Mad Men [Archive] - DVXuser.com -- The online community for filmmaking

Batutta

09-08-2007, 09:48 AM

I dig this show. It's a fascinating time capsule to a time when you not only could sexually harass your female co-workers, you were expected to (not saying that's a good thing). I think it's nearly great, but not quite. It's a little too slow and haphazard in its plotting, like the Sopranos, but Sopranos had life and death stakes which gave its storylines more dramatic tension. ...The highlight is for me is watching Jon Hamm become a movie star. His character is interesting and he plays him brilliantly. Wished they had cast him as The Green Hornet and not Seth Rogen(!?). The red head is hot as all hell, and I like the actor who plays the wormy young guy (I forget his name). Catch it if you can, just don't expect a rip-roaring tale, its a slow paced time, place and character examination.

Capt Quirk

09-08-2007, 12:03 PM

DeSica

09-08-2007, 03:42 PM

The one episode I watched fully, the new secretary started, and her co worker gave her the how to's of working in the office. As new girl tries flirting with her boss, he tells her quite bluntly, "I'm not your boyfriend, I'm your boss". I liked his no nonsense attitude towards the way things are. Sure, he's a two timing jerk, but he's got some morals.

That was the pilot. He really gets going from there, as do many of the other characters.

Everything about the show is quality. The writing, the acting, and especially the production values. The sets and costumes are great, and the feeling is lush and vibrant. Weiner picked 1960 because he felt it was a promising and sexy time in American history. It was the end of the 50's, but you didn't have the political stuff and war that darkened the later part of the 60's.

One element that was recently revealed came as no surprise to me (due to knowing that Matthew Weiner was involved with the Sopranos), and I felt you could see it coming if you paid attention to the character, but it still fits the show and is well done.

The wormy guy someone mentioned is Vincent Kartheiser. He was in Another Day In Paradise with James Woods and Melanie Griffith, and was recently in Alpha Dog.

If anyone has TV on Demand (such as Rogers here in Canada), you might be able to view back episodes for free (we can here.) Otherwise, it can be seen Thurdays at 10 pm on AMC, and is repeated right after at 11 pm.

I love the pacing. Slow is good.

Batutta

09-08-2007, 03:51 PM

I love the pacing. Slow is good.

I don't mind slow sometimes, I just think the show is a little narratively unfocused. It's still better than 99 percent of what's on TV, I just think it could be great instead of really good.

Batutta

10-19-2007, 10:22 AM

Wow, what a great finale! This show coalesced in the home stretch from a really good show into a great one. Best line was from peggy, "...get the woman you liked, she's probably at home with the relaxisizer right now." Her arc in this show has been great, and the payoff at the end was unexpected, can't believe I didn't see it coming. Don's pitch of the carousel slide projector even made me a little misty. Glad they got a season 2.

Batutta

08-11-2008, 10:12 AM

Anyone watching the new season? This show's still going strong...What Don did to that comedian's manager last night was the greatest pimp move of all time, like some Jed-Vulcan mind pinch, except he wasn't pinching her neck if you know what I mean. Awesome stuff.

Deepfocus88

08-11-2008, 11:16 AM

Anyone watching the new season?

Yes, absolutely. They just upgraded AMC to High Def in our system, which is much appreciated.

And yes, the redhead is hot as hell.

Batutta

08-11-2008, 12:42 PM

Hmm...some interesting theories about what Don did to the comedian's manager last night. Many believe that "Bobbi" is actually a man, or a woman with man parts, and I'm starting to believe it. One, he washed his mouth out after he came home from the romp in the car. Two, his threat that "He will ruin" Jimmy only makes sense if he has something he can ruin him with, which would be that his manager/lover is a tranny. Seems he might have been grabbing something else under that dress. Interesting.

Deepfocus88

08-12-2008, 07:19 AM

That may be reaching (no pun intended) I dunno, this is a civil & upbeat message board, so I won't elaborate on why I think Bobbi is simply a woman. I think Don Draper has the power to keep that bee-otch in line based on his persona. Not that I won't discount those theories, but I think it's much simpler.

This week's episode was the first time that I really registered a simularity between Don Draper and Tony Soprano. Will he continue his decent into badassery? How long before he beats up a copywriter to show that he's still the boss? :Drogar-Evil(DBG):

BTW-seeing this show in HD for the first time is awesome (and long overdue). The backlit scene where Don and Bobby first meet is amazingly lit.

Erik Olson

08-12-2008, 07:34 AM

MadMen rocks. I'm so happy to have this ONDemand in HD and AMC in HD now. Season one looked like crap on a stick in SD. AMC generally looked bad, but that show really looked flat and blurry.

