Anyway, here are my selections for August:
The Faith Healers by James Randi
A relentless voyage into the seedy world of the so-called "faith healers". James Randi rips a new one for the likes of Oral Roberts, Pat Robertson, W.V. Grant and, of course, that piece of shit Peter Popoff by exposing their lies, tricks and depravity. Exhaustively researched, Randi and his investigative team uncover scams and schemes so vile and heartless, you'll undoubtedly feel your skin crawl and your tempers flare as you read. Essential for anyone who's ever been duped by someone claiming to be God's go-between or possess The Answers.
The Rapture directed by James Toback
Mimi Rogers gives an unforgettable performance as a directionless spinster (she's a phone operator by day and a kinky swinger by night) who one day "finds God" and suddenly becomes an ultra-conservative Jesus fanatic (sorta like the female version of Kirk Cameron). However, after a tragedy shatters her perfect little world, Rogers begins a slow descent into religious-inspired madness -- or is she simply a devoted Christian being guided by her faith? Watch it with someone who doesn't equate the movie-viewing experience with the chance to eat popcorn.
Songs of Faith and Devotion by Depeche Mode
Depeche Mode does Christian Rock -- and the result is the band's most cohesive and complex album to date. Reviled upon its release by DM's then-largely all-black wearin' teenage poseur fanbase for sounding too rock 'n' roll-ish (it doesn't), the mockingly-titled album is, instead, a gorgeous collection of dark, epic melodies that are filled with anguished appeals (courtesy of Dave Gahan's over-strained vocals) to an indifferent, unjust and unresponsive God. This ain't Stryper, kids.
Split Image: The Life of Anthony Perkins by Charles Winecoff
A candid look at the troubled life and career of the Psycho screen legend. The book chronicles Perkins' lifelong struggles with his personal demons and sexual identity -- at a time when homosexuality was widely accepted as a psychological defect caused by coddling mothers and insufficient participation in sports. Sadly (but understandably), Perkins was swayed by the propaganda and sought "treatment" from self-help "gurus" who were nothing more than New Age charlatans; leading Perkins into further emotional turmoil and drug abuse until his death in 1992 of AIDS-related complications. Enlightening and heartbreaking.
A candid look at the troubled life and career of the Psycho screen legend. The book chronicles Perkins' lifelong struggles with his personal demons and sexual identity -- at a time when homosexuality was widely accepted as a psychological defect caused by coddling mothers and insufficient participation in sports. Sadly (but understandably), Perkins was swayed by the propaganda and sought "treatment" from self-help "gurus" who were nothing more than New Age charlatans; leading Perkins into further emotional turmoil and drug abuse until his death in 1992 of AIDS-related complications. Enlightening and heartbreaking.
What I love about Randi is his utter lack of pettiness. He gives the so-called mystics a fair shake at proving their claims, lets them freely make fools of themselves in the attempt, then steps back and lets the obvious speak for itself.
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