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Yes, it has been a long time. Maybe I'll give a very brief run-down on the last twelve months sometime. Maybe not. It's vaguely depressing that I could probably restrict it to a paragraph. In fact, I'm going to try that.
Got a job at Bi-Lo which I have grown to loathe, lost some weight and then put more back on, had a story published (ok, that *is* cool), haven't dated anybody, moved out of my old place and in with Mark, Pitzi, and Doyle, have a job as a performer/waiter at the Kavon Theatre restaurant, started and quit a degree in Teaching....
That may just be it. Yes, I do lead a bustling life, but I try to remain grounded.
Remember Timmy V? No? It scarcely matters. He and I were the 'Last Gentlemen's Club' - we were the self professed gentlemen who had resigned ourselves to never finding love or being appreciated. In our eyes - chivalry was well and truly dead. Anyway, last year he started dating a girl called Phe (who I'd had a brief and incosequential flirtation with a year before) and just last week he proposed to her. Ten months ago Timmy V was even more messed up over his singularity than I was. He'd write long, angst-filled diary entries about it when I'd moved on to the self depreciating jokes that have become my hallmark.
Obviously she said 'yes', so I'm now in the entirely surreal position of having a very good mate (albeit one I've not spoken to much since leaving Armidale) about to tie the knot. That's just insane! I'm way too young to be having mates getting married! I only just got over the fact I had friends capable of driving and having full-time jobs!
Part of me is stunned, a large part of me is overjoyed for Tim, and a small part of me is jealous. Tim and I were the Last Gentlemen's Club. We were going to be the single, bitter gentlemen who never got appreciated for how nice we were. While Tim's still a damn nice guy - he's not only found a girl, he's getting MARRIED! Married! Christ! It's just so insane! Tim was even more hopelessly single than I was! He was always better at talking to guys than me, but damned if he could get a date with one.
Well, I'd best be off. We're returning a trailer to my uncle. I borrowed it about six weeks ago, so no doubt he's unimpressed with me. Football tonight - go the Socceroos!Current Mood:  chipper Current Music: I Will Survive - Cake |
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( See my comment statistics )Current Mood: good Current Music: 'Hello' by Evanescence |
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May. 16th, 2005 @ 12:30 pm
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 What did YOU do? Current Mood:  naughty Current Music: "Why Should I Cry For You?" by Sting |
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Stole this from darksoulsong.
If you woke up and I was in bed with you, what would be your first thought?
(Now post this in your LJ and find out what mine would be.)Current Mood:  bored Current Music: "Three Libras" by A Perfect Circle |
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I've been in Newcastle for seven weeks now. What do I have to show for it?
- My DVD collection has grown by about thirty DVDs.
Ok, that's pretty much it. I've had two job interviews, one job trial, and that's the extent of my grand quest to find employment. Can't say that I'm disappointed. I couldn't do the mind-numbing 9 to 5 job. Seven weeks of existing entirely on the dole and the fact my aunt charges cheap rent has lead me to a realisation:
I'm qualified for nothing. Not a single thing. I can act. Unfortunately my unappealing appearance more than counteracts any actual talent I may have.
I'm going to back to University, externally. I'm trying to decide between a postgraduate diploma in journalism (which, again, qualifies me for nothing) or a Dip Ed. I'm leaning towards the 'sell my soul' option. Dave's ex, who I speak to more often than him, is loving her time as a teacher. I think I could deal with it. If I got my Dip Ed, I'd be a qualified drama and english teacher. My two best subjects in high school. If only I'd done some ancient history courses as well, I'd have the trifecta. It's guaranteed work, and decent pay- as long as I don't want to get married and have kids right away. Which I don't.
House-hunting continues to prove freaking impossible. Whenever we (we being Magro, Kate, and Laura) manage to find a four bedroom place, it's quickly snapped up by (I'd imagine) two yuppies and their 2.5 kids. Still, I can't rent the front room of my aunt's place forever, especially now that she has a Japanese homestay student coming in on Monday. That should be interesting. Randell has an unhealthy sexual fascination with Asian women. Poor girl won't get a break when he's around to drink or hang out.
