The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (David Fincher)

Usually when I wake up the next morning with scenes from a film still swirling around in my mind it’s a sign of it’s effectiveness. First thing I recalled when I woke up was the horrific rape scene. It had been traumatizing to watch and stayed with me well into the next day, but was then able to continue the slideshow in my mind and remember her strength, resilience, and power to overcome. I had a fondness for Lisbeth Salander after reading the book two years ago, but it has doubled in intensity after watching Rooney Mara’s courageous and phenomenal performance.

After reading the book, watching the Swedish version, and now the American one I feel like I know this story inside and out. I won’t go into details because it will take far too long to explain the story. I just want to give credit where it’s due and that’s to Fincher’s raw energy and his brilliant decision to cast Rooney Mara as the waif like troubled Salandar. The minute she appears onscreen I had this uncontrollable urge to want to put my arms around her and comfort her. She would probably have ripped my head off in the process. Her anger was apparent and leaked through the cracks in her facade. I have to commend author Stieg Larsson for creating such a work of art with her character.  While she may have done some unthinkable acts in her past (which will be further explained in the sequel) she’s not a malicious person. She did what she felt was necessary and makes no excuses for it. It’s unfortunate it puts in her positions of being a ward of the state and not having access to her own money. This of course leads to the inevitable rape/revenge scenes. I had read a few reviews from other movie goers (particularly women) who could not stomach to watch this. For me it was horrifying in the book and even more so played out on the screen. For some reason it wasn’t as shocking in the Swedish version. Maybe I just don’t recall it as well. In Fincher’s version it was. Nobody should ever enjoy watching these types of moments as “fake” as they are, but when you have actors who are so engrossed in their characters it makes it all that much difficult to believe it’s not authentic. I could feel myself tense up and want to look away during that scene but I forced myself to watch it through. As unpleasant as it is, the following revenge scene would not be as sweet or justified. I can see why some people go off the deep end with rage and vengeance. I would want him mutilated and dead. She takes it a step further by making him live with his unspeakable act for the rest of his sorry life.

I have to also mention Daniel Craig who was far more likeable as Blomkvist than actor  Michael Nyquist. I could understand why Lisbeth was drawn to him. Father figure issues aside, she develops a comradely relationship with him. She excels so much at what she does which is basically hacking into computer and solving cases, but we aren’t sure if she takes any pleasure in it.  Or in anything else for the matter. With Blomkvist it becomes more visible. She cares for his well being and later on develops an attraction towards him. Meanwhile she never once tries to win his sympathy by telling the story of her life or the dreadful experiences she’s been through. She simply just is. She makes no apologies for who she is and doesn’t offer any insight. Yet we’re still drawn to her and completely root for her all the way through.

The movie itself is a far stronger adaptation than the Swedish; though many will disagree. It was argued for months why a remake was felt to be necessary. I felt the language barrier could be a turn off for some. You would be surprised how many people can’t read subtitles and concentrate on a film at the same time. For me this version went way beyond simply being in English. It stayed closer to the book and the performances were much more outstanding from everyone involved. Granted I have not seen the extended Swedish version and I do not want to take anything away from Noomi Rapace’s performance, but I personally connected more with this translation. It's also a very entertaining who-done-it mystery. The edge for me has worn off because of the repeated versions of this tale, but it's a very intricate set up. I have to add the beginning of this film was much stronger than in the novel. It took me a good two weeks to start this book and maybe three days to finish it. The first twenty pages did not grab me at all.  Or maybe I was just wasn't in the right frame of mind to read it. Nonetheless the movie draws you in much faster.

The ending which was by far crucial to the entire story was kept in tact and just as moving as when I read in the book. I was so torn when I realized Lisbeth had developed such a fondness for Blomkvist she went out of her way to not only buy him a touching gift (not to mention help clear his name with her money scam), but she opened herself up to the possibility of maybe loving someone. For her that is not your average ordinary emotion. She is hardened by life and people who have proven beyond untrustworthy. She was violently attacked and watched her father burn at her own hands. These are not events which would be easily if ever triumphed over. When she gets ready to give Blomkvist the leather jacket and basically what’s left of her heart and sees him with his editor it’s just as devastating. I can’t get the image of her face as she looks up at him out of my own mind. Yet I know she’s going to be okay. She tosses the jacket away and rides on. She won’t run to him or plead her affection. It simply is just like everything else has come to past during her existence. Nonetheless it’s heartbreaking.

