***It should be noted that I've fallen in love with film again with the vigor of the first time because I am healed from the heartbreaks of my experiences. It has been a long and intense process, but I feel as though my heart is healed. I have found a balance between head and heart. I have learned how to defend myself in gentle but powerful ways. I have learned more about my personal power. But none of it would be possible without my Conversion - both the singular moments and the ongoing process.
So my words to you are these: broken hearts can be mended. Miracles still happen. Joy can be yours, and faith isn't as hard as it sometimes looks. Patience and persistence. Trees and grass. Enjoy the journey and keep smiling.
Be well.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
MG's Film Blog
As previously mentioned, I've gone crazy over film, and I'm thrilled to have done so. Growing up, obsessions were discouraged, but I've outgrown that silly-talk. Obsession is merely the flip side of passion, so there is nothing to be ashamed of. That's duality. Yin and Yang. And, I have a passion for film. Always have, always will.
As such, I've decided this is an excellent forum to write my film critiques. Film is becoming my life again, so it's not such a crazy idea. I'm in love, again and for the first time, and I want to tell the world. It just happens to be film. And I couldn't be more grateful for my friends' prayers and God's miracle-workings. Rock on Jesus!!
I also wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to author James Martin, SJ, and Father Pedro Arrupe for the quote that helped me meditate to this better place. Here it is. May it inspire you to fall in love, too, be it for the first time or the umpteenth time.
“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” - attributed to Father Pedro Arrupe
As such, I've decided this is an excellent forum to write my film critiques. Film is becoming my life again, so it's not such a crazy idea. I'm in love, again and for the first time, and I want to tell the world. It just happens to be film. And I couldn't be more grateful for my friends' prayers and God's miracle-workings. Rock on Jesus!!
I also wish to extend a heartfelt thanks to author James Martin, SJ, and Father Pedro Arrupe for the quote that helped me meditate to this better place. Here it is. May it inspire you to fall in love, too, be it for the first time or the umpteenth time.
“Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the mornings, what you will do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.” - attributed to Father Pedro Arrupe
I love my Blackberry
I had been thinking about the Blackberry technology as an answer to my communication issues, and one evening a couple of weeks ago, I took the plunge. It was quite unexpected, but when the price is right, you go for it. And, the price was very right.
Since then, I've been able to improve my productivity greatly, as well as take better pictures and video. And I've only scratched the surface of the tool. In these past two days, I've gone wild with the calendar feature, learning how to tailor it to my style. Needless to say, I love my Blackberry.
E-mail me at will. I am better connected now than ever. And if you're considering making the switch from a phone to a communications efficiency tool, I say "Go for it."
I'm really glad I did.
Since then, I've been able to improve my productivity greatly, as well as take better pictures and video. And I've only scratched the surface of the tool. In these past two days, I've gone wild with the calendar feature, learning how to tailor it to my style. Needless to say, I love my Blackberry.
E-mail me at will. I am better connected now than ever. And if you're considering making the switch from a phone to a communications efficiency tool, I say "Go for it."
I'm really glad I did.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Fast Lane The Movie
I am proud to announce that my dear friend, David Betances, has written, directed, and edited his first feature length film.
Fast Lane will be released on DVD next Tuesday, August 25, 2009.
I cannot fully express my elation, joy, and pride about this. David and I met 15 years ago, and we talked about what we wanted to do.
His dream has been realized.
Mine? Coming Soon.
Fast Lane is available in major outlets, including Blockbuster, NetFlix, and RedBox. Please check it out!!
Fast Lane will be released on DVD next Tuesday, August 25, 2009.
I cannot fully express my elation, joy, and pride about this. David and I met 15 years ago, and we talked about what we wanted to do.
His dream has been realized.
Mine? Coming Soon.
Fast Lane is available in major outlets, including Blockbuster, NetFlix, and RedBox. Please check it out!!
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Ben Whishaw
I have thrown myself back into seeing films with a fervor that can only be compared to the enthusiasm of a youth. More on that another time.
Brideshead Revisited - A picturesque period piece that shows its budget on the screen. The production value is there. Regretably, the rest of it is less than stellar. The editing was particularly irritating to me, jerky and inappropriate for the genre. The directing was also not strong. I felt it was amateurish and inexperienced. Yes, actors hit their marks and I didn't see any boom mics looming above actors' heads, but it lacked the soul I would've expected from this type of film and this studio, Miramax. That said, there is something worth the time to see.
BEN WHISHAW.
See anything this man performs in. He is a talent that surpasses my expectations. Anyone who knows me knows that's very difficult!! His ability to play to the camera while keeping it the Fourth Wall is incredible. The memory of his performance still excites me. I watched the film a second time just so I could see the undercurrents of subtlety in his character.
Because of this new found love affair, I rented another of his films, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
The film was very well executed, another period piece, and the director brought a fresh and interesting sensability to it. It is a German film that fits the mass market in production value, and it was a good film. It is adapted from a novel, and I must admit the adaptation was strong, as these things go. However, it must be said that this film is highly (and I mean highly) disturbing. If you struggled with the themes of Silence of the Lambs, I don't recommend this film.
