The Kids care about gaming. My generation hits up their blackberries before the opening credits end. My elders are watching cooking programmes. Who gives a shit anymore? We can't keep the industry going based on nostalgia, it needs to really have a reason.
Tom Cruise and Adam Sandler used to be safe bets, but now they're flopping! Is it a wake up call? Of course not. The industry doesn't support artistic achievement. They're not looking for the next 'Annie Hall', they want the next 'Avatar.' And I'm not talking about the artistic merit of 'Avatar', I'm talking about the revenue.
The best writers go to TV. When you ask people what movies they've seen recently, they mumble about there not being much out there at the moment. When you talk about TV, they DEMAND you buy their favourite DVD box-set immediately!
The artists keep getting it wrong. At the top end of the industry, you're constantly made to appease studios and sponsors and lots of white men in suits. At the bottom end, everyone is busy promoting themselves on Twitter, but they forget to become GREAT, instead focusing on selling their product. And most of the time, the product sucks!
But you can hardly blame them. It's capitalism. We make products and sell them. That's how society works, but it's not how art works. At least not at first. A great artist needs an incubation period. Unfortunately, it's 10 years, and who has time for that?
You can hold out and be all about the integrity. About only following your muse. Problem is, your work SUCKS for years, nobody strikes greatness from the word go. Maybe you ignore the opportunity to sell out at first, because no, you're about the art. But eventually you realise; the bills won't pay themselves. You're never going to fix the leak in the kitchen if you keep making the passion projects.
So what are your goals? You just want to earn enough to be a player in the Hollywood system? It makes sense, after all, you want to earn some money. But the product is terrible! Maybe we're wrong to bemoan how shit most movies are. After all, why should it be any different? They're products. Built on the assembly line. Is Aniston available? Good. Let's put her in a movie with that guy from that new comedy show. Perfect. Women will love that. We have an audience. It's money in the pot.
The innovation is in technology. It's in apps and social networks and communication. And the excitement is in gaming. And the great writing is in TV. How many films have you loved in the past five years? Suddenly that two hours seems like a really long time. If the movies keep getting worse and worse, then soon there'll be no come back.
The industry struggles on -- but where is the passion? Where is the art?
Sunday 24 June 2012
Saturday 23 June 2012
TOM PETTY - WALLS
Friday 22 June 2012
My Top 8 ADVENTURELAND Moments
8. SATIN LIVES.
James has just started working at 'Adventureland'. This probably isn't a stand out scene for many people -- I mean, not a lot happens, it's just a bunch of young people hanging around outside after work -- but it really resonates with me. Reminds me of being younger and working shitty jobs; and the only thing that makes it bearable is hanging around outside after work and laughing and talking. It's little moments like this which make it a special movie.
Also the subtle way that Em & James connect in this scene -- it's so real!
7. LISA P IS BACK & "Tops".
Maybe it's the music. The Rolling Stones - Tops, one of my favourite songs. Don't you just LOVE that song!? And Lisa P comes around the corner -- that's another thing that makes the crappy job bearable, the hot girls! Without them how would you survive? And again; it's dumb-subtle things that make me love this movie. Like in this scene; there's just something pathetic and lonely about the characters. They're in their lame 'Games Games Games' t-shirts, working jobs they hate, watching their youth passing by.
6. PALE BLUE EYES.
They're listening to James' 'bummer songs mix tape'; and the track is 'Pale Blue Eyes'; they look miserable as hell! But what a moment. James is looking at Em, trying to figure her out. That's all you ever do when you're that age; look at people and try figure them out. It's clear that Em is going through something. James is in love, no denying it. "Can we go somewhere?" he asks, "yeah," she responds. So they park up under the bridge and get out of the car.
James has the tiniest moment to think about it, then bolts after her-- he's so fast off the mark that the camera struggles to keep up -- it's a wonderful moment, so real. He goes for the kiss. She's taken aback. Great moment.
