The Holstee Manifesto is and inspiring affirmation – enjoy your life, do what you love!
WANT TO AUDITION FOR TYLER PERRY?
Now’s your chance… Tyler Perry is accepting submissions for Madea’s Witness Protection… you could win a walk on role in one of his films! The process is taking place on YouTube. All you need to do is record your audition, upload, and Tyler will pick from the 10 most popular videos… so that means you need to promote!
Here’s the link to submit! http://www.youtube.com/tylerperrystudios
Hurry, voting ends June 29th!
PROMETHEUS: MOVIE REVIEW
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| Prometheus-Movie.com |
So, I really liked this movie… enough to see it twice, 2 nights in a row – so I’m not really sure why all the mixed reviews. I guess if you are looking for non-stop, chest bursting, Alien action… this is not the movie for you. But if you want a more philosophical experience, and subtle references and insights into the Alien saga, this is your ticket.
***WARNING: SPOILERS
Now, there seems to be a great deal of controversy about whether or not this is an Alien prequel. Lets fact check for a moment, shall we…
Prometheus takes place on LV-223 and the film ends on January 1st, 2094. In the original Alien, the Nostromo sets down on what we would later come to know as LV-426 in the year 2122. It is clearly a prequel that sets up a completely new, but parallel story direction. Other evidence is the pre-merger Wayland Corp, which would later become Wayland-Yutani.
I spoke with a good friend who was bored to tears by Prometheus… but then, he’s not steeped in Alien lore, so I understand the complaint – the first kill isn’t until 45 minutes or so in the movie. For me, it was nice to see the subtle Alien references, and a look into the Space Jockey/Engineer mythos. From my first viewing of Alien, the story of the Space Jockey and Derelict Ship always captivated my imagination.
Hardcore fans will certainly enjoy and pick up on lines from other Alien Saga films, though the scripting does seem to vacillate between ambiguous and “on the nose” dialogue, which is probably necessary in a film who’s story logic may be a little confusing at times. You have to pay attention with this one – and it’s in those subtle moments that I find the greatest joy.
This is a slow boil film, just like the original Alien, and is a breathtaking visual experience, like all Ridley Scott films. It’s a film that keeps me thinking and asking questions, and that’s something that happens less than I’d like. Great filmmaking is one that does just that… engages you for days afterwards.
Is Prometheus Alien? No, and it wasn’t meant to be. Part of me would like to have seen a Prometheus that was more full on Alien action, but we’ve seen that 4 times already within the saga, and I can’t even count how many times with the AVP franchise. So Prometheus ends up being a fresh take on a world that many of us know and love.
I know I’ll be waiting for Prometheus 2.
HOUSTON PRESS MUSIC AWARDS
There is still time to nominate musicians… here’s a link, please consider nominating me for best male vocalist and best local music video.
WHAT NOT TO DO AT A FILM FESTIVAL
Recently attended Dances With Films in Los Angeles… this is one of my favorite indie film festivals. They have been going strong for 15 years, and they are truly indie, only screening films with no stars… not like some so-called independent film festivals who only show studio films.
This year’s festival was held at the famous Chinese Theater on Hollywood Blvd. I’ve been fortunate to have 2 films selected to DWF in previous years, but was just a guest this year. It’s one of those festivals where you will make friends that you will keep for life.
The Festival has a collaborative spirit, and filmmakers tend to support each other – Although I did have a classic LA moment at the festival – and this is something you should never do:
I’m waiting for a screening to begin along with 2 friends that had a film in the festival, when a cute girl comes up to me and asks if I have a film in the festival… I say “no, but my friends do…”
Before I can finish, she’s stepped over to them, introducing herself, shaking hands, but totally ignores me and doesn’t shake mine. I find it amusing and comment that she must be an actress, which gets me the evil eye. She’s a production designer looking for work. …Well, she won’t find any with me.
My advice when networking: Try to build genuine relationships – even with people who you think can’t help you, or who are “unimportant.” You never know who they may be, or become, in the future.
From there, I hopped into a cab and headed over for a meeting at CAA.