Mo Better Blues

Coming off of his most critically acclaimed movie, "Do The Right Thing", Spike Lee's "Mo Better Blues" was in most critics circles, considered a lesser movie of Lee's.  Yet, I find this to be Spike's finest.  Perhaps I like it so much because it showcases such a love and respect for classic Jazz music.  Like the music genre itself, this movie is misunderstood.  I think jazz is an acquired taste.  But once its acquired, you see its beauty, its cool, it's unique character.  It blends the essence of so much of American culture from African-American Blues, to Big Band Schmaltz.

This movie is such a great representation of that Jazz blend.  While this movie is crude at times, ultimately it flashes the elements of Jazz from raw blues, to sobbing desperation, to heartfilled romance.  The cast is fantastic, most notable with the lead, Denzel Washington,  portraying Jazz Trumpeter, Bleek Gilliam.  Denzel is a master actor, and he pulls off Jazz chops with seeming ease.   One theme that plays out is again... your talents have value  use them wisely.   Bleek finds this out in dramatic fashion.  Last note, (pun intended) is the score by Jazz legend Branford Marsalis is exceptional with a an amazing scene which has the background music of Miles Davis's, All Blues. 

The Sixth Sense

It's coming up on October again, and I thought I would dig into another movie from the Horror Genre, although I wouldn't classify this as horror since it is a very intellectually based film.  As I've probably said before, I'm not a horror film fan.  Especially the slasher variety.  So when The 6th Sense came out in theaters, I passed on it.   However, the buzz from the film slowly changed my mind as it came out on DVD.  Watching it in my house was actually a scarier experience, since it turned out to be a very personally scary movie.

It's really hard to describe too much of this movie without giving away the incredible twists and turns.  In a nutshell, the plot involves a troubled psychiatrist, played by Bruce Willis, who is trying to help a young boy named Cole, played Haley Joel Osment, deal with his phobias.  What are the phobias?  Well, Cole thinks that he sees dead people and they speak to him.   Most of the film follows Cole and his hauntings, some mild, some quite chilling.  As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the ghosts that speak to Cole have a purpose and movie cleverly reveals their secrets.  The ending is so creative it should leave you thinking and probably a little scared for quite some time.

The reason this movie affected me was that as a young boy, I too thought ghosts were very real.  I was always on the lookout for changes to my bedroom, worried that if the curtain was different from when I had left it, that a ghost must have been playing tricks on me.  While I won't say I subscribe to ghosts today, the movie did pull me back to those phobias.  And yet, the movie leaves you with a whole new perspective on the stories the dead truly do have to tell.

M. Night Shyamalan, is the only horror director that I have a deep respect for and will entertain watching his other films.  While some of his other movies have not been able to hold up to The 6th Sense or The Village, he always does try to make you think deeper which I respect. 

Reasons to watch:  This is an intellectual movie.  Great performances by the cast.  Horror can be a powerful genre. 

Lessons to learn:  The dead, whether you believe in ghosts or not have stories to tell.  Some are quite fascinating while some will provide you with important lessons.  In a sense, that is what I love about history.  It is the people of the past telling you their tales.  

I highly recommend you watch this, The Village, and Signs, by M. Night Shyamalan.

Denali- A Short Film about Love

Hollywood films have been very disappointing as of late.  They seem to be too formulaic, overhyped, and over-stylized.  It's been quite some time since I have been genuinely moved by a cinematic film.  Resorting to Netflix has helped alleviate this hunger, but still many Netflix films and series are also trending toward the formulaic and actually depressing in their outlook.

Thus from time to time I seek refuge in Vimeo, which showcases mostly small budget, indie, short films which can be inspiring, thought provoking, and emotive.  I came across this Film titled, Denali, recently.  Thinking it was about the African Mountain Range, I almost clicked off of it.  While watching the first 5 minutes, I almost turned away, thinking it a crude short take on nature.

