“I am the master of my-” (for better or worse)
Each year there is a film that critics and award show judges can’t leave alone, in spite of how truly awful it is. This year, joining the likes of such trash as “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and Peter Jackson’s “King Kong” there is “Invictus.” Clint Eastwood directed this tale of South Africa in the day of Nelson Mandella, using the true life story of the country’s rugy team (and eventual triumph in the Rugy World Cup) as metaphor for nationalism. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon star. It’s been nominated for 3 Golden Globe awards, and several others. Most are for acting, but many are for Best Director which implies the film is well put together.
Trouble is, the film fails on pretty much every level.
It’s a bad historical drama because it does very little to portray the true depth of racism and hatred that permeated the country before the end Apartheid. The film jumps from the release of Mandella from prison in the first scene (a single snide, racist remark provides the racial context here) to his election as President before the credits are over. Though I lived though this time of history, I was uniformed by this film about the depth of injustice perpetrated by whites over blacks in South Africa for many years. There’s some tension here and there, but if it’s to be a film about the history and end of hatred, it is lost.
It’s a bad biographical drama because Freeman is given so little to do. The depth of Mandella’s presidency is displayed only in the context of rugby. His grace toward whites is on display, but the film shows so little of the man actually leading it becomes hard to root for him as a cultural icon of our time. There are some indications of a painful home life, but these are not explored well – more like stereotypical inserts to try to get us to care. Freeman apparently does a good imitation of the man (who realy knows?), but is given no particular acting challenges. Perhaps the stunningly, agonizingly slow cantor of his speech is true to life, but it doesn’t make a good choice for a director who’s picture (already too long) is being drawn out by the spaces between his character’s words. Eastwood’s choices are so poor that he allows a lengthy dialogue between Mandella and his assistant in which he pledges to memorize the name of each member of the team as a sign of good will and later, once meeting them, we see him shaking hands, calling a few by name and saying, “Good luck, son” to the rest.
It’s a bad sports movie because the sport is not well explained, the team is not well developed, their struggle is poorly depicted and their triumph understated. Until the trophy was presented, I honestly thought the championship game was a semi-final. The thuggish enemy opponent is clearly drawn and easily defeated. If the team itself overcomes obstacles they are hard to pin down. Damon, in the role of team captain, may also be playing true to life, but the character he is portraying is frightfully undramatic. Twice he is to carry the emotion of the team along and both times he simply mutters a single line like, “So think about that” and walks out of the room! When in the huddle and we think he will forcefully and emotionally evoke the title poem, he does not. Unfortunately, Damon is to be the heart and soul of the film, but;
It’s a bad inspirational movie because it literally drops the sentiment off to the side. At one point the uncouth rugby team travels to the prison where Mandella was unjustly incarcerated for years, only to treat the side trip as a blythe walk through a museum. There is no great weight here. Matt Damon has visions of Mandella’s character but is stoic (either by choice or direction) and doesn’t have much to say. There’s no enlightenment visible in his face – and we don’t even see the other team members’ enough to decide. The theme of the movie, therefore, is supposed to be transferred to us later in the film as Damon looks out over the city at dawn, supposedly contemplating his big sporting challenge only to reveal he’s been thinking about the awesome heart of President Mandella. It’s a non sequitur to say the least.
And speaking of that – how do you give a best directing nod to someone who edits in a helicopter sequence in which the president is going to visit the team to wish them good luck (again!) which pops on the screen like a shampoo commercial, complete with rock anthem. It’s as if the song is by his daughter-in-law and he promised to stick it in there “somewhere.” The rest of the soundtrack is jazz (him playing piano, I presume), yet jammed in here is this odd sequence. Oh, and he doesn’t say the player’s names this time, either.
