Artistic obsession can destroy you. If you are an artist of any sort I am certain that you know the meaning of that statement. Whether it is true or not is open to debate. The Symphony is a surrealist film made with the Exquisite Corpse technique by Michael LaPointe that examines this very predicament with the no holds barred lens of an auteur.
The Symphony
You’ll never know Ray’s name. You’ll know his desire: he’s a self mutilating musician who is slowly killing himself to make an album. Why? Because he sees it as his legacy to the world. As blood drips down his stomach he questions if a legacy is worth his life. As blood drips, he cuts himself more and more… “Death is worth the world.” A narrative feature film.
Written and directed by: Michael LaPointe
Cast: Robin Zamora, Marissa Merrill, Bill Oberst Jr., Vance Harvey
In the opening sequence Ray (Robin Zamora) heats an exacto knife blade with a flame and proceeds to cut himself. It’s a practiced and studied motion that seems like a ritual that will make you cringe. Here is an artist that is truly suffering for his art. Like most cutters he cuts to feel but his methods are twofold; he also cuts to encourage hallucinations so that he is able to compose music for his album, his magnum opus.
His hallucinations are something out of a fever dream, and frightening and disturbing as they are they are the inspiration he needs to compose his album. Ray has checked out of his life, the only things he seems to feel is the pain from his self mutilations and the need to create his legacy. His girlfriend Samantha (Marissa Merrill) is callous and somewhat oblivious to what drives him, almost uncaring about his inner turmoil yet worried about his state of mind and health by rote. To even the most casual observer his devotion to his craft is an unhealthy obsession.
On the one hand it is understandable what he trying to achieve; everyone wants to leave a part of themselves behind to fulfill their need to prove that they existed, that they mattered. But this is an extreme sickness Ray suffers from, claiming to need cutting in order to create is simply a way to justify what he is doing to himself.
Do we all destroy ourselves to attain our dreams? All artists go through periods of drought in their creative exertions, even those who are the most prolific, but would the majority of artists injure themselves to stimulate the process of creativity?
Ray (Robin Zamora) and Chancelor (Bill Oberst Jr.) in the desert.
Ray helps a stranger who proves to have a pivotal role in his endeavor to acquire posterity. The existence of Chancelor (Bill Oberst Jr.) seems to coincide with Ray’s discovery that his piece needs someone to die. His girlfriend briefly becomes his proxy cutter but Ray realizes that it must be him who who suffers in order to create. He’s searching for an elusive sound, and his searching leads him to wander into the area of the occult. Names like Aleister Crowley and Victor Neuberg and notions that selling one’s soul for art intermingle with Ray’s idea that death will give The Symphony a perfect ending. It also coincides with the belief that the self mutilation of oneself gives the mutilator the ability to transcend the earthly plane into bliss.
Ray finds a willing partner in this radical concept in Chancelor who sees Ray as the Victor Neuberg to his Aleister Crowley. Their journey to the desert follows in the footsteps of Crowley and Neuberg where they also search for a portal to the mystical freedom they both desire.
The Symphony is an exercise in sublime, macabre surrealism; the story of a man searching for the profound while composing his magnum opus and ode to obsession. The moral of the story is total abandonment to your passions can lead to your very destruction.
Is the completion of his album within Ray’s grasp? Is what Ray after worthwhile? This is the question The Symphony poses and only you can be the judge of the answer to that query. The answer is different for everyone.
***Warning! This trailer contains graphic content.
When we think of death we think of it as a final transition, an ending so complete that there is no coming back from it. But what if a loved one died and they could come back? And not just once but repeatedly? Death is just as dicey a subject to handle in life as it is in art but that is just what Ben Schaeffer is attempting to do with his latest 10 episode web series Death’s Door.
Death’s Door
The first time Marcus died, he thought his life was destroyed. The second time, he discovered what life is.
Written and directed by: Ben Schaeffer
Produced by: Stephanie Dawson
Cast: Jeff Berg, Jessica Vera, Geoffrey Pomeroy, Stephen Medvidick, Alexandra Rosario, Ann Marie Yoo, Tom Patella, Elizabeth Bove, Jose Alvarez
Meet Marcus (Jeff Berg). He’s got everything going for him. He’s a doctor, young, good looking, has a loving family with approval from a proud father, a new fiancee, and he’s the good son since his older brother is a bit of a sloucho. Yes, life is indeed good so as luck would have it he becomes suddenly stricken with a strange recurring affliction. This malady has no name and baffles everyone because they can’t explain why Marcus keeps dying… and coming back to life.
