‘It’s the same old story…’

Apologies in advance as this post is likely to be somewhat all over the place.  I’m a little medicated- I think I’m fighting a sinus infection.  This polar vortex/never-ending winter nonsense is kicking my ass.

Since I’ve already discussed the deeply-held conviction I have- the one which states that we are increasingly (and willingly) falling victim to organized and concerted attempts to keep us insulated from/ignorant of the important shit going down in the world- I won’t reiterate my discouragement yet again.  It’s clearly posted any number of times for those who choose to have a look.

But.  The Oscars.

I do appreciate finely crafted films- and the artistry that is involved with the entirety of the process.  The writing of the story, the vision behind the scenery and cinematography.  The costumes, the make-up.  And, of course, the performances that serve to bring the stories alive.

I like movies.  I do.

And they don’t have to be super-serious, story-heavy films to get my seal of approval.

I’m still reeling from the loss of Dr. Egon Spengler, earlier this week.  While I know that the great Harold Ramis left us a wonderful collection of time-tested comedic brilliance, Ghostbusters remains up near the top of my all-time favourites list.  I can quote that movie pretty much word-for-word.  I’ve used it in classes.  Every time I visit NYC and come across one of the landmark buildings from the film I am ridiculously happy.

Egon’s serious, scientific mien was the perfect foil for Ray’s innocence and Peter’s smarmy used-car salesman schtick.  Which is why his one-liners had so much impact.

I appreciate film-making as both an art form and as pure entertainment, and there is no doubt at all that each year some very important films are rightfully nominated for these awards as a representation and validation of their place in our cultural canon.

12 Years a Slave is my choice for must see viewing this particular year (and I say this despite the fact that Brad Pitt is in it- generally speaking you can’t pay me to see anything with that guy).  Solomon Northrup’s 1853 memoir remains one of the most affecting reads I’ve ever experienced.  It should be required reading- and now viewing- in schools everywhere.

I have to admit that none of the rest of the films piqued my interest enough to see them when they were in theatres, but I will check out Dallas Buyers Club, Philomena, and Captain Phillips, eventually.

Still, I just can’t bring myself to care about the pageantry that is the Academy Awards.

In addition to the ever-ostentatious red carpet and the tired jokes and digs at fellow celebrities (not that I don’t think Ellen will be a great host), the pomp and self-aggrandizing glad-handing and masturbatory back-patting kind of ruffles my feathers.

It’s a matter of priorities.  And I don’t think that we are able- or willing- to adequately prioritize our time, at all, anymore.

Especially not this year when the ‘local’ twist is that Mayor McCheese will be attending.  Jimmy Kimmel is involved, somehow.  I’m not sure if he invited RoFo to be his guest or what.  I don’t really care.  I’m sick to death of anything that serves to validate this guy in any way.  Or that gives him any sort of platform to further his self-serving re-election campaign.

If the fact of his presence at an event that is broadcast to the world isn’t a clear demonstration that the drawn-out awards season has become completely irrelevant as anything except personal glory-seeking and attention-whoring…

Sigh.

Especially during a week that saw the situation in Ukraine escalate, and the Russians making moves that might result in war, and American assertions that Putin’s actions might end with his nation’s removal from the G8.

These are world changing events.  We’re in a whole mighty-big-Twinkie load of trouble.

Yet many of us will be spending five or more hours witnessing and then talking about the outrageous fashions/jewellery/hairstyles of the Hollywood A-listers.  And the irresponsible and clueless elected leader of this city- as he attends the elite event (belying his claims to be against all things ‘elite’- here at home, anyway) seemingly oblivious to the fact that those who invited him are laughing at him, rather than with him.

So he will continue his posturing and campaigning.  Endearing himself to those who attracted to the bright and shiny things that lay outside their reach while yet applauding his ‘man-of-the-people-ness.’  Those same people who will never see the mutual-exclusivity of those two extremes and who will vote for him again come October.

We need to stop giving this guy a stage and an audience.  But, like awards season as a whole, it’s truly ‘the same old song and dance’.

‘Get yourself cooler, lay yourself low
coincidental murder, with nothing to show
with the judge, constipation will go to his head
and his wife’s aggravation, you’re soon enough dead

it’s the same old story, same old song and dance, my friend
it’s the same old story, same old song and dance, my friend

gotcha with the cocaine they found with your gun
no smoothy face laywer to getcha undone
say love ain’t the same on the south side of town
you could look, but you ain’t gonna find it around

it’s the same old story, same old song and dance, my friend
it’s the same old story, same old story
same old song and dance

fate comes a-knockin’, doors start lockin’
your old time connection, change your direction
ain’t gonna change it, can’t rearrange it
can’t stand the pain when it’s all the same to you, my friend

when you’re low down and dirty, from walkin’ the street
with your old hurdy-gurdy, no one to meet
say love ain’t the same, on the south side of town’

Steven Tyler and Joe Perry could have been writing about RoFo.

‘I’m worried, Ray. It’s getting crowded in there and all my data points to something big on the horizon.’

And we’re down a Ghostbuster to help get us through.

Go gently, Mr. Ramis.  Thank you for the laughter.

PS.  On a FAR more optimistic note, a couple of wonderful bloggers have seen fit to nominate me for a couple more awards.  Kim, at Let me Reach with Kim Saeed, offers valuable insights and information for those dealing with Narcissistic Personality Disorder.  Madeline, at Madeline Scribes, is a source for diverse discussions based in her experience as a professional social researcher.  They offer valuable perspectives on many of the things that I am wont to discuss hereabouts and are truly Voices of Inspiration.  Please do go and visit with them- I have no doubt you’ll learn something. 

Thank you both sincerely for the nominations!  I very much appreciate the recognition.