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| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 15 2011 : 1:44:01 PM
Bonjour mon amis! After a bit of helpful prodding from James N., I have hopefully landed in the correct area! Yes, go ahead and say it--I will only concur--About zee com-poot-airs; ah am verry stoopide, no? Reintroductions perhaps being in order--these are my FIRST tentative explorations of this humongo website! So I got a LOT to catch up on! More prodding will be welcomed! I blundered into it because I was an Xtra in "Mohicans"--one of zee wild and crazee Coureur De Bois!(all those years ago...sigh), and, being a state employee who has learned to waste as much time at work as any other self-respecting state employee(my only access to a computer is at work, where I was forced a few years back, at gunpoint, kicking and screaming, to learn-?- how to use one of these contraptions....), I FINALLY thought to look up Mohican's stuff, and VOILA!.....To be continued...... |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 25 2011 : 2:29:40 PM
Yeah, my right index finger is BUFF! |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - October 25 2011 : 12:34:46 PM
quote:
Originally posted by lane batot
And Wilderness Woman, ain't no typing going on from me--just a maximum workout for my right index finger! Which you should find even more amazing!
All of those words, and some even in caps, with one finger? My, my. Yes, I am doubly impressed.
 |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 24 2011 : 2:45:11 PM
Thats allright, guys. I didn't figger anyone was giving me the cold shoulder--more that the blog might be a bit cold and people only check back now and again--I do the same thing on the "Christyfest" website--they had me tell all my old tales, but once told, there weren't much else left to say! I was kinda doing it for posterity, as I am so motivated here--you MUST have zee coureur de bois' viewpoint to troolee be completed, non? And Wilderness Woman, ain't no typing going on from me--just a maximum workout for my right index finger! Which you should find even more amazing! And remember, it don't take much to git me goin', as James found out fer himself!! |
| Wilderness Woman |
Posted - October 24 2011 : 1:14:59 PM
quote:
Originally posted by James N.And I hate to chide, but compared to what I remember, poor Lane has recieved instead of a "warm welcome", almost the "cold shoulder", despite my efforts to the contrary.
Speaking for myself, I have been almost overwhelmed by the sheer volume of typing that Lane has done! I've barely had the time to sit and read it all. (Could Facebook and its short posts be the reason for that?  ) However, I have found them exceedingly entertaining! So, with that...
Welcome to the Mohicanland Community, Lane!  Perhaps your great stories and your wit can help to give us a boost. |
| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 3:51:06 PM
I enjoy the midi Rich, ... it's the right theme for that era. |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 12:31:55 PM
Just goes to show how different people can be--I LIKE the little intro music--but then I'm new to this board, and am on a work computer where the sound is never turned up high, etc. As to an in depth interview with Michael Mann, Flammable, I doubt Master Mann has changed very much in temperment over the years--probably even more crotchety and uncommunicative than ever. This is the guy whom if you encounter face-to-face and say "howdy", won't even look at you or acknowledge yer prescence unless you are somehow famous or a celebrity yourself. Why would someone with such tendencies want to co-mingle with what he regards as peasant-peon-nobody-fans on the internet, when he wouldn't even deign to acknowledge his own peasant-peon-Xtras on the film? I could be wrong, but alas, I doubt it. And actually I've NEVER been wrong; I thought I was once, but I was mistaken.....;) And actually, I think you'd have a better chance contacting almost ANY other VIP connected with that movie to get a conversation going, than THE MANN. Boy, wouldn't it be interesting to get his now grown daughter on here to relate her reminisces--I mentioned her on the other thread I started regarding my encounters and thoughts on THE MANN..... |
| Flammable |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 11:58:20 AM
Richfed: I was just trying to be funny about the midi song and my dislike for it. I still don't like it, though.
When it comes to activity, I'd rather read few interesting quality posts than lots of oneliners etc.
