And we continue

It's coming, 5 days and counting down. Two tasks at hand; 1) Prep and refresh myself with the names and resumes of people expected to be there, and 2) Ensure I make my flight...all of them. On time even.

After missing last year I'm pretty amped to get back, and it's way to cold right now to not justify heading off to Texas. A few extra friends are going this time around, or perhaps I just know a couple more people than before - but it makes for good times.

Of course, it's business and as such must be embraced accordingly without the lure of infinite Absolute and Dos Equs...For me though my goal is a simple evolution from two years ago. To be a little more vocal, a little more confident and most of all just on par. Two years ago I was there with some slight apprehension "what the hell am I doing here"? I'd think at times. Now for some reason I feel like I belong a little more and not because of any real progress in terms of credits or anything like that - but just because I believe enough in my own abilities that I know what I'm there for and what I want.

Until then - I'm hoping to finish my outline on a rewrite, something long overdue. And complete some needed viewing.

And make sure I know when my flight is.

That Day That Never Comes

I am not one to often triumph the notion of a 'comeback' of an actor, politician, musician, writer, or whatever the label is usually slapped onto. It's like this - someone crafts something that you respect so much, then deviates and does something else so you hate them and think they've 'lost it'. But who are we to say? I'll hold myself accountable for the decisions I make, and let others hold themselves to their own level and standard.

Music is easily the most impressionable force upon my writing, often crafting ideas out of a single lyric, or an entire scripts tone based on the feel and mood a song gives me. I chalk up a little new playlist in my Itunes and get to work. The playlist grows, songs are added that fit the mood and scenes I've crafted. For entire stretches of the writing process that playlist will be on constant repeat until I hit the end.



Unfortunately for me one of my favorite genres in music is Metal. Death Metal, thrash Metal, progressive metal...the list goes on. But it seldom translates into a worth playlist. And while that's not an issue here, because I haven't created a new idea or playlist, it's on my mind because a recent leak of famed Thrash legends Metallica was sent over to me by my friend. A bad that I hold in high regard even though the past, oh...15 years have produced works that they won't be remembered by, at least not fondly. I'm not a defender of the group and their utter pathetic concept on new media distribution (or lack thereof) did nothing but show their age.



The new Album - Death Magnetic - is a surprise in pretty much every way. Gone is the staple melodramtic lyrics that has always dogged them - even from the "kill 'em All' days and it seems they've taken a step back to their recent offerings. To say this album is a carbon attempt at And Justice for All would be lying and it's no Master of Puppets either. But it's all there. It's heavy, hard, thrilling and thoughtful. Back are the epic 8 minute songs, thrashing solo's and brutal force they became known for.

But there's something else. And while people will try to peg this as the dreaded 'comeback' it's not. It's a departure from everything they've been doing - a progression from it. The influence of much maligned albums such as Load, S&M, St. Anger and Reload is all there. And if you listen closely you can here it in the songs. What you get is the perfect amalgamation of past and present. It's a bit of the Black album, a bit of Justice, a little bit of Load and so on - but it's all wonderfully crafted into something any band would be proud of.

For me - it's something to write while listening to. And in a way it has a nice little lesson wrapped up in it. The crux of who this band was, whatever everyone remember them as, is the backbone to whole thing. But it's what this band became for awhile that rounds out the sound. They extended, explored and maybe they hit a few blocks along the way while they're tried but as a result they've come back with something far more mature. Something I think writers, at least successful ones, ultimately do. Using everything in the arsenal and weeding out what doesn't fit to bring something beyond anything they coulda done while starting out.

Yeah - if you're not a metal fan this won't matter much. But I am - and Death Magnetic is awesome in so many ways. Forget comeback - this is a reclaiming.

That's right, SHORTY!

I usually hate these...but I saw it on Brett's Bucket of Love...and couldn't help but wonder...

29

Created by OnePlusYou

Sometimes we just need a break

My all too-loving girlfriend knows me well, and she'd be the first to tell you that you don't ask me to go on a vacation or a trip. You either set the trip up and hand me a ticket, or inform me you're going and you'll send back pictures. I loathe the idea, the planning of it all and the unbearable dread of actually having to fucking be somewhere not home. It stems, I'm certain, from the years I went with less than solid footing in the residential world - which I like to call the 'back seat of an '82 Corolla'. I can create a long list of excuses, work being the tops, malaria being a close second...fear of flying...ugh!

Anyway,that crutch of "I've got writing to do" was my mantra all of last year and I realized very quickly as the end of 2007 came to a demoralizing halt that I was nothing more than a pathetic lump trying to live vicariously through worlds I told myself I was going to create. Because I didn't, I systematically watched as the days and weeks stretched into months and seasons of white pages and happier friends. My best mates, from the first time I stepped foot into Vancouver, all traveled the world - not before handing me a personal invite, mind you - and I shucked it in fear of missing out on my goals. None of which I met.

