I also got to spend time with long-lost cousins and old friends:
I spent a good portion of my break reading and watching movies. I read three books (don’t worry, there are no spoilers!):
1. The Color of Water by James McBride - This is a great memoir about racial identity. The author is mixed race: his father was a black man and his mother a Jewish woman. He was raised in New York City in the 60’s, and was constantly faced with struggled concerning his race and identity. When he became a journalist as an adult, he convinced his mother to finally tell her story, and this book is a blend of his telling of his own childhood with his telling of her story.
2. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates - This book was published in 1961, but this year’s release of the movie starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio has made it popular again. It’s a powerful, challenging story written in a compelling style. I did see the movie, but I’m glad I read the book first, because it develops the characters much more completely. I discuss this at length below.
3. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - This book had been recommended to me by a few different people, so I stole my dad’s copy and read it. It’s short and concise, full of practical advice and sound encouragement from a dying man. The book is based on Dr. Pausch’s final lecture, which he was asked to give after receiving a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The title of his lecture was “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”, which he gave primarily to leave behind a legacy for his three small children. I enjoyed his personality, which came through the writing, but the content of the book lacked depth and failed to challenge me.
Thanks to cheap movie theaters in Texas and my Netflix account, I also managed to view quite a few movies. In the theater I saw (no spoilers!):
1. Quantum of Solace – Enjoyed it even though I hadn’t seen its prequel, Casino Royale. Daniel Craig isn’t my favorite Bond actor, but I suppose Pierce Brosnan’s time is past, and no one will ever top Sean Connery.
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Good story, and though the film was a bit slow and drawn out, it held my attention until some kid pulled the fire alarm in the theater and we all had to evacuate. Cate Blanchett delivers a brilliant performance as usual, and the premise of the life of Button – that he ages backwards – is a fascinating idea to lose yourself in for three hours.
3. Valkyrie – Since I love history, especially the WWII era, I’ve long been interested in seeing this film. I was most impressed by the pacing of the movie – it wasn’t too slow, though the majority of the film is about a very small period of time. It was well acted, and the intensity of the conspiracy translated well on the big screen.
4. Changeling – This movie turned out to be very different than what I expected it to be. From the previews I expected a sentimental tragic story led by Angelina Jolie. In fact, the story has many more layers than that of a terrified, panicked mother fighting to find her son. I was pleasantly surprised by the elements of conspiracy and murder hidden within this story, and found it an extremely compelling movie. The best part? It’s a true story! (I’m a sucker for that.)
5. Slumdog Millionaire – This film swept the Golden Globes last night – winning Best Original Score, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture-Drama – which is no surprise. It’s a unique and stirring story, the cinematography is amazing, and before the final credits had run I vowed to purchase the soundtrack. My one complaint about the movie is its all-too-familiar focus on young love. The inspiration of the story shouldn’t be about teenagers in love, but about the possibility – however far-fetched – of an underprivileged boy from terrible circumstances getting a break and a chance at a better life. I felt that the movie failed to place the emphasis on this point that it deserves.
6. Revolutionary Road – Now to launch into this story. (WARNING: Below are details about the movie/book which may ruin it for you if you haven’t seen/read it and plan to. In addition, if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book you might not understand much of what I say below.) I decided to read this book upon hearing the general premise of the story. I was interested to see the approach Yates took in examining the trend of conformity to suburban life which emerged in America in the 1950’s. I was deeply affected by the book, because I identified with the characters and the story gave life to some questions and fears I have about my own life.