One more quick note about the film is the very unusual opening title sequence. I haven’t listened to his commentary yet, but I am curious what was behind Fincher’s motivation. I’m not sure if I felt it was necessary or if fit with the rest of the film. It was too “James Bond” looking for a film of this nature. It was rather cool to watch and the music certainly built up the anticipation level, but again it felt out of place for me.  It’s just a minor gripe however in a fulfilling installment.  

The Hunger Games

"May the odds be ever be in your favor" - Effie Trinket

As a constant reader, it's always an incredible feeling to watch moving images unveil before my eyes of a world I had only envisioned previously in my mind. To see all these places, characters, and events go from words in a book to the big screen never fails to be a thrilling experience. The Hunger Games written by Suzanne Collins was no exception!

I had read The Hunger Games back in October of 2010. So it wasn't exactly fresh in my mind upon sitting down in the theater this afternoon to watch the movie. I had remembered the basic plot and key moments of course, but the details were glazed over after having read about eighty novels since then! The incredible thing was while watching the movie bits and pieces all came back to me. It felt like I had read it just yesterday. Amazing how the mind stores information and releases it went necessary. But I digress! 

 **warning spoilers ahead**

What was most exciting about the prospect of watching THG unfold before me was viewing this wild dsytopian world Collins created. Since reading the book there have been countless young adult novels of this sort. They're all futuristic dealing with some indescribably harsh conditions and forcing the hero to make life altering choices dealing with family, love, and hope. With THG, we get our heroine Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) who volunteers to fight to the death in the annual hunger games in place of younger sister who was chosen at random. Along with her is from her fellow District 12 is Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson) who unknowingly to her has had an unrequited crush on her from a far. But this is not a love story. The foundation for it is laid and we as the audience are aware of it; however the heart of the story is about fighting for survival. Katniss ends up serving as the potential champion we root for. Good against reigning evil. She's strong, stubborn, and ready to do what it takes to return back to her family. Meanwhile Peeta (who's back story was much stronger in the novel) is overshadowed by the sheer will power and strength Katniss exudes. He believes she will win. We soon meet Cinna (played by Lenny Kravitz), Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), and Haymitch (Woody Harrelson) who all performed their parts very convincingly! I especially thought Woody nailed the drunken bitter Haymitch with humor and genuine concern for Katniss. I only wish (again) there was more of his own history as a previous winner of the games. Sadly there is only so much a movie can squeeze from the book. Usually details and character development are lost, but I think this movie handled it the best they could.

It was such a joy to watch the Districts at the parade introducing themselves to their eager audience. Katniss and Peeta enter surrounded by flames. We get to see them interviewed and practice for the ultimate battle. In the meantime we learn Peeta's true feelings for Katniss. I was concerned how this was all going to play out in the film. I am a sucker for romance of course so when the moment came for Peeta to admit he has loved Katniss from a far I was concerned for it's authenticity, but I have to give credit to Josh for pulling this off. It worked. I have forgotten to mention Gale (Liam Hemsworth) who plays Katniss's long time friend also from District 12. I dismissed him probably because his screen presence was quite lacking. Then again so was the character of Gale in the book.

The tension leading up to the games was insurmountable. I felt chills as Katniss goes up in the tube releasing her into the clutches of the wilderness and her competitors who want her dead as soon as possible. The games themselves was the most anticipated sequence since it was so thrilling to read about. I recall literally being afraid to turn the page of the book at one point. I couldn't take the anxiety of not knowing! It wasn't as nerve wracking watching it, but I did feel nervous energy of the audience. I could tell there were many who had never read the book just from their reactions.

