What we did in LA

I've had a request from a friend who is travelling to ensure I am providing her with a synopsis of what I did during my crazy X Files week in Los Angeles, and what I'm up to now. Then I realized I really hadn't provided any pictures, except for what I uploaded to Big Light. 

So, here we go. 

                  

                   

I have a few of these pictures of Mt. St. Helens, taken from the plane. This isn't the first time I've seen this as I've flown over, but it never fails to make me pause and consider the day the mountain erupted. The second picture reminds me of an alien landscape.

Fitting, considering the trip, I thought. 

 

In the movie we have the 'wrong house.' In real life we have 'the wrong way.' I misread the sign (always wear glasses when reading directions, children. It helps if you caIn the movie we have the 'wrong house.' In real life we have 'the wrong way.' I misread the sign (always wear glasses when reading directions, children. It helps if you can see), and we ended up all the way at the wrong end of the metro line. 

Which made us very late for the Leno show. 

Very late. 

*sends kisses to Susie* who found us and allowed us to join the group we had hoped to meet up with. X Files stuff is so much more fun when shared with those who have the same passions. 

And so ends day one. 

Well, except for the ride back into Hollywood, supper, and all that stuff. 

And sleeping. We were both very tired at the end of the day.

Ciao.

It just keeps getting better

The film that is.

Each time I see it I am stuck anew at the beauty of the visual imagery, the crisp dialogue, and the fact that suspense is delivered via both of these as opposed to FX or computer generated images. Enhanced by Mark Snow's soundtrack, which plays like a support in the best way possible. It is story telling in the very best way possible, something the X Files television show was known for. 

With a little more illumination this time. In spots. 

Okay, that was my attempt at humour and the whole flashlight thing from the series. 

I can't fathom 30 or 106 million dollars, 106 being the average cost of a Hollywood flick these days, and 30 the number I Want to Believe was made for. Give or take a few thousand here or there. 

I am by no means any sort of an expert in any of this, I'm in education, a far cry from the world of tinsel town. There is one thing, though, I think holds true for many endeavors; it is often not how much money you have, it's how you use what you have available. Having less can lead to some incredible creativity.

Which is why kids will often toss the toy and play with the box. 

They get it. We adults often think it's the amount we have that determines the quality of a product. 

Not so. 

Ask any kid with a box. 

Ciao

Movie Reviews

I've avoided most of them, though I've heard the rumblings. I think the best review ever came from John Kenneth Muir, linked here. 

His is a far more eloquent summation than mine would be, but let me say, I concur wholeheartedly. 

I couldn't help but respond to his well thought out treatment of the film, and offer a few of my own thoughts on this here.

The central theme of redemption resonates in many of our hearts, making some uncomfortable enough to dismiss the entire film rather than deal with what is brought to the surface. It has always been easier to point fingers outward than deal with what is in our own hearts. Father Joe symbolizes the heart of the redemption story central to many faiths, and highlights our own state. A central theme that states: if we cannot forgive others, than we ourselves are not forgiven. This reality would not have been lost on the character of Scully, brought up in the Catholic faith. 

The following passage may be familiar, it begins with Peter (I love Peter) wondering how many times he should forgive someone, and he generously, or so he believes he is being generous, offers the number seven.

'Up to seven? "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven."'

A brief explanation here. Peter thought he was being generous offering to forgive seven times in his lifetime. Jesus' response, seventy times seven, refers to a daily allotment. In other words, as many times as is needed. 

Which brings us back to Father Joe, wondering if his God can look past his transgressions, his crimes. I'd like to think the answer to that is yes, God is way bigger than we are. But practically, do we practice what we believe?

I believe that is part of Scully's struggle, the head knowledge of what she was taught as a child (I've been through those Catechism classes, so I know, it's in there), and the practical knowledge as a professional in the field regarding how damaged those young boys would be, and the struggle with wanting to (perhaps) inflict further punishment, deeming the past and current situation as not being enough. 

I wonder about her own feelings of being forgiven, or not, as it pertains to William. She is not that much different than Father Joe, in some respects, doing penance in their own way: hers in a hospital seeing the face of her son daily in the other children, Father Joe in seeing his sins reflected back each time he passes a fellow offender on the way in or out. 

Yes, the movie is much deeper than many had expected, as Muir states. If I could be so bold to share this line from his review: 

"Based on the savage reviews proliferating on the web and in print, audiences and critics apparently desired a Wrath of Khan, when what they actually get is...The Search for Spock."

I never intended to get too serious, this is after all, a somewhat frivolous fan blog. 

And so, this is where I shall end. 

Ciao

What next?

I've still got things spread across my floor. I think I'm reluctant to put them away because it will signal the end of something I planned and obsessed about for close to a year. 

That and I'm notoriously house work phobic. 

Okay, not really. But it's been such an up up up kind of year I think I'm experiencing a bit of the doldrums right now. I wanted to draw your attention to this site: 

The Fox Files2 Blogspot 

There are some awesome videos linked on the site and I'd like to thank my dear friend Belle for providing the link. 

I am still sorting through photos, and am dismayed to discover my skills with a digital camera are somewhat lacking. Makes me wish I'd lugged the old Nikon F3 down with me. Ah well, there are images tucked away in my Hippocampus ready to be pulled out and lovingly recalled in all their glory. 

Is it too soon to start the campaign for an XF 3?

This was what went up causing much squealing and yelling at 9:00 am, the morning of the Premiere. 

Four and counting

Four times to see the film, that is. And new things come to light each and every time. After a very quiet viewing in my own town the other night (I think lighting a fire under some of these people might have been the only means to a reaction), I went with Mya. 

