2005 Oscars 77th Academy Awards News - Eastwood Knocks Out Scorsese at Oscars
I was happy to see Clint Eastwood's film win "Best Picture" last night, and also happy to see him win an Oscar for Best Director. I have not seen "Million Dollar Baby", but I am a big fan of Clint Eastwood's previous work. I do plan to see the film, as soon as I can arrange it. I was stunned by the last line in the above linked article, which said that Eastwood, along with directing, producing and acting in the movie, also composed the score. Is this real? This guy is the Bill Belicheck of Hollywood. He just seems to "get it done" no matter what. Originally, Warner did not want to make the film, but Eastwood persisted, and the film was made in 37 days!! I read a quote from Eastwood in Time magazine, and then I heard it again on NPR. It had to do with politics and his centrist approach. Paraphrased from memory:
"If you get too far to the right, you meet the kooks coming around from the left."
I hope that Clint has a lot of work left in him. He is making a movie now about the WWII generation and soldiers that come back as heros that don't feel heroic, or something to that effect.
I also liked Clint's statement to one of his fellow award winners at the end of the Oscar ceremony, as the band started the play. He said, "don't let them intimidate you. You talk however long you want." Ha! This was classic Dirty Harry style Clint Eastwood. Who is going to argue with that!
Monday, February 28, 2005
Movie: Spongebob Squarepants The Movie
Viewed at Globe $2 theater on 2/27/05 with Sharon and Dominic.
The movie was funny in a silly kind of way. I did not enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed some of the SBSP cartoon episodes on TV, but it had some parts that made me laugh. I thought the David Hasselhoff scene was most funny.
The movie revolves around a plot that has plankton trying to take over Bikini Bottom by sabotaging The Krusty Krab's secret recipe and using his inventions to make robots out of all of the sea creature inhabitants of the underwater town. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly a dramatic storyline. However, there were several good jokes, and I usually like watching SpongeBob and Patrick talking about the dumbest stuff. I was kind of tired, so I may not have enjoyed the movie as much as I would have had I been fully awake. Also, by the end of the movie, we had shared two large tubs of popcorn, and I was feeling the effects. Yuck!
The movie was funny in a silly kind of way. I did not enjoy it as much as I've enjoyed some of the SBSP cartoon episodes on TV, but it had some parts that made me laugh. I thought the David Hasselhoff scene was most funny.
The movie revolves around a plot that has plankton trying to take over Bikini Bottom by sabotaging The Krusty Krab's secret recipe and using his inventions to make robots out of all of the sea creature inhabitants of the underwater town. Needless to say, it wasn't exactly a dramatic storyline. However, there were several good jokes, and I usually like watching SpongeBob and Patrick talking about the dumbest stuff. I was kind of tired, so I may not have enjoyed the movie as much as I would have had I been fully awake. Also, by the end of the movie, we had shared two large tubs of popcorn, and I was feeling the effects. Yuck!
Mere Christianity
Author: C.S. Lewis
Published (in whole, revised form): 1952
Mere Christianity is a book that encapsulates a series of radio discussions that C.S. Lewis held in the mid-1940s. These discussions were originally published as separate "books", but Mere Christianity combines all of the original publications into one volume. Lewis himself "translated" his radio talks into prose. The four original books became sections of the combined volume, and are titled as follows:
1) Right And Wrong As A Clue To The Meaning Of The Universe
2) What Christians Believe
3) Christian Behavior
4) Beyond Personality: Or First Steps In The Doctrine Of The Trinity
Along with the four sections of the combined book, Lewis, a former atheist, included a preface that somewhat explained his purpose and background for writing about Christianity in the way that he did.
This is the first nonfiction C.S. Lewis book that I have read. In 1998, I read The Magician's Nephew, the first book of the Narnia children's science fiction series.
Mere Christianity represents Lewis' effort to distill Christianity to a core set of fundamental and unalterable beliefs (or truths). When Sharon was joining the Catholic Church, I was her sponsor for R.C.I.A. In one of our classes the instructor, Brad Buddy, spoke of the difference between important traditions of the church and those traditions that might not be so important. He used the terms big "T" and small "t". For example, an important and vital tradition for Catholics is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. This is an unalterable truth of the Faith. On the other hand, an example of a small "t" belief is that Catholics should give up something during Lent. I see Lewis' book as an attempt to define the large "T" of Christianity. One of the things that has always bothered me about religion is the difference between denominations and religions, and the intolerance of which these differences seem to be the catalyst. Lewis purposely minimizes these differences and gives words to a lot of what I feel about religion in general and Christianity in particular.
I was disappointed when I read that Lewis "supports" the death-penalty and sees it as being compatible with Christian Truth. I vehemently disagree with this position. Up until this chapter, I had agreed with nearly everything that Lewis had written. He, like others I have heard, makes a distinction between the words "murder" and "killing". I see this as splitting straws. I just can't imagine that if Jesus were a judge that he would send somebody to their death, no matter what they had done. I am reminded of John Mellencamp's lyric from a recent song, Walk Tall: "Be careful of those who kill in Jesus' name, he don't believe in killing at all."
