Constantly Seeking Inspiration

FEAST ON THIS: "Lovely Bones"

I am so excited to see Academy Award Winning Director and  also of LOTR fame Peter Jackson's adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel, "Lovely Bones". I can only imagine Jackson's ethereal take on the "outside realm" scenes.

I have seen the trailer for "Lovely Bones" each time I have visited the movies. It first caught my eye when I went to watch "District 9" [another great movie,  produced by Peter Jackson].

I haven't read the book, but am going for it now; since the release date is December 11th. I think I have an good amount of time.

I am impressed by the music choice. What an ideal choice to infuse Elizabeth Fraser's angelic cords. I used to listen to "Alice" by Cocteau Twins years ago and I always thought this would be appropriate in a deeper film, other than 1996's "Stealing Beauty".

[VIDEO]

"Based on the critically acclaimed best-selling novel by Alice Sebold, and directed by Oscar® winner Peter Jackson from a screenplay by Jackson & Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens, “The Lovely Bones” centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family – and her killer – from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal. Oscar® nominee Mark Wahlberg and Oscar® winners Rachel Weisz and Susan Sarandon star along with Stanley Tucci, Michael Imperioli and Oscar® nominee Saoirse Ronan." (apple.com movie trailers)

Dialogue: American Beauty (1999)

RICKY FITTS

It was one of those days when it's a minute away from snowing and there's this electricity in the air, you can almost hear it. And this bag was, like, dancing with me. Like a little kid begging me to play with it. For fifteen minutes. And that's the day I realized there was this entire life behind things, and... this incredibly benevolent force, that wanted me to know there was no reason to be afraid, ever. Video's a poor excuse, I know. But it helps me remember... and I need to remember... Sometimes there's so much beauty in the world I feel like I can't take it, like my heart's going to cave in.

Scene: Video

Hard to imagine this movie was released almost 10 years ago.

Video: The Passenger

What don't you love about this video? Celluloid greats set to Iggy Pop. Check it out HERE. (the full list of movies are listed in the information.)

Love it.

Dialogue

HERMAN BLUME
What's the secret, Max?

MAX FISCHER
The secret?

HERMAN BLUME
Yeah, you seem to have it pretty figured out.

MAX FISCHER

The secret, I don't know... I guess you've just gotta find something you love to do and then... do it for the rest of your life. For me, it's going to Rushmore.

for scene video click HERE.

Wordy: Taking Risks

"So what if my telephone is turned off again at home? Or my electricity is shut off?  Or my credit cards canceled? If you don't bet, you don't have a chance to win. It's so silly in life not to pursue the highest possible thing you can imagine, even if you run the risk of losing it all, because if you don't pursue it you've lost it anyway. You can't be an artist and be safe."
Francis Ford Coppola

Video: Where Will Life Take You?

French Director Bruno Aveillan incorporated a spiritual approach to living the "good" life. I fancy the concept of this ad campaign. It's rather clever how they end up placing the brand right at the end seamlessly. Strange how advertisers are tying in inspiration, hope with high-end luxury goods. What does that say about our Country? Are we searching for enlightenment? Are we embracing the "do well-give more-pay forward"  philosophy? Life is indeed a journey.

Watch HERE.

New York Times: LV is Embracing the Medium of the Masses

Mumbai Travel Notebook

Freebie courtesy of Michael Moore

Michael Moore's 'Slacker Uprising' Is an Election Year Freebie. (New York Times)

Download HERE.

“Our mission here at Brave New Films is to get out a message of social justice,” said Greenwald. “This year , that means getting people to take a close look at what’s at stake in this incredibly important election. You can find literally no better storyteller in the world for that purpose than Michael Moore. Michael is a genius and an inspiration to people all over the country. This new movie is a gift to our country in this critical moment, and we’re honored to be distributing it for free over the internet.” (Robert Greenwald, Brave New Films)

http://slackeruprising.com/

Philanthropist Paul Newman Passes on at 83

Philanthropist and Hollywood Legend Paul Newman passes on at 83 from Cancer. Newman was widely known for his long career in Tinseltown, his 50 year marriage to actress Joanne Woodward, his brand of salad dressings and most importantly his charity.

Newman had a soft spot for underdogs in real life, giving tens of millions to charities through his food company and setting up camps for severely ill children. Passionately opposed to the Vietnam War, and in favor of civil rights, he was so famously liberal that he ended up on President Nixon's "enemies list," one of the actor's proudest achievements, he liked to say. NPR

Slate article sums up his life adequately: "He used his fame to give away his fortune."