The scene after is great, too; Joel is completely jealous -- it's not so much what he says, it's the tone of his voice and the look in his eye. Those small and quiet awkward jealousies -- you remember them? I mean, I still get them now; but when you're younger, they're so painful and shape half of your existence!
I love how Martin Starr (who played Joel) acted those moments. I asked Greg Mottola about it recently, he said: "That was something that I talked about with Martin Starr, but never really made explicit in the writing. That's the kind of texture of life that I remember, as opposed to turning it into melodrama."
5. MEN ARE PRIDEFUL CREATURES.
James and Lisa P are getting high. They're having deep conversations, but they're not making much sense, because they're so HIGH! And they're sitting somewhere out in the back of the Adventureland park. The sun is disappearing as it turns into night; and it's just one of those amazing moments that you can't plan --- finding a quiet little spot, having a conversation and watching the world go by.
Again, it's just a subtle thing -- no drama, no action, no tension -- it's just a moment. How often do you get those moments in movies? How often do you get them in life? In films, you get them occasionally in 'Adventureland', or 'Before Sunrise', or maybe a Cameron Crowe movie. But when else? I crave them. As for life; these moments get harder and harder to come across - everyone is so locked in to their devices, to their schedules. Throwing away the plans and indulging in THE MOMENT is one of the best things about life --- and that is exactly----- EXACTLY what this movie is about.
4. UNSATISFIED.
James is heading to New York. He arrives on a bus, and the streets are rainswept. It would be miserable if you allowed it to be miserable, but James is FREE, and he's living LIFE! You see that subtle smile on his face? It's like 'YEAH, I'm in NEW YORK!' --- I get that EXACT look, that precise feeling -- and the funny thing is that, when I arrive in New York, there's every chance I'm listening to 'Unsatisfied' by The Replacements in my headphones, which is what makes this moment resonate with me even more.
3. THE HAT IS GLUED ON?
Joel gets hit in the face. James stands up for him and punches the guy. Then he realises, holy shit, this guy is much bigger than me! A chase pursues and James eventually makes it back to the main office -- where his bosses are doing some paperwork. Bobby (Bill Hader) knows exactly what to do. It's one of those pure movie moments, absolute magic. Highly unrealistic; but because it's a flick, you go with it. He picks up his baseball bat and heads outside to take on the thugs. "Just give me one good reason! You don't know what I'm capable of!" Then he heads back to the office, as if nothing happened.
2. JUST LIKE HEAVEN.
Bumper cars! They're smiling! They're young! The camera-work is dizzying, and The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven' sounds triumphant! This scene just takes me directly back to every single moment of my life that's ever been FUN!
1. DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER.
I didn't even like this song before I saw the movie, I always found it annoying! Now it's one of my favourites. How to describe why I like it? It's near impossible. Like in so much of this movie, nothing happens; it's just a feeling, a moment; a slice of life.
James, Em & Joel are hanging out -- it's thanksgiving; and then the fireworks start just as the Crowded House song 'Don't Dream It's Over' is beginning -- and there's Joel again, looking on jealously. Ouch! I know that look, I lived that. And then there's James and Em, looking up at the sky and then, for that small moment, the whole universe makes sense. I know that feeling, too!
Ohhhh man, I just relate to it! It resonates! Reminds me of myself, my youth, those moments that meant so much but are now consigned to history, just like the era this movie is set in. What did it all mean? How much of it do you carry with you? How likely are we to find these connections again?
It's an age thing. One day you're in the moment every single darn second, and then before you know it, you're grown up and numb.
This scene is magic. And I'm doing a terrible job of explaining why, it's just some kind of alchemy. A director who trusted himself enough to make it about the little things; and actors who are comfortable enough to just live the moment, to make it about the tiny glances.
James has just started working at 'Adventureland'. This probably isn't a stand out scene for many people -- I mean, not a lot happens, it's just a bunch of young people hanging around outside after work -- but it really resonates with me. Reminds me of being younger and working shitty jobs; and the only thing that makes it bearable is hanging around outside after work and laughing and talking. It's little moments like this which make it a special movie.
