What can we glean from a film? Not a movie, but a film packed with intricate storylines and lessons we can take something from. I finally watched Lasse Hallstrom's "Chocolat" with a widely known cast. There is a reason why this post is not tagged under movies. It is not fully intended to be a review, but an imparting of what I took away from it.
With Rachel Portman's score looping the dvd player, the music only inspires me as I write. There is talk about chocolate and its effects on the human mind and body, but what really struck me about the story is what it teaches - tolerance and a belief that you can change the world, a little bit a time, sharing what you know and have.
It is hard enough to move to a city not knowing anyone but even harder to move to a small town where almost everyone is against you, blinded by their traditions. It takes strength to reach out to help those in need, and to return their hostility with your own good naturedness. It takes patience and perseverance to change people's opinions. Juliette Binoche's character Vianne does just that and after many hardships, the strongest being her past, is rewarded when the villagers have truly found happiness and accepting of everyone.
From a film point of view, it's a realization how important a role can be a great factor into why a particular actor may sign on. It's not always about the money, but the content.
Showing posts with label Random but not so Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Random but not so Random Thoughts. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
What I Want To Be
A writer. A producer. A photographer. A Traveller. All our lives, we've been asked what we want to be, whether as a child, or in school as we plan the courses that will take us to our chosen careers. Careers, it's an interesting term, because it's different from a job. To me, a career is something we enjoy doing, we thrive doing, work that doesn't feel like work and actually something we get up for every morning. A job on the other hand, comes across more habitual, out of duty, clocking in and clocking out.
I used to wonder how people could settle down for a job that's quite different from the career. I often thought it was something I could never do in the long term. And now, at times, I wonder. What would it be like just to settle in a job, clock in clock out, take a regular paid vacation, how nice would that be? But as I ponder these jobs, inevitably it takes me back to a field of comfort - film.
At least I've narrowed it down now. I enjoy reading, I would love to work in development and story editing, with some writing on the side. I can produce, I just have to be patient and work on small steps at a time, because it's unlikely anyone will give me a lot of money to produce a film. I like accounting as well, for film, and with the work season starting soon, a long gig would be great, to save up and head off on another long (though unpaid) vacation.
A friend sent me a job posting that was looking for baby photographers, people who take photos of babies. It sounds awesome, but in the long term, probably not something I'd want to keep doing. Maybe I over think things, maybe I'm commitment phobic. I think I am...the thought of staying in another long term job that I don't see myself in, in 40 years, is actually screaming at me to stay away.
Yikes, what to do, what to do...while the year's started off creatively and productively, the last few weeks have seen a slow decline in those areas. Perhaps it's time to sneak in a short vacation to recharge and get re-inspired.
I used to wonder how people could settle down for a job that's quite different from the career. I often thought it was something I could never do in the long term. And now, at times, I wonder. What would it be like just to settle in a job, clock in clock out, take a regular paid vacation, how nice would that be? But as I ponder these jobs, inevitably it takes me back to a field of comfort - film.
At least I've narrowed it down now. I enjoy reading, I would love to work in development and story editing, with some writing on the side. I can produce, I just have to be patient and work on small steps at a time, because it's unlikely anyone will give me a lot of money to produce a film. I like accounting as well, for film, and with the work season starting soon, a long gig would be great, to save up and head off on another long (though unpaid) vacation.
A friend sent me a job posting that was looking for baby photographers, people who take photos of babies. It sounds awesome, but in the long term, probably not something I'd want to keep doing. Maybe I over think things, maybe I'm commitment phobic. I think I am...the thought of staying in another long term job that I don't see myself in, in 40 years, is actually screaming at me to stay away.
Yikes, what to do, what to do...while the year's started off creatively and productively, the last few weeks have seen a slow decline in those areas. Perhaps it's time to sneak in a short vacation to recharge and get re-inspired.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Icy Plates in Winter
Who eats ice cream in the middle of winter? Who eats icy plates in the middle of winter? Why do they eat cold things in the middle of winter and late at night? Sometimes it's not what we're eating but the company that we're with.