Oh, their opening title sequence is currently my screen saver. Bitchin.

e

Erik Olson

10-13-2008, 08:59 PM

This series has certainly evolved in season two. I just finished watching 211 and I'm not sure I've figured everything out yet. It just gets better and better.

e

Batutta

10-14-2008, 09:17 AM

I still love the show, but they seem to have second season syndrome a bit. Usually the first season is all forward story momentum, but when they figure out the thing is a hit they decide to slow things down and stretch out the story arcs so they can keep it going longer. Don and Betty's storyline has progressed nicely, but everyone else seems to be running in place. Peggy has gone nowhere, Sal is still deeply in the closet, Pete is still trying to have a kid, etc. It's still the best thing on right now, though.

Deepfocus88

10-17-2008, 01:39 PM

I still love the show, but they seem to have second season syndrome a bit.

I was thinking sort of the same thing the other day. Recently bought the 1st season on DVD to revisit, and it really is nothing short of amazing.

That being said, this season of Mad Men is still light years ahead of anything else. (on my list of favorite TV shows, that is.)

I wish they could devote more time to pitch sessions and other things advertising-related. There seemed to be more of that in season one. (Lucky Strike, Kodak, Menkin's Dept Store) This season seems to be more of a glorified soap opera.

Enough Don & Betty relationship crap, I want to see more about the other character's developments like Kinsey, Sal, Joan & Kent. (& Don's hot new secretary...Hayohhh!) And the whole thing with Peggy & Tom Hank's son is one major snooze.

Erik Olson

10-17-2008, 02:14 PM

I love Joan and would never have cheated on Birdie. Except with Joan. Sweet Jesus.

http://thisrecording.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/joan_holloway.jpg

e

Batutta

10-26-2008, 05:29 PM

For the Mad Men fans out there, Don Draper's Guide to Picking up Women. Hi-freakin-larious--

http://www.hulu.com/watch/40972/saturday-night-live-don-drapers-guide#s-p1-st-i0

This ain't bad either, especially the beginning and the end--

http://www.hulu.com/watch/40973/saturday-night-live-a-holes-pitch-meeting#x-4,cClips,1

Jim Brennan

10-27-2008, 10:55 PM

teresadecher

10-28-2008, 08:10 PM

Good show, Great art direction and cinematography

My buddy Denis is a camera op on this show. FWIW, he also owned a DVX when they first came out, using it on some flashback sequences for CSI back in the day.

Wow that's really cool your friend is working on Mad Men! I absolutely love the cinematography on this! I watched a behind the scenes special on this, and I love how much attention they pay to detail in making it a successful period peice.

Jim Brennan

10-29-2008, 09:01 AM

Yep, it looks great. And Denis is a super nice guy. We went to high school together, but I only see him now at NAB.

chstick

10-30-2008, 10:22 PM

What a great show. Sure it moves a little slow at times, but i don't think it ever really drags.

I was turned on to this show just two weeks ago (i don't have cable.....just a 50" Plasma and a Blue-ray player). I just watched the entire first season (in 2 days), I am hooked.

One cool thing (about the DVDs) was the behind the scenes stuff. A lot of the production crew came over from the Sopranos....which explains top-notch production value.

I had to skim over some of the posts....since I won't be able to check out season 2 until it gets released (however, this show is almost good enough to get cable again.......but I do like my Blue-ray cave).

Deepfocus88

09-07-2009, 09:46 PM

Bump. Season 3.

Show is still great. That is all.

Batutta

11-02-2009, 03:10 PM

Wow. The last 2 episodes have been pretty amazing.

SPOILER WARNING!!!!!

Starting last week with Don's past finally being revealed to his wife, to the JFK assassination its been a one two punch of brilliance. Jon Hamm's performance when he finally had to spill the beans to his wife, culminating with his breakdown when speaking of his brother committing suicide was note perfect. The way the whole assassination of Kennedy unfolded last night was equally devastating. I had seen many films and docs about his death, but seeing it play out through the eyes of characters I'd come to know so well really made me feel what it must of been like that day. And then after all that Betty finally tells Don she doesn't love him! Maybe Don will be the one to take a dive off the roof of Sterling Cooper, as some have speculated is what the opening title graphics portend.

David G. Smith

11-02-2009, 04:16 PM

Oh yeah, the JFK stuff was very good. I was so impressed that they really were able to crystallize everyone's character with their reactions to the tragedy nice work. Of course, that episode was directed by Barbet Schroeder. he ain't no slouch.

Nektonic

11-08-2009, 08:57 PM

Wow. Freaking excellent finale for season 3.

"Well then, happy Christmas."

and

"I'm tired. Peggy, get me some coffee."

"No."

Jordan_S

11-08-2009, 09:43 PM

During the scene in which Don let Sal go, I was instantly reminded of the moments preceding Michael's murder of Snoop on "The Wire". Such insouciance! Snoop knew what was going to happen in the SUV, yet he made no attempt to escape or even argue, simply shrugging his shoulders. Sal, too, barely offered a fraction of the defense he could have. Of course, Don had been ready for this ever since the fire alarm at the hotel.

