The Center of the World. A genuine period piece from the not-so-distant era when a dot-commer really could be worth twenty million dollars overnight, at least on paper. In case you hadn't heard, this film is all about sex. I really liked it, even though I saw it in the smallest theater at the Nick in Santa Cruz with a guy behind me who couldn't shift in his seat without making an unbecoming grunting sound and some older ladies in the back who kept saying "Ew!" at some of the more graphic stuff. The last thing I saw Peter Sarsgaard in was Boys Don't Cry, and I didn't care for his character much in this film either. I guess a guy who agrees to a set of rules and then actively tries to break them doesn't get much of my sympathy. I thought Molly Parker's character kicked ass, retaining her power throughout many situations that could have easily slipped into being degrading. Wayne Wang was definitely taking some risks with this film, but it worked for me.

Memento. It really is as good as everyone says it is. I had to go to the bathroom about halfway through but didn't dare leave for fear of missing something crucial. Your brain has to be fully engaged for the duration of the film, not unlike L.A. Confidential, another film in which Guy Pearce stars. Unfortunately, his legacy from that movie is usually to be rememb ered as the guy who wasn't Russell Crowe. If there is any justice in this world, Memento will start to get Pearce better name recognition and more good roles. Carrie-Anne Moss and Joe Pantoliano were also fabulous, especially playing characters whose motivations are uncertain even after the movie ends. Patrick wants to see it again right away, but I don't feel quite the pressing need to figure out every little nuance of the story immediately. Nor am I the type of p erson who's anxious for it to come out on DVD just so I can watch it in the "right" order.

Touch My Monkey. Not a movie this one, but a rave in downtown Santa Cruz Saturday night. We were very curious about where it would end up being held, and I had to laugh when the address led us to the Yoga Center. Everyone had to take their shoes off to protect the floors, so there was much sl ipping and sliding. The music that was playing in the main room for the short time we stayed had the relentless beats that Patrick particularly enjoys, and I wish I knew enough about the many forms of electronic music to know which subset it fell into. I also loved the visuals in that room: Fantastic Planet, production shots from Fight Club, an Aphex Twin video, Silence of the Lambs. I would, however, like to leave a note for the asshole in the red jacket who was flailing around and knocking people over. I don't care how high you were, you sucked.

The Center of the World
Memento