As I checked my daily news outlets, I came across an article that hit a raw nerve with me. One of the most irrational, truly homophobic arguments has been that we as gays and lesbians cannot procreate so we must “recruit”. The basis of this argument encompasses our so-called conversion of nice homely church going youth into our corrupt “lifestyle.” This logic implies that somewhere out there is an organization that promotes conversion through pamphlets and video indoctrination. The fallacy, of course, is that no such organization exits.
There are, I will fully admit, organizations that are established for the purposes of helping those who feel that they might be gay or lesbian. These organizations provide a supportive environment for youth to be able express themselves and develop their own ideas of sexuality. There is an abundance of information on how to support those who are going through one of the several coming out models and answers to questions many have during this stage in their development. However, I have never seen anything that lists the actual steps to go through to become homosexual. Never have I seen anything that lays out the exact words to say to make someone gay (almost like a spell or incantation that would magically make the hot guy next to you suddenly gay). Perhaps, I just missed that memo. What I have seen, and in fact have been given on a number of occasions, is information on step-by-step instructions on what to say to someone to make them straight.
These informational pieces list word for word scripts and scriptures to recite to someone in order to bring them back to “G_d’s” plan. There are a number of organizations whose sole purpose is to literally convert homosexuals to heterosexuals. One such organization is going to premiere a new film called I Do Exist on October 11th, a day known as National Coming Out Day (NCOD), which commemorates the March on Washington for Gay and Lesbian rights. This film is said to highlight four success stories on how people overcame their homosexuality and now proclaim their heterosexuality. In addition to these success stories, there is expert testimony from “noted” psychiatrists and other mental health professionals highlighting the benefits of conversion. While this particular film may not be a step-by-step guide to conversion, it highlights the process for those who might want to convert.
While this is only one of many examples of hypocrisy, it is the one that bothers me the most. This conversion factor seems to strike at the heart of our battle for equality and respect by attacking our very existence. Unfortunately in many people’s eyes, as long as there is a cure, we never need to be legitimized. As long as our lives continue to be perceived as a choice, or nothing more than a bad habit that can be overcome with enough group therapy and scripture, we will not be able to protect and fully assert our rights. As long as Exodus International and other like-minded organizations exist, we will not be treated as full and equal citizens. Let me make myself perfectly clear, I believe these organizations have a right to exist. I also believe that it is our responsibility to stand up to such organizations and call attention to their blatant hypocrisy. Something we can do by continuing to educate the general public on who we are and what it really means to be Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual.
Tuesday, September 21, 2004
Friday, September 03, 2004
House of Flying Daggers
House of Flying Daggers (Shi mian mai fu)
Dir: Yimou Zhang
As some of you reading this know, I have only recently come around to watching martial arts films. Like it or not, it was Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon that got me started. Now, I must say, I am becoming a fan. While I have begun to appreciate the action sequences in the films, what I have come to love is the imagery. The excellent use of color, texture and cinematography in these films is superb and House of Flying Daggers is no exception.
The story line was believable to a point, but close to the end it really began to fall apart. Though I must admit I was so drawn into the beauty of the film, I often forgot to read the subtitles. From the very beginning Yimou Zhang creates a beautiful world full of color that both seems to conflict and coordinate with itself. The beauty of the mise en scene extended beyond color and ventured far into the world of texture. The entire film was an acrylic painting in motion.
As well as beautiful image, the sound design of the film was superb. There are entire sequences where the image and sound blend so well I almost forgot I was watching a film. Every sound detail was attended to; down to the far off noises of a forest. In certain sequences, the sight and sound were so strong it was almost as though they provided inspiration for taste and smell. There were times when I could almost taste a scene.
If you are to see this film, see it on the largest screen with the best sound you can. It will truly envelop you in a world created by Yimou Zhang.
Dir: Yimou Zhang
As some of you reading this know, I have only recently come around to watching martial arts films. Like it or not, it was Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon that got me started. Now, I must say, I am becoming a fan. While I have begun to appreciate the action sequences in the films, what I have come to love is the imagery. The excellent use of color, texture and cinematography in these films is superb and House of Flying Daggers is no exception.
The story line was believable to a point, but close to the end it really began to fall apart. Though I must admit I was so drawn into the beauty of the film, I often forgot to read the subtitles. From the very beginning Yimou Zhang creates a beautiful world full of color that both seems to conflict and coordinate with itself. The beauty of the mise en scene extended beyond color and ventured far into the world of texture. The entire film was an acrylic painting in motion.
As well as beautiful image, the sound design of the film was superb. There are entire sequences where the image and sound blend so well I almost forgot I was watching a film. Every sound detail was attended to; down to the far off noises of a forest. In certain sequences, the sight and sound were so strong it was almost as though they provided inspiration for taste and smell. There were times when I could almost taste a scene.