My group of high school friends and I got together last night to send off one of our friends who will be moving away to Toronto for work. While most of us do see each other regularly around birthdays and new year's, it wasn't this often that we all are able to get together, especially with everyone's busy schedules. As we sat there chatting and catching up with those we hadn't seen in a long time, it made me realize how long we had known each other and how lucky we are to still be in touch and good friends.
Technology, while we've been lucky, with Facebook and email, was a way we were able to stay in touch - but it's really not the same as the old traditional ways of getting together, talking on the phone, or writing a letter and mailing it. The warmth we feel amongst family and friends can ward off any cold predicaments. It is a feeling that sadly technology will unlikely ever be able to evoke. Nor should it, humanity needs interaction amongst its members, real life physical interactions that no machine can ever provide. You've all hugged someone, kissed someone, shaken hands, smiled during a phone call, you know what I'm describing.
Of course when it's impossible because you're literally miles away, then technology is a wonderful gift that while it can't substitute entirely, can be a good surrogate.
So despite this cold weather we've been having, pull yourself away from the computer sometimes and get outside, perhaps have an icy plate with your friends. You can pick and choose the toppings, just like how we can choose to live our lives.
My group of high school friends and I got together last night to send off one of our friends who will be moving away to Toronto for work. While most of us do see each other regularly around birthdays and new year's, it wasn't this often that we all are able to get together, especially with everyone's busy schedules. As we sat there chatting and catching up with those we hadn't seen in a long time, it made me realize how long we had known each other and how lucky we are to still be in touch and good friends.
Technology, while we've been lucky, with Facebook and email, was a way we were able to stay in touch - but it's really not the same as the old traditional ways of getting together, talking on the phone, or writing a letter and mailing it. The warmth we feel amongst family and friends can ward off any cold predicaments. It is a feeling that sadly technology will unlikely ever be able to evoke. Nor should it, humanity needs interaction amongst its members, real life physical interactions that no machine can ever provide. You've all hugged someone, kissed someone, shaken hands, smiled during a phone call, you know what I'm describing.
Of course when it's impossible because you're literally miles away, then technology is a wonderful gift that while it can't substitute entirely, can be a good surrogate.
So despite this cold weather we've been having, pull yourself away from the computer sometimes and get outside, perhaps have an icy plate with your friends. You can pick and choose the toppings, just like how we can choose to live our lives.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Winter Blues
2 years ago, I got hit with my first case of winter blues. The cure? Hawaii for reading break. Despite project deadlines hanging over my head, off I went =) This year, the winter blahs are here - a cousin of the blues, because some days we feel more blah than blue. I suppose school was a factor then, and now, it's needing a quick recharge on the creative juices which have been flowing since the beginning of the 2011. Projects moving along, inspiration hitting, productive days and then some. Maybe it's needed a bit of vitamin D and just another brief escape. Hawaii pictures to come, that might be a good short term cure.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Told in 60 seconds
Several days I heard about Virgin Radio's Fake Film Contest and decided to check it out. For those of you don't know, essentially, remake a film in 60 seconds. As of this moment, there are 21 entries. When I first watched, there were 9, and Willy Wonka was my favorite. Tonight, I haven't caught up yet to all the videos, but here's my current favorite though my disclaimer that there's something about the ending that doesn't sit well: LEGOTANIC
Am I shooting myself in the foot by sharing this video? Maybe, but that's okay, I believe in karma, and honestly thought this was well done and definitely entertaining, so check it out, and hopefully I'll have our video done and loaded for you to check out in the coming days.