In the first episode entitled “Marcus Dies” Marcus literally drops dead. It is such an unexpected tragedy that is shocking not just to the actors in the film but to the audience as well, effectively demonstrating that death is like that. Even though we know it is going to happen at some point, Schaeffer does a great job of making it happen so abruptly and when we least expect it that it really prepares you to suspend your disbelief. When Marcus miraculously comes back to life, no longer at death’s door for the moment, we are ready to go where Shaeffer wants to take us.
In episode 2 “Marcus Comes Back” we discover that there are no answers for what happened to Marcus. It seems like he’s in a sort of limbo, unsure of why what happened to him happened. There is also a sense of anxiety because no one knows if the unexplainable event will reoccur at this point. They don’t know if their relief will be short lived and something they can just put behind them.
Director Ben Schaeffer with Marcus (Jeff Berg) and Jessica (Jessica Vera).
In episode 3 “A Day in the Park” Marcus and his fiance spend some much needed quality time together. Though they don’t talk about it, Marcus’ death is like a lurking specter that follows them. There is a sense of wanting to make every moment count, so this day is about enjoying each other’s company. Neither of them expect what is about to happen.
Things are going to change for Marcus in a drastic way. Change is inevitable at the best of times but this rare situation will cause a shift in Marcus’ perception of life. Because that is how death works; it forces us to consider life in ways we never looked at or considered before. I’m curious to know if Marcus will discover why this is happening to him and how he will cope with repeated incidents of death. How will he manage his life? How will this change his circumstances and the people around him? How will this change him?
The episodes are under 5 minutes in length and every episode advances the story of Marcus and his plight. So far the sci-fi drama Death’s Door is a strange and intriguing tale. It will be interesting to see how this web series unfolds and it’s one I will be keeping my eye on.
Death’s Door airs every Sunday at 8pm EST on these outlets:
****AVERT YOUR EYES AND COME BACK LATER IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED THIS LATEST EPISODE OF TRUE BLOOD BECAUSE THIS REVIEW IS CHOCK FULL OF SPOILERS!!!! BUT MAKE SURE TO COME BACK AFTER YOU’VE WATCHED IT AND TELL US YOUR TRUE BLOOD THOUGHTS!!!!****
Well this episode of True Blood was all about desires being fulfilled. Finally Sookie was honest about her own true desires even if it was only in her subconscious. Even so that sexy dream time fantasy will give her conscious mind a lot to ponder. It’ll be interesting to see if she’ll allow faerie Sookie to come out and play with Eric and Bill at the same time. And speaking of desire, Jason should know you can’t fight the blood. And if he didn’t before he certainly does now. And now that most of the BT crew knows about Lafayette’s and Jesus’ powers it’s only a matter of time before L & J get involved in the war because the pair’s gifts are going to come in handy in the episodes to come. It’s a tale of 3 lovers and a man possessed and it’s the beginning of even more chaos for our favorite Bon Temps residents. So let’s get to it! The Scribe’s Desk review of True Blood’s “Let’s Get Out of Here” starts now!
We pick up right where we left off with Alcide running while cradling an injured Sookie in his arms. As luck would have it he trips and Bill is suddenly there scooping Sookie from the surprised werewolf and taking her to her and Eric’s house. The first thing Bill does is try to coax some of his blood into her to save her life. (And he’s happy to do it and not just for the healing benefits and you know it!) Alcide arrives angry as hell that Bill allowed her to get tangled up in the war. Bill feels the same way, his worry for the woman he loves written plainly across his face. Alcide wonders what else they can do to help Sookie and Bill who I’m sure hasn’t prayed in over a century suggests they do just that. Knowing that Sookie is going to be OK now I’m worried and wondering where is Eric and what has Antonia done with him?
Back at Moon Goddess Antonia reveals her Viking puppet on a string who she refers to as “blonde one” to the Wiccans. Tara questions Antonia’s actions in the cemetery clearly not impressed. Thinking she can control everyone without question, Antonia orders the group to join hands. Wouldn’t you know it though there is mutiny at the Wiccan shop. The Wiccans refuse to do as Antonia ask and Tara and Holly make it clear they want no part in the spirit’s scheme. Antonia’s Vendetta includes a plan to go to Shreveport to the Tolerance Festival and bring Eric to demonstrate her powers to vampires and what she can do to them. Roy is the only Wiccan on board so Antonia shows her true colors. She’s not letting anyone leave. What did you expect Tara? Everyone knows making deals with a devil can only lead to no good. Did you really think Antonia possessed Marnie to make nice?
