Films 29-33 (The ALIEN series and a Documentary)
I know it seems like a cheap shot to anyone experience strife, but I am very happy with life and the choices I've made after recognizing changes that needed to be made. I've found a home/center: professionally, physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally- after feeling "lost" for few months. It's nice to be on top again.
This was a recent Facebook post of mine. I went through some hard stuff a few months ago, mostly involving a relationship and a sense of identity. I can gladly say that I feel grounded and like I've found myself again. It helps to be living in such a wonderful city. I have often said that Portland, ME is a "hidden gem" among larger cities in America. There is so much to do on any given day/night.
Places I've found myself frequenting since moving:
1) Local Sprouts
2) Empire
3) The Big Easy
4) State Theatre
5) SPACE Gallery
I've done a few monthly staples as well:
1) Greendrinks
2) First Friday
3) Clash of the Titans
I want to get out to the Poetry Nights at Bull Feeney's, but I always find myself exhausted.
I'd love to hear other suggestions, as well. Maybe we could hit some other places/recommendations together, because I've also been trying to meet new people, which seems weird, because I always thought it was harder to meet new people/gain new friends after you turned 30, but I almost feel as if my life truly began after college. Yes, I have some amazing friends (life-long I hope) that I met in college, but as I've grown up and become a professional, I feel like I've really begun "living my life." Seems weird to say that, but I feel like I missed out on my childhood, adolescence for reasons that I won't get into here, but I felt forced to grow up faster than I would have preferred, but hey, it's also made me the person I am today, so I can't complain. I am happy with my life experiences and the knowledge and perspective I've gained along the way.
Although, I have told myself I will take the time to discover new haunts as well, I've also found myself to be a creature of habit. Is that the teacher-gene inside of me?
Anyway, I haven't forgotten about my project of Film Viewing. By the way, I need to come up with a catchy title for the project, I think! Suggestions?
I've been living life. Friday night, I had an amazing time pulling an all-nighter with amazing company. Laughter, stories, I even dabbled on the guitar for awhile. It was great fun.
Saturday I went to hear Steve Almond (a Boston DIY writer) read at SPACE Gallery. He's written some fantastic books. My favorite: "Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life." But, recently he self-published a series of six small short-story books that focused on Erotica. Now, his talk was quite amazing and made me think about my own writing. You see, he explained his thoughts on sex in literature and "erotica." Explicit sex seems to sell because of the desire it evokes in the reader (perhaps it allows for something missing in the reader's reality. Pornography and "erotica" desensitize us and take away one of the most crucial aspect of sex: (a) intimacy and (b) vulnerability...both of which, as a complete Romantic, I have appreciated. I think about my own writing, from years past, and I think when we are younger (say teenagers) we become so enthralled and attracted to cursing and sex/nudity is because as a society we have been told/taught it is "wrong" and/or "taboo. Sex/nudity especially. It was private. So, as a teenager, I wrote explicitly and loved finding swears/curses because I knew it would piss people (re: parents) off. As I grew up and matured though, I began to see that it loses its "effect" when it (both subjects) are thrust, blatantly, in front of someone. There is something to be said for subtlety. For example, I've always been attracted to women; I've always found them beautiful, but as I grew up I began to find a women dressed (in lingerie, especially) to be a lot more seductive because it leaves a sense of wonder in the eye of the beholder. Besides, when we are naked, we are completely exposed (literally). So, in writing for sex, Steve Almond suggested to imply and suggest more, to approach sex through the Five Senses, and to focus more on the internal thoughts/desires and the struggles that come with sex. I found this quite intriguing and I want to practice it now in my writing. I've been learning more and more about the craft of writing and believe it can only make me better.
.....................................
