People are terrible. I dislike much of what people to do to one another. This is by no means a complete list, but these have to be my top three

Mississippi Burning

Watched this in grade twelve English class. How embarrassing was it to sit there in the middle of class and being the only one crying when these pathetic excuse for human beings stuffed a man in a tire, covered him in gasoline and burnt him alive. Or burnt down a barn full of milk cows, making the family watch?

American History X

I am thankful that I haven't watched this whole movie. Unfortunately, the one scene I did watch was the curb stomping scene.

Legends of the Fall

The scene where the youngest brother gets shot down by enemy fire in World War One and Tristan goes beserk. It absolutely breaks my heart.

For the poem below, I have used the OuLiPo exercise of noun implantation. I have taken One Stab’s last words in Legends of the Fall (for those Most Unfashionable Readers who do not know One Stab, he is the narrator of the Most Fashionable Movie, Legends of the Fall) and extracted the nouns. I have replaced those nouns with nouns from “The Idea of Order in Key West” by Wallace Stevens.

Legend

That motion we buried. The rage,
we dumped. The wind in a deep shadow
in the upper horizon, I remember.
When he was a sound, I thought summer
would never live to be an old song.
I was wrong about that. I was wrong
about many demarcations. It was those
who loved him most who died young.
He was the night they broke
themselves against, however much
he tried to protect them.
But he had his spirit and a long body,
and he saw his voices grow and raise
their own songs. Summer died in the sea
of the popping coral. He was last seen
in the north boats, hunting. His speech
is unmarked, but it does not matter.
He had always lived in the sky, anyway,
somewhere between this atmosphere
and the other. It was a good distance.

Chapter 4 of my book, Faith, Film and Philosophy, is titled "Defining Love through the Eye of the Lens: Romance, Sex, and the Human Condition in Pretty Woman, Legends of the Fall, and The Bridges of Madison County." The author is Greg Jesson. Here are discussion questions for the film Legends of the Fall that I've used in conjunction with his chapter.

1. A native American named Stab, an elder of the Cree Nation, narrates the beginning of the film. How would you explain the director’s choice in beginning the film this way?
2. In a letter to his mother, Alfred writes, “I pray every night for the grace to forgive Tristan.” Do you agree that Tristan has sinned against his brother, Alfred? Explain your answer. Does Alfred ever forgive Tristan? Why or why not? If you believe he doesn’t, what would it have taken for him to forgive Tristan?
3. When visited by a committee of citizens who want Alfred to be elected to Congress, he shouts at them, “What do you want for yourselves if you get my son elected?” What does this say about his view of politics? What does it say about his view of people, in general?
4. Alfred says, in response to his father’s accusation that the U.S. government has yet to regain its wisdom, common sense, and humanity: “I will consider it my absolute duty to bring both wisdom and humanity to the United States Congress.” This may ring a bell. Compare Alfred’s vow with the similar promise made by Charles Foster Kane in Citizen Kane. How are they alike? Different?
5. Following his argument with the Colonel, Alfred says, tenderly, “Susanna, you deserve to be happy.” Is this true? What is Alfred’s conception of happiness? How does this compare with your conception of happiness?
6. Does the Colonel have a favorite son? If so, who is it? What accounts for this? How are the others affected?
7. What happens when Susanna’s name comes up, after Tristan returns home? Is Susanna over Tristan? Is Tristan over Susanna? What is your evidence?
8. What do you think of Anthony Hopkins’s performance as a stroke victim? Is his stroke supposed to mean anything that ties into the story line of the film? (Is it symbolic?)
9. One Stab repeatedly speaks of “the bear inside” of Tristan. What is the point of this metaphor? What does it say about Tristan and One Stab’s evaluation of him as a person?
10. At a public meeting, Alfred and Tristan meet. Alfred asks, “How’s father? Is he well?” Tristan answers, “As well as can be expected.” What does this mean? What can be expected? Why?
11. In explanation of the accidental death of Isabel, Alfred says to Tristan, “It was a terrible, tragic, accident.” What does this say about Alfred? Has he changed as a person?
12. Whose faults are greater? Tristan’s, or Susanna’s? Support your answer.
13. At Susanna’s grave, Alfred says to Tristan, “I followed all the rules . . . . And you, you followed none of them. And they all loved you more.” What does this say about Alfred’s view of love? What does it say about his view of doing the right thing? Is there a sense in which he isn’t any different than Tristan?
14. Tristan’s father says to him, “You are not damned, Tristan. I won’t allow that.” Any comments?
15. How are things resolved in the end? Does this change anything?

Daniel Craig about to act the shit out of Tom Cruise.