I have to talk about the cinematography and effects for a minute here. I was quite impressed. As I said in the beginning this futuristic world came to life.  I could feel how scared and desperate each member of the District was early on. They live to survive each day. The forests, the sounds of the bow and arrow, the eerie drum beat every time a member of the District died were all spot on. Some of the wasps, creatures, and other CG effects could have been perfected but it was nothing too distracting I couldn't over look it. Meanwhile the Capital has an over blown sense of arrogance. The food is plentiful, the outfits and hair are extravagant, and they behave as these games are the superbowl instead of what they really are which is snuff television. They get off watching others battle it out to the death. 

However, this year there is a potential love story blossoming between two of the young players. Is it real or just there as a ploy to gain the help of sponsors and emote sympathy from the audience? For Peeta it's real. We don't get a sure sense of the way Katniss feels. In the book we get her inner monologue and we realize she's torn but desperate to win and return to her family. She will do what it takes which includes creating the illusion of loving this boy. She may be in denial of how of feelings towards him but we can't help but see genuine affection in the cave scenes. She certainly developed a strong bond with young Rue which succeeded in being one of the more touching moments of the film.  In that moment we see how corrupt this world is by it's dominating rulers. They do no care for these children. They want hope just enough to let the games be fruitful, but not enough to let society think they have any power. The Capital must remain in control at all times. Katniss out shows them all in the end with her bravery and devotion to Peeta by willing to join in a double suicide with him. Thus they prove there is more to these games than having a Victor but doing what is honorable inside.

One gripe I do have is the watered down violence. This movie would have worked so much better if it were rated R so we could see the real terror these kids are enduring. As with the book the premise was much more fearsome than the outcome. Still with a PG-13 rating I felt it succeeded in creating the savagery of the tributes while not completely executing real terror.  Also the ending was anti-climactic. I felt it was a bit rushed at times and there's no real cliffhanger like in the book. When Peeta realizes maybe Katniss's affection for him may have been all part of an act I was crushed! I couldn't wait to read the next book and find out what happened. In the movie we get no real sense of that at all. Katniss claims she wants to forget while Peeta says he doesn't want to forget, but that doesn't really display how confused and hurt he is at that moment. It came across in such a subtle way I think it was missed entirely.

Lastly, the performances were very well done especially from that of Jennifer Lawrence. I adored her in Winter's Bone and I see so much more potential from her in the future. She embraced Katniss and became her. This movie would be nothing without her tough yet emotional performance.

As I write this I'm just learning the movie shattered box office records with an astounding $155 million opening weekend. It's more than anyone could have predicted and asked for! What works in favor of the franchise is how it appeals to be both male and female audiences. I'm such a supporter of films which derived from books and encourage more reading from young and old alike. Bravo! I'd also like to thank Stephen King since his recommendation of the book inspired me to read it in the first place. I was hesitant to get on board another young adult franchise but I when I heard King raved about it I could not resist. I wish nothing more but continued success for the series!

Next installment is Catching Fire due out in November of 2013.

Dog Days of Spring?

I feel like I’ve woken up and hell has frozen over. Or in this case hell has melted over. I look at the calendar and see we’re halfway through March, but it sure feels like June has made an uninvited entrance into my life instead. Those who know me are aware of my intense dislike of warm weather. I realize I am in the minority so there’s no need to tell me otherwise. When I complain about how sweltering it is outside I receive the usual quizzical stares from people as if I’m saying something bizarre. I don’t see where it’s written (certainly not in the Bible) that I have to love when the temperatures rises. What’s so damn fantastic about feeling sticky, sweaty, and all around nasty? Before anyone attempts to try to explain it to me, save your breath. This is not some new revelation I’m revealing. I have felt this way for many years, except only recently I have developed such a hostile hatred for summer that it’s almost driving me insane. The day I win the lottery I’m moving to either Alaska or Seattle. North Pole, here I come!

I’ll break it down simply:

Allergy Season: From mid April to about August I cannot breath. The second the leaves start budding and the flowers start blooming I start a-sneezing. The itchy nose, the watery eyes, the nasal congestion, and all around feeling like I need to rip my face off are common occurrences during this time. My allergy is at it's all time debilitating in May, but doesn’t exactly taper off until October when the leaves start to fall. I can recall one horrific Mother’s Day a few years ago where I spent the entire Sunday sneezing non-stop. So much so I gave myself a nose bleed. I take all the medicine the doctors have to offer; both over the counter and prescribed. All of them work somewhat but not enough to truly make me feel normal. I don’t appreciate having to take the pills in the first place. I’m very anti medication of any sort. But alas it’s like fighting a losing battle. What I fear most of all is how this coming spring will be one of the worst ever with the early onslaught of heat. No relief in sight for me.