At the start of 2008 I decided it was either give up, or shut up and work. To date, 1 finished spec feature (rewrite still withstanding), 2 rewrite outlines/notes formulated to be completed ASAP, and 2 new 'in progress' Features. I've been doing what I said I would last year...and I'm happy about that.

So when it came time for the annual call to arms of my childhood best friends a couple things crossed my mind; I've got so much to do and I'm actually doing it, so that would just fuck up my pace - And, why the hell do they bother even inviting me anymore? It is with heavy heart that I think of my friends though, since the neglect has been solely mine in the past few years. I feel as if I'm just an outside entity now, one who could easily be forgotten and probably with good reason. And though I believe they wouldn't ever really stop at least making the offer to join in, I did kinda feel that maybe this could be the last time...So I decided, if nothing else, one last romp...







I booked my flight and committed, and nervously awaited the departure date. The morning of the trip out to Montreal I tossed around the idea of bringing my gear and working through the trip...Until my wonderful girl bluntly pointed out "For fuck sakes, have some fun for once". The laptop, the scripts and all the rest of it stayed at home --



As much as I'm a negative, cynical prick in my tone - as noted by my mates a few times - I don't think I could have been any happier. Sure, my legs felt like they were going to collapse at every breath, but it was worth it just to trek around all day with the boys and find stopgap measures to sustain one continuous alcoholic buzz until the night could take full effect. God I missed that camaraderie, the continuous razzing and fluid heckling that only true friends can pull off with one another.

We took in the city, the bars, the pretty women and the other bars. And of course there was the Formula 1 Grand Prix which held little interest to me going in but blew my head off once I was in there. Ever busted your ear drums while watching a guys head blur by at 300km an hour? There's not much like it, that's for sure.

And while the 6 days away from work put a crimp in my scripting mojo - it was worth it, every minute. I've got a bounce in my step to hit the sheets and pound out something great...maybe even something that could make my friends proud. It made me realize that if you step away for a few days, there really is more important things waiting for you, little bits of life that I falsely believe I can be created on a page ...they can for sure. But you gotta remember what the hell it's like from a first hand experience...

YAHTZEE

Probably one of the best online game reviewers around. If he did film - he'd be banned from any and all screenings...


Here's a few of his reviews. Not only are they scathingly funny - I think they're fairly well written...

MANHUNT


COD 4


SUPER SMASH BROS


And a MAILBAG SHOWDOWN for good measure

Indiana Jones Thoughts

Like many of the movie going public between the ages of 20 & 40, I have a special place in my nostalgia department for the Indiana Jones Trilogy. It doesn't reach Star Wars levels, or even Back to The Future magnitude, but I've always thought it was one of the best adventure series in memory. Though, it should be said that I probably fall in line with most people who found the second and third installments diminish the strength and name of the first, but still they held up within their own genre world.

So when it comes to Crystal Skull, the fourth feature some 20 years after the fact, it's hard not to enter the movie with some trepidation among the enthousiasm. Steven Speilberg said that the biggest inspiration to do the fourth was "to get the original family back together'. And that's what it feels like, really, it feels like the gangs all there.

And aged.

Kingdom of the Crystal Skull never approaches Phantom Menace type of cut down, but it's a shockingly poor effort that seems ill planned and even apathetically executed. There's a couple of good quips from the hero sprung about, but they don't have the same bite and while the chemistry seems to be there with the leads the same notion holds true.

I can't really tell if it's the script that deserves the blame, or if it's the creative higher-ups that should. Jones films have always had a massive gorge of suspended disbelief needed to accept the high production values of essentially b-movie material. But they always delivered within the universe they created. This one doesn't, not even close. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't really delve into the finale, but it's akin to picking up the ball and running it to the endzone...and continuing until you find a whole new stadium, that houses an ice rink.

There's some asinine decisions made that could have been so easily corrected without even falling into the expository realm of clunky dialog and display. Why not teach the kid to use a whip before he starts swinging with monkeys? That would have bridge the generational gap and reinforced the obvious goal of setting up Shia Lebouf as the successor to the series. And the kid is never the problem either, he equips himself well and does everything that's needed. Harrison as well, plays with his side-kick more than admirably and you can tell they got on just fine. But it's all in the way the story unfolds.

Indy always found himself in circumstances of life and death, discovering ways to court himself out of danger - usually ending with him getting blindsided by an awaiting team of baddies. Well, in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, he more or less finds himself in endless predicaments with baddies, but they just let him walk around - do as he pleases before plotting an escape. The environmental danger seems to have been forgotten, and in the past it always presented the best character and film set-pieces. Here, all we get is tediously repetitive scenarios that seem to suck the fun out of the character.

So whose to blame? Not the actors, they delivered what was expected. Spielberg? He seems to have tried to emulate as much of the original as possible, and I'm not sure that was as wise as it might seem. Lucas & co. for the script and story? I think so, I really think they just went to far without holding onto what made the series somewhat believable in films gone by. Especially considering Crystal Skulls are some of the Earths most interesting artifacts, much can be derived of their lore and mythic appeal. Instead, they seemed to say "no, not good enough. It needs to be the biggest one yet!"

