I have returned from Korea, which you know if you've followed my lame-ass blogging attempts on Adventures of the Jade Monkey. I'm still posting photos of my trip there, so keep checking back.
Today (Sunday) I'm catching up on electronic media consumption and production. This means blogging, organizing photos, and catching up Doctor Who and Mad Men. Re: Doctor Who: OH. MY. GOD. Absolutely stunning. Re: Mad Men: That is some awesome writing. Don Draper is so twisted and pathetic that he's somehow almost sexy. Rodger Sterling is hilarious because he represents a pre-P.C. sense of humor. Still to come: Leverage and the last few eps of Night Gallery that I haven't seen. Bizarro and I started watching the entire series back in the winter/early spring. We're planning to do presentations at the next Rod Serling Conference about Night Gallery, so right now we're watching and re-watching eps for research (and for fun).
Tomorrow I will start attending to business as usual... slowly. One thing at a time, beginning with finances and figuring out who I need to call and what I need to put on the agenda for the week. Writing is #1, of course. I have 2 weeks before I have to return to work, so I'm making the most of the time.
I still have some unpacking to do, still laundry to do, and of course I have to have my ankle looked at (I sprained it AGAIN my last week in Korea). Processing my notes and thoughts will be essential before work starts and my brain becomes too filled with other people's work and concerns to develop my own. I did some work on the film while in Korea, which was really wonderful. Now I'm in a better place to start editing once I get a tutorial in Final Cut Pro. A very simple thing I realized: part of my procrastination has been my discomfort with the tech end of it. What a silly thing! I've got a filmmaker friend and colleague who's going to help me with that end of things.
I'm still dealing with some jet lag, though today I'm feeling much better than yesterday. Hopefully tonight I won't wake up at 3:00 a.m. in a cold sweat, totally disoriented, like I have the last 2 nights. It's all good - just a mild transition, that's all. I prepped myself for getting through jet lag via EFT before I even got on the plane. Nothing like pre-emptive EFT!
I'm uploading more photos to Adventures of the Jade Monkey now, so why not head over there and check them out?
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Showing posts with label film. Show all posts
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Summer of 2009
Well ladies and germs, the summer is rapidly closing. Another week and 2 days and it's back in the classroom. I have a full teaching load this semester: 2 sections of intro to screenwriting at the Other School On the Hill, and one section of English 99 (developmental writing at the paragraph level) at the community college. For these gigs I am grateful. Now I'm trying to cram as much summer into the coming week and 2 days as possible. Summer weather is finally here, so swimming and patio grilling are required activities (though there are t'storms coming but whatever, as long as it's hot).
As you know, this was not the summer I'd planned. I ended up not teaching at all, and instead worked as a transcriptionist, tutor, and house keeper for the Catlic' Chorch, scrubbing the priests' terlets and washing their undies. (My sister-in-law asked whether the skid marks in a priest's undies are in the form of a crucifix. This is why I love my sister-in-law.)
So, no, not what I'd expected but the truth is that in true form, the Universe provided just what I needed. In fact our money was very tight this summer, but it forced us to be more mindful of our spending, and helped us to come together for the betterment of our household. Tracking expenses and keeping more in tune with our financial situation has been good for us both, and for our marriage.
The work I did at the rectory was actually quite easy, and since I was alone and autonomous, I had plenty of opportunity to manage my time as I saw fit, and I believe that the physical nature of the work was good for me. I tend to get stuck up here (points to head) and that's not always a good thing.
The transcription work was just fine, and it might even be useful in the future to say that I am familiar with chemical notations (who knows what kind of technical writing I might fall into at some point).
The tutoring is always fun and keeps me on the ESL map for my C.V.
Aside from my work, I had plenty of time for writing, and I was, I must say, rather prolific. I am just about finished with Sentinel, have started a new project, and most thrilling of all, I met a producer/filmmaker from L.A. who is producing a short script of mine, and who has connections that could really help me out.
I didn't get to go windsurfing, but I did spend a day at the Nor'easter Surf Shop in Scituate, Mass. and took excellent notes for my surf-related T.V. pilot. I also made a great connection for surfing lessons when I am able to give that a whirl. And the surfing season isn't over in September, so there's still a chance I could get a long weekend in and get a surfing lesson! (I'm talking surfing, not windsurfing, to be clear on that.)
