Why I'm Still Single 41

Braddy Reads Pride and Prejudice. No, Seriously.

I’ve been building up to this for a while. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice has been on my list of books to read for several years. Originally, I just wanted to see what the hubbub was about; after all, Pride and Prejudice is often considered to be THE romance novel. I was curious to discover why so many people adore this book, much in the same way I’ve been curious about Twilight in the past.

Thankfully, my curiosity here was better rewarded than with Stephanie Meyers’s work.

I read the opening chapter to Pride and Prejudice in Francine Prose’s book, and I was immediately drawn to these incredible characters Jane Austen created in Elizabeth Bennet’s parents. Actually, I don’t think “incredible” is the word I want. It’s probably better to say “unbelievable,” as in, “Did Mrs. Bennet REALLY just say that? That’s unbelievable!”

Many of these characters, from the ridiculously romantic Lydia Bennet to the comically austere Mr. Collins, are complete caricatures. It almost defies belief. I just… People get that this is satire, right? They have to – I mean, subtlety is not exactly Austen’s strong point here. Heck, there’s one paragraph of Elizabeth’s internal monolog where she basically says, “I wish I could love Mr. Darcy, but I have such a strong PREJUDICE against his abhorrent PRIDE.” You can almost hear Jane Austen yelling “GET IT???” from nearly two hundred years ago.

Okay, so I mentioned caricatures. That was the biggest surprise in reading Pride and Prejudice – it’s genuinely (and often) funny. Elizabeth’s dry wit is the perfect tool to deconstruct the rigid absurdity of courtship rituals among the elite. She ably points out the shortcomings and foolishness in some of the dated practices and attitudes of her peers (which is where the satires comes in).

And yet… Elizabeth herself is not above reproach. Yes, she’s sharp-witted and cynical, and we love her for it. However, her skepticism and incredulity nearly cost the love of Mr. Darcy (or so she fears). It’s a satire wherein no one is safe; or, rather, everyone (including the POV character) is in need of some improvement, and, when that improvement is made, there is cause to rejoice.

Lemme just sum up – Pride and Prejudice was MUCH better than I expected. Heck, I’ll just say it – I really liked it. A lot. The book’s well-written (if a bit too wordy at times), funny, insightful, and relatable. Also… Elizabeth Bennet may be my new dream girl.

But that’s probably a conversation for another time.

Ovalicious

I thought it was a simple system. How do you say something is circle-shaped? You say "circular." If an object is triangle-shaped, you say "triangular." So if an object is oval-shaped, you say "ovul..."

Wait, that sounds like something else.

Turns out there IS a word for "oval-shaped" (other than "oval-shaped," which you could ARGUE is one word based on the hyphen, but you'd be totally wrong and significantly less handsome than I am for saying so). The word is "oviform," which means... "formed like an oval."


Actually, now I'm wondering if there's a linguistic connection between the words "oval" (which you teach to a preschooler) and "ova" (which your preschooler asks you about and you blush). There probably is, but I don't wanna look it up.

*EDIT* - Apparently, the words ARE connected. Thanks, heidikins!

The Question of Art, or, Why Braddy Hates Hipsters

Ever see a picture that looks like it was drawn in MS Paint or something and cock an eyebrow? The comment I usually hear is something along the lines of, "Is this art?"

You know what? Screw that question.

The question "What is art?" is hugely problematic and always bugs me. See, when I hear someone asking what art IS, I get the impression that they're more interested in what art ISN'T. I think the question is most often applied to commercial art, where the attitude seems to be "If everyone likes it, then it must not be any good."

If there ever was a reason to hate hipsters, this is it. I remember sitting in once on a conversation (that sounds so much nicer than "eavesdropping," doesn't it?) some friends had about a song they both loved. They had a little bit of a dance party while they played the song on their iPod. Eventually, this song that they loved so much - "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - got a lot of exposure on commercials and television. I mentioned this to one of my friends, only to hear her say, "Man, the song sucks now."

Frankly, that's a terrible attitude. You can argue that the song is overplayed, or that the band sold out, but those are issues that have little to do with the basic QUALITY of the piece. When you hear a good song, watch an awesome movie, or see something that makes you smile, you should want to SHARE it with people. Otherwise, what's the point?