He was undoubtedly the early Hollywood do-gooder. His marriage of 50 years to costar Joanne Woodward was regarded as success and an example for many A-list celebrities.

The 1961 movie, "Paris Blues" directed by Martin Ritt captured the love of these two beautifully. "A Love So Spectacular, So Personally Exciting, You Feel It Happening To You!"  Watch it HERE.

[Photo: Los Angeles Times]

Headlines:
Paul Newman, 1925-2008 [Los Angeles Times]
Remembering Paul Newman [The Slate]
Actor, Philanthropist dies at 83 [NPR]
Movie Legend Paul Newman dies at 83 [BBC]
He is one of the Giants [Chicago Tribune]
Actor Paul Newman dead at 83 [The Daily News]
Film Star Paul Newman dead at 83 [Reuters]

Film: "Brick Lane"

British Writer Monica Ali's 2003 novel, "Brick Lane" has been adapted into a Movie by Sony Pictures Classic. It's release date is June 20, 2008 in the US. "Brick Lane" the film is directed by Sarah Gavron.

For those unfamiliar with the story; here is a snippet from the Yahoo Movie database.

The story of a beautiful young Bangladeshi woman, Nazneen, who arrives in 1980s London, leaving behind her beloved sister and home, for an arranged marriage and a new life. Trapped within the four walls of her flat in East London, and in a loveless marriage with the middle aged Chanu, she fears her soul is quietly dying. Her sister Hasina, meanwhile, continues to live a carefree life back in Bangladesh, stumbling from one adventure to the next. Nazneen struggles to accept her own lifestyle, and keeps her head down in spite of life's blows, but she soon discovers that life cannot be avoided--and is forced to confront it the day that the hotheaded young Karim comes knocking at her door.

You can find the movie trailer at the Sony Pictures Classics website HERE.

I am looking forward to it.

On Rebirth from "Love in the Time of Cholera"

He allowed himself to be swayed by his conviction that human beings are not born once and for all on the day their mothers give birth to them, but that life obliges them over and over again to give birth to themselves.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez Love in the Time of Cholera

Gabriel Gárcia Márquez: Columbian novelist and short-story writer. Márquez was born on March 6, 1928. He won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1982.

Gabriel Garcia Marquez'  novel, "Love in the Time of Cholera", has been produced into a beautiful film. The release date is November 16th. It stars Academy-award nominated Javier Bardem [I LOVE HIM!], Giovanna Mezzogiorno, John Leguizamo  and Benjamin Bratt.

If you haven't read the book, you have a few weeks to catch up. Trust me, it won't be hard to finish. Marquez's words are silky and comforting. His novels are easy to get lost in.

Here is a link to the movie: Love in the Time of Cholera

Across the Universe

Lovers in the ’60s Take a Magical Mystery Tour By STEPHEN HOLDEN Published: September 14, 2007

From its first moments, when a solitary dreamer on a beach turns to the camera and sings, unaccompanied, the opening lines of the Beatles’ song “Girl,” Julie Taymor’s ’60s musical fantasia, “Across the Universe,” reveals its intention to use the Beatles’ catalog to tell two stories at once, one personal, the other generational. That young man, Jude (Jim Sturgess), is a cheeky Liverpool dockworker with a twinkle in his eye. He quickly emerges as a winsome vocal composite of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, with a personality to match.

From here the movie only gets better. Somewhere around its midpoint, “Across the Universe” captured my heart, and I realized that falling in love with a movie is like falling in love with another person. Imperfections, however glaring, become endearing quirks once you’ve tumbled. That surrender is the kind of commitment that Ms. Taymor, a true believer in the magic of art, asks of an audience. And as the movie intensifies, and she brings in a fantastic array of puppets, masks and synergistic effects, you may find yourself in a heightened emotional state, even as you realize that what you’re seeing is unadulterated white, middle-class baby boomer nostalgia.

This risky hybrid of long-form music video and movie musical with clearly drawn characters tells the story of Jude’s star-crossed love affair with Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), a girl from upper-crust East Coast suburbia. It follows the couple as they are swept up and come apart in the evolving counterculture of left-wing politics, sex, drugs and rock ’n’ roll.

Fall movies to fall in love with

This Fall is freaking amazing. We have "Kiterunner" and "Darjeeling Limited" to warm our soul, but here is one to lift your soul in symphony. Director Julie Taymor's musical, "Across the Universe" is a visual and audio feast. Truly all you need is love. I am sooooooo going to check this one out! Peace lovers this blog is dedicated to you :)

Movie Trailer: Here
IMDB: here

Check out the article by Stephen Holden next entry.

