Film festival recap, Mars bubbles, Film School reality, Skippy Whippy, and A Silent Film
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From the monthly archives:
December 2010
I was watching an interview with Jason Alexander from Seinfeld. He was reading the show’s script and he had a major problem with a scene. He approached Larry David and questioned his character’s reaction to an event in the episode. He said “This would never happen!” Larry David responded “That happened to me…exactly how I wrote it.”
I suspect many of the memorable events in the Seinfeld pantheon were drawn from real events. Couple that with the fact that Seinfeld is arguably the most popular sitcom ever. So what’s the angle:
Your life has some of the funniest, most dramatic, most emotional, most action-oriented events this side of the Mississippi. Use them. Sweet Damnation contains more idiocy from my life than I care to admit. I never had a girlfriend in a porn though. At least I hope not. Fingers crossed!
Now hear this:
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Ten years ago I was in London. Everybody raved about the theater scene and how you’d be an idiot to miss it. I complied with the mother of all productions: Les Miserables. We viewed the show from the Abraham Lincoln seats. The production was super elaborate with rotating stages, professional performers and expensive set designs. And I was bored to death. If i’ve offended you with this comment, here’s a tissue. It was boring. I’m sure buried underneath all the bullshit there’s a compelling story.
I guess I didn’t feel like digging.
Later on, I heard about a stage production of an old ghost story entitled “The Woman in Black” occurring off the strip in the back alleys of London. I had my doubts but at least I wouldn’t be blinded by the damn lights. We meandered through the old town district to a little theatre. Only three actors in the whole production: two guys and the notorious ghost, The Woman in Black. This show got under my skin. I never thought I’d be creeped out at a play. If you think it’s freaky seeing a ghost on the screen, think about a pale white lady in black walking by you in the aisle. In a pitch black theatre, no less. I loved it.
I’ve usually experienced the most gratifying art off the beaten path. I’ve run into people who scoff at it because it’s not “legit.” You all know what I think of them. Anyways, here’s a few items I’ve come across out in the wilderness:
- The Ten Steps – My buddy Andres saw this creepy short film at a festival in Denver. It finally turned up on Youtube.
- Daniel Johnston – I discovered his music from a documentary at the library. His first albums were so low budget that his raw melodies couldn’t be buried. If it doesn’t grab you right away, it will. The documentary is great too.
- In the Company of Legends – A few weeks ago I ventured down to Pine Island, MN to a small theatre in an even smaller town. I sat down with a full crowd and witnessed an evening of entertainment that doesn’t happen anymore. A great variety show with a vibrant life. You’ll recognize a few of the actors from the Legends. They’re even more legendary now.
- Running to Stand Still (Live in Sydney) – I know U2 is the epitome of the beaten path. However, only the die-hard fans have heard this version of a classic song. Great music and great drama.
- Seven Signs – I caught this documentary before a Legendary Shack Shakers show in Minneapolis. The lead singer created this brilliant portrait of the unknown South. Plus, my Denver favs Munly and Slim Cessna make appearances and provide the wicked song at the end of the clip.
Bottom line: Get off the beaten path and blaze your own trail. I guarantee you a few (or more) will wander down your trail and be glad they did.
Show some cube.
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Hola Vaniards -
The dust hasn’t settled but our minds are made up. We couldn’t stay away from your beautiful faces. The Vanish train is rolling down the tracks again with growing momentum. The pace is slower so we can enjoy the views a bit more.
Here’s the deal. Mike and I recorded a new podcast last night. It was fun and chaotic as usual. Look for it tomorrow night. We’re going to try every other week and see how it goes. I’ll try to put up a post of my rants on a weekly basis.
As for movies, something could happen when the snow starts melting. We have no idea yet. We’ll see where the train takes us.
Thanks for hanging in there Vaniards. If you’re in the Minneapolis area on Saturday around noon, swing by the Minneapolis College of Art and Design to see “Sweet Damnation” on the big screen. It’ll be a hot time in the old town.
Now a little something for all those evil doers out there. I’m talking to you, pal!
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