Oh, you mean the point is to maintain a fragile sense of superiority over others? Sorry, my bad. Carry on, then.

Hey, Look! Braddy Still Draws!

So I've been a bit uninspired when I've taken pen to paper to draw. To break through the funk, I drew some "fan art" - taking scenes and characters from some of my favorites stories.


I haven't mentioned Usagi Yojimbo much here at all, despite the fact that it's one of my all-time favorite comics. Love this guy.


Man, does anyone NOT love Calvin and Hobbes?

You're wrong. The answer is "Nobody doesn't like Calvin and Hobbes."


Dude, I LOVE Batman. Like, with all my heart and soul and stuff. But he's a COMPLETELY silly concept, so why not make him look silly sometimes?


That's... um... that's a scene from Pride and Prejudice.

Yes it is.

Braddy Reads Anya's Ghost

I'd seen this book on a lot of shelves recently, and something about it always caught my interest. Not enough to actually READ it for several months, but I kept going back to it, until, finally, I put it on hold at the library and had it shipped up to me.

Turns out I've actually read some of Anya's Ghost author Vera Brosgol's other comics work in the Flight anthology of comics. She put out a couple of good pieces there (including this one), but I really didn't remember much about her until I read her bio at the end of Anya's Ghost and looked her up again. I love it when that happens.

Anyways, Anya's Ghost tells the story of a high school girl, the daughter of a Russian immigrant, who stumbles across the skeleton of a long-dead girl and suddenly finds herself haunted.

The art style is pretty reminiscent of the Scott Pilgrim - it shares both the large, cartoony shapes and slightly-hipster wannabe tone. That, by the way, is a good thing - the comic pages are easy to look at, easy to read, and expressive without being showy.

The real focus of the story is Anya herself - her insecurities about her family background, her desires to fit in at school, and her body issues. Anya's a great character - one of the most believable teenage girls I've read in a long time. Her story is one I felt was worth reading mainly because it felt so NORMAL.

Except, you know, for the whole ghost thing.

Anyway, it's a quick read (about an hour or so) and a great YA book, in the same vein as American Born Chinese, another great book which, sadly, I've not yet mentioned on my blog. Well worth checking out.

The Lyrical Genius of Matthew Wilder

No, seriously. Let me be freakin' happy today.

Braddy's Dream Roles

The Les Mis buzz I posted about yesterday got me thinking about my life on the stage, as it were. Actually, I've been to see a lot of plays and performances recently, so theatre's been on my mind quite a bit. You know what? I kinda miss it.

It's been over a year since the last time I was on stage in a professional production. I've been doing improv with the Jesters Royale regularly since then, and it's been a blast, but it's not quite the same as spending hours in rehearsal, sweating over lines, and getting into arguments with the costumer.

Hm. Not exactly a pretty picture, is it? Trust me - it's better than it sounds.

I won't be able to do a show of any kind for several months at least - maybe longer. Still, I'm already dreaming of the limelight again. And, while I'm dreaming, I might as well fantasize about some roles I'd LOVE to play - even though I'm PROBABLY not the best choice for any of them.


Benedick, Much Ado About Nothing

If there's one role I'm TOTALLY suited for, it's this one. I'm not exactly the strongest Shakespearean actor, but I love the Bard and MOST of his works (I'm of the opinion that Hamlet is overrated - see below). Much Ado About Nothing is far and away my favorite Shakespeare play. I sympathize quite a bit with Benedick, the belligerently single soldier who secretly longs for someone to understand him...

That was... a bit more revealing than I'd intended. Let's move on.


Jamie Wellerstein, The Last 5 Years

I first heard "The Schmuel Song" nearly ten years ago without any idea of where it came from. When my friend Carolyn sat me down and played The Last Five Years for me, I about punched holes in the ceiling, I was so excited.

This is a true "dream" role - I don't quite have the range to hit Jamie's highest notes. Also, I'm not Jewish. But the story of a struggling author who hits it big (and subsequently lets his life go to crap) touches me, and I'd love a chance to tell his story on stage.


