The Shipping Sea: Anchors Away!

[raybear]

Last night I watched The Perfect Storm 2: The Shipping News. I should stop watching movies based on novels, because they bug me the way most movies that are based on plays bug other people (I have no problem with it but I feel like people often say "you can tell it was a play" as some sort of light criticism). Movies based on novels have interesting ideas and plot twists that get heavily distilled, while other atmospheric scenes get added to show what a great job the location scouts did. I mean, sure watching this movie did make me want to hang out in Nova Scotia and go boating and whatnot, but then I realize I've been distracted and hoodwinked into forgetting the unfinished storylines.

Between The Shipping News and The Deep End, I need to stick to original screenplays or movies based on short stories. Don't get me wrong -- I didn't dislike either one of these films (though I definitely prefer the latter). It's just watching them reminded me of how reading a book can be way more interesting the movie I'm currently viewing.

But instead of planning on reading the dozens of untouched novels on my shelves, I'm leaning more towards starting those of a graphic nature. I've decided the next two series I'm starting after Watchmen will be The Invisibles and 100 Bullets. Between my ventures to Chicago Comics and my upcoming attendance to the Neil Gaiman reading in New York, I'm becoming a full-fledged geek. (Assuming that I also get some anime education from Dillon.)

I'm just craving darker themes nowadays, with no specific reason. This is echoed by my recent return to the idea of having the three of swords image as my next tattoo. I think this would work extra well on my left arm, because when I look down to see the image, it will be 3 of swords reversed, which is moving away from the grief and ending a period of isolation and mourning. But let me sleep on it some more. Alternatives include the 3 of swords image as part of a larger piece.

But I still want words. What words should I have?

Comments

[sharkysmachine.livejournal.com]

the shipping news is the tour de force novel by vermont writer annie proulx. it was made into a terrible movie, because apparently NOBODY involved with the movie read the book! if so, they wouldn't have cast kevin spacey. they would've cast JOHN GOODMAN and he would've won and oscar, because he's one of the most underrated actors of our time [any cohen bros movie demonstrates that.] mmmm lemme stop ranting.

[danielray.livejournal.com]

so is there a quotation from something you've read or a song or something that you go back to again and again?

and: graphic novels: read Moonshadow, by Matteis and Muth. It's a coming of age story of a boy whose mother was human and whose father was a grinning ball of light with motives perhaps most accurately described as random. He travels across the universe, travels through friendship and betrayal, war and philosophy and death, insanity and love, meaning and meaninglessness, dances across the abyss, and emerges.

good stuff.

[wearemany.livejournal.com]

here's what i'll say of the shipping news. i tried THREE TIMES to read it, got no more than 90 pages through any of those times, and finally gave up for good.

on the other hand, her Close Range: Wyoming Stories is among my favorite books ever. EVER. it's, yes. i just started rereading (again).

i miss you. i feel like i've missed some entries here somewhere. let's plan a catch up?