RE: [Harp-L] Bad Harp Movies

["MLeFree" <mlefree@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Danny Wilson wrote:
> Michelle states:
>
> "My entry for the most annoying harp in a movie, however, goes to
> 'The Windtalkers'.  Christian Slater comes in with a close second
> to Chow Yun Fat in the category of poorly faked instrument
> playing.  However, where Chow Yun Fat made it almost comical to
> watch, Slater's acting is sickeningly serious, thereby clearly
> establishing himself as my winner in the world's most annoying
> movie harpist category."
>
> I guess I am confused as to her opinion - was it the "poor
> acting" that annoys her, or was it the actual sound of the harmonica?

It was Christian Slater's very superficial attempt to look like he was
playing that bugged me.  It looked as if Slater had never seen anyone play a
diatonic harmonica.  I irked me because I have seen many actors go to great
lengths to assume a role in a movie.  It seemed like no one involved with
this movie, including Slater, gave a darn about any on-screen realism with
respect to our instrument.  Yet, this is a typical John Woo production that
goes way overboard with countless faky-looking gasoline explosions in an
attempt at "realism."  All flash, no attention to detail.  And it was all in
the name of honoring the heroic Navaho Code-talkers, who deserved far
better, IMO.

> Check the following link to learn who actually played the
> harmonica off camera:
>
> http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0605073/
>
> If the harmonica was played poorly, it was then according to script. Or
> if the actor was successful in appearing to play the harmonica badly,
> again according to script, either artist then deserves accolades for
> making it realistically believable.

Thanks for identifying the "ghost" player, Danny.  The actual music made by
Morgan off-screen player was just fine for the context of the movie.  In
fact, it was so well done that IMO it amplified Slater's bumbling attempt to
make it look as though he was playing.

Now please don't tell me that Tommy Morgan played the harmonica in "Once
Apon The Time In The West!"  I stand by my opinion that THAT was the most
terrible playing ever to appear in a movie.  I don't care who did it, it is
painful to listen to and it ruined the movie for ~me~.  The playing is the
same plaintive squeal (yes, probably 6 draw) from start to finish.  Gives me
the shivers just thinking about it.

YMMV,

Michelle