It isn’t because I am sad
 
My mom knows me. She asked me the other day, “I saw online today that you haven’t blogged in a while, is everything okay?” Normally when I don’t blog, I am a wreck. Something is wrong and that is why I don’t write, but everything is okay. All is well, in fact many days it is better than that--it is good. I suppose you could say I have been “taking it all in.” Between Obama, the Steelers, a new baby niece, my contest to see all the Academy award nominees, and still the processing of my personal life--my brain has been pretty full. I must admit Facebook is also to blame. Every time I open the computer, fully intending to write or email or anything productive---I “surf” Facebook. Soon there will be recovery groups. It is one addicting drug. I suppose all of the above could be their own blog entry, but for now it is the movies that are on my mind the most. When you do not have children and get home 4-5 hours before your husband does and seem not have many friends who are free--you go to the movies! A few years back it was on my New Year’s resolution list, “Go to the movies by myself.” My students think i am crazy and said if they ever saw me there by myself, they would laugh at me. (How kind these 14 year olds are. They also told me yesterday not to ever get pregnant because it grosses them out to know that their teachers- “you know, do it.” i nearly fell out of my chair laughing.) The key is to go early on the weekends and any weekday evening. There are hardly any crowds, you get the best seat options, and it is super cheap. Since my resolution, I have fallen in love with going to the movies by myself. It is fantastic. I have seen nine movies since Christmas. I don’t want to give too many spoilers and I am not an expert on movie critiques so I will just give a brief thought on each. Milk: I thought it was an intriguing biography that told the story of Harvey Milk beautifully. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button: A bit Forrest Gump-esque, but still it may be my favorite of the nine. It was long, but didn’t feel that way--I got lost in the story, caught up in this other world and that makes for a great film. Slumdog Millionaire: What an incredible way to tell a story. I was intrigued. I remember right afterwards not knowing how to feel after seeing such poverty. It reminded me of the time I was at the Dominican Republic having the time of my life and left the resort only to see slums all around this beautiful all inclusive...kind of made me sick to my stomach. Regardless, I loved the movie. Scott felt like there have been plenty of other indie type films that were better, but didn’t get as much recognition and I will admit that has tainted my view on the movie. (Another reason to go alone. : ) ) Gran Torino: I don’t think this one is up for any awards. A fantastic depiction on race and the elderly, not necessarily together, but each on their own. Clint Eastwood was brilliant (and nuts in this.) The Wrestler: This one was sold out so many times that I wasn’t sure I would get to see it. I I thought it was primarily character driven. Both Mickey Rourke and Marisa Tomei were incredible. I left this movie very upset though. I always want things to end like they do on the Hallmark channel. I wanted redemption so badly for him, but perhaps it was redeeming, but not the way I expected. There were scenes that i had to hide behind my scarf and it wasn’t because of Tomei’s boobs. Until this movie, I didn’t know hardcore wrestling existed. The Reader: I had no idea what this movie was about, I only know it was on the list and needed to be viewed. What a story! Kate Winslet, despite her weepy award speeches, is one of the best actresses of our time right now. I am in awe of her performances in both The Reader and Revolutionary Road. The beginning of this story is a super steamy romance with lots of nakedness that made me blush in a theater full of strangers. As the movie goes on it turns into something so completely different and tells a tale of concentration camps from a perspective we rarely look at. I felt like this one was almost two separate movies...a love affair and then a trial that leads to a story that left me questioning who to feel sorry for. Revolutionary Road: While not my favorite, this is the one that most impacted me. In this movie there were scenes and lines that felt as though they had been plucked directly from my life. It left me questioning all that I thought I had come to terms with. I will let it speak for itself... “Money is a good reason but it’s never the real reason.” “If being crazy means living life as if it matters, then I don’t mind being completely insane.” “I just happen to think people are better off doing something they actually like.” “No one forgets the truth, they just get better at lying.” “Plenty of people are onto the emptiness but it takes real guts to see the hopelessness.” This movie takes a look at suburban living in a way that makes my stomach churn. Neither Winslet or DiCaprio are completely lovable characters, but I can relate to each so well. They each do things that seem unforgivable, but I could also understand the feelings of being stuck, wondering if this is all there is, and just wanting to feel something again. This is a film that will stay with me for a very long time. I also saw Seven Pounds and Marley and Me...both not worthy of much writing except that they are SAD. I still have to see Frost/Nixon and Doubt. I won’t be able to catch the other few for best actress because they aren’t at the theaters anymore, but I would say that this is the year that I came closest to my goal!
Wednesday, February 4, 2009