SDSU Anthro 439 | London Summer 2009 | cineTREK

Ice Bar

2009-07-29T10:07:00.000-07:00

There are few things in London as visually amazing as the Ice Bar. Nestled in a gorgeous part of London, Ice Bar was an experience like no other. How often does one get to stand in a –5 degree temperature and sip delicious alcoholic concoctions from a glass made of ice? Not to mention, the designer parkas were fabulous. The group that went didn’t exactly know what to expect. Some wore sandals, which seemed to instinctually go against what one should wear to a room made of ice, but the below freezing temperature was bearable with our giant furry coats. The room itself was not very large, but there was amazing detail in the ice. On one wall there were giant wheels carved into the ice and the seats were interestingly beautiful. The lighting also added to the experience because it bathed everyone in a bluish light and made our drinks glow. Some ended up with neon green lips which made it even better! When our time came to end and it was time to return to a normal temperature, a few of us were thankful not to have lost toes, but I can honestly say I could have stayed longer and wished we had more time. We left with great pictures and a great story about how we drank in a room made of ice. How many other people can say the same? I think it is safe to say that the Ice Bar was one of the coolest places I’ve ever been, and yes, pun intended.

Banksy vs Bristol

2009-07-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

Arriving outside the museum was a spectacle in itself... what a line! This shows how the anonymity of Banksy makes his work even more mysterious, therefore more appealing. It was made apparent that the audience would be in for quite a show early on by the display of a depressed, somewhat-suicidal looking Ronald McDonald adorning the entrance to the museum.
Numerous works spoke to me. In some of these pieces, the message was quite obvious, leaving no room for interpretation. But in many other works, ideas were simply proposed, leaving the viewer to draw their own conclusion. The lower level, all being Banksy's work, and ranging from social to political issues, bordered the line of humorous and disturbing. One of the more powerful pieces, depicting two fat white tourists being pulled by a young, dark skinned boy, gave me chills and made it difficult for my eyes to pull away.
Unexpectedly, this artist used robotic pieces in displays as part of the experience. The chicken-nugget display and the fish display, both poking at our culinary effects on the world and our environment, were not only fantastically constructed, but also relevant to today. This is what is so great about seeing Banksy's work, its directed towards todays world. Its relevant to our lives. Unlike seeing a wall covered in impressive golden frames, this work makes people think, and maybe even changes the way we respond to our environment.

Banksy

2009-07-25T09:34:00.000-07:00

It isn’t very common to drive over two hours to see a museum, but once we got to the Banksy exhibit it was obvious that the long ride and long line it was worth it. Banksy’s art is very “in your face” in a wonderful way. It speaks the truth bluntly and comically. Artists are always trying to capture the essence of cultural and political issues in a creative way, but I have never seen anyone achieve that goal with as much perfection as Banksy has. One piece that I really liked was of a young poverty-stricken boy pulling a fat American couple in a cart. The boy is looking out of the painting, at the viewer, while the couple is taking pictures with their camera phone. On one hand, it is comical because of the stereotypical way that the Americans are portrayed. But on the other hand, it is addressing very serious issues of poverty, child labor, and how industrial nations relate to third-world countries. Every piece that Banksy does has a similar effect and it is easy to see the purpose he puts in everything. The point Banksy is trying to make comes across easily and it seems so simple and yet genius at the same time. Overall, it was an amazing display of art and my only wish was that there was more to see!

Bansky vs Bristol Museum

2009-07-25T08:27:00.001-07:00

Bristol was a very cool city. There were lots of younger college students, and the home of Bansky. The line was incredibly long and seemed to stretch out forever. After a quick two and a half hour wait we finally got to enter the Museum. You could tell even from the outside you were going to be in for a treat. The outside of the Bristol Museum had what appeared to be McDonalds spokesman Ronald McDonald, however he looked more like the clown from movie Clown rather than the happy clown in the commercials. If you thought that was strange and mesmerizing the inside was even more tantalizing. You enter the Museum and you see what looks like classic Greek statues, but are completely taken aback when you realize they are not. Bansky definitely likes making a statement in a humorous and satirical way on politics, social behaviors and anything controversial. The main exhibit of Bansky’s work displayed his stencils with a radio show recording discussing Bansky. My three favorite pieces in the gallery were the two fat tanned tourists in a carriage being pushed by a little poor boy. The picture was quite funny but made a very bold statement and was somewhat sad. The second one was the riot policeman in full gear frolicking through green gas holding a bunch of flowers was hysterical. But the best piece was the one of the Klu Klux Klan member lynched on the tree. After you left this exhibit you would enter a room of what looked like to be the “freak show” at a circus. There was the Tweedy bird in a cage all old and wrinkly, a monkey painting, fish sticks in a fish bowl, a rabbit putting on makeup in front of a vanity surrounded by pictures of young celebs, and hot dogs, and sausages glass cages all displayed like animals in a pet store or a freak show. Then one could wander around the rest of the museum and look carefully for Bansky’s hidden pieces among the other art collections. My friends who do graffiti would be incredibly jealous that I got to see Bansky’s work in the most unique way. The entire experience, out last cinetrek together with everyone was just fabulous.

Final Paper Fugitive Pieces

2009-07-24T03:25:00.000-07:00

The biggest aspect that comes to mind when thinking about the movie Fugitive Pieces is the great emphasis it has on memories. Memories are the basis for the whole story. The memories that the main character Jakob encounters are rarely pleasant, but he learns various ways to cope with the memories that constantly flood his brain. The movie even provokes the audience to remember their own personal memories, even if it has nothing to do with loss. While previewing the film I was personally flooded with various memories that I have of my parents who have both passed on. Fugitive Pieces is a very powerful film when it comes to touching basis on the concept of memory and this view is shared in a journal article and a poem I found written by Elrud Ibsch and Averil Stedford. Both authors give their own take on the original novel written by Anne Michaels and give their own take on the power of memories.

Memories are very powerful when it comes to recalling them. Memories can cause various emotions to arise in a person when they are reminded of the memory. This is shown in Fugitive Pieces when the story of Jakob is told. Jakob’s life revolves around the memories that he has of his childhood and the tremendous loss he faces when his parents and sister are killed by the Nazis. The memories Jakob has of his traumatic event haunt him every night in his dreams. These memories not only haunt Jakob, but they help him grow and become an amazing writer. It is stated by Elrud Ibsch in the journal “Comfort And Scandal of Memory” about memory, “Anne Michaels tells the story of loss, describing the pain, necessity and healing power of memory” (Ibsch 1). The memories Jakob have help him feel the pain that he needs to feel to go through the healing process of his loss, even though the healing process takes him a long time.

The healing process that Jakob goes through is contributed to writing. Jakob’s mentor Athos was an archeologist and he documented everything in journals. Athos proposes to Jakob when he is a young boy that he should express his dreams and memories through the power of writing. In the end Jakob finds comfort in keeping many journals and eventually publishes a book. It is stated by Elrud Ibsch, “In Anne Michael’s novel, memory eventually brings faith, love, strength and the power to write poetry” (Ibsch 3). Jakob writes beautiful poetry about his feelings and about the memories that he remembers. The words he prints on paper become his therapy as the memories begin to surface. This concept is expressed in a poem called “The Healing Pen”, written by Averil Stedford, which states:

“Writing can be a powerful therapy. It raises curtains, brings the past to light. Often what I write surprises me. Dreams and fears that linger threateningly. Appear in a new light in black and white. Writing can be powerful therapy.”

Just like it is stated in the poem, writing can be a therapy that some people need, like Jakob, to express the memories they have when talking about them is too hard.

While viewing Fugitive Pieces I was reminded of my own memories I have of my parents who have passed on. My mother passed away when I was six in a car accident and my father passed away when I was twenty after having a heart attack in his sleep. Both events were traumatic to me and were hard events to come to peace with. Just like Jakob, I was haunted by memories of my parents that would take my breath away and make me instantly feel sorrow. I have come to terms with both deaths now and I realize that I must push on to make them proud. The memories that once gave me so much pain still bring a tear every once in a while, but also make me smile.

The fondest memory I have of my mother is when she would get me ready for school in the morning. I have never been a big morning person and I use to pretend I was still a sleep when my mother would come in to wake me up. She would simply pick me up out of bed and set me in a chair that sat in the corner of my room and give me my favorite cereal bar. In order to eat the cereal bar I would have to open my eyes and see what I was doing. This method always worked and got the mornings started around the house. My mother would always do my hair in the mornings and would dress me in matching outfits. She took pride in presenting me looking nice, even if I was just going to go to school and get all messy from playing outside during recess. My hair would always be done up in a sideways ponytail or decorated with various barrettes in the same color as my clothing. Looking back I can’t help but laugh. Looking back though also makes me realize how much she loved me and took care of me.

A memory that was recalled about my father while watching Fugitive Pieces is a simple one, but a very powerful memory. My father was a very caring man and he loved me more than anything in the world. I would be reminded of this and still do to this day from various family members. My dad had a ritual of always coming into my room in the morning before leaving for work, even when I was older and in high school, to give me a kiss on the forehead and tell me he loved me. I would usually still be a sleep and I wouldn’t wake, but he still did it to show how much he cared for me. My father was never afraid to show his love for me and before I would leave to go anywhere I would always get a hug and an “I love you” before leaving the house. It is just the simple memories that bring back the most emotion. It still brings tears to my eyes to think about these particular memories, but while watching Fugitive Pieces these memories came back and the pain of loss came back as well with them.

Fugitive Pieces was a magnificent movie with a powerful message. Memories can be powerful means for pain and suffering, but can also empower someone to heal from a traumatic experience and move on. Jakob is a prime example of someone who is haunted by his memories, but finds therapy in writing about them and helps heal from them. While watching Fugitive Pieces you cant help but recall your own personal memories and experience the emotion they once gave you. Fugitive Pieces was a wonderful movie and well worth the resurfacing memories, even if they did bring back old emotions.

Works Cited:

A Jay. Journal of Medical Ethics.: Medical Humanities London:Jun 2003. Vol. 29, Iss. 1, p. 21

Ibsch, Elrud. Journal of Modern Jewish Studies; Jul2006, Vol. 5 Issue 2, p203-212, 10p

Final Paper- Fugitive Pieces

2009-07-24T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Movie Fugitive Pieces is a piece if cinema that takes the viewer in depth to not only a boy and his extremely difficult childhood but to a time in history where all of Europe was in chaos. This movie does a superb job at telling the story of Jakob and his life, but it also goes into further detail about the struggles of the Jewish people during the Second World War. When we first see Jakob he is running through a forest trying to escape from the Nazi’s who have just stormed into his house and murder his entire family. This symbolic part of the movie comes back many times throughout the movie were see Jakob having repeated flash backs and visions of his family and early childhood. In a way they are a painful reminder of his past, a past that he can never truly leave behind and seems to be haunted by throughout most of his life. During the 1930s to the mid 1940s was a very dark time for Europe and in particular the Jewish community. Being blamed for Germany’s struggles and oppression by the Third Reich they faced a growing discrimination and it put members within this community in a very difficult place. Some were force to leave not only their homes but their country in order to escape the Nazi’s and their ever growing power, but there were those who could not leave and ultimately would pay the heaviest price. In Fugitive Pieces we get a firsthand experience of someone who has gone through this horrific event, seeing the psychological damage that it has caused Jakob and his struggle to truly fit into society and really start feeling emotions again.
After Jakob’s family gets murder the audience sees a boy that is truly devastated with his family being killed, something no person should ever see. As Jakob finds a little ditch in the forest to rest in he attracts the attention of a man who is working at a construction site. When the man walks over to see the boy he is shocked to find a little child out in the forest all by himself. As the man faces this dilemma of what to do with the boy he decides to risk his life and take the boy as his own. The relationship between Athos and Jakob is one that seems to fit perfectly, both having lost the ones they love the most this is the dynamic that allows the relationship to be so successful. As Athos takes Jakob home to Greece he truly does not know how to raise him, and during the first years of their friendship Jakob becomes very quiet and does not like to leave the house. These being the likely affect of having watched his family get murder Athos learns to be very patient and understand with him. In a way Athos becomes the farther to Jakob, taking him underneath his wing and as he gets older they become best friends. As the Nazi forces expand their campaign they reach the town of Zakynthos where Athos and Jakob live, it becomes another painful reminder for Jakob about the lost of his family and as he states “I truly do not know why I cannot get this vision”(Fugitive Pieces). As time wears on the dreams for Jakob become more intense and he starts to have flashbacks of his Mom and Dad but more particularly his sister Bella. This suggests the bond he had with her before she died and in a way she took him underneath her wing and raised him. These type of flashbacks and memories seem to haunt Jakob during his life and are always a reminder of his past.
Jakob starts to open up as a person but he also starts to expand his relationship with Athos a bit more. Jakob learns that Athos use to have a wife and that she died awhile back, Athos being entirely caught off guard when Jakob bring this up. During this scene the viewer truly sees the relationship come full circle that even though these two people from different places and immensely different backgrounds the one component that truly unites them and that is their loathing for a companion and someone else to feel their pain. For the first time where Jakob realize that he must take care of Athos because they are both damaged in their own ways. During this stage of the movie that Nazi’s have retreated out of Greece which allows more freedom for Athos and Jakob to travel. One day Athos receives a letter for a school in Toronto asking him to come and teach at their university. Athos sees this as an opportunity to start over and leave the past behind. When both Jakob and Athos arrive in Toronto it is a total new experience for one another and in way it pushes them out of their comfort zone. As time goes on Jakob starts to establish a sense of normalcy going to school and meeting people his own age. One day he meets a girl by the name of Alex, that sweeps him off his feet by the simply fact the she gives Jakob an escape. Jakob evens claims that when Alex and him are together he "longs for the loss of memory", but only for the time being. This relationship runs its course due to the simple fact that Jakob cannot get by his past and becomes obsessive about what happened when his family was murdered.
Jakob and Athos stay in Toronto for quite a long time and in some ways Jakob wishes he could escape and go somewhere new but he knows that Athos cannot travel because he is too old. One night Athos is working on his book Jakob comes in and wishes him goodnight, but in the mourning Athos dies of old age. At this point Jakob reaches a cross road in his life not sure what direction he want to go he decides to go back to Greece to bury some of Athos belongings and honor him on last night. Jakob realizes that he both likes Greece and Toronto so much he ends up splitting time between the two. While back in Toronto he meets a woman by the name of Michaela who later establish a relationship of caring and nourishment. Michaela and Jakob end up getting married and a main reason that they do is that Michaela helps Jakob forget about the painful past. Michaela does truly understand him, very similar to the way Athos was to Jakob when he was younger.
Fugitive Pieces simply a great movie! The audience sees the character of Jakob come full circle from a scared boy who had nowhere to live or no one he could trust to a man who has overcome the trauma of watching the Nazi’s murder his family. In the beginning Jakob life is a constant struggle but with the help of Athos and Michaela he learns to live a normal life, but will never forget his past.

http://uk.rottentomatoes.com/m/fugitive_pieces/

http://www.fugitivepiecesthefilm.co.uk/?page_id=41

Compare and Contrast: Modesty Blaise's "Swinging London" with Today's London Social Scene

2009-07-24T03:12:00.001-07:00

There are many similarities and differences between the social scenes of the swinging London period of the 1960s and London’s present social culture. London was an exciting place to be during the 1960s with an economic boom in the later half of the decade allowing for increased experimentation in color, style, and way of thinking. The 1966 camp movie Modesty Blaise is a clear example of what the social scene was like during the “swinging London” period. Like Modesty Blaise’s hair color, everyone and everything was changing continuously in the film hinting at the fact that this was a period where people altered the way they dressed, thought, and spoke on a constant basis. Mod subculture also played a prominent role in the film influencing Modesty Blaise’s bold outfits and imagery of all-night clubs. Sexuality was also beginning to become more accepted with references to the gay community through flamboyant characters like the evil mastermind Gabriel and his male servants in the film. In comparison to today’s social culture, there are still some remaining influences from “swinging London” but differences still. Experimentation is still a vital part of London’s social scene today with fashion, music, and art constantly taking on new forms. Mod subculture is still a prominent group, leaving its mark on London with the miniskirt bigger than ever and all night clubs far more popular. Sexuality, such as the present gay community, is bigger and more accepted than ever. Londoners, however, have become far more frugal since the economic recession compared to the economic boom during the 1960s. In this essay, I will compare and contrast Modesty Blaise’s “swinging London” social scene with London’s present social culture through ways of style, social subcultures, sexuality, and ways of thinking.

Modesty Blaise is the epitome of what “swinging London” was like during the later half of the 1960s. The lurid fashion clothing and prints to the influential mod culture to the witty and outrageous personalities and ways of thinking all added to this social phenomenon taking place at that time. The “swinging London” period resulted from an economic boom “after post world war II austerity and rationing” (1960s Fashion and Textiles). After London having to spend such a great deal of time recovering from war, Londoners finally had a chance to immerse in the social areas of their culture. In a scene from the film, Modesty Blaise and her partner in crime Willie Garvin drive carelessly on a desert road, enjoying ice cream and joining together in song all while being chased by their employers. The viewer is filled with a sense of liberation through the characters’ fearlessness and carefree attitudes in the film. This was the universal feeling during the later 1960s because Londoners finally had a chance to not worry and just enjoy what London had to offer. With new ideas sprouting left and right, fashion became an asset to individual expression during this period. The style during the “swinging London” period was heavily driven by the younger crowd where pricey couture was out and more affordable outfits were in (1960s Fashion and Textiles). The mod subculture also played a part in what was fashionable at the time popularizing “the simple geometric shapes” and “tailor-made attire” for maximum impact (1960s Fashion and Textiles). The youth were finally beginning to be recognized as an influential generation partly due to their impeccable taste in fashion. There no longer was a demand to pay high prices for pieces of clothing and younger people were one of the first to make affordable clothing look hip and fashionable. Another fashionable trend was “boldly colored garments” and miniskirts which were sold cheaply all over London (1960s Fashion and Textiles). In the movie Modesty Blaise, Modesty dons many of the popular trends of the time such as a tightly fitted hot pink dress in one scene while running through the streets of London. Textiles in “brightly colored large-scale geometric repeats” were incorporated into clothing, furnishing fabrics, and even home decor. When Modesty is held prisoner by Gabriel in the film, he places her in a groovy dungeon filled with a swirly, colored wallpapred room. Another influential factor to the “swinging London” social scene was the mod subculture. Mods were not only known for their fashion but for their “amphetamine-fuelled all-night dancing at clubs” (website). They believed in rejecting the "dull, timid, old-fashioned, and uninspired" culture of London that surrounded them (The Mod Generation). The Mods opened up a whole new way of social life for the younger crowd that was a complete digression from what was considered proper in British culture. The 1960s was also considered an era of “sexual freedom” where the pill was a “reliable method for contraception”, abortion became legal, and homosexuality was “decriminalized” (1960s Fashion and Textiles). The 1960s helped pave a new way for what was considered sexually acceptable. In Modesty Blaise, there are many references to sexual exploration such as the evil mastermind Gabriel and his male servants who are extremely flamboyant in their style and manner. The “swinging London” period broke all barriers for sexuality where things that would have been shunned in society before were finally beginning to become accepted. Not only was this era influential in its own time, but remnants of the “swinging London” period can still be seen in present British culture today.

Although there are still many remaining influences from the “swinging London” period in London’s present social culture, there are still some differences between the two eras. For instance, since this year’s global financial crisis, London has been hit since it has such a “prominent global role” where there is an expected loss of “70,000 jobs” in finance will be lost (1960s Fashion and Textiles). From personal observation, there no longer seems to be that carefree attitude that was once so highly regarded during the “swinging London” period. Londoners have become far more serious which is what the reality of an economic recession can do versus the economic boom during the 1960s. However, there are still some aspects of the “swinging London” period that are still heavily present in today’s social scene. Mod style and subculture, for example, have made a comeback in recent years. The miniskirt is an essential in any girl’s closet and one can never fail finding geometric prints at affordable boutiques like Top Shop. Even all night clubs that were so popular in the 1960s are a still a huge part of today’s London night scene. Today a mixture of “21st century mods” form today’s “Mod Generation” where mods from the “late 70s/80s revival and original mods from the 60s” come together and arrange “club nights and events” similar to those in the 60s (The Mod Generation). Even today, the mod subculture is being kept alive and still is a strong presence in the growing nightlife of London. Sexuality has reached even greater acceptance over the decades especially for the gay community. Just recently there was a Pride London parade right here in London where over 1,000,000 came and participated which makes it the “largest LGBT event in the UK” (Pride London). This shows how prominent a role the gay community still plays in London and has continued to grow since the “swinging London” days where homosexuality was just starting to be accepted.

London has continued to evolve since the “swinging London” era but also maintain some of the social culture that took place during the later half of the 1960s. There are remaining influences of “swinging London” in today’s social culture because it was such an experimental time in London’s history, despite the differences that have accumulated over the decades. However, there is one thing that can be agreed on: London is a social mecca that is constantly changing and molding to its current yet still knows how to mix old with modern.

Works Cited

“1960s Fashion and Textiles”. The Victoria and Albert Museum. 23 July 2009.

“Pride London.” 23 July 2009.

“The Mod Generation.” 23 July 2009.

2009-07-24T02:57:00.000-07:00

Banksy has to be the most genius contemporary artist today. His pieces are enticing to look at when on display in the Banksy vs. Bristol Museum exhibit. Everything from his painting of Michael Jackson luring children into a gingerbread house to his zoo display of “animals” is hilarious to see in person. His ability to draw on all major aspects in life: politics, culture, and ethics just shows how far his humor extends.

My favorite satirical piece had to be the zoo display where he pokes fun at the food industry with chicken nuggets imitating live chickens and frozen fish sticks floating around in a fish bowl. In order to see all of Banksy’s pieces in the museum, you have to go on a scavenger hunt because he cleverly hid some of his pieces all around the museum. His artwork, personally, was worth the two-hour line one had to wait in. And that is another thing that makes Banksy so wonderful. He chooses to remain anonymous and provide a completely free exhibit for the public because he does not believe one should have to pay to see his work.

Some say that Banksy’s work is controversial or that his work should not be considered true art. When leaving the exhibit, a man shouted, “I like ice cream but I don’t consider ice cream art” alluding to Banksy’s graffiti on an ice cream truck in the museum. Despite Banksy being both ridiculed and acclaimed for his work, Banksy is a true artist in my eyes who left me laughing all the way through the exhibit.

Banksy vs. Bristol

2009-07-24T02:47:00.000-07:00

The SDSU clan wakes up for its final coach excursion at eight in the morning for departure at eight thirty. Driving that two hours to Bristol, minds were full of wonder regarding this Banksy character, an artist that we had heard about but had never truly experienced. The two and a half hour line in front of the museum entrance says heaps about Banksy’s influence. There is a fascination with him because he is an anonymous figure who wishes to keep his artwork free of charge. This is an enormously admirable trait because it shows that he is not interested in wealth or fame, only in providing art to the public that will move them and capture their attention. Not only does he hold these noble intentions, he is also an amazing artist. He does not solely flourish as a grafitti artist, but his paintings and sculptures are brilliant as well.

