Slipping Into Obscurity.

Dat's what my ass is doing, biotch!

I'm trying to figure out how many friends I'd lose if I did the one thing that I've been too afraid to do for almost six years.

Probably all of them.

Slacking

I've slacked.

Not good.

Must try to be more diligent.

The Visitors (ABBA, 1981)

Listen to The Visitors, understand ABBA.

In the genre of pop, ABBA is one of the most popular, well known groups to contribute to the genre. When most folks think of ABBA, they think of tracks such as "Mamma Mia", "Dancing Queen", "Waterloo", and "SOS". When people think of ABBA, they tend to ignore their final work which is without a doubt their most mature, realized album.

During this time in Benny, Bjorn, Anna, and Ann-Frida's lives, the two couple has just recently divorced. Though they continued to work together, the tension became too much and the group split, making The Visitors the last album ABBA would produce.

While most of ABBA's previous work was fluffy, fun and, light (though incredibly well crafted), the final album carries a darker, more somber tone. It deals with multiple themes such as war, loneliness, nostalgia, and sadness. Mirroring the feelings of the four at the time, The Visitors showed fans that ABBA could be versatile.

The brilliant production values are definitely not compromised here, merely changed in sound and style. Benny's piano is still distinct, Bjorn's guitar is unique, and the ladies' vocals are immaculate as usual.

I think what impresses me most about this album is the power behind the lyrics. I'll be the first to admit it: while clever, and well written, the lyrics of ABBA's older work is fluff and nothing more. They're nothing deep, insightful, or fresh. However, with The Visitors, Benny and Bjorn's lyrics reach a level of insight and depth that really makes me feel sad that ABBA didn't continue in this vein of songwriting.

Whether they've written about the war (The Visitors), or just about the pain of their separations from their spouses(When All Is Said and Done; The Winner Takes It All), the lyrics never feel hokey or stupid. In fact, it might be safe to say that this album has some of the best songwriting of the 80's. Here's a sampling from a couple songs on the album:

Soldiers write the songs that soldiers sing
The songs that you and I don't sing
They blow their horns and march along
They drum their drums and look so strong
You'd think that nothing in the world was wrong
Soldiers write the songs that soldiers sing
The songs that you and I won't sing
Let's not look the other way
Taking a chance
'Cause if the bugler starts to play
We too must dance
-Soldiers


Slipping through my fingers all the time
I try to capture every minute
The feeling in it
Slipping through my fingers all the time
Do I really see whats in her mind
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
She keeps on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
-Slipping Through My Fingers

All in all, I must say that I'm quite impressed with the note ABBA chose to take off on. It's almost as if they wanted, for just once in their careers, to actually be taken seriously. It's as if for once they wanted to be seen as more than just the band with the catchy dance tunes.

In my eyes, they succeeded.

10/10

Blogging

I think I hate the whole concept of blogging now. See, the thing about this world is that everybody has an opinion. It's an inescapable fact. The world is around us, everybody views it in their own way, and then they formulate their opinions on it.

Whereas some people's opinions are well-thought out, have foundations, and can be taken into objective consideration; there are also those other folks. To quote Phillip DeFranco: "Everyone's opinion matters, until they decide to open up and share with the rest of the world how stupid and ignorant they actually are."

Blogging, and the internet in general, is a cesspool of opinions, smart and stupid; but mostly stupid. See, from the safety of their homes, hidden behind their computer screens people can say whatever the hell they feel like. They're free to twist words, make things sound pretty, and all that jazz. Although the majority of them just say what they want with absolutely no grace.

Take YouTube for instance. Go to any video with thousands of hits, and you'll seem them. The neggys, who go video to video spouting their worthless ignorance and stupidity.
"
THAT WAS GAY!"
"I cant buleve I wasted my tyme on dat shite!"
"dood, u suck man."
"my fat uncle's farts are better than you."

It's like everybody in the world who doesn't know how to use their brains just flock to the internet. It's becoming a place I really hate.

I guess I'm just tired of people being able to edit what they say, to make themselves sound smarter than they actually are. I just wish folks would grow a little bit of decency and sensibility and discuss their opinions in a thoughtful, tolerate manner. And preferably in person so that if they're opinion makes no sense they can be called out on it, unable to take anything back!

Yet, that's just MY opinion. ;)

A lady called the office today, and when I answered she tried soliciting some crap to me. She told me she wanted to tell me about an awesome opportunity, and at the end there would be a special surprise.

When I told her that I wasn't going to be able to talk to her, she got all pissy and hung up. I'm still curious as to what the surprise was...

A couple of days before that, these two guys came in and tried to sell me some golf package. My boss had to come out and tell them to leave.

Plus, I was working in the front office, and the brother of one of the clients came into the front and started asking me all these random questions about myself. He then went off on a tangent about how he fixes doors for a living.

Needless to say, I have an interesting job encountering some interesting folks.

Some of the people are really sweet though. I've met several people that I've just really liked a lot. I can also relate to a lot of them I encounter, as my family has gone through similar times. It's rewarding going to work every day and knowing that God is bettering people's lives because of it.

It also reminds me of how much good is still left in the human race, despite what a lot of people would like you to think.

Slipping through my fingers all the time,
I try to capture every minute.
The feeling in it, slipping through my fingers all the time.

Do I really see what's in your mind?
Each time I think I'm close to knowing,
you keep on going; slipping through my fingers all the time.

It's never fair.
It really isn't.

It's official.

My family is moving to Phoenix.

I honestly cannot believe it. Here I thought that Atlanta was it, but I guess it's not. Moving again. This time around, however, I won't be a part of it. I've felt God's call here for now, and He's provided the means for me to stay.

