Parade of Insanity: February 2013

Saturday, February 23, 2013

A Word From ~ Flannery O'Connor

"There is something in us, as storytellers and listeners to stories, that demands the redemptive act, that demands that what falls at least be offered the chance to be restored. The reader of today looks for this motion, and rightly so, but what he has forgotten is the cost of it. His sense of evil is diluted or lacking altogether, and so he has forgotten the price of restoration. When he reads a novel, he wants either his senses tormented or his spirits raised. He wants to be transported, instantly, either to mock damnation or mock innocence."

Flannery O'Connor

Friday, February 22, 2013

Page to Film :: Far From The Madding Crowd

{{It's been awhile since I've done one of these,

but after catching Masterpiece Theater's 1998 version

of Thomas Hardy's "Far From The Madding Crowd",

I was instantly struck with modern casting inspiration. Enjoy!}}

Bathsheba Everdene

A young and haughty beauty, Bathsheba Everdene unexpectedly inherits an Estate from her uncle and is suddenly thrust into a world of wealth and responsibility. Though intent to remain independent and solely in control of her fate, Bathsheba finds her life entangled with those of three widely different men as she tries to maneuver in this new and dangerous world.

My cast choice ~ Jennifer Lawrence

Gabriel Oak

A kind and honorable shepherd, Gabriel meets Bathsheba before she acquires or is even aware of her inheritance and is struck both by her beauty and vanity. After his own fortunes are ruined in an accident, he happens upon a barn fire and assists in putting out, unaware that it is was owned by Bathsheba. In need of someone she can trust, Bathsheba hires Gabriel to be her bailiff, and through the course of the story he becomes her unofficial (and yet often ignored and abused) counselor.

My cast choice ~ Gerard Butler

William Boldwood

Bathsheba's new neighbor, Boldwood is a middle-aged gentlemen farmer, wealthy and respected by all. A solitary bachelor his life long, the lonely Boldwood thinks nothing of Bathsheba until a childish prank gone awry and kindles his infatuation. Seeking her as his own, the noble man patiently courts the shrewd young beauty, who is perpetually unsure whether she would marry the eligible gentlemen even if only for practical business reasons.

My cast choice ~ Jeremy Irons

Sergeant Francis "Frank" Troy

Returning to his native land, the handsome Sgt. Frank Tory happens upon Bathsheba as she is out walking one night and (thinking her a servant woman) boldly address' her by brazenly commenting on her looks and straightforward manner. When he at last understands who she is, he is yet unashamed and continues his unwholesome attentions. His caviler advances at first repulse Bathsheba, but before long she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him and his dashing mannerisms (much to the chagrin of both Gabriel and Mr. Boldwood).

My cast choice ~ Jonathan Rhys Meyers

Fanny Robin

A former servant in Bathsheba's recently deceased Uncle's house, Fanny is the secret lover of Sgt. Frank Tory and runs away to find him shortly after Bathsheba procures the estate.

My cast choice ~ Romola Garai

There's the just of it, hopefully spoiler free. Do read the book or see a film adaption! It's a great story. ;)

The Musicbox

*~*~*

I freed a song from a dusty box
Now a fitting vessel I seek
Feathers made of steel, a key with no lock
Who knew braille could create melody?

Friday, February 15, 2013

Rusalochka || 1968's Soviet-animated "The Little Mermaid"

Today being the day after Valentine's, I thought it fitting that I let you in on a new love of mine: The 1968 Soviet cartoon version of Hans Christian Andersen's, The Little Mermaid.

>>>>=<<<<

Being previously almost completely ignorant of Russian film Soviet or otherwise, I instantly fell in love with the beautiful animation of Rusalochka (or Pусалочка to be precise) when I stumbled upon it a few months ago.

{warning: potential spoilers ahead}

This version has a lot going for it besides enchanting animation.

Namely, it is not "Disney-fied".

Staying true to Andersen's original tale, this little mermaid is a ghostly, graceful, sea-nymph who makes a dangerous choice and succumbs to the consequences even in light of possible "way out". Instead of risking it all to "get the guy", the heroine weighs the cost of love and eventually puts the happiness of others before her own.

Its portrayal of the ever idolized "true love" is not the exuberant, musical one that most of us knew growing up. Instead, it is a haunting, and at parts downright somber, picture of a steadfast (even if initially impulsive) love that might have cost the mermaid her happiness in the end, but never her goodness.

This is a telling contrast to the much loved Disney version, which twists a very "me-centered" theme into the story: The ends will always justify the means as long as you are following you heart, right?

And while some prefer their fairy-tales without moral overtones thank you very much, they really miss out on the richness of the very human themes within the original stories.

1968's Rusalochka, a faithful retelling of Andersen's classic love story, proves that sometimes a quiet resignation in the face of a moral dilemma is a greater testament to love than a "no-holds-barred" approach filled with musical numbers and sassy side-kicks.