Jeff Berkwits's page

Does anyone have any theories yet?

One that others have come up with is that the island is alive and manifesting their thoughts and/or fears. Possible spoiler coming up here...

Hmmm ... interesting theory. So would that perhaps make it a modern-day version of Forbidden Planet, where in essence they're fighting "creatures of the id"?

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge fan of radio and books-on-tape (or CD), and many of the full-cast audio books (performed by a cast of actors, rather than just one individual reading) have a wonderful old-time radio (OTR) feel.

There also is a great set of OTR CDs, issued a few years ago by Radio Spirits, called "The 60 Greatest Old-Time Radio Shows From Science Fiction Selected By Ray Bradbury" (how's that for a mouthful of a title?). Among those programs are dozens of famous SF short stories. I found myself listening to that while walking, driving, and just laying in bed imagining I was enjoying a circa 1940s/1950s radio broadcast.

Also, don't forget the Twilight Zone Radio Shows which we covered in issue 603 of Amazing Stories. Those are out on CD, too, and really do a nice job mimicking, while at the same time building upon, that OTR feel.

Now I can confess that I left Amazing in a fit of pique over not having been invited to introduce one of these films. Hmph!

I'm particuarly glad to see Gattaca on the list. I know it's too soon, but one day Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind should be up there, along with Brazil.

Hmm. Edmonton needs a series like this ...

I have to admit that, thanks to Jenny, this was the very first public event I attended here in Seattle. I saw <i>The Day the Earth Stood Still</i>, introduced by SF writer John Kessel. I was pleasantly surprised by the entire affair, which was not only enjoyable but also educational. I hope the folks at the museum keep it going — you can bet that, once I'm settled in, I'll definitely return for another film! And if anyone reading this is in the Seattle area over the next month, I can't recommend enough seeing one of these pictures. I have to admit, I haven't made it to the museum itself yet, but the movies alone are well worth the trip!

I first heard EARTH ABIDES on an old 1950 production of the classic OTR (Old Time Radio) program "Escape." It haunted me enough that I went out and read the book (superb tale, BTW). I think Wilford Brimley would be great in an audio edition of that story. As for STARS, that's a tougher one. Perhaps Tony Danza? Nah! Have to think about that one more.

Though it's an awfully short story, I'd love to hear a good dramatized audio version of THE NINE BILLION NAMES OF GOD, too.