Batutta

11-09-2009, 08:52 AM

Yeah, this finale took me completely by surprise.

SPOLIERS

Didn't expect them to go that way with the Sterling Cooper Agency. And I really expected them to drag out Betty and Don's crappy marriage forever. Will be interesting to see how things develop next season. I'm betting Betty will still be miserable and Don will be happier than ever.

Deepfocus88

11-09-2009, 07:59 PM

Wow. Freaking excellent finale for season 3.

"Well then, happy Christmas."

My head just exploded. Great finale.

BryantStanton

11-10-2009, 02:09 PM

Could not have ended better, imo. I absolutely cannot wait for season four.

Jordan_S

07-25-2010, 08:42 AM

Interesting article (http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/25/magazine/25FOB-onlanguage-t.html?_r=1) to read as we await the start of season four.

Deepfocus88

07-25-2010, 10:37 AM

Yeah, that was an interesting article. A show like Mad Men is going to be held to a high standard.

I'm excited for the premiere tonight.

Erik Olson

07-25-2010, 09:13 PM

Tonight didn't disappoint. A full year has passed and everything (and nothing) has changed. SCDP is so very claustrophobic compared to the old agency. The whole place is one narrow hallway - such a stark contrast to the bullpen at the old house.

Seeing Draper eject a potential client from the conference - er, conversation room - was really liberating. I've felt that same way more than once.

Love this show. So much.

Deepfocus88

08-16-2010, 07:56 PM

Best season so far? Discuss.

IMO, it's less soap opera BS this year, and more shop talk. Working in advertising, I could watch this s**t all day.

Seeing Draper eject a potential client from the conference - er, conversation room - was really liberating. I've felt that same way more than once.

An enthusiastic +1

Batutta

08-16-2010, 08:01 PM

Best season so far? Discuss.

IMO, it's less soap opera BS this year, and more shop talk. Working in advertising, I could watch this s**t all day.

An enthusiastic +1

I still say Season 1 was tops. Just a flawless slow reveal of Don Draper's past. This season started slow but the last two episode have been great. John Slattery should direct more episodes.

Erik Olson

08-16-2010, 08:10 PM

There's been some complaining that the series is less in touch with the 60s than the media gives them credit for. Last night's ep., The Rejected (and season three in general), did a great job of painting the increasing generational divide between the older SCDP staffers and people like Peggy, who is beginning to skew toward the younger characters.

To me, Don is starting to become less relevant - and that's going to come as very big news to everyone, no matter how assertive he is. That Joan gives him an old woman to replace a not-so-discretely departing Allison really drives home that Don isn't going to get away with everything he might have in 1962.

SCDP belongs to the newly-minted partners, but they're all more accountable than they were working at SC.

I'm hooked and the dynamics are only getting more interesting. Finally, the opening credits are beginning to mesh with the content of the show itself. And Don is truly the one who's falling.

Batutta

08-16-2010, 08:17 PM

There's been some complaining that the series is less in touch with the 60s than the media gives them credit for. Last night's ep., The Rejected (and season three in general), did a great job of painting the increasing generational divide between the older SCDP staffers and people like Peggy, who is beginning to skew toward the younger characters.

To me, Don is starting to become less relevant - and that's going to come as very big news to everyone, no matter how assertive he is.

Mmm, not so sure. He stood up to the market research woman who wanted to go with the "women just want to get married" campaign for Pond's. He gets that a younger generation of self empowered women are coming of age and knows he has to sell to them to stay relevant. In his case it's perhaps wish fulfillment, because that's the type of woman he wants now, not an immature girl like Betty who just wanted a Prince Charming to sweep her off her feet. Note that in previous seasons he mostly cheated on Betty with women who were more self possessed.

Erik Olson

08-16-2010, 08:28 PM

Well, in 301, we see Don shunned by a stunning Betty look-alike in the back of a cab. She's "heard that trick before" when he asks to walk her to the door. In the meantime, he is in the wilderness at home. He is becoming a stranger in his own home where another man has taken everything he once had - save for the advertising career he treats with cavalier abandon.

It's a precarious situation for Draper. The head-shrinker research analyst, Faye, isn't out the door just yet. She might be his nemesis or his next conquest. My bet is both. He likes a strong woman more than a pushover and Faye might just be slapping a little sense into him in 305 or 306.

Batutta

08-16-2010, 09:29 PM

I'm just saying I don't think he's going to be left behind by the times. That's Freddy Rumsen. Don has always shown a capacity to adapt. All his conflicts with clients this season are because they are still stuck in a 50's mentality and Don is struggling for something more modern.

Deepfocus88

08-17-2010, 01:16 PM

Last night's ep., The Rejected (and season three in general), did a great job of painting the increasing generational divide between the older SCDP staffers and people like Peggy, who is beginning to skew toward the younger characters.

Great point, I really took notice of that this week. The scene where Peggy got in the elevator was great.

