Posted on January 11, 2008 at 12:00 pm
At Ted Talks, J.J. Abrams spoke about his lifelong love of mystery because of its “infinite possibility and a sense of potential” and how that passion influences his creation of stories like Lost and the upcoming movie “Cloverfield.”
And here is the first trailer for “Cloverfield, ” a sublime example of a Mystery Box:
Posted on December 20, 2007 at 8:03 am
Posted on December 15, 2007 at 10:46 pm
John F. Kennedy once advised, “Never pick a fight with those who buy ink by the barrel.” He meant that you cannot win an argument with people who publish newspapers and have all the ink, paper, and readers to make their case. Today, that might be extended to caution those who pick fights with people who have access to YouTube. Dozens of videos have been uploaded, everything from footage of the picket lines (with guest appearances by supportive stars, who know better than anyone how important writers are) to advocacy pieces. One of the best has old-timer Irv Brecher, screenwriter of classics like Meet Me In St. Louis
The studios may find that viewers have some very appealing alternatives to watching reality shows (which are not covered by the strike) and reruns. A couple of good places to try:
Posted on November 16, 2007 at 9:58 pm
Filmmaker Jennifer Crandall has created a charming series of short autobiographical videos featuring everyday people talking about their lives, experiences, and lessons learned. Participants of all ages and backgrounds have spoken about friends, families, vocations and avocations. Participants have included a transplanted refugee from Katrina, a nun, a boy with Down Syndome and his mother, a waitress, a lawyer, a teenage girl, a transgendered woman, a man recovering from amnesia, an Islamic former beauty pagent contestant — each one is utterly captivating and transcendant.
This very brief interview with African immigrant Edward Fahbulleh is one of the best. I love its title: On Being Rich.
I love them all, but my all-time favorite is Jessica Tibbits. Each one is just a few moments, but each is unforgettable.
Posted on November 13, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Two hilarious You Tube hits put complaints to music.
Complaints Choirs started in Birmingham, England and are popping up all over the world. Here, the Helsinki Complaints Choir combines the universal and the very particular in a hilarious and harmonic tribute to the things that drive people crazy:
(Thanks to Salon’s Broadsheet for the tip.)
And Anita Renfroe became a media sensation with this tribute to mothers set to the tune of the “William Tell Overture” — any mom who has not said everything on this list deserves a whole day without a carpool:
