Movies movies movies
So I haven't been doing a lot of work lately, which will come as no surprise to anyone who knows me.
Terrell and I watched Back to the Future parts II and III last night (Terrell was unaware that the second one ends on a cliffhanger, so the only reasonable course of action was to complete the trilogy). An interesting query just occurred to me: What is the etymology of the word "cliffhanger?" The term makes perfect sense, of course, but why did it come to be used that way? Was there a single instance in which a character was left dangling at the edge of a precipice? There must be a logical reason for its use.
Anyway, I discovered that watching BttF II and III back to back (to the future) really helps lessen the effect of part III as a lackluster end to the trilogy. When taken as three separate films, the third immediately stands out as the weakest of the bunch (lacking the originality of the first and the exceedingly clever time-trickery of the second). If you take a look at the story as a whole unit, however, as one long eight-hour movie, the final climax of part three doesn't seem to lack so greatly in scope.
I sat down and watched a W.C. Fields movie today for my film comedy class (and I'm about to go watch some Laurel and Hardy shorts), I can't help but wish that I'd told the AV guy to hand me Tron instead. Fields is funny enough, but an hour plus of him being henpecked is just a little dull for my tastes. The man's mannerisms are damned funny, though. Bless him. I've been having trouble coming up with a topic for my essay (due in 11 days), but I think I may see if I can't write about the tension between linear narrative and gags in the films of the Marx Brothers (I may end up having to buy a couple films in PAL format, but it won't be the first time I've had to buy DVDs to help me write an essay). I better get started on that, it's going to take me a lot of time to write this essay, and time's something I don't have a lot of-- where's a Delorean when I need one? (Seriously, you guys. I want that time machine more than anything in the world.) I have to meet with my professor tomorrow at 3:00 (mustn't forget that) and run the idea by him, see what he thinks of it.
I didn't get to see the Oscars, because they didn't play on the normal BBC channels and they're all we get in the flat. Anyway, since they're played live, the time difference means they start at 1:00am anyway. I looked at the winners. I wasn't too impressed, really. Crash wins Best Picture? I'm sure there are those who would challenge the award.
Terrell and I watched Back to the Future parts II and III last night (Terrell was unaware that the second one ends on a cliffhanger, so the only reasonable course of action was to complete the trilogy). An interesting query just occurred to me: What is the etymology of the word "cliffhanger?" The term makes perfect sense, of course, but why did it come to be used that way? Was there a single instance in which a character was left dangling at the edge of a precipice? There must be a logical reason for its use.
Anyway, I discovered that watching BttF II and III back to back (to the future) really helps lessen the effect of part III as a lackluster end to the trilogy. When taken as three separate films, the third immediately stands out as the weakest of the bunch (lacking the originality of the first and the exceedingly clever time-trickery of the second). If you take a look at the story as a whole unit, however, as one long eight-hour movie, the final climax of part three doesn't seem to lack so greatly in scope.
I sat down and watched a W.C. Fields movie today for my film comedy class (and I'm about to go watch some Laurel and Hardy shorts), I can't help but wish that I'd told the AV guy to hand me Tron instead. Fields is funny enough, but an hour plus of him being henpecked is just a little dull for my tastes. The man's mannerisms are damned funny, though. Bless him. I've been having trouble coming up with a topic for my essay (due in 11 days), but I think I may see if I can't write about the tension between linear narrative and gags in the films of the Marx Brothers (I may end up having to buy a couple films in PAL format, but it won't be the first time I've had to buy DVDs to help me write an essay). I better get started on that, it's going to take me a lot of time to write this essay, and time's something I don't have a lot of-- where's a Delorean when I need one? (Seriously, you guys. I want that time machine more than anything in the world.) I have to meet with my professor tomorrow at 3:00 (mustn't forget that) and run the idea by him, see what he thinks of it.
I didn't get to see the Oscars, because they didn't play on the normal BBC channels and they're all we get in the flat. Anyway, since they're played live, the time difference means they start at 1:00am anyway. I looked at the winners. I wasn't too impressed, really. Crash wins Best Picture? I'm sure there are those who would challenge the award.
posted by Nate at 8:09 AM
5 Comments:
Which Fields movie did you watch?
An amusing little jaunt called "It's a Gift." Not bad, considering. Probably not as ass-kicking as "Tron."
By the by, I emailed this to you a few days ago but I'm thinking you might not've gotten it...
"The Paul Zindel First Novel Award is available to individuals 18 years or older who are legal residents of the 50 states and Washington D.C. You must submit an original work of fiction that is between 100 and 240 typewritten pages and is appropriate for an audience of children ages 8 to 12. You must not have any published works in existence to be eligible for this award. The winner of this contest will win a book contract and a $1500 cash prize. "
Deadline is April 30th. Thought you should know. Entry form and more information via the website http://www.hyperionbooksforchildren.com.
Oh, fucking hell, Maddie. I love Paul Zindel's children's novels, and this sounds like it was made for me-- but April 30th? I'd have to write something like 900 words a day for two solid months in addition to my other academic duties... And I'd have to edit and re-write as I went!
Why dost thou tempt me? I just can't do it, captain, I don't have the power... Is it a yearly thing? Maybe for next year...?
Oh, wait, it's gotta be set in the United States... Huh. North Decting, 1882M.E. doesn't count, I guess...
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