Black Swan is all the hype right now and I will admit to jumping onto that bandwagon with the agility of an African chimp, and snagging a screening pass from a friend. 41/2 hours later - coz that is how long my experience with the screening lasted - I walked out of the theater hungry and pissed (not the alcohol kind).
Basically Black Swan is a movie about a woman trapped in her little girl mind, her ballet slippers, bulimia and acute paranoid schizophrenia. Interesting concept when you think about it, right? And that is exactly my problem with this film, I was THINKING for 108 minutes. Which means, the film never drew me out of myself and into the story. I spent the whole time spectating, wondering, deducing but never experiencing.
Our heroine, Natalie Portman is flawless with her ballet pointes. But seriously, even Forrest Gump showed more emotional range and he was an idiot. Aronofsky presents us with a ballerina suffering from acute schizophrenia brought on by her unattainable desire to be perfect. And what does our character learn after a harrowing journey that fouette’s her into various forms of self-mutilation and severe paranoid schizophrenia? You mean, besides making a strong case for more mental health programs? Nina learns that she IS perfect? Character arc anyone?
There was a moment that would have made this movie great! That moment was the murder in the dressing room that inspired Nina's powerful performance as the Black Swan. If Aronofsky had allowed that moment to be real it would have been as powerful as the spinning top in Inception. Can you imagine, such beauty and perfection from ugliness? But alas, Aronofsky took that moment from us and dropped it into Nina's psychosis.
Was Black Swan a bad movie? No way! Darren Aronofsky is a genius and I’ll fight anyone who thinks otherwise.
Is it Oscar worthy? Go watch Inarritu’s Biutiful then ask yourself that question.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Los Angeles IS the city of angels.
I am tired of out-of-towners who come to LA for a visit and disrespect Angelenos.
First, fake people are EVERYWHERE in this world. At least here you can tell them apart by their boobs and lips, so count that as a blessing.
And second, if Angelenos having either a headshot, director's reel, spec script or capezio dance shoes on the ready annoys you, stop and think for a moment about where you are. THIS IS HOLLYWOOD - ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! Artists have to hustle for every gig or go hungry. And the tools of our trade are---please see above. If we were in Pittsburgh (50 years ago) everyone would have a plaid shirt and a hard hat. If we were in Miami everyone would have an STD and a six pack....hmmm or is that San Fernando Valley?
And finally, where can one find a gathering of people resilient enough to continue pursuing their dreams after multiple rejections? Los Angeles, California. This is the City of Angels not because some of the folks here are cute, but because Angelenos continue to dream and believe despite insurmountable odds.
First, fake people are EVERYWHERE in this world. At least here you can tell them apart by their boobs and lips, so count that as a blessing.
And second, if Angelenos having either a headshot, director's reel, spec script or capezio dance shoes on the ready annoys you, stop and think for a moment about where you are. THIS IS HOLLYWOOD - ENTERTAINMENT CAPITAL OF THE WORLD! Artists have to hustle for every gig or go hungry. And the tools of our trade are---please see above. If we were in Pittsburgh (50 years ago) everyone would have a plaid shirt and a hard hat. If we were in Miami everyone would have an STD and a six pack....hmmm or is that San Fernando Valley?
And finally, where can one find a gathering of people resilient enough to continue pursuing their dreams after multiple rejections? Los Angeles, California. This is the City of Angels not because some of the folks here are cute, but because Angelenos continue to dream and believe despite insurmountable odds.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
TV vs INTERNET: Which is more dangerous?
For those of you who believe that the internet, unlike the TV, is less dangerous, corrupt and the source of more accurate information, think about this - Network and Media moguls, though cunning are seldom stupid and rarely insane. But any mentally disturbed, paranoid-schizophrenic with an internet hook up can log onto a computer, spray the web with their clozapine and risperdal laced rants and call it truth.
Which do you think is a more dangerous source? The quiet voice that steals into the frontal lobe of a heavily medicated individual, or the calculated thoughts of a man who knows that feeding the public what it thinks it wants, gets him what he knows he wants?
Which do you think is a more dangerous source? The quiet voice that steals into the frontal lobe of a heavily medicated individual, or the calculated thoughts of a man who knows that feeding the public what it thinks it wants, gets him what he knows he wants?
