<:~ Rhapsidiom: October 2006 ~:>

Monday, October 30, 2006

That's One BOM Reading.

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

I've been enjoying a mental Mormon discussion over here about the new movie featuring Borat.

Monday, October 16, 2006

BoM Toons

It's not the cartoons that I find so intriguing. (Rather they seem like knock-off wannabes of this old classic). But the games have a certain flair all their own. I'm particularly fond of DONKEY BOM.

And it is *certainly* the kind of thing I'd like to see more of.

Word on the Street

Thus churns the rumor mill:

The Mormon makers of a film have submitted it to Sundance. (How's that for unspecific.) If and when it is accepted, I will be more specific. Fingers crossed!
The think tank behind Think Tank have returned from a feature film shoot in Mexico. I know nothing more about this. Anyone?
A very close friend of mine has also submitted two short films to Slamdance and Sundance. I only mention this one because I believe in his potential. Again, I will be more specific "if and when."

Rumors make the mill go round.

Update 11/13: #2 confirmed. Shot in parts of Mexico and a U.S. state (I think it was Arizona, though my memory is sketchy.) Could report more, but I'll wait til I see it surfacing elsewhere.

Saturday, October 14, 2006

Not Just Any Hot Fuss

After all my hot fuss about The Killers' new album, it's almost...uh...humiliating (?) that I'm doing a 180. Turns out I now recognize and think this new album is huge. It *does* have that certain je ne sais quoi that I so thought it didn't. Strangely, I think it largely has to do with his struggles as a Mormon, to come to terms with what is right and what he wants as a rock star, and how this is communicated through his music. I just read an interview that told so much about his character, which I thought was very, *very* interesting.

I have a lot of sympathy for him, despite his difficulties:

'With any religion there are do's and don'ts,' says Flowers. 'A lot of people think polygamy is involved and it's not. [Or that] you can't drink Coke - that we think we're gonna go to hell if we drink Pepsi. You're not supposed to drink alcohol.'

But you do.

Flowers grins. 'I try not to.'

Anyway, about that 180—I can't place my finger on it entirely, but I could tie it to another trend that I keep meaning to blog on: a return to what we've lost, as expressed through the Western. (That's simplistic; maybe someday I'll get around to explaining what I mean.)

Update 10/18: The video. (Be warned though: there is some sensuality midway through.) Also, another here.

Monday, October 09, 2006

For Your Consideration

A very, very special thanks to Tiny Pineapple for delivering this trailer in such a timely fashion! And the winner is...

Ricky Gervais? AWESOME!

...

Uh...compare, if you will...

the depth...
the wonder...and, actually,
the horror...

Which latter film, thankfully, two major movie theater chains have refused to screen, and (even) Senator Hillary Clinton has denounced:

I think it's despicable...I think it's absolutely outrageous. That anyone would even attempt to profit on such a horrible scenario makes me sick.

Sunday, October 08, 2006

Hot and Cold Tater Tots

I thought this was interesting.

Saturday, October 07, 2006

An American in London

I've been trying for a while to figure out what "Piccadilly" refers to in the forthcoming Mormon-made Piccadilly Cowboy. From the start I suspected the title had to do with the crossroads of an American in England, which was correct—after a little hunting-gathering tonight I found the answer here and here.

From the start, I had a sense this particular move was a smart move for a Mormon filmmaker. Actually, there are two things going on I think are smart. First of all, this one doesn't breathe down the throat like so many Mormon-themed films. It doesn't appear to even be advertized as a Mormon-themed film, somewhat like Saints and Soldiers. In fact, the official website makes no mention (that I can find) of anything Mormon related about the film. Of course, it's Mormon-ness has been written about. But, as reviewed:

I also very much appreciated not having my own religion crammed down my throat for two hours.

Second, I'm so glad to see films made outside of the whole Utah context. I keep waiting for the film made by Mormons who are not United States natives. Like the French or Norwegian Mormon filmmaker. (I want my Mormon Jean de Florette.) In any case, this thing feels like a close runner up to that idea. It gives it another dimension.

Piccadilly is adapted from Bible story of Leah, Rachel, and Jacob—the man who waited 14 years for his love. Saith the Deseret News:

This "light-hearted romance" tells the story of an LDS cowboy from Montana who goes to work in London and decides to marry an English girl. But he's told by the girl's grandfather that he must first find a husband for the girl's older sister. Adventures ensue. If that sounds a little like the story of Rachel and Leah in the Bible, "that was my inspiration," said [Director Tyler] Ford. "I've always been intrigued with that story."

Lead actor Jaelan Petrie (pictured above and below), who plays the cowboy character Carson Wells, may have his

first well-received role, though he's had roles in other annoying Mormon-themed films, including Handcart, which was notoriously panned by critics in the rush to make Mormon-themed films after Richard Dutcher's breakout with God's Army.

In any case, the official website has some catchy, fun music, and the photos and layout are pleasing enough for something of this caliber. A large version of the trailer can also be seen here.

As a side note, a good friend of mine once worked with Petrie for a short video which never saw completion, but, in my eyes, showed the visual potential of this actor. For your viewing pleasure, I've included some frames from that shoot. Hopefully my friend won't get upset that I posted them here!

Thursday, October 05, 2006

Brief Review of "Sam's Town"

I've listened to the whole album now, and I have to admit, I'm disappointed. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it doesn't have that same je ne sais quoi (probably why I can't place my finger on it) found in their previous work. They went from cool new indie rock to Led Zep wannabees. (Some have also compared this "sophomore" album to Bruce Springsteen.)

They had something honest to their music that seems lost on this album. This one just feels like it was over produced. Or maybe it's their true colors shining through? It's too esoteric, lacking in substance and form. Believe it or not, before now, I was thinking maybe, just maybe, these guys were the next huge thing. Now I'm left wondering a little.

I think they might bounce back. And there is one song that saves the album: the bouncy "Uncle Jonny." It's a bit raw, but it condescends. And for those of you who just can't see eye to eye, there is certainly a different point of view abroad. But one song is just not enough.

To sum it up, it's a Rolling Stone cry:

Why, Killers? Why?

Update 10/9: Okay, I have to admit it, I'm changing my tune. The album is growing on me. That and I talked with a friend who went to their LA concert last night. It sounded pretty racuously stellar.

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