I agree with Lewis that Pride is the worst of sins, and that most all other sins are a derivative of Pride. In fact, I sometimes conceptualize Satan as Pride manifested.
Lewis was once an atheist, but he found atheism too "simple" of a philosophy. He writes that we should not expect simple answers to complex questions. If we want to progress beyond "childs play philosophy", we should be prepared for the hard work and difficult logic such an endeavor requires.
Published (in whole, revised form): 1952
Mere Christianity is a book that encapsulates a series of radio discussions that C.S. Lewis held in the mid-1940s. These discussions were originally published as separate "books", but Mere Christianity combines all of the original publications into one volume. Lewis himself "translated" his radio talks into prose. The four original books became sections of the combined volume, and are titled as follows:
1) Right And Wrong As A Clue To The Meaning Of The Universe
2) What Christians Believe
3) Christian Behavior
4) Beyond Personality: Or First Steps In The Doctrine Of The Trinity
Along with the four sections of the combined book, Lewis, a former atheist, included a preface that somewhat explained his purpose and background for writing about Christianity in the way that he did.
This is the first nonfiction C.S. Lewis book that I have read. In 1998, I read The Magician's Nephew, the first book of the Narnia children's science fiction series.
Mere Christianity represents Lewis' effort to distill Christianity to a core set of fundamental and unalterable beliefs (or truths). When Sharon was joining the Catholic Church, I was her sponsor for R.C.I.A. In one of our classes the instructor, Brad Buddy, spoke of the difference between important traditions of the church and those traditions that might not be so important. He used the terms big "T" and small "t". For example, an important and vital tradition for Catholics is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. This is an unalterable truth of the Faith. On the other hand, an example of a small "t" belief is that Catholics should give up something during Lent. I see Lewis' book as an attempt to define the large "T" of Christianity. One of the things that has always bothered me about religion is the difference between denominations and religions, and the intolerance of which these differences seem to be the catalyst. Lewis purposely minimizes these differences and gives words to a lot of what I feel about religion in general and Christianity in particular.
I was disappointed when I read that Lewis "supports" the death-penalty and sees it as being compatible with Christian Truth. I vehemently disagree with this position. Up until this chapter, I had agreed with nearly everything that Lewis had written. He, like others I have heard, makes a distinction between the words "murder" and "killing". I see this as splitting straws. I just can't imagine that if Jesus were a judge that he would send somebody to their death, no matter what they had done. I am reminded of John Mellencamp's lyric from a recent song, Walk Tall: "Be careful of those who kill in Jesus' name, he don't believe in killing at all."
I agree with Lewis that Pride is the worst of sins, and that most all other sins are a derivative of Pride. In fact, I sometimes conceptualize Satan as Pride manifested.
Lewis was once an atheist, but he found atheism too "simple" of a philosophy. He writes that we should not expect simple answers to complex questions. If we want to progress beyond "childs play philosophy", we should be prepared for the hard work and difficult logic such an endeavor requires.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Movie: Whale Rider
The setting is contemporary New Zealand. The locals speak the Maori language (though the film is in English.)
I found myself wondering why others in the town listened to and respected the grandfather as much as they did.
Does the movie end in "triumph", as I heard it explained in one of the DVD-extras? Not necessarily. The only way that the little girl (Pai) is finally accepted by her grandfather is after she risks her life and almost dies. After this, the grandfather seems more reverant toward her than loving. Something seems wrong with this situation.
I found myself wondering why others in the town listened to and respected the grandfather as much as they did.
Does the movie end in "triumph", as I heard it explained in one of the DVD-extras? Not necessarily. The only way that the little girl (Pai) is finally accepted by her grandfather is after she risks her life and almost dies. After this, the grandfather seems more reverant toward her than loving. Something seems wrong with this situation.
Saturday, February 12, 2005
Movie: Hitch
I'm sitting in my rocking chair listening to the sound of raindrops echo down through the chimney flue. It's been raining all day. But Mom, Lynae and I braved the sour weather to go see Will Smith's new romantic comedy, "Hitch." It was well worth it. After a day filled with Dominic-birthday-party-induced action, I wasn't sure if I had the stamina for a movie at 9:50. A few cups of coffee, and I was ready to go. I liked the movie a lot. I guess it could be labeled as a romantic comedy, but that shouldn't dissuade people that normally avoid such films. It has a different angle to it, and maybe that angle is Will Smith. He just adds a presence to his films that I enjoy. He is full of wit, and that seems to be missing from a lot of actors nowadays.
Joe Morgenstern, the movie reviewer for the WSJ, actually gave the movie a "thumbs up", which surprised me even before I saw the movie, because Joe is notoriously bearish in my opinion.
A good quote from the movie, that may not be original, but I liked it anyway. Spoken by Will Smith's character, and paraphrased:
"Life is not the amount of breath you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."
