ESCAPE TO THE MOVIES

How many people, who have the means, can you name who never watch movies? I’m not referring to those whose lives are so harried that they don’t have the time. No, there are some who consciously decide not to go to the movies (or see them on-line/TV). Naturally, every person has a right to avoid  films. In contrast, a large majority couldn’t imagine not going to the movies, budget aside. Being eclectic, I try to be open to many genres, from action/adventure, such as The Avengers (2012) or Rush (2013), any science fiction, or well-written romantic comedies and/or indies, e.g. Midnight in Paris (2011). Yet, there exists a faction that extols their choice to not watch movies. And a larger group which only view films that shun the spotlight for the darker corners of daily life. Whether on college campuses or at coffee houses, visitors will inevitably hear conversations supporting their lofty choices: either refrain from movies all together or choose indies or art house films, solely, above populist entertainment. That's right "above." Arguably, the intellects' reasoning stems from the stance that we all should be remove our “rose-colored glasses” and face the realities of life. What is truly happening vs. what we wish were happening.

Well, I will argue, why not escape? As the world continues to be bombarded by environmental catastrophes, terrorist bombings, school shootings and the like, it’s no wonder people would rather briefly ignore these often daily occurrences shown in the news through escapist entertainment, than mull over our doomed planet.

Whether you are a Woody Allen fan or not, the famous, sometimes infamous, independent director knew his audience. One of his most popular box office successes was released more than thirty years ago, Annie Hall (1977). In the movie, Annie begins to dissolve her relationship with Alvy Singer by telling him, as they are standing in line to watch it again, Alvy has seen The Sorrow and the Pity (1969) enough times. Not to disparage the gravitas of the movie, The Sorrow and the Pity, or its message, but Annie has a point, at least by representing someone who needs balance in her life and relief from the world's despair. 

Broadening the movie-goer spectrum across the Pacific, what do film fans in other countries watch? And why? More often than not, box office takes, in Asia e.g., include American films, sans explicit sex, movies which are action-based, Transformers (2007), or highly romantic movies, Sleepless in Seattle (1993). Supporting the counterargument purported by cynics that the multitude don’t want to be seriously enlightened, just entertained. Hogwash, I say.

Years ago, I watched a story on network news about a traveling movie group that would go to the outskirts of India, from village to village, to show Bollywood films to impoverished residents for minimal prices. The fans worked long hours for very little money; still, they saved a portion of their wages to watch a movie on the make shift screen once a month. For those unfamiliar with a traditional Bollywood production, often the stories involve couples who encounter frequent obstacles, but the endings are happy, with grand production numbers to celebrate the union of the twosome: Devdas (2002, with Aishwarya Rai) is one example. These films rarely show the lovers kissing and are underscored by cultural values. Bollywood, however, has been lampooned and chastised by some critics and serious-minded film watchers because of its formulaic plots and inevitable rosy conclusion. And yet, villagers in India when asked why they would spend their hard-earned money on a Bollywood movie, would respond, I paraphrase: Because the world is a hard place and it’s nice to disappear into a dream, a place they could never imagine. (If you want to watch a film which includes modern social issues once considered taboo and a nod to Bollywood, see Monsoon Wedding, 2001.)

India was recently included in a report on worldwide poverty. The study noted, “85 people own half the world’s wealth.” In the States, with our disappearing middle class and almost insurmountable challenges that face us, it’s no wonder that going to a movie—sadly a luxury in many American cities and elsewhere due to high prices—or renting/streaming a film is the centerpiece entertainment, outside of television, in our country.

Yes, we do live in a capitalist society where studios produce blockbusters like The Avengers, while smaller films get pushed aside for potential, box office hits. This practice, I firmly believe, should not happen—thank goodness for film festivals. But by assigning “value” to independent movies and to the dismiss the bigger movies, some critics, intellectuals and others are subjectifying. These dissenters need to open their windows and look out at the sea of lost souls, two-job single mothers, or street dwelling teenagers whose lives are endangered everyday to understand why they go to the movies and why they need alternatives to art house films. These forgotten ones would rather escape their repressive lives and find an outlet for their imagination that for two hours exorcises the anger in their heads, a much healthier pastime than doing drugs for instance—I’ll elide “violence in film” for this discussion; others have had their say on that subject.

So, to the cynics whose wrath I'm incurring as you read this blog, I say go ahead and continue to support non-mainstream filmmakers who portray realism and a picture of our world through their lens. We do need diversity in film and to awaken some sleepy middle-class and upper-class minds to what’s going on out there. To the other minority who refuse to watch a movie, I ask that you at least open your mind to why Hollywood “pictures” focus on mainstream entertainment, and why your choice is not better but a right, as an American.

Finally, to the naysayers who protest escapism via watching box office bonanzas, claiming these movies as unproductive, unenlightened, capitalistic, unrealistic and possibility destructive, I would suggest that they should use their imagination to picture life among the billions of poor, working class, or Slumdog Millionaire (2008) children before passing judgment on the masses’ movie choices.

MAN OF FIRE (Poem - Originally posted on PoetreeCreations.org)

Correction made. Therefore, I've decided to post the corrected version below. Happy reading!

MAN OF FIRE

You entered the inferno with a shield,

A tradition of sacrifice; a heritage without yield.

And with every step you cautiously searched,

Giving mind to dangers when rafters lurched.

From cobalt blue to pale yellow, flames singed your bristled hair,

And poured sweaty showers on your salty, scarred skin;

A fog without air engulfed your head, though you did not care;

For a powerful magnet, a weakened victim, pulled you in.

A force too strong to run for flight,

Your courage lit the way when day for night;

Then with your exit from that fiery stage,

Your arms held a bundle, another life, another page.

The story continued with many deeds: resuscitating a woman who hardly breathed;

Climbing heights to carry a man on your shoulder you heaved,

Or grabbing a housecat nestled in a corner that put up a fight;

You proudly wore that warrior’s uniform, grey with yellow stripes.

After thirty years, your daily battles finished;

Some memories have gone, others remain undiminished,

You have continued to strive to become a better man,

But to my heart you are one among many, the best in the land.

Dedicated to retired firefighters everywhere.

How I Loathe "What Is Your Favorite. . ?"

Scan Twitter, Facebook, dating sites, questionnaires, talks shows, interviews and end-of-the-year posts, and you will discover the omnipresent question, "What Is Your Favorite. . ?" For those who adhere to simple truths, answering that dreaded interrogative doesn't pose a challenge. Whereas I'm an adherent of "gray area" responses when asked my favorite anything, with few exceptions.

AFI (American Film Institute) regularly airs its top 100 movies, in various genres and of all time. If you asked me what my favorite comedy is, for example, I would lose a night's sleep whittling down an answer. That large piece of wood, comprising slivers of multiple comedies I've seen during my lifetime, would never take shape. How could I choose between SOME LIKE IT HOT and SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK? If you were to counter with a decade, such as the forties, I'd have to rebuff your inquiry again. Anything with Grant and Hepburn, Katherine that is, would do. However, if you were to take the geographical route and request the best British comedy, I'd be flummoxed!

For those who prefer the written word, please don't entice me to relay my favorite book. If forced, I'd hone down my choices to late 19th/early 20th century English Literature authored by male writers whose specialty includes natural symbolism, e.g. D.H. Lawrence. But to suggest which of Lawrence's works I love the most, even if limited to prose vs. poetry, I couldn't tell you. More so not to forget female authors, Jane Austen is a close second to Lawrence or Hardy, I respectfully opine. Still, to compare and contrast Austen's works in order to choose a "favorite" story would be an abomination. Intellectuals out there who vehemently disagree with my bold statement, please send me your "favorite" Austen title along with your counterpoint should you feel compelled (no dissertations, please). I would be happy to post your disparate responses.

Moving on to contemporary illustrations, whatever you do, please avoid, "What is your favorite song? or group?" The spectrum of answers is so wide that you would have to filter through hundreds of CDs, I-Tunes and so on to discover my preferred genre, let alone song or group. Now, I'll admit contemporary, late 20th century, "classical" composers don't jive with my listening pleasure, but if there were any category in music that I could provide a definitive preference for, it would be vocalists. Should you wish for specifics, then get out my Alka-Seltzer.

Finally, I will give those who insist on a definitive answer to one "favorite" query--to demonstrate I am not indecisive or obstinate about having any absolutes. I do have one clear-cut choice for favorite beach: Nauset on Cape Cod. Yes, I have been to beaches around the world, and I will not equivocate on that pick!

What's your favorite beach, by the way? Gotcha!

FROM THE BOTTOM UP

Poetry appreciators please click on link below:

http://poetreecreations.org/

Thanks!

Wendy S.

The Thaw, Looking at What's Positive in the U.S.: Environmental Protection

Bao Bao and her mother at the National Zoo

The birth of a panda, like that of a baby, elicits a smile, from anyone with an open heart that is. Yes, cynicism reigns in this country. Jane Fonda once said on Inside Actor's Studio during the final, now famous Q & A, that she hated the word, "cynicism." Coming from a former radical who has amassed a fortune, her opinion loses gravitas.

Still, I can see her point. I've mentioned in earlier blogs that I'm a proponent of yin and yang but have waxed with a negative bent. Balance brings a new perspective. Many examples exist where future-forward, hopeful events occur. My focus in this blog will be environmental protection.

Among the financial cutbacks that have affected federally funded organizations, e.g. the National Zoo and the recent controversy over its neglect of some animals, a miracle has happened: Bao Bao. Anytime an endangered species chances increase via birthrates we have a reason to celebrate. Panda's giving birth in captivity or in the wild happens rarely. Thus Bao Bao's delivery and survival at an American zoo signals a "green" light for world wildlife preservation.

(Picture of Whooping Crane and chick. Photo by Marty Folk, Florida Wildlife Commission).