Separating from my family is going to be intensely difficult. Especially with them going to the other side of the USA. I guess it needed to happen sometime. It hasn't really sunk in, the whole separation aspect. I'm actually excited though. It's going to be an interesting time for me.

Pray for my family as we go through this HUGE transition. It's a really big deal for us.

Thanks.

Hey, you.

Just tell me how you really feel. I'm not gonna get my feelings hurt.

I don't wanna waste my time.

televators

I hate facebook.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007, Tim Burton)

"Because in all of the whole human race, Mrs. Lovett, there are two kinds of men and only two. There's the one staying put in his proper place and one with his foot in the other one's face."

-Sweeney Todd, Epiphany

Tim Burton is one of the darkest mainstream directors of our time, and one of the most visionary. His films have been some of the most unique experiences in Hollywood's output; this makes him great in my eyes. Though all of his films have been dark and depressing, Sweeney Todd is probably his darkest to date.

Sweeney Todd is the musical story of Benjamin Barker, a man who was sent away to prison by a corrupt judge. We meet Barker as he returns to London, with a new name and a desire for the blood of the judge. He takes a room above Ms. Lovett's meat pie shop and plots his vengeance. To quench his lust for blood, he takes to murdering innocent, unsuspecting citizens who visit his barber shop. Ms. Lovett then bakes these people into pies, in order to save her

dying business.

I've seen Sweeney Todd an estimation of five times, and I still get joy out of revisiting it. It's macabre, bleak, and dark, but at the same time it boasts some of the finest black comedy and charm that most films of this type shy away from. It's more than likely the result of Stephen Sondheim's original Broadway show, which I don't doubt has the same black humor, but Mr. Burton doesn't leave this film without throwing in some of his own little trademarks.

Two of which are Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter. Depp, despite his huge female fanbase and slight strangeness, is sincerely one of the better actors working in Hollywood right now. His performance as Sweeney is brilliant. Depp plays stoic and deadpan on the surface, but is able to communicate so much through the eyes; an ability that doesn't come naturally to many actors. Carter is also excellent, she's shrill, devious, witty and even slightly annoying.

The supporting cast includes Alan Rickman and Timothy Spall, who have a great chemistry as our villians, while also both being despicable in their own special ways. Burton also cast unknowns Edward Sanders as Toby, Jamie Campbell-Bower as Antony, and Jayne Wisener as Johanna. They each work well in their parts, but most of the praise must be given to Edward Sanders who is charming and hilarious. Campbell-Bower and Wisener are passable, but both of their roles are so small that you barely notice them.

Burton's cinematography is decent, and though many of his shots are rather bland (too boxy), his use of lighting and filtering are excellent. The colorization is washed out, making it seem as if we're looking at an old photo, and casting pale shadows everywhere to create uneasiness. The blood is ketchup red, and contrasts heavily with the whites and blacks. This shocks the audience despite the cartoonish, over-the-top look of the violence.

Story wise, the plot is relatively thin and simple. In fact, if not for the fact that it was a musical that didn't call for a heavy plot, this would be a problem. The music is my favorite part about the film. The majority of the dialogue is sung, and the numbers are brilliantly written. It's a musical that calls for you to actually listen to what's being sung, and doesn't distract with dance numbers or anything too flashy.

Sweeney Todd isn't a film that tries to preach about the consuming nature of revenge, nor does it say that killing is bad, bad, bad. These are all things we already know, and the film knows it. It doesn't aspire to have any deep, meaningful revelations about life of humanity, it's just a lot of shocking, dark fun. Granted, the violence is pretty graphic, but the movie doesn't try to glamorize it, though some may aruge the opposite.

I'm all about deep films that have something to say, and require thought. I'm all about art that aspires to be relevant to the culture and technically proficient at the same time. Yet when art is still able to be captivating and emotional without having to do those things, it's an accomplishment unto itself.

Sweeney Todd is one of Burton's best works and quite possibly my favorite of his films. Stephen Sondheim's source material was perfect for Burton to work with, and he did so wonderfull. Granted, the film does have it's flaws, but it's still a thrilling ride that doesn't let up until the end.

"Charming, practical and yet appropriate as always," boasts Sweeney about Ms. Lovett, and I feel that the same must be said for Mr. Burton's film.

8.5/10

Brokeback Mountain (2005, Ang Lee)

Figured I might as well post it here. I doubt the response will be any different from the one on Facebook.

NOTE: I viewed Brokeback Mountain in the name of objectivity. It is unfair to any work of art for it to be judged based solely on it's controversy, and not it's actual merits and contributions to the medium. I watched the film in order to appease my own curiosities about this picture. I've written this review in the hopes of letting people know what it's all about, and I do not mean this review to be a recommendation. I am aware that the subject matter makes some uncomfortable, so I do not endorse viewing the film. I hope to merely share my thoughts.

I also will not be addressing homosexuality as an issue, I will merely talk about it in reference to the film at hand. I do not wish to stir anything up regarding homosexuality as an issue, and any comments left here that intend to do so, will be promptly deleted; as will any other ignorant or immature comments.

Ang Lee is an erratic filmmaker. His pictures always try to, in some way, take a genre and defy the conventions. It's amazing to me that the man who made this film, also made Hulk. This film, however, really put Lee's name on the map.I remember when BM first released. It was the reason for much controversy. Not only did it garner much critical acclaim, but it also drew relatively large numbers at the box office. It also received much awards exposure, nabbing a nomination for best picture, as well as actually winning Lee an award for Best Director.

