"the thousands of threads making up the SF tapestry"

[eldritchhobbit]

Happy birthday to the fantastic euclase! May you have a most excellent day, my friend, and many more to come!


And in other news...

* I just saw the newly released "Director's Cut" of one of my absolute favorite films of all time, Dark City. Yes, the "Director's Cut" is better than the original and well worth seeing if you like the film. And yes, if you haven't seen the film, you need to do so. Immediately.

* Lois McMaster Bujold's wonderful recent Guest of Honor Keynote Speech from Denvention 3, which includes some interesting comments on genre fiction, is now online.

* Maria Lectrix has completed two new unabridged readings of excellent novels, The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath by H.P. Lovecraft and The Moon Pool by A. Merritt. They are now available for free download here with her other completed novels.

* TheHog'sHead.org has posted a very useful calendar for Harry Potter fans: "Your Guide to Potter Events From Now Till Half-Blood Prince."


The more modern metaphor I much prefer is that SF as a field is an emergent property of the whole seething mass of writers and writing that make it up. It's a consequence, not a cause, and thus wonderfully resistant to attempts at top-down direction. (Fortunately, most writers have a cat's disdain for marching, or being marched, in lockstep; as for me, I am allergic to being held responsible for things over which I actually have no control.) From the thousands of threads making up the SF tapestry, some larger picture may indeed emerge, but I am only responsible for spinning my own bright strand, thank you very much. In other words, I don't believe in an Intelligent Design theory for the SF genre.
- Lois McMaster Bujold, Guest of Honor Keynote Speech from Denvention 3

Comments

[greenhoodloxley.livejournal.com]

I really enjoyed the regular Dark City, so I'll definitely have to look into seeing the director's cut.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

It's so good! The additions/changes are mostly subtle and small - the largest is the dropping of the introductory voiceover - but the small moments all add up to make it even more stunning. We thoroughly loved it.

[groovekittie.livejournal.com]

I just saw the newly released "Director's Cut" of one of my absolute favorite films of all time, Dark City.

Ohhhhhhhhhhh I've always loved that movie!! I saw that at the only place in town that rents movies and I was *thisclose* to renting it but decided I'd rather own it. :) I'm glad to hear that it's better than the original. Because that movie was pretty phenomenal in the first place!!!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Yes, the original was spectacular! This one has small, subtle additions -- a few lines here, a half-scene there -- but they add up to make it an even better film. Ack! I think I'm going to have to get this version now, too! ;) If you love the film, I definitely recommend seeing the new cut.

[estellye.livejournal.com]

I never saw Dark City. *adds to list*

Heh, great quote!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

I love that quote! :)

It's a remarkable film that really speaks to the question of what it means to be human. It's beautifully crafted, from the lighting and costuming to the acting and the repeated visual symbolism of the work. When I taught my freshman class, I paired it with Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (which addresses some of the same issues), and the two always made for a wonderful discussion. If I had to sit down and list my favorite films, Dark City would easily be in my top five. And yes, if I could reach through the computer screen right now, I would be handing you the DVD. LOL! :)

[estellye.livejournal.com]

LOL! Now that would be a cool super power!

I loved "Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind"!

Wow, top five, huh? I'm assuming you are counting THE TRILOGY as 1 film. ;) hehe. Don't worry, I won't take away your Tolkien credentials if you don't put LOTR in the top 5.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

LOL! I'd definitely put Fellowship up there. It's by far my favorite of the three. But hey, if I have your permission, I'll just count the whole trilogy as one. :)

I know The Lion in Winter, Dangerous Beauty, and Dark City would be there, too. I'm not quite sure what the other would be. The rest of my top ten are rather neck and neck, so I suppose it would depend on what day you ask me. Today, it would be the original Invasion of the Body Snatchers, I think.

(Oh, and I love Eternal Sunshine, too. Great film, dealing with big questions, and it proves that films don't require Things Blowing Up Real Good in order to be "real" science fiction.) *wink*

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Woooh, I sense an attachment to Rufus Sewell here. Two of his films in your top five?? ("Dark City" and "Dangerous Beauty"). He hasn't been starring in much we can go gander at. I'd like to forget "Bless the Child" where his eyes are used as something demonic (terrible film, only watched it because the little girl in it is a real life friend of ours and I will watch anything with Rufus in it at least once). I admit I only watched "Dangerous Beauty" because he was in it, after being so impressed with him in "Dark City." Liked him as Alexander Hamilton in the recent "John Adams."

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Ah yes. He creeped up on me: I didn't see Dark City or Dangerous Beauty originally because of him, but then I asked myself, "What do these have in common?" :) Then I was hooked. I quite liked him as Marc in Tristan and Isolde, too - his fantastic performance helped me to get over the lamentable Tristan, though I was left wondering why Isolde would ever go with the whining emo child in that triangle! - and I agree 100% about his Alexander Hamilton. If only we'd been treated to the Burr-Hamilton duel! I'm sure he would've given us a death scene to remember.

You know the little girl in Bless the Child? How neat! I hope she had a good experience on the film set. Is it me, or did Kim Basinger phone in that performance? From a long, long distance, using a bad connection? Ouch. The young lady seems to have real talent, though, despite the poor example some of her co-stars set. I still remember that scene with her on the roof...

