Saturday, June 21, 2003
I never knew what to expect- just the usual preconceptions-
The tragedy, the Oscar, the "nose", Mrs. Dalloway...
But I certainly never expected to be moved to a point of reflection
so profound.
I was haunted by "The Hours".
I knew it was a movie I should see alone, I just didn't know why-
Maybe because I don't like to be seen weeping, or maybe it's far too personal to share-
The experience of watching this film I felt was pure indulgence,
allowing myself to feel things that have been just below the surface.
Although there are a few points I disagree upon in terms of point of view,
for instance I disagree that living in the suburbs is "avoiding life".
I believe life is not to be avoided- that any and all choices we make allow us the life we lead- be it to "avoid" or not.
The collection of actresses and actors, and their each and every role was astounding. Completely mesmerizing.
The costumes.
The scenery.
I have heard people say that Nicole Kidman didn't deserve the Oscar, that the other two actresses; Meryl Streep, and Julianne Moore's performances out shown Kidman's. I think they were possibly the best three performances ever. Ed Harris's role was also very strong- as well as the child actor that played him as a child.
Phillip Glass's music was so beautifully insistent.
But the speech Nicole Kidman's character "Virginia Woolf" delivers to her husband at the Richmond station bound for London, while making her "getaway" just took my breath away. For this, I say, Nicole- you have earned your prize...
I must go and see this movie again, I feel I've only tasted all the flavors, not savored.
It is far too rich a film to not experience again.
Kind of like trying to see all of Paris in one week's time.
A perfect way to bring in summer.
I will coach today.
I dislike using that word, really.
But a better word fails me .
I can't teach voice, it wasn’t taught to me.
I can only watch, listen, and make suggestions, and perhaps direct a small bit- but one's singing voice is a personal thing.
It takes years to hone it... to season and tune to all of life’s personal experiences, emotional, spiritual, and physical- plus having a bit of talent from God never did hurt much.
I heard once that gifts from God are compensations...
and are given to help a person make do with life's troubles.
I can't say.
My life has been guided by my gifts, but I think it has also been guided by others' gifts to me.
I wonder what Virginia thought of her "gift" as she filled her pockets with large stones...
She probably could never know how her books have affected people further down the road, how her life in all of its entirety was so important even if to her it was unbearable.
"Even crazy people like to be asked"...
We are all important players.
Amen.
Till next time... 'Mela
7:48 PM
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Photo: Michio Yves Ueda