Other uplifting news includes: the Whooping Crane population is steadily increasing, according to the Aransus Wildlife Refuge in Texas. The birds migrate from Canada to Texas, with other populations seen in Florida, Wisconsin and Louisiana. These elegant aviators' populations had dwindled precipitously and are still threatened by loss of habitat, but it warms the heart knowing multiple privately- and publicly-funded organizations have contributed to the birds recovery.

Closer to home, Dr. Charles "Stormy" Mayo of the Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies announced that a dozen right whales were spotted off of Cape Cod. Considering the worldwide population of right whales is 500, seeing that large a gathering is staggering.

Go to the following link for more details: http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2014/01/06/large-number-right-whales-seen-cape-cod-bay/55BYcgmnQQlHixMI2HQgNP/story.html 

These success stories reflect only a fraction of the tireless efforts being made across the populous, including volunteers from all strata. Sometimes the elite and the people at large can work together. Sometimes the yin can match the yang.

Polar Vortex? Nah! It's Cold Out There Everyday.

1. An older person struggles to carry packages. . .no one bothers to offer assistance.
2. Health clinic advertises it welcomes those in need. . .then sics a collection agency on patients that can't pay.
3. A patient suffers from undiagnosed ailment. . .a doctor says, "It's in your head." (Diagnosis finally found, by another specialist).
4. Financially sound Congressional representatives deny unemployment extensions. . .to people with families and no money.
5. An elderly customer smiles/greets clerk behind the counter. . .the clerk doesn't look up, smile or acknowledge.
6. An activist fights to stop injustices. . .but doesn't work to save his or her own relationships.
7. Rape happens everyday. . .but some find the topic funny.
8. A shy, lonely child cries when being teased or bullied. . .not even a teacher stops to help the student.
9. Innocents are killed daily by guns. . .highly rated TV reality shows and dramas glorify gun violence.
10. Millions complain about the cold. . .but don't join the effort to halt global warming.

The above list is based on this writer's personal opinion and doesn't necessarily reflect her experiences.

NIGHT THEN DAY

Used to be terrified, of the night that is. Although my parents' bedroom, located steps away, offered sanctuary, I'd imagine the usual childhood scares--ghosts, monsters and creepy crawlies. Unfortunately I'd soon see the latter terror really did exist. When I was seven, my family moved into an old, 1833, home and it seemed every insect imaginable could get through the porous wood floors and oak beams. The worst, earwigs, kept me awake for many summer nights dreading the aptly-named insect would lay eggs in my ears.

Earwig

And with numerous wooden shutters against stone outer walls, brown bats happily settled in and ventured into my room--yes, most of the time mine (Go figure!). I'd scream, then as I grew up, called for my father who would come to the rescue, prepared with his highly strung tennis racket! He would try and often succeed in nudging the critters outside, through an open window. But when faced with a stubborn, aggressive, potentially rabies-carrying opponent the furry pest would meet its match. Eventually, I became the bat remover when my father was away for work, sans the tennis racket (I used a broom). That new role only came due to years of bat aversion therapy, i.e. so many visits from the flying mammals led to a respectful understanding.*

Several years later, one horrible evening, I noticed an heirloom given to me by a relative had disappeared. My parents were traveling overseas, and I chose not to face the inevitable. Not a recommended action. That someone had stolen an item from our home didn't register. I refused to believe the heirloom, a silver coffee set given to me by a relative, and other more inconspicuous items we later learned, had been taken. Once my parents returned home and the police dusted for prints the nightmare didn't end. The ensuing nights continued to frighten me. I could barely get to sleep or stay asleep.

A month passed when the authorities found the culprit: a neighbor who cleaned our home regularly, whom my parents trusted.Years after the theft every bang, creak or jolt emanating from old, steam radiators would awaken me, but I wouldn't react by calling for help. I decided I had to face my night demons. I didn't succeed. My attempts--night lights, soothing music, reading, etc.--couldn't resolve underlying fears. I've been a light sleeper since.

Then, maturity and the onset of new multimedia, communication devices brought an about-face. Being bombarded with news images on TV, the Internet, and so on have kept me on full alert, during the day. More importantly, through my role as a writer/blogger I have learned to confront new-found fears that have replaced the old. Anxiety about current events too many to mention, please read my earlier blogs, has kept me motivated to write using multiple forms: blogs, short stories, Tweets, etc. My books, Shadowwater (published last year) and Shadowwater: Dark Sea (the sequel, to be published this Spring) have also helped mollify fears stemming from past events.

With changes and upheavals these last three years, adapting has become crucial to my physical and mental well-being. I wouldn't have survived or adapted without continuing support from friends, depending on my inner strength and tapping my creativity as I tackled serious problems. Rewards have arisen from facing those obstacles. The most unexpected reward: eradicating the demons of the night.


*NOTE: Brown bats are endangered due to a spreading virus called White Nose Syndrome (only dangerous to bats). Brown bats are natural insect exterminators, particularly of mosquitoes.  My father learned that keeping the shutters away from the stone surface and putting a grate over chimney openings kept the bats from hanging around. Please contact your local nature museum or wildlife rescue organization for more information about safely removing and saving these vital creatures.