Newcastle (the football team, not the city) continue to suck. We're 0 from 5, and it's only going to get worth. None of you care, but I do. It's painful.
This entry seems to be all doom and gloom. It's not. Socially, I'm loving Newcastle. I've been to a few parties with Mark and his girlfriend (Kate), and I've managed to meet some really cool people through that. I've also been meeting up with people at football games, and doing the general drunken wander with Randy and my cousin Dave, from time to time. I'm poor atm though. I don't get 'paid' for another week.Current Mood: bored Current Music: "Always" by Blink 182 |
| » Answers for Shades of Grey |
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First off, anyone wanting to be interviewed can leave a comment and I'll give you five questions. You post an entry answering them, and continue the trend. These are the five questions I was asked by 42shadesofgrey
1. Who are you?
I am Chris, formerly of Armidale formerly of Glen Innes, now of Newcastle.
2. What's Skye like?
Terrible at Trivial Pursuit, but otherwise quite lovely.
3. Do you prefer dark chocolate, white chocolate, or milk chocolate?
Most definitely milk chocolate, followed by white, and dark chocolate languishes in the very rear of my mind's hunger pantry.
4. What bands do you like?
Blue October, Maroon 5, The Corrs, Dashboard Confessional, A Perfect Circle, The Killers....
5. What is your favorite joke? (That is also an important one.)
Q: Why couldn't the nun walk through the door?
A: Because she had a javelin through her head
Mar. 12th, 2005 @ 04:53 pm
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| » Last Goodbye |
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I guess it sounds dramatic, but tonight's farewell shindig really is the 'last goodbye' for me and a lot of Armidale people. I can't believe my three years at University are over, and soon I'll be leaving behind so many wonderful people. When I started Uni, I'd never have imagined that I'd meet so many astounding and wonderful people. I wasn't expecting to make friends that I'd be privileged to keep forever.
The 'farewell' was tonight, and I must say I wasn't expecting a huge turnout. With exams on and Uni wrapping up, I guessed most people would give us the blow off, but I was pleasantly surprised. Not only did the regulars (Tim, Magro, Chris, Anj, Guy, Grant, and Lez) come- but a lot of others as well. There was Sam and her friends. Naomi and Dale. Quinn and her posse. Shona. Mary (from year six) and her boyfriend. Dave and Sarah. Renee and Ashlea. James, Sally, and Ben. In all, about twenty five people turned up, and I was just stoked to see that turnout. Taalia (and her housemates) gave me a bouquet of roses and a Nemo toy (a long story). Sam and her friend Suzi, who was at my 21st, gave me a lovely little home made card. Everyone signed my 'friendship banner' with messages of varying sentimentality and sobriety. I spent the night in a pleasant buzz. In the past, I've been guilty of being too serious at parties, but, fittingly, tonight was a great party. A lot of people I'm going to miss, a lot of friends I'm downright blessed to have in my life, and a crowd of people I'm just honoured to have had a chance to 'say goodbye' to. The night had its highlights and lowlights, of course, but through it all I got that wonderful buzz. I mean, there were twenty five or so people there to say goodbye to Dave and I. I'm really going to miss Armidale, more than I've missed any other place in my life.
I've changed so much, in my brief time here. I've been in love, I've been heartbroken. I've ditched and made friends. I've had my entire sexual 'awakening' in Armidale. So much has happened here, and I don't think any party could ever fully do it justice. Nor can an entry full of sentimentality and nostalgia. Suffice it to say, Armidale will be forever in my heart- as will so many of the people I've known, regardless of whether or not we ever meet again.
Nov. 14th, 2004 @ 03:56 am
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| » The End |
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First of all, can I send out a big fuck you to Sue. My play (The Bear) was one of the most well liked and well received, and she has deemed it worthy of a credit. A mother-fucking credit. Any ignorant peon can get a fucking credit.
So, that's off my chest.
