laurainlimbo (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
laurainlimbo) wrote2008-05-25 11:11 pm
laurainlimbo) wrote2008-05-25 11:11 pm
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memorial day weekend, and a movie review
Happy Memorial Day weekend for my friends in the U.S. Someone asked me if I was barbecuing today and I said no - I don't own a bbq. Why not? Just never bought one. I don't feel the need to barbeque. that's all.
besides, it's only fun if you have a big group.
oh and Happy Birthday to one of my favorite actors, Cillian Murphy, who turned 32 today. The boy is breathtakingly gorgeous!
It's been a dull weekend, for the most part. not that I'm complaining. I like dull sometimes.
I went swimming Saturday morning, did five loads of laundry (no kidding) at the laundromat on Saturday afternoon, went shopping at the japanese market Saturday night, bought a new set of the Chronicles of Narnia today at Border's, and shopped for a cell phones for me and my husband (which I will probably buy tomorrow). Yesterday I watched part of The Outsiders, a movie that I probably watched six times as a teenager, but haven't seen for over 20 years! that brought back some memories of my friend Lisa Renter and I going to the theater over and over when we were 14, drooling over C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe. Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio and Leif Garrett are also in that film. Wow that movie is full of cute guys, a virtual feast of eye candy for a teenage girl!
Tonight I watched a film that will probably stick in my mind for a long long time - in fact, now I really want to read the book. I watched Sean Penn's movie Into the Wild , the adaptation of the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer about Christopher McCandless, who left the middle-class, suburban, post-college society and hitchhiked his way across the U.S. to the wilds of Alaska.
The movie explores the many possible reasons for his leaving society, and abandoning his family, as well as his own identity, for a new life, or "rebirth": a sense of anger, frustration, and rebellion towards his parents; a yearning for freedom from material and societal restraints (he had never even had a phone prior to his excursion); a desire to live on the edge, or as a book reviewer puts it, to "look over the edge"; a need to really expand his mind, and I think have a reason to live. The following link gives a great synopsis of the book, which pretty much sums up the movie: http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm?book_number=191
the movie is visually breathtaking, emotionally draining, and spiritually and mentally awakening. It's interesting that I found myself torn between two radically different feelings towards this incredible young man, this "hero": on the one hand, a sense of awe and admiration for what Christopher did, especially a sense of "I wish I could do that", the sheer bravery and carefree nature needed to break free from the chains of money, society, and even family; but on the other hand, a sense of anger and frustration at his selfish senselessness, in leaving behind a family who obviously would sense his absence, and who would suffer from the loss of a son and a brother. Even someone as resourceful, strong and mentally prepared as he was, still wasn't strong enough to conquer the extreme wild of the untamed frontier, Alaska.
I really think that Christopher McCandless did this not out of a desire to die, or even to be alone. He did it as a way of telling a story, of proving something to himself, of learning the sheer limits of the human spirit. I just love this quote from the book review: "When McCandless's innocent mistakes turn out to be irreversible and fatal, he becomes the stuff of tabloid headlines and is dismissed for his naiveté, pretensions, and hubris. He is said to have had a death wish but wanting to die is a very different thing from being compelled to look over the edge."
Finally, some notes about the acting and directing. The movie stars Emile Hirsch (who is currently in Speed Racer), who is an uncanny mix between Ewan McGregor and Leonardo DiCaprio, and whose acting is superb. Also, Catherine Keener is fantastic as usual as a fellow traveler he meets, as well as Jenna Malone, as Christopher's sister. In fact, Jenna does much of the voiceover narrative, and it's through her narratives that we learn a lot about the main character's motivation. Sean Penn's directing artistically weaves the viewer between Christopher's last few weeks in Alasa, and the weeks leading up to his final Alaska adventure. The characters that Christopher meets along the way are equally fascinating, including an oscar-nominated performance by Hal Holbrook, whose one scene is enough to bring tears. If you're in the mood for something deeply reflective, and aesthetically beautiful, with amazing acting, and a strong message, watch this movie. It will really open your eyes.
