tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23836557768844216942024-02-08T04:59:48.362-08:00Andre LolanALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-15918157460071711112016-04-27T18:56:00.001-07:002016-04-27T18:56:36.295-07:00Smashing the Crystal Ball<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I
envision my future beyond college as a journey to find that perfect film idea
to write and direct. I know I will be doing odd films under the direction of
creative directors. I see identifying a genre
as useless and hope that my film will push the boundaries of genre rules. Really,
I hope there are no boundaries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Our
world as it exists today has high unemployment, poverty, sex trafficking, war, and
terrorism. I think these will exist at some level forever. I do not believe that
a utopian society will ever exist. Too many people change when they are given
power. I guess it is human nature. However, during my lifetime, I do wish for a
land of harmony with peace between nations. A universe where different does not
mean wrong, just different. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I
can even see me meeting a really crazy person in the future that is not wearing
a tin foil hats but is supporting one created from parchment paper. He walks in
circles as he preaches on the evils of milk and how milk will cause the
apocalypse. Maybe milk <b>Will</b> cause
the apocalypse. Who knows what will bring the zombies? In any case, I do
believe an apocalypse will be inevitable in the future. I believe this is true
because every civilization falls no matter how well planned and
disciplined. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Beyond
my life, I believe that the future holds the ability of traveling between
dimensions. Initially, humans will be educated by these experiences. I even see
other universes begin invading Earth’s dimension. I know it will come, that
assault. I see my descendants will have to hastily
search for cover from the barrage of bombs dropping from the sky. They will
find refuge in the nearest building, perhaps a library. They may go to the area
where they can escape by watching one of my films. We will have leaders from different planets. Our
leaders may be mutants that are ten feet tall with Adonis features; or possibly
a talking orangutan; or, maybe even a reptilian bitch. Each of these leaders
will have special attributes from their universe that keep the Earth alive.
Despite all the negatives, a future still holds promise for some form of life
and hopefully a civilized nation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-22277342642021440982016-04-21T04:43:00.001-07:002016-04-21T04:43:50.409-07:00Douglas Adams, Sci Fi Writer or Fortune Teller<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“He felt that his whole
life was some kind of dream and sometimes wondered whose it was and whether
they were enjoying it.” (Douglas Adams, <i>Hitchhikers
Guide to the Galaxy</i>)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Douglas Adams is one of my favorite writers. His wit and
intelligence transcends this century and brings us into an all too familiar
future. Niel Gaiman, another novelist, said that Adams was a genius. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“I haven’t known many
geniuses in my life. Some brilliantly smart people, but only a tiny handful
would I class as geniuses. I would class Douglas, because he saw things
differently, and he was capable of communicating the way he saw things, and
once he explained things the way he saw them, it was almost impossible to see
them the way you used to see them.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This introduction of a different view is a way writers move
the present into the future. Really, Adams brought the future into the present
because of his foresight. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Douglas Adams, as a novelist, was a fortune teller. <span style="background: white;">He was adept at technology and even foreshadowed or
predicted about technology before it existed with the <i>Galaxy </i>notebook, an i-pad technology. Before his death, he denied
that he was a science fiction writer. He did not even like science fiction but was
addicted to technology. </span>He looked to technological advances of the time
and imagined what the future was supposed to be. However, the innovative
predictions of technology as well the lifestyle of the future was just a
background to him. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Despite his prophecies, his novel, <i>Guardian of the Galaxy</i> is truly about relationships. He claimed his
priority was as story teller. Attacking social issues is another way that Adams
brought the present into the future. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our planet being inundated by Spartan
minded aliens was at the forefront of his <i>Galaxy
</i>series. In the novel, the aliens come down from another planet to mine
Earth for its resources. The destruction of humans was the plan but an alien warned
and saved his friend, an earthling. The alien felt that there was something redeemable
about the society. <i>Guardian </i>is an in
depth study of human nature. The book reveals how the morals of the present
transcends not only time but societies that inhabit other planets. Adams even
brought up the absurdity of our culture and its praising of celebrities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Douglas Adams was a true visionary and
predicted several things that scientist did not. It seems that the imagination
of a writer outdoes that of systematic research. Adams’ search was similar to
Arthur Dent as he traveled through the galaxy with Ford Prefect. A search that has
been the same throughout time that joins the present to the future, a search
for the<span style="background: white; color: #333333;"> ‘answer to the ultimate
question of life, the universe and everything”.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-11860812770137323372016-04-14T18:09:00.000-07:002016-04-14T18:09:23.334-07:00Aquatic Uncle<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In
the <i>Aquatic Uncle</i>, the key issue is
whether change is good, whether progress is worth it. The characters evolve past
those boundaries of tradition into an area of change. The family crosses the
border between amphibians and sea creatures, “running beyond the edge.” </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to understand the story, we
must understand where the writer obtained his inspiration. Calvino, the author,
was originally from Cuba and admired Britain and US. I think that the story as
a whole was symbolic of his wanting to go and see the world. His wife was interested
in this culture and maybe the story is a reflection about his wife’s reluctance
to change. Calvino wanted to break the boundaries that the sea had for Cuba.
Therefore, there is distinct symbolism with the elements of land versus sea.