Today was the last of the Theatre 333 performances. The first (Chicago) was pretty ordinary, but The Pink Fancy was quite enjoyable. Randell came back to town today, and gave me my 21st present. He had shirts made up to promote 'No Shame Productions', our nonexistant theatre company. The front says:
No Shame Productions
We'll do anything
and we mean anything
The back has a list of sixteen things that one (or more) of the group has done. Everything from man on man stage kisses to putting holes in walls with our shoulders. They're really quite cool. Anyways, the five of us (Deano, Randy, Dave R, Magro, and I) tugged our shirts out for the Theatre 333 party. Pizza and beer was provided, so we all got quite drunk. I spent the evening chatting to Magro, Dave, Dale, and a few others. Saw Erin but didn't get a chance to talk to her, and generally bummed around. Wasn't the finest theatre party ever, by any stretch. At 11.30 Randy paid for a cab into Mojos, which was equally dull. I wandered around for a while, but eventually sat and chatted to Tim until Shona (who had a car) decided to head home. Dull night. Not really fitting of theatre. It's my last party with that crew, and it was forgettable at best. Only the cool shirts redeemed it.
Part of me can't wait to leave Armidale. A lot of it has started to piss me off. Magro's ego, the insane politics of theatre, and the limited night life. I mean, every weekend is a visit to Mojos and the dull and lonely walk home at the end. I'm not holding out insane hopes of picking up instantly in Newcastle, but at least I can be disappointed in a variety of locations.
Oct. 30th, 2004 @ 01:51 am
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| » 21st |
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Well damn, that was a helluva party. I had such a blast, and I'm actually really sad that it's all said and done now. I spent all Saturday helping prepare for the party. Stringing out lights, setting up the BBQ, cleaning the house, and all of the other odd jobs that needed to be done for everything to come together. By 6.15pm I was dressed and on the bus to pick everyone up in Armidale.
The full guest list ended up being: Magro, Dave, Tim, Grant, Chris, Deano, Nikki, Dave R, Sarah, Keiran, Dale, Glenn, Ben, Stuart, Rowland, Nath, Guy, Ali, Sam, and her friend Suzi- who was a last minute inclusion. About eleven caught the bus, with the rest driving out behind us. I spent the bus trip chatting to Tart, simply because he was the only one near me (I was up front to keep Dad company). As soon as we got to the party I received a bunch of gifts. I must say, I was impressed and stoked with what people got me.
Sam: Two 'Quick Fuck' shots and a Cocksucking Cowboy.
Magro: "The Cooler' on DVD (Thanks MrCharisma!)
Tim/Dave/Nath: Twenty six different beers (foreign and local)
Dave/Sarah: 'True Romance' on DVD (Cool movie)
Nikki: 'Paycheck' on DVD
Stuart: Runestones! Yay!
Phil/Sarah (Family friends): $25 Dymocks' gift voucher
Grant: Bottle of Jim Beam 'Small Batch'
Once I'd said my thankyous I mingled around the BBQ. Dom had invited about eight of his friends, and there were various ring ins, so we virtually doubled Ben Lomond's population for a few hours. At first I moved between the two groups that had formed, and soon I was called into the bar where the movie I made in year nine (Codename: Genises) was playing. Christ, it's awful. Still, by then I was nicely buzzed, and everyone enjoyed it. Next a video of me from childhood right up until my dancing days was shown. Fuck, I wasn't nearly as good as I'd been lead to believe. Decent at tap, but God awful at jazz and ballet. That got lots of laughs though. Me in tights prancing around. My God.
Soon I was pretty drunk (had about twelve of the beers, plus some jelly shots provided by my sister, and whatever else I could find). Sam, who I've got something of a crush on, made me do my Quick Fuck shots. Next up was the cake, and the singing of Happy Birthday. Felt kind of odd, since I'm not technically twenty one for another five weeks. Then there was the piniata, which spilled goodies for all. It was a goofy fire engine one, that took several minutes of rigorous pounding by Nath with a hockey stick before it surrendered its contents. Later, after Tim and a few others left, was pass the parcel. I gave myself warpaint with lipstick, and Cynthia wrote 'Kiss Me' on my head. I flirted shamelessly with her, I must say. Speeches came soon after. Magro delivered one, and Dave's almost made me cry. Heather did one too, and then I delivered mine. By then it was close to 3am, so the bus headed back to Armidale. Nath and Magro were asleep on the couch inside, and Tart and Dave continued to drink until around 5am. I'd passed out in an armchair by this point, and woke up feeling completely awful at 11.30.
