Dec 17: Do Santa's Work for Him, Open First Present

So, one of my Christmas presents this year was going to see a midnight screening of Avatar, the latest film by James Cameron. I must preface this by saying that I grew up a big fan of James Cameron's movies and the worlds he created. The Abyss was the first film of his that I saw when my brothers rented a VCR and we went movie crazy during Christmas vacation in 1991--I was blown away (other films we watched that I adored were Beetlejuice and The Witches, so you can see my early tastes leaned more towards the other worldly). Cameron is among the directors that I appreciated viscerally even before I began to more deeply understand the art of filmmaking (other directors that had this visceral effect on me though I didn't always know who they were: Wilder, Burton, Hitchcock, Zemeckis, Kubrick...).

A month ago a friend of mine from Columbia bought several tickets to the midnight premiere of Avatar in IMAX 3D and he offered me one of the coveted slots. What an amazingly immersive and unprecedented experience. I thought the story was rather simple, and straightforward, which I am not opposed to, but there definitely wasn't a feeling of an entire mythology welling up beneath the surface as can be found in other epic sci-fi/fantasy films (even those by Cameron). Many of the characters were quite one-dimensional, especially the villains--but in terms of the world, there was nothing one dimensional about it. I admire the efforts that went into shaping the world, the previous films by Cameron that he used as research opportunities to develop technologies that would enhance this experience such as Ghosts of the Abyss and Aliens of the Deep, not to mention the cutting edge technologies paired with engaging stories in his mind-blowing sci-fi/action films of the 80s and early 90s. In short, this isn't an official review, simply my reaction, and love it or hate it, it was like nothing I have ever seen or experienced, and it was incredibly beautiful to behold. I also appreciated that the driving force behind the hero's mission was a combination of unyielding courage, a respect for science, and reverence for a unifying sacred power that was rooted in the transcendent connection with ancestors.

I won't say that it changes movies forever, because that is reducing all films to a single type and style, but it does changes THIS type of movie forever, if those who produce such work have enough money to keep doing it. And they will. Somehow. Don't ask me where all this money comes from, I don't begin to know.

Now, on to the Santa's work part. This is the first time we are really putting on the whole Santa show for Reuben (we did stockings last year, but there wasn't a solid hope of that one thing from Santa or a desire to leave out milk and cookies until now). I find this Santa business challenging and exhilarating all at once. Now that Reuben is old enough we can't just sneak things into the cart with him around--it has to be done completely under the radar. So I trekked up to the new Target at the Gateway Center in the Bronx sans Reuben and Brecken (and the babe of course) after my writing work. Wow--I have forgotten what mega spacious shopping centers with parking garages are like--wait, I have never been to one with a parking garage, except in Brasil. It was a hike and a half just to get to the store within the complex, and once there I spent, get this, three hours finding stuff. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable, but my brain turns to mush when confronted with all of these crazy options and imagining all of the cool fun things I could surprise the family with. I also happen to be a big kid when it comes to all this magical holiday stuff (I refused to believe that Santa WASN'T a real live guy until I was 9 years old, and even then it was a sad day for me to hear the truth from my older sister)--so, I did make it out of there after picking out several items, putting them back, picking out more, swapping them out, and on and on. I was proud of my self-control, and even though I went a little crazy with some things (like chocolate), I was quite the wise shopper. When I finally got out of there, though, I dreaded lugging it all back to the 2 train home, and a man stopped me asking if I needed a Taxi. I thought, yeah right, to Upper Upper Westside Manhattan, it'll be like 40 bucks. No--only 12, and he wasn't even a real Yellow Cab guy. "Here comes Santa Clause, Here comes Santa Clause, right down Santa Clause Lane..." (and if a part of you thinks of National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation when you hum the tune, we're on the same page)

Lost in Austen

I've made no secret of the fact that I don't like Austen. This includes most of the movies based on Austen, except for Sense and Sensibility.

