Admittedly, I’m a complete online addict. I surf the Internet extensively. I have for over 10 years now. I’ve seen quite a few forums, discussion groups and online communities. I can get a sense of what an online community is like quickly. I have always come across a load of crap within every online community I’ve encountered so far. Hardly science this; just like in any sort of community you will come across a great diversity of people of different walks of life colliding with each other.
I came to a new theory concerning the online debris. Even though there is a clear sense of gangs bashing individuals, especially on forums, the individual seems to hold more power within the group than he would in real life. It’s one word against another without anyone wanting to pipe down, give up, give in or reflect. It’s a cunt fest for everyone involved.
We seem to forget even more that whatever anyone think is true or fact is often only an idea formed in one’s head. Especially when you venture into discussions about the quality of music, films, comedy, etc. Who decided what was gold anyway? Today I read in my comedy newsletter Terry Jones thought most of the Monty Python sketches weren’t funny. There you got it; 1 master bringing something down that’s regarded as a body of masterful work.
My problem is that a lot of the discussions held about what’s good or bad in any art is really a non-discussion. Those are discussions without end, because there will always be a group of people disagreeing. The discussion becomes even more pointless when obviously non-specified as “high” quality subjects are discussed. I was reading about “the Trip” with Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon on CaB this afternoon. A lot of people absolutely loved it while others were completely confused by all the praise.
People are confused about CaB members being critical and not too fuzzed about Morris’ later works (after “the Day Today”). I’ve seen it happening before, for what timelines are worth in this case. Something similar happened on the John Mayer forum. I think it has much to do with how high the bar has been set during their earlier work. I must admit I’m guilty there. It’s just that you came to expect a certain level of quality and when they don’t reach it you’re disappointed beyond proportion. I’m aware that’s maybe not entirely fair, with natural development and all.
Another observation made is that CaB members are “elitist pricks”. So far I’ve not reached that predict; most seem just very convinced about their opinions (like pretty much anyone else online or in real life). Someone analyzed that’s because a group of users have been fans since the early days and therefore feel superior over new fans. Also that I haven’t seen yet, but I can believe that. RKOP springs to mind. Various discussions on various Doctor Who forums spring to mind too.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Researching the J.G.
A couple of months back, not yesterday. Yes, this is another old entry I never posted. Here it is after all this time.
Yesterday I was reading on forums and discussion groups to see what the online world thinks of him. He was not as popular as I suspected he was. Mentions of his name actually more often got the reaction I had to him. He’s there, that’s fine, but not really that interesting. One girl even had exactly the same reaction as me; she thought he was cute, but sometimes really doesn’t understand what it is that attracted her about him. Several people didn’t find him handsome, someone even thought he looked like a monkey.
There’s one thing he can do; looking like different sort of people. I found a music video clip in which he plays the main role. He plays a killing machine. Especially the scenes in which he’s being shaved are quite chilling. He just lies there staring and suddenly he doesn’t look that cute at all. It is fascinating and scary. I quite like it.
Still attractive in some way, cause he does keep me captivated in that video. He used to play quite a few of these characters. These days he plays more the nice guys, which is fine. Yet, I would love to see him play another psychopath, because he’s really good at it. I suppose I should see if I can find Donnie Darko somewhere.
Yesterday I was reading on forums and discussion groups to see what the online world thinks of him. He was not as popular as I suspected he was. Mentions of his name actually more often got the reaction I had to him. He’s there, that’s fine, but not really that interesting. One girl even had exactly the same reaction as me; she thought he was cute, but sometimes really doesn’t understand what it is that attracted her about him. Several people didn’t find him handsome, someone even thought he looked like a monkey.
There’s one thing he can do; looking like different sort of people. I found a music video clip in which he plays the main role. He plays a killing machine. Especially the scenes in which he’s being shaved are quite chilling. He just lies there staring and suddenly he doesn’t look that cute at all. It is fascinating and scary. I quite like it.
Still attractive in some way, cause he does keep me captivated in that video. He used to play quite a few of these characters. These days he plays more the nice guys, which is fine. Yet, I would love to see him play another psychopath, because he’s really good at it. I suppose I should see if I can find Donnie Darko somewhere.