Also the subtle way that Em & James connect in this scene -- it's so real!
7. LISA P IS BACK & "Tops".
Maybe it's the music. The Rolling Stones - Tops, one of my favourite songs. Don't you just LOVE that song!? And Lisa P comes around the corner -- that's another thing that makes the crappy job bearable, the hot girls! Without them how would you survive? And again; it's dumb-subtle things that make me love this movie. Like in this scene; there's just something pathetic and lonely about the characters. They're in their lame 'Games Games Games' t-shirts, working jobs they hate, watching their youth passing by.
6. PALE BLUE EYES.
They're listening to James' 'bummer songs mix tape'; and the track is 'Pale Blue Eyes'; they look miserable as hell! But what a moment. James is looking at Em, trying to figure her out. That's all you ever do when you're that age; look at people and try figure them out. It's clear that Em is going through something. James is in love, no denying it. "Can we go somewhere?" he asks, "yeah," she responds. So they park up under the bridge and get out of the car.
James has the tiniest moment to think about it, then bolts after her-- he's so fast off the mark that the camera struggles to keep up -- it's a wonderful moment, so real. He goes for the kiss. She's taken aback. Great moment.
The scene after is great, too; Joel is completely jealous -- it's not so much what he says, it's the tone of his voice and the look in his eye. Those small and quiet awkward jealousies -- you remember them? I mean, I still get them now; but when you're younger, they're so painful and shape half of your existence!
I love how Martin Starr (who played Joel) acted those moments. I asked Greg Mottola about it recently, he said: "That was something that I talked about with Martin Starr, but never really made explicit in the writing. That's the kind of texture of life that I remember, as opposed to turning it into melodrama."
5. MEN ARE PRIDEFUL CREATURES.
James and Lisa P are getting high. They're having deep conversations, but they're not making much sense, because they're so HIGH! And they're sitting somewhere out in the back of the Adventureland park. The sun is disappearing as it turns into night; and it's just one of those amazing moments that you can't plan --- finding a quiet little spot, having a conversation and watching the world go by.
Again, it's just a subtle thing -- no drama, no action, no tension -- it's just a moment. How often do you get those moments in movies? How often do you get them in life? In films, you get them occasionally in 'Adventureland', or 'Before Sunrise', or maybe a Cameron Crowe movie. But when else? I crave them. As for life; these moments get harder and harder to come across - everyone is so locked in to their devices, to their schedules. Throwing away the plans and indulging in THE MOMENT is one of the best things about life --- and that is exactly----- EXACTLY what this movie is about.
4. UNSATISFIED.
James is heading to New York. He arrives on a bus, and the streets are rainswept. It would be miserable if you allowed it to be miserable, but James is FREE, and he's living LIFE! You see that subtle smile on his face? It's like 'YEAH, I'm in NEW YORK!' --- I get that EXACT look, that precise feeling -- and the funny thing is that, when I arrive in New York, there's every chance I'm listening to 'Unsatisfied' by The Replacements in my headphones, which is what makes this moment resonate with me even more.
3. THE HAT IS GLUED ON?
Joel gets hit in the face. James stands up for him and punches the guy. Then he realises, holy shit, this guy is much bigger than me! A chase pursues and James eventually makes it back to the main office -- where his bosses are doing some paperwork. Bobby (Bill Hader) knows exactly what to do. It's one of those pure movie moments, absolute magic. Highly unrealistic; but because it's a flick, you go with it. He picks up his baseball bat and heads outside to take on the thugs. "Just give me one good reason! You don't know what I'm capable of!" Then he heads back to the office, as if nothing happened.
2. JUST LIKE HEAVEN.
Bumper cars! They're smiling! They're young! The camera-work is dizzying, and The Cure's 'Just Like Heaven' sounds triumphant! This scene just takes me directly back to every single moment of my life that's ever been FUN!