Sookie wakes and her first thought is for Eric. Alcide’s pissed at what he thinks is Sookie being extremely foolish to be repeatedly putting her life at risk for fangers. He storms out washing his hands of this war business and Sookie’s desire to place herself in danger. All Sookie wants is to find Eric. She does take a moment though to thank Bill for the blood. I have to give it to Bill, he sure does love Sookie. Here she is worried about another dude and Bill just buttons his lip and tucks his pain behind his fangs. Loosing Sookie to his arch rival must be killing him. He does go to great lengths for love.
Luna’s just tucked Emma into bed but it was difficult to get her to go to sleep because of Marcus’ visit. Sam learns how scared they are of the werewolf pack’s alpha and tells Luna he’s going nowhere. He also suggests a camping trip to get back to nature. They’re not running from their problems he reassures Luna, it’s just a healthy change of scenery. I’ve got to hand it to Sam, he sure knows the way to a woman’s heart. Even knowing he’s getting mixed up in a messy situation he wants Luna and he’s not backing down. He sure is a go getter that Sam.
Debbie’s watching TV, stewing and waiting for Alcide to come home. When she hears him coming in, instead of giving him the what for she pretends to sleep but she can smell Sookie all over him. Alcide slips into bed, but not before he shares the fitness of his physique with us once again (thank you HBO), and Debbie is just steamed! Her eyes glowing and shiz. It’s kind of comical really. You know she just wants to let him have it but then she would have to admit spying on him and following him. Is this the beginning of Debbie’s downward spiral? Probably. Sookie better watch out. Sookie anywhere near Alcide makes Debbie crazy.
Back at Bill’s Jessica crying her eyes out to a unsympathetic Nan. All this crying has bored Nan to tears and made her decide to never become a maker. Bill arrives and endures Nan’s barbed remarks about his abilities as king and she learns that Eric is alive and is Antonia’s prisoner. She also has decided to stay at Bill’s since he’s so close to Shreveport where the Tolerance Festival is happening. Jess, Bill and Nan all go to ground silvered and Nan is soooo not impressed. Her and Bill have a tiff and Bill lets Nan know he thinks she’s nuts to let the festival continue in light of recent events. I’m with Bill on this one but we’ve all seen that Nan won’t let anything get in the way of her political ambitions. She is one cold piece of work that Nan and she cracks me up with her decisive and callous one track mind. Never let it be said that Nan let emotions get the best of her.
Speaking of emotion, Hoyt wakes up to his first day without Jess and he’s giving more reign to his meanness. He starts packing Jess’ stuff in a box that he labels “FOR YOU MONSTER” in big black permanent marker. It’s so mean but I can’t help myself but laugh. This is the LOL moment for me. I’m still amazed at how mean and petty Hoyt’s being though. Suddenly a still possessed Lala walks through the door with Mikey and he forces Hoyt out the door in his undies at gunpoint. Sufficiently freaked, Hoyt high tails it out of his house quicker than you can say monster. Jess would have laughed if she could’ve seen that one.
Arlene and Terry have called Jason about the missing Mikey. Hoyt calls and tells Jason that Lafayette is at his house with Mikey and a gun. While Arlene is losing her mind tossing couch cushions, Andy spots a vial of V wedged into the back of the couch and makes sure he distracts everyone to get at that V. He’s such an addict! I’m sure he thinks he’s struck gold. Using the excuse that he’s going to find pants for Hoyt, Andy slips into a bedroom to swallow down his liquid treasure. In his ecstasy he drops the pants. Poor Hoyt.
Sookie is sleeping on the couch at her home having the sweetest of dreams. She’s dreaming of sunshine and Eric and kissing her blonde Viking and… Bill. Bill? What’s he doing in her dream? Oh yes, it’s the blood. Predictably Eric and Bill start fighting over Sookie, both of them announcing that, “Sookie is mine!”. Sookie orders them to stop and to follow her into the livingroom where they can have a talk. Hmmm. This is going to be interesting, especially considering Sookie is wearing this tiny little red frilly wrap and heels.
Tommy’s at Merlotte’s writing Sam a goodbye note when Marcus walks in bold as brass looking for Sam. He leaves a card and a message for Sam with Tommy. Marcus wants Sam to meet him and is amused by the fact that shifter Sam has a shifter brother. Tommy puts on his typical show of belligerent bravado and Marcus leaves. Tommy gets that look on his face that means he’s up to something, but this time I don’t think he’s doing it to hurt Sam or cause mischief. I think this time he’s genuinely thinking he can do Sam a favor that he will be thankful for. Do you think this is Tommy’s idea of penance? Or is he so depressed that he has a death wish? I mean he has to know that Marcus isn’t Sam’s buddy? I have to hand it to Tommy though, I’ve noticed that even when he’s at odds with Sam he still has his brother’s back in his own Tommy-fied way. It’s messed up but I’m thinking that the way Tommy sees it no one messes with Sam but Tommy.
