Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Talk Is Cheap

Two remarkably similar programs have recently appeared, Under The Influence on TCM and Spectacle on the Sundance Channel. They're both one-on-one talk shows, where an artist discusses his influences, interspersed with clips. And both are hosted by an Elvis.

The Elvis's make the difference. Elvis Mitchell hosts the TCM show, which is about film. It's not bad, but Mitchell interrupts a bit too often, offering his opinion, which we don't care about so much as Elvis may think.

The Sundance show is hosted by Elvis Costello. He's not a professional interviewer, but he knows enough to stand back and let his guests talk. His first show was a full hour with Elton John, and in addition to the interview they performed a few numbers.'

It was pretty good, but, actually, I find Elvis more interesting than Elton John. I wish he were the one being interviewed.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

But what do you think of the Shatner talk show? (can't find it but have read about it)

7:43 AM, December 10, 2008  
Blogger LAGuy said...

Haven't heard much about the show. I'd rather read the autobiography he says he's writing.

This is from a recent transcript:

CNN: "Boston Legal," what a finale: a wedding between Denny and fellow lawyer and best friend Alan. Don't they know that Proposition 8 [passed]?

Shatner: It was all a financial guise, as you learned to your dismay. There was nothing sexual about our marriage. It was all designed to bequeath my fortune to him as [my character] got ready to die.

I like the "[passed]." No doubt the interviewer actually said "failed" or something like that.

As far as marrying to bequeath money, even in a fictional show, I have to wonder if Denny Crane would have to go to such trouble. The spouse gets a forced share, but if he's not married, doesn't Crane get to decide?

10:10 AM, December 10, 2008  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Estate tax avoidance

12:14 PM, December 10, 2008  

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