Despite our financial hardship, I found a way with the help of friends to attend the Live Adventure this year (the annual live action role playing weekend I've been part of since 1991). That was a magical, wonderful, fun (if hotter than hell) weekend of beloved friends, creative imagination, camping, and music. I am so grateful!
This summer gave me ample time and opportunity to work through my grief, and I managed two trips to Massachusetts, one with Bizarro in tow, which has been extremely beneficial in my healing process. I was able to spend some QT with my beloved nephew and his family, my Big Bro, PMP, JET, Rachee and a couple other people I've known and loved for years. This recent trip was exceptionally fun with Bizarro - our day in Boston was delightful, especially hanging out with PMP who took us for fabulous cannoli in the North End. I also got to play in the waves at Nantasket, despite the drizzle. Oh how I miss the ocean!
I feel like I'm starting to finally come out of the darkness that was last winter, just before, during and after Mom's death. I am feeling more alive than ever; I can feel the possibilities of life, the energy of creation, and the wealth that is mine in so many ways. In the parlance of Live Adventure folk: Game on!
As you know, this was not the summer I'd planned. I ended up not teaching at all, and instead worked as a transcriptionist, tutor, and house keeper for the Catlic' Chorch, scrubbing the priests' terlets and washing their undies. (My sister-in-law asked whether the skid marks in a priest's undies are in the form of a crucifix. This is why I love my sister-in-law.)
So, no, not what I'd expected but the truth is that in true form, the Universe provided just what I needed. In fact our money was very tight this summer, but it forced us to be more mindful of our spending, and helped us to come together for the betterment of our household. Tracking expenses and keeping more in tune with our financial situation has been good for us both, and for our marriage.
The work I did at the rectory was actually quite easy, and since I was alone and autonomous, I had plenty of opportunity to manage my time as I saw fit, and I believe that the physical nature of the work was good for me. I tend to get stuck up here (points to head) and that's not always a good thing.
The transcription work was just fine, and it might even be useful in the future to say that I am familiar with chemical notations (who knows what kind of technical writing I might fall into at some point).
The tutoring is always fun and keeps me on the ESL map for my C.V.
Aside from my work, I had plenty of time for writing, and I was, I must say, rather prolific. I am just about finished with Sentinel, have started a new project, and most thrilling of all, I met a producer/filmmaker from L.A. who is producing a short script of mine, and who has connections that could really help me out.
I didn't get to go windsurfing, but I did spend a day at the Nor'easter Surf Shop in Scituate, Mass. and took excellent notes for my surf-related T.V. pilot. I also made a great connection for surfing lessons when I am able to give that a whirl. And the surfing season isn't over in September, so there's still a chance I could get a long weekend in and get a surfing lesson! (I'm talking surfing, not windsurfing, to be clear on that.)
Despite our financial hardship, I found a way with the help of friends to attend the Live Adventure this year (the annual live action role playing weekend I've been part of since 1991). That was a magical, wonderful, fun (if hotter than hell) weekend of beloved friends, creative imagination, camping, and music. I am so grateful!
This summer gave me ample time and opportunity to work through my grief, and I managed two trips to Massachusetts, one with Bizarro in tow, which has been extremely beneficial in my healing process. I was able to spend some QT with my beloved nephew and his family, my Big Bro, PMP, JET, Rachee and a couple other people I've known and loved for years. This recent trip was exceptionally fun with Bizarro - our day in Boston was delightful, especially hanging out with PMP who took us for fabulous cannoli in the North End. I also got to play in the waves at Nantasket, despite the drizzle. Oh how I miss the ocean!
I feel like I'm starting to finally come out of the darkness that was last winter, just before, during and after Mom's death. I am feeling more alive than ever; I can feel the possibilities of life, the energy of creation, and the wealth that is mine in so many ways. In the parlance of Live Adventure folk: Game on!
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Finishing my coffee.
I am indeed, drinking my morning coffee, but the title is a line from "The Big Lebowski," in the scene where Walter (John Goodman) yells at the waitress the fact that his buddies died in the muck (in 'Nam) so that everyone in the family diner could enjoy their coffee (it's always about the first amendment with Walter). The Dude gets disgusted and leaves Walter alone in the diner, at which point Walter says to the air, "I'm staying. Finishing my coffee."