Meanwhile there’s a stand off back at Hoyt’s. Andy’s all hopped up on V and instead of trying to diffuse the situation like Jason suggests Andy goes on a power trip and kicks the door in. And he’s the officer in charge!?! Chaos ensues with the possessed Lala shooting at the law and Andy and Jason running for cover. Arlene and Terry show up wanting to take matters into their own hands and Andy pins Terry to the ground. Terry can’t get up and wonders out loud why Andy is so strong and Jason realizes that Andy is on V. That Andy needs an intervention in the worst way. Does he really think he can keep fooling people?
Sam, Luna and Emma are enjoying their camping trip and Emma is chasing bunnies. She’s complaining because the wild bunnies won’t let her catch them and hold them. She reveals she wants to be a shifter and not a werewolf if only so she can turn into a bunny and pet herself. Her child’s desire to be a bunny causes Luna concern but Emma doesn’t understand her mother’s sudden seriousness over something she deems as trivial. Sam to the rescue. He tells Emma he’ll go and catch the bunny and he hides behind the tent and hops out as a bunny. He hops over to Emma all cute and fuzzy and lets the little girl cuddle him. It’s such a cute and sweet moment even my heart melted at Sam’s kind and sweet gesture. And I’ll say it again, Sam sure knows the way to a woman’s heart. If only he had been that kind and gentle with Sookie things might have worked out for them. Hopefully his anger management classes are working and he never loses his temper around Luna. She’ll kick him to the curb so fast sweet gesture or no sweet gesture. Although when it comes to the Marcus thing Sam’s hot head might come in handy.
Back in Sookie’s fantasy dream, Sookie’s revealing to her vampires that she’s in love with both of them. Since she’s baring her desires she also admits she’s tired of being a good girl. Finally Sookie! Throw off those chains of conformity and let faerie Sookie have some fun! She admits she wants Eric and Bill to be hers. Why does it have to be that she either belongs to Eric or Bill? Why the double standard? Why should a girl have to choose between two hot vampires when she can have them both? There would be nothing wrong or amoral with it since she loves them both. And yes, she is suggesting what we think she’s suggesting so we can go ahead and close our mouths.
Both vampires are down with a threesome. I mean, did you really think they’d refuse? Sookie is pretty irresistible, even more so in the tiny red bra and undies she has under her red wrap. I have to laugh that Sookie’s all dressed in harlot red though. Gotta hand it to that faerie, she goes all out when she’s made up her mind. Yep, no timid miss is faerie Sookie. Atta girl, Sookie.
Poor misguided, jealous Debbie has fallen off the wagon. She’s making a V score in an alley. She lets the guy who is hooking her up know that she is no lightweight. She’s drank from the source she informs the guy. She could probably tell him a thing or two about V and she does. She downs the vial in one gulp, tossing her head back like it’s a shot of tequila and goes about her business. Alcide is not going to be impressed. It’s sad that Debbie is cracking beneath the weight of her jealousy. She’s going to need company in her misery because this V business is going to cause problems in her and Alcide’s relationship. Maybe her and Andy can hang out.
Jesus shows up at the standoff and Jason asks him if when he and Lala role play if a Mavis is one of the roles. It’s a funny moment and so typical Jason that watching Jesus’ face is hilarious because you know he can’t believe Jason is actually asking him this right now. Jesus tells Jason he’s just going to ignore it which is even funnier. Terry tries to give Jesus some tips on entering the situation in army speak and Jesus is baffled by the whole convo and cuts it short. Without further ado, Jesus goes in to save his man. Lala is still possessed and on edge waving the gun around. Though Jesus is shaking with fear and worry he manages to talk Mavis into trusting him. He tells “Mavis” that she’s a spirit in his lover’s body and that he is a brujo. It’s a lot of info for Mavis to take in and though she’s overwhelmed by it she let’s Jesus and his words calm her down. Poor Mavis. I’d be freaked too to find out I’m a ghost in a man’s body causing trouble. Thank goodness Jesus just happens to be a witch who can help her.
