You know what I noticed? Movies depend too much on their music to make the audience feel some sort of way. The director and sound people pick the right song to punctuate and accentuate a scene, and while it does the job right I can't help but feel manipulated.
I started a script a couple of years ago and instead of completing it I focused on what songs I'd get for each scene. Then it hit me- why can't I just write a strong enough script that doesn't need a soundtrack? Why depend on the music? The script, the acting and the directing should carry the film, not the tunes.
Instead of choosing more songs for a script that's not even finished, I think I'll make a playlist to help put me in the right mood for the movie, but leave it out during filming. What do you think- would you enjoy your favorite film if it didn't have a soundtrack? Can you even think of a recent/modern film without a prominent soundtrack, that blew your mind?
It has no release date (in theaters or on DVD) but I saw the trailer for the film "Pastor Brown" and what can I say? I want to see it.
Yes, it looks predictable and cheesy, and that fool Creflo Dollar is in it, but last year I saw the film "I Will Follow" also starring Salli Richardson-Whitfield (you can read my review here) and I'm kinda starting to feel her as an actress.
Hopefully I'll be able to see this film one day...if they ever release it... If you have any updates on this project, please, let me know!
I'm pretty late on the scene with this CD, but what better way to dust off this ol' blog than with an album you can play from beginning to end without skipping one track? It's a rare artist that can accomplish this feat!
Here are some of my favorites:
It has such a dance-y, fun vibe to it; very reminiscent of disco. Yes, DISCO. I don't care if that makes me seem old and/or it turns you off, but many of these songs make me want to put on some roller skates and rolllllllll to the beat.
I love this CD so much I'm BUYING it and adding it to my "Cheer The Fuck Up" playlist.
I want to be rich and I want lots of money I don't care about clever I don't care about funny I want loads of clothes and fuckloads of diamonds I heard people die while they are trying to find them
And I'll take my clothes off and it will be shameless 'Cuz everyone knows that's how you get famous I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror I'm on the right track, yeah I'm on to a winner
[Chorus] I don't know what's right and what's real anymore And I don't know how I'm meant to feel anymore And when do you think it will all become clear? 'Cuz I'm being taken over by the Fear
Life's about film stars and less about mothers It's all about fast cars and cussing each other But it doesn't matter cause I'm packing plastic And that's what makes my life so fucking fantastic
And I am a weapon of massive consumption And its not my fault it's how I'm programmed to function I'll look at the sun and I'll look in the mirror I'm on the right track, yeah we're on to a winner
[Chorus]
Forget about guns and forget ammunition 'Cuz I'm killing them all on my own little mission Now I'm not a saint but I'm not a sinner Now everything is cool as long as I'm getting thinner
[Chorus] ------
An "oldie" but goodie. Her cheekiness is what makes me love her so.
It's good to know that although I seem to be at a standstill in my career, others are doing the damn thing.
Bronx rappers Par-City, who recently opened for Slick Rick at the legendary Knitting Factory, just released this video in support of their mixtape, Held Over: The Hold Up Part 2 (you can download it here), and is one of the few indie acts out there that are Jaded-approved.
I watch a lot of "TV," and I put TV in quotes because you all know I don't OWN a TV nor do I subscribe to cable service. Or maybe you didn't know... well, now you know.
But anyway, I watch a lot of TV. And sometimes, what makes or breaks a show for me is the writing. Yeah, acting and directing counts, too, but if you throw some smart, witty writing in there, everything else can sometimes fall into place.
Such is the case with Gilmore Girls.
I didn't fall in love with this show until 2007- long after it went off the air- but still, I love it! I dare say, it became a slight obsession.
Below are some of the cleverest words ever uttered by TV characters, which prove by far that members of the Writer's Guild really do deserve everything they are asking for and then some:
Luke: [telling Lorelei why he should not be in charge of kids] I have no patience for jam-hands!
Michel: Well, you know what happens when you assume. Lorelai: What? Michel: I don't know. Something about a donkey. It is a stupid American phrase.
Rory: I have to perform Act Five of "Romeo and Juliet" with Paris, Madeline and Louise. Lorelai: Really? Rory: Paris has appointed herself as director. Lorelai: Nice. What part are you playing? Rory: I don't know yet. She's still mulling over the screen tests right now. We're gonna find out tomorrow. Lorelai: Screen tests? Rory: 24 takes. Lorelai: Ah, I so want a copy. Rory: Forget it. Lorelai: Sell it on the Internet, make a fortune. 'First we brought you Pamela and Tommy Lee, now prepare yourselves for the crazy antics of Rory and the Bard.' Rory: Oh, and I told Paris that you would make all of our costumes so she wants to have a concept meeting with you tomorrow at three. Lorelai: What? Rory: Yeah, she needs a resume and samples of your previous work and, uh, referrals. Lorelai: And my bare butt to kiss? Rory: If you think that will set you apart from the other applicants, yes.
Michel: [Sookie wants Michel to choose a cookie] I don't care. Sookie: I just need a quick opinion! Michel: It took me two seconds to tell you I don't care, that's as quick as I get.
Logan: Rory, you're special. Rory: Like "stop-eating-the-paste" special?
Sookie: Okay, here we go. Low fat, whole wheat blueberry pancakes. Michel: Are there 12? Sookie: 12 what? Michel: Blueberries. I can only have 12 blueberries for breakfast. Sookie: Or what? Michel: What do you mean, or what? Sookie: What happens if you eat 13 blueberries? Michel: This is a silly conversation. Sookie: Would you die? Michel: Just hand me the plate. Sookie: Only if you don't count. Michel: I won't count. Sookie: Swear. Raise your right hand and say, 'May Destiny's Child break up if I count these blueberries.' Michel: [raises his hand] ... Pick another group. Sookie: Nope. Michel: [slams hand down] I hate you! Hate you!
Honorable mentions from other shows:
"Soul mates only exist in the Hallmark aisle of Duane Reade Drugs"- Miranda Hobbs on Sex and the City
"I love you so much I'm going to take you behind the middle school and get you pregnant."- Tracy Jordan on 30 Rock
"Don't look at me, I'm fucked up on corn bread."- Doug Wilson on Weeds
Welp, there it went. Six years of my life devoted to an amazing show that kept me at the edge of my seat, biting my nails off during every episode and now it's all over.
I'm not sure how to feel. Sure, you might say, "Jaded, it's a TV show. STFU and get over it." Well, imagine YOUR favorite TV show ends, or they cancel basketball, or your favorite musician dies. Wouldn't YOU be feeling some kind of way?
I honestly want to applaud the writers for how they handled the story from beginning to end. I was so afraid of getting a cookie-cutter ending, all wrapped up in a bow, all questions answered, etc, etc. They found a way to conclude the story of how these strangers became a part of each others lives in what I considered to be a very innovative way.
The entire sixth season I watched, wondering why we were getting two stories at once. Why the alternate universe storyline? I admit at being highly suspect and frustrated. But the last episode was really good at bringing the show to a close. (I'm not going to go into details or spoilers; if you want to know what happened log onto ABC.com and watch for yourself or read the episode recap on Television Without Pity.)
I know many people who gave up on LOST a while ago, tired of all the cryptic episodes and rotating cast of backup characters. But I knew... I knew it would all pay off in the end. Please trust that I will be purchasing the entire box set of this soon-to-be classic TV series, and it will sit on the shelf right next to me box set of Sex and the City and Buffy, The Vampire Slayer.