Why I Love Doctor Who
It got so much power and so much heart. It also got so many ideas in all kind of shapes and forms. It offers a wide variation of story types, characters, relationships and emotions. It can be clever, it can be silly, it can be colourful, it can be visually stunning, it can be touching and it can be adventurous and exciting.
In other words, with Doctor Who, you never know what to expect and yet, in its execution, it is always so recognizably Doctor Who. And the funny thing is, that’s exactly how I would describe the main character of the show as well. The Doctor is all that, wildly different .
In other words, with Doctor Who, you never know what to expect and yet, in its execution, it is always so recognizably Doctor Who. And the funny thing is, that’s exactly how I would describe the main character of the show as well. The Doctor is all that, wildly different .
Friday, February 8, 2013
a Few More Thoughts About Jake and Then Some
Even working my new heroes into the stories doesn’t seem to go as easy anymore. I lost interest in Jake only a few weeks after I found that interest. Also, I don’t seem to have a grip on understanding who he is like I had on Jason and John. Not that I’m claiming to know those two, but I could quite accurately predict how they were going to react or what they were going to do next. Maybe they were just predictable, or maybe, or rather, I don’t care that much about Gyllenhaal.
It must be admitted; I find Jake Gyllenhaal incredibly cute…based on his looks. He seems down to earth enough from what I’ve seen of him in interviews and on talk shows. Of course I don’t know what he’s like on a more personal level or in private at all. And to be honest, I’m not that interested, I just want to dream about him, that way he remains perfect….Or not, we are still talking about my screwed up imagination….the poor thing.
For a while now I had the suspicion I’m turning into a shallow fangirl. I used to love some depth in characters and in stories. I still do, but I find myself more and more attracted to the looks of a person and I care less about the character. That’s why I don’t really care what JG is like in real life, I even don’t want to know. Like I wrote above, this way he remains (im)perfect completely to my wishes. Bliss.
Of course, in my own private life I still do care about someone’s character. Maybe even more than I used to. I don’t think I’m the easiest person to be in a love relationship with. I also started to say that I don’t need a boyfriend/husband, but rather a babysitter. Sad really, when you think about it. That’s one of the reasons why I’m still single after 2 years. That and the fact that I haven’t felt that one click with anyone anymore. Though I met a really cute boy last year in Berlin. I think he was a bit too young for my liking though.
Someone mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal could be a contender for the Christian Grey role. I read up about who Christian Grey is and since I feel like man hunting Jake Gyllenhaal. I feel that’s a bit a screwed up way of going about things. No fears, Jake Gyllenhaal is not within reach so I very probably won’t actually go man hunting him.
I just thought up a brilliant shot for my non-existing movie. I think I grew my hair to hide in it.
More and more I’m losing the ability and the will to fantasize. When I was young I was constantly making up stories, being somewhere else, being different. These days I have trouble getting a story on paper and in bed I just roll around and eventually fall asleep with only a few sentences of fantasy having passed my mind. I suppose I’m growing up.
Yesterday I was watching some interviews and stuff on YouTube. Jake Gyllenhaal being Jake Gyllenhaal, the charming and joking movie star. I watched some stuff from the Berlin International Film Festival. My, did he look good there. That man has a winning smile.
It must be admitted; I find Jake Gyllenhaal incredibly cute…based on his looks. He seems down to earth enough from what I’ve seen of him in interviews and on talk shows. Of course I don’t know what he’s like on a more personal level or in private at all. And to be honest, I’m not that interested, I just want to dream about him, that way he remains perfect….Or not, we are still talking about my screwed up imagination….the poor thing.
For a while now I had the suspicion I’m turning into a shallow fangirl. I used to love some depth in characters and in stories. I still do, but I find myself more and more attracted to the looks of a person and I care less about the character. That’s why I don’t really care what JG is like in real life, I even don’t want to know. Like I wrote above, this way he remains (im)perfect completely to my wishes. Bliss.
Of course, in my own private life I still do care about someone’s character. Maybe even more than I used to. I don’t think I’m the easiest person to be in a love relationship with. I also started to say that I don’t need a boyfriend/husband, but rather a babysitter. Sad really, when you think about it. That’s one of the reasons why I’m still single after 2 years. That and the fact that I haven’t felt that one click with anyone anymore. Though I met a really cute boy last year in Berlin. I think he was a bit too young for my liking though.