Debbie arriving on Sookie’s doorstep gives Sookie a brief PTSD moment and the faerie has a flashback to the last time Debbie was at her house. Can you blame her? Even I’m nervous seeing Debbie standing there with her hand behind her back. Luckily she only has a bouquet of flowers in her hand and she holds them out to Sookie. So they talk over ice tea in Sookie’s kitchen. Debbie says she just wants to help Sookie but Sookie is skeptical. Can you blame her? Debbie tried to kill her. I’m amazed Sookie is even giving her the time of day. Sookie wonders how Debbie knows she’s in trouble and Debbie tells her she knows it was Sookie’s blood all over Alcide last night. How does she know it was Sookie’s blood? Well, it’s because Debbie remembers the smell. The look on Sookie’s face is priceless when she hears this. Debbie tries to convince Sookie that all she wants to do is help but Sookie needs proof. She takes Debbie’s hand and listens in. Satisfied Debbie is telling the truth Sookie accepts Debbie’s offer because she’s desperate for the help. Or does she really believe Debbie?
I have no doubt Debbie is so in love with Alcide that she would go to great lengths to prove it. But does that even extend to helping her rival Sookie for his sake? I don’t know. I want to believe it, but something in me just doesn’t trust Debbie’s good girl act. I mean how much of what we saw previously was the real Debbie and not just Debbie on V?
Jesus convinces Mavis to trust him to help her even though she is reluctant to revisit the circumstances of her death. Jesus tells her she has to tell him what happened if he’s to help her. Though it’s hard for her, Mavis tells him that Monsieur Virgil killed her and her baby and that it is these tragic events that are keeping her hear. All Mavis wants is to hold her child in her arms again. Such a simple request. Her story is so sad. Jesus knows what to do but first she needs to return Mikey to his parents.”Mavis” allows Jesus to lead her outside and she apologetically gives Mikey back. Terry and Arlene aren’t sure what the deal is with Lala but they don’t hold a grudge and are glad to have their baby back.
Trying to think of his and Debbie’s future Alcide informs Marcus he wants to take the alpha up on his offer of advancement in the pack. Marcus is pleased to find out it’s for Debbie’s sake. He jumps on Alcide’s allegiance right away telling him he needs Alcide at the “talk” he’s going to have with Sam. Alcide wants no part in a beat down and tells Marcus that and Marcus tells him not to worry about it. Word of advice Alcide. Never say to someone you will be there for them for whatever they need unless you know the person like the back of your hand. Promising stuff before you really know a person just opens the door for situations you’d rather avoid.
Tired of Andy and his addiction Jason doesn’t care about Andy’s apologies. He tells Andy to turn the headlights on so Hoyt, Jesus, Terry and Arlene can see what they’re doing. Hoyt and Jesus are digging outside where Mavis told them to and they uncover the skeletal remains of the murdered Mavis and her baby. Jesus hands Lala the wrapped child and pleads with Mavis to go and find peace and give him his lover back. Jesus places his hands on Lala’s shoulder and begins to utter the words that will release Lafayette from Mavis’ possession. The spirit of Mavis appears bathed in a golden light. She’s holding her child and thanks Lafayette. She finally finds peace and disappears. Everyone sees this too — Jason, Terry, Arlene and Hoyt — and they are all amazed at the miracle they have just witnessed.
I’m glad too because this is the proof Arlene needs not to hold a grudge against Lafayette. I just know that this power Lala and Jesus have will come in handy when the showdown comes against Antonia. If they can work as a team to remove spirits from a possessed person that means they can help banish Antonia so Marnie can have her body back and the vampires can rest easy once again. Can’t you just see L & J as the resident ghost whisperers of Bon Temps?
Debbie tricks Antonia into letting her into Moon Goddess so Sookie can slip in the back window. Debbie keeps Antonia occupied by saying she’s here to offer her pack’s services in Antonia’s cause. Sookie finds Eric and discovers he’s under Antonia’s control. He tells Sookie Antonia’s Operation Kill Bill plan. Tara finds her in the bathroom with Eric and it’s no surprise that she’s holding a gun. Just when you think Tara might betray her friend she hints for Sookie to read her mind so Sookie can hear what she’s thinking and have a chance to escape and where to find Bill. Tara also tells Sookie in her mind to charge her and get gone and Sookie does just that. By this time the jig is up and Antonia knows Sookie is there. Roy is yelling shoot her like a moron but Antonia wants to take Sookie hostage and use her against the vampires. Debbie’s taken off and Sookie charges Tara and escapes, slipping away from Antonia’s grasp. Sookie hops in Debbie’s vehicle and off they go to the Dorchester Hotel in Shreveport to save Bill.
