"I didn't know managers strangled people."
I realized that this is my third visit to New Orleans since May and I'm beginning to feel acclimated and familiar with it all. It has way more of a small town feel than you might assume, and parts/places feel completely frozen in time, which is often enchanting though sometimes scary. I much prefer that my visits are on par with the locals rather than the madness of Bourbon Street and all the tourist insanity. Last night we went to the Balcony Bar uptown on Magazine Street, and tonight we're going to some African restaurant and will likely end up on our favorite balcony overlooking Frenchman Street.
Sneak Preview: JUNO
Tonight I went to a sneak preview of Juno at Barton Creek's AMC theater. I've been crushing on Michael Cera's subtle charm and comedic timing since Arrested Development, and featuring The Moldy Peaches' on the movie's trailer sold me tenfold. However, I did get a little uneasy at the thought of everyone and their brother playfully singing along to Kimya Dawson and Adam Green's offbeat, "Anyone Else But You," but these things happen.
After waiting on line for about an hour, we were the last emitted into the theater. Leah and Kristy snagged the handicapped seats in the fifth row, while I found an empty spot in the second. The place was packed and as we waited for the film technician to cue up the movie after a rocky false-start, I found myself chatting and comparing complimentary t-shirts with the lady next to me.
Having seen so many clips and commercials for the movie with it's campaign at it's peak, I was a little worried it would be a disappointment. There were certainly parts when I found Juno (Ellen Page) abrasive and obnoxious, but it balanced out in the scheme of it all. I don't want to give anything away, so I won't. Immediate reactions are as follows:
- I laughed and may or may not have teared up a couple times.
- I anticipate a decent soundtrack. I heard Astrud Gilberto, Buddy Holly, Belle & Sebastian, and of course Kimya Dawson with and without Adam Green (the other vocal half of The Moldy Peaches).
- Paulie Bleeker (Michael Cera) might be the new Lloyd Dobbler. Michael Cera is hilarious. How can you not love him?
AND
Clark and Michael
The Moldy Peaches:
Nothing Came Out
Steak for Chicken
Ghosts are Good Company
Downloading Porn with Davo
Who's Got the Crack
Lucky Number Nine
*
Red Clay Trio:
Hey Yeah
Norbert's Addiction
Toxic Fumes
Red Meat
*
Kimya Dawson:
Loose Lips
I have to say, the way she wraps her delicate voice around these harsh and pressing issues creates something really unique and spectacular.
sunday recharge
I know I totally flaked on recapping that last week of my August/September trip east, and I was working on it earlier this week, but find myself all sorts of scatterbrained. My goal is to write something up before this next venture. However, I'm leaving Friday and have a shit ton to do in preparation, so I don't know. Christmas card writing owns me right now.
While it may be nearly 80 degrees outside, INSIDE my house looks like a cozy little winter cottage! Oh, escapism. This house was beginning to frustrate me, which I find happens after a few months, but with the holiday adornment, I've fallen back in love with all the it's quirky charms. We bought the most beautiful Christmas tree yesterday, and I don't know exactly what it is about driving with a tree strapped to the roof of my car, but I like it.
Vinosity 2008. I'm campaigning for a new Saturday tasting tradition. Tastings are from 3pm-5pm, and I highly recommend. Plus they have a food menu each week to accompany the tasting selection. I'm a big fan, especially given the close proximity. I can pretend I live in a city where people walk everywhere.
Paris, Je T'aime. As the year dwindles to an end and "Best of" compilations are sure to dominate and invade media outlets, I'm trying to think of what I've seen this year and what has resonated with me the most. I guess with me, the offbeat usually hits the hardest, and as far as that goes, Paris, Je T'aime is the first to come to mind. Mainly because of the format. It consists of 18 short films by 21 different directors. With the increasing cultural emphasis on instant gratification and short, to the point entertainment, this collection of vignettes delivers. I like the idea of collaborative interpretations on one idea. The film's trailer really just makes me crave another viewing.
The interpretation that I found the most compelling, or that resonates with me the most considering I saw this in the Spring, is True. I like the differences between the couple, and that even without subtitles it's clear what is being expressed.
Feist - We're all in the Dance
Liz Phair - Supernova
Lykke Li - Everybody But Me
Black Kids - Hurricane Jane
Bango - Geninha
The Turtles - You Showed Me
Soko - I'll Kill Her
I'm kind of throwing up this overloaded post since I don't know how much I'll post during the trip. A lot is riding on whether or not I get my camera fixed. If I do, I'd guess it will be mainly photojournalism style. In which case I may just post to fotki. We'll see.
"Acha acha acha"
About a year ago, maybe even two, I picked up a bargain bin Christmas cartoon compilation for like a dollar. I regarded it mainly as a joke, and it blurred in with the rest of my DVD collection. Perhaps it should have stayed on that shelf, but last night my curiosity prompted a viewing.
In all honesty, the shit is bananas. I'm not really sure children should watch any of the cartoons in the collection. It wasn't anything I had ever heard of or seen before. I wonder why and how I ever even stumbled upon it. The obscure vintage selections (1930s & 40s) are filled with inappropriate stereotypes, especially "The Shanty Where Santy Claus Lives," (I'm not even kidding) and "Santa's Surprise."
"The Snow Man, " was definitely the most epic piece. It's fucking weird, but it makes me curious. I mean, did someone once perceive this to be a good little holiday film for children? No way. My analytical brain tells me there's something more, but maybe I just want there to be more. I feel like it should offer some political undertones of the 1940's. Is it a terrible man made tyrant or just a big scary snowman?
Obviously, the organ scene is where I think he really shines.