I remember if also affecting my personal life. It was the subject of many conversations I took part in; I constantly heard it referenced to as the movie with the"fag cowboys"; I remember thinking that I was so clever for thinking I was the first person to coin the term "Brokeback" as an adjective, instead of the usual "gay". I've done a lot of growing up since then, and it's good too. I was able to fully appreciate BM for everything it was. A beautiful, moving film that was wonderfully directed, acted and written. One of the most honest films of the last fifteen or so years.


Jack Twist and Ennis del Mar first meet one summer in 1963, when they're both hired on to go up on Brokeback Mountain for the summer to herd sheep. Ennis, who the film follows for most of it's run, is a ranch farmer. Jack is a rodeo cowboy. While on Brokeback, the two form a deep bond, eventually falling in love.Though bound by the social conventions of the times, they are forced to part at the end of the summer, and eventually both marry and start families. They continue to meet in secret, trying their hardest to hold onto what they both know can never really be.

OK, now the homosexuality issue aside, the two men really do screw up pretty badly, in that they both cheat on their spouses. That's something that cannot be justified, even if they both felt torn by what they had been told was right, and what they felt their hearts tugging them towards. However, Lee doesn't reward the two for their infidelities, as they both live a life of fear and loneliness. That's all I'll say on the film's moral issues.

BM is, thankfully, lacking political agenda. It does examine the lack of acceptance of gays in the 1960s and onwards, and comments on the ever lingering presence of homophobia, and hatred in general, but these elements never seem preachy.In fact, BM is more concerned with it's characters, their emotions, their thoughts, and examining them overall. Ennis and Jack are two incredibly well-drawn characters. Their actions never seem unrealistic, or forced in order to drive plot. This humanity is what makes BM work, and go beyond the typical forbidden love story.


On the technical side, BM has some of the best direction of the past five years. the cinematography is gorgeous, utilizing the landscapes to the fullest in order to heighten feeling, or to introduce symbolism. The films blood runs deep with human themes, that are relatable to any one who's ever been in love, and knows how strong it is. Lee had an excellent production crew, that has painted quite an accurate, rustic picture of the West during the time frame.Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger are absolutely phenomenal. Ledger is especially brilliant, he carries the film as we primarily follow Ennis' story. He deserved an award for this role. The other actors are worthy of note as well, especially Michelle Williams as Ennis' tortured wife, who is fully aware of her husband liaisons. The screenplay is delicately written. It is very subtle in developing the feelings of the two leads.

It's realism and honesty are its greatest strengths. Personally, the film hit me incredibly hard. Over the past few months, I've become incredibly sympathetic to homosexuals, and some of the issues this film dealt with are issues that I am especially sensitive towards, mostly the issue of homophobia.In summary, BM is one of the best romance films I've ever seen. I'd actually place it right under Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind on a top 10 romance list. Not only is the technical aspects spotless, but the story is rich with genuine emotion and humanity; something that lacks in most romance films today. BM isn't shallow, it isn't fluffy and it isn't easy to handle, but it's real and honest.

It's great.

9/10

I miss you.

Sorry I'm an idiot.

Hm

Top 10 Most Played (Week of June 29- July 6, 2008)

1. The Killers
2. Merle Haggard
3. Relient K
4. MGMT
5. Johnny Cash
6. Tori Amos
7. Regina Spektor
8. Waylon Jennings
9. Alabama
10. James Blunt


I had an awesome week in music.

I see everybody.
I hear everybody.

Yet I don't feel anybody there.

I'm trying to figure out what the point of having this thing is anymore.

It itsn't read, I don't use it. Everybody is too in love with their stupid Facebook.

The sad thing is, I prefer this to every other blog site I've used.

:(

Strange days.

Never thought I'd find a Floyd song defining my life...

A sole intention that's learning to fly,
Condition grounded but determined to try.
Can't keep my eyes from the circling skies,
Tongue-tied and twisted just an earth-bound misfit, I.

Me is indecisive.

So, I used to be all confident in my film-ranking abilities, but as of late I've grown to where ranking my favorite movies is all around difficult. Every one of them has something different to offer me that I cannot bring myself to putting them in order of how much I like each one.

Hoever, if someone forced me to make a top ten (in no order) it would probably look like this:

(totally different from my old one)

Cinema Paradiso





Stalker




Eyes Wide Shut




2001: A Space Odyssey




Taxi Driver

Donnie Darko




The Spirit of the Beehive




The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly




Shadow of a Doubt




Elephant




It's always subject to change though.

;)

After watching Lars and the Real Girl I have found myself struggling with some odd feelings for Ryan Gosling:

Should I seek help?

Thoughts for the Day - 6/5/2008

Well, who didn't see that coming? Obama got the democratic spot. SHOCKER! I honestly do not care though because with McCain as the Republican candidate, I'd already stopped caring about the election for 2008. For me, no matter which one takes the white house I'm already not gonna care because I dislike both of them. How's that for my first election? God knows what I'll do when I actually go to vote. Stupid politics.

I have the SAT this Saturday. I'm basically looking as forward to it as I would to having my testicles removed. It's mainly just the math section I'm dreading though, as I easily forget mathematic formulas that go beyong basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Asking me to memorize formulas, is like asking Paris Hilton to move to the slums of Mexico. Isn't humanly possible.

I also wanted to post this:



Sweeney is the man.

Question for this post:

What are your views on the death penalty? Do you believe in it? Are you against it? I wanna hear your thoughts on the subject.

Respond.

Seeya, fruity patooties.

I lied.

Because I finally saw Kubrick's final film Eyes Wide Shut and I felt compelled to at least write a few thoughts down about it. Nothing major though.




EWS is a film that is heavily controversial, as most of Mr. Kubrick's work. Not only is it frustratingly alienating, but it's heavy with some relatively graphic nudity and sexual content. However, the film's theme being sexuality as a prominent aspect of humanity, this content was in no way uneccesary.