After I finished the book, I went to see the movie with Erica. Seeing the story on screen invoked an even more emotional response from me, and Erica shared this feeling. However, we had very different views of the story; and everyone I’ve spoken to since has had lots of different things to say as well. The first questions I asked Erica was, “Who do you hate more, Frank or April?” She said she didn’t hate Frank at all, and sort of hated April. To her, April’s self-inflicted abortion at the end was an act of selfishness and revenge, a way to have her way at last despite Frank’s wishes. But to me, April was a desperate woman willing to do anything to hold onto the future she felt slipping through her fingers. The book offered more insight into April’s process of making the decision to give herself the abortion. It detailed her realization that she didn’t really hate Frank, but that she had made a mistake in trying to make him into someone he wasn’t. The whole idea of running away to Paris was hers, and she’d tried to manipulate him into sharing her enthusiasm. But the fact was that Frank was content where he was, working his dull job and living his lackluster life. Sure, he was a sell out. But April realized that as his honest choice, and her mistake as expecting more from him. This inspires fear in me: that we can so easily change into people we don’t even like, that no matter how special we’re told we are, or how unique we think we are, it’s so much easier to give up the fight to live the life you want when you’re young and have your whole future ahead of you. Frank and April saw themselves as superior, soaring above conformity. And yet, when it came down to it, Frank chose a job with a bigger paycheck and a nice house in the suburbs. One of my favorite pieces of dialogue is from a fight the Wheelers have. It occurs when April first begins to realize Frank’s true preference to stay in Connecticut instead of making the move to Paris:
1. The Color of Water by James McBride - This is a great memoir about racial identity. The author is mixed race: his father was a black man and his mother a Jewish woman. He was raised in New York City in the 60’s, and was constantly faced with struggled concerning his race and identity. When he became a journalist as an adult, he convinced his mother to finally tell her story, and this book is a blend of his telling of his own childhood with his telling of her story.
2. Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates - This book was published in 1961, but this year’s release of the movie starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio has made it popular again. It’s a powerful, challenging story written in a compelling style. I did see the movie, but I’m glad I read the book first, because it develops the characters much more completely. I discuss this at length below.
3. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - This book had been recommended to me by a few different people, so I stole my dad’s copy and read it. It’s short and concise, full of practical advice and sound encouragement from a dying man. The book is based on Dr. Pausch’s final lecture, which he was asked to give after receiving a terminal diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. The title of his lecture was “Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams”, which he gave primarily to leave behind a legacy for his three small children. I enjoyed his personality, which came through the writing, but the content of the book lacked depth and failed to challenge me.
Thanks to cheap movie theaters in Texas and my Netflix account, I also managed to view quite a few movies. In the theater I saw (no spoilers!):
1. Quantum of Solace – Enjoyed it even though I hadn’t seen its prequel, Casino Royale. Daniel Craig isn’t my favorite Bond actor, but I suppose Pierce Brosnan’s time is past, and no one will ever top Sean Connery.
2. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – Good story, and though the film was a bit slow and drawn out, it held my attention until some kid pulled the fire alarm in the theater and we all had to evacuate. Cate Blanchett delivers a brilliant performance as usual, and the premise of the life of Button – that he ages backwards – is a fascinating idea to lose yourself in for three hours.
3. Valkyrie – Since I love history, especially the WWII era, I’ve long been interested in seeing this film. I was most impressed by the pacing of the movie – it wasn’t too slow, though the majority of the film is about a very small period of time. It was well acted, and the intensity of the conspiracy translated well on the big screen.
4. Changeling – This movie turned out to be very different than what I expected it to be. From the previews I expected a sentimental tragic story led by Angelina Jolie. In fact, the story has many more layers than that of a terrified, panicked mother fighting to find her son. I was pleasantly surprised by the elements of conspiracy and murder hidden within this story, and found it an extremely compelling movie. The best part? It’s a true story! (I’m a sucker for that.)
5. Slumdog Millionaire – This film swept the Golden Globes last night – winning Best Original Score, Best Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture-Drama – which is no surprise. It’s a unique and stirring story, the cinematography is amazing, and before the final credits had run I vowed to purchase the soundtrack. My one complaint about the movie is its all-too-familiar focus on young love. The inspiration of the story shouldn’t be about teenagers in love, but about the possibility – however far-fetched – of an underprivileged boy from terrible circumstances getting a break and a chance at a better life. I felt that the movie failed to place the emphasis on this point that it deserves.