How was Ben's performance? Breathtaking. Remarkable. Worth every second of discomfort and angst. His ability to play opposite Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman is impressive. But, it really boils down to his face. I love what he can do with his eyes and face, his chameleon-like quality.
Keep an eye out for him. If he can manage his personal life, this guy will be a star on both sides of The Pond.
Brideshead Revisited - A picturesque period piece that shows its budget on the screen. The production value is there. Regretably, the rest of it is less than stellar. The editing was particularly irritating to me, jerky and inappropriate for the genre. The directing was also not strong. I felt it was amateurish and inexperienced. Yes, actors hit their marks and I didn't see any boom mics looming above actors' heads, but it lacked the soul I would've expected from this type of film and this studio, Miramax. That said, there is something worth the time to see.
BEN WHISHAW.
See anything this man performs in. He is a talent that surpasses my expectations. Anyone who knows me knows that's very difficult!! His ability to play to the camera while keeping it the Fourth Wall is incredible. The memory of his performance still excites me. I watched the film a second time just so I could see the undercurrents of subtlety in his character.
Because of this new found love affair, I rented another of his films, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
The film was very well executed, another period piece, and the director brought a fresh and interesting sensability to it. It is a German film that fits the mass market in production value, and it was a good film. It is adapted from a novel, and I must admit the adaptation was strong, as these things go. However, it must be said that this film is highly (and I mean highly) disturbing. If you struggled with the themes of Silence of the Lambs, I don't recommend this film.
How was Ben's performance? Breathtaking. Remarkable. Worth every second of discomfort and angst. His ability to play opposite Dustin Hoffman and Alan Rickman is impressive. But, it really boils down to his face. I love what he can do with his eyes and face, his chameleon-like quality.
Keep an eye out for him. If he can manage his personal life, this guy will be a star on both sides of The Pond.
John Hughes
Director John Hughes has died.
By the time anyone reads this, the news will be out more so than it is right now. I read the article with the time stamp of "17 minutes ago".
It is strange to be blogging about this man's death when I wasn't a "fan". I enjoyed his movies, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club, but they aren't movies I think of often. Yes, I quote "Bueller. Bueller." often, but not because I am a fan. I quote because the line has taken on a cultural meaning all its own.
I suppose the reason I want to write about his passing is less about him and more about life in general. He was a major part of our generation's culture, affecting millions, but still was able to live in background celebrity. The obituary said he led a later life of Salinger-like style, rarely being photographed. I must admit, he definitely kept to himself during his life as I can't say I knew his credit list. Surprising for a cinemaphile like me.
But that's how some people in our lives can be, isn't it? Quiet yet influential, entertaining but educational. As much as his humor was over-the-top, I can't help using the word subtle as well. He was a box office powerhouse yet wasn't in the headlines. Known yet unknown. Paradox.
Thank you, John, for the classic moments that helped my generation connect to each other. Thank you for giving us characters to which we could relate & with which we could imitate. Thank you for great one-liners and the meaningful depth that you could bring to the otherwise overlooked teen years.
May you rest in peace.
P.S. "Since you're gone" by The Cars is playing on the tunebox here at Moe's. Two 80's icons who have crossed over. Somehow this ties together in a cinematic, retro kind of way. I guess even Moe has welcomed you, John. Enjoy the party.
By the time anyone reads this, the news will be out more so than it is right now. I read the article with the time stamp of "17 minutes ago".
It is strange to be blogging about this man's death when I wasn't a "fan". I enjoyed his movies, Ferris Bueller's Day Off and The Breakfast Club, but they aren't movies I think of often. Yes, I quote "Bueller. Bueller." often, but not because I am a fan. I quote because the line has taken on a cultural meaning all its own.
I suppose the reason I want to write about his passing is less about him and more about life in general. He was a major part of our generation's culture, affecting millions, but still was able to live in background celebrity. The obituary said he led a later life of Salinger-like style, rarely being photographed. I must admit, he definitely kept to himself during his life as I can't say I knew his credit list. Surprising for a cinemaphile like me.
But that's how some people in our lives can be, isn't it? Quiet yet influential, entertaining but educational. As much as his humor was over-the-top, I can't help using the word subtle as well. He was a box office powerhouse yet wasn't in the headlines. Known yet unknown. Paradox.
Thank you, John, for the classic moments that helped my generation connect to each other. Thank you for giving us characters to which we could relate & with which we could imitate. Thank you for great one-liners and the meaningful depth that you could bring to the otherwise overlooked teen years.
May you rest in peace.
P.S. "Since you're gone" by The Cars is playing on the tunebox here at Moe's. Two 80's icons who have crossed over. Somehow this ties together in a cinematic, retro kind of way. I guess even Moe has welcomed you, John. Enjoy the party.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