Rashdan

08-19-2010, 10:58 AM

Batutta

08-19-2010, 11:41 AM

What was the ending to episode 4 about? The old man asking his wife "Did you get pears? Did you get pears?" and her eventually answering "We'll discuss it inside." I'm sure it means something. But I'm not smart enough to decipher.

I think it was just supposed to reflect Don looking at the old married couple and seeing his own lonely future.

Deepfocus88

08-19-2010, 12:43 PM

Righto, I don't think there was any hidden meaning here.

Probably in that woman's world the grocery list was a "family matter" not to be discussed in public. :grin:

Deepfocus88

08-30-2010, 08:17 AM

So Mad Men won more Emmys this year. I've never seen a show so revered by critics, but when you ask Jane Doe and Johnny Punchclock if they've seen it, it's like, "Huh, what show?"

Just like Rush is a musician's band, Mad Men seems to be a show for media/advertising industry people.

And I stick by my statement a few posts back, this is the best season so far. (but Season 1 is pretty amazing)

Batutta

08-30-2010, 10:03 AM

Deepfocus88

08-30-2010, 10:33 AM

+1 all good points.

Erik Olson

08-30-2010, 03:14 PM

Don and Sterling going into the Life pitch hammered, Clio in-hand was fantastic. That they walked out with the campaign in their pocket surprised me. This one wasn't as good as most of Season 4, but even when it's weak, Mad Men is still leagues better than almost everything else on TV.

JConnors

08-30-2010, 03:20 PM

I was cringing when he started pitching to the LIFE guys, very awkward scene.

Also, loved the weekend blackout, the transition to show it was a different girl in bed with him was great.

Did anyone notice Betty in the advertisement? Did a double take at that.

ZazaCast

08-30-2010, 03:28 PM

Last night's episode was one of the best in the shows history. Definitely up there. I like that they're retreating from the soap opera a bit and getting back to the ad business more. Finding out how Don got "hired" at Sterling Cooper by taking advantage of Roger's drunkeness couldn't have been more perfect...And I think Peggy is getting hotter with every episode.

+1 all good points.

+2! It is a great show, but for some reason, quite a few of my friends don't watch it.
Just give me Mad Men, Breaking Bad, Rescue Me, Sons of Anarchy and I'm all set!
AMC & FX have some good stuff these days.

CPM Camera Rigs

08-31-2010, 03:52 PM

I've been watching it from the beginning, hooked from the start. I was born in 1969 so not too far off on some things for it to twist your mind a bit. I remember when Don bought the new car and they went for a picnic. It was time to go and they just pulled up the blanket and the basket and just left the trash. And for good measure Don finished his beer (pull tab by the way) and just chucked it into the trees. And I’m freaking out, yelling at the TV "Pick up the trash you basterds!" But that’s what it was like. I remember going to the park when I was young and you where lucky if there where any waste baskets anywhere, maybe one or two near the parking lot.

Then there’s the pregnant women smoking and drinking. Don driving with a cigarette in one hand and a high ball in the other. And with no seat belts. Heck I don't think the cars had seat belts back then. I think it was a dealer option to put seat belts in cars. It certainly is a mind twist of a show.

Mark Harris

09-02-2010, 09:44 PM

Just getting into this, about half-way through season 1. It hasn't out and out grabbed me yet, but the writing is great and it's beautiful, so we're sticking with it.

Batutta

09-03-2010, 07:26 AM

Just getting into this, about half-way through season 1. It hasn't out and out grabbed me yet, but the writing is great and it's beautiful, so we're sticking with it.

Please do. The 1st season is a flawless slow reveal, but it is slow. I watched it again when my wife wanted to get into the show and I enjoyed it even more the 2nd time, as they dropped many hints about where it was all going I missed the first time.

Mark Harris

09-03-2010, 10:26 PM

Holy Christmas, the episode called "Red in the Face" hooked me. So much weird and awesome stuff went down in that ep. It was like the episode of The Wire where Kima got shot. That's when I finally got sucked into that show big time. Am hooked.

Curious about the smoking....like how they pull that off these days...is it all herbal, is there any compositing or camera tricks?

Interesting to me how in season 1 you basically never see an ext shot. I can recall like four so far...they do a lot of smart stuff to keep the budget under control.

Officially a great show.

Also, the woman playing Betty is an amazing actress. Dunno who she is, but she is really something. Quite literally cannot hide herself from the camera, if you know what I mean.

Drew Ott

09-04-2010, 01:39 AM

I speed-watched season one and wasn't a huge fan. A few months later I continued watching and started to love it. I think it's incredible.

Season four has been fantastic so far.

Batutta

09-04-2010, 08:28 AM

Also, the woman playing Betty is an amazing actress. Dunno who she is, but she is really something. Quite literally cannot hide herself from the camera, if you know what I mean.

Wait until you see what they put her through the next few seasons...She's probably the most polarizing character on the show. I agree that January Jones doesn't get enough credit.

