A Year of Movies (From Beginning to End)

I used to be superstitious to a point. I used to think that the first movie I would watch in any given new year would be indicative of how the year was going to go. If it was good/noteworthy, it would be a good year; if it was terrible, well, not even a positive nod from the Farmer's Almanac could save that year. This would cause so much anxiety the year I watched City Slickers 2, and so much confusion the year I watched Aliens and Alien Resurrection back-to-back. I obviously don't still believe that this is true, but I do make a big deal out of what movie will be my first of any new year. It's been hit an miss the last couple of years, but some highlights have been The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou and After the Wedding.

Speaking of movies, I felt a little disappointed with what the film world had to offer us this year. Last year was stacked with a bunch of strong movies, especially from this side of the world (surprising, I know). But this year has been a bit weaker. I'm struggling to think of who's going to get a best picture nod this year, whereas last year seemed to overflow with possibilities. That being said, I saw Slumdog Millionaire a couple of weeks ago, and I'm now rooting for it to do well in this upcoming awards season. I'll finish off the year watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and look forward to whatever the first film of next year will be.

My picks for films of the past that I enjoyed thoroughly this year is a list that could go on and on and on, but I'll narrow it down to three. The Seventh Seal stands out immediately. I have waited years and years to see it, and it did not disappoint. Then there's La Jetée. I saw it in my film class (it was the inspiration for 12 Monkeys) and was quite intriguing. Finally, even though I've seen it before, Gregory's Girl gets a nod from me. I just watched it a couple of days ago, and in all honesty I wrote this entire post just so I could put a picture of the poster up. It's a Scottish Wes Anderson-esque film made before Wes Anderson had even left junior high. I'm sorry you had to read all of this posting just so I could talk about this film - but seriously, it's awesome!

I'm really just killing time until the new year on here. I've got some big plans for what's going to show up here come January. I've been working on it for a while, and still am over the holidays. I hope that once it's revealed all will be well with your soul. Until then, let Christmas sooth thy soul.

Albums of 08 (Edited)

I listened to these albums more than others this past year* (Not all of them are from 2008).

It's Christmas! I'm Coming Home!

If you click here you'll be able to hear a Christmas song I recorded last weekend. It offers all the sentimental value that (1) out of tune instruments, (2) a cracking voice, (3) my first foray into piano playing, and (4) basement recordings offer. It's in line with all the other sappy seasonal songs that I've done in the past (but have yet to be released!). It's a time honoured traditions folks.

Then there's the song my brother and I recorded in 15 minutes for my nieces and nephew. It's... interesting to say the least.

It may have the same effect that Wayne's World had: It'll make you laugh, it'll make you cry, it'll make you hurl.

The Curious Case of David Stone

I am reading "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" tonight. I am reading it not only because I am interested in seeing the movie when it comes out later on this month, but mainly because it is written by a good friend of mine: F. Scott Fitzgerald. By friend, I mean literary great whose work I have admired since my final year of high school. Though the style of this short story I am reading is a bit different from his usual form and style, it reminds me of why I have enjoyed Fitzgerald for years now. One of my biggest disappointments in university was that I didn't get the chance to read any Fitzgerald with my English courses.

I've always been intrigued by the story of Fitzgerald's life, and how it so closely spoke into the stories he wrote. His stories weren't biographies, but they shared his life story through different lenses to each reader who picked up his books. His stories resonated with me in an eerie way, because I found so much of his literature and actual life resonated with mine. I can't tell you how much the real life story of F. Scott and Zelda freaked me out because of its reoccurring nature in the present. However, while I am amazed at the way stories can resonate from Keats, to Fitzgerald, to now, I find solace in knowing that resonance does not mean all outcomes are determined. There are times when I wonder whether I squander the gifts and abilities I have as I'm caught up in the apathy of our age - just as F. Scott squandered his in the excess of his - but am calmed in knowing I can opt out of that trend. Though F. Scott bore the scars of love come undone, this does not mean that the same follows for me (thankfully). I am ever amazed at the way our lives are narratives that resonate beyond our births and deaths, but I am more thankful that this resonance is not a determined sentence, but more of a assurance that our highs and lows have occurred before. With this perspective I am able to appreciate my unique opportunity to experience hopes, and not be overwhelmed by the fears that have been common for the rest of my fleshed siblings in time.

Different look.

I'm in the process of changing a bit of the look of the Blog. My good friend Rob is helping me with it, for I am truly terrible with computers.

Keep checking back for more updates

Three Pieces of Great News!

Great Piece of News #1:
The following is the latest copy of my newsletter. Feel free to peruse and enjoy!

Great Piece of News #2:
The following is a picture of myself - and the paperwork that was submitted today that makes me an official employee of IVCF!

Great Piece of News #3:
Though there is no picture accompanying this piece of news, rest assured that I will be posting some more of my writing in the near future. I'm working on a story about Irfan Khan. If you don't know who he is, well, you should go watch The Darjeeling Limited or Slumdog Millionaire - both of which I can safely recommend as brilliant films!