What do you get from an arranged marriage?
For the full effect, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WS6ECbh3tk&sns=fb
Trust me, it will be worth it. Below is a sample of the hilarious dialogue you will encounter.
Husband: "The American women they using the mouth, you don't use the mouth. You refuse to use the mouth."
Wife: "Well, you don't use the mouth either...maybe the man are supposed to use the mouth. If you wanted to get some, you'd give some as well."
Husband: "20% of the time you are on the periodical anyway"
Wife: "100% of the time you are on the stupid." LOL
There is a lot concealed underneath the sari and apparently some Indian men are getting tired of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WS6ECbh3tk&sns=fb
Trust me, it will be worth it. Below is a sample of the hilarious dialogue you will encounter.
Husband: "The American women they using the mouth, you don't use the mouth. You refuse to use the mouth."
Wife: "Well, you don't use the mouth either...maybe the man are supposed to use the mouth. If you wanted to get some, you'd give some as well."
Husband: "20% of the time you are on the periodical anyway"
Wife: "100% of the time you are on the stupid." LOL
There is a lot concealed underneath the sari and apparently some Indian men are getting tired of it.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
CROSS POLLINATE
So, I head off to Target to get some flameless candles for my show and I stumble upon a copy of the ESSENCE magazine; the issue with Kerry Washington on the cover, possibly showcasing the fake Afro Wig atop her head, with the words “Race: Being Black in America” by Soledad O’Brien leaping off her airbrushed left cheek.
I don't know about you but I could feel the stench of frustration riding across the bridge of my nose, while apathy weaseled its way up my belly knocking the edge of my epiglottis. Why would anyone put an article about being Black in America on Essence? Because it carters to Black readers, would be your respond. And to that I say, for that very reason it should NOT be in Essence.
I mean, have Black folks suddenly forgotten their experiences that they need a reminder? Or, is Soledad going to provide us with some new information? I seriously doubt that. See, having this article in Essense is like preaching to a choir that has been preached the HECK out! Why not print it in Elle where they have a fondness for de-coloring Black people? (See image below). Or print it in Vogue where black models can barely get a job. Teach them some racial empathy.
Better yet, how about putting it in Fair Vanity…opps Vanity Fair (VF) who seem to forget that there are dark people in America. I believe we all remember VF saluting young Hollywood with a fair cover celebrating its vanity (see image below). These are the folks that need the education. These are the folks that need to appreciate the penny in the piggy bank.
The problem with this country is that opposing sides are not talking to each other, let alone listening. Everyone is preaching to their respective choir giving no thought to the hungry man on the street, much like the churches do - (hmmm...there is something to that comparison). FOX news has a completely conservative audience who will never be caught browsing WFThasObamadonesofar.com. While Bill Maher and Jon Stewart are flanked by liberals and progressives who make a mockery of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck followers. The Left and Right see and hear only what confirms their own -ism. Progress will not come until both sides admit they HAVE been wrong.
And that will only be achieved by cross-pollinating information. The Left's ideas should be reviewed by the Right and vise versa. Simply put, if you don't know where your opponents stand on issues you can't have a dialogue, only an argument fraught with misinformation?
I don't know about you but I could feel the stench of frustration riding across the bridge of my nose, while apathy weaseled its way up my belly knocking the edge of my epiglottis. Why would anyone put an article about being Black in America on Essence? Because it carters to Black readers, would be your respond. And to that I say, for that very reason it should NOT be in Essence.
I mean, have Black folks suddenly forgotten their experiences that they need a reminder? Or, is Soledad going to provide us with some new information? I seriously doubt that. See, having this article in Essense is like preaching to a choir that has been preached the HECK out! Why not print it in Elle where they have a fondness for de-coloring Black people? (See image below). Or print it in Vogue where black models can barely get a job. Teach them some racial empathy.
Better yet, how about putting it in Fair Vanity…opps Vanity Fair (VF) who seem to forget that there are dark people in America. I believe we all remember VF saluting young Hollywood with a fair cover celebrating its vanity (see image below). These are the folks that need the education. These are the folks that need to appreciate the penny in the piggy bank.