Am I shooting myself in the foot by sharing this video? Maybe, but that's okay, I believe in karma, and honestly thought this was well done and definitely entertaining, so check it out, and hopefully I'll have our video done and loaded for you to check out in the coming days.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Let the Creative Juices Flow =)
One of my new year's resolutions was to do more writing, and thankfully for the most part, this blog is enabling me to do just that - even if only a few hundred words a day, or like yesterday where I had little to write. What I really would like to write though is finish a feature screenplay, off an idea I originally came up for a tv show. After saying I will, and even setting several deadlines (including end of 2011), I'm sad to say it has gone no further since, aside from re-printing and making some notes.
I went to a writer's group meeting today though and felt more recharged and inspired just being around such creative people. Though we didn't discuss anything concrete, just chatting about different tv shows and life, catching up with some old friends, meeting new. I've been in discussion with some friends to head out to a coffee shop one day just to write, but it still hasn't happened. However, I've come to realize one thing, while having friends there will help, I need to just make the decision to head out and get some writing done. Just like I made a decision with watching movies. So here's to that, I will head out to a coffee shop and let this be the year that writing happens. Somehow having said that only, adds that much more accountability to help get it done.
To all you fellow writers out there, I wish you continued inspiration and happy writing =)
I went to a writer's group meeting today though and felt more recharged and inspired just being around such creative people. Though we didn't discuss anything concrete, just chatting about different tv shows and life, catching up with some old friends, meeting new. I've been in discussion with some friends to head out to a coffee shop one day just to write, but it still hasn't happened. However, I've come to realize one thing, while having friends there will help, I need to just make the decision to head out and get some writing done. Just like I made a decision with watching movies. So here's to that, I will head out to a coffee shop and let this be the year that writing happens. Somehow having said that only, adds that much more accountability to help get it done.
To all you fellow writers out there, I wish you continued inspiration and happy writing =)
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Why Mess With A Good Thing
I guess time will tell, but I'm curious what else they'd like to sell.
On another humourous note, when travelling in Paris in the summer of 2009, it took several days before I finally spotted my first Starbucks in France - Versailles to be exact. Like a frappuccino starved craver, I headed inside only to take a quick 180 back outside. You probably can guess why. A frappaccino here $4. A frappuccino there (same size) 4 Euro. Go figure. Needless to say, since I'm in France, that frap waited til I got home =)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Canada's Game
On the eve of the gold medal game at the World Junior Hockey tournaments, I remember the Canadian pride of last year, when our national anthem was played during the Olympic games when our athletes won gold. The feeling of patriotic pride is indescribable, and the song can bring tears to our eyes. I remember watching the men's hockey gold medal game with my sisters, the silence of the streets as Canadians gathered together around the game, the screams when Sid the Kid scored in overtime.
On my recent travels to Ireland, the opportunity arose for us to sing in the Mitcheltown Caves. My new friend Kate/Kitty and I were the lone Canadians, but our guide had not only praised the acoustics of the cave, but also insisted we all sing. After the Australian national anthem was song, there was little else but for us to sing O Canada as well, just two voices that resonated through every cavern. We were nervous as heck, especially in front of a group of new people we had just met that day and were spending the next 5 days. But there's something in us that made us very proud to be Canadian and say, "well, here goes nothing"
O Canada has been played in every one of Team Canada's wins, and I hope we get to hear it again tomorrow. For now, this following version shall suffice, and Vancouverites, you all know this.
On my recent travels to Ireland, the opportunity arose for us to sing in the Mitcheltown Caves. My new friend Kate/Kitty and I were the lone Canadians, but our guide had not only praised the acoustics of the cave, but also insisted we all sing. After the Australian national anthem was song, there was little else but for us to sing O Canada as well, just two voices that resonated through every cavern. We were nervous as heck, especially in front of a group of new people we had just met that day and were spending the next 5 days. But there's something in us that made us very proud to be Canadian and say, "well, here goes nothing"
O Canada has been played in every one of Team Canada's wins, and I hope we get to hear it again tomorrow. For now, this following version shall suffice, and Vancouverites, you all know this.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Time is of the Essence
15 minutes to spare to write this entry tonight. It's not that I haven't had time during the day, but sometimes it just ends up at the bottom of the list. Sometimes I work better with a deadline, and this sort of became one.
