June 25, 2007
June 22, 2007
more than meets the eye
click below and jump to mutemath's myspace page to hear the song.
June 18, 2007
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
(Why girls don't like the movie Knocked Up)
They shun the thought of loving someone less than a heroic savior figure. Especially sheltered good girls, to use a broadly evocative term.
As the "weaker vessel" (constantly conditioned as such, at least) there is perhaps the feeling of a need for earthly redemption via an unattainably perfect mate - one who will rescue them from all of their shortcomings, having none of his own. Relationship bliss not through reciprocal symbiosis, but rather the achievement of an ideal other.
Of course, the film depicts a different path. There has been recent discussion of the "Beta Male" paradigm which has become common in comedies such as Judd Apatow's 40 Year Old Virgin and Knocked Up. Both abandon angelic, model-cut male lead roles for - here comes the shocker - actors and characters who resemble human beings. Neither film simply satiates a puerile pornographic fantasy in which a "loser" gets lucky with a hotgirl; they share themes of sincere, heartfelt undertones in depictions of improbably loving relationships gleaned from the bluster of seemingly juvenile comedy.
***Side: In a still patriarchal, male-dominated society the female roles continue to be occupied by gorgeous blond sexies, go figure.***
To quote "Mercenary Territory" by title-inspiring Little Feat:
Some kind of man, he can't do anything wrong,
If I see him I'll tell him you're waiting.
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p.s. - fool that i am, i'd do it all over again
June 16, 2007
Afraid of the Dark
She elevates me to an impossible sum,
Together feels closer than ever before.
With her decline myself evaporates,
All but Love is vanity, slavery.
So cold, Oblivion's embrace,
Nothing. I am nothing.
Afraid of the Dark
P.T. Roll
June 14, 2007
Characterized by or given to pretentious or conspicuous show in an attempt to impress others
*same root as word of the day june 2, my mind is treading familiar territory today.
June 10, 2007
Origin?
sol·ip·sism - noun
- Philosophy. The theory that only the self exists, or can be proved to exist
- Extreme preoccupation with and indulgence of one's feelings, desires; egoistic self-absorption
Look Through the Window
Mercury Blues
Serendade
Dance, Dance, Dance
True Fine Love
The Joker
Wintertime
The Stake
Jungle Love
Swingtown
Rock'n Me
Jet Airliner
Abracadabra
Wild Mountain Honey
Take the Money and Run
The Crossroads (cover)
GREAT SHOW
June 07, 2007
Joker
I really like Nolan's attention to the psychology/pathology of his characters. In the closing scene of Begins there is a discussion between Batman and Gordon (Gary Oldman, good call) about the nature of Gotham's "supervillains" and the threat of escalation between the masked hero and increasingly dramatic foes. The comissioner produces an evidence bag with a Joker playing card and the movie ends.
Christian Bale as Bats, Michael Caine as Alfred, Gary Oldman as Commisioner Gordon, Liam Neeson as Ra's Al Ghul - forget about it! Who can keep this trend going as Joker?
Can't say I was super excited when the announcement was made that Heath Ledger would don the grin. As I seem to recall, the news came after Brokeback Mountain had received all sorts of Oscar buzz. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but Ledger was in a string of really bad movies and his casting seemed out of rhythm (show me Johnny Depp as joker).
After seeing a few early screenshots today, however, I have altered my perspective. And July '08 seems far off (loooong wait, just like for the first). Joker ain't no joke, fool.
6/10/2008 P.S. – It seems likely that Heath Ledger's death and his portrayal of the Joker are inextricably fused somehow. To write that his untimely demise has not heightened my anticipation of the new movie would be a lie.
June 06, 2007
Stevie Guitar
Featuring Steve Miller Band and Robbie Knievel
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*Another notable SMB graduate: Boz Scaggs (guitar/vocals) on Children of the Future/Sailor. Everything is connected.