I especially dislike Pride and Prejudice the movies. Mostly because I don't need to watch a movie completely composed of eating and dancing. And, also because I HATE Darcy. Now, you Darcy lovers hear me out: He never adequately apologizes for his pride and prejudice before she commits her love to him.

My parents suggested we watch Lost in Austen. So, we did. Justin loved it because of its time travel among other things. I liked it because Darcy apologizes. You can't beat a good apology, well I guess you can by not doing things that require apology in the first place.

My Life is a Movie

No. Seriously, it is. Its called Motherhood. It has Uma Thurman, Minnie Driver, and Dr. Green in it.

Its not exactly my life because I don't have two apartments, a dog, a car, I'm not nice to my neighbors, and I don't go shopping with my newly-single-pregnant friend (this scene is why I can't tell my mother to see the movie).

But other than that, IT IS MY LIFE. I got to go see it at Columbia with my co-film-wife/mother (her husband suggested it). The writer/director did a question and answer afterward, she teaches full-time at Columbia, and we got to see it the day before it was released. In the opening credits it became extremely obvious H and I were the only mothers in the room. Non-mothers just didn't get the joke.

I liked it because now I have an easy way to explain my life, "Go watch Motherhood with Uma... I'm Uma, except I don't look good in my nightgown." It was REAL, it was so real. 6th floor walk-up, tiny living space, too much to do, having to do the too much in the hardest way imaginable, crazy ladies at the park, New Jersey, husband who tries but misses important things, wonderful sweet children who never cry or scream or hit or yell or throw everything in the tiny living space on the floor. (Oh, I have children that do those things.) I could go on and on, watch the movie if you want to know everything.

I liked it because I totally understood the conflict. I've never tried to enter a contest with a same-day deadline to get me writing for reals again, just my slice-of-life blog that really doesn't make me feel like a writer.

I felt bad for it because it was obviously low budget. There are a few scenes where the boom is on clear display. Turns out it was a 25 day shooting schedule, and Uma believed in the story so much that she gave back her payment so they could have a few extra days of shooting. (Doesn't that make you want to be friends with Uma?)

I didn't like it because it was so REAL. So. Real. The climax conversation between the husband and wife was too realistic to be in a movie. She has a hard time explaining what is really wrong, he doesn't even try to listen to her stumbling and insists that he's made sacrifices too. She finally says what she wants to say (kind of) and he responds with that unanswerable question "what life would you want?"

I didn't like it because it was so REAL. So. Real. When I told Justin that it was him I hurt his feelings because the reviews don't explain him well. He tries as hard as he can. He comes home to take care of the three year old so the mom can run errands. He does things to help. He obviously loves his family. He is kind, even when frustrated. He just doesn't see it all. He desperately wants his wife to reach her potential, but doesn't now how to help her do that.

I liked it because, even though it was cheesy the ending was what you learn and relearn as a mother everyday.

So, I say go see it (unless you are my mom or younger sisters). You read my blog, so you are obviously interested in what my life is like. I think if you don't like it, it will be for different reasons than mine. I'd be interested in what you think of it, especially you mothers not in NYC, is it really a story about one of the challenges of being a mother? Does it ring true to you?

I had a better post about the movie building in my head, but don't have time to get it typed, watch the movie and you will completely understand. My loving, helpful husband can't feed the baby who is going to start crying soon.

Film Fest Fun

At long last here is the account of my weekend at the San Diego International Children's Film Festival.

As the plane touched down and I saw the boats in the harbor and the palm trees among the hilly landscape I was slightly reminded of when I touched down at the Guarulhos airport in São Paulo eight years ago. I felt a sudden warmth and excitement and a song from one of my all-time favorite films popped into my head. "By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea, you and me, you and me oh how happy we'll be" Any guesses? Well--it just so happens that it was filmed partially on Coronado Island off thew coast of San Diego. I'll give you one more hint, Billy Wilder directed this unforgettable Marilyn Monroe comedy.