6. Revolutionary Road – Now to launch into this story. (WARNING: Below are details about the movie/book which may ruin it for you if you haven’t seen/read it and plan to. In addition, if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book you might not understand much of what I say below.) I decided to read this book upon hearing the general premise of the story. I was interested to see the approach Yates took in examining the trend of conformity to suburban life which emerged in America in the 1950’s. I was deeply affected by the book, because I identified with the characters and the story gave life to some questions and fears I have about my own life.
After I finished the book, I went to see the movie with Erica. Seeing the story on screen invoked an even more emotional response from me, and Erica shared this feeling. However, we had very different views of the story; and everyone I’ve spoken to since has had lots of different things to say as well. The first questions I asked Erica was, “Who do you hate more, Frank or April?” She said she didn’t hate Frank at all, and sort of hated April. To her, April’s self-inflicted abortion at the end was an act of selfishness and revenge, a way to have her way at last despite Frank’s wishes. But to me, April was a desperate woman willing to do anything to hold onto the future she felt slipping through her fingers. The book offered more insight into April’s process of making the decision to give herself the abortion. It detailed her realization that she didn’t really hate Frank, but that she had made a mistake in trying to make him into someone he wasn’t. The whole idea of running away to Paris was hers, and she’d tried to manipulate him into sharing her enthusiasm. But the fact was that Frank was content where he was, working his dull job and living his lackluster life. Sure, he was a sell out. But April realized that as his honest choice, and her mistake as expecting more from him. This inspires fear in me: that we can so easily change into people we don’t even like, that no matter how special we’re told we are, or how unique we think we are, it’s so much easier to give up the fight to live the life you want when you’re young and have your whole future ahead of you. Frank and April saw themselves as superior, soaring above conformity. And yet, when it came down to it, Frank chose a job with a bigger paycheck and a nice house in the suburbs. One of my favorite pieces of dialogue is from a fight the Wheelers have. It occurs when April first begins to realize Frank’s true preference to stay in Connecticut instead of making the move to Paris:
APRIL: You don't want to go, do you?
FRANK: Come on, April. Of course I do.
APRIL: You don't! Because you've never tried at anything. And if you don't try at anything you can't fail!
FRANK: What the hell do you mean I don't try? I support you, don't I? I pay for this house. I work ten hours a day at a job I can't stand.
APRIL: You don't have to!
FRANK: Bullshit! I'm not happy about it. But I have the backbone not to run away from my responsibilities!
APRIL: It takes backbone to lead the life you want, Frank.
I think that’s the truth of it: that it’s often more difficult, and takes more courage and fight, to live the life you want. Sometimes settling into living responsibly is a necessary and wise decision, but sometimes it’s taking the easy way out. April says something else pretty profound about truth:
APRIL: You know what's so good about the truth? Everyone knows what it is, however long they've lived without it. No one forgets the truth, Frank, they just get better at lying.
Right now, I’m still trying to figure out what the truth concerning my future is. And I feel pressure to sort it out before I turn into Frank or April Wheeler – either numbed into conformity or stuck married to someone who has been. Classes begin tomorrow, and I’ve been working full-time since I got back into town last week. I have rediscovered how much I loathe the 9-5 work day; no matter how nasty or cold it is outside I simply have to get out of the office building for lunch. Just to be outside, to have my feet hit pavement and to brush shoulders with the rest of the world. As I’ve worked my way through school hopping from cubicle to cubicle, I’ve been content with my part-time jobs, because they’re a means to an end… that ever-illustrious degree. The five hour shifts feel okay, but 9-5 feels like slipping into settling for the rest of my life.
Today, my black pants were a lint magnet and my socks sagged into my shoes. Bunchy.
2 comments:
I like your thoughts about Revolutionary Road.
damn. you were way more productive over your christmas break than i was. I read one book, watched a season of Felicity, and saw Australia which was okay.
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