'The Assassin' A Review

The Assassin is a martial arts drama set in 9th century China. It follows Nie Yinniang(Shu Qi) the titular assasin who shows mercy on one of her missions and is then punished by her master Jiaxin(Fang-Yi Sheu) a Taoist nun. She is sent to far off province Weibo to kill the military governor who is also her cousin and former betrothed.

The film is visually lush and expansive. Sweeping panoramics, quiet flower blossoms, and exqusite interiors. It evokes a sense of the grand and the intimate. The score is incredible, a melding of diegetic and non-diegetic sound, serving to intensify the already palpable mood. There is a stillness and splendor to the film but also a nonchalance which makes it feel incredibly unique.

The plot is a bit confusing, its never terribly clear who is related to who, the relationships between characters, or what is necessarily at stake. This could be a result of being unfamiliar with Chinese history or the story in question. Ultimately this uncertainty doesn't hamstring the story's momentum but does demand a little more focus.

Stunning cinematography, an eerie evocative soundscape, a hard-to-follow but worthwhile narrative.

See It.

'Actress' A Recommendation

Recently released on Netflix streaming Actress is a 2014 documentary about Brandy Burre, famous for portraying political consultant Theresa D'Agostino on The Wire, who gave up acting in order to start a family in Beacon, NY. The film follows Burre as she questions the homemaker life she's chosen, attempts to restart her acting career, and falls out with her partner Tim.

What's most compelling about the film isn't Burre's story, although it is absorbing, but the subtle obscure exploration of image, roles, and the nature of performance. Burre is a study in contradictions, lamenting her suburban life but not wanting to leave it, disgusted by the ageist sexist entertainment industry but drawn back in order to perform. At points it seems Burre is playing the stay-at-home mom, playing the neglected housewife. Not that there is anything false about the scenes and interactions the film captures but there is something heighened and mecurial about Burre, morphing to best suit the situation she's in and playing it with full knowledge of the camera.

A fascinating look at an artist in middle age, 21st century societal ennui, and how far the pressures and allure of Hollywood can extend.

A Strong Current

Since I got sober it seems like time has started moving faster. There was a time when my life seemed to be standing still, I was constantly bored, frequently afraid, and often under a self-imposed isolation. Days would last eternities. Sometimes I wouldn't know when I was. Morning or night, weekend or weekday. Minutes would crawl. That's no longer the case.

As I continue to learn how to be responsible, set and attempt to achieve goals, listen and support others, show up, make time to do the things I need and want to do, I've found life moves a lot faster when you're actually living it. Now weeks, months seem to be flying by. Last year seems like yesterday. There's so much to do, a lot gets done, but there's always more. Time rolls on. Things change and evolve. Summer gives way to Fall which creeps into Winter. And always forward, always progress, the hands of the clock speed on, the calendar flips, and the future once so stagnant now buoyant and beguiling.

Fragile Things

Love is a fragile thing
like hope- the thing with wings.

At times so delicate its brittle
ready to collapse at the slightest quibble.

Launched onto the precipice,
your partner now a nemesis.

For a thing so powerful it can be weak
vulnerable to calm critique.

Don't take your love for granted,
you may find yourself abandoned,
compromise and remain enchanted.

'Crimson Peak' A Review

Crimson Peak is a period supernatural melodrama about wealthy American Edith Cusihing(Mia Wasikowska) and her mysterious British suitor Thomas Sharpe(Tom Hiddleston). 1901 in Buffalo, NY Thomas comes to town to seek funding from Edith's father, a wealthy architect and contractor, for mining equipment he invented. He's denied however through the meeting he meets Edith and begins her seduction. After Edith's father is killed by an unknown assassin Thomas and Edith marry and retreat to his estate in England. The house is old and deteriorating and Thomas sister Lucille(Jessica Chastin) is less than cordial.

The film has a slow almost glacial pace and blends genre in a way that isn't entirely successful. Even though there are ghosts in the film and it is resplendent with Gothic imagery the actual story isn't complimented by those elements, their more of a distraction. The narrative content of the film is pure melodramatic romance, more Flowers In The Attic than The Changeling, which certainly holds interest however is somewhat of a disappointment given the macabre trappings.

The lead performances, Wasikowska and Hiddleston, are relatively confused. Their relationship comes together so quickly its unbelievable, Wasikowska seemingly doesn't even react to the sickly horrific state the ancestral house is in. Although the film feels very lethargic the emotional journey of the characters is swift to the point of incomprehension.

Incredibly rich and beautiful production elements, convoluted plot, muddy performances.

Rent It.

Graffiti 181

"I mean, whatever kills you kills you, and your death is authentic no matter how you die." -Jerry Garcia

"If we had any nerve at all, if we had any real balls as a society, or whatever you need, whatever quality you need, real character, we would make an effort to really address the wrongs in this society, righteously." -Jerry Garcia

"Yeah, I miss the Grateful Dead. I miss that groove. I miss the brotherhood. Absolutely. There's no doubt about it." -Mickey Hart

Expectations

A week or so ago someone reached out to me on FB to be in a video for the iO Comedy Network. I was a bit hesitant because I didn't know anyone involved. I've found blindly committing to projects can sometimes lead to frustration, creative compromise, and/or a usurping of time. But it seemed like it would be fun, require minimal commitment, and videos are not something I typically do.

For the past couple days I've felt nervous about the shoot, concerned it wouldn't be a good experience and would eat up most of the day. I did my best to curb my fears and adjust my expectations. Go into it with an open mind and a positive attitude.

It turned out great. I was there for about an hour, everyone was very nice, proficient, and professional. It was a fun experience because I was able, for the most part, to go into it without a bad attitude or preconceived notions of what it would be. Something I need to try to practice more in all aspects of my life.