Bigger isn't better.

And the next time you want to get the gang together, have a god damned bbq. 20 years we waited, we coulda waited 1 more for you to get it right.

Is this thing still on?

Seriously?

What's that statute of limitations on a blog? It's been one past year of complete neglect, and yet here it is.

I'll save words for when they're more appropriate - but I'm going to try and shift a little more writing time to this thing again. Brett said I should, albeit something he mentioned sometime last year. But writing is writing, and though I've been doing it - I've never found the need to discuss much here...but why not start.

If you want to see what I've been doing beyond Screenwriting (I think that's what I've been doing) - you can check it out HERE. They gave me my own corner and everything. That site's still in pre-Beta...but it'll be properly published sometime this year.

Until next time (or year)
J

...Please Stand By

I haven't been around since x-mas, but should resume sometime soon when the energy for it finds me.

But- for an update- here it is.

Writing a new spec that a friend wants to entertain the possibility of filming ourselves. Writing is slow as I'm taking my time to make sure I get it right. But hopefully it'll be done before Nicholl too- just cause.

The comicbook artist is planning to move to Vancouver- which means I may be able to resume the comic- and possible another one I've wanted to do for awhile.

Girlfriend moved in (sorry ladies)- and she has made my place smell good, look better and much much louder. Quiet alone time is gone...but the trade off is worth it.

And- a month or two ago- I was told I have arthritis. Great- considering I'm 24. I have it in my knees and I've been given some anti-inflams...but they seem to work only some of the time. I'm trying to rehab it, though not doing a good enough job. I basically have to work out all the rest of my leg so that it takes away pressure from the problem area...anyway. That's all...

Please stand by...






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Merry Christmas

Time to forget about writing lulls.

Have a very Merry Christmas, be safe and true to you and yours...

And if the kids are bad, show them this...



And a couple more...







Happy Holidays...

The Blackout Came Before the Fade...

One of the things I think anyone comes to terms with in their own special way is excuses. I've got tons of them. The Ace in the deck is always the Full Time Job. The truth is, however, my job is pretty great. I'm a computer technician, software/hardware , on Vancouver's Metro System. It's our subway, 'cept it's raised in the sky- thus- SKYTRAIN is its name. (NOTE: Whenever I tell this to people that aren't from here they say "like a monorail" - yes, except no. Mono would mean one, we have many tracks)

But the job is good, I'm good at it, it gives me lots of benefits and usually a fair amount of time. So really- the only bad thing is that I'm up at 5am every morning, home at 2pm- and I usually find myself napping sometime between 4-7pm.

Well, still plenty of time to write? Right?

Lately it seems I've found other things to preoccupy myself with- Gift Buying has been #1. This is something I've always enjoyed, I like finding things for friends that I know they'll like, dropping it off at their house a couple days before Christmas. Done deal. I'm not someone who agrees to exchange gifts- I just get my friends things I think they'll enjoy around this time of year. It's my time, so I enjoy it.

This year has been a big one too- but that being said, I'm all but one present away from done. My brothers. Whatever it ends up being- it'll be at the bottom of a deep freeze- frozen solid. Merry Christmas Brother. ;P

Right, writing...almost forgot...

As I was so enthusiastic a couple of weeks (months?) ago- about a project that I've nailed the first act of...I've fallen off the path. Not the story, just the legwork on the trail.

And it started with this.

A week and a half without water. Running water. Vancouver was hit with massive storms that raised the turbidity level to record levels and effectively shut us down from some common day things. This became a bit of a thorn in my side- as the murky water wasn't going to wash my clothes (I wouldn't let it), I can only do so much with bottled water for cooking...etc. It really wasn't bad- it just put me in a bad mood. Kind of a lethargic attitude towards a lot.

And then this past week...sweet sweet past week. When the lights turned off. For me- about 60 hours. Almost three days. I got it back tonight. And shit man- my house was cold, arctic cold. Blankets and candles abound. But- I'll spare further details of stubbed toes waking up in the morning trying to find pants to wear.

This past couple weeks just sorta sucked a lot of life from me. Mentally at least. Getting up and finding the push to write just hasn't been there. Most likely because I'm weak. I know things shouldn't get to me so easily- but this past month they really have.

Fucking hell...

But, I did one thing to force myself back into the mood of story and tone...I started reading again- lots and lots (not much else to do beside a candle).

I had a goal for this script- and it seems I'll likely miss it by a long shot. So I'm disappointed with myself. I did however managed to fire up my laptop moments ago and lay out the next 60 pages in SLUGLINES. Something I've never really done- but hoped it'd get me going-

And it did. I know the second act to the end, now I just gotta fill in the blanks...we'll see.

Sorry Julie- this one might be a late present- I'll send some cookies instead.

