Chicago is not my kind of town, or at least not in the way that New York and Paris are. I mean, we get along all right and have had some great times, but there's a sense of possibility in those other two cities that makes me feel, as corny as this seems, more alive. I had glimpses of that when I lived in Chicago, but never a full vista.
With that said, Chicago sparkles on film. Without fail, whenever a camera swoops in along Lake Shore Drive, or a car chase speeds along Lower Wacker, it looks like magic. It's a different view of the city, one that removes the dull patina of normal life and polishes it up with a few cinematic tricks. The industrial grayness of the city, mixed with the sparkling skyscraper lights and glint off of Lake Michigan, are perfect.
It's for this reason that I can never not watch a movie that's set in Chicago. Even the Julia Stiles flick about the ballet dancer who learned how to bust hip-hop moves — I have to watch it. So this is why, thousands of miles away, I will go to blockbusters like Wanted and the Batman movie this summer. I'll be sitting there like someone who's in love.
With that said, Chicago sparkles on film. Without fail, whenever a camera swoops in along Lake Shore Drive, or a car chase speeds along Lower Wacker, it looks like magic. It's a different view of the city, one that removes the dull patina of normal life and polishes it up with a few cinematic tricks. The industrial grayness of the city, mixed with the sparkling skyscraper lights and glint off of Lake Michigan, are perfect.
It's for this reason that I can never not watch a movie that's set in Chicago. Even the Julia Stiles flick about the ballet dancer who learned how to bust hip-hop moves — I have to watch it. So this is why, thousands of miles away, I will go to blockbusters like Wanted and the Batman movie this summer. I'll be sitting there like someone who's in love.
Labels: chicago
In grade school, I did this thing called Amerathon. Basically, you wrote letters to ask people to sponsor your running, and this raised money for the school. I was very good at it, earning some sort of gilded plastic trophy for my efforts. Cue "Eye of the Tiger."
Decades after the fact, I am participating in AIDS Walk next month. No pressure, but if you're so inclined, please consider making a donation.
Decades after the fact, I am participating in AIDS Walk next month. No pressure, but if you're so inclined, please consider making a donation.
I've figured out my problem. (Well, one of them. A big one.)
Because I am scared of trying to write something good and utterly failing at the endeavor, I procrastinate by creating ridiculous things. By default they are indeed ridiculous, which means that they don't have to be very good; all they need to do is make people laugh, even if I'm the only one chuckling.
This latest video (sadly, the third made in the last week) brings me a lot of joy. Even if I do think Jay-Z made his millions off of glamorizing misogyny.
(Yes, I know the audio is off. I am still learning how to make these things.)
Because I am scared of trying to write something good and utterly failing at the endeavor, I procrastinate by creating ridiculous things. By default they are indeed ridiculous, which means that they don't have to be very good; all they need to do is make people laugh, even if I'm the only one chuckling.
This latest video (sadly, the third made in the last week) brings me a lot of joy. Even if I do think Jay-Z made his millions off of glamorizing misogyny.
(Yes, I know the audio is off. I am still learning how to make these things.)
Labels: kitty time is a special time, milo, minou, video
This morning I taught myself how to use iMovie. Turns out it's pretty simple! Who knew? Here is the first project, which shows how far I've fallen. (Also, I know I screwed up the French in the production notes, but it was 7:30am. Cut me some slack.)
So far, the video has managed to either offend, confuse or horrify those who have seen it. (A few people also loved it.) I like to think it's enjoyably bad, but maybe I'm biased.
So far, the video has managed to either offend, confuse or horrify those who have seen it. (A few people also loved it.) I like to think it's enjoyably bad, but maybe I'm biased.
Labels: kitty time is a special time, milo, video
