I'm fairly new to the TCM universe lacking cable TV until about a year ago, so I haven't had much of a chance to watch TCM except when traveling. But the past year I've made it a point to try and watch "The Essentials" every week, because the greatest thrill I have watching this network is discovering great and wonderful movies that I'd never even heard of before (thanks TCM!).
I'd like to comment about the difference between last year's co-host, Rose McGowan, and Alec Baldwin this year. I really, really enjoyed listening to Baldwin discuss how differently actors behave on the set when they're truly invested in the movie and the director versus when they're just going through the motions. Plus, he involved Mr. Osbourne and the viewing audience by giving an example of what an actor would do for a movie he really believed in. Compare that to last year's co-host. Did we ever get that? Sorry, but no. Bland, milquetoast bather about how this or that affected her, and how the particular movie message or plot wouldn't fit into today's social / moral / political climate. Too boring for me.
So far, I'm getting a real kick out of Alec Baldwin. I'm sure I would've enjoyed Rob Reiner, Sydney Pollack and Peter Bogdanovich as well... I'd be interested in their perspective as director and actor from both sides of the camera.
On a side note, does anyone have a list of so-called "essential" films from previous years? I'd be very interested to know which other movies the hosts over the years considered worth my time to check out. Thanks.