As far as films I've watched lately:
Prometheus: (the prequel to Ridley Scott's "Alien" franchise). The story follows the crew of the spaceship "Prometheus" as they follow a star map discovered among the artifacts/ruins of ancient Earth cultures. The crew is seeking answers to questions about the origins of humanity. The story does a great job setting up the background explanations for many questions that you may have as a viewer of the original "Alien" and "Aliens" films and I enjoyed that aspect of the film. I also did more research on the films and the history involved. I was fascinated with the themes that Ridley Scott tackles with his sci-fi adventure. The film ultimately deals with humanity's relationship with gods (creators) and the consequences of defying them. This crew/expedition sets out to find answers to three major human questions: belief, immortality, and death. Are we meant to know the answers, though? There is also an android (robot) throughout the entire series (here, played by Michael Fassbender, well played, too) who has been created in the image of humanity, but does not want to be anything like the human beings he was created in the image of (with good reason, perhaps). Ridley Scott also brings in some themes relevant to "Paradise Lost" (which my friend, Vanessa gave me years ago as a Christmas present that I have yet read, but want to now).
I really enjoyed learning more through watching the "Alien" series, but was disappointed by Prometheus because I found that it lost its focus by relying heavily on the new and latest technology. As I've thought with previous "old, classic" series (re: Star Wars), when a director attempts, years later, to tell more of the story with better technology something is lost within.
Alien: starring Sigourney Weaver and released in 1979 was truly intense and a great ride/story told in a minimalist fashion. I really appreciate that Scott lets the story and the characters develop for a solid hour and a half before even introducing the villain (Alien) and by then you have bought into the story. Pace is the trick here in this classic sci-fi/horror film. There are silences throughout the build-up where Scott takes us on a visually stimulating tour of the spaceship. The film is filled up suspense because you never really "see" the alien creature and even when you do, it has morphed and grown into something else. The graphics are ridiculously low-tech. I found one scene in particular to be reminiscent of the scene in "Independence Day" when the alien has been brought in for autopsy and it kidnaps a scientist (perhaps they were paying homage to Scott, because his scene with the alien figure attached to the face of a crew member, ultimately impregnating him, to be very similar). I was truly engaged with this classic film, because it forced you to watch closely.
Aliens: again, starring Sigourney Weaver and this time directed by James Cameron. I wanted to hate this sequel simply because Cameron was attached. I've always despised him because he is a talented director and he knows it! He is self-indulgent as a storyteller and director. I get the sense, watching his films, that he wants us to know he made a "great" film (re: Titanic, Avatar) and they never strike me. But, I have to admit this sequel is my favorite of the entire franchise! Damn it!
It takes place 57 years later. A new expedition is sent out, this time, filled with Marines. Cameron sets up the film well, perhaps following the sequel "rules," by not necessarily focusing too much on story development. A young girl is found in the remnants of the spaceship the Marines are sent to explore and ultimately destroy because the alien creatures have used it as a nesting ground. James Cameron gives just enough of a story to set up, but then he barrels right into the action, again in true sequel fashion. There is more carnage. Cameron is a great director, that cannot be denied. His eye for detail and intensity (emotion) is stellar. As the Marines and Ellen Ripley (Weaver) are exploring the spaceship you, the viewer, feel extremely uncomfortable, again, because you never know what will pop up and where it will. When it first came out, the posters claimed it would "frighten you like no other movie before it," and it does live up to the hype. It is an intense ride and you are certainly sucked into right from the beginning, much like Cameron's "Terminator" films. Sigourney Weaver is the glue that holds the entire franchise together and here her performance is top-notch.
Alien 3: starring Sigourney Weaver (although I'm betting she wished she cut ties here) and directed by David Fincher (in his early days, who has since cut all ties from the film and wants to be disassociated with it). This film is a disgrace to the series and I actually lost interest in it rather quickly. Unfortunately it drags on, telling an inane and pointless story, for 2 and a half hours. Time better spent for everyone involved. There was a lot of outside interference with the making of the third film in the series and I wondered what it would have turned out to be if Fincher was allowed to make the film he truly wanted to (given his later success with films like "Seven" and "Fight Club" and "Zodiac" not to mention "The Social Network"). I'm not even going to bother with a synopsis because I don't want to waste your time reading it. Consider my viewing it a necessary sacrifice for you.