The problem with this country is that opposing sides are not talking to each other, let alone listening. Everyone is preaching to their respective choir giving no thought to the hungry man on the street, much like the churches do - (hmmm...there is something to that comparison). FOX news has a completely conservative audience who will never be caught browsing WFThasObamadonesofar.com. While Bill Maher and Jon Stewart are flanked by liberals and progressives who make a mockery of Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck followers. The Left and Right see and hear only what confirms their own -ism. Progress will not come until both sides admit they HAVE been wrong.
And that will only be achieved by cross-pollinating information. The Left's ideas should be reviewed by the Right and vise versa. Simply put, if you don't know where your opponents stand on issues you can't have a dialogue, only an argument fraught with misinformation?
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
2010: All Reproductive Organs Mutually Represented
Now, lets figure this one out together.
It is election season and all wackos are out! All reproductive organs mutually represented. Most of them are howling at the moon, some are chanting "government is incompetent, big and blotted" while running for public office.
If that is the case why shouldn't the voting public assume you, the candidate, are incompetent, big and blotted? After all you are running for a slot in government and if incompetent, big and blotted is the norm then it must inevitably be the prerequisite, no?
It must be because why would anyone spend millions of dollars to be part of an institution or organization they had little to no respect for unless they were incompetent? Wouldn't going postal be a more appropriate response?
Or maybe RESIGNING the moment one is declared the winner that way they get the point across while actually reducing the size of government AND our taxes coz that's one less person we have to pay?
Unless of course they are lying or insane or lying or unethical or yes, deceitful.
If you are going to lie your way into public office at least take the time to assume that some portion of the voting public is actually intelligent enough to sniff you out! That goes double for you, stiletto coalition. And we thought Palin was the only uterus we had to worry about. The Witch, The Gums, The Tomboy and the Wrestler are all walking in the footsteps of the Palin. Clearly the Hillary movement birthed no one.
It is election season and all wackos are out! All reproductive organs mutually represented. Most of them are howling at the moon, some are chanting "government is incompetent, big and blotted" while running for public office.
If that is the case why shouldn't the voting public assume you, the candidate, are incompetent, big and blotted? After all you are running for a slot in government and if incompetent, big and blotted is the norm then it must inevitably be the prerequisite, no?
It must be because why would anyone spend millions of dollars to be part of an institution or organization they had little to no respect for unless they were incompetent? Wouldn't going postal be a more appropriate response?
Or maybe RESIGNING the moment one is declared the winner that way they get the point across while actually reducing the size of government AND our taxes coz that's one less person we have to pay?
Unless of course they are lying or insane or lying or unethical or yes, deceitful.
If you are going to lie your way into public office at least take the time to assume that some portion of the voting public is actually intelligent enough to sniff you out! That goes double for you, stiletto coalition. And we thought Palin was the only uterus we had to worry about. The Witch, The Gums, The Tomboy and the Wrestler are all walking in the footsteps of the Palin. Clearly the Hillary movement birthed no one.
Post Natal Depression
Fossil Fuel Dependency vs Green Living
Unregulated vs Regulated Capitalism
Exploitation vs Preservation
Debt Increase vs Common Sense
Imprisonment vs Legalization of Marijuana
War vs Peace
Repression vs Expression
It is safe to say our old ways are battling dementia and the new must take power before we are all swallowed up by this insanity.
Much like a deranged mother suffering from post natal depression unknowing hugs her baby a little too hard, a little too long until it is dead, these old ways will unknowingly choke the new ideas while in the crib until they are dead.
And there goes the next generation!
Unregulated vs Regulated Capitalism
Exploitation vs Preservation
Debt Increase vs Common Sense
Imprisonment vs Legalization of Marijuana
War vs Peace
Repression vs Expression
It is safe to say our old ways are battling dementia and the new must take power before we are all swallowed up by this insanity.
Much like a deranged mother suffering from post natal depression unknowing hugs her baby a little too hard, a little too long until it is dead, these old ways will unknowingly choke the new ideas while in the crib until they are dead.
And there goes the next generation!
Who is sitting on your exit row?