Like Valkyrie, Defiance is also based on a true story:
(From IMDB:) Three Jewish brothers escape from Nazi-occupied Poland into the Belarussian forest, where they join Russian resistance fighters and endeavor to build a village in order to protect themselves and others in danger.
Once again, like Valkyrie it takes place during WWII and features some great names both behind and in front of the camera: (along with movies I've personally seen with them)
Edward Zwick - Director (Glory, Legends of the Fall, Courage Under Fire, The Last Samurai)
Actors:
Daniel Craig - Tuvia Bielski (Tomb Raider, Casino Royale, The Invasion)
Liev Schreiber - Zus Bielski (Kate & Leopold, Hamlet(Ethan Hawke), Sphere, Scream1, 2, 3, Ransom) NOTE: he's also going to play "Sabertooth" in the Wolverine movie. . .I shit you not!
Mark Margolis - The Ghetto Elder (The Fountain, Umney's Last Case, The Tailor of Panama, End of Days, The Thomas Crown Affair, Pi, Glory)

I realize they're two very different movies; Valkyrie being a conspiracy/paranoia film and Defiance being a drama/hero film. And that may work in both their favors when it comes down to it.  It may happen anyway that everyone will compare the movies together (like what happened between "The illusionist," and "The Prestige" even though "The Illusionist" has more of a political plot and features very little "magic" compared to the vendetta-filled "The Prestige")

Valkyrie comes out in October 2008
Defiance comes out in late December 2008
So far the reviews for Defiance are positive, unlike Valkyrie, but as I say in my previous post, this could be because of the Tom Cruise effect. (ie: people are tired of hearing about him, his scientology hijinks are overshadowing his actual work, The first film to come out of his ressurected United Artists company, "Lions for Lambs" flopped big time.)

Defiance doesn't seem to have an official site yet, but the trailer is everywhere.

Last weekend I saw the 2007 flick, “Beowolf,” on DVD. Initially, I was not impressed because I'm not a big fan of movies which apply CGI or computer-generated imagery. I can only appreciate this type of visual on video games but never in movies.

Moving on, I saw Anthony Hopkins and Robin Wright Penn so I decided to continue with this viewing session even though I'm not watching the real actors. But I didn't focus on the early scenes of the movie. So what if the monster barges into the binging and drinking session of King Hrothgar to rip bodies and hurl human limbs. Sheeesh, I saw this before.

It was only upon seeing the main character, Beowolf, that I turned serious. When he said, “If we die it will be for glory, not gold,” I realized I have to see what this hero's going to do with the monster, Grendel.

Unfortunately, I fell asleep. Surprisingly, I woke up with the line “If we die it will be for glory, not gold” echoing in my head so when night crept in, I opted to watch the movie again. This time, I made it a point to finish it.

It wasn't bad, after all.

As I remember waking up with Beowolf's dialogue in my head, I came up with a list of other movie lines that have had the same effect on me as that of Beowolf.

* “I made a promise and I kept it. Most people would have done the same.” (from “It Could Happen To You”)

* “I want some more” (from “Interview with the Vampire”)

* “If I know I am remembered that way, I can face anything, anything. You're my immortality.” (from “Sweet November”)

* “I might run away without your permission and you might hate me forever, and I know that scares the shit out of you because I'm the only real thing that you have.” (from “Reality Bites”)

* “I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to fuckin' amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny? (from “Goodfellas”)

* “Lost love is still love, Eddie. It just takes a different form, that's all. You can't hold their hand, you can't tousle their hair, but when those senses weaken another one comes to life...Memory. Memory becomes your partner. You hold it, you dance with it. Life has to end, Eddie... Love doesn't – (from “The Five People You Meet In Heaven”)

* “I'll wait for you. However long it takes. I'll wait for you forever. - (from “Legends of the Fall”)

* “Death ends a life, not a relationship.” (from “Tuesdays with Morrie”)

* “My foot is telling me that I've been hurt by a shoe salesman.” (from “Only You”)

* Charlize Theron: You know, he asked me to marry him.

Jason Isaac: He's not the first...

Charlize: No, but it was the first time I wanted to say "Yes"

- from “Sweet November”

* “Men... Can't live with 'em, can't shoot 'em.” (from “St. Elmo's Fire”)

* “You have to promise you won't fall in love with me.” (from “A Walk to Remember”)

* “I'm smart and poor.” (from “Love Story”)

* “Love does not end just because you stop seeing each other.” (from “The End of the Affair”)

]]> http://pennyronning.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/the-legacy-of-bart-the-bear/ Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:20:39 +0000 pennyronning http://pennyronning.wordpress.com/2008/03/25/the-legacy-of-bart-the-bear/ As a member of the Board of Advisors of The Vital Ground Foundation, I invite you to learn about this wonderful non-profit organization by first learning about the inspiration for its beginning, Bart the Bear and its founders, Doug and Lynne Seus. Please enjoy this video and then take additional action by visiting Vital Ground's website to learn more about the importance of grizzly bears as an umbrella species.

Thank you.

[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.489507&w=425&h=350&fv=%26rel%3D0%26border%3D0%26] from www.youtube.com posted with vodpod

Ever wonder how those model ships get into the bottles?