Nice performances by these actors and actresses:
Kevin James
Eva Mendes
Amber Valletta
Another good quote, that sums up how love turns logic upside down:
"I've waited my whole life to feel this miserable."
Joe Morgenstern, the movie reviewer for the WSJ, actually gave the movie a "thumbs up", which surprised me even before I saw the movie, because Joe is notoriously bearish in my opinion.
A good quote from the movie, that may not be original, but I liked it anyway. Spoken by Will Smith's character, and paraphrased:
"Life is not the amount of breath you take, it's the moments that take your breath away."
Nice performances by these actors and actresses:
Kevin James
Eva Mendes
Amber Valletta
Another good quote, that sums up how love turns logic upside down:
"I've waited my whole life to feel this miserable."
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Movie: Dodgeball
Dodgeball is one of those movies that I had heard so much positive buzz about that I expected to be on the floor rolling with laughter. As is seemingly inevitable with such high expectations, I was disappointed.
Ben Stiller was hillarious in his role, but I thought the whole movie was pretty lame.
Ben Stiller was hillarious in his role, but I thought the whole movie was pretty lame.
Movie: Garden State
One of the themes of this movie is the bubble that one is placed in when taking antidepressant drugs. The main character in the film is a man in his mid twenties that has been on antidepressants since he was nine years old. These drugs, while perhaps helping him avoid deep emotional pitfalls, disable his ability to "feel." Is emotional pain so bad that we must numb ourselves and thus lose the ability to feel joy? I suspect each person should answer this question themselves, but in an age of quick-fixes, pharmaceutical commercial blitzes and inpatience, the question this film raises is definitely relevant.
Movie: Finding Neverland
Finding Neverland - Movie Info - Yahoo! Movies
I went to see this excellent movie Friday night while Sharon went to a scrapbooking-a-thon, and Dominic stayed overnight at grandma Alice's house.
This movie entertained me more than any other I have seen in a long time. I've been waiting for a movie that would emotionally move me, at least somewhat, as Finding Neverland managed to do. As usual, Johnny Depp seems to be the perfect casting for the protagonist he plays in the movie. Some roles seem like they are made for him, but this is perhaps because of his great talent for acting.
Prior to seeing the movie I didn't remember the particulars of Peter Pan. I knew about some of the characters, like Captain Hook, Wendy, Tinkerbell and, of course, Peter. Finding Neverland really wasn't about Peter Pan so much as it was about Mr. Barrie's inspiration to create the story. One quote stood out particularly to me, spoken by Mr. Barrie as four boys are being put to bed:
"Young children should never be put to bed. They always wake up one day older."
This is an apt quote from the man that wrote a fairy tale story about a boy that never wanted to grow up. Finding Neverland has its share of tragedy, and tear-jerking moments. That is what makes it so good. It mixes fairy-tale optimism and hope with realism. Mr. Barrie is a strong proponent of using the imagination, and of believing, but he is not naive. He uses imagination to supplement reality, not distract from it. It's a lesson of which I should take heed.
I went to see this excellent movie Friday night while Sharon went to a scrapbooking-a-thon, and Dominic stayed overnight at grandma Alice's house.
This movie entertained me more than any other I have seen in a long time. I've been waiting for a movie that would emotionally move me, at least somewhat, as Finding Neverland managed to do. As usual, Johnny Depp seems to be the perfect casting for the protagonist he plays in the movie. Some roles seem like they are made for him, but this is perhaps because of his great talent for acting.
Prior to seeing the movie I didn't remember the particulars of Peter Pan. I knew about some of the characters, like Captain Hook, Wendy, Tinkerbell and, of course, Peter. Finding Neverland really wasn't about Peter Pan so much as it was about Mr. Barrie's inspiration to create the story. One quote stood out particularly to me, spoken by Mr. Barrie as four boys are being put to bed:
"Young children should never be put to bed. They always wake up one day older."
This is an apt quote from the man that wrote a fairy tale story about a boy that never wanted to grow up. Finding Neverland has its share of tragedy, and tear-jerking moments. That is what makes it so good. It mixes fairy-tale optimism and hope with realism. Mr. Barrie is a strong proponent of using the imagination, and of believing, but he is not naive. He uses imagination to supplement reality, not distract from it. It's a lesson of which I should take heed.
Monday, January 10, 2005
Letters to a Young Catholic: The Art of Mentoring
Author: George Weigel
Genre: Religious Nonfiction
Mr. Weigel is the author of the Pope John Paul II biography, "Witness to Hope", which I read, and deeply enjoyed, in 2001.
"Letters to a Young Catholic" is an interesting read, but I don't agree with everything Mr. Weigel has to say. The structure of the book is unique, consisting of chapters that are designed as "letters" about Catholic sites around the world. The sites are tied into an aspect of Catholic thought that Weigel wants to communicate about. For example, the Chartres Cathedral in France is used as an anchor to discuss Weigel's Catholic interpretation of the concept of beauty.