The Bugs: Those irritating little critters come out in full swing and over stay their welcome well into the autumn months. Living on the ground level these pesky buzzards walk right in without knocking. I despise insects. I don't fear them as much as just plain hate 'em! I don't feel they contribute much at all except to drive me batty. Having pale skin doesn't help since apparently that is their meal of choice. They want to take a bite out of me at every waking moment. Sure the answer is to cover myself with insect repellant. Add more goo to the already applied sun screen. Again pale skin+hot sun=red faced blistering Diane!

The Noise: I feel like the Grinch in How The Grinch Stole Christmas when I say this, but the noise noise NOISE! Why is it is so incredibly noisy all summer long? It's like some massive overblown party going on for three months I was interested attending yet have am forced to endure. People play their music with the windows rolled down, the ice cream truck from hell goes up and down my block at all hours of the day, and worst of all is the barbecues until 2 am on weekend. Let's not forget the crime! People are much more anxious to whip out the guns at night and start shooting aimlessly when the temps hit 95F. Oh what a joy to be out and about in New York among these conditions!

And lastly the humidity: There is nothing like stepping outside of my front door and immediately being attacked by damp, moist fog-like air! First I can't breathe and then within seconds I can't see because my hair is stuck to my face. So are my clothes. I feel like I'm swimming in a swamp. You can forget about even trying to appear to look attractive. When the mascara runs down my eyes mixed with sweat I can't say I look at all appealing. 

Yet these are months everyone supposedly looks forward to. Hot fun in the summer time right? Give me cold, crisp, wintry blistery days all year long!! I feel completely robbed of a decent winter season and it's baffling why everyone is running around celebrating like they've just been through the biggest deep freeze of their life. I can only imagine what's in store this coming summer and I guarantee it will not be pretty. Expect further rants with increasing rage as the weeks continue!

Young Adult

While reading some of the critic's reviews for Young Adult, I came across the term "perpetually adolescent". I thought it was most fitting to describe the heroine and main character of the film Young Adult. She is stuck in her popular mean girl phase from high school. The problem is she is now in her her late thirties and that schtick grows quite tiresome and sad when one is pushing forty. I've come across a few reviews which didn't take kindly to this film due to it's harsh and gritty presentation. I say bring it on! We need more movies like this which don't paint the typical perfect picture of a main character. Far be it for me to be so honest, but some people in this world are exactly like the character of Mavis played wonderfully by Charlize Theron. 

She plays a successful ghost writer of a waning series of young adult novels (ala Twilight). She has moved out of her small town in Minnesota to the big leagues of Minneapolis. She has her own sky rise apartment, dog, and lives alone. We realize early on she has her string of one night stands and unfulfilled relationships. Then she receives an email from her popular ex boyfriend from high school. He's announcing he now has a newborn baby with his wife. Mavis decides this as good a time as ever to go wreck the happy married life he's built for himself and see if he will give her a second chance. Some would say that's outlandish immoral behavior. Sure it is. It's also not as uncommon as you would think. Mavis suffers from living in the past and thinking those were some of her best days. It doesn't make much sense considering she left the town to further her career and is making more money than many of her old classmates. Still she has this unrelenting fixation on her old boyfriend. She feels things were left finished and maybe she should have been the one he married instead of his current wife. Whatever the case may be she ups and leaves her comfy well off life style and head's back to her roots. In the process we see her as vain, snotty, unsympathetic, narcissistic, unstable, and clearly an alcoholic. In a nutshell she's miserable. When she finds herself back where she grew up she runs into an old high school classmate who was the typical nerd she probably never once noticed even though they shared a locker space together for four years. I had to laugh because I myself can barely remember a single face in high school and I was on the other side of the spectrum of being popular. We remember what we choose to and I blocked out my high school years for various reasons. Mavis, on the other hand, was just being a spoiled stuck up teen and thought her world revolved around her boyfriend. The character of Matt hasn't let go of high school either but he's much more bitter and angry about those days since he was beat up by the bullies during an apparent hate crime. Still they bond over drinks (and more drinks) reminiscing about the old days as odd as the comparisons turn out to be. He offers her some advice about not wrecking her ex's marriage. She just scoffs as if her ex wouldn't be thrilled at the notion of being with her. She's so clearly deluded you can almost see the painful execution a mile away. You just know it's going to end badly! 

