"It's gotta be the shoes"

That is, if New Balance count. Hey, at least they're mostly 'fair-trade' friendly. Anyway, yeah, I finally got new shoes (and just in time for spring). Well, as Thomas Stearns once said:

April is the cruelest month, breeding
Lilacs out of the dead land, mixing
Memory and desire, stirring
Dull roots with spring rain.
Winter kept us warm, covering
Earth in forgetful snow, feeding
A little life with dried tubers.

Would you like a film recommendation? Of course you would. How about one that addresses some of the culture-clash topics of Lost in Translation with a more interesting (and quirky) story and far more tangible theme? Well, you've come to the right place, my friend.
This week's recommendation was directed by Liev Schreiber and stars Elijah Wood and a bunch of great Ukrainian actors. It's a film based on the autobiographical work of the same name, Everything is Illuminated. A wonderfully beautiful and sad film. It attempted (and, I think, succeeded) to portray the beautiful light of life in the midst of the horrific reality of memory. It also made an interesting comment on the state and connection of things. At one point the characters are trying to understand why Augustine buried her wedding ring and conclude that she did it so someone, someday, might find it. Her sister, Lista, contradicts them and says that the ring was not buried for them to find but they came and found it because it was buried. Sort of a 'fate/connection' idea. Anyway, go rent it!

Well, I'm going to do the 'LiveJournal' thing and tell you what media (other than the aforementioned film) I am 'into' right now. As far as music goes, I've been listening to a little Bedouin Soundclash. As far as literature, Macabre short stories like The Alchemist and The Pit and the Pendulum (which validates this posting because it contains a literary 'Deus Ex Machina'). Best current reading, though, is 1 Peter. It's good stuff.

{BTW, my blog now has its own domain: www.jonloch.com}

Blogging in a Suit

Well, sort of. I ditched the jacket and tie a while ago thanks to the warm sunny weather. But it's fun to wear a suit sometimes. I preached my second sermon in Homiletics class today (hence the attire).

And wearing a suit got me to thinking... most 'movies' out there assume their audiences are idiots (well, I don't know if I thought this because I was wearing a suit or not).
Take Dante's Peak. As this person so humorously points out, Dante's Peak assumes we are all complete morons. The worst of this (IMO) is the 'boat scene.' You see, our heroes are trying to escape the volcano by crossing a lake in a metal boat. Upon observation that all the fish are dead (but intact) and smoking holes are forming in the bottom of the boat, Brosnan's character points out that "Volcanic activity has turned the lake to acid. " Ok, fine. We know what the acid is doing, now move along. Nope... Hamilton's seemingly useless character remarks in startled epiphany, "ACID EATS METAL!!!" Oh, really??? I didn't make that connection(!)

But seriously, suits are cool! I mean, I don't have a gun or a fedora right now, but I can pretend.
Anyway, another reason you should go see V for "Vendetta" is because it doesn't treat you like an idiot. There are plenty of allusions and hints that most will miss, but they don't hold your hand and clue you in. That's up to you.

BTW, I finally received my first copy of Relevant Magazine (as well as my Alberta Resource Check--good trade: $400 to put towards paying for health care or donate to the crumbling schools or roadways).

V for "Valhalla" [of film]

"This visage, no mere veneer of vanity, is it vestige of the vox populi, now vacant, vanished, as the once vital voice of the verisimilitude now venerates what they once vilified. However, this valorous visitation of a by-gone vexation, stands vivified, and has vowed to vanquish these venal and virulent vermin vanguarding vice and vouchsafing the violently vicious and voracious violation of volition. The only verdict is vengeance; a vendetta, held as a votive, not in vain, for the value and veracity of such shall one day vindicate the vigilant and the virtuous. Verily, this vichyssoise of verbiage veers most verbose vis-Ã -vis an introduction, and so it is my very good honor to meet you and you may call me V."

V for Vendetta is THE film to see! Wow! I saw it on opening night (March 17) and it is simply Wonderful [pronounce the German "W" for full effect]. A masterpiece of cinematography, writing, acting, plot, action, character, atmosphere, and every other ingredient of a great film! If you haven't heard of it yet start with the trailers here. If you want a brief synopsis of the film, just Google it.

As to how this film fits with the overarching theme of this blog...
First, WHO CARES?! Its a must see and the redeemer of graphic novel to film adaptations.
Second, I care. If you wanted a film that addresses change, culture, faith, measure of character & cause, and the struggle of being in the world and [perhaps] not of it, this is the film to see. The fact that "V" is such a dark and problematic hero (ie: the fact that he is a terrorist and an assassinn) adds to the depth of these themes.

The only problem is now there is no point in making my screenplay into a film.

Looking for le mot juste

So, a screenplay? One that allegorizes the desire to be 'in' the world but not 'of' it? Perhaps one that challenges the validity of that idiom? Regardless, that was the assignment, so here we go...

For those of you in my Christianity & Culture class this will actually be new to you since I never ended up reading my pitch (nor did two others, but its ok). Well, just as well. Mine was quite possibly the darkest of all the ideas. You see, my idea was steeped in symbolism and metaphorical value, but on the surface could be hard to interpret (like when people insist that Signs was about aliens). But enough of this, on to the movie film!