The sea is the separation of a society from progress and change.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was able to connect to the elders
in the society who did not want change. When the uncle started talking and
bashing their beliefs, it reminded me of my maternal Grandma and Pop Pop Jimmy
(paternal grandfather). Pop Pop Jimmy always says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t
fix it.” However he uses technology to read books. My grandmother advises
constantly, “Do not be hedonistic like those people on the TV.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I
would make the short story into a film. There is a problem with the characters
being fish to amphibian – it would have to be a Claymation or I would have to
put them in humanoid form. I would also add more evolution to the main
character. The story as it sits gives me only 45 minutes’ worth of running time.
I can add 30 – 40 minutes by expanding the character and certain elements of
the story. One element that is only touched on is discrimination between water
to land people. There is not enough details. I would expand on their friction.
Also, the detail in meeting his wife is of interest to me. Finally, I would
want to add why they want to leave in the water in the first place. The basics
of the story are there, however a film would need to be more specific. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-33726040749090429352016-04-13T20:27:00.001-07:002016-04-13T20:27:48.056-07:00Blurred Lines Expose Creativity<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
distinction of defining the lines of genre are not necessary. Genre lines
developed as an attempt to distinguish between subtle nuances between fiction
and non-fiction. As writing has developed, it has really gotten out of hand.
There are so many genres and sub-genres you cannot follow all the rules. I took
a class in young adult literature and there were three subgenres within this
specific genre depending on language and sexual content.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> The
genre lines don't get blurrier than the novel, <i>Clockwork Orange</i> -- a futuristic, horror, dystopia interlaced with socio-political
comment. The book and movie are among my all-time favorites because of the
intellectual levels provided from each scene set with contrast against white clothes
to the etymology of each word the author chose to use. It was a great novel
because it did blend many genres. It created an innovative concoction that
sparked more than entertainment. It evoked conversation and controversy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Each
narrative is a work of art and as such there is no need to follow the dots or
paint within the lines unless it suits the emotion of the work. Each work is
either entertaining or <br />
“it sucks” despite the rules that a writer follows. If you follow the lines too
closely then there is no individuality. True genius comes when your imagination
is allowed to wander. The blend of several different genres is similar to a
good chef. He mixes several spices to create a good gumbo but there is one
element that is personal - the passion or the love. Otherwise, it's just
chicken and sausage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
<i>Boy and His Dog</i> is also a blend of genres
– a </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science_fiction_film" title="Science fiction film"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">science fiction</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">,<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comedy-drama" title="Comedy-drama"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">comedy,
drama</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">, </span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thriller_(genre)" title="Thriller (genre)"><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">thriller
film</span></a><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">. It is a dry comedy in an alternate universe where Vic survives because
of Blood, specifically because of the dog’s
ability for telepathic communication. Although different and distinctive,
stretching the boundaries of the narrative, the novel and film lost influence because
of the last line: “</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #252525; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Well
I'd say she certainly had marvelous judgement, Albert, if not particularly good
taste." This line has been seen as sexist as Vic chose to kill the woman
instead of the dog.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It
does not matter what you call it or with what genre it is labeled. It is
whether work entertains. Sometime, there is so much effort trying to intellectualize
every nuance of a story and when it comes down to it – it either works or it
doesn’t. Writing can be an experiment of sorts. However, it is not a
mathematical equation that only has one right answer. It seems one thing is
common within all these works of art --not totally accepted at the time. They
have a cult following which has allowed them to endure past all strict lines.
These works are timeless due to their transcendence beyond set boundaries, beyond
the delineated genre line. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-58594883409665271032016-04-06T20:13:00.001-07:002016-04-06T20:13:25.274-07:00Does Majority Rule?<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">To
say the least, the readings and movie for this week are thought provoking.
Butler’s <i>Bloodchild</i> turns gender
roles of our culture on its heels as the majoritarian culture is dominated by
some kind of mammoth slithering serpent. The short story <i>I Live With You</i> by Carol Elmschwiller<i> </i>creates a surreal world where things happen in a real way. The
film <i>Brother from Another Planet</i>
gives us a glimpse of a black three toed alien trying to fit into Harlem’s
society on Earth. Majoritarian values and perspectives are turned upside down
with these three works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
male bearing children in a matriarchal society in <i>Bloodchild</i> gives us a reversal of the male/female roles as it
exists in our society. As humans attempt to escape slavery on Earth, they enter
into a different bondage as they are forced to live in Preserves. The human male
is chosen by the female and forced to be the host for the embryo of the child.