Journeying through the Bristol Museum was like a one of a kind scavenger hunt. The name splashed on the walls was “Bristol vs. Banksy”, a title that demonstrates the intention of the exhibit. Entwined between more traditional pieces of artwork were works that stood out when you looked closely. All of these works had “local artist” printed on the plaques beside them, undeniably standing for Banksy because he is thought to have grown up in Bristol. Viewing more conventional art beside the radical art that Banksy offers is a blatant contradiction that makes the mind reel. This is rarely experienced inside an art gallery and is a much more stimulating way of viewing art. As I walked through the hallways on this art hunt, I could not help but look at the people in the gallery as well. Was one of these innocent art viewers the brilliant Banksy himself? One can never know.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-24T02:38:00.000-07:00

Although we “cinetrekked” through many films this term, the two that struck me the most were Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Y Tu Mama Tambien. It was very interesting because while the films had some similarities, they had many differences as well. The directors both chose to portray stories of adventure and exploration, but the plotlines take their own twists and turns while intriguing the audience. Throughout this paper, I will explain some of the differences and the similarities between these two films in the areas of location, acting, directing, plotlines as well as several other aspects.
Vicky Cristina Barcelona chronicles the adventures of two female friends, Vicky and Cristina, in Barcelona. They meet the mysterious painter Juan Antonio and Cristina is immediately drawn to him. Vicky, while more close minded, has a brief fling with Juan Antonia as well and ends up falling in love with him. When Juan Antonio’s ex-wife is thrown into the mix, things get complicated and Vicky and Cristina return home, both having learned about themselves. In Y Tu Mama Tambien, two friends, Tenoch and Julio meet an older woman named Luisa who is desperate for an adventure, and set out on a road trip to a beautiful beach. Along the way, they learn a lot about life and each other with Luisa’s help.
Both of these films are set in Spanish speaking countries. Vicky Cristina Barcelona is set in the beautiful countryside of Spain, and Y Tu Mama Tambien is set in Mexico City, Mexico. In Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the setting is absolutely stunning. Beautiful architecture and landscapes throughout the whole film accent it and really make Spain look like a wonderful place to go. The director, Woody Allen, chose to do this to glorify Spain, and set the film in a very romantic setting. He wanted the audience to understand how easy it may be to fall in love in such a beautiful place. We find ourselves rooting for Vicky and Juan Antonio to be together, although she is engaged to be married. The setting of the film has a lot to do with this romantic feeling this film seems to emanate, and that is exactly what the director wants the audience to feel. Y Tu Mama Tambien, is set going throughout Mexico city. There are many scenes of poverty throughout the film. While these scenes are not actually important to the plotline of the film, they draw attention to the political issues going on in the country at the time as well as the issues with poverty. The director chose to do this because he wanted to make this film seem very realistic. The characters in the film seemed almost unfazed by some of the surrounding images of poverty, like they have seen it all before. He in no way tried to beautify Mexico, like Woody Allen did to Spain in his film. This lets the audience relate more to the characters in the film, because they know this is a realistic story. In Vicky Cristina Barcelona, Hollywood kind of takes over, making the story seem more of a fantasy than a reality.
The actors for both of these films were very carefully picked out. The casts in both films were actually very similar to each other. Both films featured two young people as the stars, and one slightly older person costarring alongside. In Vicky Cristina Barcelona the director chose Scarlett Johansson as one of the lead characters, which is a popular actress in many of his films. Also in many of Woody Allen’s films “The male protagonist is often older (sometimes a lot older) than the women he pursues. He clings to the role of teacher and guide, flaunting his wit, erudition and self-deprecating humor” (Holden 2008). Likewise in Y Tu Mama Tambien, the director Alfonso Cuaron puts an older actress in the film with the two younger boys to sort of guide them through their journey. She offers them advice through her own personal experiences on life, sex, love and friendship. Both the boys in Y Tu Mama Tambien and the girls in Vicky Cristina Barcelona learn from these older characters in the films and are changed people by the end of the films. The older characters, Juan Antonio and Luisa, also take the younger characters on a sort of “vacation” away from real life, and by the end of both the films, when Juan Antonio and Luisa are both gone, real life resumes and the younger characters have almost begun a new type of life. The directors choose to use this type of cast to show their audiences that some of the most important lessons of life are learned from unexpected places and people.
Another aspect of both the films that both the directors used is the background narration. Both films have an unknown narrator that reveals certain things abut the characters that may not be obviously apparent to the audience. The reason the director chooses to have an unidentified author instead of one of the characters in the film, is so that their position is objective. They are not supposed to know more about one character than the other, and not have an opinion on any issue in the film. They are simply there to inform the audience. In Y Tu Mama Tambien, “Cuaron interrupts the proceedings often so that a narrator can inform viewers of the companions' secrets, the histories and fates of the people they meet, and, finally, what happened after the trip ended” (Hornaday, 2002). Likewise, in Vicky Cristina Barcelona, the narrator explains how the characters are feeling and what they hope to find in Spain. The narrator also lets the viewers know of the past and current relationships of the two women, therefore making it easier for the audience to understand the viewpoints each woman sees on love, and this actually causes viewers to relate themselves to one character in particular. The narrator is important too because it does not leave readers asking questions about what happened after the film ended. It gives a very short type of epilogue to the films, leaving the audience with a better understanding of what will happen to the characters. For Y Tu Mama Tambien, one critic notes: “Rather than take the audience out of the movie, these interludes open the film up, so that the final effect of "Y Tu Mama Tambien" is one of expansive, almost spiritual power”(Hornaday, 2002). Both films end in a way very different than they started. The directors do this to create an ending different from most conventional films, leaving the audience to go home and think about the films for the days to come.
Overall, the directors of both these films were very careful and specific in selecting their casts, locations, and plotlines. Each part of the film was put together carefully to create the effect the director was aiming for. Both directors want to show that it is easy for people to learn and grow, and sometimes they do so unwillingly. All the characters in these films learned more about themselves, simply by traveling to a new place and meeting new people. Both directors want to remind their audience that life can be very refreshing, and when looking for a change maybe all one really needs to do is have a change of scenery.

Works Cited:
Holden, Stephen. “Sex (and Love and Death): Woody's World Steams Up” The New York Times, August 20th, 2008.

Hornaday, Ann. “'Y Tu Mama': The Ride of Their Lives; On a Drive to Nowhere, Boys Find Themselves” The Washington Post, May 3rd, 2002.

Ice Bar: A Chilling Experience

2009-07-24T02:33:00.000-07:00

Who would have thought that being in a room with a temperature below zero could be so much fun! Ice Bar was a completely different take on the social experience of going out and drinking with friends. The gear is the most fun part putting on consisting of a stylish parka , a furry hat, and even gloves to keep warm in this arctic environment. Everything in the room is made out of ice from the bar to the seats to the cups that you drink your cocktail out of. It is also a race to see who can surivive the entire 45 minutes in the Ice Bar which is a tad bit hard when you have sandals on. Once in the bar, the cold hits you so one must make a dive for the bar immediately. The bartenders are serving up drinks all while dressed up warmly with some cute furry hats on to top off their eskimo-esque outfits. The selection of drinks were enticing with names like The Furnace that would warm anybody right up just thinking about the name. With drink in hand, you wonder around which is pretty much all you can do to keep warm in the Ice Bar all while trying to finish the delicious concoction chosen. This was a once in a lifetime experience that someone can only handle once depending on your tolerance for the cold.

Discovering Life Through Music

2009-07-23T15:48:00.000-07:00

In these modern times where technology rules the globe and money makes the world go round, it is easy to lose sight of the real purpose of life: to live it. People’s brains spill over with insignificant worries and wants that do nothing but delay the potential to gain true happiness. For instance, many women tell themselves that if they could just lose that last ten pounds, they would be happy. But it doesn’t work that way. Happiness is a phenomenon that must be rooted internally by experiencing the simplicity of life. Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman find happiness through music inside their documentary What About Me?. These two wise men travel the world to a variety of cultures, illustrating the vast diversity of humankind on this planet. Significantly, however, they utilize music to illustrate that regardless of this diversity, there is a common thread that unites us: being human.

A noteworthy aspect of the movie is that Bridgeman and Catto are using music to illustrate connections that cultural groups have, despite differences in ideals having to do with marriage or religion. With all of the wars and confrontations that have occurred throughout history, it is easy to see that many cultural groups do not desire to be associated with one another. This film unites melodies of typically opposing cultural clusters and creates beautiful music that sounds better together than apart. “The emphasis on music as a tool for mutual understanding and expression gave the whole 1 Giant Leap project a greater dimension, one far removed from the commercial concerns of just about everyone else caught up in the music industry” (Megahey). As this quote hints, the directors are trying to emphasize something bigger than just the music itself. They are using music as the mechanism by which to achieve their main goal: presenting the joyous simplicities of life regardless of race, class, sexuality, etc. There are people of every culture smiling, singing, dancing, and doing other of the simplest human acts, no cell phones or plasma screens required. The way that the directors interweave music with various themes of humanity (e.g. love, death, God) is a stunning way of demonstrating what it means to be human.

Although the obvious reason for making the documentary is to create brilliant music that reflects the various musical styles across the world, the deeper meaning has to do with many philosophies of life. Thus, many philosophers, authors, and even celebrities were interviewed to offer their insights. One such individual was world-renowned philosopher and author Eckhart Tolle whose work focuses on an inner transformation of the human consciousness by removing the ego (Tolle Biography). His words hit home for many people who live in modernized communities. In the film, he states: “Part of the madness is to live as if the future were more important than the present moment, which is how most people live. It’s completely insane, so you miss the aliveness of life for some projected future aliveness of fulfillment” (What About Me?). Countless youths in this world are constantly pressured into preparing for their futures. Many students are so stressed about getting into a good university that their social lives suffer. Businessmen and women work countless hours away from their families striving for a promotion that may never come. People are constantly climbing and climbing for the more affluent lifestyle and all the while that precious thing called life is passing them by.

Although many of the interviews in the documentary are incredibly deep, there are also many parts of the film that are filled with laughter when it comes to lighter matters. Laughter is an important prerequisite for happiness and so it is not surprising that humor would be utilized in this film. Particularly entertaining was the portion of the film that focused on the differences between men and women. Many women from different cultures, famous or not, were interviewed on this subject and had similar teasing answers regarding men and their habits. The same is true when men were asked about women. It is remarkable to see members of different cultures all agreeing and laughing about these matters and, as a viewer, it is hard to keep a smile off your face. This film consistently reinforces the harmony that human beings share when it comes to fundamental matters.

This documentary is one of a kind and truly has a way of touching your soul. When the SDSU program went to Bricklane to see this production, the host for the night, a shaggy-haired cowboy hat-wearing gentleman, gave some insight about the power of the project. He informed us that he knew Duncan Bridgeman personally and said that before the project Bridgeman discovered he had cancer. After the filming ceased, and without any medical treatment, the cancer was gone and he was cured. Perhaps this is just coincidence, but at the same time there is some magic in knowing that Bridgeman was living his life in such a spiritual and joyous manner. No stressful deadlines in sight, the only stops for Bridgeman on the road ahead were music and true happiness.

What About Me? is a musical masterpiece that celebrates the real life joys that most people forget about in their rushed and scheduled daily lives. Music and philosophy are used to unite the diverse cultures of the world and reveal, quite beautifully, that human beings in different cultures are not that different from one another. Seeing women in poverty-stricken villages relate to prosperous women in business suits is perhaps a future glimpse into a world that could be based more on peace than on war. It also highlights that life is for living and that people need to remember to appreciate significant moments. Molly Zapp puts it perfectly in her article The Art of Persuasion: “embrace the silly painful madness of simply living joyfully” (Zapp). The engaging words spoken by the interviewees combined with the utterly blissful music that was created simultaneously make this documentary a celebration of life that should not be missed.

"Biography." Official Website of Eckhart Tolle, Author of A New Earth. Web. 23 July 2009. .

Megahey, Noel. "1 Giant Leap What About Me'" N. pag. DVD Times. 06 Dec. 2008. Web. 23 July 2009. .

Zapp, Molly. "The Art Of Persuasion." N. pag. Metrosantacruz. 13 May 09. Web. 23 July 2009. .

Final blog

2009-07-23T14:09:00.001-07:00

Woody Allen and Joseph Losey are both renowned filmmakers, who each have a distinctive style all their own. One uses humor and the other use melodrama to portray different stories with themes of sexuality, satire and human relationships. Vicky Christina Barcelona, and Modesty Blaise are two very different genres of films but both are funny have an interesting use of satire.

Woody Allen has created a unique genre all his own a mixture of drama and screwball comedies that formulates into his distinctive style. He captivates his audience by integrating intellectual ideas and real-life scenarios into a film using the channels of human instinctual drives for lust, love and happiness (Philaretou). In the film Vicky Christina Barcelona, a tale of young naïve beautiful ladies on the trip to Barcelona for the summer and meets an attractive Spanish man named Juan Antonio, whom they both have an affair with. Vicky is practical and traditional and Christina is spontaneous and is unsure of what she wants from life or love. Both women discover through this moral journey of their emotions of love, and lust that love is what you make it out to be. The film looks into these two women who are very different, their sexual momentum and self-identification from “falling in love.”

Allen creates his movies into very real scenarios with issues of sexuality very present in Vicky Christina Barcelona. Allen likes to break down barriers of sexual tension “through sexual satire…audiences are enabled to unmask the private, embarrassing, shameful, and forbidden areas of their sexual lives, thereby becoming better able to come to terms with their sexuality in a relaxed, nonthreatening matter (Philartou).” There are women out there who would be offended if a man like Juan Antonia asked them if they would like to join him ménage trios. Vicky was extremely insulted when Juan Antonia asked such a preposterous proposition to them. However, Christina was interested and curious in the sexual offer. It is funny to see how these two American women deal with a European man in the search for the meaning of life, love and passion.

Vicky and Christina are two innocent American’s who find themselves in a situation with a handsome stranger they are not used to. In the movie the phrase being “European” was like being sexually liberated, like when Christina confesses that she Juan Antonio and Maria Elena were in a relationship. There is this idea that European are more sexually opened, and it might be true. Allen also plays with that idea especially when it comes to the attitudes of Vicky and her fiancé Doug. Doug is very portrayed as very New York American and he disapproves of Christina very European relationship. Vicky is someone who could never imagined herself having an affair with a Spanish man when she is engaged, however at the end of the films no longer can deny her feelings and confesses them Juan Antonio.

Allen films present a dialectical method “to the study of human sexuality as good and bad, humorous and dramatic, lustful and emotional, fearful and fearless, fulfilling and frustrating (Philartou).” Allen utilizes the deconstruction and reconstruction of traditional gender roles awakens the audience of the historical, social and cultural influences that compel “human affairs as well as the vicissitudes, ambiguity, and melodramatic nature of human sexuality (Philartou).” Vicky and Christina return home, Vicky returns to her married life with Doug, and Christina remains where she started unsure of life and love. Allen attempts to provoke in his audience that things are simply, simplicity of emotions, love and affection.

Joseph Losey might not have the same sense of humor as Woody Allen but he is still a prominent filmmaker with an eclectic collection of movies. He is know as a very controversial figure even today as his films or regularly taught in cinema study classes (Callahan). Losey liked to find depth in even the most absurd situation and used liked spotlight on the human relationship (Callahan). There were dominant themes in Losey’s work, such as emotional instability, emotional and physical violence and perverse sexual power plays. He liked to put unconventional love stories in his films (Callahan). Instead of talking about Losey’s most beautiful films I want to discuss his most underestimated and sometimes called the “worst movie of all time,” the 1966 spy movie Modesty Blaise.

Timing is very important in a release of film, and Modestly Blaise was ahead of its time. It set in the “Swinging London and the whole movie is in a modish camp style. Modish camp means it had “bright colors, lurid colors, surreal plotting, trendy star, kinky sex and funny violence, and spy joke jammed to its fills with pop music, bizarre gadgetry, and self-parody, all wrapped up in the rule-breaking technique to which the French New Wave had by 1966 (Richards).” The film is uncharacteristically a Losey film in story line and “essential lightheartedness,” but the film still deals with real issues that are still with us today (Richard). The movie is filled with forgettable story lines, weird jokes, fast paced mise-en-scene, ridiculous fighting scenes and exuberant surrealism.

The movie is satire on the other secret agent movies of the 60’s for example James Bond. The movie reminded me of Get Smart the television show and also Mike Meyers Austin Power even more. Both movies had weird, preposterous and had unusual scenes where things don’t seem to make sense tended to happen. In Modesty Blaise you would notice that her hair color would change randomly and also her clothing color would also change. They both also have weird gadgets that come out from obscure places, and would also have random bursts of song and dance.

Losey plays with sex and sex gender roles in Modestly Blaise. There are few scenes in the movie where we see Willy in bed with different beautiful women. However, we can’t deny the sexual tension between Willy and Modesty. Willy is very subservient to Modesty and calls her Princes, and is always willing to help here when she needs him. There is also an odd relationship with the villain of the movie Gabriel and the extremely tough Clara Fothergill. She is tough and fights, and Gabriel seems to have more flamboyant character. Although completely straight in sexual preference he is always so well groomed, with his funny cocktails and pastel color umbrellas. There is a scene when MCWhirter asks Gabriel, “Do you ever wonder about MR. Fathergill?” and Grabriel’s reply is matter-of-fact “I am Mr. Fothergill (Richard).” Losey play on sex gender roles is an interesting one. Another example is how Abu Tayir likes to call Modesty his son, when she is clearly a woman. It shows very sexist attitudes of society.

One of the issues of the 60’s and an important issues addressed in the Modesty Blaise is oil. The music sings “Ice….gimme ice, man…real ice,” while the sun is blazing down on the oil, and you see small children looking impoverished and hungry playing by the oil. At the end of the movie it definitely takes a different turn, and more serious turn.

Losey’s film was uncharacteristic for him, however is a very brilliant piece of work no matter what critics might say. Woody Allen always creates funny movies with great sense of humor and satire. Both directors liked to create more than movies and they did with Vicky Christina Barcelona and Modesty Blaise, they both liked to dive into the complexities of the human relationship and breaking of social rules and norms.

Callahan, Dan (2003). Joseph Losey. New York, archive.sensesofcinema.com/contents/directors/03/losey.html.

Philaretou, Andreas. (Spring 2006). Learning and Laughing about Gender and Sexuality through Humor: The Woody Allen Case. Journal of Men’s Studies. Harriman, Vol. 14, Iss. 2; pg. 133.

Richards, Peter (Jul 1995). ‘ Real ice , man’: Joseph Losey’s Modesty Blaise. New York. Vol 31, Iss. 4; pg 60.

St. Paul's Cathedral

2009-07-23T13:45:00.000-07:00

For someone who was raised in a non-religion household attending high mass at St. Paul’s Cathedral was the most fascinating experience next to the play at Gate Theatre Medea Medea. St. Paul’s Cathedral is beautiful church for mass to be held in, the white walls, the gold details, and spectaculars painting were breathtaking. Mass as the entire worship service was like a ceremony and worship combined, but more of a worship with “praise almighty lord, Jesus, heavenly father, God.” From what I hear I heard that it was very formal and traditional. Mass back the states is not as formal, not much singing, more involvement with the people, shorter, not in Latin, and in a less extravagant and theatrical. At one point during mass the organist started to play really dark moody music, and I thought the Phantom of the Opera was going to pop at any moment and it seemed really uncharacteristic. The Orchestra and Choir sand beautiful and was the major highlight of the cinetrek.
Medea Medea was also an extraordinary experience. Both cinetreks were almost surreal. Medea Medea was very confusing and did not what was going on the entire time. There was one stage setting the entire time, and every prop in the setting was used at one point in the play. There were unusual things going on the whole time, all of which did not make sense to me at all! Both were very odd experiences, for one I’ve never attended mass nor attending a play abstract and surreal like Medea Medea. Both opened up my eyes to new things and new experiences.

Spirited Away: Beneath the Spirits

2009-07-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

There is more than meets the eye in Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Spirited Away. Miyazaki breaks free from conventional cinema to bring his audience an imaginative fantasy world filled with grotesque monsters and images of delightful enchantment. Rather than clash, these two opposing images gracefully unite to create the backdrop for the film’s heroine Chihiro. Beneath the surface of the film lie deep and meaningful lessons about life, love, friendship, and also insight into Japanese life and culture.

Chihiro begins the film as a typical 10-year old girl who is upset about leaving her familiar surroundings behind and moving to a new suburban home. Upon arrival at the abandoned theme park Chihiro is leery of taking food from a restaurant with no workers. It becomes clear that Chihiro is obedient, unlike her parents who gorge themselves without worry. This compliant behaviour saves Chihiro as she begins her work in the bathhouse. Obedience corresponds to another theme found in the film and that is the blurred line between good and evil. Most of the characters have a good and bad side to them. Two examples would be Zeniba and Yubaba. These two character teach Chihiro that both evil and good exist in the world and also that they can exist in the same person. Although Yubaba symbolizes evil, she also honours her word and demonstrates a kinder side with her baby, Boh. Zeniba too, seems quite malevolent when she threaten to kill Haku for stealing her seal, but after visiting with Zeniba, Chihiro quickly realizes what a kind and gentle woman she really is.

Miyazaki also makes clear his reference to some basic Japanese cultural values and more specifically to the Shinto religion. The Shinto religion is based on the worship of Kami, which are spirits of almost anything here on Earth (http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/). According to the Journal of Religion and Film, followers of the Shinto religion hold rituals wherein villagers call forth the local Kami and invite them to bathe in their baths (Boyd & Nishimura). This practice is quite similar to the bathhouse in the film that welcomes various spirits and symbolizes the Japanese ritual. The tunnel at which Chihiro and her parents go through to enter the spirit world also has significant meaning in the film. It is believed in the Shinto religion that in order to benefit form the presence of kami or “spirits”, one must be open and willing to believe in their existence. One way this can be achieved is by moving oneself from the everyday world into a new and more receptive environment. Cleverly, in order to return to one’s natural state, he or she must be “re-formed” as a person in some way (Boyd & Nishimura). The tunnel into the spirit world and Chihiro’s transformation into a strong and capable young woman can be seen as a metaphor for this Japanese belief. The tunnel itself symbolizes a doorway into a magical, fairy-tale like world. This doorway into the unknown is comparable to Alice in Wonderland who falls in a rabbit hole and ends up in a dreamlike realm. Both Alice and Chihiro are forced to enter the unknown in a world where nothing is really as it seems.

Followers of the Shinto religion also believe that all phenomena become contaminated and impure at some point and therefore need to be bathed in order to resume their cleanliness. Miyazaki demonstrates this philosophy with his extraordinary creatures that come to the bathhouse to be bathed. The stink spirit in particular, whom Chihiro is ordered to prepare a bath, is cleaned of all kinds of garbage and debris. This serves as a metaphor for an impure kami or spirit. Once cleansed of all his impurities, “No Face” fervently tries to offer Chihiro gold, where upon she politely refuses. This angers “No Face” and for a short time makes him mad. Fortunately, “No Face’s” anger is short-lived. Toward the end of the film Zeniba helps “No Face” to be kinder and at one point he even helps her spin thread.

