My friend Ally Mcbeal is waiting for me somewhere in the middle of season three, just before Billy dies but just as John Cage is getting really funny. John Cage is great. We've been hanging out for over ten years now yet we see still each other a lot. Not every day, but often intensely for a few weeks at a time.
I don't see my old friends Phoebe, Joey, Ross, Rachel, Chandler & Monica very often, I've kinda outgrown them - but I pop in to see them every now and again.
I still keep in regular contact with Frasier and Niles. How could I not? They're two of my closest friends. It's weird because I thought I'd have outgrown Dawson and Joey by now but I haven't, I still spend a lot of time with them. It's a bit like Ally Mcbeal, I won't see her for months and then I'll spend a lot of time with her.
Right now, I'm spending time with Ari Gold and Vinny Chase, occasionally visiting Victor Meldrew and I even saw Basil Fawlty recently. I haven't seen the Trotters in a good few years, maybe I should pay them a visit.
I long to see Sam Seaborn, Jed Bartlet and Josh Lyman, they're some of my closest friends. The problem is, when we hang out-- we hang out for hours and hours and hours for nights on end, they never let me sleep, and we talk about such big issues! Even though a part of me resists, I will definitely see them soon. I miss them.
The thing you all need to realise, is that all the people I've mentioned, are some of my very best friends. They have provided me with years of wisdom, companionship and laughs. And I am forever grateful - I would be a different person without them.
Thursday, 17 June 2010
Monday, 14 June 2010
'Benda Bilili!' Documentary, MUST-SEE!!!
I'm not sure where or when you're going to be able to see it, but if you EVER get the chance, then you really MUST. 'Benda Bilini' is one of the most inspiring documentaries I've ever seen. It's about a group of mostly disabled Congolese musicans who; in the midst of abject poverty, crime & corruption in the heart of the Congo; manage to keep going by being creative and following what they believe and know to be their destiny: that they will be known as the world's greatest disabled band.
The music is INCREDIBLE, the camaraderie of the band is INCREDIBLE, the strength and resolve of the Congolese is INCREDIBLE. These are guys who've spent most of their lives sleeping outdoors on cardboard boxes. They would spend their days in a center for disabled people and when that place got burned down, they carried on as normal, because it's part of life in the Congo. These musicians literally had NOTHING, except each other and their instruments-- instruments that were often broken, or custom-made/invented by themselves. With passion, hope, and some help from French filmmaker Renaud Barret and a record company, they went on to record their inspired music, and then take it on tour to Paris, and then this year--- around the World.
I cannot really explain what is great about this documentary and what it meant to me, I don't have the words; I can only recommend you see it. On the one hand, it makes you realize how difficult life in the Congo really is, it makes you realize just how privileged we are. But on the other hand, you realize, Staff Benda Bilini don't want our sympathy, they just want us to hear their music, to appreciate their remarkable talent, and we really should.
Below is a YouTube video of one of Benda Bilini's songs-- unfortunately, there's not a great deal of them on the net, at least; not with subtitles. You can appreciate their talent without knowing the lyrics, but seeing them adds something because you get to see the depth of what they're singing about. Luckily, all the songs in the documentary 'Benda Bilini!' are subtitled.
"My instrument is made from a tin can that held fish, and one single guitar string, and some wood. There's nothing else."
-Roger Landu
The music is INCREDIBLE, the camaraderie of the band is INCREDIBLE, the strength and resolve of the Congolese is INCREDIBLE. These are guys who've spent most of their lives sleeping outdoors on cardboard boxes. They would spend their days in a center for disabled people and when that place got burned down, they carried on as normal, because it's part of life in the Congo. These musicians literally had NOTHING, except each other and their instruments-- instruments that were often broken, or custom-made/invented by themselves. With passion, hope, and some help from French filmmaker Renaud Barret and a record company, they went on to record their inspired music, and then take it on tour to Paris, and then this year--- around the World.I cannot really explain what is great about this documentary and what it meant to me, I don't have the words; I can only recommend you see it. On the one hand, it makes you realize how difficult life in the Congo really is, it makes you realize just how privileged we are. But on the other hand, you realize, Staff Benda Bilini don't want our sympathy, they just want us to hear their music, to appreciate their remarkable talent, and we really should.