Deepfocus88

09-04-2010, 10:38 AM

Just getting into this, about half-way through season 1. It hasn't out and out grabbed me yet, but the writing is great and it's beautiful, so we're sticking with it.

Mark, I know you like Breaking Bad, I think you're going to really enjoy Mad Men. The last episode of season one is perfection in my book.

You're right about the lack of exterior shots. It's not a deal killer, but it would be nice to see more hustle & bustle on NYC streets. Like John Hamm said at the Emmys, "It's cable" (not network)

Mark Harris

09-04-2010, 11:37 AM

You're right about the lack of exterior shots. It's not a deal killer, but it would be nice to see more hustle & bustle on NYC streets. Like John Hamm said at the Emmys, "It's cable" (not network)

It def doesn't bother me, but the kind of thing I notice, since I do this stuff. I kept wondering how on Earth they could afford this show...

One thing I really really like are the very long scenes. Always well written. But not afraid to have a 4-5 min scene...that's pretty rare, I think.

Batutta

09-04-2010, 11:43 AM

It def doesn't bother me, but the kind of thing I notice, since I do this stuff. I kept wondering how on Earth they could afford this show...

One thing I really really like are the very long scenes. Always well written. But not afraid to have a 4-5 min scene...that's pretty rare, I think.

They shoot this in the building my sister used to work in for Reelz Channel, in downtown Los Angeles. She had a few Hamm sightings while there. I believe they actually use the building exterior for certain establishing shots--

http://www.lacenterstudios.com/index1.html

Zak Forsman

09-04-2010, 12:42 PM

Sabi Pictures was in that building up until two years ago. It shows up in everything. It was the Unical HQ in the 60's and retains that vibe. Spent a lot of time sneaking up to the roof for a bird's eye view of downtown.

some floors are sets -- one is a hospital and morgue, one is a police dept, etc.

BryantStanton

09-07-2010, 04:14 PM

Wow. The most recent episode has to rank up there with the best. Such a powerful episode through and through. Last episode was fantastic as well. Season 4 started a bit slow (as all the season tend to do) but it's shaping up to be one of the best. I cannot get enough of this show.

Nektonic

09-08-2010, 01:23 PM

Man alive, Duck really turned into a walking disaster.

This episode was awesome though. So much stuff came out that was bubbling under the surface for multiple seasons. Great stuff. AMC is beating the shit out of every other network under the sun.

Erik Olson

09-08-2010, 02:27 PM

...Like John Hamm said at the Emmys, "It's cable" (not network)

Thank God for that, because the show never would have been allowed to run on network as it has on AMC.

Very little in Mad Men is thrown-in for no reason. I think that elderly couple in the hallway at the end of Ep 404 (The Rejected) is there to show a couple of things.

Don is torn between his (The Greatest) generation and the next one, which is occupied by angry, anti-establishment pop-art beatniks. Within his own place in time, he was a misty shadow of a person named Don or Dick, and doesn't really exist within it. His laments his own self-imposed disenfranchisement throughout the series. In Ep. 407 (The Suitcase), he tells Peggy that, "...The only person who really knew me is dead."

The next generation hates commercialism and advertising along with it, so Don has no place there at all, yet there he resides. Peggy is straddling that line as well, though I think she can make a go of it.

As Don watches the older couple, he sees how he doesn't fit in...anywhere. His imagined idyllic life would combine carefree bachelorhood with all the trappings of family, but he cannot have both. The worst part is that he finally had a real family, but he is so averse to this lifestyle that he destroys it. He had Grace Kelly waiting for him in the perfect colonial revival in the suburbs, two kids and the job he'd always wanted. But it wasn't enough. Somehow this old couple persevered, but he could not.

The old couple knows how to keep their dirty laundry where it belongs - hidden deep away from prying eyes and outside judgement.

Don wants to live this clandestine life, but nothing is sacred and nothing is secret for him anymore. His every move is scrutinized in the smaller SCDP offices - and he's taking his medicine. Roger Sterling knew about Betty's affair long before he did, his secretary effectively broadcast their tryst throughout the office and Joan gave him Ms. Blankenship as an answer to his philandering. Professionally, even though he's got his Clio, there are big holes showing in his game.

I don't think anything in this show is about pears and that's why I love it.

Nektonic

09-08-2010, 09:00 PM

As Don watches the older couple, he sees how he doesn't fit in...anywhere. His imagined idyllic life would combine carefree bachelorhood with all the trappings of family, but he cannot have both. The worst part is that he finally had a real family, but he is so averse to this lifestyle that he destroys it. He had Grace Kelly waiting for him in the perfect colonial revival in the suburbs, two kids and the job he'd always wanted. But it wasn't enough. Somehow this old couple persevered, but he could not.

The old couple knows how to keep their dirty laundry where it belongs - hidden deep away from prying eyes and outside judgement.

