ελπίδα, πίστη, αγάπη

“It is not the strength, but the duration of great sentiments
that makes great men.”
–Beyond Good and Evil, Nietzsche

Man in the Chair is the the best movie I have seen since I don’t know what. I just couldn’t compare this to any other films, indie or blockbuster. There may be other better movies than Man in the Chair so pardon my nescience. All I know is that it is very poignant and beautiful.

This award-winning independent drama stars Christopher Plummer as Flash, a man who longs for the days when he worked as a crew member on such cinematic masterpieces as Citizen Kane. When Flash meets teenage film fanatic Cameron Kincaid (played by Michael Angarano), he becomes an unlikely mentor and agrees to help Cameron make a film to compete in a student competition where the top prize is a film school scholarship and, for Cameron, a ticket out of his difficult home life. Flash, who sees his own life drawing to a close recruits the support of his eccentric friends at the Motion Picture home and helps Cameron make his film and chase his dream.

This movie encompasses the plot. It doesn’t just show you a lad learning from a veteran to achieve his dream. It also shows issues that we should really care about. Animals and humans are being mistreated and neglected like a piece of garbage. Competition winners have already been decided even before the participants make a move. People who are supposed to uphold humanity become part of those who neglect and abuse it. Of course, who said that the world has ever been fair? But being part of a world where injustice is found everywhere doesn’t have to mean doing nothing.

These are the last lines of the movie, a voice over of Cameron Kincaid.
…And Flash was right. Nietzsche was full of shit most of the time. There are no expendable masses in the world. Every person matters. What we do, who we are; can affect a generation. It’s not the strength . . . but the duration of great sentiments, that makes great men. Nietzsche got that one right.

Just a thought, whenever I watch a movie, I usually remember the actors. I hardly remember the people behind the lens. For the men in the chair, it’s just usually Ridley Scott. I am sorry. I am a fan. Part of me doesn’t really bother to remember people. Blame me on that. But it’s still unfair. People deserve credit for the good, perhaps great things they’ve done.

Man In The Chair:
-official website-
-script-

 

Music: Younha - Houkiboushi
Mood: Delighted

Speak is a 2004 indie film starring Kristen Stewart as a high school student who became silent after being raped by an upperclassman.

When I watched this movie, I thought Stewart hasn’t changed in her acting style/skills. Maybe there were subtle changes. It was good though. It’s like if you’re a producer, director or screenplay writer looking for a particular character and would cast Stewart in your movie, you know you’re doing right. You already have an idea how Stewart will play her role. Saves you time.

Albeit having only few lines in the movie, Michael Angarano as Dave Petrakis did wonderful. Melinda said, “Dave Petrakis is my new hero.” You’d know why. He was different from every student that was in their high school. I think Angarano is an underrated actor. I’ve only seen him in two movies, but I’d say I was satisfied with him. Of course, he could’ve done more. Maybe, like Stewart, he is also intended for “particular” movies. Or maybe I should say that there are movies only meant to have Michael Angarano, and/or Kristen Stewart.

Speak is a poignat movie. I think it was very moving albeit hearing only Melinda’s point of views. Of course, there were also other conversations from other characters. Melinda does speak, but only when needed to.

Like Twilight, Speak is a narrative movie from the lead character’s point of view. I think such movies are powerful. But it is also important to empower the other pieces or factors of the movie.

Quotes from the movie: Wikiquote



Music: Cocco - Mizu Kagami
Mood: *head aches*