I have brought this up before but this web page should try to get a interview, by email for example, with Michael Mann. And I mean a hardcore fan interview with depth and not superficial and so called "obvious" questions. That would be very interesting and would light up the boards for a long time. We could all provide questions for the interview.
Has Mann('s people/team) ever been contacted about sth like this? |
| IWLFNDU |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 11:56:24 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Fitzhugh Williams
I, for one, will be most interested to read anything you post. At every Gathering, Soldier #2, Eric Hurley, tells his stories about the filming and I never get tired of listening to them, even though I have heard them many times before. Seems there is always something new each time he tells them.
I second that. I asked our good Soldier #2 what his favorite scene was to film, and he replied that no one had ever asked him that! I know folks like to hear about the principal actors (I being one, of course), but I find personal accounts to be most interesting, even if principal actors are no where near involved.
So please, Lane, post on! Like I've told James, fans live vicariously through your adventures!
PS: And welcome to the board!!! 
|
| richfed |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 11:15:03 AM
I have no idea why you insist on harping on the midi, Flammable. It has been used on this forum for many, many years --- way back when it was a thriving community. I would argue that it has very little to do with people leaving. Through the years, people come; people go. Now, so far from the film's release, there are simply less folks coming. Many of the regulars left because of political reasons; others just move on; and like MG says ... Facebook, etc. are huge reasons. I post on Facebook regularly. It has been a great resource for finding long lost friends from all phases of my life. It clearly lacks a true sense of community. It tends to be a giant free-for-all: unrelated "status" updates, game results, silly videos ... it's mostly fluff. Every one has a different reason for being there. I have grown tired of constantly trying to pump this place up. I made a conscious decision to just let it be whatever the users make it ... within reason. It has had its hey-day, and I doubt it will ever reach those heights again. It will be what it is. |
| Flammable |
Posted - October 23 2011 : 10:04:48 AM
quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
"I suppose the membership/readership has fallen off drastically from what is was only a very few years ago: Fitzhugh Williams, Monadnock Guide, and Wilderness Woman are about the only ones I see online anymore with any "regularity"; even our Sachem, richfed is an infrequent visitor!"
.
From what I understand James, - most of the "old regulars" are now posting on Face Book, ... tough competition I guess for many sites.
People stopped coming here because of that irritating midi song (which scares me everytime by blasting from my speakers when I click the main forum) on the main forum. It makes the forum experience less fun. Now I have to turn off my speakers everytime I come here but if I forget to do that KABOOM and that midi blasts again. |
| richfed |
Posted - October 22 2011 : 12:13:06 PM
quote:
Originally posted by lane batot
....so perhaps I should start a new thread now with a new subject, specifically, as suggested by James, since you guys have some idea of my personality and participation in "Mohicans". I'm thinking that most folks would like to hear about my encounters with VIP/Stars/Royalty on the sets, so I'll take one celebrity at a time for a subject for each thread....I think at first I will expound more on HIS HIGHNESS THE MANN some more; tiresome in lack of civility though he could be, he was an interestin' critter to watch(as I suppose the appeal of very rude judges on these contest T. V. shows is similar in aspect).... feel free to ask any questions, anyone, on any subject I brought up in this thread or any future one and I'll be happy to peck yer eyes out on it!(Hey! That's a new blog expression I just invented!).....