It’s a bad thriller. Going in you might not think it was meant to be, but Eastwood spends so much time with this subplot and its characters that there must be something going on. Bodyguards are constantly meeting, exclaiming, fretting and arguing about the President’s fate. But no threat actually arrives. Has no one in charge of award nominations noticed one of the stupidest sequences of the year is in this movie? As the big game is about to begin, he cuts to the interior of an approaching jumbo jet and tries to get us to believe the rogue pilot is going to dive bomb the stadium. Cue the rousing music! Sequentially cut to the faces of the body guards looking alarmed but unable to act! Cut back to the plane! Then the unsuspecting Mandella! Ugh! So pat and quiet possibly the worst visual effect of the year when the plane has a near miss (I mean laughable the way that plane looks like it was pasted in there using my MacPro’s hard drive). The film could have lost this entire side line and it would have been 3o minutes welcomed on the cutting room floor. A simple scene depicting the tension between the white and black members of the guard early; then a scene of them 75 minutes later playing rugby in the yard is all that’s needed from them!
It’s a bad nationalistic movie, because the tensions of the country are never well depicted nor resolved. The best sequence in the film (though also cliche) is when the brutish rugby players must set aside their goals (apparently they really are eager to win, we just never get to see this) and enter the slums to teach children about the game. Here are the shots of the whites and blacks coming together through sport. And, apparently, the repressed blacks did rally around the all white team during the World Cup. Eastwood’s shots of this phenomenon are so lame, so static and still so bizarrely separatist. If there is unification besides the fact that everybody jumps up and down at the same time, it is lost on us.
So, how do you embrace a movie that tries to be so much and fails. In my opinion you don’t. In fact, you shouldn’t be honoring it at all, nor spending money or time to see it.
Somebody should tell a guy.
Firefox is a much better web browser than Safari. Apparently there are people in my life who knew this already. Somebody should tell a guy.
So nobody can claim I never told you so: I think Macs are much better than PCs.
Not A Better Mousetrap (or: Keep It Simple Stupid)
I don’t really even have to write a review of the new Schwinn bike pump I purchased. Just google “schwinn airdriver 1100″ and you’ll get the picture. You won’t even have to click beyond the google search, because the cussing starts right in the little preview paragraphs that google provides. Bottom line, this thing sucks.
Okay – you can go to this one if you’d like. It’ll save me thinking about it anymore. http://www.somecrankyguy.com/
When in Rome, or near Venice
If you are one of the zillions heading down I-75 to Florida this spring, make the time to stop in Nakomis, Florida and, especially, the Nakomis Groves on Albee Farm Road. Sure, you can probably find oranges and honey near wherever you are staying, but you’ll need to go out of your way (really, go out of your way if you must) to have some of the Orange Ice Cream available from the window (most days, 11am-6pm).
Simply put, it’s the difference between the frozen, concentrated orange juice you make in Indiana and having fresh from the tree stuff while on vacation in Florida. Orange Sherbet I have enjoyed, but nothing compares to the refreshing tang they push out of their soft serve machine at Nakomis Groves. Orange can be swirled with vanilla, but the more adventuresome might go with the orange/pineapple combo. If you really want to go out on a limb, try chocolate/lime. It may take a few licks, but you’ll soon be hooked.
If you’re staying within 30 miles of Nakomis, it’s worth the drive. If you’re going anywhere south on I-75, it just might make those torturous last couple of hours of your twenty hour drive go a little better.
The road to … ?
The film Revolutionary Road was snubbed by the academy, and that made me want to see it even more. It had been on my list anyway, mostly because the performances are being praised and my appreciation for Sam Mendes (especially his masterpiece American Beauty).
I guess I can only report that I don’t think the academy did anything wrong, even though the film is interesting, well acted, though-provoking, beautifully designed and full of social commentary. These things make a film Oscar worthy, but there the sum just doesn’t equal its parts. And it’s very close … but not quite.
First, the performances are outstanding. Each emotional pitch is genuine and well executed. The leads shine and the supporting cast (only one of which was nominated) do a fine job. The production design is spot on and the direction worthy.
So it comes down to story structure and writing, I suppose. There are great spoken lines here and there … but the screenplay seems designed to get you to those lines, hoping they are making their point about society and the meaning of life. Grasping the underlying motives of a husband and wife stuck in their choices is not a long stretch (people deal with this every day), but there’s not enough exposition to help us invest in the tragedy of their dreams dashed.