Tonight, I'm sleeping with the light on and water running-

A Second Life

For a lot of people the dawning of the technological-information era has come like a swift slap in the face. Though it's often thought that the industrial revolution instigated the biggest changes in life as we know it, the modern-computer era has trumped that...easily. Some have found themselves still trying to figure out what Myspace is, or when the heck ipods became capable of showing better quality videos than the best tv's money could buy only 15 years ago (heck, even 10). Others have embraced the world of IM's, email on their phones and consumerism on ebay.

Then, there are those of the world know as Second Life.

Consider yourself behind the times, trust me.

Second life is an online program, or game, or simulation - that has become very much real...at least to over 1 Million people. And at least some savvy businesses. American Apparel, the clothing company, opened a store this past summer in a virtual world. Some of you may ask what the benefit could be, some of you may know-

Here's the deal.

In Second Life you create an avatar, and depending on the time you spend and the amount of Linden Dollars you have (SL's Currency)- you can clothe this person to your liking, buy land or even an island, a car, a virtual laptop, furniture, tv's....it goes on. Linden Dollars are cheap- 200L dollars is about 3-5USdollars*(depending on where you're from). This can buy you plenty- but more importantly- its providing the makers with millions and millions. And now- the corporates are coming into the fray. Consider AA one of the first, there will be more. Many entrepenuers have made money, making objects of thier desire, to sell in this virtual world - which comes with a 3d modeling ability (the more you know, the better you can be).

And get this- there are news feeds. REAL news feeds...and virtual ones. You can get your real world news, in this program, or the news of current events happening within the program of Second Life. What about an update of a concert being held by Suzanne Vega? Yup- already happened. Of course, you had to be at the show- 'it was great'- and you could only have seen it/heard it if you were in the world of Second Life. They literally made a virtual guitar, that through commands on a REAL keyboard- played like any other guitar, in real time. Watch this-Suzzane Vega's Guitar in Second Life

It's a little bit intimidating- hell, who needs a second life when the first one is so hard to managed as is? Well, believe me- that isn't stopping people, and it won't. This will continue to become a very large presence in our world, virtual or not. The more companies take part, the more virtual money is traded for REAL currency, the more real this will be to everyone.

So- when are more artists going to take part? Could this be an outlet for magazine writers, novelists? Could you sell a story though this? I bet you probably could, or will in the future. And considering that- checking my data now- over 600,000 Us Dollars have been spent in the last 24 hours in this little online world- You could probably make a decent living.

It might not be something you 'need or want' in your life- but who thinks it could be their best aim at success?

*Currency changes, so figures could be slightly off.

Robert Altman, dies at 81

A sad day in the world of Hollywood...



Director Robert Altman Dies at 81


Robert Altman, the legendary director behind such modern classics as MASH, Nashville, The Player, and Gosford Park, died Monday night in Los Angeles; he was 81. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, and a statement released Tuesday afternoon stated that Altman died from complications due to cancer; the news release also said that Altman had been in pre-production for a film he was slated to start shooting in February. When he was presented with an honorary Academy Award just last year, Altman revealed that he had been the recipient of a heart transplant within the past ten years, a fact he hadn't made public because he feared it would hinder his ability to get work. One of the most influential and well-respected directors of modern cinema, Altman's work was marked by a naturalistic approach that favored long, unbroken tracking shots and overlapping dialogue (as well as storylines), as well as improvisation, usually among a large ensemble cast. Though now regarded as one of the premier American filmmakers, Altman had a career that reached both popular and critical highs as well as lows, as he burst onto the scene in the early '70s with very acclaimed films, but had a string of commercial and critical failures as well. All told, he received five Oscar nominations for directing MASH, Nashville, The Player, Short Cuts and most recently Gosford Park. Other numerous awards include two Cannes Film Festival wins (for The Player and MASH), a Golden Globe (for Gosford Park) and an Emmy (for the TV series Tanner 88).

Born in Kansas City, Altman attended Catholic schools as well as a military academy before enlisting in the Air Force in 1945. After being discharged, Altman tried his hand at acting and writing in both Los Angeles and New York before returning home to Kansas City, where he started making industrial films for the Calvin Company. After numerous false starts, Altman finally made the full move to Hollywood, and in 1957 directed his first theatrical film, The Delinquents. Though it didn't start him on the road to fame, the film was good enough to secure Altman work in television, particularly for Alfred Hitchcock and his Alfred Hitchcock Presents television series. In 1969, Altman was offered the script for MASH, which had been rejected by numerous other filmmakers. The movie, a black comedy set during the Korean War (and a thinly veiled attack on the then-raging Vietnam War), was a rousing commercial and critical success, scoring Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Director and, most famously, inspiring the successful TV sitcom, which took on a very different tone. His films after MASH included the revisionist western McCabe and Mrs. Miller and the updated California noir The Long Goodbye, but it was 1975's Nashville, a multi-layered film centered around the country music capital and the wildly divergent Americans who converged there, that would be his next major success, also receiving Oscar nominations for Best Picture and Director.