In his article for The Los Angeles Times, Film critic Kenneth Turan discusses the opposition Miyazaki’s creates between disturbing images such as creatures throwing up and delightful images of purity and serenity. For instance, the image of the train gliding across submerged tracks in a seemingly endless body of water, Turan compares to a painting by Rene Magritte. Turan argues that these opposing images come together and highlight the oneness of things and demonstrate “how little distance there truly is between these seemingly disparate states”. I could not agree more with Turan and found that images and characters that at first appeared evil or grotesque ended up being two-sided. I feel that Miyazaki deliberately created this harmonic relationship to illustrate that we are all capable of both evil and good.

By drawing on some of the basic struggles that we as humans face in our everyday lives and also on certain Japanese customs and beliefs, Miyazaki creates a world that will evoke a genuine sense of wonder for all of those who watch his film. The film’s heroine, Chihiro inspires audiences with her transformation into a brave and capable young woman. She successfully overcomes the shock of entering the adult world and having to work in order to survive. Chihiro maturely learns her responsibilities at the bathhouse and is rewarded by Yubaba. Through Chihiro’s character, Miyazaki is able to convey an important message about growing up and one that is rarely dealt with by movie creators. Miyazaki emphasizes all of the important and admirable qualities that young children or adults can possess with his creation of Chihiro.

Overall, I think Spirited Away is a remarkable work of cinema whose bold and imaginative tale will leave its audience wishing for more. Its incredibly relatable motifs make it perfect for persons all ages and backgrounds. Whether you are young or old, or somewhere in between, there is surely something you can learn from Hayao Miyazaki’s animated film Spirited Away.

Works Cited

Boyd, James W., and Tetsuya Nishimura. "Shinto Perspectives in Miyazaki's Film

Spirited Away." Journal of Religion and Film 8 (2004). Oct. 2004. 19 July 2009

"Religion & Ethics." BBC. 25 Oct. 2006. 20 July 2009.

Turan, Kenneth. "Prepare to be Astonished by Spirited Away." Los Angeles Times. 2002.

20 July 2009.

Extended Blog

2009-07-23T11:15:00.001-07:00

Y Tu Mama Tambien was a dramatic change from the features the class has previously enjoyed. The story revolves around the lives of two young men who are forced to fill the space created by the boredom that dominates their summer. Their boredom however soon changes when they meet Luisa, and set out on a journey that they soon will not forget. The director brings the audience on this journey in a rather unique way, and allows the audience the opportunity to view these teenager’s lives from an outside perspective, with constant clarification and reference to political and coming of age insight.

The directing style of Alfonso Cuaròn enabled an intense intertwining of these messages conveying the meaning of politics and maturity between friends and families. The roles these boys play, as well as the overlaying narration, accentuates the meaning behind the director’s message and ultimately creates a vastly profound piece of cinematic work. There are many ways that Alfonso Cuaròn exploits these ideas, the most prominent being his usage of a narrator, because “not only does he use narration to inform us of character traits, and intent, but the characters, in their actions, clarified heterodiegetically, inform us on the political landscape and many times in doing so it allows us insight into an unseen conflict between what the actors are doing and saying, versus the true meaning or motivation of the scene—oftentimes creating a sense of irony” (Kemet). This ultimately makes the narration a huge part of the film and allows for a structured and specified understanding of the messages. However the directors also uses the incorporation of the boy’s manifesto, and the overwhelming character development of Tenoch and Julio as their story progresses with Luisa to clarify the underlying meaning behind his story.

Through the narration the director is able to touch upon a few main messages he meant to portray. First being the political ideologies of the two families these boys come from and how that influences their friendships both throughout the story and after, and the political ideals that ultimately run the country that these young men spend their everyday lives in. For example, the story begins with these gentlemen and their girlfriends with an immediate overlay of narration introducing the characters and their lifestyles. This is preceded by an explanation of their girlfriend’s parent’s views of them socially and personally. This allows for critical character development that is able to unravel later in the story. One of the most interesting aspects of these first scenes is that Julio is the only Mestizo in the entire film, which is a predominantly working class ethnicity in Mexico, however he meshes well into the higher cultures. This however is ultimately a problem waiting to happen and eventually causes tension between Julio and Tenoch who is Criollo, a predominantly wealthy demographic. It is the incorporation of subtle undertones such as this that gives the audience an inside look at what is really going on in these kids heads, and the reasons behind their reactions and outlooks on life.

The next scene is one that touches upon the families of these men, and allows for the audience to gain a better understanding of the up bringing each of these boys endured for the past eighteen odd years of their life. Whilst driving in the car the narrator discusses Tenoch’s dads work as a politician and then the information stated is molded into a face and a persona as Tenoch emphasizes his dads response to his failing of a class. The narrator throughout the story builds a frame and the boys mold the skin, and give the audience a clearer understanding of their lives and the lives of the everyday Mexican citizen and the upper class Mexican citizen.

In contrast to the political insights that Cuaròn, he dedicated a significant portion of his film to the understanding of growth, and the process of coming of age. By incorporating Luisa into the story (a mature married women), he is able to build a contrast between what and where the boys are at in their lives, and where Luisa is. “[Luisa] provides the movie's ballast and maturity, a kind of mediating influence between the boys' puppyish vigour and the cold, pitiless detachment of Cuaron's voiceover - and she has the best line in the picture, exasperated with her quarrelling travel companions: "Play with babies and you end up washing diapers!"(Bradshaw). This single phrase depicts the carefree and almost ignorant outlook Tenoch and Julio have on life. However throughout the film this discrepancy between the infantile boys and Luisa is seen dwindling down until ultimately it is no more. When Tenoch and Julio sit in the coffee shop and discuss the death of Luisa towards the conclusion of the film, they realize that not only are they not children anymore, but they aren’t invincible and their lives will never be the same again.

Luisa however was not the only depiction of the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Through the structure of the film Cauron is able to draw the audience into the lives of these young men and make the transition with them as they mature. For example, the movie begins with the boys partying with their friends and trying to meet girls, which was explicitly emphasized by the narrator through their manifesto. However throughout the movie the joy and manifesto Tenoch and Julio hold so dear, begins to lose meaning and credibility, and is eventually dissolved all together. Although it takes time for this to happen, each event on the journey to God’s Mouth is one more straw that would eventually break the camel’s back. It is through this unique and artistic style that the director is able to simultaneously illuminate ideals of politics and growth with very specific and subtle remarks or actions.

Ultimately the film was a masterpiece, and the shock and awe that undoubtedly followed every scene was icing on the cinematic cake. The director did a tremendous job highlighting his key points without boring or overwhelming the audience. It is this style of almost complex simplicity that gives Y Tu Mama Tambien such an extraordinary reputation.

Bradshaw, Peter. "Y Tu Mama Tambien." The Gaurdian 12 April 2002, Web.22 Jul 2009.

Kemet, Mateen. "An Examination of Race and Class in Modern Mexico." Y Tu Mama Tambie (2006) Web.21 Jul 2009.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona- Blog Revisit

2009-07-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

This film is filled with the “idea of love”, sex, domestic life, and uncertainty, and is the perfect blend for any seeker of self discovery and happiness. The beginning of the two girls’ trip is explained by the narrator as a kind of quest, a journey for two people at two completely different phases in their lives. This portrays the idea that they both need some sort of escape, maybe even just a change of scenery. With the description of their separate ideas of love, the film aims to make the viewer believe they will both make some grand discovery. But that failed to occur. This may be the reason the film is so appealing, because it’s real! Hollywood often aims at making us believe that all things will eventually make sense in life (or by the end of the film). The characters will, in most cases, have some form of an epiphany which reveals some great truth about themselves or others. And as beautiful as that may be, it’s not always true, is it? A trip to Barcelona doesn’t always solve ones problems with life and love and happiness. The ending of the movie at first left me disappointed, but after reflecting on it, I realized something: the two girls ended up exactly as they began. In a strange way, this is beautiful.
Vicky and Cristina, although are at a similar age, find themselves to be on completely opposite sides of the spectrum in regards to love. “One is a pragmatist in love, and knows what she wants; the other is ruled by all-consuming passions that flare up and just as suddenly fade” (Robey). These contrasting attitudes and lifestyles can make up the majority of human interaction and love. In numerous ways, people can identify with both of these characters. There is a side of all beings that longs for some form of companionship, especially in a uniquely intimate way. On the other hand, there is a part of us that seeks something greater, unknown, and uncertain. Cristina, with her attitude of “knowing only what she doesn’t want”, can speak to all people in some way or another. It is hard to define what one needs if one hasn’t experienced it yet. And Vicky, with her certain, yet excitement-lacking love life, speaks to many people who have been in this situation. This lifestyle can spark many to seek out excitement, wherever and whenever it may arise.
The cities depicted in this story appeared to come to life through views of the architecture, art, color, and music; and played a monumental part in the overall feeling of the film. “Allen makes Barcelona a character in the film, rather than merely a location, creating an almost fable-like setting for Vicky and Cristina…[which] opens them to possibilities they’d previously never imagined” (Voynar). This movie seems to be just as much about Spain as it is the main characters. Engulfing his viewers in Spanish culture, Allen creates a beautiful, yet realistic view of Spanish life, with an emphasis on artistic expression and sexual tension. The powerful scene in which Juan and Vicky visit the flamenco guitarist lacks dialogue, but that scene could say more about the Spanish lifestyle and culture than any talented narrator or actor ever could.
This film spoke to me in numerous ways. First of all, the life led by Juan Antonio directly projects the artistic, bohemian lifestyle that has become ever-so-appealing throughout the years. In one scene, Juan Antonio is seen, cigarette in hand, splashing paint on a black canvas. This is the way some people actually live! The passion and dedication that is portrayed by this character explains why we have so much beautiful, creative artwork in this world. Basically because some people are able to completely commit to a cause or expression regardless of the monetary rewards. In comparing the revelations experienced by the characters to my own experiences traveling in London, I find many similarities. The sole idea that these two characters, although at very different phases in their lives, wanted to get away and see a different part of the world hits home. My longing for taking this trip, regardless of the school requirements it fulfills, began with the simple need to see the world and experience new cultures. Part of this trip is fueled by the motivation to cease to focus on the things that used to give me identity, and create identity by having an open mind towards new experiences and people. By experiencing new cultures, people, architecture, ideas, etc. one learns valuable information about how the world works outside of one’s geographical (and mental) “bubble”.
Another important element of this film was the depiction of Vicky’s husband. A golfing business man, this character fits the stereotypical frat-boy image that seemed to be the exact opposite of what Vicky was looking for. The film gives off the impression that by experiencing a new lifestyle, Vicky begins to realize that she may need more out of her life, friends, and significant other than she previously thought. It has been increasingly easy for me to identify with these feelings. The mundane lifestyle that I continuously attempt to navigate away from seems to inevitably creep up in one form or another. But I guess that’s just a part of life at times. Maybe the real trick is learning how to deal with that, and continue. But there is a point in every person’s life when they have to take a look around, whether it be at the people they surround themselves with or the environment in which they spend their time, and ask a question: Does this make me happy? It is easy, especially in today’s world of constant indulgence and narcissism, to get stuck in a rut. But the real trick is getting out. And, in regards to the ending of this film, that’s what the audience usually expects to see… a breakthrough… a revelation. But Allen didn’t give us that.

Voynar, Kim. "Cannes Review: Vicky Cristina Barcelona -." Cinematical. 22 July 2009 .

Robey, Tim. "Vicky Cristina Barcelona, review - Telegraph." Telegraph.co.uk: news, business, sport, the Daily Telegraph newspaper, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. 22 July 2009 .

Allen Vs Cuarón At Roxy

2009-07-22T03:51:00.000-07:00

The very first time we were taken to the Roxy I was thrilled. There was nothing about the place that I did not like. Every little thing I saw and experienced there gave me an energy that I loved and I never wanted that energy to leave. Not only did this pub/theatre give me an unexplainable high, but it also inspired me to take advantage of my major. There was such a unique and charming vibe in the air that was screaming out to me, giving me the desire to create something like this. Being a Hospitality Tourism Management major I could take this scene of comfort and entertainment and replicate it back home in San Diego. In the states there is not any place like this, or at least not that I have ever heard of, and I truly believe that this idea would thrive in America. American’s love the “dinner and a movie” event and the entirety of it has always been popular. The only thing that could possibly make it better is if we could watch the new released films on comfortable couches while eating a great meal and afterwards you wouldn’t have to drive to the bar because it is right on the other side of a curtain. Furthermore, Roxy welcomed everyone, all types of people. Just as a movie theatre back home would attract millions for the new Harry Potter film, Roxy attracts a variety of crowds to sit and enjoy a drink, a meal, and a movie, with your friends and loved ones. Walking out of the pub/theatre I was so in love with the place and the concept. Everything from the couches to the variety of people that were drawn to it gave me a burning passion to take this idea and do something similar once I graduate.

The film that was playing was Vicky Christina Barcelona, which is directed by Woody Allen. Other than his thick black glasses that he has been wearing since the 1960s, Allen has a select few trademarks in his films. For example, he frequently casts himself in his films, most likely as a writer; nearly all of his films will start and end in the same style, with white-on-black credits; he doesn’t film his dialogs using “the typical intercut close-ups” rather he uses “long, medium-range shots” (imbd). Also, he is known for being an impossible interviewee, and during the few interviews that he has participated in he has admitted only a few things, one being “He gets no pleasure from making films. ‘None of [my movies] have been any fun at all. They’ve all been terrific anxiety and hard work. … I would consider all the movies that I’ve done failures. … I always finish and say, ‘Ugh¾I only got 60 percent of that idea that worked and what a shame’” (Allen). And when asked about his career he says luck plays a huge role and “I have everything going for me. And it all happened so accidentally¾had you told me fifteen years ago that I was going to be the lead in a movie I would have thought you were crazy” (Allen).

When I heard we would be making our way back to the Roxy for a second time I was ecstatic. This place is like my own brand of heroine; I cannot get enough of it. Ben had called ahead and reserved couches for us and we were all quit to get cozy up next to one another. This time was no different for me than the first time I walked through the front door. I was overwhelmed with emotion and desire. I felt like I was walking back into the perfect dream of rainbows, candy, and ice cream. I was giddy like a thirteen-year old girl at a Jonas Brothers concert and I knew that was where I belonged. Once again I did not want to leave I wanted to curl up into the fetal position and fall asleep on the couch. It gave me reassurance; I am 100 percent positive that this is what I want to do with my life.

The film that we were to watch this time was Y tu Mama Tambien. The director, Alfonso Cuarón, is very similar to Woody Allen yet at the same time they are exact opposites. One similarity that I noticed was, just as Woody Allen narrated Vicky Christina Barcelona, Alfonso Cuarón narrated Y tu Mama Tambien. Also, they both have trademarks involving the beginning and end of their films. Just like Allen’s particular style of credits at the beginning and ending, Cuarón “flashes the title of the movie both at the beginning and at the end” (imbd). Lastly, they both have their favorite people to work with. Woody Allen prefers to work with Scarlett Johansson, as she stars in many of his films including Vicky Christina Barcelona, and Alfonso Cuarón tends to favor Emmanuel Ludezki when it comes to the director of photography. The major differences about the two directors include how they came to be in the spotlight. As mentioned earlier, Woody Allen feels like he is where is because of luck and he did not ever dream of being a famous film star. However, Alfonso Cuarón knew ever since he was a small boy that he wanted to be a director. Allen’s began his career writing jokes for a newspaper and then he moved on to standup comedy when he was offered the chance to write a script and everything has been uphill from there. Cuarón on the other hand went against his parent’s wishes and enrolled in film school where he was soon expelled. While working at a museum he was confronted and asked to be a cable person and he soon worked his way up to assistant director and then director. For the most part, Cuarón was in control of what he directed just as Allen was, pulling out of productions such as Addicted to Love in order to work on A Little Princess, which he felt more passionate about. However, Allen always wrote and directed his own films doing exactly as he wanted and not answering to anyone. Where as Cuarón only directed what was presented to him and if something better came along he would drop his previous engagement and do as he pleased.

The Internet Movie Database. Biography for Woody Allen. Received 22 Jul 2009 from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/bio

The Internet Movie Database. Biography for Alfonso Cuarón. Received 22 Jul 2009 from http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0190859/bio

Allen, Woody, Kapsis, Robert E., Coblentz, Kathie. Woody Allen: Interviews. 2006.

St. Paul's Cathedral

2009-07-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

There are many famous churches in England and, for the most part, they all look uniquely the same. It is a pretty fair estimation to say that they all contain the typical stained glass windows, the gold trim on the minutest of details, and the silent history that consumes most of the buildings in London. I discovered, however, that the beauty of St. Paul’s Cathedral reveals itself when it is filled with angelic orchestra music. The church becomes magical when the choir sings and you look up at the vastness of the painted dome above you. It doesn’t seem fair to try and compare this event to another cinetrek because it is so different. Visually, it comes closest to Oxford, Westminster Abbey, or Parliament, because of the way the building was created and the formality of the service. The first cinetrek that does comes to mind when I’m trying to find something opposite would probably have to be the fetish fair. Besides from the moral standpoint, they are comparable in appearance and how they relate to the public. St. Paul’s Cathedral was grand and bathed in light from the massive windows. The service was welcoming to everyone, yet still maintained the formal elements of a church service. On the other hand, the fetish fair, though very welcoming to the public, was dark and hidden away from obvious view. It was casual and informal in the way people acted or were dressed. If there were a spectrum of the different cinetreks we have been on, St. Paul’s and the Fetish Fair would be on opposite ends.

Fugitive Pieces - For Love and For Life

2009-07-21T06:51:00.001-07:00

Fugitive Pieces: For Love and For Life

It is said that humans crave three basic essentials, food, sleep, and love. Many would say that food and sleep are a necessity for survival, leaving love as a last priority. A tireless search for love can leave a person exhausted and hungry for the passion they need to give their life meaning. Throughout the film, Fugitive Pieces, the audience is captured by director, Jeremy Podeswa’s portrayal of Jakob’s lifelong search for the love that would make his heart whole again. After failing to find what is missing from his life in his own memories, his work, and his first wife, Alex, it becomes obvious that he needs real, passionate, all-consuming love to fill the void in his heart that the Nazis viciously ripped out when they killed his parents, and took his sister, Bella. Jeremy Podeswa shares a personal connection with Jakob’s journey. Podeswa inspiration is his father, an artistic man who is the only one of his immediate family to make it out of the Nazi camps alive. As a film writer, Jeremy Podeswa demonstrates his understanding of the significance of carefully helping the audience explore every aspect of Jakob’s journey in order to illuminate the importance of the love that is the driving force in life to move beyond a dark past and into a bright future.

Initially, Jakob tries to heal his own wounds by divulging himself in his past and his pain when he decides to write a book about his life and how he survived the holocaust both physically and emotionally. While doing this, he submerges himself in dark thoughts and memories that truly begin to haunt his mind, spirit, and heart. In his book Jakob explains, “To live with ghosts requires solitude” (Fugitive Pieces). Jakob believes that if he can get through his book and re-telling the horrors that he endured in his childhood, then he will be able to move on to bigger dreams and happier goals in life. Throughout this process, Jakob does not show any behavior that leads the audience to believe that he is on a path to redemption for his loss. His depression is only enhanced by reliving the misery of his abandonment. He states, “I long for the loss of memory, though I have tried to will my parents and Bella from my sleep, this will amounts to nothing, for my mind betrays me in a second, I’ve crossed an ocean and lived many years without them, yet I can feel Bella’s gentle fingers on my back, my fathers hand on my head, and suddenly I’m afraid and turn around in empty rooms” (Fugitive Pieces). Jakob’s psychological masochism of reliving his childhood pain does not fulfill his goal because he secludes himself from people, and ultimately love.

Podeswa shows us the way Jakob tortures himself with the constant flash backs of his childhood. In an interview with Moving Pictures Magazine, Podeswa describes himself as “a sensual film maker” and explains the way he uses sensory perception in his own film to take people back in time through Jakob’s memory (Moving Pictures Magazine). He emphasizes the memories of the terrorist acts of the Nazis against his own family, his scattered childhood lifestyle spent avoiding the Nazis, and his sister, Bella, playing the piano. The audience would think that the memories of the Nazis and their violence against his family would disturb Jakob and preoccupy his thoughts for the longest amount of time. However, it is the reoccurring images of Bella, as Jakob remembers her in scenes from his childhood and as she practically comes to life in front of him as an almost angelic figure, that prevent him from letting go of the anguish that was his childhood. Podeswa explains to Moving Pictures Magazine that visual beauty is something that is very important to him as a sensual film maker and he illustrates this in the way that he portrays Bella as a figure representing life and love (Moving Pictures Magazine).

By analyzing Jakob’s failed marriage to Alex, Podeswa is able to guide the audience through the depth of Jakob’s broken heart and his inability to love and be loved. The close-up examination of Jakob’s marriage to Alex explains how eliminating physical alienation does not and can not fulfill his loneliness. At one point in the film, Jakob explains “I tried to bury images, to cover them over with distractions with attempts at love.” When Jakob first meets Alex, he is distracted from his anguish by his immediate attraction to her philosophical image, her vivacious personality, and stunning outer beauty. He clearly finds her outgoing behavior finds foreign and intriguing. However, when her bright personality does not light up the dark shadows of his soul, Jakob finds himself pushing Alex away so that he can be alone with his “ghosts.” Although, they clearly have a strong physical relationship, it is their lack of spiritual connection that does not qualify Alex as the missing piece of the puzzle in Jakob’s life.

Podeswa is able to especially emphasize the downfall of the marriage when Alex discovers his journal and finally feels the anguish he lives everyday when she reads, “Alex never understands…thinks that she’s doing me good snatching me from the jaws of despair, rescuing me, but each time a memory or story slinks away it takes more of me with it. Everything is wrong, the bedroom, Alex beside me, my panic, how will Bella ever find me here, beside this strange woman, speaking this language, eating strange food, wearing these clothes?” (Fugitive Pieces) The room that this scene takes place in is dark, the music is somber, and the camera shot is close-up and pans in to focus on Alex losing herself in Jakob’s pain as if nothing else exists in the world (Media Know All). This technique exemplifies the epitome that Alex is having about her husband, her marriage, and herself. Podeswa uses lighting, music, and camera angles to capture the emotional impact of every moment throughout the film.

Jakob’s search is completed when he meets and falls in love with Michaela. She brings light into the world of darkness he has been living in because she embraces his journey. She is not afraid of his history and loves him for everything that he is and everything that he has been. Jakob writes about Michaela in a different way than he writes about Alex and states, “What do our bodies make us believe? That we’re never ourselves until we contain two souls. Now, I’m not afraid when harvesting darkness. Night after night, it is happiness that wakes me. There is room at last for everyone I have ever loved. As Michaela approaches, I shake like a compass needle, feeling for a first time a future. My words, my life, no longer separate” (Fugitive Pieces). With this, the audience knows that Jakob’s tiresome search has come to an end with Michaela because he is no longer tired, he is no longer hungry, and he is able to love another person with his entire heart.

