So, even with all the acting and artistic talent, plus a formidable intellect, Vince is a regular guy. It'd be cool to shoot the breeze with him sometime over a Glenlivet or two. Especially if Kathryn Erbe were there. In fact, D'Onofrio could leave early.

[DonnaJo]

Well, that does it! Didn't realize this movie had a commentary between Vincent & Ms. Garofalo. Love the ones included in Happy Accidents & The Whole Wide World.

Netflix, here I come! ;D

[Techguy]

IFC has this movie scheduled next month:

Fri Sep 14 09:00P on Independent Film Channel

[Techguy]

Independent Film Channel has this movie scheduled in March:

IFC Fri, Mar 7, 10:35 AM
IFC Fri, Mar 7, 4:10 PM
IFC Tue, Mar 18, 9:40 AM
IFC Tue, Mar 18, 3:25 PM

[susan1212]

*bump*
Don't forget March 7th!

This is a fabulous movie and Vincent is extremely sexy in it!