Well, I didn't have time to go see Hotel Coronado or dance along the shores where Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis donned their most brilliant disguises, but I did have a wonderful weekend stay. Just as last year's trek out to Long Beach, NY was my first-ever encounter with the ocean, this was my first-ever encounter with California. I was pleasantly surprised by the comfortable yet sunny temperatures, the open skies despite big city establishments and the freeways as wide as the Nile River.

I stayed with a wonderfully hospitable family, Sam B.'s parents, and they were warm and kind. A nice home away from home. I included a picture of the view from their terrace--talk about temptation to move to SoCal. Who knows, it could happen if I worm my way into some television writer's room out there and settle in a bedroom community outside LA, but first things first.

The festival itself was fun. The New Children's Museum is nestled into the Gaslamp District on West Island Avenue, rather close to the harbor. It has interesting open architecture and is filled with fun places for children to explore. Pas de Deux screened in a studio space (Studio Q to be exact) and it was screened three times. They held a Q&A after two of the screenings and it was really fun when some kids were amazed when they found out the director was present, excited kids can be a real ego booster for an artist. The questions were mostly about how it was cast, where we filmed, how long did it take. I was interested in one response from a set of parents who thought it should be shown in elementary schools and the mother came up afterward and said it had a good message about bullying. I had never thought to promote it as such, but I could see how it would work. It was great to have people see it, most enjoyed it, and I met some other talented filmmakers in the process, two were even from São Paulo.

The Best news of the weekend was when I spoke with the programmer who is also in charge of the LA International Children's film fest. I said, "Is it too late to submit for the LA Fest?" His response: "Oh don't worry about it, we will show your film there in October." So, ladies and gentlemen, watch for more details as my little film makes its way to Hollywood.
(Please forgive the lesser quality photos--I took these with a mini SD video camcorder)

On Lifetime

I never thought I would say this but... A film I worked on is going to be airing on Lifetime Television Network over the next two weeks. It is called Together Again for the First Time, starring David Ogden Stiers and Julia Duffy, and I was the Unit Production Manager for the film. I have seen a better version--which was the director's cut--this one is a little cheesy, but who doesn't love some cheeseball during the holidays? Nonetheless, I am excited to say it has made it to television, and it is also available for enjoyment on DVD.

Click here to see a review and the trailer.

Click here to see the Lifetime TV Schedule--it airs Sunday Dec 14th, Monday Dec. 15th, and Thursday December 25th--select your time zone so you don't miss it!

After all, the screening room at Columbia Film Division is called the Lifetime Screening Room, due to the generous funding provided by said network to make it what it is. OH--and if you look real close you'll see Jordan in a green sweater going to a Christmas party, and me pretending to be asleep on a bus near the end.

A few movie suggestions

Razzle Dazzle: a Journey into Dance Tammy said we would like it, and she was right, it was great! It is now my second favorite mockumentary. Thats saying a lot because honestly I'm a little biased to "Drop Dead Gorgeous" what with my affinity to all things Minnesotan. Razzle Dazzle made me laugh out loud a few times, and put down my knitting...it was that funny. It is pretty dry, and very Australian, so if you have a hard time with "The Dish," and "The Castle" you aren't going to love it. There were a few moments where it felt a little slow, but most mockumentaries do that on purpose to make fun of documentaries. (Rated PG for some thematic material and brief mild language.)

Young @ Heart LOVED IT! It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me miss my Grandparents, it made me want to be a old lady who sings songs. I really really recommend it, especially if you like cute old people, popular music, and cute old people singing popular music. I am always shocked when documentaries end up having some movie-esk event that happens during the filming, and it happens in Young @ Heart. The music videos are really enjoyable, and made me fall in love with the people because they were so willing to do anything for the sake of creating. (Rated PG for some mild language and thematic elements.)

Underdog I hate talking dog movies, but Reuben begged and begged, and it was actually pretty cute. If you have a dog lover in your house under the age of 6 its worth a watch. Its not movie magic, but its not the worst I've seen, and has a few nice references to the animated series (which I loved.) Reuben now says, "No need to fear, Underdog is here!" and continues to beg to watch "the underdog superhero movie." (Rated PG for rude humor, mild language and action.)

