Before I actually answer this question there are a few things that need to be addressed and since I am not the type of person who shirks responsibility lightly, (You can blame my parents for that, good people. I was raised by a Jew and a Sicilian, so guilt and shame were the foundations of my upbringing.) I need to thank all of you who continue to visit even when I do not reciprocate. That will be changing in the weeks to come now that Prozac is legal here in Lilliput.
I also want to thank Lime for not only providing me with an enormous ego boost, but also with a new pair of socks. The old pair are getting kinda thin at the heels. I only hope she realizes that I have size thirteen feet annnnd that the postage to send them to Japan will cost roughly the same as a meal for a starving family of four in Somalia or Angola or maybe Detroit.
Now lets get back to Japan or more importantly to Mr. Bill Murray and the whisper. There are so many things I like about Bill, I will refer to him on a first name basis from now on, that I would like to forget about this movie altogether and gather a group of emotionally retarded cohorts together to have a toga party to give thanks to John Belushi for if I didn't find him so damned hilarious on SNL, I never would have discovered ol' Billy boy- yes, I understand the diminutive is pushing things a bit here, but what the heck, it's my blog. You don't have to speak Japanese or live in Japan to understand what Bob Harris Whispered. That's because he was whispering in English. Yet If we take a good look at many of the films that Bill has starred in I am willing to bet it was something inane and quite possibly connected to either rodents, drugs or getting slimed.
Truth be told, Bill Murray is a fine actor, capable of serious, thought provoking roles as well as the side splitting characters that have made him famous. Now There is one film, one tale, that has gone unnoticed by many of Bill's fans: "The Razors Edge".
The movie was panned by critics when it was released in 1984. This happens to many comedic actors who try to break from what the public expects of them. I have always thought this particular film to be quite possibly the most underrated movie of all time. So much so that; I would rather hear what Larry Darrell would have whispered to Sophie if he had the chance.
"I thought Sophie was my reward for leading a good life. But you know what?
There is no reward for leading a good life."
18 comments:
You know, I have never seen Razors Edge. Something that I will put on the list immediately. I love Bill.
Love your blog, too.
Hey Megan. Thanks for all kind words. I really do appreciate them. The Razor's Edge Was written by Somerset Maughm (sp)and it's different from the movie, but based on his real life experiences.
The movie is a must see, but be forewarned it is not the usual stuff we get from Mr.Murray. It is quite stark and unnerving.
ya know, i liked the razor's edge way back when it came out and didn't understand why it was being so panned....except like you say they expected bill to be slurring his way through a tirade against groundhogs.
size 13, you say? well, i hope tube socks work. if not, then uh...make them mittens....or uh....fill them with rice for a heat pack....orrr....i dunno, be creative.
in any even i hope you enjoy them somehow. i'll send em out once the loan is approved.;)
Glad to see you back pecking at your keyboard and in Moi's comment section . . .
Somerset Maugham is a great writer but he fell out of fashion oh so quickly. Maybe that's why everyone hated The Razor's Edge? I have to go back and revisit the film. Ever read any of Bill Murray's stuff on golf?
I would have said "Here I am surrounded by Japanese women and I wasted my time with YOU?" But Bill probably said something classy, like "Buy AT&T at 65 and a quarter."
I love Murray in Razor's Edge and Lost in Translation - and The Life Aquatic. He's a seriously quirky guy.
It sounded like you dissed Groundhog Day, one of the best films of all time.
I read the book way back when, never did see the movie. You're getting socks and Prozac? Cool!:)
I like Bill Murray quite a bit, but I absolutely hated Lost in Translation.
Lime~ I hope this doesn't affect the children's college fund.
Moi~ I know that Bill is indeed passionate about the game but I never knew that he wrote anything on it. Will have to look into it.
Grant~ Tell the truth. You would have used Scarlet as bait to lure in a whole bevy of bunnies.
JJ~ Quirky is one way to describe him. Dangerously insane is another. The man is bonkers!
Kurt~ No. No, no, nay and Never!
Bill is and has been one of my favorites. The original cast of SNL are all superior entertainers and I have enjoyed so many hours of laughter from their antics.
S.J. Well, I am getting socks, thanks to Lime, But the prozac...
Citizen~ I'll agree with you it wasn't a very good movie, but if anyone else had plaed the role of Bob Harris than it really would have been shit.
um..played...
I can understand Jew, but which the hell religion is Sicilian ???? I thought that Sicily was the capital of Italy!
what for do you need that Prozac! Serotonin riding in waves in your mind?
Razor's Edge...is that the Maugham book? I love to read Somerset Maugham :)
yea the postage is going to be 20 times the cost of the socks...
so what were we actually talking about here? Careless whispers? I love that song too!
Hmm...never heard of the movie, interested in watching it though! Socks are always one of my favorite purchases, I've been known to spend a good half hour looking for a certain pair. They're like sweaters for your feet!
I've never seen the flick, so it's kinda hard for me to put the line in perspective. Although inaudible, it seems to be in character.
I've seen many comedians in serious roles. They tend to do better than serious actors in comedic roles, if only ecause comedy is technically far more difficult than melodrama. So it doesn't surprise me that Murray is good in this scene.
Bill Murray's version of "The Razor's Edge" is a pivotal film, and among my Top-10 of all time. Powerful. And perhaps the fact that few seem to "get" or appreciate it, makes it all the more special.
Concerning what he ACTUALLY whispered in Scarlett's ear: I like to think of his free hand tinkling on the keys of an imaginary piano (a la Ghostbusters) as he says, "They HATE this".
Its disturbing to know that you are in need of the Prozac...I hope you are felling better!
(((( HUGE HUGS FROM MOTHER MONA))))
I loved "Lost in Translation". I truly appreciate the fact that you never know what he said. Sometimes the idea of what might have been said is more powerful since we can add our own meaning to it.
No argument that he's a raving loon, but his entertainment value is very high... :)
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