I was so wrong.  This is a beautiful film about changing your perspective, and finding love and beauty in our life around us.  Wonderful photography and subtle narration.

Denali from FELT SOUL MEDIA on Vimeo.

The Wizard of OZ is not just for Kids.

"Life doesn't imitate Art, it imitates bad television"- Woody Allen

My spin on it is ..."Life Doesn't imitate art, it imitates the Wizard of Oz".

The Wizard of Oz

I know you have seen this movie, but I want you to watch it again when you get older.

The Wizard of Oz, scared me as a child.  I know the obvious source of fear was the Wicked Witch of the West.  Margaret Hamilton's brilliant role as the Wicked Witch, was dramatically chilling.  Her green makeup added an extra level of malevolence.  (Thumbs up for scenery, makeup, and choreography!) 

Margaret Hamilton

The Wicked Witch of the West

 Additionally scary of course, were the flying monkeys and dark soldiers of the Witch's Army.  I'm embarrassed to say, that the Munchkins also terrified me.  With their pinched faces and outlandish outfits, I would literally hide behind the sofa until they were gone.  

And yet, over the years I have found myself re-thinking the themes, story lines, and analogies.  I've come to the conclusion that the story is truly brilliant in its messaging.  Messaging that is missed by many of the young children that watch it for its whimsical story line.

I could certainly write a long post about the symbolism that the movie portrays, but I want to focus on one main theme that when I thought about it, I felt I learned a powerful lesson that can be applied to real life's challenges.  

I never really thought a lot about the 3 character's Dorothy meets.  The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Lion.  Their role, I thought, was merely a side bar to help the story along   But in reality the 3 characters truly represent something profound.  Namely, the characteristics they are looking for are the essential characteristics that any great movement, project, or adventure need to have.  A brain (Scarecrow), a heart (TinMan) and Courage, (The Cowardly Lion).  As a quick example, take the American Revolution.  I think it would be easy to say that this Revolution was certainly started by some very intelligent men and women, from all walks of life.  I think the heart of American freedom and governance were essential to communicate to get the colonists to fight.  Lastly, and probably most importantly, courage.  The Americans that fought in the Revolution against the British were going against, at the time, one of the strongest Armies and Navies in the world.  The odds were long and the possibility of death by hanging was very certain for all the Founders had they lost that war.  But Courage is key.  As Aristotle wrote:  “Courage is the first of human virtues because it makes all others possible.”  This is a powerful statement and I think the Wizard of Oz, puts Aristotle's proposition to the test. 

Another obvious lesson from the movie and perhaps the one that is most relevant to a child watching the film is Dorothy's realization that she always had the power to go home, she just needed to conquer the fears and personal obstacles to get back.  

And so, as you watch the Wizard of Oz as you get older, and you apply for a job, create a new company, work on an important project, make sure you use the lessons of the Wizard of Oz as your guiding template.  Does your venture have heart?  Does it have intellect, but most important of all, do you have the courage to pursue it?  Start with Courage first, and then the obstacles will fall away, one by one.

Learning about Fear from "The Village"

At the time of its release, this film was panned by many a film critic, yet I find this to be one of M. Night Shyamalan's most thought provoking films.  I won't put much detail about the plot because its power is in the story's ebb and flow, and its sleepy narrative.  Perhaps that's one of the reason's I enjoy this film so much is that it reminds me of Washington Irving's Sleepy Hollow.  (One of my all time favorite books!, yet horribly portrayed in most film versions- I'll never forgive Johnny Depp and Danny Elfman for such a trashy remake ) But I digress:

The power of this movie is not in the scare value but the deeper implications of human nature and the state of fear.  It won't give you sleepless nights due to gruesome horrors, but it may give you a sleepless night pondering the fears that hold you back.

Diner- Everything You Wanted to Know about Men but Were Afraid to Ask

Director Barry Levinson's body of work is extensive and impressive.  Although I have to admit I have lost track of his recent work, two of his movies will go down in the "must see" category.  Namely, Rain Man and Diner.

