C and I went to the flicks last night to see an extraordinary film - Waltz with Bashir. A full length animated film by Ari Folman, it tells the story of an ex-soldier in the Israeli/Lebanese war in 1980 and his search to find truth in his dreams/nightmares and hallucinations. Without doubt the most elegant and beautiful animation I have ever seen, this film is part documentary, part storytelling and has an incredible drive and pace. It is truly harrowing, but with elements of warmth and reaffirming humanity. Again, one of those films I don't need to see again for a long time (and...note to self...not unless you are really in the mood for such a heavy visual and emotional impact). 9/10 - go see.
On to other bobbins. This is truly a time of reflection and throwing your life out in front of you to evaluate what is going on, who you are, what you are, why you are and how that effects those around you. Alcoholics talk about reaching moments of clarity after going through fear, guilt, joy, self realisation - I can empathise (though don't drink enough red wine to see it through their particular eyes though thankfully). It has been and still is a roller coaster (and not a rubbish one like The Corkscrew...we're talking Oblivion territory here). I have been going through emotions not experienced for many years and it has knocked me for six to be perfectly honest. It is too easy to become entangled in what a fast paced society deems to be important and relevant, and is cathartic to take a big step back (I am as guilty as the next man for not doing this more often). The whole 'grass is always greener' attitude is good, as is to take what life throws at you and also recognise that things could be so much worse. We will all be continually tested in our lives and the challenge makes us stronger, even if we get the grey hairs or wrinkles to prove it. I see the positives in the negatives (no, really) and know what I must do for those most dear to me and myself.
Phew...and finally, I am saddened and properly sick of the celebration of celebrity in this country. Applaud achievement and champion pioneers, but don't let children aspire to the irresponsible, self obsessed and obnoxious private lives of such people. Being famous shouldn't an aspiration, it should be the recognition of talent, hard work and being an inspiration to others. As such I have stopped reading the free morning and evening rags and am concentrating purely on my books and tunes. Right...spleen vented...onward to the round-up...
Home - Took the train home to spend some much needed time with my family and friends. The usual script of walking int'Dales and doing the rounds. Spent some long overdue quality time with my best mucker Matt and for much of the night were the only punters in the excellent Tap and Spile. I miss such pubs living down here...and the beer for that matter. Also spend some great time with the rest of Le Famile Dragondrop - lovely to see them and chew the fat (salmon and curry - both great)! Went to the dentist - no probs, though I did get told off for drinking too much red wine and coffee.
Fodder - As a 'just because' surprise took C to Mini Mundus for a french feast. Snails and steak, great wine and all in the company and conversation of my lovely lady.
More fodder - Lennie our printer took me out for a mid-day Ruby. Great food and company, but my thoughts was elsewhere.
Heather - My old muckeress H stayed over - a really nice night and long-overdue chats, putting the world to rights, ciders and tunes.
Really loving listening to Radio 6 all day long at work and zoning out - it is a good distraction and focus at the moment. I'm sure there was more trivial stuff in-between, but the important stuff has overshadowed it.
All for now. Beep.
1 comment:
Ah now, I thought I'd read that post - It could be the case that it was one of those that I started to read then got distracted by the world and it's wants.
Re first bit - hang in there buddy,
re aspirations - heard a thing recently where kids were polled on what they wanted to be when they were older.. not I wanna be a footballer, not I want to be an actress, a singer etc. - A startlingly higher than expected said "I wanna be famous". What happened to the stuff that gets you there? I blame reality TV clouding the usual rules as to what makes you a star of the small screen. You really don't have to excel at anything. Our wee'ns are being misguided in their focus. (Well, hopefully not mine specifically... but I would say that) Anyway - Felix is onto the bit where he 'can create droids'.
Post a Comment