Was a helluva party though. Tim just informed me that he thinks Sam is interested. That makes him the second or third person. Mum brought it up several times, citing my well documented inability to ever notice that a girl is interested. It's happened several times before. Magro used to think it was a curse. I guess it is. I'll talk to Sam on Friday night at the 333 party.
Oct. 25th, 2004 @ 03:17 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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I'm not going bald! You fucking ripper!
More to come
Oct. 24th, 2004 @ 04:39 pm
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| » Kinda 21 |
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Well fuck me, it's been a while since I've updated. Let's give you the rundown in as few words as possible.
- Leaving Armidale on November 30
- 'The Bear' went awesome. Tim was great
- Still no love
- Going bald, fuck
Ok, so, you're up to date. Tomorrow I'm celebrating my 21st birthday. It's not really my birthday, which is in December, but I need to have my party before Uni breaks up unless I want to spend it like I spend every New Year. That is, sitting at home and being bored off my tits.
Scary confession, but I've only really 'done' anything on New Year's twice. In 2002, when I was with Nikki, I went to a party at Millsy's. Nikki was in Coffs, and promised she'd call. Party was absolute shit, as it was almost entirely couples pairing off to be alone. Nikki called, drunk, at around 1am and I didn't sleep a wink after that. The other time? I drank a four pack of West Coast Coolers and talked to Penny on the phone. I cried that night too. What is it with me and spending New Year's pining over love?
Ah, well. I'm at my parents' place at the moment, helping set up for tomorrow. I spent today cleaning, and I expect to spend tomorrow hanging up fairy lights and making sure there's food enough. I've got around 25 RSVPs, and hopefully all those who've said they're coming will actually turn up. I don't want to look back on my 21st and be like 'Fuck, I was unpopular, and now I'm going bald'.
I'm not bald right now, obviously. In fact, my hair is as annoyingly long and thick as it's always been. Only difference is a worrying patch developing up top. Guess I can't complain, I'm always bitching about how long and unmanageable my hair is. Tim's been bald since he was 17, and he's fine with it. Sure, we're both lifetime members of the Bitter Gentleman's Club, but I'm sure it has nothing to do with male pattern baldness. Christ, I hope not. I'm ugly enough without being bald to boot.
I got some presents today, despite it not being my birthday. My aunt gave me a dragon statue that creates mist, and Heather bought me six really expensive shotglasses imported from Colombia. Also got a small swag of early Xmas gifts from my aunt, including a discman and a cool watch/key-ring. Of course, everything pales in comparison to the brand new Kia Rio parked in the driveway. Heather bought her first car yesterday. Nineteen and she owns a brand new car. Ah well, at least I've got a degree. Albeit a worthless one.
Got to sleep early tonight. Getting my head shaved tomorrow. Practice for the real thing.
Oct. 23rd, 2004 @ 12:02 am
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| » The Final Curtain |
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In early 2002, I nervously waited behind a tree for my cue in my first ever performance at UNE. I remember seeing this huge crowd, the biggest I'd seen since Oliver!, and being completely overawed. Feeling that wonderful tightness in my chest as I paced to my mark and prepared to deliver my first line. Then the dizzying brilliance of an applause and people complimenting my work.
I've performed in over ten scenes or plays since I started my degree, and tonight saw me take to the stage for the final time. The best bit? Even after all this time, I still felt all the wonderful nervousness as I waited out in the hall for our cue. And at the end? I can't think of a more fitting way to end my last performance than with applause, and cheers, and heaps of praise. I've been terrified about this all week, but as I took to the stage I realised it would be the last time. Our first two scenes were decent, our vaudeville was loved, and then our example of the Theatre of Cruelty got a huge ovation. I got hugs from 'pure theatre' gurus thanking me for the performance. I got claps on the backs and nods of appreciation. This is why I love theatre. It's the creative process, its the anxiety of pre show jitters, and it's the sense of accomplishment at scene's end- knowing you've made an emotional connection with the audience.