Someone mentioned Jake Gyllenhaal could be a contender for the Christian Grey role. I read up about who Christian Grey is and since I feel like man hunting Jake Gyllenhaal. I feel that’s a bit a screwed up way of going about things. No fears, Jake Gyllenhaal is not within reach so I very probably won’t actually go man hunting him.
I just thought up a brilliant shot for my non-existing movie. I think I grew my hair to hide in it.
More and more I’m losing the ability and the will to fantasize. When I was young I was constantly making up stories, being somewhere else, being different. These days I have trouble getting a story on paper and in bed I just roll around and eventually fall asleep with only a few sentences of fantasy having passed my mind. I suppose I’m growing up.
Yesterday I was watching some interviews and stuff on YouTube. Jake Gyllenhaal being Jake Gyllenhaal, the charming and joking movie star. I watched some stuff from the Berlin International Film Festival. My, did he look good there. That man has a winning smile.
Jake Gyllenhaal's Performances
This was a piece I started writing and now I can add to. First the bit I wrote before:
Lately I’ve been watching people of whom I expect a lot. Right now, only one name comes to mind; Jake Gyllenhaal. I believe he’s a very talented actor, but somehow, more often than not, it seems it doesn’t come quite out. Too many times I’ve watched him in some movie thinking he did all right but not brilliant. I come out of these movies thinking he can do much more than he showed. How does that work? Who’s fault is it?
And now what I think after having followed him for a little bit.
I think I figured why his performances often are ok but not brilliant, or in other words only just above average. It seems Jake needs someone to pull him into better performances. He needs a better actor playing opposite him who can drag him along, or who can inspire him to perform better. I suppose it has to do with Jake not being able to find the right form for a character himself. He's a reactionary actor, not the initiator. Shame really, because he's not always lucky enough to work opposite brilliant actors and it makes it even harder to have him be the lead.
Lately I’ve been watching people of whom I expect a lot. Right now, only one name comes to mind; Jake Gyllenhaal. I believe he’s a very talented actor, but somehow, more often than not, it seems it doesn’t come quite out. Too many times I’ve watched him in some movie thinking he did all right but not brilliant. I come out of these movies thinking he can do much more than he showed. How does that work? Who’s fault is it?
And now what I think after having followed him for a little bit.
I think I figured why his performances often are ok but not brilliant, or in other words only just above average. It seems Jake needs someone to pull him into better performances. He needs a better actor playing opposite him who can drag him along, or who can inspire him to perform better. I suppose it has to do with Jake not being able to find the right form for a character himself. He's a reactionary actor, not the initiator. Shame really, because he's not always lucky enough to work opposite brilliant actors and it makes it even harder to have him be the lead.
Why the TV-Movie Wasn't Satisfactory
Here's another one I wrote but never posted. Probably the same reasons apply for not posting and the same reasons apply for posting it now.
So far, I’ve never blogged a word about Doctor Who the TV movie. However now, I do feel the need to. The reason why all of a sudden I do feel the need? Simple. Back on the Digital Spy forum there’s a thread about the TV movie (as a matter of fact, there are several). Some people have once again stated they didn’t like the TV movie and once again some people don’t understand why so many people don’t like the TV movie.
I’m one of the people who doesn’t like the TV movie. And here is why:
1. The story isn’t great
It just isn’t. Nothing new or extraordinary (cinema wise) is happening. There are also a few story points that go against traditional Doctor Who like the Doctor being half-human (on his mother’s side). Not only does it make him less special, it also takes away from the mystery that is the Doctor.
2. It doesn’t feel like Doctor Who
This of course is a matter of opinion, but to me it’s a clear break from how Doctor Who always felt (and now starts feeling again under the reign of Moffat). It’s very obviously American and, dare I say it, Hollywood. To me it’s too generic Hollywood make which I never really like in any case.
3. The Doctor snogs a girl
A lot of people use the argument: “The Doctor snogs quite a bit in Nu Who.” Yes, that’s true, and I don’t like that either. The Doctor never snogged anyone in the Classic series; he was sort of impartial, or distant, or aloof. What, to me, makes Doctor Who special are the friendships he develops. It’s interesting to see how someone from a different species interacts with human beings. The Doctor entering a love affair with a human being is wrong for the exact reasons the 10th Doctor gives to Rose after Sarah Jane reappeared in his life. It’s wrong and unfair to both parties and therefore the Doctor should keep the distance.