Diner is a truly unique film and one I want my children to see because it is one of the few Hollywood films that portrays men and masculinity in an open and honest way.  It shows male abject frailty, as well as, heartfelt nobility. Here are my take aways from Diner.

The title of the film is the main setting of the film and crystallizes the themes of the play.  Without giving too much of the plot away, it is about a group of 20 something males that come together at the local diner and talk about the trials and tribulations of their emerging roles, careers, and responsibilities.

Everything you wanted to know about men but were afraid to ask.  (Note:  these are generalizations and not meant to define all men, every man.)

1.  Sports are more than sports.  Men watch sports, they play sports, they talk about sports, a lot!  The character, Eddie Simmons, played craftily by Steve Guttenberg, makes his "wife to be" comically take a Baltimore Colts Quiz in order to assure her fitness to be married to him.  An extreme example to be sure, but it does tap into the zaniness that men resort to when it comes to their favorite team.  And yet, many a man watching this scene would nod with approval and think it not such a bad idea, knowing that it would not be wise in today's modern world.  In truth, men like watching sport not only for the competition, the glory of victory, but the human drama that gets played out within the competition.  The values of leadership, sportsmanship, courage, strategy, all within a framework of a few hours.  They are our Soap Operas.

A still from Eddie's Wedding, notice the table cloth and flowers are Baltimore Colts colors

2.  Music is our advocate.  In a scene between the only married member of the "Diner" Gang,  Shrevie, played by Daniel Stern and his wife, Beth (Ellen Barkin), this principle is displayed quite powerfully.  Shrevie becomes enraged because Beth has listened to his album collection (Back in the olden days having to listen to "Albums" Plastic CD technology) and put back his albums in the wrong order.  Now let me be clear, Shrevie is totally overreacting and really being downright cruel to Beth in this scene.  But if you wait until the end of the scene you realize the powerful Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus   moment.  Beth just likes the music, but for Shrevie it has a far deeper connection.  This scene of course exposes more than that, including the cracks to their relationship that need repairing.  But for most men who watch this scene they totally understand Shrevie's closing statement.  It rings so true.  Most men attach deeply to music.  It is our advocate for our feelings that we so often are trained or are embedded. to try to suppress.

3.  Young men are sinners and old men are saints.
This may not be politically correct, but I believe it to be true.  Again, we are talking about in general, and there are exceptions to the rule.  However, lets be honest and and scientific.  Testosterone produces aggression in males.  Testosterone is highest in males when they are in their late teens to twenties.  I know, aggression is often seen as a negative, but aggression that is paired with discipline can produce tremendous positives.  For example, the Military relies on male aggression for optimum results.  And thank God for that.  The military branches of course realize that male aggression also needs maximum discipline to become fully effective and productive.  Many sports teams use this same formula to channel male aggression in positive ways.  Of course male aggression without discipline has the opposite effect.  This sort of aggression is often related to intimidation, bullying, and acts of cruelty and violence.  Lastly, when males drink alcohol and/ or take other drugs, their self discipline is often removed, while the aggression remains.  To my daughters I have often said, men and alcohol is a dangerous combination.  (avoid those situations at all cost)  I've noticed far too many acts of brutal aggression and cruelty when males are under the influence of alcohol.  *Its why the most vocal advocates of Prohibition were the Temperance Society Women who had to deal with the consequences of drunken husbands.  We have all heard or witnessed the cruelty of women at the hands of drunken men, and quite honestly why college campus's must deal with horrible incidents of sexual abuse and misconduct.  Enough said.

And so as men grow older, and less influenced by the powerful effects of testosterone, they become wiser, and try to use their knowledge to temper and mentor young males.  Getting back to Diner, there is a group of older males in the Diner that also sit and talk about their lives, trials, and tribulations.  By the end of the movie they play an important part to make for a happy ending.

