April 30, 2004
Photo Friday-Natural
Point Reyes, Canon 300D
Photo Friday's theme this week is "Natural"
I had the treat recently of going to see a screening of a new movie called "November" at George Lucas' Skywalker Ranch. It is located in one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Gorgeous hills for miles, endless sky, vineyards, deer peering out at you from the woods. Magical Luke Skywalker shit.
After the film and during the question-and-answer period, I had that familiar feeling of being too shy to ask questions. What if I ask something really obvious and stupid? People seemed to be asking advanced film buff type of questions... "You seemed to be influenced by {insert obscure film title} and {another obscure film title} and French noir..." Everyone nods in agreement.
My mind drifted back to a story my friend told me about the premiere of his own short film in Los Angeles. He was fielding questions from the audience when suddenly a little boy raised his hand and asked, "Do you have any cats?"
My friend smiled, surprised, and said, "Yes, as a matter of fact I do."
A few minutes later he raised his hand again, "Do you have any dogs?"
and I have to say I was tempted, sitting in that plush screening room at Lucas Films to ask the same...
Posted on April 30, 2004 06:56 AMOh and I've just remembered I saw Agnes Varda's Les Glaneuses ( a wonderful documentary film) at one point you see that she has two lovely cats... and I can rememember thinking of course Agnes Varda has cats all her works point to her having cats - their spirit runs through the creative work...
mad but just what a thought
Posted by: m at May 4, 2004 06:25 AMyou know what though, that little boy is on to something. i want to *know* people, not just knowing about them. i know someone better when i know they love their dog as much as i do mine.
Posted by: lena at May 3, 2004 07:35 PMI understand the feeling of feeling too shy to ask any questions. I didn't want people to think it was the wrong question. I think that is why people like blogs so much. The ability is there to reach out to people in a safe way.
Posted by: ani at May 3, 2004 10:49 AMWhile watching that strange, but true TV series, 'Family Business', was amazed when the star of the show, Adam, was stressing about going to his high school reunion. He said that he was feeling the exact same insecurities as he did when he was at school. I would not have expected him to have any of these insecurities given how outgoing and present he seemed in his life. People who are insecure don't usually seem present in their own lives, to me.
I came to the conclusion that night that our insecurities are as much a part of what makes us the unique gifts we each are, as our securities do. I would be totally incomplete without my insecurities. I am grateful though, that I heave learnt how to not let them stop me from going to the movies with those people you describe who sometimes, MAYBE, just need to get out of their heads and into the experience of the moment, like the dude who asked about the cats and dogs.
Love the thoughts your words and pictures get going for me - thank you.
Have a good Shabbas!
I love this entry.
Shy...yes.
Crowds...scary.
I would have been scared to raise my hand also...people have told me that I am about as shy as a hand grenade but those that know me best understand that I am secretly quite shy. And those pretentious film snobs are also shy. They are hiding behind obscure knowledge, being obscure in order to be obscured. Bragging is a great way of not letting people in.
Speaking of bragging... ;)
I have met George Lucas, and he is one of the shyest people one could ever hope to cross paths with. He is also extremely sweet and child-like. Same goes for the late great Jim Henson, another wonder-filled creature I was lucky enough to meet in the magical mystery tour of my childhood. We love their work because it speaks directly to our inner little ones. And it does so in an intelligent and wonderous way. A simple way.
Question: "What if monsters made friends with kids instead of frightening them?"
Answer: THE MUPPETS!
Question: "What if we combined mythological archetypes with science fiction, and made a western in space?"
Answer: STAR WARS!
Man, I gotta simplify. The more I simplify, the closer I will be to getting a giant magical ranch.
Children ask great questions because they are smart enough to understand that most answers are hidden behind the veil of overthinking. To pierce that veil, we need the sword of simplicity.
Or maybe the ice cream cone of simplicity, a sword sounds a bit violent.
Your writing is so wonderful Andrea, keep inspiring...
You have given me much to think about, not to mention a lovely picture for my desktop.
snork! as a film-maker I think that's hilarious!
Posted by: m at April 30, 2004 08:17 AMWow - how awesome that you got to go there! You always have so many great adventures to tell - I love to live vicariously through you!! The place looks absolutely amazing from the link that you put up!!!
Those are the exact same thoughts I have if I really want to ask something in front of a crowd of people. I know the feeling exactly as you described it.
Have fun this weekend at the avocado ranch. I hope we get to see some pics.
I have to say at this moment your life is sounding pretty freakin cool!
It's interesting to me how even though we are "grown up" we still get intimidated, nervous, or shy is new situations. Why do we still judge ourselves, or compair ourselves to people we don't know very much about when we get into new situations?
Have fun at your May Day Party, can't wait to see the pictures.
Jenn
Posted by: jenn at April 30, 2004 07:33 AMHow lucky (scratch that-- TOTALLY DESERVING) are you!!? Was the flick any good?
Posted by: bluepoppy at April 30, 2004 07:23 AM