The smoothness of life is a funny thing, there's a Chinese saying my dad likes to repeat on occasion with respect to when things go well: roughly translated, it's "The Heavens" "The Times" "The Geography" "Humankind" - all are in sync, and this is true. In English, we are told, success = preparation + opportunity.
Things are meant to be done when they are meant to be done. Patience is one thing most of us don't have very much of, and it's probably one of the lessons we are meant to learn during our time here. However, let us not wait too long or thiings never get done, and we end up perfecting the art of procrastination. It's a delicate balance to master the two, to observe what's going on around us, and put all the elements together for happiness and success.
As for myself? I need to work on both, there is no reason I know why I waited til now to post this, but everything happens for a reason. On the bright side, I already know the topic of tomorrow's post, and it will be a fun musical one, different from the latest types of posts.
The smoothness of life is a funny thing, there's a Chinese saying my dad likes to repeat on occasion with respect to when things go well: roughly translated, it's "The Heavens" "The Times" "The Geography" "Humankind" - all are in sync, and this is true. In English, we are told, success = preparation + opportunity.
Things are meant to be done when they are meant to be done. Patience is one thing most of us don't have very much of, and it's probably one of the lessons we are meant to learn during our time here. However, let us not wait too long or thiings never get done, and we end up perfecting the art of procrastination. It's a delicate balance to master the two, to observe what's going on around us, and put all the elements together for happiness and success.
As for myself? I need to work on both, there is no reason I know why I waited til now to post this, but everything happens for a reason. On the bright side, I already know the topic of tomorrow's post, and it will be a fun musical one, different from the latest types of posts.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
The De-clutter
Having been inspired by my friend Brishkay who has managed to clear out her email box down to 100, I decided to finally follow suit and take advantage of the concept: new year, new kick, and toss out a good number of emails, which have been collecting cyber dust since 2005. The starting was slow (attributed of course to recent emails that need to remain) but it's true, once you get going, you're going. Right now, I am proud to have deleted almost 50% of my emails. I still have about 2800 in the box, but with more time, will continue to whittle it down. The feeling of less emails though did bring a feeling of a weight being lifted. It's silly because emails don't weigh anything right? But nevertheless, one thing leads into another, and now that the virtual world is being de-cluttered, the real world is following suit. No more thinking oh I might need this later. If I haven't used it in the past several years, it's going to be donated or in the garbage. As I learned at work, space is valuable real estate, and there's only so much of it.
Give it a shot and let go of some old stuff, make room for the new.
Give it a shot and let go of some old stuff, make room for the new.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
2011 - Something New
Some say life is a journey, and with every new is a new start. Having started up at least 5 blogs now, it is my hope that this one will last. As I discovered just yesterday, some times words can just flow, and since they're flowing now, why not make a resolution and keep it with the help of this blog.
There's an article on Yahoo that says starting blogs is one of the 10 resolutions people make, but cannot keep. It is with my belief that everything happens for a reason, and having read that article, makes me want to meet that challenge just a little more.
So if you please and want to share a bit of life's journeys with me. Read a little, chat a little, and encourage lots as I make entries on this life on this earth, be it food, travel, movies, or just life - in review, in reminiscence, or in musing.
Happy 2011. May it bring you happiness and all the best =)
There's an article on Yahoo that says starting blogs is one of the 10 resolutions people make, but cannot keep. It is with my belief that everything happens for a reason, and having read that article, makes me want to meet that challenge just a little more.
So if you please and want to share a bit of life's journeys with me. Read a little, chat a little, and encourage lots as I make entries on this life on this earth, be it food, travel, movies, or just life - in review, in reminiscence, or in musing.
Happy 2011. May it bring you happiness and all the best =)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)