After Nashville, Altman more often than not found himself on the opposite end of the spectrum, with films such as the acclaimed but sometimes puzzling 3 Women as well as the commercial flop A Wedding and, most notoriously, the Robin Williams version of Popeye, which was technically a hit but seen as an artistic failure. Altman worked constantly through the '80s - his films included Come Back to the Five and Dime, Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Streamers, Secret Honor, and Fool for Love - but it wasn't until the HBO series Tanner 88, about a fictional candidate's run for the presidency, that he found favor again. In the early '90s, the one-two punch of The Player (a biting Hollywood satire) and Short Cuts (based on the stories of Raymond Carver) put him back on the map, but he followed those with the less well-received Pret-a-Porter, The Gingerbread Man, and Cookie's Fortune. True to the ups-and-downs of his career, Altman was back on top with Gosford Park, a British-set ensemble film that combined comedy, drama and mystery, and marked his first Best Picture nominee since Nashville. His last films included a revisit to the world of Tanner 88 with Tanner on Tanner, and just this year, A Prairie Home Companion, based on the radio show by Garrison Keillor. Upon receiving his honorary Oscar last year, Altman appeared to be in fine health, but reportedly directed most of A Prairie Home Companion from a wheelchair, with the Altman-influenced director Paul Thomas Anderson on hand.

Altman is survived by his third wife, Kathryn, their two sons, and a daughter and two other sons from two previous marriages. --Mark Englehart, IMDb staff

Split Personalities

I had a baby a few weeks ago. It was beautiful, enlightening, inspiring and daunting. Then it did what others have done in the past, it broke into two. Fraternal, not identical.

Of course, the actual prospects of me running around with drool on my shoulder (not mine) is about as pleasant to me as a cheese grater to the face...but this is writing we're talking about- right?

It came about in Austin, Tex. I loved this concept that began to stew so quickly, as they often do, and I was set to write. Made some notes, laid out some points and figured 'hell, lets go at 'er'. About 4 pages in it dawned on me like a sledgehammer in the groin from an angry ex..."this isn't exactly how I planned it".

The conceived child wasn't anything like I planned. Different eyes, different tone of voice, different hair even. It could have been the milk mans idea.

I realized that I had two very distinct ideas, and the only through line was...me. One is an idea that wants to be sci-fi/psycological...like I've thrived with in the past. The other, wants to be something more personal and inviting - which happens to be nothing like me or anything I've written.

I had them fully separated eventually and sat with them for a little. It's an easy choice - go with the one you can do well. Sadly I'm not smart enough...and I've gone with the one I have no clue about...

As of now, Act 1 is the most put together Act I've ever written. And it's scary personnel (though I won't tell you how). I only hope I don't falter too much and run away or lose steam in the 2nd and 3rd Acts....we'll see. But the other little baby seems to have formulated itself as well...to be addressed later.

How many times has this happened with you though? Your ideas split up, rightly so, and born into two different ideas. But not just different scripts...I mean completely different- style, genre, story...etc. All from one idea?

The end.
ED NOTE: Jamie wasn't really in the mood to write anything of merit, but had 15 minutes to kill. Currently, the 15 minutes has him pinned down like a tourist on a train full of Gypsies...


And can you hear it? Can you? Christmas is 6 weeks away. And if you don't know...it's the only thing I actually stake claim to enjoying- so dash my spirit and I'll fucking skin you alive. ;)

Happy Halloween

May you, and your children (if applicable) enjoy a very ghostly good time...

THE PRESTIGE - Comepletely Spoiled

This is my critical look at THE PRESTIGE. This is basically nothing but spoiler- so if you're waiting to go see it...go see it...and don't read. Clear? Mmmmk.


THE SPOILERS WILL START MIDWAY!

The Prestige (2006)
Written by Jonathan Nolan & Chris Nolan based on the novel by Christopher Priest
Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Starring; Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, and Micheal Caine

How much disappointment do you derive from a movie where the answer is so clear, you've guessed it half way through, only to be proven completely correct? Ask yourself that before watching The Prestige. And then go see it anyway.

Christopher Nolan does an impeccable job layering this movie, not just through his capture of moving images cross-cut through un-linear narrative, but through the writing of this incredibly well told story. The basic some is - two rival magicians competing to out do each other. But it cuts far deeper into obsession and sacrifice.

As I already asked, are you disappointed when the answer is so obvious? That's what the Prestige asks us, in a nut shell. The notion is that a magician has 3 acts- The Pledge, The Turn, The Prestige. That he can make something so ordinary seem so extraordinary. And the reason for magicians never giving up their 'method/secret'? Because is so simple, they'll be worth nothing to you afterwards. Common theme throughout the film is sacrifice. In the opening act you see the age old - bird in a cage - disappearing act. How does the trick work? Simple (once you know it's worth nothing), the cage folds crushing the poor bird inside while the magician pulls out another bird, previously stowed away. The Prestige, as this film declares, is not in making the bird disappear, but in making it reappear. Dual imagery/interpretation is something played upon in this movie throughout.