1. DON'T DREAM IT'S OVER.
I didn't even like this song before I saw the movie, I always found it annoying! Now it's one of my favourites. How to describe why I like it? It's near impossible. Like in so much of this movie, nothing happens; it's just a feeling, a moment; a slice of life.
James, Em & Joel are hanging out -- it's thanksgiving; and then the fireworks start just as the Crowded House song 'Don't Dream It's Over' is beginning -- and there's Joel again, looking on jealously. Ouch! I know that look, I lived that. And then there's James and Em, looking up at the sky and then, for that small moment, the whole universe makes sense. I know that feeling, too!
Ohhhh man, I just relate to it! It resonates! Reminds me of myself, my youth, those moments that meant so much but are now consigned to history, just like the era this movie is set in. What did it all mean? How much of it do you carry with you? How likely are we to find these connections again?
It's an age thing. One day you're in the moment every single darn second, and then before you know it, you're grown up and numb.
This scene is magic. And I'm doing a terrible job of explaining why, it's just some kind of alchemy. A director who trusted himself enough to make it about the little things; and actors who are comfortable enough to just live the moment, to make it about the tiny glances.
Between What's Flesh and What's Fantasy: The Effect of Film and TV on my Relationships
I have always been inclined to watch the more down to earth, 'realistic' films. Not that such a thing exists, but that's always been where my interest lies. I'm interested in human relationships. And of course, when you love a TV show or film, you tend to say "I relate to that". You see yourself in C.C Baxter or Ross Geller or Annie Hall, and it means something to you.
The characters on the screen get resolution. They figure things out inside of two hours. You begin to get used to seeing relationships resolved in this way. And that leads us to my central problem when it comes to my relationships, especially with women.
I over-romanticise them. See them as more than they are.
I have always seen life as being like a movie. Struggles and conflicts with an over-arching theme, where we all come together in the end. This view is often how I've conceptualised my relationships, and I'm now realising how nonsensical it is. It hit me a few weeks ago, on the train. I'd convinced myself that a beautiful woman on the carriage was interested in me. And then it dawned on me, that I think this nearly every day, and convince myself that these intriguing looking women on the tube are attracted to me, when in reality they haven't noticed me. I realised this is a pattern I have repeated in my head for years and years. You could say it's healthy daydreaming, or a way to pass time on the commute, but it's not. And there's always the disappointment of course when they leave the train and it dawns on you that they're completely unaware of your existence.
Then there's the women I do actually know. And I guess because most of the friends I make these days tend to be in my industry, a lot of them are beautiful actresses. I over-romanticise these relationships to hilarious effect. I like to believe I often have a 'special' relationship with people. That somehow things mean more between us than perhaps they do with other people.
In these past few weeks I have been taking myself to task on these nonsensical pathological thought processes; digging deeper into the inner workings of my mind, especially regarding relationships. It's my ego, liking to see me as special in some way, like the people in my life have some special bond to me.
I always loved 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Ally McBeal'. I still do. In the Creek, hearts would break and people would hurt, but at the end of the episode they'd walk down to the lake and share their feelings and true intentions, to the sound of lovely piano music. In McBeal, John Cage or Billy Thomas would come back to the office at night to check in on Ally, and together they'd share a profound moment, where life made total sense.
I have been chasing these moments all of my adult life, but they don't exist, because they aren't real.
And they stop me doing the work! Stop me paying attention to what's really happening in front of me with other human beings. I float along in a fantasy land believing, despite my disconnect with a person, that deep down we get each other, or need each other.
I have been caught out numerous times when it comes to love. I add up all the numbers and see connection and meaning in places where it doesn't exist. I believe in this old world romance, which in the reality of the moment exists only in my brain. Rather than have true, in the moment relationships, I dream them up; fractured and lost from what's really happening in front of us, I instead live out a romanticised version that I created in my head, which is nothing more than a repeated pattern, an ingrained delusion.