The chapter I most enjoyed reading was the one focused on the vocation calling of Pope John Paul II. The chapter I most disagreed with, at least on the surface, was the chapter criticizing "liberal" religion, using England's Cardinal Newman as it's "anchor."
Much of the book is about hope, love, wonder and the mystery of Christ. These subjects, and Weigel's presentation of them, appeal to me. It is the moral polemics that border on the political that turn me off. Weigel is unapologetic about his views, which I admire. I just don't agree with him one hundred percent. I was particularly confused by his logic that freedom should be linked to moral choices. He lambasts the American value of doing it "my way." Undoubtably, freedom can lead to selfishness. I am not defending selfishness. However, Weigel's assertion that freedom means choosing correctly, as opposed to simply having the ability to choose, contradicts his earlier writing that explains "free will" as a God given right that inevitably has a byproduct of sin. In other words, I believe, God wants us to choose correctly, but gives us the freedom to choose incorrectly. Freedom, in and of itself, is simply the ability that we have to choose. Perhaps I am reading too much into Weigel's analysis. His point seems to be that American democracy suffers when freedom is abused. I do not disagree. He also criticizes certain Supreme Court decisions. Of course, I do too. However, I don't think wrong choices and secular policies make for a lack of freedom. At most, it is freedom used inappropriately.
Genre: Religious Nonfiction
Mr. Weigel is the author of the Pope John Paul II biography, "Witness to Hope", which I read, and deeply enjoyed, in 2001.
"Letters to a Young Catholic" is an interesting read, but I don't agree with everything Mr. Weigel has to say. The structure of the book is unique, consisting of chapters that are designed as "letters" about Catholic sites around the world. The sites are tied into an aspect of Catholic thought that Weigel wants to communicate about. For example, the Chartres Cathedral in France is used as an anchor to discuss Weigel's Catholic interpretation of the concept of beauty.
The chapter I most enjoyed reading was the one focused on the vocation calling of Pope John Paul II. The chapter I most disagreed with, at least on the surface, was the chapter criticizing "liberal" religion, using England's Cardinal Newman as it's "anchor."
Much of the book is about hope, love, wonder and the mystery of Christ. These subjects, and Weigel's presentation of them, appeal to me. It is the moral polemics that border on the political that turn me off. Weigel is unapologetic about his views, which I admire. I just don't agree with him one hundred percent. I was particularly confused by his logic that freedom should be linked to moral choices. He lambasts the American value of doing it "my way." Undoubtably, freedom can lead to selfishness. I am not defending selfishness. However, Weigel's assertion that freedom means choosing correctly, as opposed to simply having the ability to choose, contradicts his earlier writing that explains "free will" as a God given right that inevitably has a byproduct of sin. In other words, I believe, God wants us to choose correctly, but gives us the freedom to choose incorrectly. Freedom, in and of itself, is simply the ability that we have to choose. Perhaps I am reading too much into Weigel's analysis. His point seems to be that American democracy suffers when freedom is abused. I do not disagree. He also criticizes certain Supreme Court decisions. Of course, I do too. However, I don't think wrong choices and secular policies make for a lack of freedom. At most, it is freedom used inappropriately.
Sunday, November 28, 2004
Candide
Author: Voltaire (François-Marie Arouet) b. 1694 in Paris
Protagonist: Candide
Characters: Candide; Pangloss; Martin; Cunegonde; Cacambo; The old woman; the baron (Cunegonde's brother); Jacques the Anabaptist; The farmer; Count Pococurante; Paquette; Brother Giroflee; The Grand Inquisitor; Don Issachar; Don Fernando d’Ibaraa y Figueora y Mascarenes y Lampourdos y Souza; Vanderdendur; The Abbe of Perigord; The Marquise of Parolignac.
How does the idea of an "enlightened monarch" apply to today's political situation?
A knowledge of the following people, places and events will be of assistance in understanding Candide:
Louis XIV
The Enlightenment: A movement that began in the early 18th century that spread ideas about the equality and basic rights of man and the importance of reason and scientific objectivity.
Jesuits:
the French Regent:
Sully:
the Bastille:
King Frederick of Prussia (Frederick the Great): Voltaire was close friends with Frederick for a spell, during one of the author's many exiles from France. The friendship suffered after a while due to both unique personalities, though it was never completely severed. Some scholars assert that the Count from Candide, or even the Count's son, is modeled after Frederick. Voltaire especially disliked what he perceived as Frederick's pompous attitude, and Frederick was bothered by Voltaire's sharp and ironic satire, often aimed directly at the king's allies.