Frank (the husband) is a character who is especially conflicted because he is given a chance to fulfill his dreams … only, he doesn’t know what they are. Even the prospect of discovering what they might be enrages him, but we are left to guess why. Fortunately there is a “disturbing outsider” who drops in to provide a sort of greek chorus to his feelings in case we are lost. But where is the well for all this rage? From what source does it spring eternal? We don’t know.
It is really April’s story, which is supposed to be even more controversial because she’s a woman in the 50’s and not meant to have dreams outside the home. Her pain is easier to connect with and the route she takes more understandable; and tragic. Winslet is a joy to watch act.
And that’s the rub. Throughout the film I felt I was watching people do a great job acting. The dialogue is excellent and captures the way people argue, but there is simply no context provided by earlier scenes. These are dramatic episodes well played out, but hardly a contextual commentary on domestic life of the 50s (or today).
All that said, however, I must admit I continue to think about the film and it’s characters. The inner torments they face are similar to what millions of men and women face each day. The lines that mean to provoke do, in fact, provoke. The issues raised between spouses are worthy of conversation. And, in a visceral reaction that had to be studied to be understood, the final shot brought me to tears. I don’t mean the events at the end of the film. I mean the very last shot got me right in the gut. See it – I recommend it highly – and maybe we can figure it out together.
Why Spiritual People Should Vote
Five Reasons Spiritual People Should Vote
If you’ve found this article, you are likely someone who is in tune with the energy of the universe, eager to live a full life and, perhaps sometimes confused by this world we have built around ourselves. As the author of a book about the contradictions we find in our world (and our own lives) I can understand why politics might seem like an area to avoid.
I’m not suggesting that you become mired in the emotional battle of daily political life, but I would like offer the following reasons why your vote is vital on November 4th. You may not agree with all of them, but if even one seems “on the money” then you should mark your calendar, arrange your day and be certain to enact your purpose on Election Day.
Oh, by the way, I’ll be up front about the fact that this is a partisan article. You’ll know right away that I have an opinion about who you should vote for, not just that you should vote. It’s no problem if you disagree with my choice. In fact, it might just confirm the importance of your call to vote.
1. Leadership Is About Energy, Too
Even if your spiritual path includes a sense of “isolation” from the seemingly bizarre patterns of our society and government, I suspect that you are aware of the dramatic shift in energy that has been cast over our country for the past eight years (mostly since 9/11).
Perhaps you’ve chosen not to read the newspaper or watch television or engage in community affairs. The energy that I feel has less to do with laws or policies and more to do with the fundamental principles of fear, hope, trust, joy, peace and prosperity. If God’s will for us is an evolved, enlightened approach to our world then I must admit having been “set back” by the mood that is being cast by our leadership.
If you feel that creative expression, personal imagination, community growth and just plain happiness is lacking, you should begin to look at the words, stances and energies that are emanating from our leaders. The President included the phrase, “We live in a world of fear” in his convention speech. I understand the power of words and the amazing foundation of energy that our world is constructed on (have you seen the movie “What The Bleep Do We Know?”). I don’t want to support people who can only articulate a fearful vision for our future and seem to be doing it for their ego’s gain.
2. Choice is a Vital Spiritual Principle
I live in a “red” state (really purple, I believe) and it seems that the wags have already decided that my vote isn’t going to make much difference in the national election. Just the other day a friend was expressing her frustration that the Electoral College system negates the power of the individual voter. This may be true.
It is also true that my ability to choose the course of my day and no longer feel like a victim of the “system” or universe means spiritual freedom and empowerment for my everyday living. When I understand that I can manifest my own experience everyday, I create for myself wonderful outcomes. When I accept responsibility for how I respond to situations I give myself the power to live proactively and constructively.
When I step into the voting booth and make a physical action that correlates with my choice to accept or reject the principles, policy and energy that I feel damages me, I move past a place of blame and victimhood. In the great machine of politics my vote may be erased by policy or geography. I will still declare, for myself and, energetically, to all those with power, that I believe in something different and I will not choose what they are offering.