The characters on the screen get resolution. They figure things out inside of two hours. You begin to get used to seeing relationships resolved in this way. And that leads us to my central problem when it comes to my relationships, especially with women.
I over-romanticise them. See them as more than they are.
I have always seen life as being like a movie. Struggles and conflicts with an over-arching theme, where we all come together in the end. This view is often how I've conceptualised my relationships, and I'm now realising how nonsensical it is. It hit me a few weeks ago, on the train. I'd convinced myself that a beautiful woman on the carriage was interested in me. And then it dawned on me, that I think this nearly every day, and convince myself that these intriguing looking women on the tube are attracted to me, when in reality they haven't noticed me. I realised this is a pattern I have repeated in my head for years and years. You could say it's healthy daydreaming, or a way to pass time on the commute, but it's not. And there's always the disappointment of course when they leave the train and it dawns on you that they're completely unaware of your existence.
Then there's the women I do actually know. And I guess because most of the friends I make these days tend to be in my industry, a lot of them are beautiful actresses. I over-romanticise these relationships to hilarious effect. I like to believe I often have a 'special' relationship with people. That somehow things mean more between us than perhaps they do with other people.
In these past few weeks I have been taking myself to task on these nonsensical pathological thought processes; digging deeper into the inner workings of my mind, especially regarding relationships. It's my ego, liking to see me as special in some way, like the people in my life have some special bond to me.
I always loved 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Ally McBeal'. I still do. In the Creek, hearts would break and people would hurt, but at the end of the episode they'd walk down to the lake and share their feelings and true intentions, to the sound of lovely piano music. In McBeal, John Cage or Billy Thomas would come back to the office at night to check in on Ally, and together they'd share a profound moment, where life made total sense.
I have been chasing these moments all of my adult life, but they don't exist, because they aren't real.
And they stop me doing the work! Stop me paying attention to what's really happening in front of me with other human beings. I float along in a fantasy land believing, despite my disconnect with a person, that deep down we get each other, or need each other.
I have been caught out numerous times when it comes to love. I add up all the numbers and see connection and meaning in places where it doesn't exist. I believe in this old world romance, which in the reality of the moment exists only in my brain. Rather than have true, in the moment relationships, I dream them up; fractured and lost from what's really happening in front of us, I instead live out a romanticised version that I created in my head, which is nothing more than a repeated pattern, an ingrained delusion.
Thursday 21 June 2012
Brain Craze
Write something!
But I have nothing to say right now.
There must be something! Write about the film you just watched. Write about the changing face of film distribution. Write that short story about two people who meet by chance in a cinema.
I keep trying to write them, but there's no juice right now!
A good writer writes every day.
I need to refuel sometimes!
You are not as successful as you should be, you don't get successful unless you write the amazing material!
You also don't get successful if you burn out by constantly churning things out!
So you want rest?
I want rest.
But you're always resting!
No I'm not. You're always in my head, you never let me chill!
Then go rest. Go for a walk in the field. Go do it now. Go get some nature and find it inspiring then turn it into a story and a screenplay and get a new agent and start production.
You're not making me feel rested.
There are great writers who never rested! There were great writers in concentration camps! People just write write write; yet you need time to rest? To think of ideas? You're pathetic.... WRITE WRITE WRITE!
Who are you? Are you my boss? My muse? Or just a mental disorder?
I am the you that wants you to succeed! I am what drives you. DO SOME WRITING NOW!
NO YOU DO NOT INSPIRE ME YOU JUST PRESSURE ME AND SOMETIMES I NEED TO JUST DRINK A CAN OF COKE AND SAY "WHAT THE FUCK".
So you think I'm pointless?
No, I just think you channel your messages in the wrong way. I need an inner support system, I need to be heard! I need my inner child to come alive! I need to be able to feel my way through ideas. I need to be able to have a thought without you ripping it apart to force ideas from it.
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