That's kinda what I thought too when that old man was squawking about the pears. It sort of showed how Don diverged from the married life, and he sort of realized that he won't have the life the old pear man has when he is older. Of course, maybe Don is glad he won't have that kind of life? He sorta likes his freedom, but then, maybe he'll miss it further down the line.

One thing I like about Mad Men, and something that the pears scene reminded me of is how the show throws in strange or seemingly silly yet later important things ala Twin Peaks. The pears scene, Duck storming into the offices Drunk and trying to shi* on the furniture... and who can forget the classic lawnmower scene?

Or how about when Don and Roger went to lunch, stuffed themselves with shrimp cocktail, drank too many Martini's, and then had to climb the staircase back up to the office cause the elevator was out, thus stirring up the contents of Roger's stomach and causing him to vomit as he tries to shake a waiting client's hand? I love that the show is serious, but will throw in those kinds of things to shock and break things up. Cause that's real life in a way. Bad but funny stuff just happens.

BryantStanton

09-09-2010, 12:34 AM

I only watched the new episode once, and might have missed it right in front of my face, but does anyone know the significance of the mouse? I loved the line after the second sighting though: "You know what? There's a way out of this room we don't know about."

Deepfocus88

09-09-2010, 12:12 PM

One thing I like about Mad Men, and something that the pears scene reminded me of is how the show throws in strange or seemingly silly yet later important things ala Twin Peaks. The pears scene, Duck storming into the offices Drunk and trying to shi* on the furniture... and who can forget the classic lawnmower scene?

Or how about when Don and Roger went to lunch, stuffed themselves with shrimp cocktail, drank too many Martini's, and then had to climb the staircase back up to the office cause the elevator was out, thus stirring up the contents of Roger's stomach and causing him to vomit as he tries to shake a waiting client's hand? I love that the show is serious, but will throw in those kinds of things to shock and break things up. Cause that's real life in a way. Bad but funny stuff just happens.

I'm sure a lot of the writing is based on real life events & stories passed down. In one interview the writers were talking about that episode where Betty was shooting at the neighbor's birds was based on a childhood memory. I'd like to know how they came up with that lawnmower story. :Drogar-BigGrin(DBG)

Mark Harris

09-17-2010, 01:49 PM

Most the way through season 2 now. I have to say, in a cast of giants, January Jones continues to steal this show. Her ability to do nothing on screen is beautiful. Really nuanced performance.

Mark Harris

09-18-2010, 11:06 PM

Just wrapped season 2. Great handling of external themes; Marilyn's death and Cuban Missile Crisis...Fantastic, fantastic show. Season 3 on the way, will be caught up by Wed!

Nektonic

09-20-2010, 11:58 AM

Just wrapped season 2. Great handling of external themes; Marilyn's death and Cuban Missile Crisis...Fantastic, fantastic show. Season 3 on the way, will be caught up by Wed!

Season 3 is really good. I liked all the seasons so far, but season 3 is a little bit better than season 2.

Season 4 is really great so far too. It started a little slow, but it is all coming together nicely. The past three season 4 episodes have all been flat out amazing and featured quite a few unexpected little surprises.

Batutta

09-20-2010, 12:54 PM

The past three season 4 episodes have all been flat out amazing and featured quite a few unexpected little surprises.

I'll say...Last night's, uh, unceremonious send off was pretty hilarious, borderline farce. I liked that character but could have seen her wearing out her welcome...And Don's latest squeeze is probably his best match yet. If he can't make that relationship work he's a bonehead.

BryantStanton

09-23-2010, 02:13 PM

"Everything's going to be ok"

"No, it's not"

This season has gotten pretty dark in the last couple episodes. Sounds like they're not done yet.

Deepfocus88

09-26-2010, 06:27 AM

And Don's latest squeeze is probably his best match yet.

Damn, I just caught it in the credits last night. That girl is Cara Buono. She was hilarious in Artie Lange's Beer League. :beer:

http://www.thecinemasource.com/moviesdb/images/Artie_Langes_Beer_League%20-%2014%20-%20Cara_Buono.jpg

Looks totally different now.

Batutta

09-27-2010, 10:45 AM

Dang...Draper was really feeling the heat last night. I hope this isn't the end of that storyline, because if so he got off a little too easy...And is Draper's eye wandering again!?...You think he would have learned by now.

CPM Camera Rigs

09-27-2010, 12:27 PM

"Everything's going to be ok"

"No, it's not"

This season has gotten pretty dark in the last couple episodes. Sounds like they're not done yet.

After last nights ep, you called that right. The words "hell in a hand basket" come to mind. Does anyone else think Red changed her mind?

Drew Ott

09-27-2010, 04:44 PM

...And is Draper's eye wandering again!?...You think he would have learned by now.

I'm not positive, but I think that's what was happening. I always love the music cues at the very end of the show. When it cuts to credits, I'm usually thinking "Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!"

This show is just about perfect every single beat.