I'll miss that. Next year I might try and audition for a few plays or theatre groups in Newcastle, but without the comforting cushion of friends and supportive peers- I fear my inherent shyness will shine though.
It's kind of sad. No, it is sad to know that I'll never perform in this environment again. I've become so used to, and so comfortable in, the black walled space that is the Drama Studio. Some of my most memorable University moments have taken place beneath the intensity of those lights, and in the belly of the theatre department. Hell, I fell in love in the theatre department. I've made friends I'll hopefully know for a long time, both through collaboration and through simple admiration. As we all shuffled out of the building today to get some rest (after a three hour show), I still buzzed with that sense of accomplishment. I'd been terrified to go out on a low, and instead I got to go out on a tremendous high. Even as I got into Tim's car for the ride home, Tanya called out 'I loved your play, Chris' from her ride's car. I honestly can't express how much I'm going to miss that. All my life I've wanted to be a part of something, and it seems I'm only realy noticing just how special the theatre community is, now that I'm on my way out. God dammit, I'm going to miss that so much. I just know I'm going to cry when that final theatre party is called, and I go home to my house in readiness for my departure. Seeing this flat empty will gut me, but it will be leaving Armidale knowing I'll never see so many people again that will really sink home.
The crowd applauds and the curtain goes down, but I fear that when I leave, I'll never know this again. I'm dying with each passing day. Isn't that life?
Oct. 7th, 2004 @ 05:59 am
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| » Back in the Game |
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Fuck me, time flies when you're at home and only have around an hour a day to do all of your net shit. I like being at home, but fuck, I can't ever seem to get a decent amount of time online. My two younger brothers are obsessed with Diablo II, and spend every waking hour playing it. I admit, I went through a phase when it first came out, but they're still in love with it.
How were everyone's holidays?
Mine was uneventful. Spent the first week just aging at my parents' place. Played a lot of computer, listened to music, developed some skill in table tennis, and generally survived. Heather's friend from Sydney, Anne, came down in the second week which spurred my family into a vacation frenzy. On Tuesday we drove down to Coffs Harbour.
If I take you back on a walk down memory lane, I have to say that Woolgoolga has been one of my favourite vacation spots since we first went there back in 2002. We spent the week lounging around in our caravan, swimming, and just enjoying some time away from work/Uni. This time around we were only there two days, but I still had a good time. As stupid as it sounds, I spent a lot of time reflecting on my time with Nikki. I'm as over her as I'll ever be, but being back in her old 'stomping ground' of Coffs Harbour reminded me of my time with her. I mean, I could point out places we'd kissed or the shop where she'd bought the schoolgirl outfit we never got to play with. It was just kind of surreal. I hadn't been back since the breakup.
But Woolgoolga. That was fun. Dom, Leigh, and I played footy in the breakers, swam (and were ogled by twelve year old girls), and played a lot of table tennis. It was nice to sleep without two blankets and with the distant roar of the ocean carried in on the wind. I love the coast. My fondest childhood memories are of vacationing on the Sunshine Coast, where we used to rent a penthouse across the road from a beach. I adored it.
Thursday saw us at DreamWorld. I'm growing up. I used to be so enchanted and amazed by the place, but intelligence and maturity robs the world of its wonder. While I had a good time, it was nowhere near as magical as my mind had painted it. Dom, Leigh, and I hung out all day. Caught a few rides (The Claw, Wipeout, Cyclone, Angry Beavers Spooty Spin, and the Rocky Mine Ride), had lunch with the family, and mostly wandered. Dom takes himself too seriously. He can't just remember he's seventeen and forget about what people think. As a result of that, Leigh and I had to go on the 'adult' rides with him and listen to his complaining when we suggested otherwise. I was so proud of Leigh too. For someone with social anxiety disorder, a place as packed as DreamWorld must have been terrifying.
Now I'm back in Armidale. I just want Uni to be done. I have about five weeks left, and then I'm not really sure where I'm going. Newcastle next year, hopefully, provided I can find work.
