Amadeus reviews

I've been doing some freewriting lately, for the Essay writing book I'm working from. I realized today that some of those freewrites would make interesting blog posts, so I decided to post some of them. However, these are freewrites, so there's not any coherent train of thought that runs through all of them, and they don't really have conclusions.

This freewrite was supposed to be on the different styles of movie reviews, and what sorts of writing tools they use to get their point across. I chose reviews of Amadeus to read for this, which means that in the freewrite, I kept getting distracted by the film, and forgetting that I was supposed to be writing on the reviews.

There's spoilers in here, so if you haven't seen the movie, don't read.

"Many reviews (more than I would have thought) seem to think that Mozart is portrayed as some kind of rock star. Their arguments for this are that he pushes the boundaries of what’s acceptable in music and in conversation, constantly. This is sometimes thought to be one of the only redeemable, grown-up traits about Mozart, is his odd dedication to pushing the boundaries of speech and music, even if he does do so obscenely, most of the time. They also cite his rock star wigs and bizarre coats as references to rock stars. The director is also fond of stories of outsiders, like Hair or One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, so many think that he turned Mozart into an outsider who doesn’t fit into the norms of society. Mozart’s fondness of drinking and partying, and the way he stays up at all hours, is also used in the rock star allegory.
Most of the reviews, even the disfavorable ones, seem to approve of the way music is used during the movies. In most movies, music is just used to underline the emotions that are taking place. In Amadeus, the music is used on many, many layers. It is used to show Mozart’s writing process, near the end of the film, as he dictates to Salieri, it is used to show the Aristocracy’s views on music, when the Emperor says the music has too many notes, and when someone complains that there’s no suitable bang at the end of songs, so you never know when to clap. Music is used to show the differences between Salieri’s music and Mozart’s, where Salieri’s is very good, but nowhere near the same level as Mozart’s. The excess of Venetian society in the late 1700’s is shown through music, at Operas, balls, and parties, even hairdressers. There are many scenes in which there is no dialogue at all, there is just Mozart’s music. Many scenes featuring characters walking through the streets, or the countryside, have only music, not even including the sounds you would hear on the streets. Mozart’s burial in a pauper’s grave is backed up by music, as well.
The thing that made all the reviews interesting to read was the way they all viewed the movie as something different. Some viewed it is as the tale of a misunderstood rock star, some viewed is as a tale of envy and betrayal, some viewed it as a conspiracy theory film, some viewed it as an entertaining film about Mozart’s life. Almost everyone liked it, which would’ve normally made all the reviews boring to read, but since they all had a different take on it, they were still fascinating to read. Even those who didn’t like the film grudgingly agreed that the use of music in the film is exceptional, the sets and costumes are fantastic, and that J.J Abrams performance is wonderful. The things that were generally disliked were Tom Hulces performance, and the actress who played Constanze (I agree with that one). Some also thought the film was to labored and overdone, and over thought.
However, even the bad reviews would’ve made me want to see the movie, if I hadn’t already seen it. All the reviews managed to convey the grand and sweeping style of the film, and the gorgeousness of all the visuals. They also all convey the treachery and plots of the movie, the secrecy and underhanded maneuvers Salieri uses to bring down Mozart.
All the reviews were thoughtful, taking such things into account when they were writing such as directing, the fact that it is an adaptation from a stage play, the film being cast with unknown American actors, instead of well known British actors, the decision to film the whole film in natural light, and many other things."

The reviews comparing Mozart to a rock star can be found here and here, if you're interested in reading them.

Too much Victorian fiction...

One of my favorite things, lately, is reading books written in the Victorian era. The Invisible Man, The Phantom of the Opera, Dracula, I love them all.

This leads to disturbing dreams, though. I had one a few nights ago where the Phantom, Javert (from Les Miserables), and this random Victorian diplomat guy, were all looking for love. I think it was a nice part of the dream, but I don't remember it well.

Then, somehow, I was with Edgar Allen Poe (who looked EXACTLY like L, from Deathnote), and he was extremely sad, and I was trying to cheer him up. It didn't work.

Finally, he turned into Lord Byron/Don Juan, and he and his black imp sidekick tried to kill me and ruin my house, until I stabbed the black imp and made it explode. Then I woke up (thank goodness).

Songs of the Week #25 and #26 and #27, while we're at it

Life is Beautiful - Sixx A.M.


There is an official video for this one, but it's rather disturbing. The rock stations I listen to play this song sometimes, and I've been falling steadily more in love with it.

4 Minutes - Madonna and Justin Timberlake


I was listening to this one, and going "This is really good!" and enjoying Madonna's singing. I then realized, later, that what I thought was Madonna singing was actually Justin Timberlake. I can't help it if he has such a high voice....

All Over You - The Spill Canvas


Lately, the current music stations haven't been playing much that I like. I don't like the new Colbie Caillat song (but then again, I never do), the new hip hop stuff is all sort of boring, and there's been more country songs, lately. I started wondering why I was even bothering to listen to these stations, until this song played. This made listening to all the boring stuff worthwhile.