This is my attitude about life and all of its trials right at the moment. I'm not going anywhere. I didn't come this far to let a stinking pile of poo stop me. If coffee is the metaphor for living a fulfilling life, than I am finishing my coffee. Or at least, I am trying like hell.
I have resigned myself that Mom will probably be in a nursing home for the rest of her life on earth. Things are not good. I am bullshit that coming to the pit of a rehab program seems to have made things worse for her, not better, but I'm not sure what to do about it other than ride their asses as I have been to make sure things are done. It has helped, I must say, since she has been getting slightly better care. However, I will not be letting her stay there indefinitely. I have requested an application from a better nursing home (they have more staff, to begin with, and a much better reputation in the community), and spoke with the admissions person there who was very informative and helpful. The folks at the assisted living place had good things to say about that particular nursing home, which they have had to interact with for placing residents. I just hope that a spot will open up and we can get her there sooner than later.
She is very depressed and I don't blame her. I'm trying to help her in any way I can. Yesterday I brought over a tiny little christmas tree and decorated with some ornaments from home that she is familiar with, as well as some tiny blue ones. She got a lovely poinsettia from the church where I work (as a part of their christmas charity work), so she has some cheer in her room, along with all her photos I brought in for her.
I am still aghast at the fact that barely a month ago, she was able to walk without pain, and now she is in excruciating pain whenever she moves. All I can figure is that sitting on her ass all day at the nursing home ("rehab") made things go from bad to worse. What can I do about that? I don't know. I want to complain but I have to figure out who to complain to, and will it do any good? What's done is done and at this point I'm just trying to focus on getting her the hell out of there ASAP.
That nursing home is having major problems. There were picketers outside yesterday, handing out flyers about the management company that owns the place. They are dangerously understaffed because the staff is underpaid - no raise in 4 years. This is part of the problem, to be sure. The other part of the problem is the attitude our culture has toward old people. Just keep them sedated and quiet and put them to bed early so we don't have to deal with them.
Okay, well that's enough of a rant for now. I am full of rants these days. But my husband pointed out to me last night that I am, in fact, obsessing on her situation, and this is creating a very unhealthy atmosphere in my head and in my home. I am quite unable to do anything else because it's all I can think of. I have to try to find a way to make some space for the rest of my life in all of this, and not feel guilty for doing so.
This is my attitude about life and all of its trials right at the moment. I'm not going anywhere. I didn't come this far to let a stinking pile of poo stop me. If coffee is the metaphor for living a fulfilling life, than I am finishing my coffee. Or at least, I am trying like hell.
I have resigned myself that Mom will probably be in a nursing home for the rest of her life on earth. Things are not good. I am bullshit that coming to the pit of a rehab program seems to have made things worse for her, not better, but I'm not sure what to do about it other than ride their asses as I have been to make sure things are done. It has helped, I must say, since she has been getting slightly better care. However, I will not be letting her stay there indefinitely. I have requested an application from a better nursing home (they have more staff, to begin with, and a much better reputation in the community), and spoke with the admissions person there who was very informative and helpful. The folks at the assisted living place had good things to say about that particular nursing home, which they have had to interact with for placing residents. I just hope that a spot will open up and we can get her there sooner than later.
She is very depressed and I don't blame her. I'm trying to help her in any way I can. Yesterday I brought over a tiny little christmas tree and decorated with some ornaments from home that she is familiar with, as well as some tiny blue ones. She got a lovely poinsettia from the church where I work (as a part of their christmas charity work), so she has some cheer in her room, along with all her photos I brought in for her.
I am still aghast at the fact that barely a month ago, she was able to walk without pain, and now she is in excruciating pain whenever she moves. All I can figure is that sitting on her ass all day at the nursing home ("rehab") made things go from bad to worse. What can I do about that? I don't know. I want to complain but I have to figure out who to complain to, and will it do any good? What's done is done and at this point I'm just trying to focus on getting her the hell out of there ASAP.
That nursing home is having major problems. There were picketers outside yesterday, handing out flyers about the management company that owns the place. They are dangerously understaffed because the staff is underpaid - no raise in 4 years. This is part of the problem, to be sure. The other part of the problem is the attitude our culture has toward old people. Just keep them sedated and quiet and put them to bed early so we don't have to deal with them.