In fact, one might argue that this is Mr. Kubrick's most hopeful film. It's the only film I've seen by Kubrick that affirms a possibility of redemption for humanity. This is strange for Stan, as all of his other films seem to have given up on our species.

This film in no way portrays sexuality as a careless thing, with no consequences. It is this that keeps this film from being dubbed as "pornography" or "dangerous".

Lets face it people, sexuality is a prominent part of being human. It is an important and defining part of our humanity. However, it is dangerous, and not something to be taken lightly.

Aside from the themes and content, it is typical Kubrick brilliance. Having re watched most of Kubrick's films over the past few days, I've noticed that the man is actually quite a brilliant writer, and EWS is no exception.

Kubrick's photographer's eye shines as usual, as does his brilliant sense how music should be used in film. That's one thing I really love about Kubrick, his ability to take two art forms which are too often separated and to mesh them together perfectly.

Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise (who is a great actor, no getting around it) have amazing chemistry and both do stellar jobs. Everything about this film is undeniably good.

However, this film is not for the immature. I wouldn't recommend seeing this unless you are able to maturely handle large amounts of nudity. If one is able to approach this with an objective eye, paying attention to the brilliance of the themes, it's quite a rewarding experience. And one with a relatively Christian message. However, despite your beliefs or viewpoints on subjects it's definitely one of Kubrick's most human films, and one of my favorites by this excellent director.

So, no more reviews from me because each time I put thought into writing a long, in-depth review of films that change my life, they are generally ignored. Not gonna waste my time anymore. I don't write them for myself.

Humanity is continuing to annoy me. It blows my mind how stupid and petty people are. I read a news article today about these stupid retards trying to get a 28th Amendment; being that people running for political offices must wear American flag pins in public.

That has to be the stupidest thing I've ever heard of. This country has bigger things to worry about like our economy, the war, immigration issues and the like, but instead people are going to waste our time on this stupid crap. That's American for you though. The oh, so great country of stupid morons.

Not like the rest of the world is any better though. Except New Zealand. They're pretty much the best country ever. I don't doubt that I may very well end up there one day.

Plus, don't you love those little bad-asses on YouTube who go on peoples videos and make comments like: "SO stoopid!" "wow. gaY!" "LYK, OMG, WUT A WAZT OF TYME!" Those kinds of people are so funny in their pathetic-ness.

Discuss.

The End... of The Beginning.

Well, it's not officially official and it wont be until Saturday, but I am no longer a high school student. It's a really strange concept that hasn't become a reality in my mind yet. I am glad, though. I'm ready to start doing things I care about.

This summer I hope to be busy. I'd like to write the entirety of my novel, film my documentary, see even more films, and just hang out with people who are still gonna be around that I don't get to hang out with that often. I'd also like to get a vehicle at some point...

Those are pretty much my plans for the summer. Not sure what Fall will bring, but I'm just gonna take things one little step at a time.

Here's to...stuff.

Dogville (2003, Lars Von Trier)

Dogville is not a film that I find it easy to review; and those who find themselves averse to viewing films that so honestly depict human suffering would do best not to view this film. I still feel that it is essential that we expose ourselves to films of this nature. For it is in this that we can uncover the truth behind the human condition.

Dogville tells the story of the small town of Dogville, a quaint little place hidden away in the Rocky Mountains. The film is set during the time of the Great Depression, ironically enough. We are introduced to all sixteen residents of the town. The main character focused on is Tom Edison. He is a writer of sorts, interested in philosophy, who wishes to help the town understand their lack of acceptance towards outsiders. He holds weekly lectures addressing this issue, but they aren't met with thundering applause.

It is then that Tom meets Grace. Late one night she wanders into town, claiming that she is being chased by men who want to kill her. Tom agrees that she may stay for a night in the towns mine. Through this chance meeting Tom sees his opportunity to teach the town his lesson through example; Grace being that example. Even though many oppose, Tom convinces the town to allow her to take shelter in Dogville for two weeks; if Grace is unable to win the entire town over in two weeks she promises to leave.

However, things don't go over as well as Tom hopes, as the truth of who the residents of Dogville are come to an abrasive front and in the end, Dogville will regret that it ever "bared it's teeth".

What makes Dogville interesting is the way in which the story is told. It is not shot on location. Instead it is filmed on a sound stage. White lines are drawn to represent the various buildings, props are placed inside these lines to create an illusion, and various pieces of fake scenery are placed on the stage to make it seem as though this all takes place in a mountain town. The lighting is very artificial, but utilized very effectively to mark changes in weather or times of day.

The second part of the film which is even more interesting is the abrupt change in tone. For its first half, Dogville is cheery and light - though not without a slight sense of mystery- as if we're being told the wonderful love story between Grace and Tom; and as if we're going to be shown how Grace changes the town of Dogville for the better, like a re-telling of Polyanna.

This, however, is not the case. As the film glides into the second half, things get increasingly darker. As the mystery surrounding Grace heightens, so does the hostility towards her (from the townsfolk). Grace, who selflessly puts herself to hard work in order to earn her keep, becomes an object of torture from the residents, both mentally and physically.

The most disturbing aspect of the film is the ways in which the men of Dogville begin to take advantage of her. It's heartbreaking because of who Grace is. She's an incredibly fleshed out and three-dimensional woman. Her name describes her personality. She is kindness, grace and purity embodied. She is innocence. Little by little, this is stripped away from her. After she tries desperately to escape, she is betrayed and the townsfolk resort to chaining her up. The epitome of Grace's dehumanization.