Are you familiar with SilkSoundBooks? I only recently discovered them, but I was pleased to see that Rufus Sewell had contributed an unabridged audiobook reading.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

PS. Thanks for your wonderful replies! :)

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Well, Holli Coleman isn't so 'little' anymore, she's 18 now, but she and her little brother Bobby are now in production on a movie together ("Proving Ground"). Hubby and their father Bob are friends so we sort of keep up on what they are doing. All I currently know is that they are not having a good time on their current project, although way back when she did "Bless the Child" it was a good experience for her.

Oh, I so agree about wanting to see more of Rufus as Alexander Hamilton, and I'll have to check out SilkSoundBooks. Thanks for the link.

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Wow, GREAT sound sample of Rufus at SilkSoundBooks. What a hoot! I'm hooked.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Isn't it terrific? I bought the audiobook, but I haven't had a chance yet to listen to it. Soon, though!

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Ooh, Estellye, "Dark City" is now on your list -- hope you get to watch it soon. It is a real keeper. Haunting and memorable, it really hits somewhere both inside and out. I am glad Eldritchhobbit wrote about the Director's cut, I had been wondering if it was worth a peek (I so loved the original I really wanted to be sure).

[estellye.livejournal.com]

LOL! OK, that tears it, I am going out tomorrow to locate this treasure!

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

I've already ordered my copy through Amazon. We're on their 2-day free shipping program. I'm cranking up the DVD player in anticipation. Also, in reply to Eldritchhobbit, I don't want to hear about the changes, I prefer to remain spoiler free and experience it anew on my own, and then discuss it after. I'm so excited now!! Whoopee!!

[travisprinzi.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the link!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

My pleasure!

Dark City

[abbie (from livejournal.com)]

My First Year Seminar professor made me watch that film.

I liked it. :o)
She was alright, too.

Re: Dark City

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

:P *wink*

She was fortunate to get to have you in class, that's for certain!

[sneezythesquid.livejournal.com]

* I just saw the newly released "Director's Cut" of one of my absolute favorite films of all time, Dark City. Yes, the "Director's Cut" is better than the original and well worth seeing if you like the film.

Glad to hear that the new DC was good from someone I trust, as I love that movie and was afraid that the changes would damage the movie.

And yes, if you haven't seen the film, you need to do so. Immediately.

Seconded! Go, go now! Get thee to a video store!

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Go, go now! Get thee to a video store!

Well said!

I was worried, too, going by the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy, but wow. It's wonderful. It's just like Dark City, only moreso, if that makes any sense. ;) I think you'll love it.

[euclase.livejournal.com]

Yay! Thank you for the birthday shout out, dear! *hugs*

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

My pleasure! *hugs*

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Oh, oh!! You like "Dark City" too? It is one of my absolute favorites of all time and I was wondering if the new Director's cut was worth a look. I will obtain it immediately. It is a wonderful, wonderful film. Whenever I hear Keifer Sutherland's voice anywhere (like in the background when hubby is watching "24") all I can picture in my mind is "Dark City" and our little friend Holly (although she isn't so little any more) was with Rufus Sewell in a forgettable horror flick with him and Kim Basinger, but all I could remember was Rufus in "Dark City." That movie is indelibly etched in my psyche. It is a stunning movie, hitting everywhere inside and out. Thanks for commenting on the Director's cut, I was really and truly wondering about it.

[eldritchhobbit.livejournal.com]

Dark City is one of my favorite films ever. I've taught it (read: foisted it on university students) in two of my classes. The fact is that I've watched it a ridiculous number of times, but every time I watch it, I see something new. Every time. It's so beautifully scripted, acted, and filmed - crafted, I guess I should say.

If you'd like any details about what's different between the original and the director's cut, I'll be glad to explain. (I won't here in case you want to remain spoiler free.) I was skeptical, because I loved the original so much. The bottom line is that the new version includes/changes a number of small things that all add up to enhancing all the best parts of the film. I ended up feeling like I saw one of my very favorite films, times two.

Ah yes, I'm a fan of 24, as well. And I know what "forgettable horror flick" you're talking about: I insisted on seeing that, as well. :) Are you going to give the TV series Eleventh Hour a try this Fall? I am, just because of Rufus Sewell. Since he's starred in two of my all-time favorite films, I figure that I owe it to him to give any project of his a try. ;)

I'm so excited to find a fellow fan! Great minds think alike, eh? *grin*

[tuilelindowen.livejournal.com]

Yes, I always give anything Rufus is in a try. I do the same for Kevin J. O'Connor because his voice drives me crazy. I was in heaven when Kevin was in the series cast of "The Others" as he isn't in much at all, but because of his voice you can hear him in narrations and voiceovers (National Geographic ads, Titanic documentary narration, etc.) Got into his voice when he played that biker reciting poetry in "Peggy Sue Got Married."

Back to "Dark City" I watched my theatrical DVD last night to refresh my memory while I wait for the Director's cut to arrive. One thing that hooked me on the movie was the cinematography, very like "Citizen Kane" in its art direction. Stunning. I'm a sucker for good cinematography. I compare everything to "Citizen Kane" and "Dark City" is the closest one yet.