You're welcome!
This was a recent Facebook post of mine. I went through some hard stuff a few months ago, mostly involving a relationship and a sense of identity. I can gladly say that I feel grounded and like I've found myself again. It helps to be living in such a wonderful city. I have often said that Portland, ME is a "hidden gem" among larger cities in America. There is so much to do on any given day/night.
Places I've found myself frequenting since moving:
1) Local Sprouts
2) Empire
3) The Big Easy
4) State Theatre
5) SPACE Gallery
I've done a few monthly staples as well:
1) Greendrinks
2) First Friday
3) Clash of the Titans
I want to get out to the Poetry Nights at Bull Feeney's, but I always find myself exhausted.
I'd love to hear other suggestions, as well. Maybe we could hit some other places/recommendations together, because I've also been trying to meet new people, which seems weird, because I always thought it was harder to meet new people/gain new friends after you turned 30, but I almost feel as if my life truly began after college. Yes, I have some amazing friends (life-long I hope) that I met in college, but as I've grown up and become a professional, I feel like I've really begun "living my life." Seems weird to say that, but I feel like I missed out on my childhood, adolescence for reasons that I won't get into here, but I felt forced to grow up faster than I would have preferred, but hey, it's also made me the person I am today, so I can't complain. I am happy with my life experiences and the knowledge and perspective I've gained along the way.
Although, I have told myself I will take the time to discover new haunts as well, I've also found myself to be a creature of habit. Is that the teacher-gene inside of me?
Anyway, I haven't forgotten about my project of Film Viewing. By the way, I need to come up with a catchy title for the project, I think! Suggestions?
I've been living life. Friday night, I had an amazing time pulling an all-nighter with amazing company. Laughter, stories, I even dabbled on the guitar for awhile. It was great fun.
Saturday I went to hear Steve Almond (a Boston DIY writer) read at SPACE Gallery. He's written some fantastic books. My favorite: "Rock and Roll Will Save Your Life." But, recently he self-published a series of six small short-story books that focused on Erotica. Now, his talk was quite amazing and made me think about my own writing. You see, he explained his thoughts on sex in literature and "erotica." Explicit sex seems to sell because of the desire it evokes in the reader (perhaps it allows for something missing in the reader's reality. Pornography and "erotica" desensitize us and take away one of the most crucial aspect of sex: (a) intimacy and (b) vulnerability...both of which, as a complete Romantic, I have appreciated. I think about my own writing, from years past, and I think when we are younger (say teenagers) we become so enthralled and attracted to cursing and sex/nudity is because as a society we have been told/taught it is "wrong" and/or "taboo. Sex/nudity especially. It was private. So, as a teenager, I wrote explicitly and loved finding swears/curses because I knew it would piss people (re: parents) off. As I grew up and matured though, I began to see that it loses its "effect" when it (both subjects) are thrust, blatantly, in front of someone. There is something to be said for subtlety. For example, I've always been attracted to women; I've always found them beautiful, but as I grew up I began to find a women dressed (in lingerie, especially) to be a lot more seductive because it leaves a sense of wonder in the eye of the beholder. Besides, when we are naked, we are completely exposed (literally). So, in writing for sex, Steve Almond suggested to imply and suggest more, to approach sex through the Five Senses, and to focus more on the internal thoughts/desires and the struggles that come with sex. I found this quite intriguing and I want to practice it now in my writing. I've been learning more and more about the craft of writing and believe it can only make me better.
.....................................