Lisbon:
Seven Years' War:
English Admiral John Byng:
Ferney: An estate on the border between France and Switzerland, purchased by Voltaire in 1759 so that he could make quick escape from French authorities if necessary. Ferney became a retreat for many of Voltaire's contemporary European intellectuals.
the Panthéon:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
René Descartes:
auto-da-fé
Leibniz
Anabaptist
the Inquisition
Surinam
Protagonist: Candide
Characters: Candide; Pangloss; Martin; Cunegonde; Cacambo; The old woman; the baron (Cunegonde's brother); Jacques the Anabaptist; The farmer; Count Pococurante; Paquette; Brother Giroflee; The Grand Inquisitor; Don Issachar; Don Fernando d’Ibaraa y Figueora y Mascarenes y Lampourdos y Souza; Vanderdendur; The Abbe of Perigord; The Marquise of Parolignac.
How does the idea of an "enlightened monarch" apply to today's political situation?
A knowledge of the following people, places and events will be of assistance in understanding Candide:
Louis XIV
The Enlightenment: A movement that began in the early 18th century that spread ideas about the equality and basic rights of man and the importance of reason and scientific objectivity.
Jesuits:
the French Regent:
Sully:
the Bastille:
King Frederick of Prussia (Frederick the Great): Voltaire was close friends with Frederick for a spell, during one of the author's many exiles from France. The friendship suffered after a while due to both unique personalities, though it was never completely severed. Some scholars assert that the Count from Candide, or even the Count's son, is modeled after Frederick. Voltaire especially disliked what he perceived as Frederick's pompous attitude, and Frederick was bothered by Voltaire's sharp and ironic satire, often aimed directly at the king's allies.
Lisbon:
Seven Years' War:
English Admiral John Byng:
Ferney: An estate on the border between France and Switzerland, purchased by Voltaire in 1759 so that he could make quick escape from French authorities if necessary. Ferney became a retreat for many of Voltaire's contemporary European intellectuals.
the Panthéon:
Jean-Jacques Rousseau:
René Descartes:
auto-da-fé
Leibniz
Anabaptist
the Inquisition
Surinam
Monday, November 15, 2004
Movie: The Incredibles
I took Dominic to see The Incredibles at AMC Barywoods North on Friday night. Outside of the fact that I was suffering from flu-like symptoms, we had a good time. As usual, Dominic led me to the top row of the theater, and we settled in with his customary popcorn, candy and water. I had an Artic Freeze (the blue kind), which I have taken a liking to.
The movie was good. The storyline was too advanced for Dominic to follow closely, but I really enjoyed it. Dominic liked the animation, and all of the scenes with Dash. My favorite character was Mr. Incredible himself (a.k.a. Bob). I wouldn't mind seeing the movie again when I am not so strung out on antihistamines.
The movie was good. The storyline was too advanced for Dominic to follow closely, but I really enjoyed it. Dominic liked the animation, and all of the scenes with Dash. My favorite character was Mr. Incredible himself (a.k.a. Bob). I wouldn't mind seeing the movie again when I am not so strung out on antihistamines.
Friday, November 05, 2004
Brave New World
Author: Aldous Huxley
Published: 1932
Type: futuristic social satire
Setting: 632 A.F. (After Ford, Ford being approximately 1932, when the novel was published) London, New Mexican Savage Reservation
Themes: Individuality vs Social Stability; Genetic Engineering
Protagonist: John the Savage
Characters: Bernard Marx; Lenina Crowne; Henry Foster; Tomakin (Director; D.F.C.); John the Savage; Helmholtz Watson; Linda; Mustapha Mond
Although Brave New World was published in 1932, it explores themes that are conspicuously relevant today. Its depiction of the negative utopia (dystopia) where pain, disease and unhappiness are nonexistent because of advanced drugs and conditioning is unsettling. Early in the novel the reader becomes aware that the trade-off for the elimination of pain is the forfeiture of free will, or choice. Brave New Worlders also sacrifice true emotion in the name of "happiness" and stability. While the Brave New Worlders think they are happy, the reader sees them as tranquilized victims.
In the end, the question is: Would you rather be a happy robot without choices, or an unhappy human with freedom and independence?
eugenics
stable society
World Controllers
caste system; intentional and artificial creation of castes
Similarities to The Matrix
human hatchery
hypnopaedia; sleep teaching
taboo topics; relativity of such; language; profanity
Published: 1932
Type: futuristic social satire
Setting: 632 A.F. (After Ford, Ford being approximately 1932, when the novel was published) London, New Mexican Savage Reservation
Themes: Individuality vs Social Stability; Genetic Engineering
Protagonist: John the Savage
Characters: Bernard Marx; Lenina Crowne; Henry Foster; Tomakin (Director; D.F.C.); John the Savage; Helmholtz Watson; Linda; Mustapha Mond
Although Brave New World was published in 1932, it explores themes that are conspicuously relevant today. Its depiction of the negative utopia (dystopia) where pain, disease and unhappiness are nonexistent because of advanced drugs and conditioning is unsettling. Early in the novel the reader becomes aware that the trade-off for the elimination of pain is the forfeiture of free will, or choice. Brave New Worlders also sacrifice true emotion in the name of "happiness" and stability. While the Brave New Worlders think they are happy, the reader sees them as tranquilized victims.