Butler tops this off by creating two species on the planet with the governing
majority a slithering body with four pair of legs. The ten foot female serpent
creature has the dominant role of seducing the male and cutting open their host
to deliver their babies. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Gan and
Gatoi seems to be one of love and respect as seen when Gatoi gives Gan a choice
to continue to bear her children.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Creepy and eerie come to mind after reading <i>I Live With You. </i>It is reminiscent of
those little people that live in your house that take the errant sock like the <i>Hobbit</i> or house elves in <i>Harry Potter. </i>You know they are there,
but cannot make yourself accept it. It is like Nietzsche’s alternate universe
within a universe or eternal reoccurrence. The role of the majority is taken on
by the ghostlike creature invading her house or is it an alter ego (“just like
you”) that wishes to stretch the woman beyond her world into the real world of
the living. The absurdity of the succubus creating chaos allows a lonely woman
to find friendship. Despite the weird person in the attic, it does not stray
far from majority values and perspective of the human condition that demands a
social interaction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> <i>Brother from
Another Planet </i>grabbed my interest from its campy spacecraft entry on the
screen. Despite the alien nature, the majoritarian culture’s values are
dominant as our mute hero attempts to make his place in a society that is
totally foreign. The film opens on Ellis Island as the immigrant alien lands on
Earth, an “in your face” reference to past immigration. His introduction into
society is not much different than those from foreign lands that do not “speak
the language”. There are some preconceived notions introduced early on about
space and aliens softened with comparisons to alcoholics and video game
addicts. The Brother is mute with three toes but he still fits in because he
attempts to help people with his innate powers. He may be different but his
kindness is evident. He gets more
adversity because of his color than the fact that he has disabilities and is an
alien. The message sent is one of discrimination on what the majority sees as
the major threat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> There are times
that we as an individual think we are screaming but nothing is heard. The works
of this week confirm that there is a vehicle for everyone to voice their
opinions. Whether an individual is an
alien from outer space or another country, each has a talent that deserves
acceptance before fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-89519780126259618072016-03-31T08:31:00.003-07:002016-03-31T08:31:26.969-07:00Artificial Unicorns<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
Cyberpunk readings and movies of this module revolve around adventures in an
alternate reality. Whether the reality be in the past, the future, an alter ego
or the psychology of the mind, a prevalent theme of self-discovery and the
human condition is evident in each work. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Tim Powers’ book <i>The
Anabus Gate</i>, is one of the first novels to be coined as steampunk. In
traditional science fiction way, Powers </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">uses time travel through
holes created by magic and even lost love in a battle between good and evil. <span style="background: white;">Doyle, the protagonist, is haunted by the death of his
wife, Rebecca.</span> <span style="background: white;">He is deceitfully enticed
to travel into the past with a scholarly ruse by an ill millionaire Darrow.
Darrow, in reality, is attempting to find eternal life by taking on the persona
of a werewolf located in 1800 in England. While in the past, </span>Doyle <span style="background: white;">is kidnapped by a gang of evil
itinerants/magicians/followers of the ancient Egyptian gods. He remains truly
human with ethics despite his changing identity and changing environment. He
becomes the man who he was researching, Ashbless. His adventures lead him to
bargain with the ancient Egyptian, declining<span class="apple-converted-space"> to
give the location of the Anabus gate even though his prize would have been the
return of his wife. For the reader, Doyle remains true to himself and does not
sacrifice his morals despite evil that tempts him. Magic is also dominant in
the novel with a subtle undertone of its connection to science.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> In
<i>Ghost In the Shell II</i>, a living
cyborg is the protagonist. The alternate reality is in the future when the only
thing human about a person is his brain and his memories. Cyborgs are turning
away from their programming, slaughtering humans and then killing themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Blade Runner</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> is another movie that
questions human worth versus technology in a future world. In this movie, the
cops seek out replicants, artificial intelligence in human form, from off world
colonies that come to earth. The movie causes its audience to consider
technology and artificial intelligence. The viewer can empathize with a man who
questions what is truly human after he encounters an android with emotion.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Paprika</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> is an anime in the surrealist style of Dada or Lynch. The
disturbing images that revolve around the human soul are displayed on the
screen in an attempt to provoke an audience to discover what is beneath the
surface of the human psyche. Paprika is the
psychologist’s alter ego as Dr. Chiba delves in the dream state of her patients
and solve their problems. In this film, the alternate universe is the dream
world, an exploration of the subconscious. Good versus evil is also a theme in
this film with the misuse of stolen technology. The DC mini is the device used
by Dr. Chiba but it is stolen to invade the dreams of others and allow them to
escape into the real world. The dichotomy of science is also at the forefront
in the battle of technology created to help humanity that can be turned against
them.</span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-6150199976990717282016-03-24T04:52:00.000-07:002016-03-24T04:52:15.990-07:00My Left Hand<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
readings and film from this week diverge from the science fiction surrounded by
over the top, imposing galactic battles. They do not revolve around an
apocalypse or being lost in space. They are directed at the human experience in
creating and adjusting to a new society with different rules and roles. Nevertheless,
Le Guin’s story of Genly Ai is a journey to another planet and is interrupted
at times with myths and prophesies adding to the fantasy nature of the novel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In
<i>Left Hand of Darkness, </i>Le Guin’s
protagonist travels to outer space to influence other beings to join the
Ekumen, a United Nations of sorts. He is on a quest for peace, and the trade
that accompanies it. Ai has traveled to the frozen wasteland of Gethen/Winter
where the beings are gender neutral hermaphrodites. The Gethenians have both
female and male features. They are asexual during “somer” and have the ability
to procreate during “kemmer”. From the
introduction, Le Guin points out that no one should be treated differently due
to their gender. This note is not surprising considering the feminist movement
at the time she wrote the novel. Consequently, the ideas revolving around
