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Monday, August 27, 2007

"Off the Black"

Always fascinated by a performance of Nick Nolte's, I watched "Off the Black" last nigth (2006: directed by James Ponsoldt) and was equally fascinated by the performance of young Trevor Morgan. The movie opens with Trevor on the mound taking a very long time to deliver the next pitch. He shakes off two signs then seems to think forever about the next one before pitching what umpire Nolte rules a ball—the one that walks home the winning run. Though baseball is (was) the only sport I could call my own, I never heard the phrase "off the black," which I take it means close, but not a strike.

Dealing as the movie does with communication between father and son (and between father and stand-in son) and with a father's death (and with things being not quite a strike), the movie will probably haunt me for a few days. And would probably haunt you it you made a point to watch this highly commendable example of storytelling art.

And a good example, for Nanowrimo participants, of the story that dwells at home and next door.

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