Lost Stream Gem: "Shadows and Fog" (1991)


"Shadows runin full flight,to run, seek and hide."--> Rory Gallagher <--
Woody Allen (the actor) is the quirky conundrum wandering through much of his films as the self-doubting timid-timmy. Never sure what his next move should be or when it should be made.

Woody Allen (the director) doesn't have that problem.
"Shadows and Fog" is first and foremost a loving homage to the great b/w directors of lore. Fritz Lang quickly comes to mind...as does Bergman. Hints of Hitchcock and Fellini and others I'm sure I've forgotten. And it looks fantastic!
Woody Allen & Mia Farrow

Woody skillfully uses darkness and light to present a beautiful and amusing story involving sheepish Kleinman (Woody Allen) being roused from sleep by vigilantes demanding help catching a serial killer. There's also a subplot about circus performers and brothel activities that loosely connect like old Legos.

Initially panned, there was argy-bargy about the all-star cameos (I won't spoil their names) being a distraction and their talents being wasted. However, sometimes the passage of time has a way of toning down Hollywood Shine...and I found the casting (circa 20 years later) both entertaining and enjoyable.

"Shadows and Fog" is where danger haunts and mysteries hide. And glory waits its turn.







"Shadow Play" - Rory Gallagher (1978)



In the flinty light, it's midnight, and stars collide
Shadows run, in full flight, to run, seek and hide
I'm still not sure what part I play,
in this shadow play, this shadow play

In the half light, on this mad night, I hear a voice in time
Well, I look back, see a half-smile, then it's gone from sight
Won't you tell me how I can find my way?
In this shadow play, this shadow play
In this shadow play, this shadow play

Sounds come crashing, and I hear laughing
All those lights just blaze away
I feel a little strange inside
A little bit of Jekyll, a little Mr. Hyde

Sounds come crashing, can I hear laughing?
All those lights just blaze away
I feel a little strange inside
A little Dr. Jekyll, a little Mr. Hyde

Thoughts run wild, free as a child, into the night
Across the screen a thin beam, of magic light
Things they just don't look the same
In this shadow play, this shadow play
Shadow play, shadow play
I can't run away from this shadow play
Shadow play, shadow play

Good stuff!

Casey Chambers
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Comments

milo said…
Rory Gallagher was a big fan of the old hard-boiled detective genre
Casey said…
What a nice Rory blog you have. I plan on spending some time exploring.
--> http://shadowplays.com/blog/ <--
Good stuff!
milo said…
Thanks. In my mind Rory's the ultimate guitar hero

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