It is mid-afternoon on Labour Day, 1837. Henry de La Poer Beresford and his foolhardy companions head out on a fox hunt near Melton Mowbray, England. After much success they happened upon a shed which they entered searching for more liquor but found only copious amounts of red paint for farm use. Known for doing anything for a bet, Henry and his chums splatter the paint on buildings up and down High Street giving birth to a new idiom.

So began (or continued) the revelry and daredevil antics of Henry and his 'friends' into London. Not long after their 'artistic venture' one of the group dared him to don a 'devil mask' and spook some random fool. So, hiding in a cemetery they waited for their 'prey.' Conveniently an older businessman was returning late from work along their path. As he passed the group hoisted Henry on the wall from which he leaped on the man. Full of adrenaline from the ambush and satisfied with the effect of terror, Henry sprinted off into the night only to meet up with his friends at a club. And so we have the first documented encounter with the strange leaping 'terror' nick-named "Springheel Jack" by the London Times.

Well, a successful prank, eh? Oh, but it was more than that. You see, the terror imbibed and dispensed that night had thrilled Henry beyond what he thought possible. Sure he was a reveler and a playboy, but these were attached to his title (Marquess of Waterford) as were his fairweather friends and romantic successes. Inside Henry hated and despised his crowd. Indeed, he felt perhaps he hated everyone. Maybe he was abused as a child, rejected by a love, putdown for his personality, or all of the above. But he harboured resentment against society even though it was his livelihood.
But "Jack"... in "Jack" he had discovered power. The power to terrorize gave vehicle for his upset.

From here we see the escalation of depravity as Henry becomes more debauch and Jack more licentious and terrifying (a veritable 'Jekyl' and 'Hyde'). Indeed, like a deprave Bruce Wayne and cruel Caped Crusader he created a dark creature with impish features, tall muscular stature, and the ability to leap inhuman distances and heights and even spit blue flame.
Besides the allusions I've already made, this one should be noted.

So, there it is. I think I would go for Robert Rodriguez as director and Daniel Day Lewis for "Jack" if he would be willing to do it (and if the casting agent didn't think he was too old to play 26 year-old Henry).

La Danse Macabre

Lately death, darkness, and humanity have been prevalent themes in my musing. Above is a picture of the "Dance of Death" (click on the picture to learn more). If you look closely you will notice that the dancing spectres are from varying statures and walks of life. The idea of La Danse Macabre is of the universality of death and that it ultimately is the unifying factor of humanity (now I know someone would like to add their thoughts to this post). As Benjamin Franklin said in 1789:

Our new Constitution is now established, and has an appearance that promises permanency; but in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.

So, logically, here is the taxman:

(I'll post my "movie-idea" later).

Art & Honesty

Perusing some of my classmates' blogs I am noticing a theme about art & Christianity (no doubt in relation to reading Asher Lev). Particularly the question seems to be in connection to artform and expression regarding worship. How do we judge the value of art (or, indeed, can we) in this context? This would be a simple issue if art was limited to honest self-expression that edifies the body of Christ. However, is art really art if it is limited?
So what are we stuck with? Artforms that fit the template of church worship but not necessarily the soul of the artist? Artistic expression that is deep and honest but inappropriate or even vulgar to the worship community? Obviously this is not always the case, but it is a real conflict. Guaranteed there are many whose opinions fall blatantly and firmly on either side of this fence. But what about those of us in the middle? Is there a balance to be found? Or should we stop straddling the fence because of the barbed-wire?
Click here for a somewhat similar question.

Now, speaking of honesty, I recently watched The Big Kahuna with Kevin Spacey and Danny DeVito. One of the main themes in the film is honesty (ie: in character). Well worth watching if you don't mind expletives and the stageplay style (the style worked for me). It is about 3 salesman at various stages in life. The youngest, "Bob," is a nervous and conservative Christian who cannot resist proselytizing. The oldest, "Phil" (DeVito), is like "Willy Loman" with hope. The catalyst in the middle, "Larry" (Spacey), is so many people I know. Basically, put these 3 in a room for 24 hours, shake and serve. Regarding honesty, Phil says:

It doesn't matter whether you're selling Jesus or Buddha or civil rights or 'How to Make Money in Real Estate With No Money Down.' That doesn't make you a human being; it makes you a marketing rep. If you want to talk to somebody honestly, as a human being, ask him about his kids. Find out what his dreams are - just to find out, for no other reason. Because as soon as you lay your hands on a conversation to steer it, it's not a conversation anymore; it's a pitch.

Well, what do you think?

One more thought and thing to ponder (and comment on): the words of Oscar Wilde -

Life imitates art far more than art imitates Life.

3pm thoughts

No particular point to this post. Just doing my civic duty of taking a mental 'dump' on the side of the information superhighway. Actually, this is one of the few ways for the ideas spewing forth in my head to escape today (and yesterday). I think I have laryngitis. However, it has been both a frustrating and refreshing experience to not be able to speak. Kind of like a 'listening bootcamp.'

Anyway, check out this article and let me know what you think. Not just about the 'mark-O-the-beast' stuff but about the increasing publicity of our lives through the privitization of technology.

Also, in keeping with the theme of some of the movies I watched last week, check out this guy:

Name: Springheel Jack. Status: Legend.
I think I might try writing a screenplay based on this guy (though I've never tried such before) especially since there is very little beyond 'penny dreadfuls' that have been about him. (the guy in the picture that fell over looks kind of like Leo).