Wes Anderson's New Movie: "Darjeeling Limited"

Oh my! I am way too excited to see his newest movie. The Houstonian Director just nails the points on the super swanky spectrum. Soundtrack should be stellar. It features old Bollywood songs and scores from classic Indian movies.
"Darjeeling Limited" has all my favorites, Schwarztman, Brody, Wilson, and Murray! Oh and there is a Pakistani American Actor named Irfan Khan in it. Should be interesting! I would so love to work with Wes one day :)

Check out the film's site on Fox Searchlight: "Darjeeling Limited"

IMDB for "Darjeeling Limited"

Check out Wes on Wicki and IMDB if you are not in the know.

Check out Trailer here:

The official Kite Runner theatrical trailer

The National Best Seller by Afghan-American author Khaled Hosseini, "The Kite Runner" is now a movie. The movie is directed by Marc Forster and is set to release this November.

For more information and production stills, visit here.
To sign up for advance screening tickets,visit here.

here is the link to the trailer: CLICK HERE

His blood smells like cologne

I don't know exactly what this says about me. I find the Dos Equis Man quite intriguing. He's like the latin Charles Heston. He's got a great tan and I love the way he says, "Stay Thirsty my friend." It's a great ad. Something very alluring about his persona. I don't drink, but love the concept behind the ad. I think he goes into that sexy over 60 category . Sure, I go for that. In 20 years or so Brad Pitt, Benecio del Toro and Johnny Depp will be there. Christopher Walken, not sexy, but swanky and Uber Cool. Sean Connery, easy on the eyes. Clint Eastwood, I said it, I love Clint, like 10 years ago. Who else is sexy over 60? Please say no to Priceline Blabber mouth Shatner. Cannot stand Shatner. ugh.

Original Movie Trailer: Truman Capote's "Breakfast at Tiffany's"

I don't know what I love more about this film, the fashion or the symbolism. If you haven't seen this movie, then you are missing out one of the best socialite depictions of the 1960's. Great dialogue and wonderful acting by Audrey Hepburn who basically IS Holly Golightly.

Movie Trivia:

When Paul gets Doc Golightly to follow him down to the park so he can find out who he is, what is bought at the concession stand?

Answer:
after the jump...see below.

Movie: North by Northwest

One of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock Films. Love Cary Grant. Check out the trailer with a special introduction from Hitchcock himself.

Like Doves

"Great ideas, it has been said, come into this world as gently as doves. Perhaps then, if we listen attentively, we shall hear amid the uproar of empires and nations, a faint flutter of wings, a gentle stirring of life and hope. Some will say that this hope lies in a nation; others say in a man. I believe rather that it is awakened, revived, nourished by millions of solitary individuals whose deeds and works every day negate frontiers and the crudest implications of history. As a result, there shines forth fleetingly the ever-threatened truth that each and every man, on the foundation of his own sufferings and joys, builds for all."

Albert Camus "The Artist and His Time"

Check this documentary out: "Iraq for Sale"

truth in film: V for Vendetta

You are but a single individual.
                    How can you possible make any
                    difference?  Individuals have no
                    power in this modern world.
                    That is what you've been taught
                    because that is what they need you
                    to believe.  But it is not true.

V
                    But the world, the world is not
                    saved... Do not think that, when
                    the fires die and the smoke clears,
                    there is no miracle... there is
                    only a path... upon which they must
                    learn to rule themselves.

Evey:
Since mankind's dawn a handful of
                    oppressors have accepted the
                    responsibility over our lives,
                    responsibility that we should have
                    accepted ourselves.  By doing so,
                    they took our power.  By doing
                    nothing, we gave it away.

Reel news: AFI Dallas

  Dallas is not all big hair, big portions, and McMansions. Fortunately for myself and other indie transplants, Dallas has a thriving film scene. With a proactive Women in Film Chapter, a productive film commission, SMU Film School, and art lovers, it is hosting it's first Internationational Film Festival, courtesy of the American Film Institute.

The AFI film festival starts March 22 through April 1st. The Film festival line-up can be found online with other ticket information on the AFI Dallas website:  AFI DALLAS.

Veronique Peck will be in attendance for the the opening night ceremony to recieve the Star award for her husband, Gregory Peck. Peck was famous for his perfomances, "To Kill a Mockingbird", and my personal favorite, "Roman Holiday".

