If you have not read Harry Potter, then I hope you have at least seen the movies. To really like Harry Potter, you have to have a deep appreciation for the story behind it. Everyone's lives are so interwoven, calculated down to the very last minute their life began. Rowling has an uncanny for understanding how ones childhood traumas affect their lives as adults, how love and hate and jealousy can shape a person over a number of years. How want and power change us, how sacrifice can bring about change years later. How forgiveness and understanding can help a community fight. How trust is won and broken. Her stories are beautiful and her characters carry their own weight throughout seven years.
I first picked up Harry Potter on a whim in 6th grade. I didn't know much about it at the time, but it was new to the book world and I thought I'd give it a go, see how I liked it. There were no real expectations. A rarity with me and books. I LOVED every word. Rowling bring you into a world that is so unlike any other fantasy world out their. It's practically tangible. It makes you wonder about the secret lives people around you might be leading. The things we've seen and shaken out heads about while saying, "I'm seeing things. Time to take a nap." Her world is as real as your own two hands, and she makes you yearn for her characters happiness and the fulfilment of their goals like they were your own best friends. Her antagonists are just as real as the heroes. And she makes you wonder about them and their stories; about what decisions they made that brought them to where they are.
Research and meticulous notes. Not something you really think about when writing fiction, but when your story spans across thousands of years and involves over 200 characters, research and meticulous notes are a writers best friend. Names in J.K Rowling may pop up in books 1 and 2, but not make another appearance until books 5 and 6. A fight talked about between two characters might not be divulged in detail until the last book in the series. A professors seemingly unfounded hatred of a young boy may not be discussed until he is on his deathbed. Rowling sometimes leaves us confused and angry, but never without reason. Things take time, and Rowling is a master at commanding it. She tells us things when they make sense for the character to know them, and for her readers to better understand them. Everyone and everything has a purpose. There are no accidents when developing such an intricate story line.
I'd write more, but I could prattle on about Harry Potter all day. I highly suggeest you read her work, or at least see the movies. They are worth it.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My Kindle, My Best Friend
I have a stange obsession with books. It's not just that I love them. No. It goes beyond that. There is something about a good book that catches deep inside you, grabs ahold, and refuses to turn you loose.
I believe a good book can make you think, make you cry, make you believe in things or trust in things you never would have before. If you come away from a book feeling as though you've been on a journey,then the author has done their job. They've transported you through time and space and reality and illusions and have dropped you off back home feeling wiser and more in tune with the world around you.
I love a good book series. Sometimes you are just unable to let the characters go on their way and live their lives. Sometimes your brain and your soul demand more time and more information. Some truly amazing series writers would be J.K Rowling, Scott Westerfield, V.C Andrews, Cecily von Ziegesar and my most recent favorite, Amanda Hocking. All these authors have different styles of writing, write in different genres, and deal with different situations, but they all have one things in common: one book just was not enough for their characters.
So, in the spirit of books, I'm dedicating a blog post to each of these authors.
I believe a good book can make you think, make you cry, make you believe in things or trust in things you never would have before. If you come away from a book feeling as though you've been on a journey,then the author has done their job. They've transported you through time and space and reality and illusions and have dropped you off back home feeling wiser and more in tune with the world around you.
I love a good book series. Sometimes you are just unable to let the characters go on their way and live their lives. Sometimes your brain and your soul demand more time and more information. Some truly amazing series writers would be J.K Rowling, Scott Westerfield, V.C Andrews, Cecily von Ziegesar and my most recent favorite, Amanda Hocking. All these authors have different styles of writing, write in different genres, and deal with different situations, but they all have one things in common: one book just was not enough for their characters.
So, in the spirit of books, I'm dedicating a blog post to each of these authors.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
And The Oscar Goes To...
Okay, I in NO way (no way)saying that I have seen all of these movies. I'm a working girl on a budget. I feel slighly uncomfortable everytime I hand the movie cashier person $20 and don't even get a $10 back. However, I have seen of these films and I'd like to weigh in on some good ones.
The Kids Are Alright
Actually a pretty good movie. Newcomer Mia Wasikowsa was fabulous as Joni. Heading off to college, on the verge of wanting and needing to leave the nest and persue her own wants without parental interefernce. It's a way we've all felt at some point. You find that person who indulges those desires and suddenlt they're your favorite person on Earth. Typical.
Annette Benning, who has been nominated for an Oscar, was just under the radar great. Her chemistry with Julianne Moore (who I believe did got snubbed for a supporting role nomination) was fabulous. She's condescending, and rude, witty and protective all within the same minute.
Mark Ruffalo was nomiated. I don't know why. I'm not saying he was bad in the movie at all because he wasn't. He's never really been bad in a role I've seen him in. But he was standard Mark Ruffalo. Weird, funny, awkward. Nothing special.
On principle, I refuse to The Social Network. I can't begin to tell you how much I just don't care. I'm sure it was fabulous and you all learned lots about the creationg of Facebook, but I seriously hate Facebook at moments and Mark whateverhislastnameis, can go suck it.
Inception
Chirstopher Nolan is a GENIUS. There are no words to describe how amazing this man is as a director. Yes, the film was nomiated for Best Picture, but Nolan himself failed to get a nomination for Best Director (second year in a row). The man has made some great movies, and this is definitely one of them. Thankfully, the movie did a few more nomiations worthy of the movie (Art Direction, Visual Effects, Best Writing,Best Original Score, Sound Mixing). So the movie definitely has some room to wiggle and snag an Oscar. Hopefully.