Okay, well that's enough of a rant for now. I am full of rants these days. But my husband pointed out to me last night that I am, in fact, obsessing on her situation, and this is creating a very unhealthy atmosphere in my head and in my home. I am quite unable to do anything else because it's all I can think of. I have to try to find a way to make some space for the rest of my life in all of this, and not feel guilty for doing so.
Monday, June 09, 2008
Logging and Slogging
I finally created the space in my head and on my desk for logging the footage from Korea. The good news is that the B-roll is fantastic; bad news is half the interviews appear to be unusable for technical difficulties. But that still leaves 5 great interviews that are very usable. I'm hoping some of the technical stuff might be fixed up a bit in post. We'll see.
I am thrilled with most of the footage, though, and I am ramped up to see this thing through despite all the delays and mom's situation weighing in.
A small victory - had the A/C recharged in my car this morning. Woo hoo! No more driving around saying "how 'bout this heat?" (Name that reference! Bizarro, you can't play, it wouldn't be fair.)
I am thrilled with most of the footage, though, and I am ramped up to see this thing through despite all the delays and mom's situation weighing in.
A small victory - had the A/C recharged in my car this morning. Woo hoo! No more driving around saying "how 'bout this heat?" (Name that reference! Bizarro, you can't play, it wouldn't be fair.)
Sunday, June 08, 2008
Laughter - The Best Medicine
Last night Bizarro and I watched a parody of sports/martial arts movies, and I have to say it's probably the funniest thing I've seen in a long time: "Balls of Fury." If you need a hearty laugh, and especially if you're familiar with the genre the film parodies, by all means go out, buy a six-pack of your favorite beer, and rent it.
Friday night we watched "Meet the Spartans" which parodies the Frank Miller abs-extravaganza "300" (a film I didn't really much care for in the first place). "Meet the Spartans" was a fairly well-made parody but wouldn't be very funny if you hadn't seen the original film or read any of Frank Miller's stuff. And in general, although it has very amusing moments, it ends up being just an hour and a half of silliness and gay jokes. I'm glad I didn't pay theatre prices to see it.
But I have say, the weekend of laughter was well-deserved and much-needed.
Friday night we watched "Meet the Spartans" which parodies the Frank Miller abs-extravaganza "300" (a film I didn't really much care for in the first place). "Meet the Spartans" was a fairly well-made parody but wouldn't be very funny if you hadn't seen the original film or read any of Frank Miller's stuff. And in general, although it has very amusing moments, it ends up being just an hour and a half of silliness and gay jokes. I'm glad I didn't pay theatre prices to see it.
But I have say, the weekend of laughter was well-deserved and much-needed.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
So much for Hollywood...
Movies To Be Produced In Every Home (a prediction from 1925).
With comsumer-grade digital editing software, teh intartubes, and easy to use digital video cameras such as the Flip, filmmaking has been democratized. A good thing? a bad thing? One thing's for sure, it's revolutionizing the film and television industries' outlook on their audiences and products.
With comsumer-grade digital editing software, teh intartubes, and easy to use digital video cameras such as the Flip, filmmaking has been democratized. A good thing? a bad thing? One thing's for sure, it's revolutionizing the film and television industries' outlook on their audiences and products.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
"waiting is the hardest part"
I'm circling over the Airport of Life in a holding pattern, waiting for clearance to land.
What am I waiting for, you ask? What, indeed.
1. I am waiting to hear from the selection committee of a conference held in Korea every year, to find out if my proposal to present in October has been accepted. If it is, I will screen clips from my work in progress documentary about EFL teachers in Korea. The wait is particularly annoying because I have to apply for a grant to help with the airfare, and the deadline for that is the end of this month. I need a confirmation of the invitation to apply for the grant, and since it would have to come from Korea, this puts a time crunch into effect.
2. I applied for a large screenwriting grant from a local-ish arts colony, and they were supposed to have their announcements ready be end of April (yes, it's May 1st). It's a large grant, too, which would make life easier for the rest of the year in that I could make writing and filmmaking my first priority instead of trying to find another teaching job for this fall.
Speaking of May 1st, happy Beltane/Labour Day/May Day/Lei Day (in Hawaii, natch)!
What am I waiting for, you ask? What, indeed.
