As many of you know I've been on a bit of a horror kick, film-wise. For those of you who don't, I've been testing my squeemishness and jumpiness by torturing myself with any movies considered freaky or scary. I have surprised myself and become what can only be described as a 'fan'. We all know I've always been drawn to the darker parts of life but the scary movie thing was something I could never quite crack. And here it is: all cracked and gooey and shivering, begging me for mercy. *evil laughter*
I have recently watched 'Night of the Living Dead'. Please note that I am well aware this film is nothing shocking or even scary to most people - well aware after seeing Cannibal Holocaust as mentioned in previous entries! Poor monkey. I must say the fact that a black man as the capable hero of the film must have been pretty controversial and ground-breaking when it was made in 60s America. The movie couldn't have done much for feminism though - the female characters could only be described as pathetic. I didn't find myself laughing so much at this movie as I have done with other 'old classics' I've seen so far: it is still a bit creepy and the fact it's in black and white adds to the atmosphere somewhat. Also, I predicted, and hoped for, the ending it had. It gave the whole thing a push, a kick, an impact. Which got me wondering if the film was actually more intentionally political than I had initially thought. Though I'm probably looking too deeply into it. Not everything is symbolism Joanna! Get over it!
Maybe the concept of zombies has captured our modern imaginations so much is because...zombies are just humans without all of the qualities we would describe as 'human': compassion, empathy, etc. Which fits into how machinistic (that's not a word, but I've just decided it is - any complaints about this should be sent to me via email or other such communication tools) our lives have become what with modern warfare being so mechanical and impersonal, fighting each other from distances with guns and bullets and documents. We build tall stone prisons to work in, we talk to each other through handsets and keyboards and plastic and metal. We're becoming so far removed from nobility and humility in our interractions. We're becoming so far removed from each other...
'Machinery is aggressive. The weaver becomes a web, the machinist a machine.' Ralph Waldo Emerson
I've also watched Ichi the Killer but I have a lot to say on that as well, so I will bore you with that some other time. Suffice it to say that it was pretty damn awesome. And if I was a man, I'd dress like Kakihara every day, yes I would.
I wish my friends were happy all the time. I wish everyone was happy all the time. But then I suppose we'd all be bloody boring.
There are no pictures in this entry.
'I think it's a big turn on to walk down the street and kick little kids.' - Burzum, 1992. - lol
6 comments:
No, you are right, it's completely intentional, they knew exactly what they were doing. FWIW the 1990 remake has a strong lead female character. it is also worth a watch. Caio, Tobias
Ooh, I'll watch that one when I get the chance then!
I'm glad it was intentional. I always worry I'm looking too deeply into things and finding meanings that aren't there and light where there is none. I do that with people too :P
well, one day you might be right on the money. It's better for the soul than thinking the other way about people and being wrong...
btw, I got the quote immediately, its my favorite Tori Amos song, and I've always wanted to cover it. I dreamed it would be me singing it, probably at whitby, and for some reason i'd have a huge furry coat on, with a hunch like Richard III. We could do it, would be better than the alanis one we are hurrying out for next week. Not that there's owt wrong wi'that, lassy, ooo noo noo noo
Honestly, I do not know the song haha! I just saw it as a quote somewhere and liked it :D
Which Alanis one are you hurrying out?
I dont remember the name, but it sounds quite good. 'hands clean' thats it. The Tori Amos song is Crucify, its the first song of her first album Little Earthquakes. Its the first song of hers i heard and my favorite.
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