Let me tell you, it's much more fun having someone who gets as excited as you seeing [John] Shiban's name on Mulder's cell phone. 

Even if we did 'bonk' heads. 

This time I saw Frankie, and some things make more sense to me now. I want all of you dog/cat/pet owners to go hug your animals. 

Right now. 

Phil had mentioned feeling deflated or down after the big build up. Yes. She is spot on. After getting up anywhere from 4:00 am to 6:00 am, I am sleeping in. 

I haven't slept in past 7:00 in years. The weather does not help. I am a creature of sun, and we've had a return of the liquid sunshine. 

Ugh! Sometimes I wonder why I chose to live in a rain forest. 

Not even the exotic kind! Unless you count Stellar Jays and Bears as exotic. Actually, it really is beautiful, I just prefer to see it dry and in the light of the bright sunshine. 

But, I digress. 

The film. 

I will forever have Kim Manner's words/voice in my head during the last scene. And it will always make me chuckle. Don't worry -- this blog is SPOILER FREE -- so no details will be shared. 

I am dying to pick up Dori Carter's book now that I've read the editorial reviews. She also has a novel called 'We Are Rich' on pre-order that looks equally enticing. I'm going to have to pick these up before I'm immersed in course work once again. You know, people my age are retiring, not doing new degrees, aren't they? 

So, for those of you who have been waiting to see the film..... what are you waiting for? And for those who've already been, go again! It gets better each time, and I guarantee you will notice thing you hadn't before!

Some questions I have about the film so far: 

• The significance of the art work - who's is it? (and the names of the pieces.) 
  
• Which book of the bible is displayed on Father Joe's dresser?
  
• I want to freeze frame several spots so I can read the names/titles of the articles/papers on the boards.
  
• And which casino did Cassandra's Casino Bus end up at? (lol - that note made me laugh - loudly)
  
• Did Larry like his two seconds of fame? He moved awfully fast. 

And just one more comment showing time has passed for our two agents. Mulder now opts for more coverage; red board shorts in lieu of a red Speedo, even as Scully trades in her usual severe suits for a lovely bikini. 

Gotta love it. 

And Hawaii - scene of the next film rather than one teensy cut? Now that would be a enticing fan trip to search out locations. 

ciao

Honey, I'm home....

What a strange (yet wonderful), feeling it is to wake up one morning in one country, and end the day in another. The entire week seems almost dream like in many ways and I imagine it might be so for a number of other fans. 

How cool was it that fans were able to attend the premiere? I think, from the reactions around me, the fans brought an energy to the whole experience unusual for an occasion such as this. I have no idea if Fox executives were in that audience but I do hope, if they were, that they caught some of the excitement that has been generated by waiting six long years for this film to be made, and the deep appreciation the fan base has for the creators, actors and crew who were involved in bringing it to life. 

Ah, so what next you might be wondering?

Well, life does go on. My family is delighted I am home. (I told you they don't cook, right?)

My dog is finally able to sleep again, and he is the prime suspect in the case of the missing slipper. 

My slipper.

My wonderfully warm sheepskin slipper. 

Apparently he was pilfering anything belonging to me within reach, and the items were being found in odd places all around the house. 

Except my slipper. It is still missing. 

I am mostly unpacked. I hate unpacking. I got halfway done and left it in favour of a walk through the trails. 

As much as I loved LA, my knees and my lungs are thanking me. And it's great to be able to turn on the tap and drink the water. Not that the water in LA was bad; it just had an odd taste. We're a little spoiled  here in BC with our mountain fresh water. 

I've loads of catching up to do, starting with a hunt for an entertainment piece where you can, apparently, see a few of us. 

Ah, I think I'll be reliving this past week for several weeks to come. 

Ciao

WOW!

It has been an incredible few days here in LA. I was number ten. Tenth in line that is.

What line you say?

Why, the X Files Premiere line up. I was up at four am (seems to be a regular thing these days), and went for a run. Actually, I changed my route. I got dressed and decided to start my warm up down Hollywood Blvd.

So I could go past where they were going to be setting up and check out what was going on. There I found three sleepy gals who'd been there since midnight, and two others. After the lovely *E* said she'd hold my spot (there were a couple of spots already being held), I ran back to the hotel to change out of my gear.

No way was i going to be taking two hours to run when there was waiting in line to do.

And so we waited.

And waited.

There was singing. Laughing. Cheers when the X Line Starts Here sign went up. (pictures will come when i get home)

Cheers for the security guard who shook his head at us from time to time when he wandered over to check on things.

Lots of shameless promotion of the film when people stopped to ask what we were all doing in line.

It was an incredible experience to be amongst so many dedicated fans.

And the film?

Loved it. Hey - we can talk about it now! It was creepy, visually stunning, hopeful, smart ..... you get the picture.

Oh, and Mark Snow's music - INCREDIBLE. I can't wait to own it.

And the last little scene - too funny, but a lovely touch.

Someone pinch me, because it still feels like it was a dream!

Ciao


Random Stuff Section:

• The lack of recycling containers surprised me - I feel sinful throwing my plastic bottles in the trash.
• The number of big vehicles people seem to drive seems odd. I always thought LA,with their stricter gas emissions and push to save energy, was big on compact/gas conserving/alternate vehicles.
• MacDonalds has a sauce policy wherein one is limited in the number of sauce packets allowed per nuggets ordered. Saw the poster myself. Huh? A sauce policy? What is that about? And then there will be those of you who will be saying, 'What? You were in a Macdonalds? They have salads, you know.