I've spent quite a few hours alone watching movies during this last Thanksgiving week. The Dark Knight was INCREDIBLE having seen it once already. I admit, I was weirded out when I watched it for the first time in theaters with Bryson. I was disturbed to the core by how dark and eerily plausible the whole thing was. This time, I went in already having prepared myself for the darkness by compartmentalizing my brain. I said to myself, I will not concentrate on the disturbing images and themes, but instead, discover and appreciate what else this film has to offer. I was blown away! THERE WAS NOT A MINUTE OF THE 2 1/2 HOUR LONG MOVIE THAT DIDN'T MOVE THE PLOT AND MESSAGES ALONG! (See my tribute to Batman in a previous blog entry.)
Anyway, aside from The Dark Knight, I watched a lot of comedies. I was much less impressed. Not impressed at all really. In order for a comedy to be funny to me, it has to reflect and satire real life people and situations. It seems like directors are still trying to reflect eras past. And if there is a forward-thinking director, he satires a niche of society that I can't relate to. This begs the question: What is my cultural niche? I don't know. Any ideas?
The chart below is some wise guy's depiction of the modern comedy and I agree with it to a certain degree.
This picture has some very deep political meaning. Here is a hint:
Dictionary of American Slang, 1960: "monkey on [one's] back"
- A drug habit; considered as a financial, physical, mental, and moral responsibility;
- lit., a strong addiction that one spends most of one's energy to support.
- Common addict use, now universally known. When without drugs an addict feels weighted down and depressed, when buying drugs an addict is supporting pushers and his drug habit, thus, fig., the addict carries an extra burden; it may be a large or small monkey—some have a $100-a-day monkey. Perhaps based on the obs. "have a turkey on one's back."
Simple Joys of Life: Fuzzy Bunny Tails
There are hundreds of ways to phrase the controversial question: "Is ancient art art and modern art porn?" As a potential model for a reputable art school this is a question that has recently been on my mind. (Just so everyone knows, I am NOT doing any nudie-stuff; just BYU approved modeling.) Regardless, I'm still cloudy on where my personal boundaries are.
Heather tells me that selling plasma and modeling are similar to prostitution; they are all "jobs" where you sell your body for money (or bags of crack cocaine) and you don't really contribute to society in a meaningful way. I am in agreement. However, that doesn't mean that I completely object to it. I appreciate Heather's concern for me because it lets me know that she sees my potential and knows that am capable of "greater things".
AND NOW,
I present to you for your view pleasure...
The Stupendous Cannonball Kitty!
Dun--dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-dun-DUHN!
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Listening to: MC Hammer - Dancin machine
As someone who has both waitressed and sold plasma (both slightly prositutional pastimes), I would suggest viewing it more like being an organ donor or a cadaver volunteer. You are volunteering your body to advance someone's artistic ability. The good news is you don't have to die first.
ReplyDeleteOf course you can view plasma donating and the like many different ways. If you do it, of course you'd like to think of the nobility. But most aren't in it for nobility, they're in it for the quick, large amounts of cash. And for what? A product of their developed mind? Or the skill of their hands in creating something? No, just selling something God gave you. The question isn't really about that part-time ditty. It's about that getting in the way of making a meaningful career. I know you'll find something awesome. I do believe in you. And love you very much. Good luck.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, I agree with Heather completely...as substitutes for something where you call on your God-given talents, or develop skills, those "jobs" - "they don't impress me mu-uch". On the side, to make extra needed money, or because of personal interest they can certainly have merit. In order to find your niche, you have to be willing to stick your neck out-not just your arm! :)
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteI agree one hundred percent with Heather as well. I hope you don't waltz around in your speedo for long. :( Cute cannon ball kitty.
ReplyDelete