Now here is where I’m not sure about Debbie. Did she give Sookie’s presence up on purpose to Antonia in a double cross? And was she trying to drive off and leave Sookie without a ride or means of escaping Antonia? If she hadn’t been fumbling for her keys would she have left Sookie? And why was she driving so slow? Was it to stop Sookie from getting to Shreveport in time? The clever thing is if this is what Debbie’s doing it doesn’t look like she’s not trying to help Sookie. In fact it looks like Debbie put herself in danger to help Sookie. If that is what she’s doing Debbie is a clever girl, a lot more clever than I gave her credit for.
Antonia locks the Wiccans inside Moon Goddess putting a spell on the doors to keep them from leaving and taking only Roy and Eric with her. Tara burns her hand on the door trying to leave and so does another woman who tries to leave through another door. They are trapped. I wonder when everyone is going to start blaming Tara for their predicament?
While Bill and Nan aren’t seeing eye to eye at the Tolerance Festival in Shreveport, Jason is helping Hoyt fix his door. Hoyt guilts Jason into taking Jess’ MONSTER BOX to her and Jason doesn’t want to do it. But he ends up doing it because he can’t find a way to avoid the situation. Hoyt is going to regret getting Jason involved, that’s for sure Bubba.
While Sam and Luna are rolling around in Sam’s tent, Marcus and his pack are beating the crap out of Tommy who disguised himself as Sam. Tommy intentionally provokes the beating though and if Alcide didn’t intervene the pack would have killed him. While he’s unconscious on the floor Tommy shifts back into his real form and Marcus and his crew are surprised that they just beat down the wrong guy. Alcide carries Tommy out of the garage, growling at the other pack members so they don’t lay another hand on Tommy. This does not bode well for Alcide and his pack aspirations. You do not defy your pack leader or rip him off someone he’s beating in front of the pack when you want to move up in the ranks. I’m thinking Alcide’s pack career is over. Debbie will not be pleased.
Eric appears out of no where at the Dorchester and tricks the three sheriffs to follow him. He lets them think they’ve cornered him and Antonia appears and casts her control spell over the three unsuspecting vampires. And while things are going downhill in Shreveport Jason brings Jess her MONSTER BOX at Bill’s. So that Jess won’t see the words Jason has thoughtfully blacked out the words with permanent black marker. One thing leads to another despite Jason’s best efforts to prevent it and he and Jess end up in the back of his truck giving in to their desires.
Debbie and Sookie arrive at the hotel and Sookie sends Debbie home to Alcide. Sookie runs into the hotel to save Bill before it is too late. She runs into the conference room where the Tolerance Festival is in full swing calling out to Bill. Bill stops mid speech at the sound of Sookie’s voice while Nan gnashes her teeth cursing Sookie for crashing the party. (It’s another LOL moment as I know Nan is thinking, “What is so special about this Sookie?”.) Antonia is waiting for her moment to unleash hell and her vampire zombies attack Bill’s human guards and pandemonium ensues while Bill stands at the podium searching the crowd for Sookie. Bodies are flying through the air as the vampires attack, it’s all being caught on tape by vampire haters and just as Eric descends coming for Bill, Sookie yells, “RUN!” And I think, “Run, Forrest! Run!”
It’s a disaster with a capital D. Poor Bill. it’s not easy being king. Next week’s episode should be crazy. Will you be watching? Only 3 episodes left. Enjoy the preview!
Conan the Barbarianis a remake that isn’t so much a remake as it is a re-imagining of a well known cult classic. It’s filled with blood and battles, swords and sorcery and violent action right out of the gate. It delivers a new Conan, different in many ways from the old Conan, a new spin on a familiar story, and the opportunity for sequels in the future.
Here is the official synopsis of the movie:
The tale of Conan the Cimmerian and his adventures across the continent of Hyboria on a quest to avenge the murder of his father and the slaughter of his village.
Director: Marcus Nispel
Written by: Thomas Dean Donnelly,Joshua Oppenheimer and Sean Hood
Cast: Jason Momoa, Stephen Lang, Rachel Nichols, Rose McGowan, Leo Howard
One thing this film did better than the original was to give the viewer more of a sense of connection with Conan (Jason Momoa). He was born on the battle field in a traumatic way and we empathized with a child who grew up without a mother and so we understood his anger. After witnessing the death of his beloved father Conan vows to have vengeance against the men who were responsible. As a full grown man Conan seems to have lived an almost carefree existence, fighting and wenching his way through life, though we discover thoughts of avenging his father are never far from his mind.