gender identity is a key theme in the book. Genly Ai, the alien, at times seems
a little sexist when stereotyping the Gethenian’s female aspect with terms such
as “lack of substance.” He also has
constant inner turmoil trying to identify each Gethenian as a male or female
even though he knows they are both. Le Guin has been criticized and has
admitted that the Gethenians actually seem more male than female throughout the
novel. She even uses he to describe the characters in the book. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In
addition, the novel deals with the ability to accept and adapt to these different
cultures and species. Le Guin shows elements of similarity between Ai and
Estravan. Ai is alone on the planet, trying to adjust and compute the alternate
life style. Estraven travels to a self-imposed isolation, knowing there is
something outside his small world. They join forces and journey together, even
escape danger in Orgereyn. In the country of Karhide, Estravan has many names
and many layers as he learns mind speech and speaks with his dead brother. The
fantasy in this case is the inward journey as each questions his relevance. We
also see the uniting of nations with these two individuals. Brotherly love is
evident as Ai mourns the death of Estrevan at the end. There is also subtle
evidence of influence of the Cold War on Le Guin with the conflict between with
the totalitarianism of Orgoreyn and Karhide.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Like
Le Guin’s novel, Truffaut’s <i>Farenheit 451</i>
also deals with a changing culture and a deviation from what is the norm in
conventional society. Books are not only
banned but illegal to have in your possession. The government fears the liberated
thinking that comes with education. Montag, a fireman charged with the burning
of these books, begins to see their importance. Once part of the government,
now he becomes the criminal on the run in an underground society. Like Le Guin,
the film also deals more with the human aspect of difference. It is also a story of betrayal due to
ignorance as Mongut’s wife turns him into the authorities. Nevertheless, Mongut
finds his place with the ostracized book lovers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Through
the characters of Ai and Estravan, two worlds unite as they travel across the
glacier. Le Guin emphasizes the yin and yang, the light and dark in our journey
to find inner meaning. At the time the novel was written, sexuality was defined
in terms of male/female. Further, society was a male dominated world. These
strict lines have become grey as bisexuality, homosexuality, transgender and
transvestites have become commonplace. Books such as Le Guin’s prompt us to
accept these differences, see the individual inside and promote equality on all
levels. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-7115931185506845732016-03-16T20:16:00.001-07:002016-03-16T20:16:38.889-07:00Stay Gold Space Cowboy<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Action, adventure, space, and fantasy, even the title, <i>The </i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Martian
</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">screams
science fiction. <span style="background: white;">Weir, like other sci fi writers,
has mingled elements of the western genre with a hint of a sea story in this
novel. </span>Additionally, the importance of science is a key element of this
narrative of the botanist, mechanical engineer’s battle to stay alive on
Mars. <span style="background: white;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The influence of the western genre is first to surface in the
sandstorm of the red desert environment. The main character, Mark, is injured
by an antenna and left for dead in an adverse environment. Like the west, he is
left in an uninhabited frontier. He has to settle the land in order to stay
alive. He plants potatoes and uses his feces to fertilize the crop. He
separates hydrazine to get hydrogen and makes oxygen. These combine to form the
H2O he needs to water the plants. He uses ingenuity to battle the elements as
he waits for someone to save him. He rides the land on his mechanical horse,
the rover. The villain is the environment of Mars that he must tame with the
supplies he has from Earth. Once NASA is aware Mark is alive, they even send
the Calvary to save him. Mark has a western adventure with the background of outer
space, the strength of humor and perseverance when faced with adversity, and that
stresses the importance of science.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">An analogy can also be made to the sea stories. Mark is marooned
and left for dead on Mars like a Robinson Crusoe or <i>Cast Away</i> on their island. Like these protagonists, he then
proceeds to use his brain to survive the elements. Unlike these protagonists, Mark
is only alone at the beginning of the book but begins to have communication
with NASA through the rover. He is ultimately saved by the crew that left him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">In contrast to space operas like <i>Star Wars </i>and <i>Serenity</i>, <i>The Martian </i>is missing the romantic
features, the community on Mars, as well as the huge military battles. The frontier is the same as well as the
fiction created by the fantasy of the future. In some cases, the fantasy of <i>The Martian</i> seems more like reality than
fantasy when things go bad, especially with his exhaustion at getting water,
food and oxygen to his failed back to lost communication on the last leg of his
journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Mark Watney has a type of hero’s journey as he faces and
overcomes conflicts for a return to Earth. The only difference is that Mark’s
character does not evolve; he is the perfect astronaut from beginning to end. In
fact, the book almost ends as it begins --- with a dust storm that threatens
Mark’s survival. There is unity shown between humans, even US’s rival of the
Chinese, joining together to save Mark and bring him back to Earth. The west
and space has been conquered and the land on Mars has created crops. A future
society can survive in this untamed desert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-62483360262373006102016-03-02T20:04:00.001-08:002016-03-02T20:04:11.500-08:00Myths (Or A Grave Thing Happened on the Way to the Water)<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">“The boundaries are
always there—between the graveyard and the world beyond, between life and
death, and the crossing of them.” - Neil Gaiman</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is no denying the subtext of myth in
Neil Gaiman’s novels. In <i>The Graveyard
Book</i>, a maze of classical mythology, Christian mythology and even the
female myth are intricately woven and overlap within this storyline. Each type
of myth offers a small hurdle that Bod must overcame but ultimately leads our
hero to an escape and victory. Gaiman makes myth relevant to contemporary world
as a coming of age for his main character, Bod, and also his portrayal of the
different genders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Unlike <i>the
Lady in the Water</i> and Gaiman’s <i>Ananzi Boys, </i>the myth is not specifically
spelled out at the beginning of the story. Nevertheless, the myth slaps you in
the face in the first chapter. The Christian myth of the Christ child is
prominent. Everyone around the infant is killed but the child escapes to the
graveyard where he is protected by the community. Nevertheless the Jacks,
spurred by a prophesy, continue in their attempt to find and kill him. To the
Jacks, Bod represents someone that will destroy their evil way of life.