That it does. She goes out to lunch with Buddy (the ex) who is now married and a father and obviously dull. I often wondered why she was so hung up on someone so clearly wrong for her. But she was thinking of the old days. Her happier days. Before she became a raging drunk with borderline sociopathic tendencies. Once again it's necessary to remind ourselves she has serious emotional and psychological issues. She has no moral values since she is not only toying with the idea of breaking up a marriage but actually attempting to make it happen. What occurs is a slow torturous slide of misunderstandings on her part and she believes Buddy will want to leave his family for her. She is so wrong and so blind it's embarrassing to watch it unfold. It's also a great character study! I am fascinated by Mavis's behavior and the way she dismisses the odd looks from everyone else. They are the crazy ones, not her! She's just looking for some redemption and trying to save this man from suburban hell. Never mind the fact that he might just be happy and she is the one in her own living hell.

The absolute most satisfying aspect of the film was the ending. We expect her to have some sort of epiphany and realize she needs help. She starts to head down that path but then realizes it's much easier to keep on believing her delusions. To keep on behaving like a twenty year old instead of thirty-seven. To act like her life is magnificent and everyone in that small town is stupid and moronic to not have left. She inherits no heightened self knowledge towards the end than she did in the beginning. I absolutely loved that. Some people will never learn. Some will never take that step toward productivity and enlightenment. They find their safe bubble of an existence the only way to be. It's their coping mechanism and they won't let it go for fear of completely unraveling at the seams. I know people like this. They refuse to change and grow into other realms and usually they are holding on to negative aspects or traits. I am guilty myself. It's ironic because as I said before I despised my high school years. I never want to go back there yet I haven't really left my home town. I, too, tend to look down at suburban family life. I see no point in being tied down with children. Most of all I just don't get it. I don't get how one could be happy being a soccer mom. But like Mavis, I'm not exactly happy being single in my mid thirties. So very much like her I am looking for happiness in all the wrong places instead of within myself. Mavis has issues galore and probably needs intense therapy to get over her mis guided ego. I'd be curious to see where someone like her ends up. I'd place odds on it being drunk and alone.

Ironically it was written by the same team who brought us Juno, which is a film I happened to loathe. With darker, realistic, and harsher material I was able to relate to this film much more. It saddens me how it was utterly ignored by the Academy this year. Charlize Theron somehow manages to make herself so unlikable while looking so gorgeous at the same time. I love that she takes on these risky gritty characters. This is a humorous yet unpleasant film and it's the exact type of movies that should be made. It represents realism in a sometimes awkward and painful fashion. But that's life! 

I give it four stars and recommend all the ladies out there watch...and all the writers too!

PC Verus Pen

My beloved companion who has been by my side through thick and thin, sickness and in health, in good times and bad has decided to part ways with me for good. I’m speaking of my desktop computer which I’ve had for roughly about eleven years now. I give credit to the machine for having lasted this long. It has been giving me hints it was about to leave me for the last few years, but this weekend was its final attempt at keeping me company. So as I sat at home last night staring into the lifeless monitor, I decided to take out some paper and an actual pen to jot down some thoughts. Within minutes this task became increasingly difficult. It’s not so much that I couldn’t think of what to write; the ideas were there ready to be poured onto the paper. I was just having trouble keeping them flowing slow enough for my hand to keep up. When typing I can almost have a conversation within myself. I think of something, it immediately gets printed onto the screen, and then I can move on. By writing out each letter I have to slow the stream of thoughts down and actually make sure I’m spelling words correctly. I thought to myself: this can't be good.