1. I am waiting to hear from the selection committee of a conference held in Korea every year, to find out if my proposal to present in October has been accepted. If it is, I will screen clips from my work in progress documentary about EFL teachers in Korea. The wait is particularly annoying because I have to apply for a grant to help with the airfare, and the deadline for that is the end of this month. I need a confirmation of the invitation to apply for the grant, and since it would have to come from Korea, this puts a time crunch into effect.
2. I applied for a large screenwriting grant from a local-ish arts colony, and they were supposed to have their announcements ready be end of April (yes, it's May 1st). It's a large grant, too, which would make life easier for the rest of the year in that I could make writing and filmmaking my first priority instead of trying to find another teaching job for this fall.
Speaking of May 1st, happy Beltane/Labour Day/May Day/Lei Day (in Hawaii, natch)!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Git 'er done!
A lot of movement yesterday - found out my passport is on its way to me, heard from my recruiter in Korea (they're still looking for a good summer camp job), hung out with PMP and got caught up with her, finally watched "Say Anything" while sober.
I think a friend of mine tried showing me that movie like 15 years ago but I'd drunk too much whiskey and didn't remember much of anything. Pretty sad, I know.
Completely forgot to watch On The Lot this week. I'm busy with my own stuff, plus I pretty much ignore the TV in summer. Except for the Doctor Who Bizarro downloads (only a few episodes left this series), and when that's over, Torchwood starts up again (another British sci fi, a spin-off of the new Doctor Who).
We have this MVP membership at Hollywood video, so I'm going to grab an armful of movies this weekend and get caught up on some of the newer flicks I've missed out on.
The only summer film I'm interested in seeing is Waitress, and if I can ever get down to Fall Creek, I'd love to see Hot Fuzz. Maybe Bizarro and I can go on a date this weekend to see that.
OH - other good news is that I have an interview for an adjunct ESL position at a neighboring city's university. It's a bit of a hike, but if I would only be doing it 2-3 times a week, it wouldn't be so bad.
I also received an official rejection email yesterday for one of the full-time teaching positions I'd applied for, but it wasn't a surprise. I'm still hoping that writing department might be interested in hiring me as an adjunct (they did call me last year wanting to hire me but I already had a full plate).
Still some irons in the fire, so no worries.
Gotta get my day going here.
I think a friend of mine tried showing me that movie like 15 years ago but I'd drunk too much whiskey and didn't remember much of anything. Pretty sad, I know.
Completely forgot to watch On The Lot this week. I'm busy with my own stuff, plus I pretty much ignore the TV in summer. Except for the Doctor Who Bizarro downloads (only a few episodes left this series), and when that's over, Torchwood starts up again (another British sci fi, a spin-off of the new Doctor Who).
We have this MVP membership at Hollywood video, so I'm going to grab an armful of movies this weekend and get caught up on some of the newer flicks I've missed out on.
The only summer film I'm interested in seeing is Waitress, and if I can ever get down to Fall Creek, I'd love to see Hot Fuzz. Maybe Bizarro and I can go on a date this weekend to see that.
OH - other good news is that I have an interview for an adjunct ESL position at a neighboring city's university. It's a bit of a hike, but if I would only be doing it 2-3 times a week, it wouldn't be so bad.
I also received an official rejection email yesterday for one of the full-time teaching positions I'd applied for, but it wasn't a surprise. I'm still hoping that writing department might be interested in hiring me as an adjunct (they did call me last year wanting to hire me but I already had a full plate).
Still some irons in the fire, so no worries.
Gotta get my day going here.
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Classics
This weekend Bizarro and I sat down and watched two classics from the early 70s: All The President's Men and M*A*S*H*
All The President's Men follows the two Washington Post reporters (played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford) who broke the Watergate story. There is no way that film could be made today in the same style. There were no car chases, no FBI agents skulking in bushes, no descending-from-the-ceiling-in-death-defying-espionage-escapades, not even any sex. Just the two guys doing their job and the editors trying to make the best decisions. No grandstanding or scmhaltzy speeches about "the good of the country." Can you imagine that kind of film appearing in today's theatres? Never happen.
M*A*S*H* was brilliant as well, and it had been long enough since I'd seen it that I couldn't remember some details, like the shot of Frank Burns, played by Robert Duvall, seen through the flames of a fire barrel as he's led off in a straightjacket. The brute amorality of war seems almost too cruel to laugh at, but you just can't help it when Hot Lips and Frank's forbidden tryst is broadcast throughout the camp (a prank their T.V. alter egos repeated in the series).