Additionally, the theme of intersecting the spiritual world and the earthly
world is also similar to Christ as he is both God and man. Bod is not afraid of
death and has the ability to pass between the living and the dead. The setting
of graveyard/nature preserve also supports the living dead theme.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Myth and tradition is important in the graveyard
where the ghosts of the past live beside the newly dead and begin to educate
Bod. The ghosts have the voice of the past where contemporary world is evident
with Scarlett’s cell phone and talk of videos. Even in the dance of the dead,
you have the living present dancing with the ghosts of the past. Bod accepts
all of the residents and even goes so far as putting a headstone the witch
Liza’s pauper grave. These traditions of the past seem to give him a moral
sense and influence his choices. In contrast, t</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he
Ghouls (Honorable Archibald Fitzhugh, Bishop of Bath and Wells, Duke of
Westminster) represent peer pressure and making bad choices. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">This narrative also bring in the
traditional myth of good vs evil with the backdrop of the macabre. The hero in the
middle of a mystical world that battles evil and overcomes the mystical forces
that surround him. Bod passes through
the Gates of Hell to the underworld. The underworld is frequently seen and its
residents battled in Greek mythology. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The female myth is also prevalent in the roles
of women in the book. They are represented as educators with Mrs Owens and Ms.
Lupitzo, a common role. But these characters are also strong as the Lady on the
Grey Horse gives the final world and Ms. Lupitzo, a werewolf, saves Bod from
the underworld. <span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="letter-spacing: .1pt;">Gaiman also shows
the Jacks of All Trades, a male society driven by greed. In contrast, the female
leadership is more balanced. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Indigo
Man and the Sleer are the guardians of the Master and the treasure and also represent
the evil that lurks in the oldest grave. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Just like Giamati’s character in <i>The Lady in the Water</i>, Bod is able to
overcome his differences and the past death of their family with the help of
the spiritual world. Bod’s journey involves making sense of the real world and
the spiritual world. It is a journey of
self-awareness for the young boy trying to overcome his differences as he
travels from the fantasy world in the graveyard to the world outside its gates.
This is the same journey for teens trying to fit in with social groups. Gaiman
also puts a twist on this journey. Perhaps because this book was inspired by
his son toddling through a library, Gaiman also deals with parents allowing
their children to venture out into a different, scary world where they cannot
protect them. Possibly this theme is a parent’s coming of age? The traditional
and the contemporary play against each other at times in the novel but end up
in a state of balance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-79950661278001951472016-02-24T20:27:00.002-08:002016-02-24T20:27:28.060-08:00The Magic of Morals<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;"> In <i>Night Circus</i> by
Erin Morgenstern complex moral issues were presented in an entertaining and
somewhat subliminal way. With the aspect time travel and the two worlds of
fantasy and reality, the novel presents an action packed narrative. Black and
white, night and day, good and evil are the backdrop to show our choices. The
name of the circus is <i>Circus des R</i>eves,
<i>Circus of Dreams</i>. The name not only
refers to the magical world presented in the circus but foreshadows the path
the young characters will take to achieve their individual dreams. In a way,
the novel instructs young adults to follow their passion to make the most of
their futures. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">But one of the most important lessons of <i>Night Circus </i>is that no matter how small your actions; what you do
affects others. <i>Night Circus</i> revolves
around the manipulation and ego of two competitive magicians. Prospero and the
man in the grey suit, A.H., pick protégées to enter into a magical contest,
where only one will remain alive. They not only trained but tortured the young
students, Marco and Celia, both physically and mentally. The amoral treatment
of their students is evident. Nevertheless, as young adults, Celia and Marco
became better human beings than their “fathers”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">Although the narrative is centered on the two men’s rivalry, it
is a coming of age story. Not only do the two manipulated teens rise about
their plight, but other young characters in the book follow their dreams. It
was planned that either Celia or Marco would be eliminated. Nevertheless, these
fierce competitors found each other’s talents impressive and ultimately fell in
love. They found that their actions affected the other circus performers as
well as the “reveurs”. They had to come
up with a plan that would save the circus. They sacrificed their human form for
others. With these characters we see a stark contrast between their
selflessness and the selfishness of the magicians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;">The story of Baily also reveals it is important to fight for
what you want. Initially, we see Baily taking a dare to fit in with his sister
and her gang. He snuck into the circus to be a part of a social group. He took
a chance and it worked out. The young man continued to be drawn to the circus
despite his parent’s objections. His path becomes interwoven with the circus
performers. Ultimately, he runs the <i>Cirque
des Reves</i> with Poppet. His dream as well as a romance was achieved.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode",sans-serif;"> As the young
characters face the trials of growing up, they do not give up despite all the
obstacles thrown in their way. Just like the circus, complications in your live
will arrive without warning! </span><o:p></o:p></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-72062610280106714402016-02-17T19:05:00.002-08:002016-02-17T19:05:58.267-08:00Anti-Christ with a Thousand Faces<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">For the hero’s journey, I read <i>Good Omens </i>by Terry Pratchett and Neil
Gaiman. Both authors are known to apply aspects of Campbell’s monomyth and its