If you are to see this film, see it on the largest screen with the best sound you can. It will truly envelop you in a world created by Yimou Zhang.
Telluride Film Festival Day One
As I sit in the back of a white rental car winding through the back roads of Colorado, the sounds of the road as we travel over it create a hymn of the weary traveler. I am on my way to the Telluride Film Festival, a 5 day celebration of film in one of the most unique and special locations for a film festival in the world. In the next few days I will experience a number of new and exciting events that will hopefully inspire me to continue my drive to further define my art. My journey to the festival started early this morning, long before the sun had a chance to wake, in Boulder. After only a few hours of sleep, I kissed Justyn good-bye and headed off for five days of film at almost 10.000 feet.
The ride up was long and full of great conversation. I was sharing a ride up with Howie and a French director (Jacques) which made for interesting conversation. With Howie driving, I was able to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds around me. With the route that we took, I was able to see sights that I have not seen since childhood. The scenery reminded me several times of the Carbondale area with the red rocks and similar mountains. There were times that the similarities were so great I thought I could just close my eyes, open them back up and find myself in my grandmother’s driveway.
The last leg of the trip was by far the most beautiful. A two lane windy mountain road that lead up to our final destination Telluride. Even through the now short distance that separated us from the mountains base, the peaks towered above us. Telluride is located in the back of a narrow box canyon in the San Juan mountain range. The walls of the canyon snuggle the old mining buildings close to their base, keeping them protected from the outside world.
After arriving and dropping Jacques off at his hotel, I went to check in and get my condo assignment. This usually simple process was made all the more difficult by the fact that not only did they not have my name associated with any reservation, they did not have a list on who was supposed to go into what condo. So, instead, they just piled everyone who had checked in at that point into one condo. When I arrived, there were already 8 people in the condo with more to arrive. Keep in mind, this condo was a two bedroom condo with a loft.
After a whole series of phone calls, we determined that six of us were to go to another condo and that should straighten the whole mess up. Well, long story short (too late), I am sleeping on the love seat in the living room. Which after hearing those complaining about the air mattress and the pull out beds, I think I have the good bed.
Overall, the student program seems to be going well. We have had our first meeting and as to be expected, the free crap is coming. Kodak came to talk to us yesterday and tried to convince us to shoot only film. The only thing I really learned from his presentation is that Kodak actually gives students discounts and also helps to sponsor independent films to help make it more affordable to shoot on film.
After our orientation, we went to see our first film after which, I came back to the condo and crashed. ( For more information read the post titled House of Flying Daggers.
I will keep posting info on Telluride every day this weekend. Including a quick rundown of all the films I have seen.
K.
The ride up was long and full of great conversation. I was sharing a ride up with Howie and a French director (Jacques) which made for interesting conversation. With Howie driving, I was able to just sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds around me. With the route that we took, I was able to see sights that I have not seen since childhood. The scenery reminded me several times of the Carbondale area with the red rocks and similar mountains. There were times that the similarities were so great I thought I could just close my eyes, open them back up and find myself in my grandmother’s driveway.
The last leg of the trip was by far the most beautiful. A two lane windy mountain road that lead up to our final destination Telluride. Even through the now short distance that separated us from the mountains base, the peaks towered above us. Telluride is located in the back of a narrow box canyon in the San Juan mountain range. The walls of the canyon snuggle the old mining buildings close to their base, keeping them protected from the outside world.
After arriving and dropping Jacques off at his hotel, I went to check in and get my condo assignment. This usually simple process was made all the more difficult by the fact that not only did they not have my name associated with any reservation, they did not have a list on who was supposed to go into what condo. So, instead, they just piled everyone who had checked in at that point into one condo. When I arrived, there were already 8 people in the condo with more to arrive. Keep in mind, this condo was a two bedroom condo with a loft.
After a whole series of phone calls, we determined that six of us were to go to another condo and that should straighten the whole mess up. Well, long story short (too late), I am sleeping on the love seat in the living room. Which after hearing those complaining about the air mattress and the pull out beds, I think I have the good bed.
Overall, the student program seems to be going well. We have had our first meeting and as to be expected, the free crap is coming. Kodak came to talk to us yesterday and tried to convince us to shoot only film. The only thing I really learned from his presentation is that Kodak actually gives students discounts and also helps to sponsor independent films to help make it more affordable to shoot on film.
After our orientation, we went to see our first film after which, I came back to the condo and crashed. ( For more information read the post titled House of Flying Daggers.
I will keep posting info on Telluride every day this weekend. Including a quick rundown of all the films I have seen.
K.
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