Lack of Imagination - At a Theater Near You!

Believe it or not, Americans can be clever and imaginative and creative. But you would never know that by watching our films. Well...most of our films. [I do not include indie films here, since those tend to be wildly creative or at the very least, attempt to push envelopes.]

The other films that hit American theaters are typically remakes of foreign films - sometimes, with little to no modification other than a script change from [foreign language here] to English - yet, they are heralded as the best thing since sliced bread. I have a major issue with this since those in the film industry are paid to be creative, but they stay afloat with the industry's equivalent of getting an "A" on a test by copying a classmate's paper. And what's worse? Most people don't even realize it.

Foreign films often are presented as metaphors. Not everything is so obvious. Just like life, there are subtleties; there are strange angles; there are colorful characters and figures that blend into the background. The directors respect their viewers. They don't believe that louder explosions, more sex and gratuitous blood are needed to boost the film where the script is weak...like many American films. I'm not saying all American films suck. They don't. There are many many fine films made here. But I'm also a purist. If the foreign - and original - version is outstanding, would a copy in English really be any better? I get that film studios maybe want to bring a good story to a wider audience with the remake...but with Netflix and such, where films are more accessible, is there really an excuse to not see the original?

Examples of recent remake offerings:

• "Dinner for Schmucks" is based on the hilarious and smart French film "The Dinner Game." I have not seen the Hollywood version (although I'm a fan of Steve Carell) but I am not a fan of movies that try too hard. The original made me laugh effortlessly.
  
• "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a Hollywood remake of...well, this one is obvious. But as a fan of the books, I found the original film in Swedish to be true to the books in mood, plot and visuals. I don't think it needs an American copy since they got it right the first time.
• "Let Me In" is almost a direct interpretation (or just a carbon copy) of another incredible film from Sweden, "Let the Right One In" about a boy and his new friend. The American version has received some great reviews - mostly because it resembles the original in so many ways.

American remakes of foreign films is nothing new. I haven't seen the three American films listed above, so - while I would view with biased eyes after seeing the originals - I would watch with an open mind. Maybe they aren't as dumbed down as I imagine. Still, I suppose my post is say, don't be afraid of the foreign film. Some are absolutely incredible and true works of art, and just because it's in English, there is no guarantee it will be better.

With Two Cats in the Yard...

I listen to the Crosby, Stills and Nash song "Our House" and feel calm. I imagine sunbeams shining through the clean windows onto a table dressed with a fresh gingham cloth and flowers. There is a nice white picket fence in the front. And maybe a cat or two in the yard. [Or not. My husband and I are more "dog people." But you get the idea.]

Then, I actually think about our house...which doesn't resemble any of that.
At least, not yet.

We have been working on designs and plans of a new and improved home...for a while. And we're so nearly close to starting the actual reconstruction/remodel. So close, yet a million miles away.

You see, our plans do not include a simple coat of paint and a few new windows. No. That would be easy. Instead, we're planning to more or less demolish and rebuild. And it truly needs it. Still, envisioning spacial arrangements is not exactly my forte. Ask me to decorate, I'm all over it. Tell me a room is this square footage, my eyes glaze over. I know. Could I be any more stereotypical?

My husband, bless him, has been wonderful and really spear-heading all of this. He understands the things that need to happen. I've been dragging my feet a bit, to his unbelievable patience, because at this point, I just don't care what the new house looks like as long as it's not the old house. But then, there are all the voices: You should do this; you should add that; that's not the way you should do it; we did this and you should too; have you picked out your tiles yet?; make it simple; make it the house you want; you should purchase the most expensive everything to add value to your house.

And my personal favorite: "How's the house coming along?" (if you personally know me, please do not ask me this. You'll get the same answer as the last time you asked me. No offense. I'll give you an update when there is an update to give.)

I'm sure I'll be blogging more and more about our home adventures, but just needed to get this off my chest. I wish that magically, our current house would be swapped with our dream home one day while we're at work, and then I will feel like life can start.

Until then, I have Crosby, Stills and Nash. And one day, this song will be about us.

Summer Waning

It's the last ripe days of August. In half a week, it will be September. This time of year is so bittersweet for me.

All summer, I feel like I wait for the season to start and imagine so much time stretched out ahead of me. We'll go here and there, do this and that, live a carefree, shoeless existence for three months like every summer movie ever made. I'll be the bohemian and break from an otherwise buttoned-up, serious world. We'll feel the electricity of thunderstorms that break oppressive heat waves. We'll have a road adventure and make all kinds of discoveries. Office-work will slow down long enough for us to feel like children on school break. At least, that was the dream.

And I have one more week to make it happen.

Freeing the Music

DISCLAIMER: This post is not advocating the illegal downloading of music. I believe in supporting artists buy legally obtaining their tunes, because if they don't get paid, they become poor, they end up living in a van down by the river and then they can't afford to put out more good music. And then we all suffer. Do you want that? I dont. No. This post is simply to offer alternatives, especially for those awesome indie bands and hard to find remixes.

I'm always on the hunt for new music. I also like to give those tunes that stick in my brain like gum a permanent home on my iPod so I can learn the lyrics rather than making up what I think is being said. But, I can't always find what I want, and sometimes, I just want a song, not the whole album. Luckily, I found these great (and legal) sites that provide many terrific MP3 downloads for free. I've discovered some incredible artists this way, and have found that if I have access to a free song or two, and I like it, I will end up buying the whole album.

Amazon.com: Search MP3 downloads > free MP3s and see what comes up. New releases posted regularly.

Stereogum: An awesome blog all on its own, it also posts cool indie tracks and remixes.

RCRD LBL: "The Hottest Free Music Downloads. Served Daily." With a side of awesome.

Levi's Pioneer Sessions: Wear those jeans like a rock star while listening to free tunes.

Consequence of Sound: An outstanding music site, with "Friday Mixtape" offering unique MP3s.

Spinner: The music blog that other music blogs try to copy. With free MP3s of the Day.


These are just a few I have found to be quality. Not quite your cup of tea? Check out this listing of other available (and legal) sites. Download responsibly and enjoy.