Podeswa uses sensual techniques to make the audience feel the love Jakob and Michaela share and why that has ultimately healed his heart and soul (Film Festival). When Jakob and Michaela are touching each other, whether it is holding hands on the streets of Greece or when they are making love in the romantic lighting of their bedroom, Podeswa uses extreme close up angles (Media Know All). This evokes the sense of feeling among the audience, as well as illustrating his new found comfort in his own skin. Before they make love, Jakob describes the different scents and tastes of Michaela’s body. This technique, like many Podeswa uses throughout Fugitive Pieces, captivates the audience with the sensual evoking of emotion. These techniques are important because they bring the audience into the film as if it is their own reality.

The combination of Jakob’s meaningful lifelong journey with the methods of film making used by Jeremy Podeswa create a film that truly is sensual. The brilliance of Fugitive Pieces is that it truly evokes every type of human sense and emotion as the audience gets lost in the most important journey of life, the journey for love.

Citations

Media Know All. Wilson, Karina. "Sound, Lighting, Camera Angles." 2005. Web.15 Jul 2009. .

2007 Toronto International Film Festival. “Interview with Jeremy Podeswa.“ 2007. Web.15 Jul 2009. .

Fugitive Pieces. (Film). 2007. Jeremy Podeswa

Final Paper-Revamping the Vampire

2009-07-21T04:30:00.000-07:00

Let The Right One In: Revamping the Vampire

Since Bram Stoker’s “Dracula,” the world has been intrigued and captivated by vampire legends. What elements of the story keep generations coming back for more? Could it be the desire to live forever: frozen in time without worries of growing old or ill? Or the sensually arousing moment when Dracula draws dangerously close to his victim’s neck? It could also be the tragically typical struggle between notions of good versus evil. Yet, no matter what the answer is, the story is constantly adapting and changing to fit the molds of new societies and new people. For example, the Twilight series has taken the teen world by storm and incorporates a new twist on the legend: a young, good-looking vampire with a “vegetarian” attitude. After that, hundreds of writers joined the rush and vampire books popped up like new Starbuck’s in a foreign country. In any case, every writer, director, or artist craves to add something new to the story. One director, Tomas Alfredson, makes monumental changes to the stereotypical vampire and manages to create a fascinating and wonderful adaptation. Furthermore, Alfredson’s film, Let The Right One In, incorporates new factors into the genre and paves the way for a branch of “vampirism” that the world has not yet seen.

In 1897 Bram Stoker wrote “Dracula” and the vampire frenzy began. There is controversy over whether Stoker modeled his Dracula after the historical Dracula, but most evidence points to the fact that Stoker knew his history and was inspired by Vlad the Impaler. Vlad the Impaler is known for his intense displays of dead enemies on stakes, his ruthless personality, and his psychopathic mentality. This is an interesting point, though, because despite the evil that seems to lurk inside Stoker’s Dracula, there is also the sorrow of an outsider. If Stoker modeled his character after the Wallachian prince, did Stoker see through Vlad’s tough outer shell and into the young boy whose family gave him to a foreign country as a consolation prize? It is not clear how Stoker changed a man into a vampire, and even though he is not responsible for the invention of the legend, he did start a cultural phenomenon that does not have an end in sight. After the success of the novel the first film adaptation was made in 1931. Since then, the movie industry has been unstoppable when it comes to vampire films. If vampire movies can continue to attract large audiences, what classic elements exist in all of them that keep people hungry for more?

One important aspect to consider is the human obsession with living forever. It is something that humans have been searching for, yet dreading at the same time, since the introduction of the “fountain of youth.” Stories of the Holy Grail, magical plants, even Harry Potter’s sorcerer’s stone, are evidence that people are enchanted by everlasting life. Even the world’s most famous story, the life and death of Jesus Christ, portrays a man who can grant an existence without death to anyone who seeks him. Vampires are actually similar in the way that they can bite anyone and give them the power to live forever in their current state. There is magic and mystery behind living forever and it captivates, while at the same time scares, audiences.

People are drawn to, but terrified of everlasting life because it means loneliness and singularity. Another element of vampires that relates to people is their sense of being the outcast. Vampires are opposite versions of people because they are immortal, they sleep in the day instead of the night, they feed off of the human race rather than plants and animals, and they cannot be in the sunlight. Anyone who has ever felt alone or estranged can feel some version of how a vampire feels and this is another reason why the vampire legend can last in society. Not to mention, stories of fantasy provide an escape for troubled times. When life gets rough, an easy way to deal with it is to slip into a fantastical world where everyday issues don’t exist. One article on why vampires continue to be popular pointed out “that in this post 9/11 world, people are drawn to conspiracy theories and the idea that an unknown world could exist right before our eyes” (Tressugar.com). Vampire stories and movies allow people to depart from their average lives where they must live with the economy, terrorism, and war. In a way, vampires become the heroes that make people forget worries and leave stress behind.

The second most important aspect of vampires and their popularity is romance and sexuality. Old vampire movies always showed the young beautiful woman lying on a bed with Dracula hovering over her long, white neck. The neck itself, already a very sexual area of the body, gives the vampire story a stimulating twist. In an article titled “A Trend With Teeth” that appeared in the New York Times, one writer commented on the latest vampire uprising, stating, “Rarely have monsters looked so sultry — or so camera-ready. No small part of this latest vampire mania seems to stem from the ethereal cool and youthful sexiness with which the demons are portrayed” (Trend With Teeth 1). This fact is very important. The average literary monster is not attractive and yet, vampires can be sexy and alluring. Rick Owens, a fashion designer, pointed out that “the vampires attraction is all about the titillation of imagining the monsters we could be if we just let ourselves go… we’re all fascinated with devouring, consuming, possessing someone we desire” (Trend With Teeth 1). The victim gives off the sense of being completely helpless and submissive to the vampire while looking seductively passionate.

Now, what does Let The Right One In do differently? Well, it throws sensuality out the window, takes away all glamour from everlasting life, and gives the face of a vampire a whole new look. In fact, the film strips away most stereotypical versions of vampires and takes a fresh perspective. For one thing, the vampire is a child of twelve years old. Recently in television, movies, and books, the vampires have been portrayed as younger, more exciting teens, but the use of a child brings a whole new sense of innocence that has not existed in vampire stories before. Besides the children, the director chooses to use symbols of purity and innocence throughout the movie. The opening scene displays a breathtaking view of clean, white snow. Amidst the blood and violence that takes place the snow is always prominent and it represents wholesomeness despite the traditional view of vampires as being morally corrupt. In one scene, Oskar meets Eli, the vampire, on a playground. They are drawn to each other because they are both outcasts: Eli because she can never be like the average child in many ways and Oskar because he is bullied at school. They are able to form a perfect friendship because they accept and help each other. But another significant factor is that they meet on a playground. Like the symbolism of the snow, the playground also represents innocence. The sexual element of the typical vampire film never comes into play here because the characters are young and untainted. At one point, Eli gets into bed with Oskar and even though she’s not wearing clothes, Oskar simply says, “You’re cold” and goes back to sleep. It is not a sexually charged moment, but rather a sweet and tender one. This lack of sensuality, however, does not detract from the film at all, but it definitely strays from the standard characteristics of vampire films.

Another aspect that is different is that Let The Right One In does not glorify everlasting life or the life of vampires. The film displays the horrific struggles that Eli must go through because she is a vampire. Unlike, for example, the movie Twilight where the vampires are gorgeous, have superhuman reflexes, and generally get to live intensely cool lives, the suffering that Eli feels is evident through her loneliness and need to live off of blood. Her threadbare clothes and dirty apartment are indications of her isolated and afflicted way of life.

Even though the director implements new factors that change the prototypical vampire film, there is no question that these changes build upon and expand the existing genre. Vampires have gone from older, unattractive men, to a sexy, younger crowd, and now to children. The movie is exceptional because it is surprising and out of the ordinary. The movie takes all normal notions of vampires and distorts them by putting them in an innocent child. Vampires have never been associated with purity and wholesomeness, but the director does an amazing job of embedding those qualities to make a new story that has never been seen before. If artists can continue to see vampires in new ways, as the creators of Let The Right One In have, then the legend will live forever, just like vampires.

Works Cited

Ferla, Ruth L. "A Trend With Teeth." New York Times 1 July 2009: 1-2.

"Why Vampire Stories Never Get Old | culture, Vampires, Trends | tressugar - Sex & Culture."

Smart. Sexy. Fun. | tressugar - Sex & Culture. 21 July 2009

Final Paper - What About Me?

2009-07-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

The documentary What About Me? was absolutely surprising, exciting, inviting, and astonishing. The vision that the directors had to have before embarking on their journey completely escapes my grasp. The motivation one has to have to actually pursue something on this scale is incredible. It took an enormous amount of time, effort, and definitely money to pull off such an amazing compilation of song and film. The documentary most certainly gave the viewer a sense of unity with the world and its inhabitants. You could feel the unity of each person, whether they lived in a vast, sprawling city, or a dusty, desolate landscape. Each person in the documentary just wanted to contribute their own piece of music, their heritage, to what would ultimately become a beautiful soundtrack.

The need for belonging can be seen even in the title of the documentary. The title What About Me? conveys the fact that everyone just wants to contribute to this world, and that underneath it all, that’s what really matters. If you escape back to the time when you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? If you look at the most common answers, you get replies such as a firefighter, police officer, astronaut, doctor, ect. If you take a look at each of these professions, what is the obvious connection? They all contribute to society. Whether you are saving people, protecting people, expanding our knowledge, or helping the sick, you are contributing everything you have to make the community, and possibly the world, a better one. This was ever present in the documentary. The musicians in the film were extremely eager to contribute what they had. They wanted to show that their tiny piece of the planet has something to share with the rest of the world as well.

The documentary takes the viewer to so many different countries, and an equal number of different ways of life. It is astonishing to see people living with nothing, and yet being completely happy and content with their living situation. It gives you the reminder of how misconstrued our values can sometimes be. People all over the world are shown being happy. The happiest people of all seemed to be the people with the least. What they lack in material possessions they surpass in spiritual health and happiness.

The music track, the focus of the documentary, was the core of the experience. It was not the music itself that gave the immense power to the film, but rather the meaning of the music that empowered it. Whether you like the song or not, you will most certainly be moved by it. One of the most moving pieces of the film was when the movie shifted its focus away from showing where the music came from, and just let you listen. It played the track for around three minutes straight, jumping back and fourth from various locations. The music was finally allowed to play continuously. When the music begins flowing, you are given the opportunity to finally understand the whole picture. It was the finale to the film. Most of the documentary was spent explaining the story, and the story of the people that were playing the music. This part, however, allows you to truly understand what is happening here. While listening to it, you can’t help but imagine people from all different parts of the world playing their instruments at the same time, hoping that somewhere else in the world someone would be playing along. The film showed us that all over the world people are playing along; people are making a soundtrack with their ethnicity and their own music.

The music and the movement behind the documentary also serve another purpose. They both work symbiotically to show us two things. The first is that the documentary brings us together. It brings people from all different parts of the area the viewing is taking place in to one spot to witness the film and to become a part of its meaning. For us, this place was the Brickhouse in the East End of London. The atmosphere was of complete relaxation, comfort, and enjoyment. Everything was available there for us to become completely transfixed with the images we were seeing and the sounds that we were hearing. It also brings people together in the sense that it combines various countries together to make a world soundtrack. The documentary brings us together to take place in the second task that accomplishes; it reminds us what we can accomplish if we really set our hearts and our minds to it. A review of the film is quoted saying “…drawing the citizens of the Earth together…Mesmerizing and utterly profound, yet wonderfully accessible, it reminds us all of what we're capable of achieving” (Bertrand). This quote furthers my opinion of the meaning of the film. If you see what two directors have accomplished, as well as what all of the musicians in the film have accomplished, you can’t help but to be motivated. The motivation comes as a sense of wanting to contribute something meaningful to this world, and wanting to connect with the different people that inhabit the Earth.

This leads us to another important aspect of the film. It reflects back on the title of the documentary, What About Me?. Bhagavan Das, a 1960’s cultural icon featured in the documentary, was quoted saying “Your mind has this very bad habit of self-obsession. I call it the, ‘What about me?’ syndrome. You have to tell that to shut up and start giving. Start connecting with people” (Baraff). The title also has the effect of showing our obsession with the spotlight and our tendency for greed. If we can change that thought from “what about me” to “what about them, or everyone” we could see a great change take place in the focus of everyone’s lives. If we can “start giving”, as the directors have given us insight and direction, we can start allowing others to live a decent and fair life. If we begin to shift our focus, we could even be fulfilling our own need for achievement and retain a small amount of greed while still doing something great and meaningful. If we can take happiness from the fact, or the idea that, we are contributing for a better world, the question becomes “what about us”, and “us” is far better than “me”.

Works Cited:
Baraff, Emily. Documentary 'What About Me' is not about you. 15 April 2009. 15 July 2009 .

Bertrand, Merle. 1 Giant Leap. 18 March 2002. 15 July 2009 .

Of Montreal Concert

2009-07-19T17:05:00.000-07:00

The Of Montreal concert was an entertaining circus act from beginning to end. Never have I seen so much going on at the same time, yet it all managed to tie together seamlessly. Even the opening act Local Natives (from hometown Los Angeles!) was engaging not only in their performance but also in conversation when getting the chance to meet the group. The concertgoers were in for a surprise to see Of Montreal turn their emotionally charged music into a full blown rock and roll show. This eclectic group knows how to not only play music, but bring their lyrics to life by creating a stage act filled with lurid colors, smoke and glitter, and wild dancers wandering around in animal and skull masks.

You could tell everyone in the crowd was having a good time with fans jumping up and down with their fists in the air. The group’s costumes were even more intriguing with lead singer Kevin Barnes in a white space-like suit and his electric guitar player in an outfit adorned with feathers. Of Montreal led its audience back into the disco era of the 1970s with their psychedelic fusion ranging from indie rock to funk.

One of the most shocking things during the concert was the encore. The crowd was ecstatic when Of Montreal returned to the stage. Immediately, the entire crowd was in a trance by the lead singer's eerie sounding voice singing "The Past is a Grotesque Animal". The audience was held by not only the lyrics of the song but the overall presence Kevin Barnes led onstage . Of Montreal is definitely a group worth spending a ticket on because they know how to put on one hell of a show.

How Lovely To Be A Woman

2009-07-18T14:48:00.000-07:00

The movie A Doll’s House pointed out some important differences between feminism in 1973 and today. In 1973, women were still battling for equality in their homes and in the working world. The film shows a woman in the stereotypical housewife role, but the female lead, Nora, has conflicts with other characters that show a desire to break away from this mold. Her relationship with her husband is not typical of the housewife. She does not remain an obedient and solemn wife, but rather takes control of the house when her husband is ill and makes deals behind his back in order to have enough money. At some times, Nora is borderline malicious. She manipulates her husband and her friends into doing what she needs. Although her intentions are mostly good, her character reflects a feminist desire to stray from the norm. In the end, her decision to leave her family and find her own way in the world resonates an ideal in the 1970’s for women to be free of families and be able to provide for themselves.

The repercussion of this “ideal” in the 1970’s is hurting women of today. We have reached our goal in the working place when it comes to equal wages and numbers. In fact, it is safe to say we’re taking over! The ability to care for themselves without the help of men has caused women to stay single longer and have children later. Yet, now that they have achieved this success, they are suffering the accusations that families and children are getting left behind. In fact, the whole family structure is breaking down. Now, maybe this sounds anti-feminist. (I can hear: why can’t the dad watch the kids?) But it seems that most men are not stepping up to maternal roles and women are consequently playing mother while working a forty-hour job. Extreme feminists will forever push for more freedom for women, but at what cost?

A Doll's House

2009-07-18T14:31:00.001-07:00

Feminism main goal in the 1970’s was to obtain equal rights and protection for women as men. Women have campaigned for civil rights; their rights to have equal pay as men, equal rights in law as in voting, being able to take maternity leave, and the right to make decisions like whether or not to have an abortion. Women have continually been oppressed in society in many different cultures. They were constantly tied to social rules and were to be subservient to men. In Joseph Losey’s A Doll’s House set in the Victorian era were rules of gender hierarchy was very prominent. Nora played by Jane Fonda was a exuberant young lady who was trapped by her husband. She was his doll in his dollhouse. She was a prisoner under her husband and society’s rules of normality. In the end of the movie, she leaves here husband and her children to find her own way. She realized the truth about her unhappy marriage and the society she lived in. What was very odd in Nora’s decision was her choice to leave here children. I feel like that is not a very feminist decision, I would believe that a women would want to take her children with her wherever or whatever the situation might be present. Feminism today is not too different than the 70’s. There are still the same challenges that have not yet been successful. Women today have backlashes against the initiatives and movements created in the 70’s. I believe women will always have to continue to fight for equal rights as long as there are people who continue to believe that women are inferior.

Fiesta!!!

2009-07-17T04:34:00.000-07:00

I’m not sure there is much to say about our Mexican fiesta night other than DELICIOUS! After four weeks in London, our Californian stomachs were in desperate need of some real Mexican food and thanks to Professor Nericcio, we will be able to survive the remaining two. The night was made even better because it felt a little like a reunion. Most of our group was just coming back from Amsterdam and most were leaving for various countries the next day. It was our one night to regroup and be together again. Professor Nericcio said something that I really liked. He said that we were like little kittens in the way that we are so comfortable with each other and how we cuddle up on the floor and the couches. And when I looked at all of us- coloring, taking pictures, drinking, picking music- I thought, I could not have chosen a better group of people to be here with. We have amazing chemistry and it is only made stronger by more time together. We joke about being the cast of Survivor or Big Brother, but the pettiness and disagreements that exist on those shows don’t exist here. Plus, I don’t think I could really vote any of you off- not even for a million dollars. Now, I know I’m supposed to be talking about the food, but I couldn’t help getting side-tracked. I hope we have many more fiestas in San Diego and Nericcio, you are always welcome to cook!

Mexican Fiesta

2009-07-17T04:22:00.001-07:00

I’ve been in London for five weeks with my fellow classmates and have been exploring the cities multicultural findings from art to music and food. We’ve found that London is missing a major lack of culinary range for what students could afford in London. They have sandwiches, and sandwiches, and more sandwiches and some Asian food. There was one thing that the students of SDSU were missing the most back home and that was Mexican Food. From burritos to tacos and some tortilla chips with some great guacamole made with delicious California avocadoes. Party planner Courtney came to the rescue and devised a Mexican Fiesta for all the Californian’s plus Mackey who were in desperate need of some San Diegan comfort food. It wasn’t easy trying to round up all the students and teachers together. Through Courtney’s determination, she rounded up all the SDSU students and our Professors on Wednesday July 17, 2009 at five pm in Flat 3 in Hyde Park Gate. Chef Bill and sous-chef de cuisine Kevin chopped, sautéed, and cooked a delicious feast for the starving students to gorge on in delight. The taco buffet and constant flow of San Miguel Lager created the ideal atmosphere for both students and teachers to take pleasure in some greatly missed cuisine. We conversed, we drank, we ate, and we colored. The Fiesta was a success, good times and good food with good people in a great city.

Fiesta

2009-07-16T10:13:00.001-07:00

The fiesta that we had last night was the culmination of many things: our search for the perfect Mexican food, a great semester abroad, and the end of just a tremendously entertaining night. We have been on the hunt for good Mexican food for a few weeks now, and we have failed multiple times. We tried at a restaurant on Portobello road, we tried Whole Foods, and we tried a Restaurant in Amsterdam. While all of the places were decent, they did not come close to what was experienced last night. I woke up from a nap to the most amazing smells walking their way down the hall. As I got closer to the kitchen, their intensity grew stronger and stronger. When it was finally time to eat, I couldn’t help but leap from the couch and hurry to the kitchen, where the feast was waiting. The burrito that I made was by far the best meal that I have had on this trip. It was everything that I had been searching for in a Mexican style meal since we got here. It was so satisfying to finally get that flavor and spices that I had been longing to find. The fact that I loved the meal so much came from three different things: a home cooked meal, finally, great company, and even greater flavor.
The meal left me craving more of Dr. Nericcio’s cooking. He stated that he was going to either cook Mexican or Italian, now I wish we were able to have both! Last nights dinner was all due to a lot of invested time and impeccable cooking from our chef, who I can’t thank enough for a most delicious meal.

Fiesta

2009-07-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Last nights fiesta was a fabulous get together. All the halls and rooms in flat three began to fill with the amazing aroma of fresh Mexican food around three thirty in the afternoon and continued to entice our noses until five, when we got to eat some of the most tasty burritos ever made. The night was accompanied with all the students from flat three and the basement, as well as Professor Nericcio, Professor Makey and Professor King. The night was spent conversing over a beer or two and just spending the time we had reminiscing on the past five weeks. As our time here is coming to an end the fiesta brought us all together and made everyone realize what an extraordinary time we have had so far. Some people became sad with the thoughts of leaving and others became excited with the thought that there is still a week left to make even more memories to take with us on our journey back home.

The cooking was great and there is much thanks to Kevin and Professor Nericcio for cooking up such an amazing feast. Some of the students were in dire need of a home cooked meal; others were just looking for some good Mexican food. The meat was cooked perfect and there was everything you could think of to adorn your burrito with. Not only was it nice to eat such a well-prepared meal and talk with our fellow students, but also it was great to sit down with all three professors and have one on one conversation with them. It is very rare in a college student’s life that they get to sit down in their own home and have a conversation over a meal with a professor about anything and everything. The night overall was a great success and another memory to take with us from London.

If you are having trouble posting....

2009-07-16T03:16:00.000-07:00

Blogger's computers think that our cinetrek blogspace is a spammer; they have locked the system for a couple of days for review--at least that is what they warned me! If you have any trouble posting, merely email me your posting directly to:

memo AT sdsu DOT edu

cheers, Bill Nericcio

Of Montreal

2009-07-15T12:51:00.000-07:00

It is definitely an experience entering a concert venue with no preconceived notions about the performer. It is actually kind of a refreshing change. Yes, it is true that you do not have the benefit of being able to sing along when your favorite song comes along, but you won’t be disappointed if the performance is not what you expected. Of Montreal is the band that played on the damp London night of July Fourteenth. And let me tell you, this was an experience to remember. Since I had no prior knowledge of this band, I was positively amazed at their use of actors dressed up in a variety of costumes during their shrilling songs. My favorite act occurred during one of the beginning numbers when a man in a gas mask brought out wrapped gifts to three other players wearing pajamas, presumably to parallel the Christmas setting. The first two opened their gifts and received gas masks of their own, which they eagerly and excitedly put over their heads. The third gets gassed in a dramatic fashion that impressively corresponds to the song being played by the band. All of these mini numbers were so creative and unusual that my eyes were glued to the stage. Bands usually do not incorporate these artistic devices to supplement their performance, but Of Montreal thrives in this kind of setting. Even the band mates themselves were dressed in crazy garments. The purpose is pure entertainment. Their uniqueness demonstrates that they are not the type to follow a crowd. Their personalities shine immensely on the colorfully lit up stage. Of Montreal is a chaotic, bizarre, and outrageous band that makes perfect sense.