Movie Suggestion

We just saw Penelope, and both liked it. I liked it so much that it has been added to my top ten favorite movies list. This list is pretty exclusive... and doesn't even have ten movies on it yet. They are, in alphabetical order

Big Fish
Finding Neverland
High Society
Miss Potter
October Sky
Penelope
Stranger than Fiction
Second Hand Lions

The Last Wright

Justin and I went to a screening of a documentary called "The Last Wright" about The Park Inn Hotel in Mason City, Iowa. It is the last "standing" Frank Lloyd Wright hotel, and standing is an overstatement.

When you think of Frank Lloyd Wright you don't think of neglected, falling apart buildings that are barely holding on to their original beauty. You think that as Americans we are fiercely protective of the architect that even those who aren't interested in architecture know his name. Maybe its because of my upbringing, or my midwestern home. But, I thought that the towns lucky enough to have a Wright building would protect it, and preserve it. That is not the case.

Did you know that parking lots have replaced two of the larger buildings that Wright built? The houses in Montana burning down, that happens, but purposely knocking down a Frank Lloyd Wright building, what were they thinking? The hotel he built in Japan has only a few things preserved, because they tore it down to build a high rise hotel. At least they knew to preserve part of it, but still, it seems like such a waste.

This Hotel is in ruins, Mason City did get money to restore it almost 10 years ago, but they put all of that money into a Meridith Wilson (The Music Man) Museum. Coming from Grand Rapids I can't blame them too much because the one attraction is the Judy Garland Museum (Boring, not inspiring, not much there, but the town is so proud of it.) But I would hope that if Grand Rapids had a masterpiece building that maybe they would have tried to preserve that instead of build a replica of the set of Wizard of Oz. (Which they have not done, thankfully.) There is currently 10 million dollars offered to them (7 million of which would be designated for the restoration of the Park Inn) if the city can raise 4 million dollars. I highly doubt that there is 4 million dollars in Mason City, and they don't seem to have any Wright activists. They had people who are mad about the Wilson Museum, but there doesn't seem to be anyone fighting for the hotel.

Now, I may be biased, because I would stop to see a Wright building. (I don't know that I've ever stopped to look at the gas station in Cloquet, but I have never been in charge when I've driven by.) I would go to see the lobby, and the windows, and the detail on the outside. And if that hotel made me stop maybe I would go look at the Music Man stuff, but honestly, It didn't look much more interesting than the Judy Garland museum when I already know to be a waste of money.

The producer is afraid to screen the film in Mason City. She is afraid that people are going to be upset that she offers this perspective of where their heart lies. She's afraid they are going to be mad that she presented their city the way she did. (It was known for its seedy content in the 60 and 70s) The Park Inn was even a go-go dancer bar that evolved into what go-go dancing evolved into. The history of the town is pretty interesting for Iowa. It was a favorite get-a-way for the Chicago gangsters, there was the Dillinger, Baby Face Nelson bank robbery, and Buddy Holly, Ricky Valance, and the Big Bopper died in a plane crash there, and Wilson wrote a play that turned into a movie about the town.

I wonder if there wasn't a scandal around Wright and Mason City, if the hotel would have been preserved better. Midwestern towns are unforgiving like that. I wonder if they really think movie museums will make more money than architecture museums.

There is a distribution plan yet, but I would recommend it. It makes you think about what we as Americans really value, and how we let the "flow of things" ruin, and demolish what history we should really be protecting.

The picture is of the skylight panel, which was covered up in the 60's by ceiling tiles. I got it from here.