structural pattern. However, Gaiman <span style="background: white; color: #252525;">said
that he started reading<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The
Hero with a Thousand Faces</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>but
refused to finish it: "I think I got about half way through<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span><i>The Hero with a Thousand Faces</i><span class="apple-converted-space"> </span>and found myself thinking if this is
true – I don’t want to know. I really would rather not know this stuff. I’d
rather do it because it’s true and because I accidentally wind up creating
something that falls into this pattern than be told what the pattern is."</span></span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neil_Gaiman#cite_note-143"></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nevertheless there is evidence of some
elements of the monomyth. Furthermore, I think there are two overlapping
journeys, the demon and the angel’s journey and Adam, the Anti-Christ’s
journey. Both journeys converge to stop the Apocalypse. Adding to the mythological
aspect of the journey is the prophesy of Agnes Nutter which outlines every
event that will take place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Azirophale (angel) and Crowley (demon) meet
in for the first time in the Garden of Eden. Crowley is the snake that temps
Adam and Eve to eat the apple. Azirophale is an angel from the Garden. Over
thousands of years, they have reached a compromise, a type of friendship. They
are called to action at the birth of the Anti-Christ. After getting drunk and
deciding to go against their bosses, they decide to work together to stop
Armageddon. Of course, there are
supernatural elements involved as they enter the world of a normal family as
gardener and nanny. There are many comical elements as they wait for the coming
of the demon dog who is to watch over the devil’s child. The biggest ordeal is
when they find out that they are watching the wrong child and attempt to find
him. Crowley hears the voice of his boss in his <i>Best of Queen</i> calling him to make sure that he is working to secure
the end of the Earth. Both refuse to give up the fight and find the Anti-Christ,
Adam. Their search is thwarted by many
obstacles. However, together they find Adam and attempt to lead him away from
the destruction of the universe. Adam with the help of his crew stop Armageddon
because Adam realizes that starting over is futile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">The duality of Adam is evident from the
beginning of the story. His innocence as a baby and his Adonis features are
contrary to a satanic form. However, he cannot deny his leadership and his
attractions to the dark side. He is called to a journey of fulfilling the
destiny set out by his father, Satan. His path is full of temptations on both
sides, good and evil. He meets the witch, who introduces him to the magical
side of his powers. The Them join with him to fight the Four Horses of the
Apocalypse. They defeat all but Death who cannot accomplish the end of the
earth alone. Adam realizes the strength of his powers and is even able to turn
Satan into his earth father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">At the end of the journey, everything
comes full circle. No one remembers or they pretend not to remember what has
occurred. Adam has repaired the damage from the battle. The angel and demon are
lunching at the Ritz. And Adam, he is grabbing the forbidden apple from the
tree.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-33204541469507590872016-02-10T21:01:00.002-08:002016-02-10T21:01:46.248-08:00Bitchin' Witches<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">With <i>Black
Maria, </i>the reader gets lulled into a kind of <i>Twilight Zone</i> as nothing is as it seems. The death of the father on
his way to see Aunt Maria seems to foreshadow their plight when they are stuck
in her world. Aunt Maria is at the forefront from the beginning revealing a
matriarchal society. She is a manipulative woman guilting Chris, Mig and Mum
into doing her bidding. Initially she is a stereotype of an old woman using age
and feebleness as her tool. It is very quickly we know that everything is not
as it seems. The appearance of the ghost early on, the cat on the windowsill
and Aunt Maria’s house address as Number 13 add to the clues of the evil that
will surface. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Gender lines are also evident from the
beginning when Mig is not good enough to watch Aunt Marie. Additionally, Mum is
to work alone with no help from Chris because it is “woman’s work”. Further,
Mig and Mum were not allowed to wear “trousers”. However, the stereotypical
role of woman is changed with her role in the control or “Queen Bee” of the
village. The men are mindless zombies following the woman’s every command, kind
of an inverse <i>Stepford Wives</i> or maybe
<i>Stepford Husbands</i>. <i>Black Maria </i>adds a touch of <i>The War of the Roses </i>as the war between
men and women gets heated<i>.</i> This
adversarial theme seems to center around control and equality. It is specifically
outlined in the conversation between Mig and her father (not dead). Mig says,
“….. Can’t they just be people?” Dad responds, “It doesn’t seem possible where
men and women are concerned.” Nevertheless the lines of gender seemed to be
blurred as the judo Mr. Phillips is also the gardener and cook of his
household. The gender lines in the 90s when the novel was written was
expanding. At that time, my mother, a lawyer, was not allowed to wear pants in
court at that time. Additionally, a woman who was aggressive in business was
called a “Bitch” compared to her male counterpart was accepted in his role. In
any event, a woman or man that would destroy (turn into a wolf) her/his daughter
to keep control remains evil on any level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">When it comes to witches, Aunt Marie was
an archetype because she was not a typical witch. She was a superior witch,
outside the lines of a pure stereotype. Although she had magical powers, her
evil extended past sorcery to mind altering. Also, Ms. Phelps was archetypical
because she time traveled. It was not
just about magic but control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Another
point that adds intrigue is that Mig is narrator. She writes the novel in a
smart, unique way. Mig is the savoir in contrast to the sweet Aunt Marie as the