BryantStanton

09-28-2010, 12:03 AM

Jesus. I felt like Don probably did that whole episode. Completely on the edge of my seat.

I do also think maybe Red changed her mind. I got that vibe as well. We'll see.

Deepfocus88

09-29-2010, 12:52 PM

Interesting to me how in season 1 you basically never see an ext shot. I can recall like four so far...they do a lot of smart stuff to keep the budget under control.

Ever since this point was raised I have been watching for examples. (or lack thereof?) And there are plenty of times no ex. shot is used. It all seems to work fine though.
"Let's go to dinner" BAM! They're sitting at a table in the Playboy Club.

Speaking of keeping the budget under control, I have a question/comment: There seems to be extreme lapses in time where we see secondary characters like Pete, Ken, Harry….hell even Peggy goes missing from time to time. And what the hell happened to that dude with the beard?

Do you think the show has too many characters to possibly see them all on screen every episode? Or is this s****y economy at play forcing the creators to be selective with who goes in what episode? I haven't really watched a lot of shows with this many characters since, I dunno….Dallas when I was a kid? :grin:

Batutta

09-29-2010, 04:25 PM

I'm not positive, but I think that's what was happening. I always love the music cues at the very end of the show. When it cuts to credits, I'm usually thinking "Oh sh*t! Oh sh*t!"

This show is just about perfect every single beat.

If you don't want a possible answer to the question, then don't click THIS LINK. (http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/I066e0iUm4h/Jon+Hamm+Jessica+Pare+Film+Mad+Men/iymACnwzcZn/Jessica+Pare)

CPM Camera Rigs

10-01-2010, 06:42 PM

If you don't want a possible answer to the question, then don't click THIS LINK. (http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/I066e0iUm4h/Jon+Hamm+Jessica+Pare+Film+Mad+Men/iymACnwzcZn/Jessica+Pare)

Wow... that brings up a ton of questions....... is that California (as part of the story) The blonde hair on the kid? Baby Gene has Blonde hair.... And of course where do I get a guy to follow me around with a lint brush all the time?

Erik Olson

10-05-2010, 11:07 AM

Last night's ep was the best of the season. Even as the world crumbles around Don, he's climbing back into the saddle...if you know what I mean.

CPM Fast Tools

10-07-2010, 07:05 PM

Yup, the fact that she came back to him with the Heinz information means thats just the start. So I expect she will set Don up with as many of her customers as he can handle.

Erik Olson

10-09-2010, 03:00 PM

Well, hopefully everything doesn't end too well this season. I'm worried Weiner is building his finale strategy. Season 3 and 4 were both very much up in the air.

CPM Camera Rigs

10-10-2010, 01:19 PM

I think after last weeks show they mentioned two shows left in the season. I also remember an interview with Weiner, I think it was NPR and he mentioned the show would go for 6 seasons. Which when a show ony has 13 shows a season, seems very short. I was hoping things would hit 1970.

Deepfocus88

10-11-2010, 12:21 PM

^ The 70's? Nah, there was nothing memorable about advertising in that decade. :grin::grin::grin::grin:

http://www.denimology.com/2009/07/chic%20fit.jpg

Erik Olson

10-11-2010, 02:43 PM

So... Bert Cooper is gone? He really just played in the background, but really?

Nektonic

10-12-2010, 01:27 PM

So... Bert Cooper is gone? He really just played in the background, but really?

"You there, get my shoes."

Later on... Bert Cooper stops by the writer's lounge, holding his shoes.

"I wish you all the best of luck."

"I didn't think they'd start with him."

Such a perfect yet anti-climactic send-off for Cooper.

I think after last weeks show they mentioned two shows left in the season. I also remember an interview with Weiner, I think it was NPR and he mentioned the show would go for 6 seasons. Which when a show ony has 13 shows a season, seems very short. I was hoping things would hit 1970.

My theory on how the last season will go down:

- Season 6 will start with the assassination of either Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Robert F. Kennedy, or these events will occur sometime early on in the final season.

- Joan's husband will either come back a completely changed man, or he will die in Vietnam.

- The WKBW 1968 War of the Worlds broadcast might panic a few characters (would be great to see Pete Campbell or a drunken Roger Sterling in a tizzy over it).

- Sally will eventually drive Betty mad, meaning that Sally will end up living with Don in the city. Of course, this could very well happen in the next season (5).

- Roger Sterling will finally have that fatal heart attack or stroke that has been circling since the first season.

- Peggy and Don end up together after two or three more "Draper conquests".

- The last scene of the series finale will end on the eve of the July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 Lunar broadcast. It will not only be historically significant, but in the context of the show, they will do it as a montage showing all the major characters watching the moon landing from home, or at a bar, etc. It will counterpoint where they are now against where they were in 1960 when Mad Men began, while also closing out the 60's as a decade. *

* Forgot to add, that another possibility I see for the Mad Men series finale's last scene could be a New Year's Eve party. Maybe Don is at a party in a bar with some of the other characters or it could be at whatever agency Don is at by that point? Anyways, the very last seconds would be the countdown to 1970. I think that could be a nice closing to the show, literally ending as the 60's are over for good.

