here is gone

If you are looking for me, I am already gone.

You can find me here.

art is hard

Google.

Listening to: "Hardwire" - Metric

Art needs a come back. I feel that the process of creating higher art seems lost and someone needs to find it. Going back to the basics may be the salvation art needs to return to its purest form. Let's start a Renaissance revival!

If you need to feed your hunger for music, my sister, Mel operates a blog that serves reviews on some delectable sounds. While focusing on the true essence of each album, Mellow Yellow Music gives you the skinny on some of the best music out there.

the happy list

Wonder by Alex Gray

Listening to: For Emma, Forever Ago (Album) - Bon Iver

Opposed to writing another life-loathing post, I decided to write a list of some of the things that I enjoy in life.

In no particular order...

- poetry

- film

- the ocean

- writing

- singing in the car

- Diet Coke

- rainy days

- drawing with charcoal

- makeup

- taking pictures

- kissing

- reading

- family

- debating

- people watching

- tea

- friendship

- grammar

- comic books

- fashion

- music

- being creative

- sandwiches

- philosophising

- making lists

- peoples' quirks

Everyone should make a "happy list." They sure do brighten your day!

confessions made while in fetal position

"Sleeping Girl" by Susanna Mayer (http://smayer.gr/)


Listening to: "Across the Universe" - Fiona Apple


Sometimes I wonder why I feel so afraid of achieving happiness. I just wrap myself up in my sadness security blanket. I become so afraid of failure that it seems pointless to try.

These are things that I need to work on.

I just want to become a "mover of lives," and make a difference. How am I supposed to do that when all I do is sleep? This constant coma will be the end of me. How many times do I need to hit the snooze button before I finally wake up?

These are more things that I need to add to the list.

I know that the change lies within myself. I can receive all the help and assistance in the world (which of course, I am eternally grateful for), but everything needs to happen with my own hands. It will not be easy, but I could use a good challenge these days.

And yes, typing while in fetal position is not very comfortable. Not at all.

this is the new year, and i don't feel any different

Google images.

Listening to: "Mr. Larkin" - State Radio

New Years Resolution: Become the ace in my own deck of cards. If I am not the ace, then I will always lose.

the question

An oldie from 2006. Edited by Rob.

Listening to:"Cut It Out" - Anya Marina

Last night, I asked someone about his criteria for a "good film." This loaded question has yet to come to any semblance of a perfect answer, but I thought I would entertain the idea on my blog.

Please note that I have never attended a film class. I am pretty much just going to wing it and go by my own rules.

So, what makes a film good? In my humble opinion...

-Cinematography supports the vision of the piece. The shots/lighting/filters/etc. should effectively portray the emotions occurring in the film. I really appreciate a color pallet that reflects the movie's tone.

-CGI and special effects should be used appropriately depending on the subject matter and format. Mixing media should enhance the piece, and not create a competition.

-Acting must emerge from a genuine place. It is better to go to with what would be the natural response from the character. Robert Deniro explained it well when he said, "In acting, I always try to go back to what would actually be the real situation, the real human behavior in life. It's the most difficult thing, and the easiest thing, and it's all you need - the truth of the moment. If you give too much, if you telegraph things, you weaken it."

-Soundtrack/score assists the mood(s) of the film. Using no sounds can also be affective.

-Adaptation to film does not necessarily need to hold the exact same content as the original work, but should attempt to capture its essence.

-All artistic media should reach a feeling of unity. Each element of the film should contribute to portraying its message and purpose.

I believe that there is no right or wrong answer to this question. We all have our own version of what makes a "good film." I would love to discuss this topic with anyone. Dissenting opinions are not only welcome, but encouraged.

i learnt all i need from you

An Education. Directed by Lone Scherfig.

Listening to: "Hey Hey What Can I Do" - Led Zeppelin

Two out of one-hundred qualifications. It is a slow day at work for this college advisor.

I really need to go back to school. I feel lazy and slow. This lifestyle is causing my brain to bleed for knowledge. It is starving for education.

Speaking of education, I saw An Education last night. It was brilliant. I enjoy a sexy plot with no actual sex scenes. It makes it seem more mysterious. Other films that I have (finally) seen include, Baghead, How to Be, and Funny People. Baghead, directed by the Duplass Brothers, pokes fun at independent/horror films while portraying its characters in a charmingly bitter-sweet manner. How to Be was written and directed by Oliver Irving. My favorite aspect about this movie was the use of some real people instead of actors. Two non-actors (the director's BFFs in real life) played amplified versions of themselves. It is sort of reminiscent of the Italian neorealist movement. Judd Apatow's Funny People explores the darkness that rests inside of comedians. I found this very interesting. I love it when Apatow mixes comedy with sadness (it takes me back to Freaks and Geeks). It is quite refreshing. Dark comedies definitely speak to me.

So, I started working on screenplays again. I feel so inspired these days. Maybe I'll post a little excerpt sometime.