Below is a YouTube video of one of Benda Bilini's songs-- unfortunately, there's not a great deal of them on the net, at least; not with subtitles. You can appreciate their talent without knowing the lyrics, but seeing them adds something because you get to see the depth of what they're singing about. Luckily, all the songs in the documentary 'Benda Bilini!' are subtitled.
"My instrument is made from a tin can that held fish, and one single guitar string, and some wood. There's nothing else."-Roger Landu
Saturday, 12 June 2010
Film Career FAQ.
Last month, I wrote a list of questions (with some help from you guys) that keep popping up from friends/family/locals passing by/strangers/internet people/career advisors/teachers/pets/priests. All of these people, in fact nearly everyone you meet, happens to have many fascinating questions to ask about what we do for a living. It's very nice of them to show so much interest. Of course, as we're quite busy acting/directing/writing, etc-- we often don't find the time to work on the correct answers. I've put some answers together, that you can refer back to whenever you need.
So what do you do exactly?
I work hard every single day to follow my dreams, to develop myself to be the very best I can be. What do you do?
Are you sure you are what the industry is looking for?
No, that's what's so exciting about it! I have no idea!
Did you hear about that guy who made a film for $1 and got into Cannes? Have you thought of doing that?
I heard about it, that's amazing. There's also a guy who made a film for $50million and didn't get into Cannes, I'd like to do that as well!
Any progress with your films yet?
Every day I'm progressing, even on the days it's going horribly wrong! I had no idea you were interested in progress-- what can you teach me about it?
Are you famous yet?
I hope not!
Why are you still working here?
It's helping me support the career that I am so outrageously, crazily, obsessively in love with. Is that why you're still here too?
Do you want to hear my idea about a a Sci-Fi film about the devil and death and life and vampires and good versus evil where the devil plays chess and did you know my idea is totally amazing and original?
Sure! Write out a full treatment and email it to me, great.
Are you talented enough?
Definitely.
It's been a year already and you're not famous yet, shouldn't you consider a career change?
You're so good at these questions, maybe you could be a journalist!
Oh you're an actor? I know a girl who is an actor and she's only been able to get a Herpes commercial so far?
Cool. At least she didn't get Herpes.
You do know that hundreds of women try out for those parts, right?
Oh no, really!? I thought it was just me! Now I know those rejections aren't so personal!
Have you ever thought about making a film that people actually want to watch?
You mean, like a Transformers movie? I'll give it a go, if you want.
Have I seen you in anything?
I've been fortunate enough so far to do great work that hasn't been big, international stuff. I'm worried that one day I might be 'a star', then I'd have to deal with all the stuff that comes with it!
You know that EVERYONE wants to direct features, right?
Wow, I didn't know. But that's great! Maybe they'll start making much better films than we have at the moment.
Are you still trying to make films?
I like that you use the word trying. I always forget how much I try. What a great quality! Thank you for reminding me, that was really kind of you.
And how old are you again?
I'm [age]. And judging by your question, you're 96.
Why don't you get a real job?
Let me tell you a secret. This job is the greatest thing in the world. Whether it's real or not, I don't know. I mean, you seem to know. But even if it's not real, it's still the greatest in the world!
Are you rich yet?
I met five wonderful actors last week. I worked with a truly inspirational production designer the week before, and yesterday I spent the evening watching a life-altering play. So, yes, I am very rich, in many wonderful ways!!
[To an actor] So that means you make a living at lying, right?
Whatever my answer, how do you know I'm telling the truth?
So what do you do exactly?
I work hard every single day to follow my dreams, to develop myself to be the very best I can be. What do you do?
Are you sure you are what the industry is looking for?
No, that's what's so exciting about it! I have no idea!
Did you hear about that guy who made a film for $1 and got into Cannes? Have you thought of doing that?
I heard about it, that's amazing. There's also a guy who made a film for $50million and didn't get into Cannes, I'd like to do that as well!
Any progress with your films yet?
Every day I'm progressing, even on the days it's going horribly wrong! I had no idea you were interested in progress-- what can you teach me about it?
Are you famous yet?
I hope not!
Why are you still working here?
It's helping me support the career that I am so outrageously, crazily, obsessively in love with. Is that why you're still here too?