Christ, University is nearly over. It's been fun, but not what I'd hoped and expected. I guess that's the story of my life.
Oct. 3rd, 2004 @ 01:08 am
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| » Sexual Compatability |
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Sep. 17th, 2004 @ 01:57 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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I'm so in cruise control at the moment. I'm struggling to care about University in any of its facets. Skipped class today just because...well... I really don't care. I just want to be done with it. Not that I hate University or anything, I'm just a little over the whole experience now.
As it is with every facet of life, I guess, you're always disappointed when it's nearly over and you realise that none of the stuff you thought would happen, did. I guess it's a sign that you're over your youthful naivette when you realise that expectations are overrated. I went to High School expected a lot, and although I enjoyed the final two years, it wasn't how I'd imagined it. Same goes for Uni, really. I've had a ball, made some great friends, changed a lot, dated etc. etc. But it wasn't how I pictured it when I arrived with bright eyes at the start of 2002.
I'm going home this weekend, for a much needed break. Not that I'm working hard, but I'm emotionally exhausted. No dramas, or anything, just sick of having to think about this stuff. My family is going up to the coast for two days, and maybe up to Dream World for some R&R. Would be great. I haven't been on a family vacation since September, 2002.
Dave is going to make me come out tonight, I can tell. I don't have any cash or alcohol, but he came in earlier and said Deano and Sutto were coming round to drink. I'm hopeless. I can't lock myself up in my room while they drink and go out. If there's something for me to drink, I guess I'll head out too.
I guess I'm just now realising the sheer uselessness of my degree. I've had fun, but I've essentially wasted three years of my life- and I'll doubtless end up in a shit mind-numbing job despite it.
Sep. 15th, 2004 @ 04:52 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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| Trust Metric |
No one on my friends list has taken the test yet! |
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Sep. 10th, 2004 @ 06:04 pm
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| » (No Subject) |
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| My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul |
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| cynicalpoet goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as Austin Powers. | | 12:amicablebitch gives you 14 dark blue coffee-flavoured gummy bats. | | bluesdiva04 gives you 4 light orange banana-flavoured gummy bats. | | joee_girl gives you 17 light yellow grape-flavoured gummy worms. | | myrch tricks you! You get a pen cap. | | oneroleofmany tricks you! You lose 17 pieces of candy! | | philbert83 gives you 14 red-orange mint-flavoured pieces of bubblegum. | | roxiah tricks you! You get a broken balloon. | | skyedzart gives you 11 mauve cinnamon-flavoured pieces of bubblegum. | | sub81 gives you 9 tan banana-flavoured pieces of taffy. | | vonnila4:armidale gives you 3 light blue watermelon-flavoured gummy worms. | | cynicalpoet ends up with 55 pieces of candy, a pen cap, and a broken balloon. | | Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern. |
Sep. 3rd, 2004 @ 09:35 pm
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| » REVIEW- The Village |
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The Village
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Starring: Adrien Brody, Jaoquin Phoenix, Bryce Dallas Howard, and William Hurt.
Rated: M15+
Genre: Thriller
II went into Shyamalan's latest offering with a fair number of preconceived notions based on having seen his previous 'big three' of 'The Sixth Sense', 'Unbreakable', and 'Signs'. That is, I was expecting to see a twist, to jump in my chair once or twice, and to be treated to some wonderful cinematography. Shyamalan's 'The Village' fits that description exactly, except, unlike 'Signs' or 'The Sixth Sense' I wasn't left muttering 'wow' as the credits rolled. Instead I was shaking my head and wondering 'why?'
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Shyamalan's abilities as a director are wonderfully displayed in this film. The opening montage, detailing village life to a beautiful violin solo, set the scene better than any ten minute prologue could. In rapid succession we meet the key characters in the film, with the exception of Bryce Dallas Howard's Ivy, who is introduced a little later. We see Joaquin Phoenix being grim and thoughtful, we see William Hurt mourning the death of a friend's seven year old son, and we see Adrien Brody laughing irreverently at the aforementioned funeral. Straight away Shyamalan makes it clear who is who, and saves us the trouble of awkward introductions. For those who like the hard and fast style of 'The Sixth Sense', you're in for disappointment, however. Shyamalan goes back to the 'good old days', with the first third of the film surprisingly devoid of any suspense or fear. Rather, he takes the time to introduce his audience to the world in which the movie will take place- with only subtle allusions to 'those who we do not speak of'. By doing all of this, Shyamalan makes us care when the village is suddenly threatened. Too often directors throw us in at the deep end and expect us to care. Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ' springs to mind, here.