I meant to post a picspam of my cat, as I just uploaded a bunch of adorable pictures to my computer. But I think I'll do it tomorrow night. It's almost midnight and I need to go and read some Prince Caspian and get this movie out of my mind... for now.
besides, it's only fun if you have a big group.
oh and Happy Birthday to one of my favorite actors, Cillian Murphy, who turned 32 today. The boy is breathtakingly gorgeous!
It's been a dull weekend, for the most part. not that I'm complaining. I like dull sometimes.
I went swimming Saturday morning, did five loads of laundry (no kidding) at the laundromat on Saturday afternoon, went shopping at the japanese market Saturday night, bought a new set of the Chronicles of Narnia today at Border's, and shopped for a cell phones for me and my husband (which I will probably buy tomorrow). Yesterday I watched part of The Outsiders, a movie that I probably watched six times as a teenager, but haven't seen for over 20 years! that brought back some memories of my friend Lisa Renter and I going to the theater over and over when we were 14, drooling over C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, Patrick Swayze and Rob Lowe. Tom Cruise, Emilio Estevez, Ralph Macchio and Leif Garrett are also in that film. Wow that movie is full of cute guys, a virtual feast of eye candy for a teenage girl!
Tonight I watched a film that will probably stick in my mind for a long long time - in fact, now I really want to read the book. I watched Sean Penn's movie Into the Wild , the adaptation of the non-fiction book by Jon Krakauer about Christopher McCandless, who left the middle-class, suburban, post-college society and hitchhiked his way across the U.S. to the wilds of Alaska.
The movie explores the many possible reasons for his leaving society, and abandoning his family, as well as his own identity, for a new life, or "rebirth": a sense of anger, frustration, and rebellion towards his parents; a yearning for freedom from material and societal restraints (he had never even had a phone prior to his excursion); a desire to live on the edge, or as a book reviewer puts it, to "look over the edge"; a need to really expand his mind, and I think have a reason to live. The following link gives a great synopsis of the book, which pretty much sums up the movie: http://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm?book_number=191
the movie is visually breathtaking, emotionally draining, and spiritually and mentally awakening. It's interesting that I found myself torn between two radically different feelings towards this incredible young man, this "hero": on the one hand, a sense of awe and admiration for what Christopher did, especially a sense of "I wish I could do that", the sheer bravery and carefree nature needed to break free from the chains of money, society, and even family; but on the other hand, a sense of anger and frustration at his selfish senselessness, in leaving behind a family who obviously would sense his absence, and who would suffer from the loss of a son and a brother. Even someone as resourceful, strong and mentally prepared as he was, still wasn't strong enough to conquer the extreme wild of the untamed frontier, Alaska.
I really think that Christopher McCandless did this not out of a desire to die, or even to be alone. He did it as a way of telling a story, of proving something to himself, of learning the sheer limits of the human spirit. I just love this quote from the book review: "When McCandless's innocent mistakes turn out to be irreversible and fatal, he becomes the stuff of tabloid headlines and is dismissed for his naiveté, pretensions, and hubris. He is said to have had a death wish but wanting to die is a very different thing from being compelled to look over the edge."
Finally, some notes about the acting and directing. The movie stars Emile Hirsch (who is currently in Speed Racer), who is an uncanny mix between Ewan McGregor and Leonardo DiCaprio, and whose acting is superb. Also, Catherine Keener is fantastic as usual as a fellow traveler he meets, as well as Jenna Malone, as Christopher's sister. In fact, Jenna does much of the voiceover narrative, and it's through her narratives that we learn a lot about the main character's motivation. Sean Penn's directing artistically weaves the viewer between Christopher's last few weeks in Alasa, and the weeks leading up to his final Alaska adventure. The characters that Christopher meets along the way are equally fascinating, including an oscar-nominated performance by Hal Holbrook, whose one scene is enough to bring tears. If you're in the mood for something deeply reflective, and aesthetically beautiful, with amazing acting, and a strong message, watch this movie. It will really open your eyes.
I meant to post a picspam of my cat, as I just uploaded a bunch of adorable pictures to my computer. But I think I'll do it tomorrow night. It's almost midnight and I need to go and read some Prince Caspian and get this movie out of my mind... for now.