Rosencrantz, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Truthfully, I'd take just about any role in this production. Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead is one of the finest plays ever written. It's funny without ever getting too silly and thought-provoking without ever getting too heavy. Tom Stoppard single-handedly justified the existence of Hamlet, as far as I'm concerned.

Now, I'd probably do a better job of portraying the more straight-laced, analytical Guildenstern, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't prefer the goofier Rosencrantz rants. And by "lying," I mean "lying in a box with a lid on it."



Javert, Les Miserables
Chauvelin, The Scarlet Pimpernel

There's just something about playing an uptight police officer during the French Revolution that appeals to me...

No question - Javert is one of the finest roles in all of musical theater. His dogged persecution of the criminal Jean Valjean never falters, drawing strength from his unshakable conviction that he is right. The instant it appears he may be incorrect, his world shatters - making his a truly tragic tale. His music's pretty good, too.

Chauvelin's pretty similar to Javert. What he lacks in moral complexity, he more than makes up for in just darn good music. "Falcon in the Dive" is probably one of my favorite Broadway numbers - it's dramatic and over-the-top in all the right ways.

(poster by Manelle Oliphant Miller, who is awesome)

Mortimer Brewster, Arsenic and Old Lace

Maybe I'm cheating a little bit here. I have, after all, already done this role at the Empress Theater. The thing is, Arsenic and Old Lace is the best producion I've ever been involved in and Mortimer Brewster my favorite role I've ever played. I would LOVE to do it all again.

Especially after a couple more years of improv comedy training. My ability to do physical comedy has increased quite a bit since the summer of 2009. I'm still no Carey Grant, but I think I could actually do the part justice now.

So that's my list. Theater folks, what are YOUR favorite/dream roles?

The Les Mis Cast Raises Some Concerns...

Hey, there's a big-screen adaptation of the Les Miserables musical coming soon. That's cool. I love that show. I wonder who's in it...

Hugh Jackman... Okay, I can get behind that. He's a talented singer and a big enough name to attract some attention all on his lonesome. Who else... Russell Crowe... Anne Hathaway...

Wait, WHO'S THAT?


That's... That's really strange.

Okay, some people might think I dislike Taylor Swift (although I have NO idea where they'd get that idea). Truth is, she's really good at what she does... which is pop country. Pop. Country. Not Broadway showtunes. Popcountry.

I'm not even saying she'll do a bad job. She'll probably be fine. I mean, she has a pretty voice, and Eponine's songs rely on a bit more tragic sweetness than full-force belting. Taylor swift's voice may even be a good match for this role.

Still, it's obvious that most of these roles are being filled by people with name recognition over those with perhaps more suitable talent. On the other side of the pop star casting, you get Helena Bonham Carter, who didn't exactly impress with her singing in Sweeney Todd. Again, she'll probably do fine in the role she's playing - Madame Thenardier is a GREAT character role, and Helena Bonham Carter is a GREAT character actress. Outside of the music, the casting is ideal.

I don't understand this desire in Hollywood to take big names and stuff them into roles that they'll be mediocre at. You wind up with excellent talent like Gerard Butler and Pierce Brosnan, and they sound EMBARASSING. You COULD staff your musical with more players like Taylor Swift, but then you run the risk of embarassing yourself in other ways. Hope Miss Swift remembers her drama club lessons... did she even GO to high school?

Imagine if the folks behind Les Mis had let themselves get carried away with this trend - casting popular musicians in roles JUST for a fancier marquee.

"Who are we casting now? Jean Valjean? What's this guy's story? High singing voice? Okay, here's who you get."


"Who's next... Thenardier? What's he, a comic relief guy, right? We need someone a little goofy... Got it!"


"All right, we're on a roll. Last one... Gavroche? A kid? Oh, this is easy."


Okay, cynicism aside, this looks like it could be a good movie. Most of the casting choices MAKE SENSE, once you get past the initial eyebrow raise. And, personally, I'm really excited to see Sasha Baron Cohen in another musical role. Guy's impressed me, and that's something I never thought I'd say about Borat.

What's the Matter with Kids? Not Too Much.