The films technical side is faultless. The film is shot so that it's as if everything taking place is a grand play, that we're right in the middle of. Most of the time the camera is handheld and placed right in the middle of the action on screen. More often than not, during conversation, the camera will swing from one character to the next, giving off the illusion that we're there with them, listening to the exchange first hand. It's this involvement that gives the film such emotional power. Von Trier isn't afraid to hit us (and Grace) with all the devastation he's got.

The acting is spot on, and it needs to be due to the minimal amount of scenery there is to look at. In order to remain involved, the characters to needed to be portrayed well, and they were. Nicole Kidman was the shining star of the entire cast, though the supporting actors held their own. The film's writing is also spot on, the narration sounding as if it came out of a classic piece of literature.

Many have stated that the film is harshly anti-American, I would have to say that I don't believe the films views are that narrow. Cynical as it may be, the themes are relevant. What is man's true nature? How would that look if all the artificial areas of who we are were taken away and our nuances exposed? How would it affect those around us?

The films most important theme? None of us deserve to live. When Grace is forced to place herself in the shoes of the residents of Dogville, she realizes that there is nothing to justify the way they treated her. She realizes that none of them deserve life. It's a harsh realization that goes against everything Grace represents, but one that she is unable to deny.

This is the part where the film lacks. It lacks God. God is the ultimate grace, and because of him we can live, despite anything we may have done. The films view is true, but it didn't take into account the one factor that could have changed it all.

Though Dogville does lack this element, that doesn't negate it in any way. It's a powerful portrayal of man's anamilistic nature, stunning in it's characterization of Grace's loss of innocence, and an all too relevant criticism of our society's lack of forgiveness and tolerance. Close-mindedness. Something I've come to despise over these past few months. Dogville was a film I needed to see, and although I don't recommend it to you, it epitomizes everything cinema, and art in general, should be.

"And all of a sudden she knew the answer to her question all too well. If she had acted like them she could not have defended a single one of her actions and could not have condemned them harshly enough. It was as if her sorrow and pain finally assumed their rightful place. No. What they had done was not good enough. And if one had the power to put it to right it was one's duty to do so - for the sake of other towns, for the sake of humanity. And not least for the sake of the human being that was grace herself. "

I am seriously turning into an art film snob.

It's the only thing I've been watching lately.

I can barely stomach mainstream films these days.

Maybe it's time for me to put away the Gus Van Sant, No Country and There Will Be Blood, turn my back on the obscurities and just watch some fun stuff for awhile.

I just don't want to do that though. I find joy in art films. I am stimulated by searching for meaning behind that which is unique. Is it so bad that I don't really want to use film as escapism? Is it so bad that I don't want to stand for mediocrity just for the sake of staying out of "snob" territory? It's not like I'm an ass about it. I'm not trying to tie people up and force them to watch a Fellini film.

I suppose if it makes me happy, screw everything else. I like what I like.

I'm gonna go watch Richard Kelly's new film.

This is one of the catchiest songs I've ever heard:

http://audio.xanga.com/Mad_Brad_EatsCows/7f4fc2098918/audio.html

I honestly have no idea why everybody gives this guy such a hard time. It's almost like it's just trendy to hate him and everyone wants to jump on the bandwagon. One or two bad songs DOES NOT make an artist good or bad in the long run.

Oh, well. I like the music; that's what matters.

ON the board I converse on, somebody started a suicide topic, and I found this reply to be very right on:

"I felt very similar to what you describe for a great deal of my young life (teens through twenties). For whatever it's worth, the longer you live, the more you realize that the present moment really is just a moment. No matter how strongly you may feel that, "this is all there is, has been, or could be", it isn't true. We change over the course of our lives, and the world changes around us. I'm 40, and I'm still not the painter I'd like to be. Maybe I never will be. But I've had an interesting and varied life, and all those early worries about eternal loser-doom proved baseless."

Seriously though, how easy is it to get caught up in the way your feeling at this certain point in time? So you feel like your life is going nowhere. So someone isn't returning your feelings. SO it doesn't feel like God's out there. That doesn't mean that it's going to be that way forever. Things change; we change. And man, life is too short to spend it worrying about what could be. Live for what you've got. Live for what's coming. Live for what God has planned.

I mean, with Him in control, no matter what our present situation is, things have got to get better eventually. Right?

Favorite Directors Series: #2

The second in this series that I'm writing is dedicated to a legendary figure in film:

Stanley Kubrick





I think the greatest aspect of Kubrick's film making is his visions being quite ahead of their time in the areas of social relevance. Some of Kubrick's most popular films contained themes that weren't accepted upon the film's original release. However, as Kubrick's fan base grows in this century, we find that his ideas are probably just as (if not more) relevant to today's society.

Not only was he a brilliant auteur, but he was just an overall unique mind and it showed through his.. unconventional films.

My favorite Kubrick film is, hands down, 2001: A Space Odyssey. This film is one of my favorite films of all time. I love it for it's slow pace, elegant musical sequences and for it's refusal to conform to any of cinema's conventional methods.



Visually brilliant and mentally exhausting, this is one of film's greatest achievements. I don't want to overly praise the story itself, as it was mostly Clarke's (R.I.P.), so I'm mostly going to focus on the technical achievements. This film is a visual work of art. I could mute the sound and just watch the visuals, it works so well. This is truly putting film-as-a-visual-medium to the work it should be put to.

It defies typical plot structure and to a lot of people crawls by at a snail's pace. However, there are so many things going on that if one is willing to put their brains to work, it's a very rich, rewarding cerebral experience.

A film that was heavily under appreciated in it's own time, it is finally receiving much of the recognition it deserves. And the fact that Kubrick predicted many of today's technological advances (this was made in the 60's) is quite impressive.