Sounds like a plan ... !!  |
| Fitzhugh Williams |
Posted - October 22 2011 : 11:52:04 AM
I, for one, will be most interested to read anything you post. At every Gathering, Soldier #2, Eric Hurley, tells his stories about the filming and I never get tired of listening to them, even though I have heard them many times before. Seems there is always something new each time he tells them. |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 22 2011 : 11:17:22 AM
....so perhaps I should start a new thread now with a new subject, specifically, as suggested by James, since you guys have some idea of my personality and participation in "Mohicans". I'm thinking that most folks would like to hear about my encounters with VIP/Stars/Royalty on the sets, so I'll take one celebrity at a time for a subject for each thread....I think at first I will expound more on HIS HIGHNESS THE MANN some more; tiresome in lack of civility though he could be, he was an interestin' critter to watch(as I suppose the appeal of very rude judges on these contest T. V. shows is similar in aspect).... feel free to ask any questions, anyone, on any subject I brought up in this thread or any future one and I'll be happy to peck yer eyes out on it!(Hey! That's a new blog expression I just invented!)..... |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 22 2011 : 11:00:17 AM
Ha! I only need an audience of ONE to ramble on enthusiastically--in fact, some of the BEST story swappin' I've experienced has been with only one or two or three other people around a campfire at night--it's hard to get to know folks in big crowds, and I've never been a fan of big "parties". I cannot access ANYTHING Facebook or Twitter with this work computer(blocked), not that I really want to--I just don't git the whole phenomenon. Why would you just half-arse want to tell a story or try and explain anything? I want to tell things as loooonggg as it takes to tell them, er I jest won't bother. And all that "friending" and "defriending" stuff I hear about--how petty and tiresome that seems! Give me one of these "old-fashioned" blogs anyday! I still write long 50-page PAPER LETTERS to people--one of the LAST of that tribe! I also have no cell phone--probably most definetely the ONLY human on earth so backward--I mean, Pygmies in the Congo, and Masaai herders in East Africa have cell phones, for goodness sakes! I do have an old telephone, but I keep it tethered to the wall in my house so's I kin git AWAY from it! Don't bother trying to call me on it either, until well after dark(except during full moon nights, when you likely won't git me at all!)--and then be prepared to suffer through a lengthy, dramatic answering message of some sort--designed to discourage any tiresome solicitors! Oops; got off subject a bit there..... |
| James N. |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 8:44:17 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
Well then Caitlin, don't be shy, keep posting.
AMEN to that! And except for a very few mentioned exceptions, I'm beginning to feel like the proverbial John the Baptist - "a Voice crying in the Wilderness"! And I hate to chide, but compared to what I remember, poor Lane has recieved instead of a "warm welcome", almost the "cold shoulder", despite my efforts to the contrary. As for me, I REFUSE to have ANYTHING to do with this "cutesy" facebook garbage, and refer to MG's tag line; I prefer to "talk" to those I already "know" and with whom I think I may have something in common. Therefore, I plan on remaining until I wear out my welcome! |
| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 8:06:10 PM
Well then Caitlin, don't be shy, keep posting. |
| caitlin |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 5:59:32 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Monadnock Guide
"I suppose the membership/readership has fallen off drastically from what is was only a very few years ago: Fitzhugh Williams, Monadnock Guide, and Wilderness Woman are about the only ones I see online anymore with any "regularity"; even our Sachem, richfed is an infrequent visitor!"
.
From what I understand James, - most of the "old regulars" are now posting on Face Book, ... tough competition I guess for many sites.
I'm still around!  I just tend to "lurk" more than post...
I'm totally into all of the reminiscing! I have really enjoyed James' posts and am thoroughly enjoying reading your posts, Lane. Thank you and "post on!!" |
| Monadnock Guide |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 5:07:44 PM
"I suppose the membership/readership has fallen off drastically from what is was only a very few years ago: Fitzhugh Williams, Monadnock Guide, and Wilderness Woman are about the only ones I see online anymore with any "regularity"; even our Sachem, richfed is an infrequent visitor!"
.