Conan repeatedly pitches himself into situations where the odds were always greatly stacked against him. He really wholeheartedly embraces his mantra, “I live, I love, I slay and I am content.” Having no real ties to family he has a wreckless, devil may care attitude, wandering the land and seas as both thief and pirate, liberating the oppressed with an almost Robin Hood-esque flair until a chance opportunity for vengeance arises.
There isn’t a whole lot of dialogue in the film though there is a lot of grunting from Conan and a ton of battle cries from his many and diverse adversaries. The violent action sequences are plenty and at times the noise from clashing swords and the bashing of bodies and skulls is mind numbing and overwhelming. But keep in mind this is a sword and sorcery movie so that is what you came to see and hear.
And then there is the sorcery. Most of it is understated and part of the movie’s mythology. There’s magic tied to the Mask of Acheron and Marique (Rose McGowan) is so obviously a sorceress of some skill, while Khalar Zym (Stephen Lang) wants to practice necromancy and has been waiting 20 years for his chance. And let’s not forget Tamara’s (Rachel Nichols) pure blood that has the power to unlock the ancient mask.
The one thing that was pervasive in my mind was that though Momoa made a very intimidating Conan —he was extremely intimidating in Game of Thrones as Khal Drogo which made him perfect for this role— he wasn’t as awe inspiring and colossal as his predecessor in the original Conan movies. Though Momoa is impressive and can carry this film, his screen presence just didn’t possess that same overwhelmingly imposing quality as Arnold’s Conan did.
Most likely this is due only to the fact that Arnold was Mr. Universe before he was Conan and no one had seen a man as hulking as Arnold was at that time. And maybe it’s simply due to the fact that I was an impressionable pre-tween who was boggled by the sheer size of Arnold and that alone made a lasting and indelible mark on my psyche that is impossible to excise.
Thankfully though Momoa didn’t try and do an Arnold impersonation. If he did he would have failed horribly. Instead Momoa brought a different kind of Conan to the screen, one who had a swagger and more appeal for the ladies, smart remarks and quick wit for a barbarian, and a brooding anger always simmering just below the surface. His scar fit right in with his barbarian persona and his scowl is more menacing than any I’ve ever seen. Admittedly Momoa cut a fine figure when he did his Conan the hero money shots and he wielded his sword with a confidence, dexterity and skill as only a true warrior could.
Casting Jason Momoa as the iconic Cimmerian was wisely fortuitous as it does seem like it was inevitable that he play Conan. Leo Howard’s performance was definitely riveting and one of my favorites in the film. Rachel Nichols as Tamara was a refreshing spitfire who I could see Conan falling for. Stephen Lang as Khalar Zym wasn’t as over the top of a villain as he usually is though he did manage the role with his usual finesse. Ron Perlman as Corin was the epitome of the stoic, wise and revered warrior, leader and affectionate father. Rose McGowan as Marique was the unexpected surprise of the film playing an eerie, creepy and evil villainess with a macabre efficacy, vamping around half naked with a pronounced receding hairline and almost overshadowing Lang as Conan’s nemesis.
Marcus Nispel has a music video background and I found his style of filming quite interesting. The battle sequences were very fast paced and full throttle while the quieter moments were handled with a sparseness quite fitting to a movie like this.
The story was quite a departure from the original movie, so much so that one could say the new Conan lore harkens back to the books. There was some homage paid to the original film but it was obvious right from the get go that this wasn’t a remake of an original but a new franchise with a familiar character. Though it was mostly fast paced there were moments where I felt my senses being dulled because the movie seemed at times like one long endless battle.
The score when you could hear it was perfect for the film hinting at a distant time and a distant land where magic and barbarians could have lived, loved, slayed and been content. The sounds of battle, violence and Marique’s finger nails scraping against stone were jarring and overwhelming to the senses but more than suitable for this fare.
The 3D didn’t seem to make much of a difference and I could have done without it. The landscapes were dark and stark if not quite epic while the effects were very graphic. There was nothing mind boggling really and the standout scene for me was the fight with the sand warriors.
Obviously this film was made with fans of the cult classic in mind to a certain extent, though rigorous adherence to the original went out the window for the most part. Fans of the books will be pleased and most viewers will unavoidably compare this new Conan to the old Conan. Mostly this was a film that was made for boys between the ages of 15 to 25 who like role playing video games filled with mayhem and carnage, or anyone who is a fan of blood and battles, swords and sorcery movies.