I scanned through the downloadable film festival guide, and it has a promising line up of docs and short films from indie and student filmmakers. It's definitely worth checking out. If you are in Dallas, or in the Dallas vicinity, you have 10 days to attend. Since it's the innaugral year, it would be a nice tradition to start. You can pick up your film guide [print] at any blockbuster movie location.

Also, some key celebs to be visting, if you are celeb junkie. Father of "Lost Highway" and "Blue Velvet", David Lynch will be gracing the Big D. Otherwise, the docs and shorts are what i am interested in, and of course the workshops. You don't have to be a film student to attend a workshop or conference.

2 panels i am looking forward to:

Saturday March 24, 2:00

Do We Need to Re-educate Today's Documentary Filmmakers?
Hosted by Michael Speier, Daily Variety

What exactly are we “documenting” in documentaries today? How have the inspiration, challenges, and goals of making a documentary changed in the post-reality entertainment world? Has the audience for docs changed?

Saturday March 31, 2:00 pm

What’s the Female Point?
Hosted by Missy Schwartz, Entertainment Weekly

A look at getting films made and getting stories told from the female perspective. How have the hurdles and challenges changed recently (if at all)? Is the ultimate goal to tell a truthful story from a female perspective or simply to tell a good story, regardless of the perspective?

10 days of real films.

"Spanning 10 days and nights, its more than 200 screenings will make it one of the largest
film festivals in the Southwest. The comprehensive programming will include the very
best of contemporary international features, documentaries and short films. The festival
will be punctuated with red-carpet galas, receptions and special screenings accessible
through family-friendly outdoor viewings. In record time the AFI Dallas International
Film Festival has raised $3.5 million in cash and in-kind gifts from sponsors and Dallas
philanthropists." {from the press release}

i am so there.

delays on the jukebox. viva agora

It’s not the same without the usual suspects.
It is the same somehow for me.
I spent so much time here in the solitude, if you don’t consider my pen and notebook my constant companion.
Many firsts and lasts here.
Meetings and Partings.
Outbursts and outrageous talks.

All in all a place I retreated to and sought refuge from the complexities and chaos of my single and hopeful years. Inhaling nostalgia.

Kissing the rim of my dark roast to go.
No pen and paper today.
For the Mermaid finally gave into technology and got connected at Agora.
The best granitas, Brasil a close second.

Old museum gallery turned Greek coffee shop, turn safe haven for a writer with larger than life dreams and goals.

Ah, how sweet it is, the taste of my dark roast, the taste of nostalgia.
The flavor of memories past.
The aroma of fresh ground brew
The crackling of cigs.   
The hissing of lighters.
The intellectuals philosophizing.
The punks catching a break.
The cyber junkies
The dejected and rejected bar flies.

All here tonight.
At Agora.

I have yet to find that place that nourishes the creative brainchild in Dallas.
I am not demanding an exact match, but a similar place that can inspire this unpublished author and undocumented documentarian.

No bucks of mine will be spent at star bucks.

on blogging....taken from SXSW 2006 Media Conference

I believe our longing for an innate harmony runs deeper than our longing for righteousness.

Evelyn Rodriguez, Crossroads Dispatches, 04-12-2006

I am a first generation immigrant and a woman, but I don't really write about that because I feel like I'm a human being. There are universal human experiences. When you don't put your picture online, they can see your soul before they have preconceived notions.

Evelyn Rodriguez, We Got Naked, Now What, SXSW 2006

i have a folder of quotes on the web...from peace quote, writing quotes, jung, chomsky, shakespeare, sufi quotes to quotes on blogging...and then a whole collection of making it in the industry....i figure on days i am too busy to blog i will start sharing some quotes...why not share the knowledge right?
same thing with new websites...will be promoting new and interesting weblinks..stay tuned.

before you go and start your day or continue your day, what do you think consitutes as mixed media and media art?
think about it...and no researching on the internet....

came across an interesting topic on Metro lingua's blog:
on internet ghetto?

later all,
Mermaid

to my subscribers.

i have only 3 subscribers...and one of them is the H.
Thanks for Subscribing to me....:D

[i guess you lose popularity when u get married.]

top 10 topics to blog about in the next entries: [see how lazy i am]
1. i am sick. The H cooks and clean.
2. Human Rights Lit Class.
3. Dallas Peace Center and a dua [prayer] answered
4. what happens after you are married.
5. Babies.
6. Faith. Striving towards a deeper understanding and respect for your Deen [faith]
7. authenticity- living life BULL SHIT free.
8. Birthday
9. Anniversaries
10.glossary

yes luvvies.. i am really sick. so instead of blogging i will post a picture and share a excerpt from, "Course in Miracles". this will show you how i feel. {photo by f.rafique: addison park}

Thoughts:
You may believe that you are responsible for what you do,
but not for what you think.
The truth is that you are responsible for what you think,
because it is only at this level that
you can exercise choice.