villain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-12924118098236953912016-02-04T04:43:00.000-08:002016-02-04T04:43:17.912-08:00The Weird and The Weird<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Both <i>The</i> <i>City and The City</i> and the movie <i>Dead
Man </i>represent a genre where subliminal messages are rampant and directed to
stimulate their audiences. Weird suggests something supernatural,
unconventional or uncanny. Nevertheless, it is in the eye of the beholder
because to me, very little is uncanny about the book and the movie. It is
significant in this day of helicopter moms and <i>Sesame Street</i> kids that the audience’s attention be grabbed and
held. Audiences are attracted only to the “weird” or the different to entertain
them. Normalcy is status quo and boring. Each work reveals an attempt to escape
a traditional life. Weird can accomplish something stimulating to their
intelligence. Each work eschewed the
traditional narrative to create the weird. Nothing is what it seems.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
What is weird about <i>The</i> <i>City and the </i>City by Mielville? The book
itself is wordy but engaging. They are speaking English but each character has
its own language. Maybe the weird is because it evolves around string theory and
the fact that multiple cities can coexist in the same time continuum. Two cities co-exist in the same physical space
at the same time and the detective must solve a brutal murder that is committed
in one or perhaps on the border. Each city knows the other exists but cannot
admit it. A common phrase in the movie
is that I must “unsee that”. Additionally, the use of “Breach” and the
consequences of it add to the mystery of the novel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i>Dead
Man </i>is similar to <i>The</i> <i>City and the City </i>because
it revolves around borders. In <i>Dead Man</i>,
Johnny Depp’s character is walking around in a dying state due to the bullet
wound close to his heart. He has murdered another and being sought by his
victim’s father. He is on the border between the living and the dead. The movie
is a metaphor for the 60’s counter culture in a spaghetti western style. Johnny
Depp’s character is on a spiritual journey somewhat like Jim Morrison’s journey
in the desert. There is a language border within the Indian culture and also a
weird play on words with the names of the characters, I.E. the Indian called
Nobody that attempts to remove the bullet. Ultimately, Blake loses his battle
and dies in Indian funeral dress and canoe.<o:p></o:p></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-75396254269984354212016-01-27T19:05:00.003-08:002016-01-27T19:05:50.893-08:00The Horror of Ears According to Me<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When reading or viewing Eastern or
Asian horror based works, subliminal cultural differences come through when
comparing them to “western” horror.
Although both seem to be aimed at our fears, the Asian horror seems to
have a closer connection to the afterlife. Additionally, the Asian films seem
to have a social message interwoven into the physical horror. The Asian film is
not just a gore fest, it has a message to convey.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I was reading the novel <i>A Wild Sheep Chase</i>, the horror theme was
not immediately evident. The read was more along the lines of a standard Haruki
Murakami book with its dry wit, use of absurd characters and situations, and references
to Western Culture. For example, he
notes rock music and Alan Ginsberg (<i>Howl</i>)
and a character that is unsatisfied with his life.<i> </i>Initially, I honestly found more connections to Douglas’<i> Hitchhiker’s Guide, </i>a sci-fi comedy,
because of its narrative structure and how it seemingly went off topic.
However, the novel<i> </i>was really adding
a new plot point or device. <i> Murakami </i>was setting the reader up for the
kill. Murakami is giving us subliminal messages with symbolism and even
premonitions, specifically from the girlfriend. I also viewed Takashi Miike’s <i>Audition</i> which to say the least, was the
most disturbing movie I have ever seen. From what I have noticed from the book
and film, these Asian works both develop off of buildup. Both are non-linear,
not following the Western structure. Both works also use a slight woman as a
vehicle for evil in comparison to Western movies whose villain is usually a strong
male. Asian works are usually more of a
cerebral horror not bowing down to pure murder and blood.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is also a difference in
eastern and western in how they represent the supernatural. The ghost in <i>Sheep </i>is not to scare but works in as
part of the symbolism and message. It is probably because of the Asian’s belief
in reincarnation and an afterlife. They have a sense of tradition and honoring
the elderly and dead. The Asian tale is haunting or disturbing versus the
western which is terrifying. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The manipulation of the protagonist
is evident in the Asian works, others driving them insane by bringing their
ineptness to the forefront. The Eastern
tale is an inner horror made more unsettling because it could be inside you. In
the Western Horror more demons attack from the outside in a solely physical
rather than a mental way. The Eastern story revolves around the life of an everyday
person who stays in his own persona but in western horror, there is something
wrong with the evil person, burned or parents killed in front of him. The plot
of the Asian horror is more intricate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Asian culture is stereotyped as
being the most brilliant or educated. Their horror films continue with this
quest in their attempts to socially educate through entertainment. Whereas the
Western horror seems to be aimed at scaring its audience by exhibiting the most
special effects.<o:p></o:p></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-70578076326901222462016-01-21T04:39:00.003-08:002016-01-21T04:39:29.770-08:00<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> In Ann Rice’s <i>Interview with a Vampire</i>, the
relationships are extremely complex to say the least. Her vampires have evolved
from the Christopher Lee depiction of Dracula and the battle between good and
evil. The old stories revolved around the seduction of the woman to achieve the
goal of immortality. The classic vampire stories were mono-dimensional in
contrast to the contemporary tales of Rice’s vampire which has layers. The good
and evil theme remain constant in both but the relationship status has
expanded. Not only do we have a relationship between Louis, Lestat and Claudia