My second favorite Kubrick film, Barry Lyndon, is the definition of perfect cinematography. Again, I could turn off the sound and just look at the visuals. It's like a beautiful painting.... that moves.



Everything about the cinematography is perfect: the framing, lighting, camera movement and placement, etc... It's a stunning work. Aside from that, the film is also thematically heavy, commenting on the dangers of social classes and the desire for power.

Many claim that this isn't you typical "Kubrick" film, but I beg to differ. It's slow, patient, meditative and deceptively cold. It makes you think that it takes a callous look at these characters -as if we're only onlookers- yet he involves you in a very subtle way.

Though it clocks in at three hours, it never gets boring, as the story is engaging and the film gorgeous to look at. Heck, I even got Tommy to watch it with me, and we both loved it.

Another Kubrick masterpiece, A Clockwork Orange, is one of the most controversial films of all time. Which is understandable, as it's the tale of a psychopathic teenager who gets his jollies from committing acts of violence. He is sent to prison, given a procedure that turns him off of violence, and is re-released into the world.



Yes, this film is violent and pretty explicit, but I that's what makes it so misunderstood. Though I really don't want to comment on the social aspects of this film (because that was mainly due to the author of the novel Anthony Burgess), I will say that this is one of Kubrick's films that was way ahead of it's time.

Again, this film is wonderful to look at. Kubrick frames his shots so brilliantly; constantly putting Alex in the center of the screen as a means of forcing us to observe and understand him. The film also brilliantly plays with your emotions. You hate Alex in the first act, find him interesting in the second, and feel utterly sorry for him in the last act.

Yes, the films content is disturbing, but it's completely necessary. Had they avoided depicting the acts of violence and instead done something like... have a narrator go: "Alex was a very bad boy who liked to rape women and attack homeless guys," the impact would have totally been diminished.

It's a powerful film with an interesting statement, though some of it's more hardcore fans kind of scare me.

The master of mood, Kubrick created an absolutely terrifying adaptation of Stephen King's novel with The Shining. (I haven't seen this film the way Kubrick intended it to be seen, as I saw it on TV; heavily edited. I did see enough to properly talk about it though.)



This is a really hard film to watch because it's just so... messed up, so I really don't recommend it at all, but it's still a typical Kubrick movie: perfectly made. The tension is so think from the first frame to the last that you feel like a huge weight is lifted when the film ends. Of course, it looks great and again Kubrick likes to stick his main psycho right in the center of the screen frequently.

It's a very claustrophobic film. Plus, it's so scary. I wont even describe stuff because it wouldn't nearly do the scenes justice. One of the greatest psychological horror films of all time.

Kubrick liked to tackle all different genres, so it's only natural that he would mess around in the war genre. Full Metal Jacket is quite an interesting ride. It's probably, in my opinion, Kubrick's most disturbing film.



This film isn't really an anti-war film, the way I see it. It merely focuses more on the mental state of the soldiers and less on the "action" or "patriotism" and definitely veers away from the "machismo" that lies so heavy on most war films. We follow a group of soldiers from basic training to their actual time on the war front in Vietnam. We watch as they go from human beings, to empty killing machines.

However, as pessimistic as this movie is, Kubrick still offers some hope by allowing us to see a more human side of the soldiers every once in awhile; suggesting that the Marine's methods of turning the men into "killing machines" hasn't fully taken it's toll.

The movie actually has a really brilliant script, and the boot camp sequences border on hilarious. Especially the drill sergeant's lines.

And Kubrick also messed around in the comedy genre too, with the brilliant Dr Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb; a scathing social satire about... well... a lot of stuff that has to do with Russia and bombs.



This film has brilliant acting and writing. It's a perfect comedy; intelligent and just hilarious! It really showcases Kubrick's flexibility in film making.

The film is fast paced and very funny. It also doesn't let up in it's quest to satirize everyone it can think of; and it also employs the use of stereotypes in a way that's... not too far fetched. It also has some surprisingly stunning visuals (although that should be a given with a Kubrick movie). Peter Sellers (who plays many roles) is perfect! His comedic timing is genius.


Kubrick is a director that it has taken me quite some time to really appreciate. He is a very acquired taste, but once you get that taste, you understand his brilliance. I still have a few of his movies to see (Lolita, Eyes Wide Shut, The Killing, Killers Kiss), but I don't really see those films disappointing me.

I love Kubrick for his visual style mostly, as well as his careful handling of his subject matter. Plus, man can he offend people without actually doing anything offensive! Haha.

Great artist. Wish he was still alive, making amazing art.

UP NEXT: M. Night Shyamalan

If I could just go to sleep and stay asleep, everything would be perfect.

So Much For My Sad Song...

The present isn't the nicest right now.

I'm pretty much sick of school; I'm ready to finish with that tripe.

I miss my youth group.

I miss my close friends.

I feel like I'm wasting my time with this person...

Plus, I've still got that... thing weighing me down.

However, God is bigger than all that. And I really feel a great thing coming my way. And I'm completely excited for it. I just have to be patient and wait on Him. Which I've done plenty of so it's nothing new.

Why be afraid,
No reason to hide,
Take the chance,
Put it all on the line,
Draw in a deep breath and throw open the door,
'Cause that's what a heart is beating for.

Favorite Directors Series: #1

This post is in honor of my favorite (and arguably the greatest) filmmaker of all time:

Andrei Tarkovsky

More than just a filmmaker, Tarkovsky is a poet, philosopher and overall artistic genius. His visual style and highly thought provoking films are something to be admired. He deserves a place in film history for years to come.

His first film Ivan's Childhood is a masterful debut. Though some may say it's not on par with his later works, it still remains a beautiful film about the loss of innocence in an increasingly hostile world.