London Fetish Fair

2009-07-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

When wandering down into an underground, cobble-stoned area surrounded by fetish toys galore, no one knows what to expect from that point on. Around the corner you see whips, role play costumes, and condoms that would send any virgin running back for their money. But immediately one is greeted by friendly faces intrigued at a newcomer’s interest into a subculture that is either made fun of or looked down upon in society.
All preconceived notions of what this experience would be like were thrown out of the window. To settle the nerves, getting a drink is quite reasonable with a bar towards the end of the fair. While sipping on an ice cold beer, something catches the eye as the artisans of their craft display their work. One man has kits set out with various pieces that any innocent bystander would not have the slightest idea what to use them for. The man says they are called electric stimulation kits and uses the crowd as guinea pigs to show what these kits can do. Just imagine an electric piece for every part of the body that shocks you resulting in a feeling of pleasure or pain depending on one’s tolerance. This part of the fair really grabs the attention of the people passing through and individuals could not help but laugh at the guinea pig’s reaction to these foreign tools.
One of the most shocking things one may see at the London Fetish Fair is something that is purely voluntary. Customers have the option to whip their partners whether they are interested in spicing up their love life or wanting to take out some aggression. Either way this a thrilling look into the world of sadomasochism where a sadist enjoys inflicting pain on another person while a masochist enjoys receiving the infliction of pain from another person. Although it could be something hard to see for those that are squeamish, the whips used do not hurt as bad as they look…but that all depends on the size of the whip.
The fetish fair gives an outsider a chance to see a different side to how people express themselves sexually with a partner. Not many people think that pleasure and pain can coexist in a sexual relationship but this fair gives a deeper insight to how both can work. If you are someone who is looking to try something new with a partner or just simply curious about this sexual subculture, London Fetish Fair is definitely something worthwhile to check out.

Fetish Fair

2009-07-14T08:28:00.001-07:00

My outlook on the fetish fair is most likely very different from that of anyone else who went. Growing up in a Christian school and attending church, sometimes even Mormon services, would definitely give someone an interesting view of the underground sex culture that we experienced. To say the least, it was uncomfortable. And why shouldn’t it be? When you are taught that sex is beautiful and special and anything but painful, how could you even come close to comprehending the idea that getting whipped could feel good? Now, I’m not going to pretend that I lead the most righteous of lives. My alcoholic tendencies would give that one away. But there is a set of morals or beliefs that become embedded in nearly everyone’s lives and certain things can cross the line or take you outside of your comfort zone.

Now, despite my oncoming illness, there were a couple of things that I noticed with cultural anthropologist’s eyes. For one thing, there was a lack of attractive people. It seemed to me that this cultural phenomenon was a breeding ground for social outcasts. One example would be the female (male?) hunchback leading her older, extremely overweight boyfriend around on a leash. It might just be me, but I’m fairly certain the average person would not easily accept this. Second of all, pain seemed to be the theme throughout the fair. Most of the tables sold objects that looked extremely painful and others were just downright torturous. I’m not sure how Lauren sat through nearly ten minutes of electrical stimulation because my one moment of it made me think- now, who in their right mind would find this sexually arousing? I’m not sure this question was ever answered, but after these observations, my conclusion was “to each his own.” I may never come to understand it, but it was good to see a side of culture that brought me so far out of my comfort zone.

Fettish Fair

2009-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

Oh my...Upon entering the small underground area holding this event, one can see how any newcomer could feel out of place. The dress was unlike anything I've ever seen and the items for sale ranged from erotic toys, to... Mongolian-style war attire. It is quite easy to see how people can quickly make judgments of these people (i did). The media portrayal of this lifestyle has continued to be negative and fear invoking.
But if you take a closer look, you'll notice that the people involved in this subculture are friendly, and as "normal" as you and I. At one point, I had to ask myself why this environment made me feel so uncomfortable. In the end, it all goes to your comfort zones, where you feel you can relax, and where you know you cant. But with the generosity of a kind TA, I ordered a beer and began to unwind a little.
Speaking with the artisans behind the stands was an eye opening experience. These people seemed to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. A shocking aspect of this day was how open these people were about their lives, whether it be sex, preference, or opinions.
The exhibition in the dungeon was interesting to say the least. One thing that stuck out to me was the way these people act out their sexuality, aggression, and love through various role playing activities. The balance of submission and power, pain and pleasure, and joy and pain started to make sense to me, especially as I looked at the stamp on my right hand.

Modesty Blaise

2009-07-13T05:27:00.000-07:00

Modesty Blaise is the epitome of what “swinging London” was like during the later half of the 1960s. The bright fashion clothing to the bold use of color to the witty and outrageous personalities in the film added to the social phenomenon taking place at that time. Like Modesty Blaise’s hair color, everything and everyone was changing continuously in the film hinting at the fact that this was a period where people altered the way they dressed, thought, and spoke on a constant basis. There was experimentation in color, style, and way of thinking that would influence times to come. Mod subculture is prominent in the film through the imagery of all-night clubs and Modesty Blaise’s short skirts and bright clothing choices. There is even a reference to the gay community through flamboyant characters such as Gabriel and his male servants. The viewer is filled with a sense of liberation through the characters’ fearlessness and carefree attitudes in the film. Modesty Blaise was ahead of its time in more ways than one, poking fun politically even at Britain's relationship with the Middle East and the need for oil.

In comparison to today’s London social scene, there are clearly some remaining influences from the “swinging London” period. Experimentation is still a huge part of London’s social scene with fashion, music, and art constantly taking on new forms. Mod subculture has definitely left its mark on London with the miniskirt bigger than ever and all-night clubs becoming far more popular. Instead of one prominent social group, like the mods in the 1960s, many different groups have emerged over the years such as punks and scenesters. In reference to the gay community, it is bigger and more accepted than ever in London. However, from personal experience, there no longer seems to be that carefree attitude that was so highly regarded during the “swinging London” period. Londoners have become far more serious which is what an economic recession can do versus the economic boom during the 1960s.

But there is one thing that can be agreed on: London is a social mecca that is constantly changing and molding to its current time yet still knows how to mix old with modern.

Fetish Fair

2009-07-13T05:07:00.000-07:00

When most people think of a Fetish or BDSM it is automatically associated in a negative connotation and “normal” people think it is gross and extremely weird, but is it really that far out there when considering today’s society? Walking into a dungeon like setting it was a little nerve racking and would leave a lot of people in a very tense state. Seeing people with multiple piercing and outfits that seemed to be designed by someone from another planet it would leave anyone a little curious of what this subculture is really about. The main purpose of this cinetrek was to view everything with an open mind and on Sunday if one did not have an open mind they would find it difficult to truly analyze this culture that people truly know very little about.

This subculture of BDSM and fetishes is truly misunderstood and people tend to make snap judges about the people who participate in these activities. Talking to some of the people at the fair one realizes that they are not different from anyone you would find one the street. They were exceptionally friendly when someone asked them a question about bondage pf this particular type of lifestyle. After talking to some of the people at the fair people at the fair and viewed a demonstration on candle wax foreplay. It was quite interesting watching one person being in a total submissive state and another person having absolute power. Being able to get to this state task a HUGE amount of trust, trust that I would say some marriages do not even have. After going to this fair one cannot help to have a slightly different view on this subculture. After all people are always looking to express themselves and whether one likes it or not this is a type of self-expression.

Oxford University

2009-07-11T06:19:00.000-07:00

Oxford University is traditionally defined by its elegant architecture, exclusive acceptance rates, and prestigious professors. The location of Oxford has classified the city surrounding the University as a "college area." For tourists from San Diego, California, "college area" would seem like a familiar term. Expectations for a "college area" might include loud music, posters for campus clubs, and liquor stores on every corner. This is what you would find if you visited San Diego State University any month out of the year. One could definitely describe it as a vivacious campus. Oxford University seemed very different. It is a quiet town with elite shops and busy, goal-oriented people. While SDSU prides itself on its history since it was founded in 1897, there is no way to properly compare that to the history of Oxford University, which was established in 1249. It is more than reputable that thirteen prime ministers have come out of Oxford University. While SDSU is proud of its academic accomplishments, it seems as though sports are what make the headlines, like when one of the Aztec baseball players has become the number one draft pick for the major league teams. San Diego State and Oxford are both broken into different colleges. SDSU has added new colleges by subject of study and they are meant for the students to study. The 38 colleges of Oxford also include social activities and recreational entertainment that can be affiliated with the subject of study. The trip to Oxford University was an important one because it provided a new understanding of the importance of education in other countries.

Let the Right One In

2009-07-10T16:13:00.000-07:00

Most horror films usually encompass similar concepts and effects. They ultimately offer drama and suspense, while evoking fear. Vampire films are known for including blood-sucking villains and by the end, typically, the audience is hoping to see that the hero of the film will drive a wooden stake into the heart of the cold, heartless monster and that everyone will live "happily ever after."

Thomas Alfredson, the director of vampire drama-horror film, "Let the Right One In" uses a variety of techniques to connect the audience with the characters of his film in a different way than most. Throughout this film, the audience finds itself supporting the blood thirsty twelve year old, Eli, because ultimately her vulnerability has been exposed. The first main difference in this film is that although Eli is a vampire, she is first and foremost a child. Although different from her "peers," Eli maintains an innocent outer shell and still enjoys the company of other children, like her insecure next door neighbor, Oskar, who is twelve years old. The next important difference is that Eli does not hunt and kill for evil, but for hunger. This is a significant element emphasized by Alfredson because it is human instinct to feel sympathy towards a hungry child with a grumbling stomach, even if it is human blood she is hungry for. The next key element that separates this movie from the average vampire movie is that Eli and Oskar develop a friendship which leads to a childhood romance. Childhood love is sweet and pure and the audience watches the two engage in activities that any normal twelve year old would engage in. At the end of the film, Eli and Oskar save each other's lives in different ways. Alfredson is able to use the suspense of these moments to capture the hearts of the audience. As the school bullies are torturing Oskar by forcing him under water, a feeling of relief settles over the audience when Eli shows up with determination to save her friend and of course, an appetite. The survival and escape of Oskar and Eli is not your typical "happily ever after," but Alfredson has manipulated the audience so that they crave this finale like Eli craves her next victim.

A Comparison of Oxford and SDSU

2009-07-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

SDSU and Oxford are both great schools that differ in many ways. Probably the most obvious difference is the way in which courses are taught. Professor Mackey described that Oxford bases their teaching on a tutorial system, wherein students receive a tutor based on their specific needs. This is a positive because it means more individual attention for the student. SDSU’s teaching style is based on lectures and classroom time. Classrooms usually have around thirty students and the lectures can get all the way up to five hundred students. There are a lot more students at SDSU so this lecture style works more effectively. It would be impossible for SDSU to abide by this tutorial system. There are positives and negatives to both teaching styles. The most obvious negative about the SDSU system is that students must take it upon themselves to visit professors during office hours if they want to discuss a grade or a topic. It is easy to get lost in the crowd of students and maintain anonymity. In other words, students have to work to set themselves apart and work for their future, whether it’s by harassing a professor for a letter of recommendation or trying to get a position in a competitive research lab. Oxford students already stand out from the crowd because they come from such a prestigious university. The fact that thirteen prime ministers have come out of Oxford provides evidence of this. Since there is a smaller student population and individual tutoring, students do not have to work as hard to gain the attention of the faculty and other educational opportunities.

A second noticeable difference is the college environment at each of these schools. Oxford is very much a college town whose main attraction is the University itself. There are various beautiful old buildings scattered throughout the town that denote different colleges but are still part of the whole of the University. San Diego State is one of three major universities in the extensive city of San Diego. Its campus is not scattered throughout the city but is a collective cluster of buildings. Furthermore, San Diego is not known as a college town. When you think San Diego, you instinctively picture amazing summer weather and beautiful beaches rather than the universities in the area. When you think Oxford, the world-renowned university immediately comes to mind. Although there are many other differences between SDSU and Oxford, the differences in teaching styles and the differences in the town life are two very significant ones.

Our Intruige with Vampires - A Reflection of Let the Right One In

2009-07-10T11:25:00.000-07:00

As a culture we have become obsessed with the lore of the vampire. Having undergone various transformations through the centuries, the legendary creature has taken on many faces: the grotesque monster in Nosferatu, the hopeless romantic in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, the seductive artist in Anne Rice’s novels and now in Thomas Alfredson’s film, the child vampire which subsequently draws from all its previous prototypes. Our continuation of the vampire’s myths proves our undying (no pun intended) obsession with the need to witness their evolution in order to retain sustainability. Yet, what is the vampire evolving to? Where do we want it to go, and why?

Through its progression, the vampire has become more human. Besides the trade-in of its monstrous image of the past, into a pleasing near beautiful one of today, it has developed emotion as well as a conscience. It desires human contact in order to cling to the sliver of its own fleeting humanity which threatens to become consumed in the fray of his bestial madness. The vampire is slowly becoming a reflection of ourselves.

The vampire typically seeks out a human she finds beautifully flawed; someone who might have once perhaps been a reflection of her own past as a mortal. She becomes enamored of the human who is gifted in ways that are usually not obvious to others. In Eli’s case, she chooses Oskar for his gentleness and kindness which is generally perceived as weak by his peers who bully and harass him. Our typical vampire story usually encapsulates this formula, so what is this repetitive tale saying?

We all want to belong to something greater than ourselves. We all crave acceptance from others. We are all plagued with insecurities due to our pasts, cultural backgrounds, ethnicities, etc. which make us feel as though we may not be welcomed into the social circle of dominant culture. The vampire becomes an allegorical representation of ourselves as we strive to belong to this larger part of culture. They are social outcasts who want desperately to belong to their prior human culture but cannot as they are now shunned and feared due to being different. Vampires tend to embrace the unique qualities of the humans they choose to love as they understand them to be valuable and beautiful. However, humans tend to have the opposite reaction toward difference in others which can often be negative and closed-minded. Misunderstanding and ignorance of differences breeds fear and hatred and the vampire is a classic example of another being simply trying to survive. Sure, they do so by living off the blood of human beings, but don’t we do the exact same thing when we wage wars on other countries in order to kill their people in order to take their resources in order for survival? Are we any better than the blood-sucking beasts that lurk in the shadows at night?

It is our need to perceive ourselves in the vampire just as it is their need to long for the humanity that dwells within us. Humans seek to find the balance of our nature between the monstrous and the loving. Vampires have become an allegorical figure for the beauty and the beast that lurks within each of us just beneath the surface of our everyday facades.

Let the Right One In

2009-07-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

There is no doubt that our culture is vampire obsessed. The average teenage girl (or twenty something year-old, in my case) finished the Twilight series in less than a week and is counting down the days for the second movie to hit theaters. After watching vampires portrayed in movies such as Twilight and the HBO series True Blood, it was refreshing to see a different kind of vampire depicted in Tomas Alfredson’s Let the Right One In. The snowy cold atmosphere of the film creates an unusual, but ideal setting for a vampire film. The serene town covered in a blanket of white snow helps to make child vampire Eli, quite inconspicuous. That is, until she decides to make dinner out of some of her neighbors.

Let the Right One In is unique in that the lead vampire is only twelve years old and appears innocent. I think one of the major reasons why our society is so intrigued by vampires stems from the fact that vampires are portrayed as good looking and youthful people, unlike any other monster we might fear. In films such as Twilight, vampires are sexy and often take on the role as vigilante. Although that is not the case in Let the Right One In, there is still a certain charm in seeing a twelve-year old girl as opposed to an old, overweight monster attack and suck the blood from its innocent victims. It is scandalous and unexpected in the horror film genre. To think that such a ferocious monster is among us, living unseen is utterly terrifying.

In addition to their appearance, Alfredson creates a love story between Eli and Oskar, further humanizing the vampire. It is hard to fully hate Eli for her horrific actions after seeing her tender side with Oskar. Overall, I found Let the Right One In to be a beautiful film and it has only made my thirst for vampire films stronger.

Let the Right One In

2009-07-10T11:17:00.001-07:00

The class ventures back to the Prince Charles Theatre to see Let the Right One In. Personally, I love this theatre; it has a low-key and calm vibe that presents an instant-comfort aroma. My favorite part, however, is the unleveled rows of red cozy chairs. Each paid guest has a great view of the screen and no one leaves with a kink in his or her neck.

We were all excited to be enchanted by the vampire storyline and our nerves began to build. We did not know what to expect, some were scared, others were anxious as the snow fell in the first scene. However, this was different than any vampire film we, or at least I, had ever scene. I’m used to either the blood-sucking ruthless pale man wearing a cape, or glittery beautiful vampires who hate the way they must live. This vampire was a little girl that the audience couldn’t help but love. And I believe this was the director’s intent.

At first, we see that her father kills a young boy to drain his blood so his daughter can have a meal, and we begin to sense fear, which is normal. But as the film continues we witness her becoming a friend to Oscar, a young boy who is constantly bullied by his classmates. Their relationship grows and the audience slowly develops a sense of pity for her, especially when we learn that she wishes she did not have to kill to eat. Moreover, Oscar figures out her secret and confronts her about it. She doesn’t admit to being a vampire, only that she lives off blood.

By the end of the film she saves Oscars life by killing each of his bullies, and we should be feeling hatred or loathing towards her but we can’t. The director has tricked us to think that what she is doing is somehow okay. Yes, she is a fragile and thin girl who has the strength of a full-grown bear and kills innocent people. But at the same time she is a hero who saved the life of a helpless timid young boy.

Let the Right one in

2009-07-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

This was a very interesting vampire film. There were many things that were different than a conventional vampire film. The main thing being that the vampire was a young girl. Usually in vampire films the vampires are older men, so this was surprising when it was a very young girl. There is a sort of innocence associated with children; people have a hard time seeing them in a negative light. That works out very well in this film because the director wants the audience to take the side of the children, which happen to be blood sucking killers. You find your self rooting for the killer and sometimes actually hoping that another younger child, such as the bullies in the film, will die. The ending of the film when Eli kills the bullies may have been a little intense for some people, but if you really think of why she did it, it is not unjustified. Since she is twelve years old, and has been that way for a while, it means that she was bitten by a vampire when she was that age. So she sees no problem killing or biting other children, because that is what someone did to her. Another thing very different about her is that she is a dark haired girl living in a world of white. The film is set in the snow, which we all know is white. White represents purity and innocence, and these young children in love are the epitome of innocence. The young boy, Oskar, is a typical Swede, pale skin, fair hair. He is very innocent. And then he meets dark haired Eli, who is not at all innocent. The contrast of the colors in this film has a lot to do with the levels of innocence. Most people have a very romanticized view of vampires. They are good looking and typically very sexy, and this film shows vampires in a totally new way. It was a great new way of explaining innocent love, and that nothing else really matters as long as you can be together, as the end of the film proves.

Vampries

2009-07-09T16:19:00.000-07:00

Let the right one in is not your typical vampire movie where there are vampires killing humans just cause they a blood thirsty, this movie has a deeper symbolic meaning behind it. The movie takes place in Sweden where a boy is struggling to find his own true identity. Oskar is a child in the most purist of sense and simply wants to go school and do extracurricular activities without being disturbed.

Snow in this movie symbolize not only the innocent of Oskar but of the children in today’s society. Later in the movie Oskar meets a girl named Eli, and the audience can tell that she does not fit in with the other children and is awkward in social settings. Here the director, Tomas Alfredson, makes a statement about how children loath to belong with others and feel loved. Oskar starts to realize that Eli is not like most twelve year olds and then discovers she is a vampire and is hesitant to continue their friendship. During one scene when Eli is in the bed with Oskar he asks her if she wants to be his girlfriend. Eli is taken back and does not know how to act then and she tells him that they should just take it slow. Here the director is showing the innocent of these two characters, that even though Eli is a vampire she has a very humane side to her and tries to be normal like any other twelve year old.

This movie is oozing with symbolize, Alfredson shows this by using snow, playgrounds and a love story between two innocent people. In the end this movie is not about killing people or meant to scare the audience, but it is meant to show the innocent and need for belonging for children in today’s world, both that still apply today.

Vampires and Purity

2009-07-09T02:23:00.000-07:00

Why are we forever fascinated by vampire stories? The legend has evolved and adapted to new people and new societies so many times and we are left hungry for more. I think there is something magically tragic and romantic about a vampire. First of all, the idea of living forever is something that humans have been searching for, yet dreading at the same time, since the introduction of the “fountain of youth.” Stories of the holy grail, magical plants, even Harry Potter’s sorcerer’s stone, are evidence that people are enchanted by everlasting life. There is also a romantic and sensual element about vampire stories that keeps us intrigued. Old Dracula movies always showed the young beautiful woman lying on a bed with Dracula hovering over her long, white neck. The neck itself, already a very sexual area of the body, gives the vampire story a stimulating twist. I believe that these two factors will never stop fascinating the human race and we will continue to fall in love with vampires.

Yet, the film “Let The Right One In” has a couple new introductions that differ from the typical vampire horror movie. Most importantly, the vampire is a child. Innocence has hardly been represented in vampire legend before and it brings a whole new view to the genre. The setting of the film with its white snow and children’s playgrounds shows a purity amidst the blood and death. Eli and Oskar are both outcasts: Eli because she can never be like the average child in many ways and Oskar because he is bullied at school and has no friends. They are able to form a perfect friendship because they accept and help each other. Eli has no hesitation when it comes to killing and the fact that she holds herself back from hurting Oskar says a lot about how she feels for him. But the sexual factor of the typical vampire film does not come into play here. Oskar and Eli love each other in an innocent, child-like way. When Eli climbs into bed with Oskar, it is not a sexually-charged moment, but rather a sweet and tender one. The fact that the movie is missing this element, however, does not detract from it in any way. Instead, I think it gives the vampire story a whole new meaning. Vampires have never been associated with purity and wholesomeness, but the director does an amazing job of embedding those qualities to make a new story that we have never seen before.

Medea/Medea

2009-07-08T09:07:00.000-07:00

I have seen many plays and entertaining shows throughout my life, but I can honestly say this play was like nothing I have ever seen in my life before. I was not too sure what to expect. After reading the reviews for this play, I felt a little confused. I read them over and over again hoping that each time I read it I would maybe understand it better the next time. I realized that that was probably a sign that the play itself was going to be confusing. The first thing that was different from a more traditional play was there was not much talking. The only talking was a prerecorded voice on a TV screen which usually was not in English. The main character also spoke a few times in a language I did not recognize. Words make a play easier to follow and understand what is going on. Without words, it is up to the audience to make their own interpretation of what is happening. So without the character saying "I feel sad" it might be harder to know if the character is sad or not. The characters in this play had no expressions on their faces either. They were completely void of emotion the whole entire play. So when they made use of the props, it was very hard to understand why they were using them. In more traditional plays, the use of props is used to accentuate the emotion of the scene. The theater company used this to push our boundaries to see if the audience could dig deep enough down and understand what was really going on. Also, pyrotechnics are used a lot in entertainment type shows to wow the audience. In this show there were a lot of pyrotechnics, and it was used to shock the audience in some way, but not the way traditional pyrotechnics were used. For example, when the main character got out the blow torch, some people in the audience laughed a bit, but when she lit the birdcage on fire I actually heard some people gasp. Overall, I think this play used these techniques to really gauge the audience. They wanted to make you dig deep down into your psyche and try and understand the play in your own way.