Given contemporary advances in genetics and biotechnology, the future of the Brave New World seems eerily near. Cloning is already possible with animals, and scientists are working on cloning humans. Embryos are conditioned and screened for disease. The time is clearly going to come when humanity will need to make a choice: eliminate disease and variation, or preserve chance, randomness and diversity.
The Brave New World came into being after its proponents, reformers of the "old" system of governments, took control after a prolonged period of war, poverty and distress. Wearied by the unbearable state of things, the populace allowed the reformers to implement their plans of eliminating religion, marriage and even the concept of family so that society could be stablized.
While reading Brave New World, one gets the feeling that the "people" are more like robots than humans. They are mass produced off of an assembly line and conditioned and controlled throughout their lives. Both nature and nurture are used as tools of the State to create and control people. For the most part, all characters lack emotion. When emotion appears, soma is encouraged to suppress it.
Brave New World was written between WWI and WWII, at the time of the rise of communism and other fascist regimes. The World State, and its motto of "Community. Identity. Stability.", brings to mind Soviet Communism. However, at the same time, the use of mass production, commercialization, consumerism and materialism bring to mind American Capitalism. Huxley seems to critique both of these systems of government.
In the Brave New World, babies are "decanted", not "born."
In the Brave New World, long term relationships are discouraged.
In the Brave New World, individual expression is forbidden.
In the Brave New World, diversity is at a minimum, with individuals and Bokanaskvy (twin) groups being assigned to castes while they are in embryonic development.
In the Brave New World, the drug soma is given to people to eliminate feelings of unhappiness. How close does this parallel anti-depressant drugs? Is it ethical to eliminate mental pain? What is the cost of eliminating mental pain? Does society need pain, disease and unhappiness to be truly human?
I have read that the movie Gattica is based on the themes of Brave New World. I have seen Gattica, but I don't remember its themes. I remember that it starred Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman and Jude Law. Sharon liked it. I'll have to rent it again and watch it in light of my reading of Brave New World.In the end, the question is: Would you rather be a happy robot without choices, or an unhappy human with freedom and independence?
eugenics
stable society
World Controllers
caste system; intentional and artificial creation of castes
Similarities to The Matrix
human hatchery
hypnopaedia; sleep teaching
taboo topics; relativity of such; language; profanity
Sunday, October 31, 2004
Movie: Ray
Saw Saturday matinee with Lynae at AMC Barywoods theater.
In Ray, Jamie Foxx bore a striking resemblance to Ray Charles. I am reminded of Oliver Stone's movie, "The Doors", in which a Doors band member spoke of how Val Kilmer so much resembled Jim Morrison that it was spooky. I don't know too much about Ray Charles, but from what I know, I wouldn't have known it was an actor in the movie if I didn't know Ray had died earlier this year.
The movie itself was entertaining. These types of movies are called biopics, I guess for epic biographies. Biopics are limited somewhat if they are going to be true to the protagonist of the story. There is not as much room for creativity. So, at times, the movie seemed dry, or drawn out. However, I would rather a biopic get the facts right than manipulate them for entertainment's sake.
It was a rather long movie, clocking in at over two hours. Still, I was disappointed that it wasn't a little bit longer so that more could have been communicated about Ray's later life. The movie narrative stopped virtually in about 1969, or thereabout. What about the last 30+ years of Ray's life, where he was clean from heroin. While I applauded the effort to look at his heroin addiction and infidelity honestly, his life continued after he kicked these habits. It would have been nice to see some narrative from this time period. Also, I would have liked to have seen what became of some of the other characters, such as his "bosses" at his first record company, and his manager Jerry.
In Ray, Jamie Foxx bore a striking resemblance to Ray Charles. I am reminded of Oliver Stone's movie, "The Doors", in which a Doors band member spoke of how Val Kilmer so much resembled Jim Morrison that it was spooky. I don't know too much about Ray Charles, but from what I know, I wouldn't have known it was an actor in the movie if I didn't know Ray had died earlier this year.
The movie itself was entertaining. These types of movies are called biopics, I guess for epic biographies. Biopics are limited somewhat if they are going to be true to the protagonist of the story. There is not as much room for creativity. So, at times, the movie seemed dry, or drawn out. However, I would rather a biopic get the facts right than manipulate them for entertainment's sake.
It was a rather long movie, clocking in at over two hours. Still, I was disappointed that it wasn't a little bit longer so that more could have been communicated about Ray's later life. The movie narrative stopped virtually in about 1969, or thereabout. What about the last 30+ years of Ray's life, where he was clean from heroin. While I applauded the effort to look at his heroin addiction and infidelity honestly, his life continued after he kicked these habits. It would have been nice to see some narrative from this time period. Also, I would have liked to have seen what became of some of the other characters, such as his "bosses" at his first record company, and his manager Jerry.
Movie: Shark Tale
Saw Friday night with Dominic at AMC Barywoods theater.
I liked it. Dominic liked it. I had heard other people say that they did not like it, but I thought it was just fine. I was especially entertained by the mobster shark voiced by Robert Dinero. The shark even had the Dinero mole on his face.