Meme

Another one, yes. Hush.

What I was doing ten years ago:
Umm, I was six. I was probably listening to a book on tape, or playing with friends.

Five things on my To-Do list today:
1. Go to my Sports Doctor appiontment
2. Go to ballet
3. Start my MDI entries
4. Perhaps edit more of my NaNoWriMo Novel
5. Clean my room more

5 Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
1. Put enough money in the bank for my two brothers and my college tuition
2. Buy a car (even though I don't have my license, quite yet)
3. Go to Europe
4. Get a new dishwasher (this one is awful)
5. Find some sensible non profit organization, and donate lots and lots

Three of my bad habits:
1. Procrastinating (Yay, I spelled it right!)
2. Daydreaming
3. Obsessing over random things that make no sense

Five places I've lived:
1. Place number 1
2. Place number 2
3. place number 3
4. That's it
5. And you are not going to find out where I live

Five jobs I've had:

1. Odd jobs at the Department of Public Health
2. Pet sitting
3. That's it


Five books I've recently read:
1. The New World Order - Ben Jeapes (Historical science fiction! What could be better!)
2. The Picture of Dorian Grey - Oscar Wilde (Very good, of course, but creepy)
3. The Mediator series - Meg Cabot
4. Some random Star Wars book
5. Sandman - Neil Gaiman (Creepy, very creepy, but I love the main character)

Five people or communities I'm going to tag:
None, I'm lazy.

Songs of the Week #21, #22, #23, #24

It's been a long time since I've done any Songs of the Week, so I'm gonna do a bunch of them.

Die Another Day - Madonna


Oddly enough, I like her more recent songs better than her older songs. I really like her album "Confessions from the Dance Floor", and I'm obsessed with this song. I used a fan video because the real videos are really weird. Okay, so this video's weird, too, but it's still better than the originals.

Bond. James Bond - Moby James Bond Theme


I have no idea where this came from, but I really like it. I've been addicted to James Bond music, lately. Again, a fan video, since there appears to be no official video

If I'm Gonna Eat Somebody


I find this song extremely amusing. It also helps that I don't like the guy he's trying to eat. From Fern Gully

Simple and Clean Remix - Utade Hikaru


This is the theme song from Kingdom Hearts. It's originally slower, but I prefer the faster remix. Again, no official video.

KISS or KISS - Nana Kitade


I just found this one today, because someone I know was talking about it. I think it's an adorable song, and she's certainly very adorable.

Movie Quote Meme

Because you all know just how much I love memes.

It's simple, I post 15 quotes from movies, and you have to guess where they come from.

An easy one, first:

1."You may kiss - You may kiss - JUST KISS! "

2."Room filled with empty people."

3."The itsy bitsy spider caught a mouse in its web, the itsy bitsy spider bit off the mouse's head."

4."Make it ten. I'm only a poor corrupt official."

5."How to get the ruby off the fat guys head... How to get the ruby off the fat guys head..."

6."And right here, here is where it got hit by a magical flying MORON!"

7."After all, who'd pay any attention to a baritone and a detective?"

8."This is nothing compared to Niagara Falls!"

9."Oh, please, monsieur. It is a little game we play. They put it on the bill, I tear up the bill. It is very convenient."

10."Last night, Darth Vader came down from planet Vulcan and told me that if I didn't take Lorraine out that he'd melt my brain."

11."Can I have a biscuit?"

12."I feel like I just found out my favorite love song was written about a sandwich."

13."If I'm gonna eat somebody, it might as well be you."

14."So, couldn't wait to get my shirt off again, huh?"

And the classic:

15."I'm gonna pass you."

And bonus points to whomever figures out which movie I repeated, and which actor has the most movies (and the most lines).

Dance videos

I know I haven't updated in awhile, but with getting a job, Easter, being sick, and beginning dance again, not to mention studying a lot more, I haven't really had the energy to update it.

So, since I've gotten hooked on Your Mama Don't Dance, and since they did Hip Hop last week, I was inspired to put together a bunch of hip hop videos, with good dancing. I feel that hip hop gets a lot of bad press, and although I don't actually take it, I've tried it, and it's definitely a demanding dance form, and a legitimate one. I want to show some of the more interesting dances.

Some of these are very off-color, with either really risque dancing, or weird scantily clad people, so watch at your own discretion.

Do It Well - Jennifer Lopez


I hadn't seen anything with Jennifer Lopez in it before watching this video, but she certainly is a good dancer. One of the weird videos.

Hit Me Baby - Britney Spears


I know a lot of people hate her, but she was actually very talented, in the beginning of her career. The dance in this video is flawlessly executed, right in time to the music.

Cold Hearted Snake - Paula Abdul


Possible one of the best dance music videos ever. It's fast and furious, and just blows you away. I think it's sad that she's now best known for being an American Idol judge, since she's one of the most talented dancers and choreographers in MTVs history. Another weird video.

Like I Love You - Justin Timberlake


I don't really care for his music, but I can't deny that he's got talent, and the dance in here is no exception.