This first third is, surprisingly, quite gripping. You care when Sigourney Weaver tells her son, Joaquin about her past. You laugh (somewhat inappropriately) at the actions of a masterfully played mentally deficient character (Adrien Brody again proves his flexibility).
It is the final portion of the movie that leaves a somewhat bitter taste in my mouth. While there are moments that make you cringe or even leap a little, it all seems a little underplayed. Since we've all been there before, we're all waiting for that inevitable twist. Likewise, we're so used to his customary 'scares' that when they come, they feel just a little less scary than they were in his previous films. Maybe we're outgrowing his style, or maybe he's just running out of ways to have music build to a crescendo and then punctuate it with a loud sound.
There are some magical moments in the film, don't get me wrong, but they're few a far between- as Shyamalan tries in vain to keep too many characters, a setting the audience isn't used to (that of the early 19th century), and his own mythology together. When the twist comes, unfortunately, most of us had already got it. When it comes, you're left a little disappointed. It just felt as if Shyamalan was trying too damn hard to come up with something, and as quickly as you see it, he just forgets it ever happens.
If the film has a redeeming feature, it is the quality of the acting and the marvelous cinematography. Adrien Brody and Bryce Dallas Howard are show-stealing. While Brody plays a mentally deficient character with a remarkable blend of sincerity and humour, Howard's debut performance simply melts your heart. Joaquin Phoenix and William Hurt, however, deliver substandard performances for actors of their caliber. This is partially the fault of Shyamalan's script, but the entire time I struggled to figure out what emotion the two were trying to express. Sometimes it's obvious, but, and this is especially true in Hurt's case, sometimes it just seems like yelling for yelling's sake.
If you're expecting to be scared senseless, 'The Village' may prove a waste of time for you. Get some cash and rent the original 'Dawn of the Dead' or even 'Signs'. If you want to see some wonderful cinematics and some solid acting, go along, but don't expect to be blown out of your seats. 'The Village' is Shyamalan gradually taming the beast that is his writing, and, sadly, it is nowhere near as fearsome as those that went before. Worth a look, certainly, but in the end, it's not going to satisfy nearly as much as some of his earlier films did.
My Rating: 6.5 out of 10
Sep. 3rd, 2004 @ 01:34 am
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| » Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind |
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My God. That was the best movie I've seen in years, maybe ever. I've always enjoyed Charlie Kauffman's work, but dammit, I wasn't expecting to come out of the movies so absolutely awe-struck.
It was everything you'd expect from Kauffman in terms of being highly visual and cerebral, but the 'love' story was also so bittersweet and tangible. While I didn't get my usual case of 'empathy tears', it was far deeper than anything else I've seen and emotionally reacted to. I found myself literally appalled with the idea of Joel and Clementine not working out, and I don't think I closed my mouth or looked away for the entirety of the film.
Simply stunning. I'll be buying on DVD as soon as it reaches Australian shores.
Sep. 1st, 2004 @ 01:45 am
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| » Health Kick |
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Went shopping today and made my first step towards getting off my ass and fixing my look. Cut out:
- Pies
- Sausage Rolls
- Coke (Noooo)
- Pizza
- Chips
- Lollies
Got a bunch of vegetables, some pasta dishes, various meats etc. All a good deal healthier than my current cuisine. Instead of eating crap at D&D nights, it's all fruit and juice for me now.
Had pasta with a green salad side for dinner, which was actually quite good. Filling, and enjoyable to make. Walking up to Uni from now on, which gives me about 5kms of walking a day. Not too bad.
Aug. 31st, 2004 @ 12:11 am
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cynicalpoet's journal