Do you want to hear my idea about a a Sci-Fi film about the devil and death and life and vampires and good versus evil where the devil plays chess and did you know my idea is totally amazing and original?
Sure! Write out a full treatment and email it to me, great.
Are you talented enough?
Definitely.
It's been a year already and you're not famous yet, shouldn't you consider a career change?
You're so good at these questions, maybe you could be a journalist!
Oh you're an actor? I know a girl who is an actor and she's only been able to get a Herpes commercial so far?
Cool. At least she didn't get Herpes.
You do know that hundreds of women try out for those parts, right?
Oh no, really!? I thought it was just me! Now I know those rejections aren't so personal!
Have you ever thought about making a film that people actually want to watch?
You mean, like a Transformers movie? I'll give it a go, if you want.
Have I seen you in anything?
I've been fortunate enough so far to do great work that hasn't been big, international stuff. I'm worried that one day I might be 'a star', then I'd have to deal with all the stuff that comes with it!
You know that EVERYONE wants to direct features, right?
Wow, I didn't know. But that's great! Maybe they'll start making much better films than we have at the moment.
Are you still trying to make films?
I like that you use the word trying. I always forget how much I try. What a great quality! Thank you for reminding me, that was really kind of you.
And how old are you again?
I'm [age]. And
Why don't you get a real job?
Are you rich yet?
[To an actor] So that means you make a living at lying, right?
Whatever my answer, how do you know I'm telling the truth?
Has anyone seen my DVD?
Dear Readers,
I woke up this morning with the sudden and unexplainable urge to watch the film 'CRASH' (Haggis, 2004). Unfortunately, as I look around my room - I am unable to locate the DVD. And I'm wondering -- have you seen it? Did I lend it to you? Did you steal it from me?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Disappointed,
Kid In The Front Row
I woke up this morning with the sudden and unexplainable urge to watch the film 'CRASH' (Haggis, 2004). Unfortunately, as I look around my room - I am unable to locate the DVD. And I'm wondering -- have you seen it? Did I lend it to you? Did you steal it from me?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Disappointed,
Kid In The Front Row
One Night Stand
I first saw 'One Night Stand' on the TV, late at night, probably around 1999. I remember taping it; and watching it again and again on VHS. This is a film that could always grab my attention and keep me engaged. Over the years, I've watched it many times. Weirdly, I've never owned it - but have rented it time after time, including this week. I would go as far as to say it's one of my favorite films.
Here's the fascinating thing - the film is generally disliked by all. And any who do like it would, at best, give it a 6.5 out of 10. But I think it's an incredible movie! It was generally misunderstood on release; if you watch the trailer, it makes it look like it's primarily about sex. The sex is a small part at the beginning of the movie - but it goes on to be about much more.
Robert Downey Jr, who plays a gay man dying of AIDS, gives one of his strongest performances, the type of subtle genius we're unlikely to see again in this, the age of Iron Sherlock Man Holmes. The scenes between him and his best friend, played by Wesley Snipes in the lead role; are painful to watch; they capture the truth of losing someone you love in a powerful way.
I notice now, being a lot older, that there is a lot more going on in the film than I had originally realised. It's that complexity that keeps me coming back again and again. I don't have a lot to say, really; just that I find it interesting how sometimes we can completely love a film that, so far as we can tell, nobody else really cares about. I recommend seeing it. I hope some of you can enjoy as much as I have.
Here's the fascinating thing - the film is generally disliked by all. And any who do like it would, at best, give it a 6.5 out of 10. But I think it's an incredible movie! It was generally misunderstood on release; if you watch the trailer, it makes it look like it's primarily about sex. The sex is a small part at the beginning of the movie - but it goes on to be about much more.
Robert Downey Jr, who plays a gay man dying of AIDS, gives one of his strongest performances, the type of subtle genius we're unlikely to see again in this, the age of Iron Sherlock Man Holmes. The scenes between him and his best friend, played by Wesley Snipes in the lead role; are painful to watch; they capture the truth of losing someone you love in a powerful way.
I notice now, being a lot older, that there is a lot more going on in the film than I had originally realised. It's that complexity that keeps me coming back again and again. I don't have a lot to say, really; just that I find it interesting how sometimes we can completely love a film that, so far as we can tell, nobody else really cares about. I recommend seeing it. I hope some of you can enjoy as much as I have.
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