Sometimes knowing how something is done spoils the magic and wonderment of the finished product.

Sometimes it's best to just simply enjoy the magic as it unfolds.

And that's how I feel about Prairie Thunder, the latest organic wine created by Missoula, Montana's Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery. Andy Sponseller and Connie Pouten, Ten Spoon's masterful magicians (owners), have not only placed the most magnificent red wine in each bottle, but they've managed to encapsulate the very essence of hope for North America's grizzly bear population within that same space.

The grizzly habitat is one filled with wildflowers, berries, vast landscapes of trees, fresh air, clear running water, and the aroma of western wilderness. Within each bottle of Prairie Thunder, Ten Spoon captures the unique qualities of these elements.

"Prairie Thunder is a blend of Petite Syrah and Zinfendal grapes grown at Redwood Valley Vineyard in Mendocino County. Aromas of raspberry and dried cranberry radiate to the nose, with just a hint of violet and Kirsch. This wine is rich and smooth. The fresh crisp flavors of Bing cherry, brambleberry and raspberry fill the palate and are rounded out with notes of plum pepper, Nutella and spice," writes Kate Murphy of the Missoulian.

With each purchase of Prairie Thunder, Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery will donate $1.oo to The Vital Ground Foundation. Kudos to Andy and Connie for their dedication and commitment to protecting North America's grizzly habitat through their continued support of Vital Ground.

From the Vital Ground web site: "The Vital Ground Foundation is a wildlife organization whose mission is to protect and restore North America's grizzly bear populations by conserving wildlife habitat. While preserving the areas where grizzlies roam is the focus of Vital Ground, the positive impact of their work goes well beyond saving a single species.

Operating as a land trust, Vital Ground believes that the grizzly bear, as an umbrella species, is nature's barometer of a healthy and complete ecosystem. Because the grizzly's range covers several hundred square miles - from alpine meadows to valley bottoms - protecting grizzly habitat protects entire plant and animal communities in the most wildest, most scenic places left on the continent. Human communities will also be healthier, as protecting and restoring natural areas is critical to the quality of the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat."

Founded by Doug and Lynne Seus, trainers of Bart the Bear, Little Bart, Honey Bump, and Tank -- 4 grizzlies adopted by Doug and Lynne -- The Vital Ground Foundation thrives as a living memorial to Bart, the Seuses first bear cub and loving companion for 23 years.

Born into captivity, Bart never experienced the call of the wild like his nature born ancestors. But each time Doug and Lynne took Bart out into the fresh open wilderness, the mission of preserving Bart's ancestor's habitat grew in their hearts.

In 1990, with their own money, the Seuses purchased the first acres of land to be protected under the newly formed Vital Ground Foundation. Eighteen years later, that original 240 acre seed has grown into a harvest of more than 417, 000 acres of protected grizzly habitat in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska and British Columbia, Canada. Included in the protection of those 417, 000 acres of grizzly habitat is the protection of all of the other wildlife and plant life contained within those boundaries as well.

Many of us remember Bart's amazing performances in such movies as The Edge, Legends of the Fall, and The Bear; however, Bart's true legacy is not his performance on the screen, but his ability to reach beyond the barriers of language. His true legacy began with his ability to teach Doug and Lynne Seus about his species. Bart's legacy as a teacher, ambassador, and inspiration grows with each acre of grizzly habitat protected from development.

As Lynne Seus has said, "Where the grizzly can walk, the earth is healthy and whole."

So the next time you think about the quality of air you breathe or the water you drink or the food you eat, think of Bart.

To learn more about The Vital Ground Foundation, the importance of grizzly bears to our ecosystem, or how you can become a member of Bart's legacy, visit www.vitalground.org.

To learn more about Bart the Bear, Little Bart, Honey Bump, and Tank visit www.BartTheBear.com.

To learn more about Ten Spoon Vineyard and Winery or how to purchase cases of Prairie Thunder (yes, cases -- you'll want to! single bottles are available, too), visit www.tenspoonwinery.com.

If you are in need of a special wine for your Easter table or a hostess gift that can spark conversation or are simply in the mood for a nice red wine to complete your day, pick up a bottle or two of Prairie Thunder and toast to Bart.

The Savages (Jenkins) 5 stars

Emmet Otter's Jug Band Christmas (Henson) 2 stars

The Science of Sleep (Gondry) 2 stars

Who Killed the Electric Car? (Sheen, Horton) 3 stars

1408 (Hafstrom) 2 stars

The Number 23 (Schumacher) 2 stars

Legends of the Fall (Zwick) 3 stars

I Am Legend (Lawrence) 3 stars

Last Exit to Brooklyn (Edel) 4 stars

Noticeable absence from this list is There Will Be Blood. I didn't see it until 2008 so it's not included in this post.

Coming soon: Top Movies of 2007 List

The Ludlows

Ashokan Farewell

If you liked the one above, you'll certainly love this one too: Ashokan Farewell