From what I understand James, - most of the "old regulars" are now posting on Face Book, ... tough competition I guess for many sites. |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 4:00:34 PM
Howdy Fitzhugh! I think I'd really enjoy the "Gathering"--I heard about it some time ago from local casting lady Theresa Phillips(stilll kicking and working from Mars hill, N. C. and we visit from time-to-time), but just never got around(till now!) to looking it up! She should attend too, or get on this message board--she has quite the repetoire of stories as well(though perhaps not as irreverant as mine!) I HAVE participated in a similar type of gathering, for fans of the T. V. series(and popular novel) "Christy"--a fairly decent series(at least it wasn't another dang "CSI" series!) I worked on, mainly in the capacity of a construction laborer(I was the sets' main hole-digger!)--although I did get a coupla Xtra parts the 2 years they filmed, and did some animal work and greens work as well--it was a GREAT experience! Despite my very low position in that production's hierarchy, the fans just don't care, so long as you were part of it in ANY capacity! I have returned year after year and lectured on one thing or another(yes, even about hole-digging!)--they have branched out to include anything involving Appalachian culture--only so many times you can re-hash old series' episodes! Quite a few of the REAL series' stars and VIP's have attended, and we all have a blast! Before the organization ladies that put the gathering together knew me better, they tentatively asked if I could possibly lecture for a WHOLE hour???? "Is that all yer gonna give me?" I blurted! They know better now, and apologize instead at having to cut me off after an hour or two of rambling and story telling! And they(so far) invite me back every year, so they ain't tired of me yet! They always hold the gathering in Townsende, Tenn., where we filmed the series, with various sidetrips involving Appalachian culture--sounds VERY similar to you-all's gathering! They also have a great website which I have told(pecked-out) many a "behind-the-scenes" story on--not as voluminous as THIS magnificent site, but purty impressive. You want some more entertaining stories about filming, head on over to the "Christyfest" website--most of my tales are on the "T. V. Series" section, and involving the specific episodes--my handle on the site is "Delusional Figment", in honor of my Xtra portrayal as the ghost of Bonnie Prince Charlie(important to one episode). I have some purty funny stories from there, especially about animal handling on the sets. But back to "Mohicans"..... |
| Fitzhugh Williams |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 3:35:41 PM
quote:
Originally posted by James N.
I suppose the membership/readership has fallen off drastically from what is was only a very few years ago: Fitzhugh Williams, Monadnock Guide, and Wilderness Woman are about the only ones I see online anymore with any "regularity"; even our Sachem, richfed is an infrequent visitor!
Well, there is nothing that I can add to what has been posted!!! But you two keep writing and I will keep reading. The only thing I can add is that the both of you REALLY need to be at the next Gathering! |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 1:00:32 PM
Howdy there, James! Yeah, I guess everbodie is jest busy elsewhere(at least I hope! I HAVE noticed in person when I start telling my tales, some people do roll their eyes like "uh-oh; here he goes again!") And I have been reading the first person accounts and the "musings" sections(and LOVING them!)--I think I've finished yours and the 1st soldier account so far.....And of the interviews I knocked out Michael Mann's and Madeline Stowe's--boy, did those give me more fodder for future posts! And GOSH, WHAT an amazing website! Sorry I didn't blunder into it long ago! But I'll ketch up eventually.....and Yeah, I'm SURE our zoo's entire department devoted to computer staff could help me "scan" stuff, IF I wanted to git in trouble! I'm sure that WOULD NOT be approved, if I couldn't somehow make it zoo business! If anyone out there is interested to go to the trouble, I wouldn't mind digging up my old photos and sending copies of them "pony express" and let THEM scan the photos for posterity--I have a few good ones.....And I DID have altercations with that dang!@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#@! Waxman feller--who didn't on that movie?! Very little directly(I just ignored him, which rather made him apoplectic!) luckily, but I witnessed one extremely rude and disrespectful incident after another in his interactions with others--had me fingering the haft of my tomahawke regularly(except, darn-it, it was only a rubber tomahawke!). I CHEERED when I read the bit about your drill sargeant(I well remember HIM!) taking mister waxman down a peg or two! Now, with Michael Mann firing people right and left throughout the production, how come mr. waxhead never got whacked? All I can think of is that he sucked-egg and groveled no end to Mr. Mann(which he did, shamelessly!), which kept him in the "barely tolerated zone" by yer highness. But again, I was INCREDIBLY fortunate in that I didn't have to put up with such behaviour directed to myself, being so elusive and peripheral as I was--but I witnessed PLENTY. I have a whole philosophical spiel involving the often disrespectful, but FASCINATING hierarchy I observed--not unlike what was described in the 1st soldier account--keep in mind I was already experienced in observing the social orders of wolves, wild chimps and baboons, among other critters, so social comparisons were always in my mind--but that's for another LOOOONNNNGGGG future post.... And I'll have to relate my impressions and encounters with VIP's on the sets--I had a few as well. And LOTS more on the Indians, including Dennis Banks(since you showed some interest there)--keep in mind all of this IS being squeezed in during breaks and lunchtime at work! So it might be a bit sporadic and will no doubt take AWHILE to git around to everything(but what fun! At least I'M having fun writing/pecking these stories out--I hope others have as much fun reading them!)..... |
| James N. |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 11:40:04 AM
quote:
Originally posted by lane batot
I did manage to go back and look at some of the old threads on the subject of various differences between DVD and VHS versions--so my questions were answered... The DVD is WAY better for extremely, elusively obscure Xtras such as myself to try and find themselves, that's for sure! When rewatching the movie this past weekend, I actually found myself in a coupla spots I hadn't seen before!
