These Rainboots Are Made For… (P.S. No More Beer)
It’s been raining - you know what I’ve been doing.
I’ve been walking, and spacing out inside my big beach umbrella. Too distracted to think-blog on a regular basis. It’s not like I don’t have enough materials to blog about - I was just feeling super lethargic.
I’ve been zipping through the rain from theatre to cinema.
(1) I saw “The PillowMan” written by Academy-Award-winning writer Martin McDonagh. This play made its Hong Kong debut at the Fringe Club last weekend - and its stomach churning contents made it… err… unforgettable. It was a complete opposite of my joyous noodle-salad tap-dancing broadway tune belting musical from only weeks ago.
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(2) After the stage, I switched to films. I started off my Hong Kong International Film Festival marathon with “A Permanent Part-timer’s Distress” which documented one year in the life of a Japanese permanent part-timer who was a university graduate striving to be closer to the glamour of Tokyo and hopelessly stuck in low-pay soul-crushing spirit-depleting no-benefits part-time jobs.
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(3) Then my spirit went up again when I screened the documentary on Philip Glass also known for his work Koyaanisqatsi (1982). To celebrate his 70th anniversary, Director Scott Hicks brilliantly presented “Glass: A Portrait of Philip in 12 parts“. His close encounter to Philip Glass’ everyday life and showed us Glass in 12 parts — with the legend himself talking about his experiences studying under the world revered piano teacher Nadia Boulanger; to the multitude of Glass’ working ethics; to his spiritual, romantic, familial, physical, and intellectual pursuits - as well as his collaborations with filmmakers such as Woody Allen, Chuck Close, Ravi Shankar and Martin Scorsese; and Glass’ advant garde opera while making pizza… (like it was normal everyday thing to be writing an opera.)
My favorite moment was when Glass spaced out mid-conversation working out a musical solution in his head.
This was very comforting for me. I know a lot of people don’t really get me, but I never meant to be rude when I space out - it actually means I’m comfortable enough to be myself around them…
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(4) Again, after going high on spirits and music — I was then brought down by an arthouse french film “Beneath the Rooftop of Paris” (Sous les toits de Paris). It was utterly the most devastating torture depicting the director’s terror of aging. The story speaks of an elderly man’s declination in his grey top-floor apartment in the heart of Paris with his only son barely acknowledges his existence. The only thing that was likeable with this film was the beautiful Parisian horizon and clever use of music.
The moment I stepped out of the french arthouse, I called my mom to see if she’s ok. I bought some chinese dumplings to bring home. I promised myself I’ll take mom to Singapore soon for a much needed mother-daughter vacation. I also now more determined than ever to make money and sustain myself before old age.
It was so depressing - even I’m afraid of growing old.
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So I’m not short on stuff to blog about. Just couldn’t bring myself up to blogging and catch up on everyone’s blogs. I’m trying… but in the meantime I’m wondering — can I sustain blogging while I’m in Japan?
P.S. I’m quitting beer. post-down moments. Wine only for me these days. Beer is the culprit to my down time. Party marathons only remind me my physical age. Gah.
April 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 am
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April 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Oh my, the Pillowman looks like something I’d have trouble experiencing. I liked the review when it opened in NY - I think Billy Crudup is a great actor, despite his good looks
Thanks for this post. It’s my dose of life outside of whine and rushes.
And please DO sustain blogging in Japan
For the sake of me
blog stalking daily to live
Vicariously.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 1:02 am
Just stopped by to say hi.
Jenn
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April 3rd, 2008 at 1:20 am
Karen — sigh, thanks for the comment. I didn’t know if anyone would care for my art film kicks.
I’ll try to bring my laptop to Japan trip. It’s going to be heavy one, but it’s probably worth it.
Jennifer — hi! It’s raining over here. How’s Dominica?
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It’s raining over here too. Has been for the past few days. The sun peeked out and was bright this morning. But then came the rain a few minutes ago. Hopefully the sun will win this battle. Although on the other side, the more rain the greener the island will look and that’s better than brown hills and mountains.
Jenn
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April 3rd, 2008 at 1:28 am
Hi CK,
I love Philip Glass, the man is amazing!:)
I also second what Karen said and hope you can sustain blogging while in Japan.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 1:44 am
I soooooooo hear your entire post here. XO
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April 3rd, 2008 at 4:20 am
Just keep blogging until you get yourself out of this, you will. The rain will stop. Although sometimes it’s good. I love good rainy days. Give me quiet and a nice storm and I’m good to go. Sounds to me likey ou’re doing good by staying in the movies. Try and go for some lighthearted hollywood things though. Or at least get on you tube and download some Colin Firth clips before bed. Go to sleep with a smile!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 9:19 am
But I read somewhere that beer was good for you, I have no idea where, but I’m sure they said it was good for you.
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HI SilverStar - I love Philip Glass as well, I was really glad I got to watch this documentary. As for the blogging - I’ll do my best…
Ms.Mamma — I knew you would get me.
Kwana - I love rain. That’s why I was walking… I walk so much, I don’t have time to blog. But I know what you mean, it’s a roulette when visiting the film festivals - you never know what you’re gonna get.
Fantastagirl - I’m sure beer is good, and I’m going to miss it. Except in the past several years I’ve developed an allergy toward wheat produce. I only remembered now that beer is wheat-based. Gah.
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:03 am
Maybe you need to quit drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon and try some other beers like “Blue Moon”, or “New Castle”.
Te he he!!!
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April 3rd, 2008 at 10:59 pm
I am so envious-you’ve seen some great stuff lately! Oh, for a babysitter!
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April 4th, 2008 at 12:13 am
i agree with you, I too am afraid of growing old. there is a great new movie coming out here, Jeff won tickets too, unfortunatley we couldn’t go but the movie is called under the same moon. It looks really good.
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April 5th, 2008 at 9:17 am
I can’t remember the last time I saw a good movie…
They do make some gluten-free beers, btw, but they can be quite expensive and you usually have to order them. I have no idea how they taste but I may find out soon enough. Boo. I LIKE a good stout.
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April 7th, 2008 at 1:47 am
You know, this is probably the most chic blog post I’ve read in a week. I’m so friggin’ jealous, chica.
Phillip Glass. Mmmm. Whippin’ out the good shit there, hon.
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April 8th, 2008 at 11:47 am
[...] HKIFF - and like last year - has been an eye-opener. I had 3 more movies left from the 32nd annual HKIFF marathon… and I have indeed ventured to a very dark place. [...]