Spirited Away

2009-07-08T04:41:00.001-07:00

The movie Spirited Away was definitely far from the normal realm of features we have watched in the past month abroad. However this difference does not necessarily mean it was bad at all, quite the contrary, the animation and plethora of hidden messages throughout made this film spectacular.

The most prominent hidden messages in this film include the change from adolescence to adulthood, and the effects greed can have on a population both those young and old. For example, when the story began the young girl was in a rather melancholy mood and relied heavily upon her parents for support and was obviously spoiled. This attitude however changed dramatically as she was forced to fend for the lives of her parents and herself, as well as others in order to regain entrance into the world of humans. The natural shock of not being coddled and the spirited world’s lack of regard for her presence as a child extremely effected her and forced her to break down in tears in more than once instance. However after days of work and outrages adventures, she eventually was able to become the woman it would have ultimately taken her years to become in the human world.

However this transition would not have been possible if the greed and gluttony that engrosses almost all humans did not occur. When the parents began eating, the innocence of the little girl made her aware of the repercussions that could possibly unfold in response to her parent’s actions. Her thoughts however were nowhere near the actuality of what happen, but they were close in a sense that it placed her and her parents in a very awkward situation. Greed however did no cease at the parents desire to eat, it continued throughout the film in both the spirit creatures’ desire for gold and the witches’ desire for power and customers.

Overall this story explicitly depicts the greed that engrosses everyone and the possible repercussions of this greed, as well as describing the dramatic changes that can force a spoiled adolescent to become an adult in extreme circumstances and appreciate the fortunes that she has.

Spirited Away

2009-07-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

Beneath the surface of Hayoa Miyazaki’s animated film Spirited Away, lie deep and meaningful messages about Japanese life and culture. The film’s protagonist Chihiro, undergoes a remarkable transformation as she is forced to get a job and find a way to save her parents from being slaughtered. At the beginning of the film, Chihiro seems spoiled and unappreciative of her parents. Once Chihiro begins work at the bathhouse, she is forced to do things that she never would have dreamed of doing at home. Lin, her superior, even suspects Chihiro of never working a day in her whole life. Little by little Chihiro learns to work diligently and is rewarded for the colossal task of cleaning the stink spirit. Chihiro’s hard work helps transform her into the mature and capable young woman she becomes at the end of the film.

Some other recurrent themes found in Spirited Away include greed and food. The workers at the bathhouse are ravenous when it comes to gold and will do whatever it takes to get more of it. Chihiro’s parents’ greed for food causes them to turn into pigs. No-Face has an insatiable hunger while he is at the bathhouse and it turns him into a cruel monster, eating any people who get in his way. Certain foods also prove to be incredibly useful to the characters in the film. For example, Haku gives Chirhiro food after her arrival to the spirit world so she does not disappear. Chihiro also gives Haku and No-Face a special piece of bread that cures them and kills any spells that may be affecting them. Food and greed play a vital role in the film and illustrate how destructive greed can be to a community.

Hayoa Miyazaki does an incredible job at creating a thought-provoking film that deals with universal problems. This aspect makes it incredibly relatable to people of all different backgrounds including children who are able to enjoy the film simply because it is entertaining. I think everyone, no matter what their age, can learn something and appreciate the film Spirited Away.

Spirited Away

2009-07-06T11:54:00.000-07:00

Many children in today’s world are not only spoiled and greedy, but they also do not know how to ask for what they want; rather, they whine and cry until they are satisfied. Spirit Away demonstrates this through two of the younger characters, Chichiro and Yubaba’s giant baby, Boh. In the beginning of the film, Chichiro doesn’t want to move, and as she and her family drive away she begins to whimper and complain about how her parents are running her life. As they pull up to the “amusement park” Chichiro doesn’t want to go inside, but she never asks her parents if they could turn back and get to their new house. Instead, in a very high-pitched, annoying voice she complains about how the place gives her the creeps. It is also apparent that Chichiro is spoiled when she has difficulty doing easy household work around the bathhouse; Lin even mentions that it is as if she has “never worked a day in her life.” This is true. Chirchiro, along with other children her age have never needed to work; everything is handed to them.

Boh, whose greed is displayed by his abnormal size, has also had everything handed to him. Yubaba does everything in her power to make sure he does not have to leave his room, let alone lift one finger. The audience can tell that he gets everything he wants by the toys that are thrown all over his floor. And there is one specific scene where Sen is hiding under his pillows and Boh grabs onto her and says, “if you don’t play with me I’m going to cry,” and if he does cry Yubaba will come storming in and punish Sen, or even worse, kill her.

However, after Sen works at the bathhouse and learns the meaning of hard work, she matures and even tells her parents that “she thinks she can handle” moving away. Also, because Boh had traveled with her, he too had grown and matured. Yubaba was surprised to see him walking and holding his own outside of his bedroom walls. This shows that if parents stop babying their children and begin to make them work for what they want, they will grow to become responsible and respectable citizens.

SPIRITED AWAY

2009-07-06T05:07:00.000-07:00

“Spirited Away” is a movie Produced by Hayao Miyazaki that on the surface would seem like another amine film, but if one truly goes in depth with this great movie one will find how it reflects on society not just in Japan but all over the World. The movie begins with Chihiro a little girl moving to a new town with her Mom and Dad. She is really upset that she has to leave her comfort zone to venture off to a new home. As Chihiro and her family are driving they get sidetracked and find a tunnel that leads to an old amusement park, or that is what they originally think. When they go exploring they stumble across some freshly cooked food and start stuffing their faces and as they do something strange happens, they turn into pigs. When I saw this it symbolized how greedy people are in today’s society, that people always want more and want it now having a total disregard for manners. After Chihiro Family turns into pigs she gets stuck on the island that is now filled with water surrounding it. As she does further exploring she gets captured by spirits who make her work in a steam bath for the rest of her life. Chihiro struggles with every day work because before this she had been spoiled not really having to work hard. Miyazaki is trying to show the audience that today’s youth are lazy and spoiled and that they have everything handed to them. The viewer also notices this when there is a baby that is larger than any other character in the movie, which in turn shows that today’s youth are big baby’s always crying and complaining. This movie truly had deep symbolic meaning behind it; when it came to showing the audience how Miyazaki felt about how people function in society I believe he did a great job.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-03T10:30:00.000-07:00

Going back to the Roxy Bar for a second time did not disappoint. This time, Y Tu Mama Tambien was the feature presentation. This movie is incredibly honest in the way it portrays the lives of two teenage boys, Tenoch and Julio. It is obvious that initially, these boys had very little responsibility in their lives, and their main interests consisted of the usual: sex, drugs, and more sex. In order to spice up the boring summer, they go on a spontaneous road trip to the beach with an attractive older woman named Luisa. Unknowingly, this road trip would end up changing their lives forever. Luisa, being older and more experienced, questions their thoughts about sex and calls them out on their macho attitudes. During the drive, Julio and Tenoch discover that their friendship is a lot emptier than they realized. When Julio sees Tenoch and Luisa having sex, it triggers him to reveal that he slept with Tenoch’s girlfriend. Tenoch is initially upset, but later reveals that he also slept with Julio’s girlfriend. This shows the audience how insignificant their manifesto was and it also shows that sex took precedence over their friendship. By the end of the movie, the relationship between these two boys has clearly changed. They are awkward around each other and puzzled about the significance of their lives. After the road trip, they move on with their lives separately. When they accidently run into each other later on, they politely sit down for a cup of coffee. As expected, the conversation is awkward and quick, and the audience can see that both boys are content without each other.

The only important aspect of that last conversation is when Tenoch reveals that Luisa had cancer and died after the road trip. Throughout the movie, Luisa is kind of a mystery. Although we know that her husband cheated on her, it is strange that she would drop everything to go on this road trip with two horny teenagers. For the audience to finally discover that Luisa has cancer makes her a more realistic character. We can appreciate that she would want to spend her last days on a spontaneous adventure. The last scene of her diving into the waves of the ocean demonstrates that she is at peace. The honesty of this movie is what makes it so magnificent.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-03T09:32:00.000-07:00

The erotic opening scene of the film “Y Tu Mama Tambien” immediately immerses you into the wild and face-paced lives of Tenoch and Julio, two teenagers whose only goal in life seems be satisfying their perpetual sex drives. At first, it may appear as though you are watching a pornographic film, but as the characters and the plot begin to develop it quickly becomes clear how much more this film has to offer. Soon after the movie begins, the two boys find themselves in a sort of dysfunctional love triangle with the beautiful and much older Luisa, who recently discovered her husband’s unfaithful ways.

What struck me the most, is that underneath this carefree and slightly raunchy film, lays a sobering message about life and death. Tenoch and Julio live their lives fearlessly and in a way that appeals and lures in Luisa. We do not find out until the end of the film that Luisa was terminally ill with cancer throughout her entire time with the boys and kept it secret to them. Luisa knows that if she tells the boys about her illness they will most likely treat her differently. At certain times throughout their journey to “Heaven’s Mouth”, the music is interrupted and we hear a narrator comment on events from the past that happened at each location. One of the commentaries points out the location where, several years earlier a man was killed in a horrible car accident. This is once again, a reminder to us how fragile life can be.

Luisa teaches the boys many things on their journey, including how to forgive and how to properly make love to a woman. These important lessons come to have an even greater significance at the end of the film, when we find out Luisa knew she was dying. I think this film has a very important message and that is to live life to the fullest. Luisa and the boys learned through each other how to do that. I also found the ending to be incredibly unfortunate and sad because the two men could not put aside certain events from their trip and become friends again. It was a sobering moment at the end to watch Julio find out about Luisa’s death and the sadness wash over his face. Even though they both went their separate ways, they had experienced a journey that would forever bond them.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-03T09:13:00.000-07:00

Joy and Pain

2009-07-02T06:40:00.000-07:00

Y Tu Mama Tambien was an extraordinary movie about two young boys from Mexico and their adventures on a road trip with an older woman from Spain. Throughout the road trip they experience joy, pain, and ultimate freedom. I loved that the movie embodied the feeling of being young and living with no restrictions or worries. It is so different from how I live my life- with my to-do lists and plans, that it was refreshing to watch something so opposite.

One thing that struck me was the fact that every joyous moment was abruptly interrupted by a tragic moment. For example, during their road trip the narrator would explain of a fatal car crash that killed a little girl or would tell of the horrible future a family had yet to experience. Knowing these events happened, or would happen, gave the movie a somber mood even though we were caught up in the careless love affair between the woman and the two boys. Luisa’s character was a perfect example of the balance between carefree joy and terrible realities. She knew that she had terminal cancer and rather than staying behind and letting the situation with her husband weigh her down, she decided to leave and make the most of the time she had left. I think that what I took away from it is that life is a mixture of good and bad. You don’t have a choice. You can either take the good with the bad or not live at all.

What About Me?

2009-07-01T15:36:00.000-07:00

This would be a great film to watch uninterrupted. The atmosphere at The Brickhouse was lively in anticipation for what was said to be a great documentary. Chapter by chapter, the film was played with intermissions between every section. During these intermissions, the host of the event would speak, followed by a local poet. The film was fantastic: A behind the scenes look into the creation of an album, inspired by major aspects of human life. The subjects included: Love, Men and Women, The self, Memories, and others.
It was extremely unique to see music being created in this way. Taking a riff, whether it be guitar or sitar, then building a song using unique and relatively unknown instruments and musical styles, was a refreshing and inspiring way of creating music. The film included not only music, but interviews with a range of actors, musicians, philosophers and other people with unique outlooks on life.
In general, this documentary was well made and held my interest. I was inspired by the reason for creating this album as well as the words from the various guests. Although the poet and host were entertaining, the film should have been played from beginning to end, without constant interruption. The host seemed to speak more about the Neil Young concert he recently attended than the film itself.

What About Me

2009-07-01T15:27:00.001-07:00

Upon arriving at Brick Lane spirits were high in anticipation of the film, as well as the environment in which the club was located. The movie "What About Me", was an interesting change from the cinematic adventures the students abroad have had the opportunity to see. This film was shown at the Brickhouse theater/bar across from the Vibe Bar and allowed for the students to be engrossed in a culture of music and cinema. The story was about two gentlemen who traveled the world collaborating music from all different genres and styles. Each chapter was an in depth analysis of their tracks and the production that went into making them. The gentlemen traveled to the most remote and the most populated regions of the world and it is this meshing of worlds that allowed for a phenomenal sound track. Overall their final product would have been tremendous, however throughout the film the audience was kept in the dark and was unable to witness the glory that ultimately was the final work.

Unfortunately however the talent that was so blatant throughout the film lost much of its credibility and inspiration due to the repeated intermissions in the movie and the prolonged short narrations by an audience member. The narrations, although profound, passed over many of the American students heads and left them in the dark due to his targeting of European members.

All in all the feature film and the environment was amazing, there were however subtle interferences that ultimately derailed the focus of the audience members and made the American students wary and restless.

Y tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-01T14:24:00.000-07:00

At first, Y tu Mama Tambien comes across a strictly sexual film and could possibly be considered soft porn. But hidden behind all of the sex is a reoccurring theme of living your life to the fullest. At the beginning of the film we see Luisa go in to the doctors office to get test results and it is not until the very last scene that we are told she had cancer. With death close by, Luisa leaves her cheating husband and trades in her routine life of unhappiness in for adventure, and for the first time in her life she is living her life in the moment. We are introduced to a journey that she takes with her husband’s cousin and his best friend. On this road trip, the three bond in more ways than one, and even taking part in a threesome.

Luisa lived her last days with only the present in mind, and that is something that is rarely heard of today. Most people are constantly thinking about tomorrow and they should be concerned about the here and now. Personally, I try to enjoy everyday that I have; I refuse to hold grudges or procrastinate or let the small things bother me. I have been to too many of my friends’ funerals and if these deaths have taught me anything it’s to not waste the time that you have. Death is a sensitive subject and the majority of the population chooses to ignore it altogether. But everyone has to die, it is not something you can opt out of or postpone. You never know when it is coming so we need to stop living for tomorrow because tomorrow never comes. Luisa was a perfect example of living in the moment.

what about me?

2009-07-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

Sunday night at the Brickhouse was filled with an unusual group of characters. There was Don, a friend of our teaching assistant Kevin who seemed to admire greatly Neil Young, and poet who after every chapter of the movie recited a poem inspired by what he viewed. There were people old and young, San Diego state students and film students from England. There were different types of people in one room who I believe appreciated the film and its messages.

The ambiance of the Brickhouse complemented the sentiment of the movie “What about me?” You walked through the door and quickly notice it very dim and relaxing with a soft almost eerie music playing the in background. The bottom floor is cleared out except a few chairs and soft red couches with lit candles around the bar. “What about me?” is a “visionary” project by Jamie Catto and Duncan Bridgeman. They went to numerous locations around the world and used music as a universal theme and language to explore the complexities of human nature. They cut different types of music from those different locations and put them together into a soundtrack that illustrated how we are all connected through our various creativities and beliefs. By hearing others talk about their principles on God, sex, death and money, we then try to reveal our truths and our inner thoughts. Upon hearing the thoughts about others you can’t help be introspective and question “what about me?”

What Abou Me

2009-07-01T13:48:00.000-07:00

What about me is a movie about two men who go on a journey around the world to blend all the cultures together and show those who view their documentary that we are all a lot similar than we are different. The audience sees that even though we come for extremely different backgrounds from all over the globe we can come together with the sound of music and every culture can be united as one. When walking to the Brickyard, which is right across from the Vibe Bar, there was music blasting and hundreds of hundreds of people socializing in the street and enjoying a pint of their favorite beer. As we walked into the Brickyard it was almost like walking into a high end night club. The environment was full of life, some people dressed in shorts and jeans and then there were some people in very expensive designer suits. As I sat in the front row on a comfortable couch I was very excited to see this documentary because my sister told me that it was very interesting and that it had a really amazing soundtrack. This environment reminded me of that like the Vibe Bar which was laid back and one could enjoy a glass of wine with some close friends. The Documentary was divided up into several chapters and each chapter discussed an aspect of life and how it related to specific cultures. One of my favorites sections was that discussing love. I never really notice that love is truly the same in pretty much every culture around the world. This documentary showed me that love is caring and everlasting and that a relationship is something that must be equal and understanding. After the movie ended I truly soaked up the scenery by walking across the street to mingle with some of my fellow students, but even more that that my new group of friends

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

The film Y Tu Mama Tambien was a story of transformation, growth, and learning. These things were all bundled up with a fair amount of sexuality. The basis of the story is to follow two friends as they transform; this includes their own transformation, the transformation of their rocky friendship, and the transformation of the third character Luisa.
The transformation of the boys, Tenoch and Julio, begins off as a slow one and continually builds momentum until their final growth to a new stage of friendship. In the beginning of the film, sex is the first scene. The movie wastes no time in showing you the sexual nature of the two boys, a nature that would not change until the final scenes of the film. The boys’ extreme sex drives go directly along with their immaturity that can be seen in the conversations that the two boys have together. The way that they talk to each other, and especially what they talk about gives this away. Towards the end of the film, you see the friendship of Julio and Tenoch evolve as well. In the beginning, they were best friends, and they had no arguments to speak of. After learning that they had both been sleeping with each other’s girlfriends, they both erupt into anger. This anger is one turning point for their relationship together. After this anger, they move past it and begin a new stage in their friendship. Their next stage of friendship is the sexual encounter the two of the characters have together with Luisa. This definitely signified a newer level of their friendship. They had moved past their differences, and possible desires, and went with the moment. This led to their final stage, which was when they met at the coffee shop later in life. They both had grown up so much, signifying their last transition, as well as the last transition for their friendship. They spoke calmly, showed no sexual motives, and did not joke much. This transformation was one of the many that the movie poised itself on.
The other transcendence in the film was that of Luisa’s. She transformed from a quite person in a quiet life, to this amazing social creature with the sole desire to have fun. In the closing scenes of the movie, we learn this was from the cancer that was about to kill her. This cancer was a catalyst for her final, and possibly best, version of herself. She was able to have her last days exploring a beautiful beach, fulfilling her sexual desires and final explorations in her sexuality as well.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-01T13:43:00.001-07:00

“Y Tu Mama Tambien” was one of the most sexual movies I have ever seen that could be watched in a public venue. The first scene of the movie starts out with a full on sex scene. When the first scene came on I was a little shocked due to the fact that you wouldn’t exactly see that in America. I have been so conditioned by American cinema standards that I was caught off guard by the full fledge sex scene that was happening not only before my eyes, but my fellow flat mates and strangers. As the movie continued there were many other sex scenes that were seen, as well as a very moving story about two best friends and a woman living out her last days of life. On top of the provocative sex scenes was also the use of frontal nudity that I was also not use to seeing in American cinema. When I watch movies in America there are the use of sex scenes and maybe the use of some nudity, but there are always the camera angle techniques that block pretty much any full frontal nudity. If a movie does have frontal nudity it is usually only for a brief moment. This difference of sex scenes and the use of nudity opened my eyes to a different aspect of life that is not seen in America. I have always been told that sex is more accepted in Europe and that it is seen more in the movies produced here. I got my first taste with “Y Tu Mama Tambien.” Although it was shocking at first due to my American conditioning, I felt more and more comfortable with it as the movie continued.

The overall story of the movie moved me and made me think what I would do if I only had a certain amount of time to live. Luisa is one of the main characters in the movie and she finds out she has cancer. Instead of sitting in a hospital bed and receiving treatment she goes out and finds the life she had always wanted. Tenoch and Julio are the other main characters, which are best friends in the film and help Luisa find happiness in the days leading up to her death. Luisa goes out exploring and traveling like she had always wanted to do. She also found her inner sexuality that she had always wanted to express with the help of Tenoch and Julio. All I could think about after viewing the movie is how I would spend my last days on this earth and if I would have as much courage as she did to live the rest of my life the way I always wanted to.

What About Me?

2009-07-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

The documentary What About Me? was certainly one of the most unique pieces of film that I have ever been able to view. The vision that the directors had to have before filming the movie escapes my ability of grasping it. It took an enormous amount of effort, time, and definitely money to pull off such an amazing mix of song and film. The documentary filled me with a sense of how everyone is so similar in the world, no matter if they live in a crowded city or a desolate landscape. Each person in the documentary just wanted to contribute their type of music, their heritage, to what would ultimately be a gorgeous soundtrack.
The documentary took us to so many different countries and so many different ways of life. It made me think of how small I actually am in the entire picture. To see people living with nothing, and yet being completely happy and content showed me how misconstrued values can sometimes be. The track itself was an amazing experience as well. The most exciting track, for me, was the clip that was played during the last section about getting older. The track was the longest in the film and seemed to continue on and on, without the interruptions most of the rest of the film had explaining where the sounds were coming from. These three or so minutes had me entirely captivated, trying to listen for different instruments playing in the background. I imagined people all over the world playing music at the same time, creating a beautiful melody without even knowing it.
The location was also something entirely enjoyable. It was viewed at The Brickhouse in one of my favorite parts of London, East London. The vibe at The Brickhouse was just of complete relaxation and enjoyment. The seats were comfortable, the lighting was dimmed, the staff was friendly, and the audience was in anticipation.

What About Me?

2009-07-01T12:48:00.000-07:00

“What About Me?” was an amazing documentary. It was very moving to see these two men on this amazing journey around the world making beautiful music. The soundtrack they made was split up into different periods and emotions that a person feels through their life, which I found very clever. It opened my eyes to so many different cultures; some I didn’t even know existed. I loved hearing all the different melodies that people across the world had to offer to the songs. All the different instruments were intriguing, as well. The collaborations that came out of the music flowed smoothly and made me feel at peace. The music makes you feel something within yourself that only you as an individual can feel due to the life experiences one faces.

The movie was shown at The Brick House, a cozy little place right on Brick Lane. Brick Lane has been one of my favorite spots in London to visit due to its diverse atmosphere and carefree attitude. The Brick House was set up with these long purple couches that were quite comfortable to sit on. The building was dimly lit and was very welcoming. There were two stories and it seemed very artsy. The movie could be accompanied with a glass of wine or beer and was just a very relaxing atmosphere to see a great movie. I did notice that the people that were watching the documentary were not scared to cheer when they agreed with a concept on politics, religion, or feminism when it came up in the documentary. I found this very interesting, considering that in America you usually have to be very silent during a movie. I loved the outspoken spirit of the audience and it made me smile. I felt I could let myself go and speak up as well if I wanted to. The whole experience was amazing.

Y tu Mama Tambien

2009-07-01T06:09:00.001-07:00

Here we were another night at one of my favorite spots in London, The Roxy. The Moive Y tu Mama Tambien is about two young men, Juilo and Tenoch, that are trying to find their way in life and as they begin their journey they find themselves discovering information about each other that would ultimately put their friendship into a downward spiral. As we all sat down on the very comfortable environment one could not help but to be at a relaxed state, after all we are in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When the movie began it started with a very steamy sex scene, and little did I know it would be one of many sexual charged imagery that we as the viewers would receiver throughout the movie.

