The Filtered Excellence: March 21, 2013

Bob Geldof once asked us, “Where is the filtered excellence!?” It’s right here. Here are this weeks picks of what to WATCH, what to DO what to TRY what to READ what to LISTEN TO and more:

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WATCH THIS:

Badlands: The Criterion Collection DVD. Terence Malik’s film, loosely based on Charles Starkweather and Caril Ann Fugate’s murder spree throughout Nebraska and Wyoming, is still a marvel 40 years after its release. Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek are perfectly cast as the teenage lovers who go leave a trail of blood and bodies behind them stateside. For his first film, Malik intersperses the beauty and the U.S. countryside, the joys of first love and the brutal reality of the murders like a seasoned veteran. It’s no wonder that he’s considered one of our greatest filmmakers. The Criterion Collection includes a new restored digital transfer, a new documentary on the making of the film featuring Sheen, Spacek and art director Jack Fisk; an episode of American Justice about real life killer Charles Starkweather, and more. One of the great directorial debuts in the history of cinema.

You’ve Been Trumped on DVD. Another reason to really hate Donald Trump, this time taking his imminent domain defense international. He purchased the last protected sandunes in Scottland (the same area represented in Local Hero), which is considered a agricultural, tourist, and ecological landmark. The directors (who live on the land) document the complete destruction of the dunes while those living on the land attempt to fight Trump and the goverment protecting him. While the residents are interesting, the most compelling part of the movie are those with less personal stakes who still take a stand against Trump and the Scottish goverment for allowing a businessman to destroy what is essentailly a national park so he can build a still unconstructed golf course.

Phil Spector by HBO Films. We honestly have no idea if this will be ‘excellence’ but we  will be watching. With Al Pacino and Helen Mirren starring, Pulitzer Prize winning writer and director David Mamet telling the story, and the subject matter being about the legendary music producer accused of murder, we can’t resist at least checking it out. Mamet is also co-executive producer of the film along with Oscar winning director Barry Levinson. Sunday, March 24th – HBO – 9pm Eastern.

The NCAA Mens Basketball Championship Tournament.  Coverage on CBS, TNT, TBS and truTV.  The Madness continues through the weekend as the Round of 64 action finishes up and the Round of 32 games begin.  Will the top seeds survive!?  Will the Cinderellas start to emerge!?  Then get ready for the Sweet Sixteen when those teams that have advanced meet starting on Thursday, March 28th.

Romance.  Chuck Palahniuk’s short story Romance made into a short film.  Well worth your spending your dollar fiddy to support some independent film here on this excellent adaptation of author Chuck Palahniuk’s short story, Romance. Sad, single and out of shape, John meets a gorgeous, “free spirit,” on the train on his way to Lollapalooza, the time it was in Seattle. She claims to be Britney Spears, but she’s not, of course, though, “same caliber hot as Britney Spears.” Thus begins our love story… It’s funny, it’s disturbing, it’s gross, and it’s both heart-breaking and hilarious; it’s a chronicle that says, “Everybody looks a little crazy if you’re looking close enough.” True to the original tale it,this film features direct passage readings voiced over some crazy ass scenes from the Palahniuk’s intense, descriptive good-writing come-to-life. Magic trick! Puppet Show!

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TWEET  THIS

Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon 40th Anniversary.  From PinkFloyd.com:  Pink Floyd would like to invite you to take part in a global playback event, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their seminal album, The Dark Side Of The Moon.  From 00.01 GMT on 24th March – marking 40 years since the album’s original UK release date – join us in turning the moon dark on pinkfloyd.com.  Listen to the album and tweet your thoughts, memories and photos using #DarkSide40 to turn the moon dark.

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DO THIS:

New York City: ArtExpo.   Now in its 34th year, The International ArtExpo gives artists, dealers and collectors full access to some of the greatest pieces from across the globe in one designated space. There’s also free seminars and conference classes designed to help newbies and veterans develop and navigate the always changing landscape. Ideal place for networking or just to learn more about the art world. ArtExpo NYC will be a Pier 92 March 21st through the 24th.

New York City: Art + Soul: The Keith De Lellis Gallery. This current exhibition – featuring vintage photos of some of music’s greatest artists (Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Billie Holliday, Dizzy Gillespie, and B.B. King) juxtaposed with iconic images depicting Black culture are being showcased at The Keith De Lellis Gallery. The works of photographers Anthony Barboza, Leroy Henderson, Chuck Stewart and Chester Higgins, Jr are showcased throughout the run. An extraordinary snapshot and time capsule of a people and the culture they produced. Art + Soul will be at The Keith De Lellis Gallery through March 23rd.

New York City:  New Directors, New Films.  March 20th – March 31st at MOMA and The Film Society of Lincoln Center. Each year New Directors/New Films unveils a brand-new lineup of fresh faces on the filmmaking scene. Past festivals featured the works of Pedro Almodovar, Kelly Reichardt, Atom Egoyan, Spike Lee, Richard Linklater, Sally Potter, John Sayles, Steven Spielberg, and Wim Wenders early in their careers.

New York City:  Nick Cave: Heard NY in Grand Central.  March 25 – March 31. In a groundbreaking installation and performance piece by internationally acclaimed artist Nick Cave, thirty colorful “horses” will periodically break into movement accompanied by harpists. Choreographed uniquely for Grand Central Terminal, this is Cave’s first public project in New York City. Co-presented by MTA Arts for Transit and Creative Time.

Brooklyn, New York: The New Season Opener for Coney Island and Luna Park. Despite facing $1 million in damage from Hurricane Sandy, Coney Island and Luna Park are ready to open it’s new season on schedule on Sunday, March 24th. Enjoy all the classic attractions at the Coney Island boardwalk including the Cyclone, the Wonder Wheel and a hot dog eating qualifying event to get ready for the Nathan’s Championship on July 4th. Coney Island is back and open for business. – Sunday, March 24th, Luna Park at Coney Island is located at 1000 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Las Vegas:  Warhol Out West.  If you’re in Vegas go see the Warhol Out West exhibit at the Bellagio Hotel. Its the largest Warhol collection ever to be in Vegas, and it’s only open until later this year.

 Santa Barbara, California: An Evening with Jeff Bridges and The Abiders with Special Guest David Crosby. Jeff Bridges and his band, The Abiders will play a special benefit concert at the Lobero Theatre. The Abiders welcome their special guest, two time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, David Crosby. The show will help raise money to preserve and enhance the Lobero Theatre. Encore Patron ticket holders are also invited to a post-show reception Bridges, Crosby and the band. Lobero Theatre – Thursday, March 28th – 8pm. Lobero Theatre is located at 33 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101