What’s even more frightening is the realization of how I couldn’t even read half of what I wrote. My penmanship has taken a massive blow from lack of actual writing through the years.  I do make out an occasional grocery list and sign my checks of course, but that doesn’t come close to the amount of pen to paper activity that used to take place back in my school days. It saddened me to see how far we’ve come as a technologically ruled society, yet how spoiled in the process. The average writer used to painstakingly take their time to compose a letter to a loved one or to their employer or to create a speech. Today we are at advantage by readily having access to a computer or iPad or phone to whip out an email in one minute. But at what cost? What do we learn by having the machine tell us how to spell or give us ideas when stumped for a good word by adding it’s own synonym? Or even worse we write out a text full of abbreviations and acronyms. It’s no wonder most schools are considering (if they haven’t already) doing away with script writing. Is penmanship even a word used commonly today? Do they send little love notes to each other in grade school anymore? Or is it all through the web further cementing the detached impersonal feeling which has taken over social communication? Are the days of pen pals gone for good?

Sadly there’s little to stop the way most respond to each other from a great distance. While it would be splendid to receive a hand written letter from a friend it’s highly unlikely to happen as we pack our days with more activities than ever before. As someone who enjoys writing, I do feel I have greatly neglected carrying a pencil or pen and simply scribbling a thought onto a piece of paper or napkin when the mood strikes. Isn’t that half the creative process right there? To be inspired in the moment and get it onto paper before it’s absorbed by some other pressing matter. I think it also largely contributes to the destruction of well written songs and films. Listen to the music out there, folks! It’s repetitive, unoriginal, and irritating. If most can’t take the time to write a letter then forget about actual lyrics. It’s not true of every artist, but it’s on the rise.

Now, as I leave work and my job computer behind I have to face another daunting night of having nowhere to type. I will try and prove my theory wrong and actually compose a blog on paper. It might help if I pick up a dictionary on the way home.

The Night Circus

The Night Circus  - Erin Morgenstern

What a marvelously enchanting story! I don't think I could come up with enough adjectives to describe what a joy it was to read this novel. It's by far the most creative story I've read in a while and it kept me both intrigued and entertained from beginning to end. The most incredible aspect of this novel is how descriptive it was. I felt like I was in this glorious world of the night circus. I could almost picture myself there watching the performances, smelling the caramel apples, and feeling the awe of the spectators.

This story follows two opponents destined to compete with each other in the midst of a bewitching circus. It's a mystery as to what the game includes and what the rules are. Two young people are chosen, a boy and a girl, who are trained from the very start to battle each other to the finish. They aren't aware of each other for many years though they know an adversary does exist. Further complicating the situation is the igniting passion which stirs between them after their first meeting. Among the main characters are a slew of fascinating players in the circus who each play a pivotal role in this challenge. My feeble words cannot do justice to explain how brilliant the story is constructed and played out. It is not perfect however. I do have a few complaints concerning the timeline jumping quite frequently causing the flow to disrupt. It took a few seconds upon starting each chapter to get a feel of when the events were taking place. Still it's a minor grievance in the grand scheme. I felt like I was taken on a delightfully charming ride and I didn't want it to end! 

I recommend to all readers looking to be swept away by a fantasy world sprinkled with a little mystery, romance, and magic on top. What a treat!

Pearl Jam Twenty

"I know someday you'll have a beautiful life. I know you'll be a star in somebody else's sky but why...why...WHY can't it be oh can't it be mine?"-Black