Borden (Bale) and Angier (Jackman) are the rival magicians who have come through the ranks, learning their tricks, always in close competition. Borden is particularly good at seeking out the 'method' while Angier is far better with 'showmanship'. Both however, are completely obsessed with their craft, its perfection, and most importantly- being better than the other. So much so that Angier eventually loses his emotional attachment to the memory of his wife, who died as a result of Borden’s mistake, in pursuit of Borden’s new 'secret'. Borden, meanwhile, seems to be a fickle spouse as a result of his dedication. So much so, that his wife even says "Some days you love me, and some days you don't. Some days you love your magic more."

As the rivalry gets nasty, 1 dead wife, 2 fingers and 1 show now gone, the magicians seem to part ways, not yet even...but focused. That is until Angier goes to see a new trick by Borden called "The Teleported Man". The trick? He bounces a plain rubber ball at one end of a stage and enters a door, coming out through another door on the stage, to grab the ball. It takes him as much time as closing an opening a door, clearly an impossible feat. So impossible, Angier becomes obsessed to the point of sacrifice.

NOW FOR THE SPOILERS/DISCUSSION

So how does he do it? As Cutter (Caine), Angier’s illusionist engineer (he builds the tricks that Angier uses) reasons - he's using a double. But Angier doesn't believe it, even though he ultimately redoes the trick with one and shines it up a bit. It's too simple just to be a double in Borden's 'Teleported Man', though, and after having his rip-off of the trick sabotaged by his rival, Angier seeks out the real method, by both decrypting Borden’s diary, and capturing Borden’s engineer for ransom (the Method to the trick). When Borden gives it up, he leads Angier to Nikola Tesla (played so well by David Bowie...say what?). This is where the obsession hits a new gear.

Angier awaits the construction of something similar to Borden’s trick, a machine that will literally teleport Borden from his contraption to a new destination. But the machine doesn't work...so they think. What it does in fact, is duplicate. After testing it on hats and then a cat, they realize they are copying the person within the machine and they are appearing somewhere else. Once the calibration is adjusted- Angier has the ultimate show - a real 'teleported man'.

But, how can he do this when he's simply copying himself? How would he deal with the multiple selves he creates? Simple...He kills himself. 100 times, in 100 shows. In his final show, he sets one last trap for his rival. He allows him onstage to view the contraption, and fairly sure that Borden's acute ability to spot the trickery (in this case a trap door), he knows Borden will find his way down beneath the stage where he will be able to helplessly watch Angier die in locked water cage- the same one Angier’s wife died in - as a result of Borden's ill tied knot which she was unable to slip...setting this whole grudge off.

Throughout the film, we see Borden on trial and then awaiting execution, from this framed murder scene.

Glossing over many points here though...We find Angier obviously alive (his cloned self), headed to dispose of this machine that Tesla created for him, and shortly after Borden has been hanged. And what happens? Ain't it so obvious? He's shot and killed by Borden, who also happens to be swinging from a noose. But how? Well, Cutter was right- he always had a double. A twin.

Now this is perhaps the most simple 'twist' imaginable, and some may feel cheated without looking deeper into the film.

The theme of the film is about simple things appearing spectacular, they don't hide this, they embrace it. And if such a plain thing like having a twin is the reveal, how do they utilize it so you're not cheated?
Well, Borden asks, as does Cutter throughout the film- "Are you paying attention."

How far does obsession go? (I mentioned something so hit up on the film it seems to be just a thumping of characterization) But it goes further than you'd imagine, to the point of always living 'half a life', shared with your twin brother. This includes a wife..."I know when you love me. Some days you mean it, and some days you don't." Also, for Angier - his obsession runs so deep that he's willing to kill himself by drowning himself every night, 100 times. He's willing to sacrifice himself- though this could be because of something his engineer says to him when his wife drowns to death - "I once knew a sailor, he said drowning...was like going home." Would he have done this if cutter had said, as he does near the end of the film - "I lied you know. That sailor...he said drowning was pure anguish." Probably not...but his better instincts had been blind the entire time.

Another interesting little thought- is how simplistic Angier's trick really is. Aside from the supernatural- it's essentially the 'bird in the cage' trick, where one is killed and replaced by another. Something Angier says is amateurish and cruel until he seemingly acknowledges something Cutter has mentioned before "You'll have to get your hands dirty sooner or later."

Another hint of how far Angier goes to copy and perfect Borden’s work are the two diaries (the one that Angier steals and the one Borden is given while awaiting his death in prison.) Angier discovers after decrypting the book and reaching the end, that it's a fake, a nice little sendoff from Borden. Well, it also happens that the one Borden has in jail, is also a fake, with slightly better showmanship.