but the relationship is not contained within the triangle, each relationship
has a condemned association with other parties revolving around pure desire.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It
is evident throughout the book that Rice was raised in New Orleans which was a
melting pot of religion, voodoo, intertwined with a tacit acceptance of
different sexual orientations. Although the good/evil theme is within Rice’s
book, the sexual tension and surrounding relationships seems to permeate the
plot. The book has overtones of heterosexuality,
homosexuality, bisexuality and pedophilia. Ann Rice’s novel is coated with
sensuality within the relationship between the characters even if there is no overt
sexual act. Additionally, most of the relationships are shrouded with both love
and hate. Furthermore, the relationship between two people is not limited to a
single traditional mode. For example, the relationship between Louis and
Claudia begins when he kills her. Louis is a fight or flight character and
flees leaving her to die. Lestat turns her into a vampire which shrouds Louis
in guilt. Louis acts as her father/teacher/protector from the guilt which is
usually absent in a vampire. Claudia hates both Lestat and Louis for their role
in her perpetual existence. Claudia’s physical form remains a five year old,
nevertheless her intellect and true being continues to mature. This maturity
prompts a lust from Louis who leaves to escape more guilt. Consequently, the
relationship expands from a parent/child to a father/lover, familial love to
pedophelia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
relationship between Louis and Lestat is equally as complex. Again, a love/hate
relationship exists. This is because of Louis’ battle with good/evil. Louis
hates his role in life and drinks the blood of an animal instead of humans in
order to survive. His many attempts of killing Lestat confirms the aspect of
hate. He also denies his love for Claudia and seeks the love of Armand. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> A
different relationship agenda of the vampire in society is depicted in the film
<i>Only Lovers Left Alive.</i> The film<i> </i>is an experimental film that eschews
the narrative structure. It centers around the vampire characters of Adam and
Eve and their strong relationship, a monogamous relationship, that continues to
exist over the centuries. Their love lasted
because both of the characters were intellectuals, had respect for each other
and an undying loving. The main characters in <i>Only Lovers left Alive </i>were actually deeper and more human than the
living because of the social aspect and closeness of their relationship. Nevertheless,
a definite overtone of dark humor embodies this film despite the theme of a
strong relationship at its core. At the film’s ending, their blood supplier in
Lebanon dies. In order to survive they have to suck off an unsuspecting couple
which reveals a relationship at odds to the universe. However, the human
emotion to survive, of self-preservation, expands the connection to nature. The
film shows the relationship at the core of characters in everyday life and a society
that attempts to pull them apart.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2383655776884421694.post-25578834970845741752016-01-13T20:24:00.004-08:002016-01-13T20:24:28.672-08:00Frankstein<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Gothic aspects of Frankenstein:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Mary
Shelley’s novel <i>Frankenstein </i>has many
elements of gothic literature<i>. </i>The
first thing that comes to my mind when I think of gothic literature is a dark,
eerie setting that creates a feeling of foreboding. The next is a sense of
horror or dread that revolves around an alienated or isolated protagonist. The
protagonist is in some cases is a wanderer who is stalked by an evil villain.
There are also supernatural elements in gothic novels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"> </span>In <i>Frankenstien
</i>t<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">he setting begins in the letters of Captain
R Walton to his sister. He is stuck in the ice on his ship in the cold,
wasteland of the North Pole looking for friendship. We are waiting for
something bad to happen. A sense of isolation for the character is also evident
and continues with both Frankenstein and, of course, his Monster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Frankenstein’s
parents adopt Elizabeth so he will have a future wife. We can tell Frankenstein
must not be a social butterfly. This
aspect of the story is a kind of contrived incest which we can be seen in other
gothic novels. With Frankenstein, the isolation continues in school and the
isolation with his belief in alchemy and his attempts to “bestow animation upon
lifeless matter”. An eerie feeling continues as Frankenstein tells his story of
the decays of the body as he tries to revive the corpses and collects his bones
and body parts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The
book raises the question at the beginning whether science is part of the gothic
element. In some ways it reveals a fantasy aspect but it could also be seen as
a supernatural element that was prevalent in the gothic novels. However, the
monster was a man-made creation from the elements of nature.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">As
the book continues with Frankenstein’s return home and the creation of the
monster. Isolation and rejection continues with the monster. Additionally, the
feeling of dread is heightened as we witness the cycle of rejection, revenge
and murder. Revenge is another prominent
gothic element and it is heavily evident in the relationship between
Frankenstein and his monster. The death of Frankenstein’s brother is the
monster’s revenge for rejection of his ugly appearance. The tearing apart of
Elizabeth is due to Frankenstein’s killing of the monster’s mate. It is no
surprise that both the monster and Frankenstein meet their demise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.75pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">The
setting is really on the boat but describes multiple areas as Frankenstein and
the monster go from one place to another. This also adds the element of the
exotic which complements the gothic tone with such places as the Artic, the
Alps, France, and England. When you think gothic, you think dark castles.
Shelly also added a castle in the mix.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
ALolanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08221865931906057194noreply@blogger.com0