Black Swan
If you were too much of an idiot to see this fantastic picture then you have truly missed out. This movie isn't about ballet persay. It's about the transformations we go through in order to achieve our dream. Consciously and subsconsciously. Natalie Portman was extraordinary. Shy and meek, but with this fire boiling under the surface that at the slightest breath, it will boil over and destroy you. The woman is simply perfect in this film, completely worthwhile of her Best Lead Actress nomination.
And to make you see it, the man who directed this also directed Requiem Of A Dream. Which is basically the most fucked drug movie besides Spun.
But what also makes this movie perfect is it's use of the camera. I'll need to definitely go on a rant in another entry abotu it, but unless youve studied film you won't truly get what importance a camera is in a movie. I will explain. Have no fear.
Toy Story 3
This is by far one of the greatest animated films I have seen. The fact that it's up for both Best Picture and Best Animated film is really a credit to it's beautiful writing, songs, cast and director, just everyone involved with this film! I nearly cried. I know the movie came out so long after the other two, but it still kept up with the characters, their personality developments over the years, and new perspectives on life. It was truly a great film. SEE IT!
True Grit
I'm having some slight reservations about this movie. Mainly because I expected it be a little, well, grittier. The last Coen Bros. movie I saw was No Country For Old Men (forget Burn After Reading. Not counting that dumb fuck of a movie). And that movie gave me goosebumps, and pretty much a state of paranoia during the entire film. Now, while this movie was good, I feel like the trailers promised me something different. Something more, raw and suspenseful. Not hilarious. Which it was. Can we nominate this movie for a comdey instead? And the spankign scene!! I didn't know whether to laugh, cry and be incredibly umcomfortable leaving Matt Damon around my children. Hailee Steinfeld has definitely earned her nomination as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Her act as fast-talking quick thinking Mattie Ross was both believable and funny at the same time. I commend her for being a category with some very acclaimed actresses. The movie as a whole, not much my taste.
And just some side notes:
Can we please have The Fighter just go for the gold? I mean, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo. All great actors, fantastic movie. PERFECT.
The Kids Are Alright
Actually a pretty good movie. Newcomer Mia Wasikowsa was fabulous as Joni. Heading off to college, on the verge of wanting and needing to leave the nest and persue her own wants without parental interefernce. It's a way we've all felt at some point. You find that person who indulges those desires and suddenlt they're your favorite person on Earth. Typical.
Annette Benning, who has been nominated for an Oscar, was just under the radar great. Her chemistry with Julianne Moore (who I believe did got snubbed for a supporting role nomination) was fabulous. She's condescending, and rude, witty and protective all within the same minute.
Mark Ruffalo was nomiated. I don't know why. I'm not saying he was bad in the movie at all because he wasn't. He's never really been bad in a role I've seen him in. But he was standard Mark Ruffalo. Weird, funny, awkward. Nothing special.
On principle, I refuse to The Social Network. I can't begin to tell you how much I just don't care. I'm sure it was fabulous and you all learned lots about the creationg of Facebook, but I seriously hate Facebook at moments and Mark whateverhislastnameis, can go suck it.
Inception
Chirstopher Nolan is a GENIUS. There are no words to describe how amazing this man is as a director. Yes, the film was nomiated for Best Picture, but Nolan himself failed to get a nomination for Best Director (second year in a row). The man has made some great movies, and this is definitely one of them. Thankfully, the movie did a few more nomiations worthy of the movie (Art Direction, Visual Effects, Best Writing,Best Original Score, Sound Mixing). So the movie definitely has some room to wiggle and snag an Oscar. Hopefully.
Black Swan
If you were too much of an idiot to see this fantastic picture then you have truly missed out. This movie isn't about ballet persay. It's about the transformations we go through in order to achieve our dream. Consciously and subsconsciously. Natalie Portman was extraordinary. Shy and meek, but with this fire boiling under the surface that at the slightest breath, it will boil over and destroy you. The woman is simply perfect in this film, completely worthwhile of her Best Lead Actress nomination.
And to make you see it, the man who directed this also directed Requiem Of A Dream. Which is basically the most fucked drug movie besides Spun.
But what also makes this movie perfect is it's use of the camera. I'll need to definitely go on a rant in another entry abotu it, but unless youve studied film you won't truly get what importance a camera is in a movie. I will explain. Have no fear.
Toy Story 3
This is by far one of the greatest animated films I have seen. The fact that it's up for both Best Picture and Best Animated film is really a credit to it's beautiful writing, songs, cast and director, just everyone involved with this film! I nearly cried. I know the movie came out so long after the other two, but it still kept up with the characters, their personality developments over the years, and new perspectives on life. It was truly a great film. SEE IT!
True Grit
I'm having some slight reservations about this movie. Mainly because I expected it be a little, well, grittier. The last Coen Bros. movie I saw was No Country For Old Men (forget Burn After Reading. Not counting that dumb fuck of a movie). And that movie gave me goosebumps, and pretty much a state of paranoia during the entire film. Now, while this movie was good, I feel like the trailers promised me something different. Something more, raw and suspenseful. Not hilarious. Which it was. Can we nominate this movie for a comdey instead? And the spankign scene!! I didn't know whether to laugh, cry and be incredibly umcomfortable leaving Matt Damon around my children. Hailee Steinfeld has definitely earned her nomination as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. Her act as fast-talking quick thinking Mattie Ross was both believable and funny at the same time. I commend her for being a category with some very acclaimed actresses. The movie as a whole, not much my taste.
And just some side notes:
Can we please have The Fighter just go for the gold? I mean, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Melissa Leo. All great actors, fantastic movie. PERFECT.
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