What you do comes from what you think.

reading material

i haven't really dealt with my aunt's passing. in fact i 86-ed my plans to Houston bc i didn't want to go without the H. it's been more than a week. it's like i am in denial. but i guess i am not if i am blogging. maybe this time around death has just become all too real for me. or maybe there is another factor that is keeping me away. maybe that factor has too much strength over me. lets face it, i am not a kid....just kid like.

i won't deal with it today either. why? if i can prolong, put off, and cast aside my reality for a few more weeks i think i will be able to deal. we will see in a few weeks.

feelings i have kept to myself this week: disturbed, worried, and sad.
Disturbed: finished book, "The Dancing Girls of Lahore" a true account of prostitution in current day Heera Mandi. A vivid look at children born into brothels and sold to rich Royals over seas or abused by the rich and affluent socialites in Lahore. disturbed. i thought this didn't exist in good ol pk...but it does, and we just don't do anything to help these women/children [kind and often vilified women], sisters, get out of the system. disturbed. [promise a better book review in near future]

Worried: i concur w. brother omer's sentiment on my Amy Goodman post. i pay taxes, i was born in this country, and i feel like an outsider. as much as i love my American ideologies, i love my faith, and i love the fact that i was born into a democratic system where i can practice my faith freely, yet i feel in this current time-this period of dehumanizing and demonizing --that i cannot be seen as an American..its unfortunate that some disillusioned terrorists have misrepresented my faith. its unfortunate that the media sets the history of the reporting to reflect a blind and dangerous agenda, its unfortunate that everyday--you get stereotyped, labeled, and scorned at.
i thought i had enough labels that were set to challenge my will. Woman, Artist, Woman Artist, Woman Muslim, Muslim American, peace loving hippie. its only this country can i really identify myself bc i choose too. yesterday i bought, "Enemy Combatant: My Imprisonment at Guantanamo, bagram, and kandahar" by Moazzam Begg.  its terrifying. i rather not copy and paste tidbit of the book on my blog...but please read it or at least read up on it. Its knowledge.

Sad: my reality is not just my little box of life that consists of the H, the in-laws, the parents, the siblings, and the friends. If that was all that was real to me then i wouldn't be so sad. Using the word Sad may cause you to believe i am depressed. contrary.
Sad because i feel like i have much to do in terms of helping. i honestly thought about getting into child advocacy. i spent 2 1/2 solid years of my life doing relief and advocacy for new refugee families, primarily Bosnian, Kosavar and Afghani refugees. Along with assisting in efforts with Chechnya, Turkey and Somalia..let me tell you, those years were the  MOST rewarding years of my youth. I felt whole. Like I was in some way alleviating some form of suffering or disability at a grassroots level. the friends i made during that period of my life were beautiful too. It has been over 3 years since I have done that kind of work. Last year I helped out with the Katrina evacuees, but that was a few weekends. i remember when i saw the footage from the camps in kosova the first time with my uncle, it was at that MOMENT i realized i was going to make documentaries, make films, show people what is happening right now, and a shift here and there, it could be us, our children, our country..and then life took its own turns...and i shifted.
sad...bc i wish i could start doing that again, but enlisting more volunteers, putting that passion into ppls hearts, making the world more compassionate, more nurturing. i am that woman who will help that old lady in the frozen section. and i want your help......

but out of these raw feelings...comes a will. an honest to goodness intention. perhaps i shifted, my path turned a few times, and i put things on hold..i am ready again. i am eager to get going. Allah willing. its funny the H, really thought i was this tough bitchy chic when he first met me...and soon after a week into our meeting  he realized that i am not SO much [to his shock!]..but the exterior got tough in the past 3 years...life was very interesting for me...and at the gate of 29..i feel like i have entered into  another phase of new beginnings...perhaps thats what was needed to materialize, in order for me to have writing material. Allah knows.

Mermaid.

Coppolla again!

Kirsten dunst: marie antoinette 

movie trailer

Namesake Trailer