Lane,
I'm glad senility hasn't set in for you quite yet! Look at my topic here Nineteen Years Ago - The Finished Product! to see how I was able to "isolate" those film moments of myself; in the finished film I'm *almost* as "EENVEEZABLE" as you are! I meant to mention that there are TWO pages ( 6 "chapters" ) to my account - the link's at the bottom of the first page; and that if you "click" on the small photos they will enlarge, like many of the other photos here on the Forum do. And speaking of photos - yes, you will somehow have to find a way to SCAN yours into the computer you use; I would think the folks at the zoo's communications center/office could help you figure that out. Posting them here is something I had trouble with, but it's NOT impossible by any means. To reproduce yours, I first "copied" them from your interview, then edited and "improved" the color of the one, and posted them here.
Yes, I'm sorry to say we seem to have arrived at similar opinions of the "uppity-ups" in the production ( you seem not to have had much contact with Michael Waxman though - lucky you! ), and also kind words for the subordinate "grunts" who bore most of their ire while maintaining a professional attitude towards us. And I'm both sorry and surprised at the lack of comments on your very interesting posts ( to ME at least! ) here on the Forum by other members than myself - I suppose the membership/readership has fallen off drastically from what is was only a very few years ago: Fitzhugh Williams, Monadnock Guide, and Wilderness Woman are about the only ones I see online anymore with any "regularity"; even our Sachem, richfed is an infrequent visitor!
For your own enjoyment, I recommend reading the very long and sometimes rambling interview with Eric Hurley and the article by Mark Baker in the "First Person Accounts" link above - they really had some interesting "up close and personal" experiences with members of the cast and crew! ( And notice, too, that they are each several "pages" long! ) I think it's also about time for you to start making new threads here; and look over under your name: you're now a Pathfinder instead of being Lost in the Woods. These are terms reflecting the number of posts you have made here; mine as Colonial Settler isn't one I picked for myself, it's just an indication ( along with the number of stars ) of how active I've been overall. Please continue with your stories! |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 21 2011 : 09:01:32 AM
....I suppose, however, that even on this voluminous website, there is such a thing as TOO MUCH information, so I will apologize now to anyone offended by such crude reminiscences--do remember, though, that all of us coureur de bois were rather into crude humor(ca-ca comedy, perhaps?), so I am only accurately recording the image we presented while on set--perhaps yet another reason we are not much represented in the final film?.....Perhaps I should also clarify how many of us coureur de bois there were during the filmmaking. Unlike the soldiers(French or English) or Indian Xtras, our numbers fluctuated DAILY. This was due to almost no one giving us direction of any sort as to what we'd be doing or exactly where we were supposed to be(unlike the Indians, who were kept in thumbscrews most of the time by some authority figure, or the wretched soldiers who were actually being drilled and marched about like real soldiers!), so we just kind of drifted about and had free reign to come and go--I think THE ONLY faction on this movie set with such a status(or lack thereof), which is why I say it was THE BEST Xtra to be on "Mohicans"!! On top of that, we coureur de bois were all rather flippant and disdainful purty quickly of the whole business--very typecast!