This is a movie about obsession and sacrifice, that cloak of theme is so apparent it almost leads to misdirect - yet another theme, not just in the movie but with magicians...their entire 'act' is misdirection, seeping not just into their performances but their entire lives (something laden throughout the movie, best displayed with the Oriental magician posing as a weak, frail old man, who is actually a very strong man. Posing as weak in his entire life, to misdirect his audience no matter what - Something only Borden spots- again with his uncanny ability to spot Method- which makes sense when you find out he's been doing it his whole life, as well.)


There is plenty more, though it may start to sound repetitive. But I'd like to hear what some of you think, if you've seen it. And even if you haven't and don't plan to (and I've ruined it anyway) - How far can you take characterization and theme with such a clear and transparent ending? Does it work for you? Does it make it feel cheap to you? Generally I'd say yes, especially with today’s common 'knock em out in the end with something they don't see coming'. But The Prestige does such a good job at making the obvious so simplistic, you don't really believe it- but that's also the point of everything magicians do. They want that doubt. So layered and thorough...I will have to see this film again, and probably again...But I want to hear from you guys- what did you think?

BBQ, Beer and Kittens

I wasn't sure what to expect when I lifted off (and touched down) 3 times on my way Texas...Austin that is. I had ideas of cowboys and guns, and music galore. I was correct about the music, but I missed the boat on college kids.

6th street was a fairly wild place, and if not for Murray, and some serious MUAY THAI, MOTHERFUCKER- I'd perhaps have only the AFF to speak of.

Yeah, I was there. Among a throng of experianced and not-so-experianced writers, producers, groupies, etc. I met a boatload of people I had only know as screen names with complimentary blogs to paint a broader stroke- but seriously, you just don't know someone until they're sitting on your lap. Or eating cheescake from it.

But aside from the people, which were honestly awesome- the experiance was something I wasn't really anticipating. Not that I got what I didn't expect, I just didn't really know what to expect, period. I walked away from it, 4 pounds heavier, and a little more weighted in something else.

Confidence.

I'm not a very good writer- I admit that too frequently. But, it lingers over me anyway- I'm untrained, young and perhaps no so good with English. Drop out not so good. But the one thing I always thought, or was told, was that even if I couldn't write the way professionals wrote, I still had my way of telling things. And above all else- that's what I learned from the pros. That's what I got told over and over again.

Shane Black
John August
David Milch

All notable. All talents worth aspiring too. And they all said the same thing- Write the way you write. Because that's your key into the forbidden palace, that's the backdoor. No one else will write like you, or me, or Shane Black. And that's what makes all of our stories unique, gives it that little pop of something else.

And that's what I think I needed to hear. We'll see...I've never been a personal writer- never instilled anything of my own emotions into scripts...I'm going to change that.

Anyone that wants to can read my next spec. It's an autobiography of sorts...which a smidgen of fiction - you can decide which is which.

SO what did you learn, if you were there? What was it that you needed to hear?

Platform Wars

I have been rewriting, taking notes, rewriting- writing stuff I don't know anything about...etc...

And preparing for Austin in a week.

I'm not good with updates. But will do something in a week or so, prior to the AFF.

Just thought I'd post this. I've been saying since day 1 that this was only a matter of time. This battle will not be won by any company in my opinion. People felt ripped off when BETA and VHS did this little dance, they won't be so quick to jump on either bandwagon again. People will want backwards compatible DVD players- and cross-platform HD/BLUERAY DVD players...don't believe me?

Today...



NEC chip plays HD-DVD, Blu-ray
www.chinaview.cn 2006-10-11 15:18:25

BEIJING, Oct. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- NEC has announced it is ready to distribute a new controller chip that may bring a cease-fire in the battle between Sony's Blu-ray and Toshiba's HD-DVD. The new NEC chip is designed to play both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray content.

The price of the chip is around 84 U.S. dollars and NEC has said that will reach estimated shipments of around 300,000 by April next year.

NEC said another key part, an optical pickup usable on machines using both new DVD formats, is being developed by another manufacturer.

"We are in talks with that company so that the pickup can be built into a new line of personal computers due to hit the market next spring," an NEC official said.

Blu-ray and HD-DVD discs are the same size as the current DVD, but each use a more advanced laser technology to expand storage. These new formats offer massive storage capacity, a must for High Definition content, by using a shorter wavelength blue laser.

High Definition videos/pictures contain more pixels and scan lines in a frame, and are able to present objects in more significant detail. Both formats can accommodate High Definition video content of resolutions up to 1080p.

Thanks to this greater storage capacity, the uncompromised, multichannel audio content is made available: more advanced Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD, which offer up to eight channels of audio, are all supported by the new formats.

The unification of the formats may be the best bet to end the format wars. NEC is not the first company trying to figure out how to end the conflict between HD-DVD and Blu-Ray.

In June, IDG News Service reported Samsung's intention to explore the possibility of creating a dual player. Enditem

Take this Screen!!!

All I see is black. Thick, un-margined black.

So I decided to turn my computer on, and what'd I find? Script...writing...software? Who the fuck plays this type of an evil joke on an unsuspecting person? Apparently I did. Sadly, the humor was lost on me.