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I wasn't going to BBQ? But it's just me and dad-so we'll fires the grill up for some burgers and hotdogs-he's actually very excited and looking forward to it-lol. So I am gonna go ahead and do that-he looks forward to so little I don't want to say no-disappoint him when it's nothing major ;-)
The Outsides-OMG do I love that movie! I have it on dvd-and it just never gets old for me. The opression, and optimism they had in there-S.E. Hinton was amazing to capture that in her books. And the cast for this movie was a who's who of actors/actresses that just brought it to life-I honestly don't think anyone could remake it as well as it was done then. I cry watching it every single time. I was a teen at the time as well and remember watching it in the theater-while we had a blizzard-lol. It started in the midst of the film-or I'd have gone another time-lol. But it's still such a great film-even now. Timeless!
It's been awhile since I rented anything-so I might need to do that this week-see what's out there. I want something light I think? *G* After this past month-I need that! I did all my laundry the other day-so I sympathize with you! Blah. But it needs to be right? No going to work nekkid ;-P Hee!
*Hugs you*
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If I was with my family, especially my dad, I'd bbq for sure - if it makes someone happy, then by all means do it. I'm so glad your father has you - his life is so much better for it!!
omg the Outsiders always made me cry when was younger, and when I watched the scene where Johnny dies (Ralph Macchio's character), the other day, I cried all over again! It's a great film! timeless, just like you said!
well if you want a light movie, Into the Wild is not such a good idea. I'll think if I can recommend something for you that's not heavy. but I haven't seen anything good recently, sadly. How about The Golden Compass? it's not light, but it's fantasy. or did you ever see Little Miss Sunshine? it's a bit older, but it's fun! or maybe Evan Almighty? did you see Pirates of the Caribbean 3? that's good too!
haha - no going to work nekkid - not unless it's Jensen Ackles right?? LOL!
*Hugs tight*
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The BBQ went well-as I said just burgers and dogs ;-) But he loved it! And it was pretty easy to do-as I made potato salad to go along with it-we were both good to go! I f I can I do like to do what I can-and that was pretty easy! Even for me ;-P
I am gonna watch the Outsiders again-even though it always makes me cry! I adore it-and to me it was/is a timeless film. Alot of the writing/filming with the right actors helped that along. ;)
I saw all those-not a fan of the Golden Compass, Little Miss Sunshine or Even Almighty-lol. I was bored through all those-didn't do much for me-lmao ;-P But I loved the Pirates 3 movie-I have all 3 on dvd of those ;-P I need to go back to the rental soon and see what's out there now. But thanks for the recs!!!
Nekkid Jensen-not much work would get done? But it'd be an awesome day on the job!
*Hugs you*
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oh, wait! Did you see "On the Edge" with Cillian Murphy? you can rent it I think from Netflix. I have a copy - wish I could burn it for you but I have no dvd burner. it's very good, and he's so cute in it!
to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of Even Almighty either - but I wasn't sure if it was your cup of tea...
I liked the Golden Compass but then I also read the book.
well, off to bed (but not before my early piece of birthday cake)!
*hugs tight*
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I am close to posting your b-day spam too-like in about 5 minutes! I hope that you'll get to see it soon then-if not tonight then soon enough ;-P Happy Birthday!!!!!!
*Hugs*
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I love Cillian he is awesome!!
omg into the wild is amazing
gosh what he did,.that movie blew me away and was so so so well made!!! Emilie was outstanding!!
I should read the book thats a good idea!
have a nice evening honey!
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yes, Into the Wild was so amazing - and the actors were all awesome!
thanks!!
*hugs*
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We do love BBQs though, if we get a nice weekend we'll get one of those disposable ones and cook some stuff. We also have a proper BBQ that we use when we have a big party, we have one of those every few years, this year it's because of my brother's 21st!
Might add that film to my list, sounds amazing!
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wow - brother is turning 21? that is reason for a big party huh?
you definitely should see Into the Wild - it is very very good!
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yes, Cillian is pretty - so so pretty!!
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Anyway, glad you did a synopsis of Into the Wild, I've been wondering about that movie. I'm totally gonna watch it now!
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here's another:
and yes, watch that film - it's mighty awesome!