To summarize: this movie is a gem.  Unlike many movies that try to encapsulate youthful males in mostly derogatory stereotypes, (i.e. Fast Times at Ridgemont High, and American Pie, to name a few) Diner produces a much more nuanced, and authentic look into male bonding, male strength, and male weakness.   The scenes in the Diner provide a unique glimpse into male bonding that is carried out by some fantastic acting by the entire cast.  (for a sample, watch:  The Sandwich Scene)

This is a beautiful film.

For great reading about boys to men, I would highly recommend Michael Gurian's, "The Wonder of Boys."

Born Free- The Majesty of Lions and the Essence of Freedom

Born Free was a movie I saw as a very young boy.  My first viewing I had no real understanding of the plot and theme, but was transfixed by my first movie that had the noble African plains as its setting.  The movie was craftily done for its day, giving you the feel that you were actually watching a documentary, but in truth watching a narrative film with actors rather than real people.  So convincing are the actors playing Joy and George Adamson that you feel disappointment when you pick up a copy of the book to see them not there.  Which is a tribute to the filmmakers and in no way an insult to the real Joy.

Virginia McKenna- Actress who played Joy Adamson

To give you a story synopsis:   Based on the classic non-fiction book, Joy and George Adamson find themselves in the rare situation of having to take care of an orphaned lion cub at their home in Africa.  (Elsa)  They raise the lioneess as a pet and slowly come to the realization that its existence is slowly consisting of being caged due to the fear of the local villagers and the lion's growing strength and curiosity.  George convinces Joy that Elsa needs to be trained to go back into the wild and live the life she was meant to live- Born Free.  George slowly teaches the lioness to hunt, but lion socialization proves the most difficult.  Despite bumps and bruises, Elsa finally becomes part of a wild pride.  I won't tell you the tear-jerking nuances of the story, but it is beautiful in all its splendor.  The soundtrack is from John Barry who later went on to score many Oscar Nominated films including Out of Africa, and Dances with Wolves.  This film has a slow pace but never lags or gets uninteresting.

As an elementary teacher, I would show this film to my students along with a science/ Mammals investigation, so most of our conversations and focus was on lions, mammals, and only a superficial discussion on the virtues of Joy and George Adamson as it relates to the focus of the film which is the lioness Elsa.  Upon reflecting on the film years later, it is indeed the virtue of freedom that is the true essence of the film.  Upon thinking of this theme, it makes the film so much more powerful and valuable for my children to watch. 

The real Joy Adamson

Strangely, I started thinking of this film recently after remembering the odd, but true story of a local legend known around town as "Deer Lady".   This Deer Lady became notorious in this suburban village for feeding deer in her backyard.  It turned out that there were several town ordinances against feeding wild animals, but that wouldn't deter Deer Lady.  She continued breaking the ordinance for years, being fined until finally after threats of serious jail time, Deer Lady ceased and desisted breaking the law.  Now many of you may be thinking that the town was in the wrong and Deer Lady was just a kind hearted soul trying to do right by these majestic visitors to her backyard.  But when you contrast her story with Joy Adamson's story of Elsa you see that Deer Lady was selfishly feeding the deer for her own personal enjoyment at the expense of making them dependent upon her backyard and food source.  Meanwhile Joy and George were unselfishly empowering Elsa to be free to pursue the essential lion gifts of speed, and cunning,as well as, being part of a freely chosen pride to partake in lion socialization and reproductive dynamics.

George teaching Elsa to hunt.

This is the powerful virtue highlighted by Born Free that I feel is essential for my children to understand deeply.  Creating dependency, especially in wild animals and more importantly humans, robs the individual of their natural gifts and leaves them with an unfulfilled life.  Both Deer Lady and the Adamson's were compassionate people, but the Adamson's compassion gave them the courage to think about Elsa's happiness.  When thinking about government policy, I want my children to recognize policies designed to make people dependent versus policies meant to empower and make independent.  Born Free exemplifies this idea with an incredible story of love, compassion, and beauty.