Here I sit - twenty-ex years old, an aspiring storyteller with a four-year degree in writing to my credit, and working on the second draft of a novel I actually hope to publish someday in the near future - and I'm starting to realize that the best stories I have ever read were cranked out by people with no formal training or "legitimate" experience.

Makes the thousands of dollars I spent on my Bachelor's feel like a waste of money.

I read a lot of comics - everything from superhero works to some more historical material. A lot of it's just for fun, although sometimes I come across something genuinely thought-provoking. It's great when I find something that can be both. Amazingly enough, three of the best comics I've read all year were written by children.

No joke. I seriously love these comics. First up we have a comic I've linked to before: 7-year-old Katie Mignola's "The Magician and the Snake" (drawn by her father, Mike Mignola).


There's not a lot of context here, but the basic story of two friends soon to be separated by death is told with a sincerity most writers have to work REALLY HARD to fake.

Also submitted for your consideration is "Kistapher Cumulus," a story told by the eleven-year-old sister of my friend, Dashbo.



That's a cloud whose job it is to sink boats on the ocean. TELL me that doesn't sound like a Pixar short right there.

The third example is, sadly, not one I have a visible example of - my cousin's son drew a comic adapted from an episode of Spongebob Squarepants, replacing the characters Spongebob and Patrick with Calvin and Hobbes - an alteration I have no problem with. Now, even though the jokes and dialog are ripped almost word-for-word from the episode (or so I hear - I haven't watched the show), I have to tell you that the kid's PACING is brilliant. It's hard to break down fluid actions between static panels, as you have to do in a comic, and my cousin's kid (can I just call him my cousin?) does it in such a way that I was totally drawn in to the story.

Okay, so lesson time. While one COULD see these stories as proof that talent matters more than anything else - an "either you've got it or you don't" philosophy, I think that the important thing to note is what these children do that makes their stories work.

1. They actually draw a complete story. Just because the art isn't as detailed as *cough* grown up art doesn't detract from the significance that these kids took time from their busy day of school, homework, and whatever else kids do these days (Pokemon?) to work on something they loved.
2. All three kids have familial support. Katie Mignola got her dad to help with the artwork. "Kistapher's" author got her work posted online by her brother. My cousin's parents passed his book around at a family party. Creative types need support from their loved ones, and that encouragement leads to great things. Have you hugged an artist today?
3. There's definitely something to be said for a child's ability to let their imaginations run amok. The simplicity of the emotions on display - not dolled up or couched in hours of exposition - make them a lot more intense and effective than they would be otherwise.

Sorry, CSNY. Maybe the kids should be teaching US.

Braddy Reads Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children

I picked this book up at the recommendation of a friend who knows I like young adult fiction. The book promises some big stuff - a mystery narrative featuring antique photographs of bizarre people. The author, Random Riggs, collected a bunch of old photos and constructs a story around them featuring mystic locations, horrifying monsters, and a lot of bizarre children.

It's a solid story; however, despite the haunting and unnatural photographs used for the foundation, the book feels a little conventional.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children could have had this really good, creepy vibe. I mean, the pictures the author chooses to incorporate into the tale are beautiful in their eeriness. Here are a couple of examples from the Amazon entry on the book:


Even the picture on the front cover is a little creepy (in case you can't make it out, the little girl is not actually standing on solid ground but appears to be floating in the air). Everything about the book's image promises to take you somewhere not entirely comfortable, somewhere a little bizarre. I hate to say it, but it's a bit like the promise of the circus sideshow - the things you see will be awe-inspiring and uncomfortable at the same time.

I think that's why I was so disappointed in this book. I obviously expected horror, and I got...


The "peculiar" traits of the children are treated like super powers. Miss Peregrine and her orphans live in a home where they can live unmolested by a population who fears their differences. Heck, I think one of the antagonists even uses the phrase "genetic superiority."

That's not to say there's not a place for a good X-Men story, and this IS a pretty good story in that vein. The characters are your typical rebellious teenagers, the "peculiar" concepts are well-executed, and there's even a pretty decent twist towards the end.

Miss Peregrine's Home is not BAD at all. If you know what to expect, hopefully you won't be quite as disappointed as I was.

