Maybe Ferris Bueller was a jerk…

So I was inspired to write my own thoughts about this article written last Monday titled, “Movies That Changed”. In general the article talks about our ever changing perception of life around us and how it affects us. Specifically movies. It’s worth the read if you have the time.

Some films (not all) I once thought were awesome in my childhood aren’t so much anymore. But it’s not just child nostalgia or maturity… I think it’s my evolving perspective and values.

For example the article mentions the 80’s classic, Ferris Bueller’s Day off. I remember seeing this movie on cable back in ’86 or ’87  (I was eight) thinking Ferris is one of the coolest guys I’d ever seen and that if we were friends, I’d most likely be Cameron. What kid didn’t want to ditch school with his hot girlfriend and best bud, right? Ferris seemed (in general) calm, cool, and extremely clever. The movie’s success really spoke to the sensibilities of the 80’s child.

I saw this movie again on television about a month or so ago and saw everything in a completely different light. To quote Peter Howell, “I’m thinking maybe he really was an asshole. He shouldn’t have taken his friend’s dad’s Ferrari, you know?” Damn straight. Cameron needed to lighten up but he also needed to stand  up to Ferris who just manipulated every one.

Another film that come to mind is The Crow. Brandon Lee was killed during production and it really shook up Hollywood safety procedures and the Film Industry in general. This movie was perfect for my foray into teenage angst with my very first girlfriend. I remember thinking there’s nothing more poetic about love, life, death, and justice. I loved this movie… until we broke up. Lol.

 

Seeing it again in college, I remember thinking it was a great action movie that remained ironic in both it’s subject matter and its star’s tragic end. I watched it again a few years back and couldn’t help but laugh at how dated it is now. Then, I sighed realizing that was more than ten years ago…

My favorite Fellini film, LA Strada.

When I took my first film history class in Art School, I was exposed to great filmmakers like Bunuel, Fellini, Altman, Antonioni and more from the French New Wave to classic Americana like Ford, Houston, Demille. I can’t tell you how many of those films I slept through and had to go back and re-watch to do my weekend assignments. As a child, there was no way you’d get me to sit still to watch something in black and white, let alone with subtitles. (I know adults who are still this way, lol.) But something connected and inspired me to develop my skills as a filmmaker AND a film goer. These days I try to get over to the Art House cinemas whenever I can.

I’m not a film snob by any means. I think the Criterion Collection has some the most amazing films ever crafted in it’s collection and I can only learn my craft better from each and every one of them but I also think it’s fine to lose yourself in the Hobbit or go back to the multilayered camp of Flash Gordon.

I mean, in the end isn’t it all subjective anyway? What do you think?

I’d also like to say that our ever changing perspectives at varying stages of our lives is exactly why it’s a bad idea for a filmmaker to re-cut something they had already put out to the world (to great success) decades before…

And that’s all I have to say about that.

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We’re still going and we’ll have some news about our progress in making this film. It’s happening and you’re all invited to come along for the ride.

Thanks for reading.

My drug of choice.

addiction
Syllabification: ad·dic·tion Pronunciation: əˈdikSHən
NOUN. – the fact or condition of being addicted to a particular substance, thing, or activity

• Synonyms: devotion to, dedication to, obsession with, infatuation with, passion for, love of, mania for, enslavement to

-Oxford dictionaries.com

I love film. Television is great as well but watching a movie at home or in a theater is an experience that I’ve always enjoyed. Who doesn’t like a little escapism every once in a while?

Once I learned people can make a living making TV shows and movies I was obsessed with finding a way to get into the industry and contribute to the magic that storytelling is and will be as long as mankind exists.

My journey truly started in art school before moving on to film school and the more I learned, the more I became addicted and obsessed with telling stories through moving pictures.

Now as a professional camera man, every production is a learning experience and brings me closer to my dream career. Every time I pick up a camera I become filled with excitement for the possibilities of capturing everything and anything that speaks to who I am as a craftsman and how I see the world for whoever is willing to look at it with me.

Our camera format… by Sony

But the ultimate high, is when I can tell a story that comes from myself or my perspective. There’s an intangible “high” I get when people watch a film I’ve made AND  empathize with it or it’s characters. It’s fleeting but there’s nothing else like it for me. It’s also why it’s an addiction.

Storytelling through filmmaking is my drug of choice and I don’t want to stop. I can’t.

I feel like I haven’t even started and that’s why I am still trying to make this film, American Hikikomori, happen.

I feel like we’re getting closer but we’re just not there, yet.

We’ve been juggling this film with our daily lives for the last three years…

Most of my blog posts over the last year have been more about Japan than our film. I’m grateful for anyone who’s found any one of my posts and read them and I’m humbled by readers who’ve actually continued to follow me.

Thank you.

We’re still going and we’ll have some news about our progress in making this film. It’s happening and you’re all invited to come along for the ride.

Thanks for reading.

 

Valentine’s Day in Japan

First, what is Valentine’s Day?

“Noun. February 14, a day when it is traditional to send a card, often anonymously, to a person one is romantically involved with or attracted to” – Oxford Dictionaries.com

I was once told that it was a holiday made up by Hallmark and Candie makers to sell cards and candies. While no one can deny they take advantage of the special occasion, it’s not true.

“Origin: St. Valentine – either of two early Italian saints (who may have been the same person) traditionally commemorated on February 14—a Roman priest martyred circa 269 and a bishop of Terni martyred at Rome. St. Valentine was regarded as the patron of lovers.” – Oxford Dictionaries.com

Thankfully, my wife and I don’t buy into “traditional” Valentines Day.  Before meeting my wife, if I was single it was a reminder that I was single. If I somehow had a girlfriend there were copious amounts of pressure to be romantic… so either way I was miserable. My wife (and I) subscribe to the idea that everyday should be Valentine’s day. If you can’t show your love and appreciation for each other every day (not just Feb. 14th), then forget it.

But I digress…

Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan but not how you think.

“In Japan, it is only the women who give presents (mainly chocolates) to men. Japanese women are usually too shy to express their love. (Though it might not be true nowadays.) Therefore, Valentine’s Day was thought to be a great opportunity to let women express their feelings. However, this is a custom that smart chocolate companies spread to boost their sales, and it has been very successful. Now the chocolate companies in Japan sell more than half of their annual sales during the week before Valentine’s Day. Men are supposed to return gifts to women on a day called “White Day” (March 14th), a Japanese creation.” – Namiko Abe (About.com)

My wife and her friends have told me that Christmas in Japan is actually more like American Valentines day than Japanese Valentine’s day. It’s simply recognized as a holiday for couples rather than just men or women because New Year’s day is the holiday for family instead of Christmas. (Japanese are traditionally not Christian)

So however you’re celebrating, I guess all that matters is that you’re doing it with people who really matter to you.

Life is short, might as well make it sweet when you can.

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Or sign up for our Newsletter through our Website. We’re not just making a film, but trying to build a small community around it.

Foodie moment…

I‘ve been a little busy lately but still manage to get some food in my stomach. I took some pics before I stuffed my face.

I’m not a foodie by any means but my wife is and I think it’s rubbing off on me. The great thing is that we eat better (healthier). The bad thing is that the food bill may go up a bit. Food that’s good for you costs more than the crap that’s bad for you? Isn’t that weird?

But I digress…

Squid Ink pasta @Ray’s in LACMA on free museum day during dineLA week.
Not what you think it would taste like. Pretty good but a little salty for my taste.

Homemade sushi by my better half.
Hamachi (my fav) & Spicey Tuna over rice and Nori!

Love instagram. Might look into the Waterlogue app., too.