4. Other things
Besides all these points, yes, the production values are better, but I never really cared much for visuals and scenery. I’m interested in the story and the characters. And yes, the TARDIS looked fabulous, but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. I suppose what bugs me is the wrong balance in the relationship between the Master and the Doctor. There’s nothing left of the mutual respect between the two. Then the relationship between Grace and the Doctor doesn’t do it for me. Grace is nice enough, but the character never really warmed to me. Maybe because very early on it was clearly stamped on us that this was ‘Amazing’ Grace. I don’t know.
So far, I’ve never blogged a word about Doctor Who the TV movie. However now, I do feel the need to. The reason why all of a sudden I do feel the need? Simple. Back on the Digital Spy forum there’s a thread about the TV movie (as a matter of fact, there are several). Some people have once again stated they didn’t like the TV movie and once again some people don’t understand why so many people don’t like the TV movie.
I’m one of the people who doesn’t like the TV movie. And here is why:
1. The story isn’t great
It just isn’t. Nothing new or extraordinary (cinema wise) is happening. There are also a few story points that go against traditional Doctor Who like the Doctor being half-human (on his mother’s side). Not only does it make him less special, it also takes away from the mystery that is the Doctor.
2. It doesn’t feel like Doctor Who
This of course is a matter of opinion, but to me it’s a clear break from how Doctor Who always felt (and now starts feeling again under the reign of Moffat). It’s very obviously American and, dare I say it, Hollywood. To me it’s too generic Hollywood make which I never really like in any case.
3. The Doctor snogs a girl
A lot of people use the argument: “The Doctor snogs quite a bit in Nu Who.” Yes, that’s true, and I don’t like that either. The Doctor never snogged anyone in the Classic series; he was sort of impartial, or distant, or aloof. What, to me, makes Doctor Who special are the friendships he develops. It’s interesting to see how someone from a different species interacts with human beings. The Doctor entering a love affair with a human being is wrong for the exact reasons the 10th Doctor gives to Rose after Sarah Jane reappeared in his life. It’s wrong and unfair to both parties and therefore the Doctor should keep the distance.
4. Other things
Besides all these points, yes, the production values are better, but I never really cared much for visuals and scenery. I’m interested in the story and the characters. And yes, the TARDIS looked fabulous, but I couldn’t give a rat’s ass. I suppose what bugs me is the wrong balance in the relationship between the Master and the Doctor. There’s nothing left of the mutual respect between the two. Then the relationship between Grace and the Doctor doesn’t do it for me. Grace is nice enough, but the character never really warmed to me. Maybe because very early on it was clearly stamped on us that this was ‘Amazing’ Grace. I don’t know.
Comebacks
I wrote this piece a little while ago. I think the reason I didn't post it yet is, I didn't quite finish it. Now I can't remember why I thought more needed to be added before throwing it out online, or what I wanted to add. It doesn't matter, here it is anyway.
Comebacks
The last few evenings I’ve been indulging in reducing into a 13-year old gibbering version of myself. For the 3rd time (I think) in 2 years I’m revisiting the ol’ good days of Take That. Well, I’m looking back, not really staring. For some reason I started to watch Gary Barlow/Robbie Williams interviews from the period when their Brokeback Mountain-ish ‘Shame’ was just released. What struck me was how genuine they seemed to be about the sticky period in which supposedly Gary and Robbie were at war with each other. Then I remembered having bought the documentary ‘Look back, Don’t Stare’ and being rather impressed by it, so I stuck it back into my computer DVD-drive and watched it again. I enjoyed just as much and maybe even more rewinding bits and pieces to rewatch one frame at a time. And eventually, I watched one of their concerts of their Progress tour and I was back in. Especially the whole dance routine during Pray warms my heart, because I’m quite sure it’s the exact same dance routine they used to do back in the days.
But this is not what this blog is about. This blog is supposed to be about comebacks. And I will talk about comebacks.
We entered a period in entertainment time were comebacks are the rule rather than the exception. Popular characters return to their proper TV-home in series (Doctor Who). Films get remade, series get remade, etc. It almost sounds as if we reached the limit of our imaginations so we start treading old and familiar grounds.