When you get on a plane do you ever wonder who is sitting on the exit row? Folks, this is a very serious point to ponder. I mean, have you ever considered that the exit rowee maybe disabled in a manner likely to suggest them incapable of the task and that they are merely paying for the addition leg room?
Just so you understand where I'm coming from....I wrote this onboard a US Airways flight from Atlanta to Phoenix where the two ladies sitting on the exit row proclaimed upon boarding, "exit row coz we are so responsible right?" and laughed at the cosmic irony. I started to get nervous.
Once nicely buckled in they began a spirited conversation with the guy sitting closest to the door. Their first question was the obvious "so what have you been up to all day?"And this knight in shining armor responds out loud, “oh, I've been drinking all morning." More alcohol induced laughter. This Africana was in full panic mode at this point, throwing my $70 braided head about wondering if anyone else was noticing this insanity. My glance landed on the Steward standing RIGHT BESIDE THE SELF PROFESSED ALCOHOLIC. He smiled and ignored him. After all, the guy had said "yes" when asked if he was able to handle the emergency door if we swan dived into the Mojavi desert.
So basically, according to US Airways it is perfectly okay for a drunk man to be in charge of the exit door and inevitable my escape route in case this hunk of metal takes a nose dive. A drunk who talked over the barely audible Stewardess who sighed several times into the microphone while delivering the life saving address. This was all to much, I needed a destruction.
Wow, the clouds look beautiful from up here. Like cotton candy or soft pillow feathers. I feel like taking a nap. Unfortunately, the alcoholic has decided to engage the entire Coach cabin in his life story. Argh! There is nothing worse than a lippy drunk!
God, let's just land.
And we did....and I got a new bunch of folks in the exit row for my trip to Los Angeles.
Yipee...huh...no wait!? Why is it taking two people to find seat number 22F? Ah, that one lady is translating the boarding pass to the other lady. So one of these folks does not speak or read English? Okay, and she is parking her behind on the Exit row. Well, that is a sure boot off the exit row coz one of the questions that deserves a "YES" is are you able to read and understand English?
Wait a minute! Did that old lady just lie? WOW. So basically, when shit hits the fan we are gonna have to get her a translator to help her understand how to get us off the burning plane.
Really US Airways..
Just so you understand where I'm coming from....I wrote this onboard a US Airways flight from Atlanta to Phoenix where the two ladies sitting on the exit row proclaimed upon boarding, "exit row coz we are so responsible right?" and laughed at the cosmic irony. I started to get nervous.
Once nicely buckled in they began a spirited conversation with the guy sitting closest to the door. Their first question was the obvious "so what have you been up to all day?"And this knight in shining armor responds out loud, “oh, I've been drinking all morning." More alcohol induced laughter. This Africana was in full panic mode at this point, throwing my $70 braided head about wondering if anyone else was noticing this insanity. My glance landed on the Steward standing RIGHT BESIDE THE SELF PROFESSED ALCOHOLIC. He smiled and ignored him. After all, the guy had said "yes" when asked if he was able to handle the emergency door if we swan dived into the Mojavi desert.
So basically, according to US Airways it is perfectly okay for a drunk man to be in charge of the exit door and inevitable my escape route in case this hunk of metal takes a nose dive. A drunk who talked over the barely audible Stewardess who sighed several times into the microphone while delivering the life saving address. This was all to much, I needed a destruction.
Wow, the clouds look beautiful from up here. Like cotton candy or soft pillow feathers. I feel like taking a nap. Unfortunately, the alcoholic has decided to engage the entire Coach cabin in his life story. Argh! There is nothing worse than a lippy drunk!
God, let's just land.
And we did....and I got a new bunch of folks in the exit row for my trip to Los Angeles.
Yipee...huh...no wait!? Why is it taking two people to find seat number 22F? Ah, that one lady is translating the boarding pass to the other lady. So one of these folks does not speak or read English? Okay, and she is parking her behind on the Exit row. Well, that is a sure boot off the exit row coz one of the questions that deserves a "YES" is are you able to read and understand English?
Wait a minute! Did that old lady just lie? WOW. So basically, when shit hits the fan we are gonna have to get her a translator to help her understand how to get us off the burning plane.
Really US Airways..
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)