I liked it. Dominic liked it. I had heard other people say that they did not like it, but I thought it was just fine. I was especially entertained by the mobster shark voiced by Robert Dinero. The shark even had the Dinero mole on his face.
Sunday, October 24, 2004
Movie: Man on Fire
Date: 10/23/04
At home on DVD
Starring: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke, among others
Man on Fire was worth watching because of Denzel Washington. I will always take the time to watch one of his movies. The story was fine, but it got a little bit lengthy. I did not like the ending, not because it was sad or predictable, but because of the way that it was portrayed. I guess the director, Tony Scott, is notrious for "flash cuts" and superimposed images, and other tricks of the screen. In my opinion, these tecniques take away from the movie, and make it harder to watch. Christopher Walken and Denzel both play their characters awesome, as they always seem to do.
At home on DVD
Starring: Denzel Washington, Christopher Walken, Mickey Rourke, among others
Man on Fire was worth watching because of Denzel Washington. I will always take the time to watch one of his movies. The story was fine, but it got a little bit lengthy. I did not like the ending, not because it was sad or predictable, but because of the way that it was portrayed. I guess the director, Tony Scott, is notrious for "flash cuts" and superimposed images, and other tricks of the screen. In my opinion, these tecniques take away from the movie, and make it harder to watch. Christopher Walken and Denzel both play their characters awesome, as they always seem to do.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Movie: The Final Cut
Date: 10/22/04
At Barrywoods 24 AMC theaters
Starring: Robin Williams & Mira Sorvino, among others
The Final Cut was not a great movie. Considering there were only 5 other people in the theater with me on a Friday night, I'm assuming it is not doing too well in official review literature either. Robin Williams played his character well, as he always does. But, the story, while it seems like it could have been intriguing, just did not grip my attention. I felt that the premise of the movie asked me to take too much for granted and did not adequately explain troubling aspects. Maybe this is the type of a film that a professional reviewer would say could benefit from better directorship. If I had to choose between thumbs up or thumbs down, I would have to pick the latter. I feel like I wasted a rare opportunity to see a movie on the big screen, but there really wasn't much to choose from.
At Barrywoods 24 AMC theaters
Starring: Robin Williams & Mira Sorvino, among others
The Final Cut was not a great movie. Considering there were only 5 other people in the theater with me on a Friday night, I'm assuming it is not doing too well in official review literature either. Robin Williams played his character well, as he always does. But, the story, while it seems like it could have been intriguing, just did not grip my attention. I felt that the premise of the movie asked me to take too much for granted and did not adequately explain troubling aspects. Maybe this is the type of a film that a professional reviewer would say could benefit from better directorship. If I had to choose between thumbs up or thumbs down, I would have to pick the latter. I feel like I wasted a rare opportunity to see a movie on the big screen, but there really wasn't much to choose from.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
The Bluest Eye
Author: Toni Morrison
Published: 1970
Genre: Fiction
Setting: primarily circa 1941, Lorain, OH
Protagonist: Pecola Breedlove, 11 year old black girl
Themes: Self-hatred; racism; beauty and ugliness; rejection; the myth of white superiority
I finished reading The Bluest Eye on October 24, 2004.
The Bluest Eye was Toni Morrison's first novel. I have read that it was well received by critics in 1970, but did not enjoy commercial success.
The narrative point of view of this novel shifts from person to person. At times, it is a first-person narrative by Claudia MacTeer. It also has portions written from the point of view of Pecola, Pecola's mother and a third person narrator. This is a quasi-stream of consciousness tecnique in the mode of William Faulkner, a writer that I've read influenced Toni Morrison.
The novel is divided into four primary sections named after the seasons of the year, beginning with autumn and concluding with summer.
Essays and Articles on this webpage.
One of the saddest parts of this story is the lack of love in Pecola's life. Her mother Pauline values the child of her white employer more than she values Pecola. It is bad enough that white people see black people as inferior. But, it is somehow worse that black people see black people as inferior. The result on Pecola is disasterous as she begins to loathe herself for being black, and wishes at all costs to be white. At least Claudia stands up and shouts loudly that she despises the fact that everyone seems to unjustly praise white children by the simple "virtue" of being white. Claudia dislikes Shirley Temple because so many other people seem to idolize her. In contrast, Geraldine is a black migrant from the south that has tried to become as anti-black as possible. She is ashamed of Pecola because of her "blackness", even though she herself is black. Pauline Breedlove is headed in the same direction as Geraldine, but is never able to cross over the barrier to the quasi-middle class stature that Geraldine achieves. Geraldine thinks that the reason she has a semi-successful economic situation is because she has figured out how to "un-black" herself. Pauline sees the path to success as figuring out how to "un-black" herself.