3. Policy is one thing, Morals are another
During the muted outrage over the treatment of prisoners in Iraq and Cuba, the media reported its discovery of memos circulated throughout the current Administration in which the legality of torturing prisoners was the main topic. It was important, the Administration noted, for the United States to understand if they could be brought to justice in the international community for their actions.
I want to be a citizen of a country that would never wonder if torture were legal. I want to declare that the discussion would have immediately ended with the simple, True understanding that TORTURE IS IMMORAL. I want to reject the notion that our fears or politics or even national security would mean that it becomes acceptable to demean, degrade, harm or kill another human being.
In spite of the representation of centrist, moderate conservatism that is being shown to the public, the track record and political platform is one of extreme judgment and narrow thinking. Global human rights, interpersonal freedoms, women’s rights, environmental policy, gay rights and many other personal choices are being subjugated in an attempt to legislate morality. This is not the role of the government.
Some of the basic tenants of our Constitution, among them the separation of Church and State and the rights of citizens to avoid a ubiquitous government, are being challenged by the current administration. Even if you are unaware of the individual laws and choices on which to found your vote, consider the larger picture when making your decision on November 4th.
4. You Count
In my city, an election for a seat on the City Council was won by three votes. Another by thirteen votes. The political balance of our Council is such that each race decided the “power” structure of the organization. As we know, a previous Presidential election came down, practically, to less than 500 votes in the state of Florida. Today, more than ever, every vote counts.
Spiritually, we are reminded by A Course In Miracles that God’s salvation for the world relies on each of us. We are the determinate of outcomes; we are the practitioners of God’s Will on earth; we are being called to move beyond our previous expectations and accept responsibility for the well being of others. If you decided that politics is an area suited for other people’s control, you are relinquishing your vital role. During the impeachment hearing for President Clinton, I was compelled to travel to Washington D.C. and witness the proceedings. I entered the chamber, listened and then sat in prayer. It did not matter to me what else was going on, I answered the call to bring prayer where it was needed.
Before you vote I encourage you to meditate, pray, connect and participate in your spiritual practice. If you believe that politics is too far outside the realm of Spirit to matter, then you can choose to bring spirit into the process.
5. Apathy Condones
We spiritualists strive to release judgment and love all others. We often want to believe that there is no “right or wrong.” I would offer that this viewpoint may apply to the great mystical realm of the cosmos and can serve as a first step in healing and forgiveness. And I would also say that this idea, taken to the extreme, can be a spiritual wasteland.
Rumi said, “Beyond the ideas of right and wrong there is a field. I will meet you there. When the soul lies down in that grass the world is too full to talk about. Ideas, language, even the phrase ‘each other’ doesn’t make sense anymore.” This is an idyllic vision. I believe we are evolving toward it.
In order to reach this place, we must make choices. We must assess the options that our world has placed before us and select which one brings us peace, prosperity, love and joy. It is not a question of “right and wrong.” Instead, it is acknowledging that we must vision and hold close our desired outcomes. Then we must make conscious choices towards constructing that reality.
When we make no choice at all, we send a strong signal to the universe. It is “I don’t care!” It is “It won’t change!” It is “Do whatever you want!” Those who do want to impose their theology and ideology will be pleased to know that we are passive and uninvolved. They will construe this as acceptance of their policies and opportunity for advancing their cause. They most certainly believe they are “right” and, more often than not, they aim to cause you to make judgments, too.
When you make a statement like voting, it affirms for yourself that you have a made a choice for a certain type of future. It tells the world that you have made a choice about what kind of energy you want to guide the nation. It tells the universe that you know your worth and will exercise it in service of God’s plan for us. It tells the universe that on this day, November 2nd, you were not only connected with a higher power, but you took action as well.
Disney #1 – You can see it from here, but it’s further than you think.
The family of four has just returned from an exciting trip to Walt Disney World!! This has the potential to keep me blogging for days, as there is so much fodder for a critic and so many ways to be ignored as the park staff just wants things to go as planned.
