I know with the 100th Anniversary of Titanic's sinking, we are getting inundated with Titanic related programming.
But since DiF contributed such a fine commentary to the film, I wondered if any of you checked out Jim Cameron's Final Word special on National Geographic?
I had a few thoughts, and wondered what the forum people might think:
1) The whole War-Room scenario is Vintage Jim Cameron. Even the Naval officers are fearing "five across the eyes" for speaking out of turn. I loved how the naval architect (who looks like Mitchell from "Modern Family") raises a contention, and recieves the "glare of death!"
2) All computer Animator wizards out there (esp Teague and Dorkman)- what did you think of the new revamped animation of the Titanic's sinking? I did like the integration of their new data. Like the Stern's ultimate angle reaching only 23 Degrees prior to breaking off.
3) Loved the Banana demonstration to indicate the "Green-Stick" fracture of the ship's "Double Bottom." I'm def gonna whip that bad boy out 'round the breakfast table. (The...uh...banana..I mean)
4) I thought the Naval Architect was correct in dismissing the "Downward-thrust" argument leveled on top of the bow, subsequent to impact. Do you think the draft "hydro" pressures would have been strong enough the blowout that entire structure? Probably a combination of many forces.
5) Thank you Jim Cameron for not deciding to go back and "Fix" the '97 movie with the new data they uncovered.
6) I almost forgot my favorite segment: What would you have done if you were the captain? I know hidsight is 20/20, but I would have rammed that Iceberg straight on. Apparently, The ship might not have filled as quickly, if at all.

Thanks, everybody..now onto the "Downtown Abby" mini-series next week. aboard the Titanic.
"Thanks for your opinion, now I'm gonna make it Exciting!-- F'N James T! Cameron

This is a Commentary Review for "Beyond Suspicion." from 2001
Mom, could I have some more Goldblum, please?
Really, commie listeners, this makes wading thru hundreds of bland, silent commentaries, where the only voice is heaping effusive praise on all the cast and crew involved, worthwhile.
Goldblum and director Tabak never let a moment of dead air pass. Jeff describes the Meissner technique of acting, reveals his favorite films of 2000, and sings.
Yes, he sings 3 songs. One was "Ghost of a Chance", another, a French ballad about the erection-causing abilities of women. This is related to his on-screen chemistry with Anne Heche.
Serious questions about chaos theory, existensialism, and moviemaking abound. Matthew, the director, doubles as moderator here as well. He describes the trials of making a movie in 25 days, earning the respect of the crew, and picks Jeff's brain on his preferred method of being directed.
So informative (Deadwood and Justified's Tim Olyphant is a Meissner performer) and engaging. What a ride. It's too bad this movie didn't get a bigger release, or a better title. 9.5/10

I know that this infamous scene has been discussed in a couple of episodes. But, after watching "The Hunt for Red October" with the commentary track on, I found Mctiernan's opinion of it to be very ironic.
I think it is universally held that the introduction of the soviet cook, along with the subsequent 4 second long "hold" on him at the scene's conclusion, epitomizes a director "showing his hand."

The DiF crew has mentioned other "giveaways" which escape me, but here's John Mctiernan's take: I paraphrase

" I admit the (involvement) of the cook strikes me as a little frail. I think maybe i should have intercut to him a few more times, to, you know, highten the suspicion."

Pretty hilarious, that the director thought he underplayed it. Given how so many of us view it as a dead giveaway.