There are two main characters that are just beginning their lives and like most college students in their freshmen year it is mostly finding one’s self and a place of belonging. The viewer can see that these two boys are best friends but then another women named Luisa Cortes, who happens to be one of the boys cousin gets thrown into the mix which would in a way alter that whole dynamic of their friendship.

The journey really starts to pick up when they decide to go on a road trip and bring Luisa along and as the boys continue on this road trip they get enormously close to each other, almost to close. Near the climax of the film both Tenoch and Juilo tell each other that they have slept with each other’s girlfriends and mothers, which foreshadows the demise of their friendship. And after their crazy road trip Tenoch and Juilo grow further and further apart. As the friends have an awkward cup of coffee nine months later they find out that Luisa has died of cancer. With Luisa gone it was the final breaking point that ruined an already damaged relationship. After the movie ended us as a group all sat and had some drinks and I could not help to think about the movie and how two friends who were so close were now strangers to each other, those who were like brothers are now so distant.

Reality Check

2009-07-01T05:44:00.000-07:00

The documentary “What About Me” was an amazing expression of the combination of cultures and the incredible outcome that can occur when they are intertwined. It was very fascinating to see and hear the different types of music from various countries and they made such beautiful songs when they were put together. The man that put on the event spoke about storytelling and it struck me that the movie was like a bunch of tiny little stories that made up one great adventure. Everyone had a varying perspective and it seemed like, when combined, they created a whole picture- a unique worldview. The movie touched on love and needs, the relationship between women and men (definitely my favorite), and death. I feel like it made a circle: started with life and joy, covered relationships, and ended with death. It was the circle of life within a documentary.

I was really inspired by the movie to go out and try to discover other ways of life and ways of looking at life. One scene that made me laugh was a conversation with two old women on the side of the road. They were dressed in colorful skirts and wraps, discussing television in a sarcastic way. They probably live in a community without television and, even thought they don’t have one, they know that life is still going to be fine without one. I thought about a conversation I had recently where I complained that I could not live without a cell phone. Watching the movie I thought, “Really? Did I really say I would die without a cell phone?” Things, stuff, material possessions. They have become such a part of our lives and it is good to be reminded every once in a while that the world will continue spinning even without all of our “necessities.” This documentary allowed me to step back from my own life and look through windows that I normally, to be honest, avoid. It was a good reality check.

Y tu Mama Tambien

2009-06-30T16:53:00.000-07:00

What begins as an exploration of the raunchy teenage male mind, Y tu Mama Tambien soon blossoms into a thematically rich film. Although the portrayal of male sexuality is vulgar, there is also an element of innocence about the boys’ path to self-discovery. The journey taken along the back roads of Mexico with Luisa is not only a literal journey, but allegorical as well.

At first, the implication is that the youths require the mentoring provided by their adult companion, but upon discovering Luisa’s terminal illness at the end of the film, it is obvious she needed the boys in order to learn a valuable lesson as well. Symbiotically, the boys and Luisa aid in each others transformations of growth. Whereas she willingly acts as their vessel which facilitates their passage into manhood, they in turn allow her to live the life of freedom she has always desired.

Throughout the film, the innocence of youth is held in stark contrast to the complexity of adulthood. Although the boys and Luisa are both struggling with the infidelity of their loved ones, both parties handle each indiscretion very differently. One scene in particular demonstrates the polar differences between the boys’ ability to cope with this issue as opposed to how Luisa does. Upon calling her husband for the last time in order to bid him farewell, the shot is purposely set up to include the boys on the other half of the screen as they play pool. The obvious implication is their ability to move past their problems with one another despite their mutual betrayal and revert back to innocent childhood games. Meanwhile, on the other half of the screen Luisa has a much harder time dealing with the explanation of the abandonment of her husband. She ends the phone call in tears with so much left unsaid and instead leaves him with a cryptic message stating that he would one day soon understand why she left. Whereas the boys merely needed a catharsis for the pain of their mutual betrayal in order to move forward, Luisa isn’t able to speak freely and is left in tears and self-anguish after hanging up the phone.

Upon reaching the sea their lives are forever changed as they all find a bit of themselves which they had been knowingly or unknowingly searching for. The sea, synonymous with freedom, mystery and vastness acts as the catalyst for their final transformations regardless of how it affects their lives thereafter. It is the zenith of their individual journeys which forces them to each walk their own respective paths from thereon after. Whereas Luisa had adult responsibilities to concern herself with in the past, she cleanses herself of her cares in the ocean and reverts back to childhood innocence as she enjoys her last days on the tranquil shores of Mexico. The boys, however, grow into adulthood as they lose their innocence of the friendship they once shared and discover more about themselves than they may have hoped for.

Hilarious, artistic and moving, Y tu Mama Tambien provides an introspective look into the lives of genuine characters which gives pause for reflection of our own roads toward the possibility of meaningful self-discovery.

Y Tu Mama Tambien

2009-06-30T15:55:00.000-07:00

"Y Tu Mama Tambien" illustrates a journey that two young men embark on where they experience life beyond adolescence and its exciting adventures. The movie depicts many themes about life, love, friendship, and death. The theme that was most apparent to me throughout the film is the theme of "endings."

This film portrayed a theme that many of us know and fear about all good things in our life and that is that at one point, they will come to an end. It re established that endings are inevitable and that nothing is as solid as it seems. There are many examples of endings scattered throughout the film. The main examples of significant endings throughout the film include the end of Luisa and Jano's marriage, the end of Tenoch and Julio's romantic relationships with their girlfriends, the end of Luisa's life, and finally the end of strong bond of Tenoch and Julio's friendship.

However, the film concentrated on connecting each end to a new beginning. The end of Luisa's marriage lead to her pursuit of a more fulfilling personal life. The end of Tenoch and Julio's high school relationships leads to more mature relationships. The end of Luisa's life combined with the end of Tenoch and Julio's friendship leads to the realization that life is complicated and ultimately leads to their transformation from boys to men, which is really what their journey is about.

Tenoch and Julio's journey represents a journey that everyone eventually takes that will provide a new perspective about life. The theme of endings is an important one because without endings there can be no beginnings, and new beginnings are what make life interesting. If we had not ended our comfortable routines in Southern California, we would not have begun our adventure in London to learn everything that we have so far.

What About Me?

2009-06-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

When hearing the title of the movie "What About Me?" one can't help but think in what way will this film relate to me? This film and music, created by, Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Catto, offer insight on life and death and the love that happens in between. Every person can relate to each part in some way. Whether it is tapping your feet to the musical genius discovered around the world, or the stories being told by those of another culture. .

Although the film covered many aspects of life, the chapters that seemed most significant were the ones that revolved around love and relationships. Love creates passion and vulnerability and fear and mystery. Love inspired the music and images of the section "Love and Need." I found it fascinating the way people of all ages from different cultures held different views about love, but knew that it was not something they wanted to live life without. It was best summed up by one of the people they interviewed who said something along the lines of, "Fish do not give each other water to survive, they swim through it together. Love is the same. We do not give each other love, we exist in it together." This quote combined with the music and images of love around the world evoked a variety of emotions. I believe these words embody the distinct difference between love and need.

Overall the entire film provided an inspiring way to look at life, love, and relationships. Each chapter connected to the next. Without one chapter, the others would not fulfill their potential to truly affect the perception of the audience.

What About Me?

2009-06-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

I greatly enjoyed the documentary "What About Me?". I had no idea what it was going to be about, and when I found out it was about music, I was really excited. I have been interested in music my whole life. I have been playing music since I was in the 5th grade, so this documentary literally gave me the chills. It was interesting hearing all the different types of music in the world. I also really enjoyed how every person or group they got to record with could contribute in a different way. This documentary also proves that the language of music really is universal. I also really liked how the film was not just about music, but it also incorporated a lot of other elements into it as well such as family, love, relationships and getting older. It was cool to see all the different types of people giving their own opinions on the topics that were being discussed in the documentary. It was really eye opening to see how all these different cultures felt on different issues. The opinion that rally shocked me the most was the African man saying that they did not believe in rape in marriages. That is a wife did not want to have sex with her husband, it didn't matter. She had to fufill her wifely duties to her husband, whether she wanted to or not. This sent gasps throughout the whole audience.
The venue was a really nice place. A lovely bar with comfortable seats and it even had a top level. The one thing I can say I did not enjoy about the whole experience was the man Simon that had poems in between each break in the film. They were kind of funny at first, but as the film went on they started to get a bit ridiculous. It was a pretty long documentary and with his commentary it made it almost too long. And at the end he was making fun of Americans in his little poem, when he knew half the audience was American. It was overall a great experience.

Hyde Park Music Festival

2009-06-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

It was a delight to have been invited to the music festival in Hyde Park this past weekend. Courtesy of Kevin Gossett, I was lucky enough to have the privilege of being his plus one on The Killers guest list. The lineup included such acts as The Silversun Pickups, Metric, The Hallowing Bells, Echo and the Bunnymen, The Kooks and The Killers.

With only two stages for the bands to share, the remainder of the festival grounds was compiled of food and beverage stands. It was surprising not to see the typical jewelry, incense, homemade clothing, etc., vendors that are usually sprinkled all over music festivals.

Something else that stood out was the litter strewn all over the place. Alcohol was permitted anywhere within the festival as long as it was served in a plastic bottle or cup. The problem with this, as it is in most of London, is the lack of trash receptacles in which to place the empty containers. Although there were several large trash bins, most people found it more convenient to throw their rubbish on the ground including their half-eaten food. It was surprising to see just how careless people could be when it came to cleaning up after themselves. The place looked like a wasteland at the end of the night.

The music itself was fantastic. The sound quality was also excellent. Metric was one of the best acts of night and has acquired yet another fan. Overall, the evening was a blast but I felt extremely fortunate I didn’t have to pay the outrageous price being asked. Thanks again, Kevin!

What About Me?

2009-06-29T12:36:00.001-07:00

“What About Me?” was an extremely powerful film that provided a new outlook on life, love, and death. Using the opinions and beliefs of a variety of people from all around the world, Duncan Bridgeman and Jamie Cato were able to write breathtaking lyrics about a variety of topics. The one that stood out the most to me was about not “loving” someone, but “needing” someone. They went on to say that when you say, “I love you” what you’re really saying is “I need you.” And for the most part, that is true. When you love someone, you are 100 percent comfortable around him or her, yet at the same time you’re completely terrified of losing that person.

What was surprising was that, no matter how unique the culture, the men and women had about the same view on love. Each interview and lyric contributed something about how a woman has so much power when it comes to relationships, sex, and family. This is because a man lusts so much for a woman’s touch, scent, and presence; women turn a mans need into power. However, there was one man in the film who mentioned that if a man needs his wife sexually she cannot deny him, and it is not considered rape. Was this supposed to mean that a woman only has power up until she weds? But then the film continued to mention how if it weren’t for the woman, family would fall apart; so does she only lose her sexual power?

What About Me?

2009-06-29T10:48:00.000-07:00

Amongst the crowded and animated streets of Brick Lane, we were lead through an unadorned entrance into a dark space lit only by the projection of the movie onto a barren white wall. Seeing a movie outside of the normal “theater” atmosphere is a refreshing change. In this case, the showing was split into five sections, and in between each there was a “fag break” and a story or poem from a talented writer named Simon. Although the entire procession took three hours, it went by relatively swiftly because there were plenty of opportunities to get some fresh air or to buy another drink.

The documentary itself was quite moving. It had this way of helping me realize that many of my daily worries are rather insignificant. There was an instance when one of the interviewees stated that people in third world countries think about what they are doing and people in more modern cultures think about what they are going to do. This line particularly struck me because young people are constantly preparing for their futures without taking the time to live in the present. And it’s not our fault. There is constant pressure from peers, media, and mostly parents to do as much as you can now in order to get rewarded later.

The other portion of the show that inspired me was when Simon, while telling one of his stories, made the concept of love seem so clear. He said, quite poignantly, that you must fall in love with yourself before you are able to fall in love with another person. Love blossoms when you find another person who is also falling in love with themselves and you can share this experience of falling in love together. I like this way of looking at the concept of love. In many cases, a person concentrates so much on their partner’s wellbeing, that they forget that their primary priority should be their own wellbeing.

2009-06-29T10:16:00.001-07:00

Nestled amongst various restaurants and bars and across the street from the now infamous Vibe Bar, is a small door that leads to the trendy Brickhouse restaurant and bar. On this particular night the venue hosted a screening of the documentary titled “1 Giant Leap: What About Me” that chronicles the travels of Jamie Cato and Duncan Bridgeman and their pursuit of new music and diverse outlooks on human nature. This extraordinary documentary offers its audience a unique insight into the lives and thoughts of cultures from all over the world. It was remarkable to see how playing and creating music brought so many different people together and created a common ground for people to build a new friendship. It did not necessarily matter that the two men could not speak the language of the people they met because the music was enough to bring them all together.

I found the documentary extremely humbling as I witnessed the pure happiness on the faces of individuals with little to nothing to their name. It is amazing the optimistic and encouraging attitudes that these people hold, especially when you compare some of the trivial things that we as Americans become upset over. I think the film served as a reminder for people that life is short and there is so much beauty in life if you just stop and take the time to look at it. The creators of the documentary managed to bring together cultures that on the surface, seem to be polar opposites, but with a closer look have much more in common than you would think.

An Outsider's Take on the Human Groupings at Roxy Bar

2009-06-29T10:12:00.000-07:00

Whoever thought to combine a theatre, restaurant, and bar under one roof was genius. Rarely in the United States do you get to experience cinema like this. Typically, seeing a movie at a regular movie theatre back home does not allow much room to do anything but simply sit in silence and watch the movie. However, Roxy Bar provides its guests a chance to grab a bite to eat, have a few drinks, and engage in conversation all while watching an enticing movie selected for its audiences’ enjoyment.

The wide range of people spending an evening at Roxy Bar showed that anyone could come in and have a good time. You could catch a handsome couple engrossed in conversation (and one another) sitting on one of the plush couches drinking wine. There were groups of friends enjoying one another’s company while drinking Becks Vier. Or you could see the massive group of eager eyed American tourists walking through the bar excited to be venturing into a London hotspot culturally different from their own.

Whether you were a young couple on a date, friends having a relaxed night out, or a group of American tourists looking to engage in a new form of cinema entertainment, each group commonly shared a mutual admiration for a good film, good food, good drinks, and good company.

Fugitive Pieces

2009-06-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

Fugitive Pieces is one of those rare movies that comes along and really stirs something inside its audience. Director Jeremy Podeswa vividly captures humankind’s endless struggle between love lost and learned through the eyes of his central character Jakob. Jakob witnesses firsthand his parents killed by Nazi soldiers while his sister Bella is dragged away. Jakob has immediately lost a love that is essential to any human being, yet alone a child. He is left merely with the memories of his parents and Bella that both haunt him and comfort him. With Jakob’s heart left scarred, he longingly waits for someone that will come along and heal his wound.

Jakob encounters various relationships throughout his lifetime that slowly begin to fill that void. A Greek anthropologist named Athos, who finds Jakob immediately after losing his family, takes Jakob in as his own son and provides him with the loving care of a parent that he so needed after the passing of his parents. Jakob later in his life seeks solace in a woman named Alex that he sees at first as a light to his darkness that will somehow save him. Although Alex is a saving grace in the beginning of their relationship, Jakob feels that his grief does not agree with her “shameless vitality” as he quotes in his writings. It isn’t until he meets the beautifully intelligent Michaela that Jakob begins to fill whole again. He has finally found someone that truly complements him. Jakob is finally able to slowly let go of his obsession over the loss of his family and able to open his heart to someone he has waited for his entire life to come along.

Fugitive Pieces delivers a message of hope to its audience. As Athos once said to Jakob as a child, “you can choose to see what destroys something, or what saves it.” Jakob finally chooses to not let the memories of his family ruin his life and decides instead to survive and prosper by letting Michaela into his heart.

Andrew Lawrence

2009-06-28T09:21:00.000-07:00

When young attractive student go traveling abroad either two things appear to happen. One, they have the most terrifying experiences where a psychotic killer is after them to torture and kill them. Second, they have this ridiculous time where impossibly silly and bizarre events occur throughout their trip that can only be out of a movie. These are two examples of movie plots from different films. These stories are elaborated truths which can potential happen but never in such a funny or terrifying fashion.

Vicky Christina Barcelona the tale of the two ladies is not as extreme as other traveling and youth seen in film. Yet, theirs is a story of a progression of fortunate experiences that are surreal especially when compared to my stay in London. Throughout the movie I keep thinking, “wow I wish I can have a experience like that”, and also thinking at the same time “yeah right that really happens to people?” I haven’t meant a gorgeous stranger who swept me away and had a fabulous time together. However we really never what could happen to us tomorrow. I guess if Woody Allen were to put my stay in London it wouldn’t be as exciting or appealing as Vicky and Christina. I guess it is not really my story that is interesting or Vicky and Christina’s but the experiences. My experience in London has been the thrilling and exciting although not as sexy as Vicky and Christina. Mr. Allen told an interesting tale that had humor and realness than any other traveling movie I’ve seen.

Although I haven’t met my handsome and foreign stranger at this point in my summer, I’m looking forward to meeting new people, experiences the culture of London and have a great experience all together. It makes me think of the uncertainty that is life. Nothing is for certain we’ll never know for absolute about anything, even our own feelings. Without those uncertainties I think life would be pretty boring.

There was nothing pleasant about the Pleasance Theatre where we went to watch a British comedian named Andrew Lawrence. The unpleasant heat of the room kept me distracted from paying attention to the comedian. The heat was a major problem for the audience and the comedian. At one point in the show Andrew mentioned how hot it was in the room. During the show two audience members had to leave the room because of the high temperature. I know it bothered me and I’m sure it had to have bothered the comedian. I’ve noticed that most places in London have been very hot since there seems to be no central air. Other than the unbearable heat of the tiny compacted room I enjoyed listening to him. I’ve only been to one comedy club in San Diego and the set up was different. In San Diego there were tables and a two-drink minimum. Perhaps American comedians need their audience to be drunk in order for them to think they are funny. There was nothing like that in the Pleasance Theatre. It was very small and compacted.

I didn’t understand some of his jokes and noticed it especially when other around me was laughing and I was not probably because of the cultural differences. He didn’t tell “jokes” but went on rants with lots of dirty references and swearing. British humor is definitely different than American humor. Americans like toilet humor, and jokes about stereotypes and the obvious observations. Andrew Lawrence made us think out of the box. He mentioned something at the end of the show that really stuck. He talked about the uncertainty of life and how it that makes life worth living. What’s the fun in knowing everything that going to happen? We need to accept the fact that life is uncertain and embrace it and allow the changes. He said that he usually ends his show with his guitar and a song, however that evening he forgot to bring his guitar and we missed the song finale, which I wished I hadn’t missed.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-06-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

This film spoke to me in numerous ways. First of all, the life led by Juan Antonio, directly projects the artistic, bohemian lifestyle that I have dreamed of living for the past few years. Being on my own, in London, helps me to feel like I am accomplishing some of my goals and living my life the way it is meant to me lived.
In comparing the revelations experienced by the characters to my own experiences so far in London, I find many similarities. Just the idea that these two girls, although at very different phases in their lives, wanted to get away and see a different part of the world hits home with me. My longing for taking this trip, regardless of the school requirements it fulfills, began with the simple need to see the world and experience new cultures. Part of this trip is fueled by the motivation to cease to focus on the things that used to give me identity, and create identity by opening my mind to new experiences and people.
As previously mentioned, the creative life led by Juan Antonio and Maria Elena (As well as Cristina later in the film) resonates with me, making me inspired to fully investigate the world of art while studying in this city.
Another important element of this film was the depiction of Vickie’s husband, a golfing business man who was obviously meant to come off as unworldly and frat-boyish. The film gives off the impression that by experiencing a new lifestyle, Vickie begins to realize that she may need more out of her life, friends, and significant other than she previously thought. This makes me think about my own friends that are at home. Although I truly love them, I feel at times like I cannot connect with them on the same level that I used to. None of them seem to be doing anything outrageous or interesting enough to keep me involved in their lives the way I used to be.

2009-06-28T08:03:00.000-07:00

Fugitive Pieces

2009-06-28T08:01:00.001-07:00

While watching this film, I couldn’t help thinking about my own experience moving to California when I was young. The scene in which the main character is on the boat sailing to an unknown destination reminded me of my own experience sitting in the back seat of my dad’s car, having no idea what kind of life I would soon be experiencing. It was a very frightening, yet exciting. The feeling of being pulled out of one environment then thrown into another was unsettling, and the film did a great job of recreating that sense of uncertainty.
Another aspect of this film that really jumped out to me was the fact that the young boy did not want to go outside. Granted, his experience was quite a bit more traumatizing than mine, but there were moments that I remember not wanting to step outside. During the early stages of my settlement in California, most of the time, I just felt like hiding. This was a very unsettling feeling, given the fact that I have always been a very social person. When the boy finally stepped out into the sunlight, a feeling of hope came over me, reminding me of when I began to adapt to my new lifestyle.

Andrew Lawrence

2009-06-28T07:24:00.001-07:00

Upon arriving at the Pleasance Club an instant feeling of warmth overcomes you. The bar and seating area allows for club goers to relax before the show in an almost surreal environment. Apart from all other venues we have traveled to as a class, the Pleasance Club is aimed more for individuals who are looking for an underground scene, both in the comic and musical sense. After grabbing a quick cocktail from the friendly bar staff, an announcement was made ushering all individuals into the small stage. Unfortunately however, the high spirits prior to entering the room were soon lost due to the cramped seating and excruciatingly hot temperature. The comedian’s words fell upon deaf ears on more than one occasion because of this distraction.

The comedian himself however was not as talented as many had hoped. His humor was aimed directly at that of the few British audience members, who found his routine almost hysterical. Unfortunately for the FIE students however his immature dark tone quickly lost its shine, and became repetitive and boring. The audience however was not the only one disappointed with the performance and the setting in which the show took place. Soon after the conclusion of the bit, Andrew Laurence was seen angrily walking out of the club, due most likely not only to the heat of the room, but also his lack of direction towards the audience. His skit was aimed towards a more British based audience, and in doing so, his jokes were hitting home with few if any of the American students attending. Overall the experience was one that can only be had in the small parts of London, however the particular comedian and venue were rather disappointing.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-06-28T07:12:00.000-07:00

Woody Allen’s films are known for their creativity, and he ceases to inspire in his direction of the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona. Through his prominent incorporation of a narrator during the film, he was able to draw the viewers into not only the obvious actions of the characters, but their feelings as well. By using this inner viewpoint, the audience is able to truly connect with the characters and follow their journey as if it were their own. The most specific instances where the narrator’s presence was prominent generally outlined any dramatic or controversial issues throughout the movie. For example, when Vicky slept with Antonio whilst Cristina was bed-ridden, the narrator immediately informed the audience of the cognitive dissonance that Vicky began feeling. This was a key point in the progression of the movie, for without the incorporation of the characters feelings there would have been no way that the audience would be able to depict the inner struggles faced, or the love triangle that had formed and diminished.