Stalking Santa Screening

Stalking Santa is a great mockumentary, and for people watching it expecting a great mockumentary about some semi-crazy guys trying to prove that Santa exists--it won't disappoint. The writing/improv is great, the characters are believable yet extreme, and they leave just enough open as they wrap things up that it still feels like you could decide how it ended. Granted, I did enjoy seeing the Provo Towne Centre, and Library, but other than that there wasn't much "Mormon Genre" about it. They even used Catholics as the religion with families that exceed the national average in size. (This part confused and offended Justin.) I thoroughly enjoyed the pregnant wife "being supportive," you'd have to watch the film to understand completely, and maybe only wives of husbands that do "important work" that isn't going to lead to an "income" would love her as much as I did. They have some pretty sweet interviews with children about Santa, which makes the film even more endearing.

(Back to the "important work" and "income" statement. I often wish my husband was in law school, or med school. The hours he would be working would probably be better if her were a doctor or lawyer, and there would be a greater chance of us paying back the student loans faster if he were. But, what endears my sweet Justin to me is that he needs to be creative, and he really honestly believes in himself and what he is doing, so I smile and nod, and work, and sneak presents into the house.)

As I am not one to own holiday movies ("holiday movies" meaning if you take out Santa and Christmas there isn't a story left) I wouldn't buy it, but I might rent it during the one time of year you watch Santa movies. It is available on netflix, and has 3 and half stars (out of 5), I would give it that many stars, myself.

Now, I enjoyed it. The theater was full, it was a free screening so I guess I shouldn't be too surprised, and most of the theater seemed to be enjoying it. But, I overheard a few people who didn't like it. I was walking with Reuben up and down the stairs while Justin listened to the talk back, and a lady asked me "So, do you think Santa really came?" What was I supposed to say? I thought of saying, "That or the conspirators did it to make his search stop." But, since Reuben was there I said, "Well, yeah." Then she said, "That is ridiculous, only in America." as she walked up the stairs shaking her head and muttering mean things after she said that. Now, really, lady, if you took it so seriously, then I guess its okay that you can't even amuse a mother of a two year old. Everyone touts Christmas in New York as this great thing, but it seemed to me that the New Yorkiest of the audience where the ones complaining at the end of the movie. That makes me think that Christmas in New York is for those people who want to go to the crazy crowded parades, have the money to go shopping, got tickets to the Radio City Music Hall thing, and believe that the most magical part of Christmas is lighting of a huge tree in the Rockefeller Center. I hope that this perception I received is proven wrong, but as of right now I am taking it as another evidence that I do not belong here.

Another sad thing I noted in the audience: We got there right as it was starting, and we were both surprised to see the whole theater filled. I tried to sit in a seat next to a man, and he yelled at me. You think I am over exaggerating... I am not. He yelled. That was my first sign that we weren't in Kansas. We finally found a seat (near enough to the yelling man to notice that he yelled at three other people, including one of the actors, and no one ever came back to sit in that seat.) Now, really, you are at a Santa movie, must you yell?

My closing remark is, Rent it if you don't have enough Santa Movies to watch (it is definitely better than some of those claymation "classics"), and watch it with your family, because not everybody wants to hear about T.E.R.D.

Free thing in New York

We are going to a free screening of Stalking Santa tomorrow night. Would you like to come with us?

Its at the same theater we went to see a movie that I can't recommend so I won't mention its name, but every 10 minutes the chairs shake, and you hear the subway, and you think there is something wrong with the movie, and then you realize you are in New York, and there is no such thing as a quiet place unless its the temple.

Delicious Movie

We watched Miss Potter last night. We had heard from a trusted source (JLP) that we would love the movie, but didn't get to see it in the theater. I bumped some of Justin's weird-o movies down on the netflix que so we could get it earlier, and boy was I glad I did!

It starts with Miss Potter talking about how "delicious" writing the first few words of a story is, and the rest of the story is just as delicious as the first few words. It is on our to-buy list. I highly recommend it, especially to Jordee. It is beautifully shot, the music is wonderful, it pulled me in and I was sad to have the movie end. (This rarely happens to me.)

My Boys

Here are my boys.

We are going to watch the "Natural History of the Chicken" tonight. Its by the same guy how did "Cane Toads". Rumor has it that there is a headless live chicken and the owner interviewed.