Cholly Breedlove, Pecola's father and later rapist, is a major character of the story. The presence of this character explores the question of whether a person can be both good and bad, not simply one or the other. This theme pops up often in literature, and reminds me of Robert Penn Warren's treatment of the idea of good and bad in his book "All the King's Men". Cholly is clearly an animal at the end of the story. But, is an animal to be blamed for his actions? Abandoned as an infant, Cholly actually was at least a decent man early in life. However, situations always seemed to work against him. Eventually, he seemed to break to the point where he didn't try to be good anymore. Pauline finds no problem judging Cholly as an unforgiveable monster, but Morrison includes enough information about him to make the reader think twice before judging him in such an unforgiving manner. As one essay I've read notes, the Western tradition of Christianity seems to have an either -or mentality. Either you are good or you are bad. It's a dichotomy. Morrison brings this theological and philosophical question into focus through Cholly.
Published: 1970
Genre: Fiction
Setting: primarily circa 1941, Lorain, OH
Protagonist: Pecola Breedlove, 11 year old black girl
Themes: Self-hatred; racism; beauty and ugliness; rejection; the myth of white superiority
I finished reading The Bluest Eye on October 24, 2004.
The Bluest Eye was Toni Morrison's first novel. I have read that it was well received by critics in 1970, but did not enjoy commercial success.
The narrative point of view of this novel shifts from person to person. At times, it is a first-person narrative by Claudia MacTeer. It also has portions written from the point of view of Pecola, Pecola's mother and a third person narrator. This is a quasi-stream of consciousness tecnique in the mode of William Faulkner, a writer that I've read influenced Toni Morrison.
The novel is divided into four primary sections named after the seasons of the year, beginning with autumn and concluding with summer.
Essays and Articles on this webpage.
One of the saddest parts of this story is the lack of love in Pecola's life. Her mother Pauline values the child of her white employer more than she values Pecola. It is bad enough that white people see black people as inferior. But, it is somehow worse that black people see black people as inferior. The result on Pecola is disasterous as she begins to loathe herself for being black, and wishes at all costs to be white. At least Claudia stands up and shouts loudly that she despises the fact that everyone seems to unjustly praise white children by the simple "virtue" of being white. Claudia dislikes Shirley Temple because so many other people seem to idolize her. In contrast, Geraldine is a black migrant from the south that has tried to become as anti-black as possible. She is ashamed of Pecola because of her "blackness", even though she herself is black. Pauline Breedlove is headed in the same direction as Geraldine, but is never able to cross over the barrier to the quasi-middle class stature that Geraldine achieves. Geraldine thinks that the reason she has a semi-successful economic situation is because she has figured out how to "un-black" herself. Pauline sees the path to success as figuring out how to "un-black" herself.
Cholly Breedlove, Pecola's father and later rapist, is a major character of the story. The presence of this character explores the question of whether a person can be both good and bad, not simply one or the other. This theme pops up often in literature, and reminds me of Robert Penn Warren's treatment of the idea of good and bad in his book "All the King's Men". Cholly is clearly an animal at the end of the story. But, is an animal to be blamed for his actions? Abandoned as an infant, Cholly actually was at least a decent man early in life. However, situations always seemed to work against him. Eventually, he seemed to break to the point where he didn't try to be good anymore. Pauline finds no problem judging Cholly as an unforgiveable monster, but Morrison includes enough information about him to make the reader think twice before judging him in such an unforgiving manner. As one essay I've read notes, the Western tradition of Christianity seems to have an either -or mentality. Either you are good or you are bad. It's a dichotomy. Morrison brings this theological and philosophical question into focus through Cholly.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
Movie: Ladder 49
I saw Ladder 49 last night at AMC Barrywoods. The movie stars Juaquin Phoenix and John Travolta. I enjoyed the movie. It was emotional. I was happy that I was able to enjoy a movie about firefighters, which has been done before, in films such as Backdraft.
The movie is set in Baltimore. This is interesting, because my cousin Derek is a police officer in Baltimore. He is probably familiar with a lot of the sites mentioned in the movie. In fact, I'm sure he works with the fire department on occasion.
I went to the movie by myself, because Sharon was not feeling well, and Dominic was sick. I think Sharon would like the movie, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again. We'll probably wait for the video though, since there are some other movies that we both want to see at the theater (if we ever get a chance to go together!).
The movie definitely inspired me. It made me want to do something heroic. And, it reminded me once again how important it is to live each day to its fullest, and always make sure those around me know that I love them.
The movie is set in Baltimore. This is interesting, because my cousin Derek is a police officer in Baltimore. He is probably familiar with a lot of the sites mentioned in the movie. In fact, I'm sure he works with the fire department on occasion.
I went to the movie by myself, because Sharon was not feeling well, and Dominic was sick. I think Sharon would like the movie, and I wouldn't mind seeing it again. We'll probably wait for the video though, since there are some other movies that we both want to see at the theater (if we ever get a chance to go together!).
The movie definitely inspired me. It made me want to do something heroic. And, it reminded me once again how important it is to live each day to its fullest, and always make sure those around me know that I love them.
Monday, September 27, 2004
Thursday, September 23, 2004
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