Wish I Said it First #16

#16

"'I wonder who first discovered the efficacy of poetry in driving away love!' [said Elizabeth.]

'I have been used to consider poetry as the food of love,' said Darcy.

'Of a fine, stout, healthy love it may. Everything nourishes what is strong already. But if it be only a slight, thin sort of inclination, I am convinced that one good sonnet will starve it entirely away.'"

- Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Catching Up with the Classics: 12 Angry Men

I actually watched this movie last week, which is why it doesn't appear on the list. Technically, though, 12 Angry Men is one of the FIRST classic movies I selected to fill the gap in my life.

And... well, it's pretty good, but I've seen better.

The central message of the film is pretty strong - it's all about civic duty and the importance of one man's life. I'm pretty sure that the investigation these jurors undertake goes a bit over the line - in fact, there's one bit of evidence submitted that is clearly said to be illegal. Still, the casualness and callousness with which eleven men are willing to pass judgment on another's life is worth questioning, and that's what the film does.

There are some pretty powerful moments - I'm especially fond of how the racist Juror #10 is pretty brutally shut down after his diatribe. I think my favorite moment may have been the exchange between Jurors #8 and #4. #4 was by far my favorite - his motivation was clear, and he seemed to let logic dictate his actions.

The entire film, with maybe a couple minutes excepted, takes place in a single room. The audience feels the same stifling claustrophobia the jurors do. It's actually a well-executed effect.

If there's one TECHNICAL problem that I have with the film, it's the dramatization of some of the shots. The story is simple enough that it doesn't need extreme camera angles to make its point - the strength of 12 Angry Men is in its dialog and the strength of its characterizations. So, when they're employed, some of the close up shots come off a little too... intense.

I ate his liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

Still, 12 Angry Men is a solid movie. It's a classic, and deservedly so.

Why I'm Still Single 40

I don't think that's too much to ask.

If Writers from History Wrote Harry Potter

I stumbled across a link today, speculating what Twilight would look like if written by authors of classic literature. Now, even I'M getting tired of Twilight jokes - they're just WAY TOO EASY to make. Classical literature jokes, on the other hand, will never not be awesome.

If you want to check out the Twilight jokes, feel free, but be warned that, in keeping with the traditions of classical literature, there's a lot of disturbing stuff. For the squeamish types who like their comedy G-rated, here are a couple of my favorites:

• Virginia Woolf
  The novel takes place over the course of twenty four hours, during which Bella is painting a portrait of Edward and reflecting on how her femininity circumscribes her role within 20th century society.


• Kate Chopin
  Stifled by her marriage to Edward, Bella has an affair with Jacob and then drowns herself.


• Lewis Carroll
  Bella takes acid and charts syllogisms.


• Flannery O'Connor
  When Native American werewolf Jacob threatens her with death, Bella reconsiders her hardcore racism, and just for one milisecond, the audience finds her sympathetic.


• Annie Proulx
  Edward and Jacob defy society's expectations up in the mountains.

My first thought after reading these was, "Why let these people have all the fun?"

Actually, my first thought was likely, "Heh. Edward and Jacob are gay." My SECOND thought would have been... probably something about Batman. But my THIRD thought was, "Why let these people have all the fun?"

So, with respect to J.K Rowling, here's how the Harry Potter series would have turned out if written by the great authors of classical literature:

• Charles Dickens
  Harry is a poor orphan who is abused and neglected by an overly industrialized society until Dumbledore, saddened over the increasingly desperate plight of the house elves, offers Harry a chance to escape his poverty by enrolling in school.



• Mark Twain
  Despite a strong humanitarian message and a clever portrayal of accurate English dialects in text, parent groups protest the Harry Potter series, offended by repeat usage of the racial slur, "muggle."



• Sylvia Plath
  Hermione attends Hogwarts after winning a write-in contest to the Daily Prophet. Frustrated by the limitations placed on wizarding women by society, she slowly slips into depression. Madam Pomfrey elects to subject Hermione to the experimental and dangerous "Electro Convulsio" spell to break her despondency.