The problems with reunions and revivals are, they tend to be less successful than the original run. Only very few manage to become equally or even more successful than in the first attempt. Doctor Who did, obviously, and Take That. Incidentally two of my loves. Or is it that incidentally?
What ingredients do you need to make a comeback successful?
The Start
I believe it starts at the start. With that I mean, the concept has to be absolutely right in the first place. Also the quality has to be up to par during the first run. Defining what makes a successful concept can be tricky. Fans, media and specialists have been discussing why Doctor Who works for decades. Still there is no definitive answer. Why did Take That work in the first place? I’m not completely up-to-date in this discussion, but I believe opinions differ on this subject as well. Not a discussion to have within the discussions of comebacks.
A faithful and sentimental fanbase helps a lot too.
the Comeback
Playing on sentiments is a good start, but you have to keep in mind that not only for you time elapsed, so it did for your fans. They’re not the young people they used to be; they’ve grown and developed themselves. Next to that, they’re not the only people on the world, in fact, they very probably only make up a minority of your potential audience. You have to think of how to pull in new fans.
Quality & Credibility
Credibility is closely related to quality. Credibility is, for a great deal, created by the quality of the work. Not only the quality of the work is important for credibility, but also the own input, sincerity, originality and noticeable development.
Heart
Something that is important in every kind of art is with how much heart the art is created. People often recognize when an artist put a lot of love in his work. When the heart shines through people easily warm to it and are more likely to appreciate the work.
Comebacks
The last few evenings I’ve been indulging in reducing into a 13-year old gibbering version of myself. For the 3rd time (I think) in 2 years I’m revisiting the ol’ good days of Take That. Well, I’m looking back, not really staring. For some reason I started to watch Gary Barlow/Robbie Williams interviews from the period when their Brokeback Mountain-ish ‘Shame’ was just released. What struck me was how genuine they seemed to be about the sticky period in which supposedly Gary and Robbie were at war with each other. Then I remembered having bought the documentary ‘Look back, Don’t Stare’ and being rather impressed by it, so I stuck it back into my computer DVD-drive and watched it again. I enjoyed just as much and maybe even more rewinding bits and pieces to rewatch one frame at a time. And eventually, I watched one of their concerts of their Progress tour and I was back in. Especially the whole dance routine during Pray warms my heart, because I’m quite sure it’s the exact same dance routine they used to do back in the days.
But this is not what this blog is about. This blog is supposed to be about comebacks. And I will talk about comebacks.
We entered a period in entertainment time were comebacks are the rule rather than the exception. Popular characters return to their proper TV-home in series (Doctor Who). Films get remade, series get remade, etc. It almost sounds as if we reached the limit of our imaginations so we start treading old and familiar grounds.
The problems with reunions and revivals are, they tend to be less successful than the original run. Only very few manage to become equally or even more successful than in the first attempt. Doctor Who did, obviously, and Take That. Incidentally two of my loves. Or is it that incidentally?
What ingredients do you need to make a comeback successful?
The Start
I believe it starts at the start. With that I mean, the concept has to be absolutely right in the first place. Also the quality has to be up to par during the first run. Defining what makes a successful concept can be tricky. Fans, media and specialists have been discussing why Doctor Who works for decades. Still there is no definitive answer. Why did Take That work in the first place? I’m not completely up-to-date in this discussion, but I believe opinions differ on this subject as well. Not a discussion to have within the discussions of comebacks.
A faithful and sentimental fanbase helps a lot too.
the Comeback
Playing on sentiments is a good start, but you have to keep in mind that not only for you time elapsed, so it did for your fans. They’re not the young people they used to be; they’ve grown and developed themselves. Next to that, they’re not the only people on the world, in fact, they very probably only make up a minority of your potential audience. You have to think of how to pull in new fans.
Quality & Credibility
Credibility is closely related to quality. Credibility is, for a great deal, created by the quality of the work. Not only the quality of the work is important for credibility, but also the own input, sincerity, originality and noticeable development.
Heart
Something that is important in every kind of art is with how much heart the art is created. People often recognize when an artist put a lot of love in his work. When the heart shines through people easily warm to it and are more likely to appreciate the work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)