Ivan's Childhood was the first Tarkovsky film I ever saw and I was instantly drawn to hid style (especially in the visual sense). His use of contrasting darkness and light as well as his somewhat disjointed style of storytelling intrigued me.

The second film from Tarkorvsky that I saw was Stalker, which did nothing short of blowing my mind. The tale of a man who is called a Stalker who leads two other men through this mysterious area called The Zone. Somewhere inside this Zone (it is rumored) lies a room that, upon entering, grants you your deepest desire.

One of the first films to keep me awake at night, I pondered it for days going over scenes in my head and using all the brain power I had to figure out what it was saying. And to this day I still don't think I fully understand it.


Stalker is like a work of art. You can pause the DVD at any time and it would just look as if some wonderful painter had worked his magic on your television screen.

As well as being chock full of interesting themes to stir around in your head such as the purpose of faith, the worth of living and the necessity of the unknown. My favorite film from an amazing filmmaker.


Solyaris is a slow film. It's even slower than Kubrick's similar 2001: A Space Odyssey. It is the story of a man who is sent to a space station that hovers over the mysterious planet of Solyaris. He is sent there to investigate some strange goings-on in the station. When he arrives he is shocked by the reappearance of his dead wife. Although he soon comes to find that it isn't his wife at all; just a projection of her from the planet Solyaris.







This film is one of the most difficult I have ever watched - in a good way. Featuring some of the most amazing visual imagery of all time, as well as what is one of the most shocking endings of all time.


The Mirror is the true definition of art on film. It's the story of a faceless protagonists life that we are told through a series of dream and flashback sequences. It's a film that you basically aren't allowed to understand; but the awe inspiring visuals are enough to distract you away from the fact that you have no clue whats happening.






Strangely enough, even though I didn't know what was going on, I was still moved emotionally by this film. And when I finished it I went straight to the computer to rate it 10/10 for being one of the most beautiful things to ever be committed to film.


The surreal manner in which this film was presented, shot and even paced was like I'd never seen before. Tarkovsky is able to take us on a journey and if one can forget their perceptions of traditional narrative; allowing themselves to be swept away by the emotional experience of this film, it is quite rewarding.

Andrei Rublev is a story of an icon painter in the 15th Century. We watch as he goes on a spiritual journey in the midst of endless fighting between rival Princes and by Tatar invasions.

Though it clocks in at almost four hours, I was never bored or impatient. In typical hypnotic and meditative Takovsky fashion, Andrei's story was painted like one of the painters works of art. Of course, visually fascinating and emotionally rich. It is this ability of Tarkovsky's that made him such a genius in film making.

The manner in which Tarkovsky depicted spiritual depravity and hunger for something beyond oneself was highly relatable to my life. It was a film about the fragility of faith, and how easily moved to doubt humans can be. A powerful statement. Plus, this films ending should be placed on lists among the greats.

Finally, The Sacrifice was Tarkovsky's final film and one of his most confusing.

The story of a man named Alexander. On his birthday, suddenly it is announced that the third World War has broken out. In his fear and desperation, he cries out to God and asks him to end the war. He says that he will sacrifice everything: his family, friends, home and beloved son, if only the war will stop.

I had difficulty with this film. Something about it made it hard to connect and even more difficult to grasp than Tarkovsky's other work. Technically, the film is a triumph. Filled with long takes and rich symbolism this is one that I'll roll around in my head for many weeks to come.

I love Tarkovsky for many reasons. His depth, subtlety, use of symbolism, visual style, etc. are admirable and well crafted. He is a genius of the art of film. I think what draws me the most to his work, however, is his emotional complexity and resonance. Every one of his films, in some way, moved me and/or made me re-examine my life. Heck, Stalker changed my entire perception on the meaning of faith.

As I grow older and have kids of my own, I want to introduce them to Tarkovksy because he's really not worth missing. I would highly recommend- if you have the time, patience, and will to put thought into a film experience- to check him out. There's a lot there if one is willing to find it.

UP NEXT: Stanley Kubrick

A survey that is fun...

Here's how it works:
1. Go to www.photobucket.com (don't sign in)
2. Type in your answer to the question in the "search" box
3. Use only the first page
4. Copy the html and paste for the answer


1. What's your name?


hellz yeah. haha



2. What's your favorite thing to do?





4. What is your relationship status?


:)



5. What is your favorite color?







6. Who is your celebrity crush?

Girl crush:



Man crush (wink):



(don't freak out, I kid.)



7. What band/artist are you listening to right now?





8.What is your favorite movie?








9.What is your favorite Disney Princess?






10. Name your favorite beverage?





11. Where do you want to live?





12. What is your favorite dessert?






14. What do you love most in life?

(Besides God, who is a given)






15. One word to describe yourself?

Mr. Jones and me...

"And you said I know that this will hurt,
but if I don't break your heart things will just get worse.
If the burden seems too much to bear;
remember, the end will justify the pain it took to get us there."

Those are words that I've lived my life by. Even though Relient K has some flaws in their music, it's the honest way that Matt Thiessien writes that I enjoy so much.

I mean, those lyrics have literally saved my life.

God has brought me through some things... and there is still stuff that we're struggling through. At least this time around I know for sure that he's there. And the end WILL justify the pain that it's taking to get there.

I just wish I wasn't so aimless right now...

"Let it all out,
get it all out,
rip it out, remove it.
Don't be alarmed when the wound begins to bleed."

Random thoughts for Valentine's Day, 2008

It's odd.

Last year on Valentines Day I was confused and bitter so I was staunchly against everything this holiday represents.

However, this year since I'm not confused or bitter, it honestly hasn't bothered me. And any holiday where I get candy is alright by me.