So let me start with a short entry forewarning those who have not been before: Much of your Disney experience is spent getting from one place to another. It may be one of the few vacations where you have the ability to use every conceivable mode of transportation. This is required because, though you can see where you are going from where you are, it is still far, far away.
Of course there is walking. This is a pleasurable experience because it is so very different from waiting. Walking allows you to soak up atmosphere and stretch your legs and enjoy the hustle and bustle of a crowd you probably haven’t been in since you commuted to work in New York City. It’s a chance to avoid being hit by the antique cars and Segway tours, which can be like a game if you want to see it that way.
Waiting is the first step to every other type of transportation. Wait for the bus to take you to the park so you can wait on the monorail to take you to the gate to wait to catch the train to the back of the park so you can wait to ride an elephant that flies through the air. (Hey, I said they have everything!)
Disney is fantastic because you can get anywhere you need to go … just realize that it’s a lot further than you think.
Trying to Buy the Right Thing
I’m a food guy and I shop and prepare most everything my family eats. I’m also a holistic living guy and trying to do the right thing for the environment – all at the same time. Not always easy and I’m not always successful and I’m not always 100% trying.
And, I was very excited to see a new vegetable stand open less than a mile from our house. “Local Produce” the sign declared. I almost crashed the mini-van trying to get a look at the place. Later the littlest and I stopped by when walking to the playground.
I was confused. Melons from Florida? Tomatoes from Tennessee? So I asked the chef/owner, “Is this stuff organic?” He dodged the question and gave me some information on “sustainable farming.” It just so happens I’ve already done a great deal of reading on this topic, and I wasn’t sure he was really getting to the heart of what I’d read previously. I assured him I was looking forward to his mid-summer harvest.
Later I was compelled to offer the following feedback, via email. Of course there has been no reply. I’ve been ignored! Again!
Why Do We Try?
Everybody has opinions; I get that.
Sometimes, though, we have important, reasoned, researched and intriguing opinions. And yet we are merely consumers. Merely the rabble. Only the one in the crowd who wasn’t happy amongst the masses who were satiated enough not to speak up. So we are ignored.
I’m almost 40 years old and have been a stay at home Dad for more than seven years. That’s a lot of practical experience on how the world works – and sometimes doesn’t work. In this time I have also written two books on spirituality (one published, one on the way). I speak to audiences large and small. I have read much on a wide variety of subjects. I attend intellectual events and listen carefully. I watch children understand the important things and adults struggle with their own things (sometimes not so important, but it’s important to listen through them to get to meat). Overall, I say with humility, I’m good at the things I do.
Before I chose to stay at home with my daughters I was Regional Director for a national educational nonprofit. I oversaw 14 employees in 9 states and more than 150 volunteers watching over 325 international exchange students, their host families and communities. Before that I was a freelance speaker and consultant. I’ve also been a waiter, writer, secretary, baker, photographer and more. I have some worldly experience, I guess you could say.
Before that, I got a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Film and Television Production from New York University, in New York City where I lived for 5 years. It helps me understand the art and business of media.
Before that I was a student extraordinarie working closely with bigwigs, including the Governor of our State and basically ruling the earth, as only a teenager can.
That’s my resume – highly condensed. It doesn’t including everything I’ve done, from climbing the steps of the Eiffel Tower to stopping to change the tire of a stranger by the highway; from receiving high recognition upon graduation from college to waking up the other night to change the sheets my three year old had vomited on in the night … you get the idea.
AND YET, in spite of our greatness (because I am certain you are as amazing as I) when I walk into a store, restaurant or cocktail party my voice is largely ignored. Because I have no “official capacity” or seeming stake on the Board of Directors – or simply because Mr. or Mrs. Gatekeeper has not yet given me permission to be listened to – I am invisible.
This site is a voice to the silenced, a list of million dollar ideas, kudos to those doing things right and wake up calls to the oblivious. I am grateful you have come and grateful you have invested enough to arrive at the bottom of the page to hear that I am grateful.
We try because to be silent would deny our purpose here.