I've had this ability- kinda like a super power in a really bad comic- to waste days and days reading other peoples scripts and then turning on God.

God, if you're not privy, is a slim, pale, caring beauty. One that understands my needs and comforts me through the good and the bad, and even the pathetic syntax that spouts from my mouth and fingertips. God know's when I'm neglecting, or when I'm being neglected. But God's message is clear- "Find me and I shall comfort you through the darkness, make work for your idle hands, and I will not freeze before you get to save your game."

It's nice of God to do these things for me. And come with an assortment of games at only 59.99 US. God even comes with a remote control, two controllers, and a 20G hardrive. Where would I be without God?


The easy answer would be "getting laid, dipshit." Silly girlfriend with crystal clear answers. Silly.

The truth is that I'd be here, on my computer, writing the Greatest Story Ever told- AKA- my new spec. And so, under threat from aforementioned Silly Girl that if I didn't do so she'd throw God out the window, I am. Slowly. Too slowly.

Act I has started with a bang, and like a Gypsy with your wallet; I can already see the finish line. Too bad I've got gimpy knees and hate running.

Months of procrastinating under the guise of actual 'paid work' I've decided it's time to at least hobble along. But I've given myself a deadline. Oct. 10th. And with God whispering sweet nothings in my ear, this seems unlikely. I've written scripts faster before, but this one deserves my time. At least not in between shifts of my new Bishop- NHL 07. How do you all get away from distractions? Kids, kittens, games, wikipedia, orinformational websites? What are your great ways to block the outside world, besides just turning off the TV?

Rise of the ....CCortex?

CCortex is planned to complete a 20-billion neuron simulation of the Human Cortex and peripheral systems, on a cluster of 500 computers - the largest neural network created to date. Different versions of the simulation have been running since June 2003 on the company data center.

Artificial Development intends CCortex to be a state-of-the-art simulation of the human brain. With 20 billion neurons and 20 trillion connections, CCortex will be up to 10 000 times larger than any previous attempt to replicate, partially or completely, primary characteristics of Human Intelligence, and could be the first neural system to achieve a level of complexity rivaling that of the mammalian brain. According to AD, CCortex will be able to 'replicate' "pattern recognition, verbal and visual communication, knowledge acquisition, and conscious-approximate decision-making capabilities."

CCortex aims to mimic the structure of the human brain with a layered distribution of neural nets and detailed interconnections, and is planned to closely emulate specialized regions of the Human Cortex, Corpus Callosum, Anterior Commissure, Amygdala and Hippocampus. The simulation is planned to provide feedback and limited interaction with reduced, simplified functional versions of other nervous and sensory systems such as the Brainstem, Thalamus, Cerebellum, Retina and auditory processing systems.

CCortex is intended to perform a number of tasks previously unavailable to traditional computing by recreating the complexity and functionality of those cortical regions that are most likely responsible for processing higher-level functions of human intelligence.


Anyone else thinking...

Over Ocean, And Behind Closed Doors

Lou Ye

I have not seen this film. I hope to...but I may never realize that hope. And so it would seem- neither will Lou Ye. He faces a ban for the next 5 years.

Here's the article:

Lou Ye In better times, I hope more to come.

Chinese authorities have banned the film director Lou Ye from making films for five years because he failed to seek permission from them before his latest work, set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen uprising, was screened at the Cannes film festival.

Mr Lou's film Summer Palace is to be confiscated and income from it seized, the Xinhua news agency reported. The film impressed audiences when it was shown in the main competition for the Palme d'Or this May, but already troubles were rumbling with China's state administration of radio, film and television. The censors denied the film approval as Cannes opened, and members of the production team flew back to Beijing during the festival to negotiate with officials.

Later in the festival a number of Chinese journalists covering Cannes were summoned back early to Beijing.

The epic-scale film charts an intense love affair that begins at Beijing University in 1989, against the turbulent, exultant backdrop of the Tiananmen Square protests - using chilling archive news footage of tanks rolling in to the square. But the euphoria of both the protests and the love affair quickly fades, and the story follows the characters as they split up and pursue their different paths.

The portrayal of the optimism and idealism of the protests sharply contradicts the official version of the events as counter-revolutionary riots. And, in a culture where showing sex in art is strictly off limits, the film contains at least eight explicit though tender sex scenes.

Mr Lou has had brushes with the authorities before; he suffered a two-year ban from film-making after his thriller-like, Shanghai-set Souzhou River (2000). At Cannes, he said that to "make sure that the film can be released in China ... I would agree to remove any scene they want." But such is the quantity of provocative material in the work that it seems unlikely that would be possible.

As for the Tiananmen Square scenes, he said: "The action does not just concern 1989, it covers 1989 to 2003. 1989 is just one year in that period ... during shooting, I always forget about this kind of issue, of what's banned and what's not. Now it's become a personal issue and I will have to find a way of improving my way of working."


This is the Article

Sad state of affairs to be sure, but not uncommon.