The interesting factor about this directing style is that he was able to specifically connect with almost all of the students who attended the viewing. The experiences that Vicky and Cristina were involved in are extremely similar to that of the students studying abroad. In both instances individuals travel to a foreign country where they are isolated from the ones they love and security of home all the while meeting locals and forming sparks of compassion. Woody Allen’s usage of a narrator amplifies this similarity and creates an explicit connection between the study abroad students and the characters within the film.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-06-28T06:42:00.000-07:00

When watching the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona there were a few comparisons that could be made between Vicky and Cristina’s trip to my own. Vicky and Cristina took their trip to Barcelona for two opposite reasons. Vicky wanted to work on her studies for her master’s thesis on Catalan culture, while Cristina was looking to explore more of her inner artistic abilities. I can relate to both girls in their reasoning to travel to another country. My own revelations for traveling to London are to study abroad and expand my knowledge on British culture. I am also here for my own personal reasons. I have always wanted to study abroad and travel. I am always on the move and I want to explore everything I can. While I have been in London I have experienced and witnessed so much of the cities artistic abilities that flood its streets and shops. London is filled with many artistic people and I can relate this with what Cristina experiences when she goes to Barcelona and hangs out with many artistic people as well. Another thing I noticed that can be compared is that when you go to another country you go sight seeing and you document your travels. I have done a lot of sight seeing in London and there were many accounts in the movie where the two girls went off sight seeing around Barcelona.

There of course has not been any Juan Antonio on my trip to London, but I have met some local people that have been extremely nice and interesting. Just like Juan Antonio taught both Cristina and Vicky something about his culture, I feel I have learned a lot from some of the local people I have met so far. If I were to add my own scene into the movie I think I would just have to add something about the struggles people have when they are away from home and how it is great to be in another country, but that sometimes the excitement can fade a little bit and home can be on your mind. Also, while being in London I have been forced into living with people I had never met before and had to get to know a whole different group of people. All of them are great and I am so happy I have met them all, but I think I would add a scene showing how overwhelming it can be to be put into a situation where you have to mold yourself around everyone else and reveal yourself to a new group of people. Those are the only two things I didn’t really see much of in the movie.

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-06-28T06:36:00.001-07:00

Watching the movie Vicky Cristina Barcelona was certainly an interesting experience due to the fact that we are currently living what the movie was portraying. The movie set out to show what life is like for people that are traveling out of their comfort zones and into a foreign country. I can compare my current situation with both characters, even though they are in Spain for different reasons and share a completely different set of beliefs when it comes to love and relationships. I feel that I can identify with Vicky in the sense that I am here in London to further my studies. I wish to learn about another culture and to experience something wholly different than my everyday life I have become accustomed to. Vicky was in the same situation, only studying Catalan culture instead of British culture. I identify with Cristina in the way that I am here to travel, explore, live, grow, experience and to find out more about myself.

Their travels are much more spontaneous and involved than mine have been so far, but the film does a relatively good job at capturing the uncertainty of travel. When they are invited to travel with Juan Antonio, one is hesitant and one is ecstatic. This is the way I feel about a lot of the adventures here that we go on independently. I feel hesitant because I don’t know the situation, where exactly I’m going, and what I’m going to experience. I am also ecstatic for these same reasons. I could take the wrong bus or train and end up somewhere that I would have never seen if the uncertainty was not present. This is present in the film by showing the separate characters that express these different opinions on their traveling and explorations.

While much of my experiences were presented in the film, I would add one thing based on what I have experienced thus far. I would probably show a little more of the characters talking to people from home more often. I feel that someone in a different country who is about to get married would be on the phone with her fiancé as well as friends and family a lot more than was portrayed. Other than the lack of communication with her distant friends, I feel the film really expressed what it is like to travel and the experiences you never know you are going to get the opportunity to have.

Andrew Lawrence

2009-06-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

For me this trip has been filled with next experiences, whether going to see Parliament or going to my first night club I have been introduced to a whole new lifestyle and culture. On Thursday I would be introduced to another side of British culture by going to a local comedy club to see my first stand up. As we got off the Underground I could tell that this was an extremely different living situation compared to the borough Kensington and Chelsea. When we got our tickets and drinks we sat in a room that felt like an oven and as I was waiting for Andrew Lawrence to come on the stage I had no idea what to expect which left me very interested on how the next hour would go. As he came on the stage he was a short scrawny man that was awkwardly built and as he picked up the microphone it would be an hour that I wish I could get back.

He started off talking about how show is was going to be bad and that if anyone did not like it they could get up and leave. Then audience received an insight into his personal life and how being a comedy was not better than being a bus driver. As the show was going on I noticed that there were quite a bit of locals that understood more jokes then our group. Andrews jokes were very raunchy and no one was left for mercy even his 93 year old grandmother was made fun of calling her deaf and delusional. Most of his jokes were toilet humor using countless amounts of swearing and extremely crude examples such as eating crap to boost himself confidence. With half of the people in the audience laughing and the other blankly staring at the stage I felt that this comedy show was very boring and the humor was truly bad. I felt that anyone can go on stage a drop a bunch of swear words and get a couple of laughs, but for me I did not find him that funny. Regardless it was a new experience that I enjoyed going on with my friends but I would not recommend him to go see.

Andrew Lawrence Comedy Show

2009-06-28T04:47:00.000-07:00

The British comedy show with Andrew Lawrence was the first comedy show that I have ever seen live. It was very interesting to see the differences between British humor and the humor that I am used to in the United States. One thing that we were told in class with Mr. Mackey was that in Britain, sex is more openly talked about and violence is not, when compared to the States. This was extremely evident in Lawrence’s humor. A lot of his jokes were extremely sexually charged. While you will still find this type of humor in American comedians, their jokes seem to center on violence more often than sex.
As for my take on the comedy, I would have to say that overall I enjoyed it. I must say overall because some of the culture differences made it extremely difficult to understand the jokes or to find them funny. I noticed that many of the British people in the crowd were laughing a lot more than our group of Americans were. This was potentially due to a name or a company reference that we were unaware of, a difference of culture, or we just did not find the joke entertaining. The jokes that I did understand I discovered to be very witty, intelligent, and entertaining. His rants about various topics would continue on and on, and would have taken either a lot of practice or just personal intelligence. I found his rants to be some of his most amusing segments, and the fact that he has the ability to continue on and on about a single topic made his show enticingly funny.
Although the show was probably one of the most uncomfortable experiences temperature wise, I thoroughly enjoyed it. I would love to see a stand up comedy show live back in the United States now that I have seen one here so that I can better compare the two.

Andrew Lawrence

2009-06-28T04:38:00.000-07:00

I thought Andrew Lawrence’s show was pretty funny overall. I think the main thing I liked about it was that I could relate to it was because my roommate is a red head or a “ginger” as he was calling it and I hear some of the stuff he was saying everyday from my roommate. I liked some of his jokes, and I didn’t like some of his jokes. I did enjoy the part about the housekeepers when you are at a hotel and how they keep knocking on the door even when you have the “do not disturb sign” on the door. I was laughing the hardest at that part. The KFC part was hilarious as well. There were some parts that were a little vulgar for me personally. The part about him “eating a bowl of his own s—t” was just too much for me to handle. I feel like that kind of humor is more aimed at a seven year old. I could almost hear the audience cringing, so maybe that kind of joke is not ok for the British either. About half was funny, and about half I just wanted to close my ears for.
There were several words and jokes that I did not understand. I just remember him saying certain things that I did not know and the rest of the audience would laugh, and I would have no idea what it was. His voice was a little hard to understand as well. It was high pitched and raspy and he spoke very quickly. That was also why I had a hard time fully understanding or hearing all of his jokes. For example, Katt Williams is a great comedian, but if you are not from the US, the way he talks may be hard to understand even if you are fluent in English.
This was a perfect way to observe cultural differences between the US and the UK. It showed culture in a completely different way than we have seen before and it was pretty eye opening into the world of British comedy

Andrew Lawrence

2009-06-28T04:03:00.000-07:00

Besides the stifling heat of the venue, Andrew Lawrence provided a show well worth the five pounds spent. His brand of comedy is unique and extremely quick-witted. Sick, twisted and brilliant, Lawrence uses material that covers both ends of the spectrum. Covering toilet humor to existentialism, he is all over the map. However, even when delivering his most crude jokes, which delve as low as eating his own feces, he maintains a very refined demeanor by using extremely sophisticated language. This juxtaposition of crass subject matter alongside of near poetic language somehow works. Think Vladimir Nobokov’s Lolita for the same principle.

It was interesting to observe the crowd’s response to his humor being that about a third of us were American. Paying close attention to who laughed when was an interesting study in cultural differences. A few jokes were made which were targeted toward British culture. During these jokes, the Americans seemed slightly lost. However, most his act was directed at a more general audience as long as one could follow his rapid speech, quick-wit and verbosity.

The show was thoroughly enjoyable minus the sweltering heat mentioned earlier. In the states, it is unimaginable to consider a venue holding a performance in an attic without any ventilation or air conditioning in the midst of summer. It was so hot two people left the room mid-performance. Even Lawrence made a comment about how unbearable it was as he tried propping open a few doors. Unfortunately, he could see he was losing his audience not due to his comedy but the discomfort of the sweltering heat. Perhaps England should start looking into more air conditioners.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

2009-06-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

After scavenging around London looking for the theater, we finally arrived with only a few minutes to spear before the doors were shut and locked. The group was a little annoyed that we struggled to get there but once everyone walked in and heard the upbeat music, we relaxed and began to eat our lunches as the first character ran on stage. This was the first indicator that the play was going to be more laidback and modern. Playhouses and theaters do not allow you to drink, let along eat inside and the idea of a “lunchbox theater” is genus. It is not hard to picture Londoners who work nearby to drop in and watch a play during their lunch break ¾ I would do it every chance I got.

Normally, Shakespeare is dragged out and tough to piece together, which will make the less popular plays rather dull. However, The Bridewell Theater’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” sheds a new light on Shakespearean plays. It took the idea of something so serious and, for the younger generations, difficult to understand, and twisted it to make it more modern. This made the play easier to identify with and more fun to watch. The characters still spoke in the Shakespearean tongue and were a tiny bit confusing to follow, but the casual everyday clothing and body language helped keep every member of the audience on track.

Not only was it a more modern version, but also it was quick and to the point. The play, from start to finish, didn’t even last an hour. In fact, it took us longer to find the theater than it did to watch the play! Some would think that means there were gaps and missing acts. However, it didn’t miss a beat; all the necessary scenes were acted out and overall it was a great production (probably one of the better ones I have seen).

Comedy Show

2009-06-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Attending the comedy show the other night opened my eyes to some of the differences between American stand up comedy and British stand up comedy. One of the differences I found was the type of jokes that were used in the routines. When watching an American stand up comedian there is usually some sort of reference to race. When watching Andrew Lawrence he never made any reference to race. The only jokes that came close to race is when he made a couple jokes about people from Wales and Scotland. The only other jokes that he made that were close to comparing people is when he was talking about being a ginger. Other than that there were no jokes on race like there is in America.

Another difference I noticed with the jokes was that Andrew Lawrence used a lot of sexual jokes. The majority of jokes he had incorporated some sort of sexual experience. In America there are some comedians that use a lot of sexual jokes, but then there are others that only use a few sexual jokes. Majorities of people will laugh at a good sexual joke, but I feel since British culture embraces sex more that their comedians use more sexual jokes. There really weren’t any jokes about violence, but if you watch an American comedian they will use violence in their jokes.

The last difference I found between British stand up and American stand up is the way the show was set up. The venue we saw Andrew Lawrence in was very small and intimate. The room was more like a theater set up with rising bench seats. I like the intimate setting of it, but it was extremely hot and uncomfortable. When you go to see an American stand up comedian the venue is usually more open and the seating is more spread apart. You usually sit at a table with your party and the comedian does their act on a stage. There is also air conditioning in American venues. Overall the show was funny, I just wish it wasn’t so hot in the room we sat in.

Comedy Show

2009-06-27T11:22:00.000-07:00

The first mildly startling thing I experienced at this show was the close, almost stifling proximity to other members of the audience, as well as the performer himself. It was very stuffy and hot, but contained a warm, personal environment. On to the comedy...
It is tough to decide whether I actually liked this show or not. The humor was definitely different than what I have experienced in the past. Obviously only having been here for a few weeks makes it difficult to understand all the references made to British culture, especially names. But I found that the comedian's intelligence and wit was able to make up for the references I did not understand. The material was quite vulgar, yet nothing really shocked or offended me.
One joke was made regarding KFC and how we eat it out of a bucket. The comedian was saying that we are "no better than animals" eating this terrible food, but to make it worse, they serve it to you in a bucket. Like its basically the lowest you can get. The two guys next to me found this HILARIOUS, but it didn't do to much for me. That did make me wonder why that is but I still dont know the answer... In closing, although I did enjoy the experience, the humor was much different in it's presentation than I am used to, making it less funny and more difficult to understand.

Kentucky Fried Chicken Comedy

2009-06-27T10:41:00.001-07:00

I have seen and heard plenty of comedy in the United States. It is an understatement to say that I pee my pants when I hear Dane Cook talk about the Kool-aid guy or see Jeff Dunham with his “Achmed the Terrorist” puppet. However, I had a difficult time relating to Andrew Lawrence’s comedy. Despite the heat, which did make it hard to concentrate, it was hard to understand exactly what he was talking about. First of all, I was surprised to see how young he is. For some reason I didn’t picture a young, scrawny kid who looked barely older than me. But besides the atmosphere and appearance, it was really the content of the comedy that kept me from “splitting my sides.” Andrew Lawrence, who probably didn’t know he was speaking to an audience full of Americans, used his normal British slang and, for me, it sounded like a completely different language! Words and names of people I didn’t know went in one ear and out the other. I guess this goes to show that just because we speak the same language doesn’t actually mean we do.

Although, one highlight I must mention, was Andrew’s skit on KFC. He made fun of the fact that KFC serves their food in buckets and how it makes him feel like an animal. The few, rare British people behind me laughed hysterically and I thought- doesn’t he know it’s supposed to be that way? It is Kentucky Fried after all! And then I laughed. Here was another perfect example of the cultural disconnect between the U.S. and the U.K.

Fugitive Pieces

2009-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

While watching the movie Fugitive Pieces, I was flooded with many different memories from my childhood. One memory that struck me right away was a memory I have of my mother’s hands. This memory came back to me during the movie when I saw the scene where Jacob was trying to explain to Ben that Ben’s father, Joseph, did feel pain about the holocaust and what he saw there. Jacob explained that Joseph told him that every morning he would remember his parents and start to weep. Joseph would remember his mother’s hands. When Jacob told Ben about Joseph’s memories of his mother’s hands my heart dropped. My mother died when I was six years old. I don’t remember too much of her, which is very hard for me to say. The one memory I do have of her that is still strong in my mind is an image of her hands. Every morning before I would go to school, I would stand right by my mom, as she got ready for work. As my mom would get ready for work I would admire her and I would always grab her hand to give me attention. I would sit there and tug on her hand until she gave me attention and I would sometimes sit there and admire her hands. I remember they were soft and her nails where always very well kept. The one thing I noticed the most is that she always had a reddish hue to her skin. I would ask her why her skin was red and she would answer with a simple “I don’t know” and a warm smile. That memory is a very simple one, but it is very important to me and is very close to my heart. I haven’t thought of the memory in a while, but Fugitive Pieces made me think of it again.

Soul-Crushing Vicissitudes of Fortune

2009-06-27T08:53:00.000-07:00

Walk into the Pleasance Comedy Club in London and one would expect it to look like any other comedy club they have been to. There are flyers and advertisements of the featured comedians on the walls, a place to buy tickets, and a bar to buy pres-how drinks. What is unexpected is that after entering the upstairs room, which is full of darkness, chairs, and a microphone, one immediate begins to sweat bullets and feel slightly uncomfortable. Most attempt to ignore the heat as the comedian, Andrew Lawrence, introduces himself onstage and begins to perform his “Soul-Crushing Vicissitudes of Fortune.”

At first, the audience gets the impression that this man has the typical “British style humor” and it works for him. He is witty and is constantly applies British culture to his jokes and punch lines, along with self-incriminating comments about being a skinny ginger with an awkward sounding voice. This style of humor will produce laughter from a variety of people, British and American audiences included. However, about half way through his act much of the laughter had died down. Very few if any American’s in the crowd knew what he was talking about and the rest of the audience didn’t seem to like his foul language and immature manner.

Overall he was a funny character, but the combination of puzzling British jokes, crude and unusual stories, and unbearable heat made it very difficult to enjoy. On the other hand, if he were to perform at a different venue, the circumstances would have been different and the experience would have been better.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

2009-06-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

After franticly wandering the streets near St. Paul’s Cathedral for forty-five minutes, we arrived at our destination, The Bridewell Theatre. Our anxiety was quickly replaced by excitement for the show to begin. The Bridewell Theatre is unique in that it offers a “lunchbox theatre” Thursday thru Friday at one in the afternoon. The actors were successful in performing a modern version of Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona. I think one of the most noticeable differences between the Bridewell’s production of the play and the more traditional productions of Shakespeare was the wardrobe. It was quite humorous to see actors and actresses perform in casual t-shirts and flip-flops and then speak in Shakespeare’s language. I think that translating a famous Shakespearean play to fit into our modern society is a great idea because it may then appeal to a younger audience who would not otherwise be interested in seeing a Shakespearean play. At the beginning of the play it was difficult to understand exactly what was going on, as I had never heard of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, but as the story line became clearer, I quickly started to enjoy it.

In addition to the theatre’s modern approach to Shakespeare, I really enjoyed the “lunchbox” aspect of the performance. The Bridewell allowed members of the audience to bring in their own food and to eat it during the show. I found this extremely convenient considering most theatres have a strict no eating or drinking policy. Another perk of the theatre was its promptness. The play began at one exactly and lasted no longer than forty-five minutes. I found this to be the perfect length for a relaxing afternoon performance. The Bridewell’s presentation of The Two Gentlemen of Verona has definitely sparked my interest in Shakespeare and I look forward to seeing another during my time in London.

Fugitive Pieces

2009-06-27T08:50:00.001-07:00

The film Fugitive Pieces had many powerful images and scenes that reminded me of events that have happened in my life, whether they were directly related to what was going on in the scene or not. One of the most powerful scenes that brought on vivid memories for me was the scene where the child has to hide in a crawl space in the wall so that he can avoid his captors. This brought me back to a day that I had not remembered until viewing the film. I recall being a young child and my Dad showing me the current houses he was building. One of the houses was a huge mansion and it was all very exciting to see. The person that was having the house built was obviously wealthy, and until I saw one part of the house it all seemed like a dream I would love to live one day. I had hesitations when he showed me a secret, tiny room that he had installed in between the rooms of the two children. It was a room that could be locked from the inside, and was joining the two closets of the rooms together. I asked my Dad what it was for and he had to explain to me that with wealth and popularity would sometimes come enemies. There might be some people out there who would take the children in an attempt to make money from a ransom. The crawl space I was playing in quickly became unappealing and I wanted to get out of it as fast as possible. This was the first time that I was really faced with greed and with crime and the serious events in the world that we sometimes have to deal with. I attempted to imagine what it would be like to have to run into the crawl space to avoid capture, and to not know what was happening to my family while I was inside of that tiny room. Unfortunately for the child in the movie, he was still able to see and was forced to witness his fathers murder and his family’s abduction. When I saw that part, I did not know which would be better; the curiosity of not knowing and being spared from witnessing something terrible, or being able to see what was happening with the possibility of viewing a horrific scene that would stay with you for the rest of your life?

Vicky Cristina Barcelona

2009-06-27T08:35:00.000-07:00

Under the dim lights of the friendly Roxy Bar, an eclectic group of people settled into their seats, beers in hand, as the movie began. Vicky Cristina Barcelona was the perfect movie to see in this pleasant setting, especially because it tells the story of two American women spending their summer in Barcelona, much as twenty-four American SDSU students are spending their summer in London.

There are many aspects of the film that highlight Woody Allen’s directing style, a prominent one being the narration. The deep voice and profound words of the narrator interject at many key points during the story. In most other films, this would almost certainly break the audience’s concentration and interrupt the flow of the scene. However, in this film, the narration works. It seems to bring the film back together during the more frenzied moments. The narrator, along with the cheerful music, brings certain lightness to a film that would otherwise be heavy if it depended solely on its dramatic plot.

Another part of Vicky Cristina Barcelona that resembled Woody Allen’s style was that the film was so heavily focused on love and sex, yet the conversations spoken among characters were much more erotic than any of the actual sex scenes. Allen is known for his dialogue-heavy movies, and this one is no exception. Although many of the themes in the film are taboo in our culture (e.g. a threesome), Allen has a way of opening up the viewer’s mind and illustrating that, in this case, a relationship with three members instead of two can be quite healthy. The film ends abruptly, and although this contradicts the “happily ever after” ending of most romantic movies, this conclusion is quite fitting for Vicky Cristina Barcelona.

Comedy Show

2009-06-26T17:47:00.000-07:00

British humor is known for being "witty" and "clever" and overall hilarious. With this type of expectation, anticipation and excitement were the emotions that we all felt when arriving to our first British comedy show, "Soul-Crushing Vicissitudes of Fortune" featuring Andrew Lawrence. Aware of the reputation of British humor, as well as an understanding of how it differed from American humor, I was ready to be overwhelmed by enticing jokes leading to uncontrollable laughter. Initially I was intrigued by Lawrence's brutal honesty about his life, his job, and his red hair. I found myself falling into the comfortable situation between a comedian and his audience where the audience begins to trust that every word coming out of the mouth of the man on stage will at least evoke some type of chuckle.

However, soon my laughter lessened and then it became nonexistent. Some might say this is because I did not understand the jokes made about British culture, and they would be partially right. Some of the jokes Lawrence told were obviously funny to those who are aware of British politics and pop culture. As an American in the audience, I could understand why his jokes were interpreted as funny, but did not know the actual reason they were so funny to others in the room. Also, I found myself extremely turned off to some of his more crude jokes. Many of his jokes could be compared to a conversation among a group of 13 year old boys who have just discovered the hilarity that 13 year old boys find in profane language. Many of his jokes were not clever, but rather disgusting. For example telling a story about consuming his own feces to prove his immortality is not something I would find funny whether it was a British comedian or an American comedian. I found it odd that others in the audience laughed at this story and still do not understand how anyone could find this amusing.

While I realize that my critique is exactly the type of critique Lawrence hates because he believes reviews like mine bring creative people down, I would have to disagree. I didn't find him very creative. Most of his jokes were unnecessarily crude and lacked comedic timing. I am not sure if Lawrence's humor is typical British humor, but if it is, I do not think I can consider myself a fan. I can say that I am open to another comedy show experience for the hopes of a different perspective on British humor.