As far as films I've watched lately:
Prometheus: (the prequel to Ridley Scott's "Alien" franchise). The story follows the crew of the spaceship "Prometheus" as they follow a star map discovered among the artifacts/ruins of ancient Earth cultures. The crew is seeking answers to questions about the origins of humanity. The story does a great job setting up the background explanations for many questions that you may have as a viewer of the original "Alien" and "Aliens" films and I enjoyed that aspect of the film. I also did more research on the films and the history involved. I was fascinated with the themes that Ridley Scott tackles with his sci-fi adventure. The film ultimately deals with humanity's relationship with gods (creators) and the consequences of defying them. This crew/expedition sets out to find answers to three major human questions: belief, immortality, and death. Are we meant to know the answers, though? There is also an android (robot) throughout the entire series (here, played by Michael Fassbender, well played, too) who has been created in the image of humanity, but does not want to be anything like the human beings he was created in the image of (with good reason, perhaps). Ridley Scott also brings in some themes relevant to "Paradise Lost" (which my friend, Vanessa gave me years ago as a Christmas present that I have yet read, but want to now).
I really enjoyed learning more through watching the "Alien" series, but was disappointed by Prometheus because I found that it lost its focus by relying heavily on the new and latest technology. As I've thought with previous "old, classic" series (re: Star Wars), when a director attempts, years later, to tell more of the story with better technology something is lost within.
Alien: starring Sigourney Weaver and released in 1979 was truly intense and a great ride/story told in a minimalist fashion. I really appreciate that Scott lets the story and the characters develop for a solid hour and a half before even introducing the villain (Alien) and by then you have bought into the story. Pace is the trick here in this classic sci-fi/horror film. There are silences throughout the build-up where Scott takes us on a visually stimulating tour of the spaceship. The film is filled up suspense because you never really "see" the alien creature and even when you do, it has morphed and grown into something else. The graphics are ridiculously low-tech. I found one scene in particular to be reminiscent of the scene in "Independence Day" when the alien has been brought in for autopsy and it kidnaps a scientist (perhaps they were paying homage to Scott, because his scene with the alien figure attached to the face of a crew member, ultimately impregnating him, to be very similar). I was truly engaged with this classic film, because it forced you to watch closely.
Aliens: again, starring Sigourney Weaver and this time directed by James Cameron. I wanted to hate this sequel simply because Cameron was attached. I've always despised him because he is a talented director and he knows it! He is self-indulgent as a storyteller and director. I get the sense, watching his films, that he wants us to know he made a "great" film (re: Titanic, Avatar) and they never strike me. But, I have to admit this sequel is my favorite of the entire franchise! Damn it!
It takes place 57 years later. A new expedition is sent out, this time, filled with Marines. Cameron sets up the film well, perhaps following the sequel "rules," by not necessarily focusing too much on story development. A young girl is found in the remnants of the spaceship the Marines are sent to explore and ultimately destroy because the alien creatures have used it as a nesting ground. James Cameron gives just enough of a story to set up, but then he barrels right into the action, again in true sequel fashion. There is more carnage. Cameron is a great director, that cannot be denied. His eye for detail and intensity (emotion) is stellar. As the Marines and Ellen Ripley (Weaver) are exploring the spaceship you, the viewer, feel extremely uncomfortable, again, because you never know what will pop up and where it will. When it first came out, the posters claimed it would "frighten you like no other movie before it," and it does live up to the hype. It is an intense ride and you are certainly sucked into right from the beginning, much like Cameron's "Terminator" films. Sigourney Weaver is the glue that holds the entire franchise together and here her performance is top-notch.
Alien 3: starring Sigourney Weaver (although I'm betting she wished she cut ties here) and directed by David Fincher (in his early days, who has since cut all ties from the film and wants to be disassociated with it). This film is a disgrace to the series and I actually lost interest in it rather quickly. Unfortunately it drags on, telling an inane and pointless story, for 2 and a half hours. Time better spent for everyone involved. There was a lot of outside interference with the making of the third film in the series and I wondered what it would have turned out to be if Fincher was allowed to make the film he truly wanted to (given his later success with films like "Seven" and "Fight Club" and "Zodiac" not to mention "The Social Network"). I'm not even going to bother with a synopsis because I don't want to waste your time reading it. Consider my viewing it a necessary sacrifice for you.
You're welcome!
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