I get why this holiday means something to some people. And one day it will mean something to me too.

Another highlight of this week is that I've started getting into a new band: The Polyphonic Spree. They're so awesome because it's compromised of about twenty or so members and they're like a techno choir of a sort. It's so awesome.

And before I go I want to make one more statement: the space bar on this keyboard I'm using completely sucks.
The end.

Thoughts for the Day - 2/10/2008

It's funny how God convicts us of things. This past week has been hectic, stressful and all around insane. However, I don't think I can recall once acknowledging God and just taking time to be in His presence, worshiping Him.

So today I'm in church, and all I can think about is how tired I am (haven't slept well this week). All of a sudden God starts convicting me. I started to really think about my week and I realized that I hadn't given Him the time of day this week.

So I had to do some major praying about that.

It's strange though, how easy it is to ignore God. I can be having the worst week of my life or the best week of my life. Yet, I don't acknowledge God moving in my life. I don't often just stop and lift up a quick prayer. I don't listen out for His voice. I don't think to go in my room for a little while and just worship.

I started feeling really sad about that. I tried to put myself in God's shoes and understand how it must feel to be ignored. And I must say that it probably hurts Him quite badly.

I love God so much. He has been doing so many things in my life over the past few months and I haven't stopped to take time to thank Him?

It makes me angry at myself. I'm just glad that God is forgiving and is willing to forget.

I intend to change this manner of living. I want to start spending more time soaking up God's presence and living life with Him as the focus.

"I am the way, follow Me and take My hand.
I am the truth, embrace Me and you'll understand.
I am the life, and through Me you'll live again.
For I am love."

Smells like Ike.

So, since I enjoy ranking things and I know what I like (and I don't love things equally) I decided that I would list my TOP 30 Favorite Songs.

I hate when I ask people what their favorite song is and they go: "LIKE OMG I DON'T HAVE A FAVORITE SONG! I LIKE WAY TOO MANY EQUALLY!" I think that's bullcrap. And so I shall list my top thirty favorite songs of all time. Without reasons. As you can see it is Arcade Fire heavy but I really love them. A lot.

1. Tiny Dancer - Elton John
2. Deathbed - Relient K
3. Sleeping Lessons - The Shins
4. Black Wave/ Bad Vibrations - The Arcade Fire
5. Time - Pink Floyd
6. Don't Let the Sun Go Down On Me- Elton John
7. A Wolf at the Door (It Girl. Rag Doll) - Radiohead
8. Black Mirror - The Arcade Fire
9. In the Middle - Mat Kearney
10. California Justice - Five for Fighting
11. Sound of Pulling Heaven Down - Blue October
12. Wish You Were Here - Pink Floyd
13. Intervention - The Arcade Fire
14. Wonder - Chris Rice
15. A Long December - Counting Crows
16. Levon - Elton John
17. Broadway - Goo Goo Dolls
18. New Slang - The Shins
19. When I Go Down - Relient K
20. Wake Up - The Arcade Fire
21. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road- Elton John
22. Crucify - Tori Amos
23. Into the West - Annie Lennox
24. Calling You- Blue October
25. Australia - The Shins
26. Turn on Me - The Shins
27. My Body is a Cage - The Arcade Fire
28. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Billy Joel
29. Must Have Done Something Right - Relient K
30. Antichrist Television Blues- The Arcade Fire

There you have it. I also decided to rank bands/artists and I think I would put it like this:

Bands:

1. The Shins
2. The Arcade Fire
3. Relient K
4. Radiohead
5. Blue October
6. Pink Floyd
7. Goo Goo Dolls
8. Counting Crows
9. Shiny Toy Guns
10. Muse

Artists:

1. Elton John
2. Mat Kearney
3. Five for Fighting (John Ondrasik)
4. Chris Rice
5. Tori Amos
6. Billy Joel
7. Imogen Heap
8. Dashboard Confessional (Chris Carraba)
9. Johnny Cash
10. Brandi Carlile

Requiem for a Dream

I really needed to comment about this movie. Never, ever see it. Not because it's bad, but because it is one of the most disturbing movies I've seen in a very long time. It's the story of four people who are all, in some manner, hooked on drugs of some kind. The film tells of their ultimate downfall as human beings and the way that their addictions destroy their lives. Hence the title Requiem for a Dream.

If I can say anything about this movie I will say that it has forever turned me off to ever trying drugs of any kind. The manner in which addiction is depicted here is so disturbing and so realistic that I just have no desire to ever even touch the stuff.

The movie is shot in a music video like manner with a lot of quick cuts and odd camera movements and while this would typically bother me I felt that it worked perfectly with the uneasy and dark mood that shrouded this film.

All of the performances were heartbreaking. Every single one. Even from Marlon Wayans who helped pen the atrocious films like Scary Movie and White Chicks. After days of thinking about the movie I realized that this film wouldn't have hit near as hard without the performances.

The movie at first seems like a typical, black and white "don't do drugs" movie, but it goes way deeper than that in a way that takes a lot of thought. To me, this movie is about the emptiness of humanity. Humans are empty and we try to fill this emptiness up with anything that gives us that temporary high. The characters in this movie turned to drugs. And in the end it destroyed every single one of them. Requiem for a dream...

I don't recommend this movie unless you can handle some pretty harsh and graphic scenes. I wont go into any details but it's some pretty gruesome stuff. It's not shock value for the sake of shock value though. Every graphic scene was necessary for the point this film was trying to make.

Naturally, there were some flaws, but the films hard punch was enough to compensate for those.

I will never forget this movie for as long as I live and one day I may revisit it. For now, however, the images are enough. This is one to remember.

And I'm so glad I have something to fill that void in myself.