Sunday, January 22, 2012

Review of the OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network interview of Mr. George Lucas

The review of the Oprah Winfrey Network interview of Mr. George Lucas was provocative and exciting. It touched on the production of "Star Wars: A New Hope" but also his earlier works of "THX 1138" and "American Graffiti".

Overall his being a filmmaker was nothing new that a fan of Mr. Lucas would never know. I knew it was an uphill battle to film the first Star Wars, but it was so much so that he had heart palpitations to get him through the craziness he was enduring to create the film.

What I did not know that the famous household named droid, R2-D2 was named after the film, "American Graffiti" for "Reel 2, Dialogue 2".

Then he discussed his real life. And it was as if he had come out of his shell to tell Oprah Winfrey. Even his girlfriend, Mellody Hobson who has her own life going for herself pointed out how well he was breaking through and becoming less shy in front of people.

What is beautiful about this couple is that it is interracial and they are good with it. Ms Mellody Hobson was absolutely clueless that Mr. George Lucas was pursuing her in that interest. She only realized it when he spoke up to his friend, Mr. Robin Williams - the outgoing comedic actor.

Their discussion of George Lucas' children was amazing. They all should be proud of themselves and what they have done. Especially Ms. Katie Lucas who seems to be holding her own as a creative artist.

Mellody Hobson interestly gave George Lucas' son a "Black sounding" name of Darrell. His son seemed totally okay with her.

Whatever it is, George Lucas and Mellody Hobson seem extremely happy together.

Then there was discussion of the "Red Tails" movie and how the distribution companies alienated this movie because they felt they could not market it to foreign markets.

Finally, Oprah spoke to Cuba Gooding Jr. and Terrance Howard. They were grateful for being given a chance in the movie.

This interview gave wonderful insights and ideas of Mr. Lucas. Some I have heard before, but his concept of "The Force" it still seems nebulous in his mind's eye. I think that is a good idea because fully defining "The Force" would hurt the creative expressive ideas to expand Star Wars. The other factor is Mr. Lucas says that people think outside the box, well he does not care about the box. And prefers to be there.

One of the reasons I admire Mr. Lucas is he did not give up despite all his detractors. He said to pursue what makes you happy and if that means you work on something and forget the time while doing it, that is what is making you happy.

There is something I am doing that does make me happy despite the administrative Hells I endure. I spend an inordinate amount of time on it. It is called roleplay on social media. I get personal attacks on a daily basis. But in spite of it all, I am not going to give up to naysayers.

That makes 2 directors that I have seen say the same thing who were George Lucas and Spike Lee. They said:

Do not give up


I am not going to give up my idea to make social media a part of filmmaking, pre-production and other media formats, like novels, comics and videogames.

Friday, January 20, 2012

Red Tails movie - my review - "IF"


Red Tails is a rare movie that comes around every decade that changes people's minds. From what we thought was right and everything in place to what is right and replacing everything...

The movie is about the Tuskegee Airmen who flew Europe in World War II to defend their country, the United States in the war effort.

The movie stars Terrance Howard and Cuba Gooding Jr. as the veteran actors. And two relatively "newcomers" to the big screen, although I have seen them in smaller movies before: Nate Parker and David Oyelowo. I can say all the actors did an extraordinary job to not make the movie seem like a "history movie" no one can relate to. They ACTED this movie. They worked hard to deliver their lines and make the audience to believe what it was they were doing.

This movie is wholly produced and distributed by Mr. George Lucas of Lucasfilm. The same Almighty Plaid that created the "Star Wars Empire". Since I am a Star Wars geek, I had to see this movie as soon as I could. And I can say, this movie is one you a couple of times so you can get the full flavor of it. And do not get the bootleg, that's just dumb! See at least 2 showings in the full price movie theater!!! This is not about supporting Black movies, then is about doing JUSTICE to great patriots!

Did it make me feel like I was there with them as a Tuskegee Airman? Like I wanted to be like them? Almost... But then the scene was gritty and being in that environment for me, yuck!

Then the movie is not a "character study". It is more how "heroes" keep courage. And that is what you have to have in mind, when you see Red Tails.

Psychologically, this film begs the question:


"If I was there during that time...I would..."



And invariably, NO you would not do anything. You would be bunched up in your "favorite demeaning category" and overcome that kind of ignorance just like the Tuskegee Airmen were made to do.

They passed every test, engineering feat, staying alive in shitty hand-me-down planes and stay successful!

In the midst of it all, they succeeded. Despite what bigots thought.

And that is really the point of Red Tails, really.

I often whine about dealing my mental health issues, since racism has gone psychological to the point where I know I am certifiably crazy, and I think:

If I was there during that time, I would die by my own hand...



The Tuskegee Airmen are still alive TODAY!




Less Airmen in number, old, disabled, and forgetful, but overall, they remember! They are true patriots!



THANK YOU! So that I can say... "IF"

Sunday, January 15, 2012

EPISODE ALERT: Insomnia

Sleep is a good idea. But there have been more days than not that I have not slept. Why? I know if I lie down, I would fall asleep, eventually. My business is social media and I "man" several Facebook Fan Pages and Twitter accounts. I rationalize that at any moment, someone will interact with me. Does that say I am "addicted" to social media and insomnia is the culprit?

Scientists say to get 6-8 hours of sleep. Generally sleep at night before midnight and arise at reasonable morning hours, before 8 AM. Do not ask me my times of sleep. The scientists say that sleeping the way I do often causes sleep deprivation. I know I have it and that making up back to 6-8 hours cannot be done. In fact there are major health concerns. It has something to do with Circadian Rhythm.

I do not want to take any sleep medications. I think taking sleep agents would worsen my issues with mental health. I just cannot handle it.

Look at the time of this post...