The Media Room

  Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close (2011) Watching the Movie:  Not applicable. Only a sadist would consider EL&IC a "movie" More in "The Bottom Line" Screening the film:  Images of mental illness, with specific focus on Asperger's syndrome, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive disorder. The family unit, with special focus on the father-son relationship, risk-reward trade-offs Communication methods and techniques. Interpersonal relationships as they relate to societal norms, rationalism vs absurdity and naturally, considering the 9-11 element; it's a significant reflection of historical context. Best Dialogue:  "My Dad told me that New York once had a sixth borough that floated away. They tried to save it, but they couldn’t and it’s never coming back. As much as I want him to, my Dad is never coming back … and I thought I couldn’t live without him, but now I know I can. I think that would make my Dad proud, which is all I ever w...

I recently began seeing a new therapist; and as part of her intake questionnaire she asked me about my "Cultural Influences." Ultimately; as this is a blog and ultimately every word that is published here comes about from my own thoughts, opinions, and beliefs; it occurs to me that an entry dedicated to some of the artists in my own life who I truly consider influential in shaping my belief structure. George Carlin (5/12/1937 - 6/22/2008) "Think about how stupid the average person is, and realize half of them are stupider than that." On my Mount Rushmore of stand-up comedians; Carlin is definitely in the George Washington slot. He was the perfect storm of creativity, delivery, and authenticity. His cynicism always seemed plausible because it was so authentic. He knew what he knew and why he knew it; agree with him or don't, Carlin didn't care. I miss him dearly. It's all Bullshit Bill Hicks ( 12/16/1961 - 2/26/1994)  "“Here is my final point...Abou...

An Introduction of Sorts... In 2011 or 2012, I learned the difference between "Watching Movies" and "Screening Films" when I enrolled in a joint Political Science/Cultural Studies/Cinema Studies class at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The class just happened to be taught by one of my favorite professors of all time; Dr. Michael Fitzgerald. It was probably halfway through the semester when I came up with the format for "Watching the Movie vs Screening the Film" and posting them to my Facebook status as content.They were fairly popular among many of my friends on the social network; but like all things on social media, interest wanes eventually. Once audience interest wanes; so does the interest for the writer. This blog is an effort to reignite the flame for writing and grow the audience for this format beyond my friends and family. Watching the Movie People love movies. Many people much smarter than me have explored the phenomenon in ways that ...