• Arthur Miller
  When Arthur Weasley's job with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts office fails to provide the family with enough money to send their youngest children to Hogwarts, he commits suicide so his family can cash in on his insurance policy.



• George Orwell
  Harry organizes the students of Hogwarts to ward off an attack by fascist wizards led by He Who Must Not Be Named. They fail. Harry is next seen begging for change on the streets of London mumbling the words, "I Love Voldemort."



• Samuel Beckett
  Headmaster Dumbledore instructs the staff and students of Hogwarts to prepare for the arrival of Harry Potter, rumored to be the only survivor of an attack by He Who Shall Not Be Named. Harry never shows up.

Catching Up with the Classics: The Initial List

True story: Once upon a time, I hated movies.

Well, not ALL movies. I developed a philosophy back in college that anything which entertains you must also edify you in some way. It isn't enough for a movie to be funny or exciting. It has to be thought provoking as well.

At the time, my opinion earned me a pretty sticky "snob" label - and, I don't know, maybe I deserve it. I do have a tendency to condemn movies that look stupid without ever watching them (*ahem*).

Recently, though, I've decided that it's a far better use of my time to talk about the stuff I LIKE rather than the stuff I think is silly - unless it's silly in a good way.

I don't talk about it much on the blog here, but I LOVE old silent comedies - Charlie Chaplin's quickly become one of my heroes. I've gotten a lot out of watching classic silent films. As with literature, when something's called a "classic," there's USUALLY a reason behind it (although every rule has exceptions).

There's been a bit of a gap in my film knowledge, though. I love silent films, and I love "modern" classics, but there are a LOT of classic movies that I know nothing about beyond the word "Rosebud."

So that's what this list is about. Here are movies I'm planning on watching to brush up a bit on film history. This is, by no means, a COMPREHENSIVE list - I'm ALWAYS open to suggestions (hint hint). Eventually, I'm hoping to get into some more international films, but I'm focusing just on American films for now.

• Citizen Kane
• The Graduate
• The Maltese Falcon
• Rear Window
• Vertigo
• The Manchurian Candidate
• A Night at the Opera
• Sherlock Jr.
• The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
• The Wizard of Oz

New Year's Resolutions: 2012

I, um, did not do a very good job with my resolutions last year.

1 - Daily Sketches - FAIL
2 - Write 250 Words a Day - FAIL
3 - Complete a Second Draft - FAIL
4 - Write and Draw 4 Comics - FAIL
5 - Start Saving for a Vacation - FAI... well, I sorta did that one. But I don't think it's a vacation I'm saving for anymore.

It's enough to make one give up on the whole idea of the New Year's resolution. Yet here we are anyway.

I like the idea that there's a day on the calendar that we dedicate to goal setting and new beginnings - even though I don't always follow through, I enjoy taking the time to evaluate where I'm at and where I need to go. The trouble, though, comes when I notice that the same things need improvement year after year.

Pope John Paul II once said (No he didn't.), "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results." That seems to be about what's been happening to me lately - I want my life to change, but I haven't been doing much to actually achieve that change, nor have I even seemed to pinpoint exactly what change is needed. It's something I'll be going over with my therapist a lot during 2012.

Anyway, we'll leave those existential matters for another day. Here are some... less heavy... goals to focus on for now:

1. 30 Minutes of Writing Per Day
2. One Quick Sketch Per Weekday
3. One Drawn "Scene" Per Week
4. 6 Books Read By Year's End From This List
5. 12 Books Read Total (hey, I need ONE easy goal)
6. Watch 6 Movies from the List of Films I Want to See Before I Die (forthcoming)
7. Eliminate the Word "Um" from My Spoken Vocabulary (really, this is just a goal to slow down and think more BEFORE I open my mouth to speak)

Some of my old, less-than-constructive habits have traditionally gotten in the way of achieving these goals, so I'm going to make one additional lifestyle change: No TV until after 9:00 at night on weekdays. Often, I'll come home from work, prop my feet up, and stick in a DVD for Burn Notice or something, with the thought, "I had a hard day - I've EARNED the right to goof off a bit." If there's one attitude that I need to change, THAT'S it.

My therapist might not agree, but he's not here right now.