(the original coureur de bois often being described as less tractable than the Indians of the time!) So often during really boring stretches, various coureur de bois simply left, never to return! At most, ever, I think there were never more than 15 or perhaps 20 of us. More often there were only 3 or 4. Once I was involved, I stayed(if sometimes out of sight, but SOMEWHERE nearby....) during the entire time of the fort seige, surrender, and then Massacre Valley(where we coureur de bois were the most organized and utilized during the filming--we trained extensively--those of us that stayed about--with the Indians for the massacre--but unlike the poor soldiers, we all had a BLAST doing it--that should be a subject for another LOOOONG post one day, definetely!). Though I very quickly came to the conclusion that any idea involving a Hollywood career was most definetely NOT for me, I was fascinated enough, and in the perfect position to observe, and get the most that I could from this adventure that had presented itself in my territory--I figured it would not happen again in my lifetime.... Something that might confuse the discriminating fan regarding us coureur de bois should be clarified--we were NOT the same as the "couriers"--those poor wretches sent with messages as runners from one fort to another! In fact, the coureur de bois shot at the couriers! The similarity of terms confused the heck out of production people during filming, as well...... |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 20 2011 : 5:00:22 PM
....ahhh, the commisary food for the Xtras! I have been perusing various interviews and comments by others on this INCREDIBLE tribute to this amazing movie experience, and most do not have much good to say about the food. I haven't found(yet!?) any mention of the Xtra theory about one aspect of the food, so for posterity sake, I reckon I'll submit it here--but first, let me say I didn't find the food fer us Xtras that bad--in fact, I rather liked it! It WAS NOT ANYTHING like what the Stars and other VIP's were getting by far(I KNOW, because I snuck around their tents and CHECKED--man-oh-man, were they getting some gourmet delights!)--but after living in Africa briefly some years before I participated in this film, my standards as to what was edible had changed considerably! I am not NEAR as picky an eater as I was before Africa! So to me, the food was fine--I ate a LOT, and was never hungry. But perhaps BECAUSE I ate a lot, I may have been more affected by what some of us began to suspicion.....Imagine if you will HUNDREDS of peon Xtras used during filming--we all just AREN'T going to have bowel movements in an organized and convienant manner, of course--UNLESS you tamper with the food and introduce an element to curtail constant natural functioning! One day, in my usual effort to rally the peasants(and get a laugh or two), during one of the meals in the Xtra tent at the Massacre Valley filming, I dramatically stood up on my chair, got everyones' attention(mostly Indians and soldiers) and in my best outrageous French accent, demanded to know if everyone else felt like they were birthing triplets when they (rarely) visited the Porta-Johns! I got a rousing ovation, and LOTS of commiserating from other such afflicted souls. It was later rumored that salt-peter(and old military trick) was added to the food to(ahem!) eliminate so much elimination! Set rumor? I cannot verify, but I know I was more horribly constipated during that filming than I ever have been, before or since--the old memory still makes me shudder! After suspicions were aroused, I did cut back on my consumption of set dolled rations....... |
| lane batot |
Posted - October 20 2011 : 2:20:23 PM
....and I stayed in no motels during the filming--sometimes I could return to the estate where I worked for a quick nap, but mostly I slept in my truck, or the head coureur de bois(Eric S.'s) incredibly decorated old van, or somewhere on the sets we were working on--in costume most of the time! Or up in the woods out of sight from everyone else, as mentioned before! That costume got purty "crispy" before all was said and done! But hey, we were just practicing "method acting"! If it was good enough for the Star Daniel-Day Lewis, it was good enough for zee coureur de bois! And then there were the MEALS dolled out to us mass of Xtras...... |
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