Overall you have to give Jason Momoa credit. He was very brave to take on this role did his best to fill some titan sized barbarian boots. Whenever a remake is done of a cult classic that has such an archetypal, legendary and iconic character emblazoned in everyone’s mind, anything that comes after will unfortunately pale in comparison. While Conan the Barbarian was definitely not the best the film of the summer, it certainly wasn’t the worst either. And while Momoa didn’t erase the memory of Arnold from our consciousness, he did manage to put a fresh take on an old story and give a fresh face to a well known Cimmerian warrior.
Tomorrow I’m going to go and see Conan the Barbarian starring Jason Momoa, so I have been desperately trying to avoid spoilers of any kind because I don’t want to go into the movie with any preconceived notions. Spoilage is everywhere and it has been very hard not to take a sneak peek at any of the reviews that are being posted like wildfire online. Maybe I wouldn’t care so much if I didn’t have such high hopes for this movie, which is for me the last film of the summer.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t looking forward to this movie. And despite some extremely unflattering pics (not these ones BTW), I am still willing to give Momoa the benefit of the doubt as far as this movie goes. But I was totally looking forward to Green Lantern too in a big way and I am sad to say that I was disappointed in a big way. So what is the worst that can happen with this Conan reboot? Well, it could suck. Here are 3 reasons why.
Jason Momoa – There. I said it. I liked him on Stargate Atlantis and I really liked him in Game of Thrones. He is the epitome of a healthy barbarian. Unfortunately for Momoa the role of the iconic Conan the Barbarian has some pretty huge boots, and those are some pretty huge boots to fill. I’m afraid I might be helpless not to compare him to Arnold who I idolized as a teenager. I have to give Momoa credit though for taking this role knowing exactly what and who he is up against. Can he carry a movie with so much expectation attached to it? Will he disappoint? Or will he swing a sword like it’s nobody’s business?
Rose McGowan – Not much to say here.
The Story – The screenplay is written by Thomas Dean Donnelly (Sahara), Joshua Oppenheimer (Sahara) and Sean Hood (Halloween: Resurrection). I am in no way saying that they are bad writers. I’m just worried that the story is too completely re-imagined and doesn’t strictly adhere to the original flick’s storyline in ways that matter. I’m worried that my psyche will balk at the new mythology and want strict deference to the old lore. Though they do include some adherence to certain details from the original film and Conan character I’m wondering if that will be enough of the old in the new?
Yet me being the eternal optimist that I am, I want to look at this glass as being half full. So I’ve also thought of 3 reasons why this new version of Conan the Barbarian could rock too.
Jason Momoa – He has very big muscles, looks mean as heck, and looks like he can wield a sword like nobody’s business. His scowl alone has me shaking in my boots and he could give Arnold a good run for his money and effectively replace Schwarzenegger in our collective conscious as the archetypal legendary barbarian from here on in.
The Effects – CG and the magic of special effects have come a loooong way since the 80′s. I’m betting there will be some pretty amazing, stylish and knock your socks off effects.
The Story – Deviating from the original mythology definitely gives the writers room to go big or go home. Freedom to imagine new heights of barbarian glory, battles and colossal awesomeness could be a very, very good thing. Including enough homage to the original film as long as any tributes are strategically placed (think Rise of the Planet of the Apes, my favorite film of the summer, where they did this very skilfully) could only appease fans of the old film and give this new film a well deserved place next to the original.
I’m not usually pessimistic, but I’m afraid that Arnold’sConan is too well embedded in my mind and that I most likely will be comparing Momoa to Arnie the whole time. I will try my hardest not to though and hopefully I can go into this movie tomorrow completely tabula rasa. Here’s hoping.
So what do you think? Do you think this new version of Conan the Barbarian will suck? What are your reasons? Or do you think and hope like me that it will rock?
Warning! The Red Band Clip is graphic!
Synopsis: The tale of Conan the Cimmerian and his adventures across the continent of Hyboria on a quest to avenge the murder of his father and the slaughter of his village.
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Artistic obsession can destroy you. If you are an artist of any sort I am certain that you know the meaning of that statement. Whether it is true or not is open to debate. The Symphony is a surrealist film made with the Exquisite Corpse technique by Michael LaPointe that examines this very predicament with the no holds barred lens of an auteur.
His hallucinations are something out of a fever dream, and frightening and disturbing as they are they are the inspiration he needs to compose his album. Ray has checked out of his life, the only things he seems to feel is the pain from his self mutilations and the need to create his legacy. His girlfriend Samantha (Marissa Merrill) is callous and somewhat oblivious to what drives him, almost uncaring about his inner turmoil yet worried about his state of mind and health by rote. To even the most casual observer his devotion to his craft is an unhealthy obsession.
Ray (Robin Zamora) and Chancelor (Bill Oberst Jr.) in the desert.