Those kind of films remind me why I love reading and writing screenplays. Robert Altman and William Goldman should be studied. I'll have to include scenes in my next screenwriting syllabus.
All The President's Men follows the two Washington Post reporters (played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert Redford) who broke the Watergate story. There is no way that film could be made today in the same style. There were no car chases, no FBI agents skulking in bushes, no descending-from-the-ceiling-in-death-defying-espionage-escapades, not even any sex. Just the two guys doing their job and the editors trying to make the best decisions. No grandstanding or scmhaltzy speeches about "the good of the country." Can you imagine that kind of film appearing in today's theatres? Never happen.
M*A*S*H* was brilliant as well, and it had been long enough since I'd seen it that I couldn't remember some details, like the shot of Frank Burns, played by Robert Duvall, seen through the flames of a fire barrel as he's led off in a straightjacket. The brute amorality of war seems almost too cruel to laugh at, but you just can't help it when Hot Lips and Frank's forbidden tryst is broadcast throughout the camp (a prank their T.V. alter egos repeated in the series).
Those kind of films remind me why I love reading and writing screenplays. Robert Altman and William Goldman should be studied. I'll have to include scenes in my next screenwriting syllabus.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Irons In The Fire
This weekend, my big bro and his wife are coming to visit, so I've been house-kleening and grokkery-choppin in preparation. I'm really looking forward to this visit. Believe it or not, Bizarro hasn't yet met my brother. We eloped in Ohio and haven't seen them since that time (although I went out alone last October to meet my grand-nephew). So this will be a momentous occasion. Also, our mom is turning 80 this summer, so it's high time he gets his ass out here to see her.
Yesterday had coffee with my Korean producer friend and we had a good chat about the film I'm going to make this summer, for which he will lend me equipment and help me with editing. He's an amazing guy - so generous. I think I've gushed about him here before.
Okay, time to get crackin. Where's the "On The Lot" guy with the belt??
Yesterday had coffee with my Korean producer friend and we had a good chat about the film I'm going to make this summer, for which he will lend me equipment and help me with editing. He's an amazing guy - so generous. I think I've gushed about him here before.
Okay, time to get crackin. Where's the "On The Lot" guy with the belt??
On The Lot
Last night I watched the first episode of "On The Lot," the next Apprentice/American Idol inspired show. The premise is simple, as these shows usually are - 50 filmmakers from around the world were chosen and are now competing for the grand prize of an office at Dreamworks. Spielberg is putting up the show, with judges Carrie Fisher, Brett Ratner, and Garry Marshall.
The first task was to pitch a log line that was provided to the contestants. I had to avert my eyes in one case - the pitch was so horrible (the guy with the belt). I'm hoping some of my students watched it -- how not to do a pitch was plainly demonstrated. And I myself have a bit to learn - I have a hard time keeping a pitch simple (I get too detail-oriented and lose the main story).
The second task is for them to team up into groups of 3, and write, shoot and edit a 2.5 minute film in 24 hours. Tomorrow night we'll see the results.
I'm pretty psyched for this show. Check it out here at On The Lot's Official Site
The first task was to pitch a log line that was provided to the contestants. I had to avert my eyes in one case - the pitch was so horrible (the guy with the belt). I'm hoping some of my students watched it -- how not to do a pitch was plainly demonstrated. And I myself have a bit to learn - I have a hard time keeping a pitch simple (I get too detail-oriented and lose the main story).
The second task is for them to team up into groups of 3, and write, shoot and edit a 2.5 minute film in 24 hours. Tomorrow night we'll see the results.
I'm pretty psyched for this show. Check it out here at On The Lot's Official Site
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Me, Myself, and I
No, I'm not referring to the song be De La Sol.
Last night I did something I will be doing more often: I went to a movie by myself. It's not that I worry what other people think, but I find going to a movie is less enjoyable without someone to share the experience.
That said, I must admit I enjoyed myself last night. The movie was good and I didn't care at all that I was by myself. So that's the key - don't go to any crappy movies alone, only good ones.