That's the song that did it for me. I became a Pearl Jam fan almost instantly twenty years ago this month. While watching this documentary I realized how quickly time does pass us by! I clearly remember my first introduction to Eddie Vedder while watching MTV Unplugged back in March of 1992. I was one month shy from turning sixteen years old and had just recently had my world turned upside down by the discovery of rock music. As I sat and watched Mr. Vedder perched on a stool screeching out the clearly painful lyrics to "Black", he looked as if he were in a hypnotic trance and only he knew the reasons why. Prior to this entree into the world of grunge, I was listening to mostly pop or whatever was on the radio. Ok I'll admit I was one of those crazed teenagers going crazy for boy bands back in the early '90s. I went with the flow and spent those two years screaming and spending an absurd amount on the hysteria. Soon, as with all boy bands, the screaming died down and the fans moved on. I happened to move on to the other side of the boy band spectrum and discovered heavy metal.  I found myself listening to Guns N Roses, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, and Metallica. It was refreshing change for my rising angst ridden teenage emotions. Fortunately I was in the midst of a major turn of events in the music industry. Seattle grunge was about to burst onto the scene. I often feel it came as just the right time in my life. One day I'm squealing over the latest hearthrob and the next I'm finding myself over come with emotion as I listen to Eddie Vedder swing his greasy looking long hair around in an almost mesmerizing spell on stage. I said to myself who IS this guy? He looked like he rolled out of bed and grabbed whatever shirt he had been wearing for days, but his voice was incredible! Even more so his lyrics were gut wrenching and full of anger. Needless to say I was hooked. I quickly picked up Pearl Jam's Ten cd and ended up listening to it so much the cd nearly fell apart. I still have it all scratched up and worn out with repeated plays.  I caught their videos on MTV several times a day and would always stop to listen. I felt he was singing to me and I left behind my world of mainstream pop music and let the guitar riffs seep into my veins. I haven't looked back since. 

In 2011, the long lasting band that is Pearl Jam celebrated a milestone in their career of twenty years. This documentary film was enlightening. Two of the original members were in another band (Mother Love Bone) where their lead singer died of a drug overdose.  Soon after Eddie Vedder came onto the scene, took over, and they became an instant success. Just like that. It took no genius to see how uncomfortable it made Vedder to be such a commercial hit. He was anti-cds, anti- attention, anti-grammys, and basically anti-fame. It always amazes me how these artists complain about success as if it were a curse. I try to put myself in their position and I can't get past all the money they must have been making. Sure it's inconvenient to not have any privacy and to be thought of as "selling out" but it sure does beat starving and not having your music adored by millions. Despite Vedder's antagonism towards fame I never let it dissuade my support. When he shunned the Grammys saying he had no idea what it all meant I just laughed. Many people were angered by Vedder's dismissal of such a prestigious award. I always took the side of PJ. Who is to say who deserves an award for their art? I get what Eddie was saying. His words, his pain, and his music should not be award but embraced by those of us who are lucky enough to make a connection with it. That in itself is the most treasured reward at the end of the day. The documentary goes onto to deal with Pearl Jam's court room drama with Ticketmaster. They felt ticket prices were outrageous and understood how most young fans couldn't afford to see them. It was a commendable moment which of course didn't lead to lowering prices, but did show how much passion they put not only into their music but their fans.

I've been lucky enough to see Pearl Jam three times live over the last 10 years (with tickets purchased at Ticketmaster). I was there at the infamous Nassau Coliseum concert where he wore a Bush mask and had the crowd turn on him. My personal favorite show was at Madison Square Garden. As he crooned Evenflow in front of hundreds of thousands I couldn't help but think back my early days of discovering the band and thinking they were the deepest bunch of young guys on the planet. I have since grown out of that early obsession, but I still find their songs to be some of the most influential and brilliantly written in the last two decades. This documentary shows their origins, their early rise to fame, their ultimate spiral into mini break ups, and basically a burn out from constant attention. I'm proud to be a fan of theirs and even more happy to see they've remained together while so many other early grunge bands had fallen apart. It was a joy to watch and sadly made me see how much music today has become meaningless. But I'll save that rant for another time.

Intro

While trying to figure out a title for my blog I went through some typically cliched names. I wanted to integrate a personality trait along with a movie title. Without sounding too corny yet still representing a sense of my quirky film obsession, I was going to go with "Lost In Translation." I often feel what I say and think is lost on others. However, I felt "Lost in New York" would be more fitting since it narrowed down my sense of feeling like I've never truly belonged in this big city.  As you read on through my weekly musings perhaps I'll enlighten you as to why that is. I'm not sure where to start or how else to introduce myself so I figure I'll begin my postings with a review of the latest DVD I watched. For anyone who knows me, there is nothing I feel more passionate about than books and movies.  Don't ask me about history or engineering or politics and definitely not religion. I keep up with one main facet of life and that's entertainment. In a nutshell, pop culture has kept me alive and running like a well oil machine all these years.