BryantStanton

10-13-2010, 12:42 PM

Gah, another great episode.

I really have no idea how this is all going to play out, but I do know next week can not come soon enough. However, afterward it'll seem too soon and the depressing wait for next August will begin.

CPM Camera Rigs

10-13-2010, 08:50 PM

"You there, get my shoes."

Later on... Bert Cooper stops by the writer's lounge, holding his shoes.

"I wish you all the best of luck."

"I didn't think they'd start with him."

Such a perfect yet anti-climactic send-off for Cooper.

My theory on how the last season will go down:

- Season 6 will start with the assassination of either Martin Luther King Jr. and/or Robert F. Kennedy, or these events will occur sometime early on in the final season.

- Joan's husband will either come back a completely changed man, or he will die in Vietnam.

- The WKBW 1968 War of the Worlds broadcast might panic a few characters (would be great to see Pete Campbell or a drunken Roger Sterling in a tizzy over it).

- Sally will eventually drive Betty mad, meaning that Sally will end up living with Don in the city. Of course, this could very well happen in the next season (5).

- Roger Sterling will finally have that fatal heart attack or stroke that has been circling since the first season.

- Peggy and Don end up together after two or three more "Draper conquests".

- The last scene of the series finale will end on the eve of the July 20, 1969 Apollo 11 Lunar broadcast. It will not only be historically significant, but in the context of the show, they will do it as a montage showing all the major characters watching the moon landing from home, or at a bar, etc. It will counterpoint where they are now against where they were in 1960 when Mad Men began, while also closing out the 60's as a decade. *

* Forgot to add, that another possibility I see for the Mad Men series finale's last scene could be a New Year's Eve party. Maybe Don is at a party in a bar with some of the other characters or it could be at whatever agency Don is at by that point? Anyways, the very last seconds would be the countdown to 1970. I think that could be a nice closing to the show, literally ending as the 60's are over for good.

I like where your going with this. I don't think Betty will ever be happy no matter who she is with. Peggy and Don together, I would like to see that. Not sure if Don has room for a female version of himself in along term relationship. WHen the shit hit the fan and Sally ran away from home he tended to pawn her off on any willing female around. But love does crazy things, so who knows.

Roger = Heart issue. Yup. I expect it will be in a blaze of glory. I really like the idea of the moon landing being the last ep. The whole Man on the Moon, technology wave will really be a turning point on how they market ideas. Can't wait for next week. Although like Bryant mentioned I hate the idea of a long and cold winter of re-runs. Only ray of hope will be a blue ray with some BTS.

Batutta

10-15-2010, 04:59 PM

Hour long chat with Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner--

http://weblogs.variety.com/on_the_air/2010/10/kcrws-chat-with-mad-men-creator-matthew-weiner.html

Batutta

10-17-2010, 09:08 PM

This finale was all class. No histrionics. Just quietly observed moments, which is what the show does best. Don has seemed to have found the perfect woman...but will he ever tell her the truth?...BTW...If you want to see Jessica Pare in all her glory, rent Hot Tub Time Machine. She is surprisingly well stacked.

Drew Ott

10-17-2010, 09:23 PM

Crazy finale. I like how Don falls in love at the milkshake scene and the audience is pulling for their relationship the whole trip... but when they get back to New York reality kind of sets in, and you're left thinking "wtf?"

Jordan_S

10-17-2010, 11:09 PM

Here are extended excerpts (http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/10/17/matthew-weiner-closes-the-books-on-season-4-of-mad-men/?hp) from the Times' ArtsBeat interview with Mathew Weiner.

Deepfocus88

10-18-2010, 07:06 AM

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz (just kidding) Well not really, if you compare it to how stoked we all were a few pages back for last year's finale.

Aside from the bizarre engagement plotline, not a whole lot going on. A $250,000 pantyhose contract and *gasp* Joan is keeping the baby. Gee, didn't see that one coming.

(WTF, I feel like one of the housewives from Mr. Mom talking about soap operas…"The vasectomy didn't take?")

CPM Camera Rigs

10-19-2010, 04:09 PM

All in all not bad. Certainly not the best close. I agree Red keeping the baby, yup no brainer. Don and the engagement was a surprise. I think she is a good fit for him. I don't think he can change his ways but for once I would love to see one of his girls go bat sh*t on him when he does sleep around or try to break it off. This might be the one. Would be an awesome scene of her screaming in French threatening to cut off his *ick and boil it in Pig fat....

So now for the question; what’s the opening of next season? Will we be 6 months from now? If I remember right everyone was wearing coats around the office so if a spring/summer wedding is in the works that puts us 4-6 months off, right? And if so Red will certainly be showing by then if not already have the baby.