Enthusiasm/Love

Hands-down, my favorite movie of 2007 would have to be “I’m Not There” based on “the many lives of Bob Dylan.” The movie read like Dylan’s poetry, every element of his music as an accurate visual interpretation. Of course, Cate Blanchett as Jude Quinn (another aspect of Dylan’s life), is flawless and you cannot help but to compare for her performance is astounding. Also, Marcus Carl Franklin as “Woody Guthrie” -not the folk singer, although he is indeed a part of the story- is intelligent and talented, making you believe in his character as an independent figure yet welcoming enough to understand his part in Dylan’s personality. Having Christian Bale and Heath Ledger neither hindered nor motivated the story, although the idea of love and family in the singer/songwriter’s life was effectively portrayed by Mr. Ledger as the actor Robbie Clark. On a side note, there is a scene where the cover of The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan came to life and if you happen to catch things like these AND also happen to enjoy and respect Dylan’s work, then there will be plenty of lines and scenes to keep your mind busy. Overall, even as just a beautifully acted and directed film, it is worth the trip. As a Bob Dylan fan, it blew my mind and the soundtrack has not left my player since this afternoon when I purchased it. With the likes of Sonic Youth (title track), Yo La Tengo (Fourth Time Around), Jim James of My Morning Jacket (Goin’ To Acapulco, which he performs with Calexico and in the movie, another scene that left me speechless) and Antony & The Johnsons (Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door), among other talented musicians. When film and music marry beyond successfully, but also with an incredible sense purpose, all of it, it’s art. It’s beautiful. Watch it!

“I accept chaos. I don’t know whether it accepts me.” -Arthur (Ben Whishaw) from “I’m Not There”

I should be free by then!

I cut that awesome smell of the morning mist with the awful stench of cigarette smoke. Finally watched Sylvia with Gwyneth Paltrow playing the tragic and talented Sylvia Plath (The new 007 plays her husband Ted Hughes). As much as the actress represents a lot of what’s wrong with Hollywood, although her legacy -daughter of famed Bruce Paltrow (St. Elsewhere)- may just be undeniable. I have only a few strips of film and her poetry to compare against, but I may have to admit that Paltrow played the part well, just slightly blander than what I had understood Plath to be. The way she read Ariel, however, was haunting.

The symptoms of love are similar to the symptoms of alcohol abuse. Or disease. Or possibly the withdrawal itself I have seen firsthand, the shakes and subsequent denial. Liquor has its own glory and madness, for love is the catalyst, the temptress of anything that interrupts your daily monotony. It’s the memories, how the brain tricks you then you smell her, play tricks against her eyes and brake promises for the hope of the abstract happiness she could bring. I wanted to tell you that walking past does not mean I’d walk away from you, we may be saving the integrity of this thing by allowing time to crown us. All I know is what I believe, we promised eternity and not forgiveness. I’m going to Lollapalooza, with or without you, okay?

“Kiss me and you will see how important I am.” -Sylvia Plath