I saw The Host (or Gwoemul), a Korean "monster movie." It was one of the best monster movies I've seen in ages. It had the required monster movie genre elements: creature that's created by human abuse of the environment, and the hero was the least likely in his sloth and laziness and poor fathering skills. But it was also had very Korean sensibilities - cultural and historical references that American audiences may not get. What really got me was the political undertone. The cause of the environmental disturbance in the first place is the result of the American military's presence in Korea, and there are other references to the U.S. in Korea through out the picture, although they aren't heavy handed. There's an American military doctor who's a bit of a mad scientist, and who has a Korean lackie who speaks English with a very practiced American accent. The main character's brother is an angry guy who participated in demonstrations back in the 80s and early 90s. Clear references there about the split in Korean society between the pro-American and anti-American sentiment. Finally, the title "The Host" is itself a reference not only to the virus that the creature supposedly carries, but to Korea itself, which is host to the American "virus" of military power.
In typical Korean style, there is melodrama, but it is tempered with humor and touching scenes that aren't over-played. It also fulfills the requirement of a changed world at the end of Act III that all good monster movies offer. They did not opt for a Hollywood ending, which was very gratifying.
Korean cinema is impressive in its self-contained success. Unlike many other Asian countries, Korea's top-rated movies are not likely to be Hollywood pics, but rather their own films, which are now enjoying a growing international presence.
Last night I did something I will be doing more often: I went to a movie by myself. It's not that I worry what other people think, but I find going to a movie is less enjoyable without someone to share the experience.
That said, I must admit I enjoyed myself last night. The movie was good and I didn't care at all that I was by myself. So that's the key - don't go to any crappy movies alone, only good ones.
I saw The Host (or Gwoemul), a Korean "monster movie." It was one of the best monster movies I've seen in ages. It had the required monster movie genre elements: creature that's created by human abuse of the environment, and the hero was the least likely in his sloth and laziness and poor fathering skills. But it was also had very Korean sensibilities - cultural and historical references that American audiences may not get. What really got me was the political undertone. The cause of the environmental disturbance in the first place is the result of the American military's presence in Korea, and there are other references to the U.S. in Korea through out the picture, although they aren't heavy handed. There's an American military doctor who's a bit of a mad scientist, and who has a Korean lackie who speaks English with a very practiced American accent. The main character's brother is an angry guy who participated in demonstrations back in the 80s and early 90s. Clear references there about the split in Korean society between the pro-American and anti-American sentiment. Finally, the title "The Host" is itself a reference not only to the virus that the creature supposedly carries, but to Korea itself, which is host to the American "virus" of military power.
In typical Korean style, there is melodrama, but it is tempered with humor and touching scenes that aren't over-played. It also fulfills the requirement of a changed world at the end of Act III that all good monster movies offer. They did not opt for a Hollywood ending, which was very gratifying.
Korean cinema is impressive in its self-contained success. Unlike many other Asian countries, Korea's top-rated movies are not likely to be Hollywood pics, but rather their own films, which are now enjoying a growing international presence.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Greenscreenland
I think it's worthwhile to note that last Sat. I had my first ever experience acting in front of a greenscreen. For anyone not familiar with this term, it refers to the filmmaking process of shooting subjects in front of a completely green background, which is then replaced (or "keyed") with an actual background. All of George Lucas' latest Star Wars trilogy was filmed this way, as are many sci fi films and TV. It requires the actors to pretend they are in a place, a place that only exists in their minds, and sometimes even to interact with things and people that aren't there.
My little trip into Greenscreenland was easy, but I wonder how actors who don't even have another actor to interact with can manage. I'd find that frustrating.
Anyway, it's one more thing to add to my C.V.
My little trip into Greenscreenland was easy, but I wonder how actors who don't even have another actor to interact with can manage. I'd find that frustrating.
Anyway, it's one more thing to add to my C.V.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
"Debut"
Last night Bizarro and I went to a screening of Debut, a coming-of-age film about a young Filipino-American man's issues with his culture and his father. It was a fun film to watch with plenty of "inside" references to the Filipino culture, most of which I got. Some of the dialogue is jerky and awkward, but the performances were strong. Unlike "American Adobo," which was just horrid on all counts (bad writing & Filipinos mugging for the camera, as my husband described it). He actually bought that DVD just to get it off the shelves of the video store so no one would see it.
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