Inspiration for Insight
Greetings one and all. I feel like that's something Jimmy Neutron said in the movie, the one that came before the TV show, little known fact people don't know. Anyway, hello everyone! I was tempted to title this post "Inspired to Input Insightful Intellect" or some variation of that. But that's a tad lengthy, and as much as I love alliteration, it's a bit much. Anyway. I'm here to begin with a question: What inspires me? Recently, and most often as exhibited in previous posts, music seems to inspire me. Interruptions from others actually distracts me enormously. (I say this because someone is asking whether or not I'm sleeping. Sorry if I happen to write while I attempt slumber. Fuck, I miss writing.) Yes, music inspires me greatly to write. In particular to last night, the song "California" by Phantom Planet which is featured in the show The O.C.... That song really got my gears working but sadly the only computer nearby was not my own and had a goddamn password. Oh, another thing that bothers me is bipolar individuals. I realize that it is a legitimate illness, but it doesn't make it less irritating to experience and witness.
That little intro was written a few weeks ago on my phone. Unfortunately, that so-called insight that overwhelmed when writing that has vanished. I have absolutely not idea what I wanted to write about at that moment. If only I had a functioning laptop that was in my vicinity. Now that I've been reunited with my MacBook, I felt it was time to get some words onto the screen and, dare I say it, actually post something. To get the creative juices flowing (as so many "writers" reiterate time and again), let me fill you in with what's been going on in my personal life. Those of you who care anyway.
One aspect of my summer is the acquisition of habits. Annoyingly vague isn't it? My use of eloquent evasion is spot on. I don't know if "habits" is the proper word to use here, except to refer to two activities that is certainly not at all healthy. Raised in a European household, I began drinking at an early age. Not vodka in my baby bottle early, but earlier than most. Drinking for me was solely for entertainment and I always made sure to be doing it with someone else. I'm not at the stage of drinking alone quite yet; I'm waiting for my first divorce or a midlife crisis. Still, my drinking did bother my ex, from what he hinted at while we were together and from what I found out later from his friends. I understand his frustration with my little (understatement) drinking, but it would have been nice to be confronted about it if it was such a problem. Again, no bitterness. I'm simply stating the fact that if you're in a caring relationship, those confrontations, while difficult, are recommended if not necessary. Sorry if that sounds harsh. Anyway, drinking has never really gotten out of hand for me over the summer, thankfully. It remains a very fun pastime I share with my closest friends. Or oftentimes new friends. I've made quite a few of those over the summer. I just feel drinking is a disinhibitor (because it is) and that it can pave the way for great friendships. In my case it has anyway. So that's that for my chapter in drinking. Don't drink and drive. Stay in school. Oh, the other habit is the occasional cigarette. Don't do drugs.
I'm trying not to write into "depressing Tumblr" territory, because that's not what this blog is about. I merely wanted to get the creative juices flowing (repetition) and share a little of what's been happening in my life. More excuses as to why I haven't been writing. It seems that I've developed a trend for writing posts, which involves writing in segments. For instance, the intro was written mid-nap sometime in August. The portion before what I am writing now was written a couple nights ago. Now, I am sitting in a computer lab on campus, finding a way to occupy my time in between classes. I'd have to say this is far more productive than my previous method, which is not writing at all. Anyway.... Let's move on to some more relevant topics that I normally cover.
I'll start the cinematic portion of this post (about damn time) by discussing the second season of True Detective. To begin what I hope to be a reasonably lengthy analysis, I'll give an overview of the first season and my thoughts on it. Most of the TV-viewing population was positively enthralled by the premiere of True Detective. Many critics and viewers alike dissected the series as a dark, complex, meanings-upon-meanings creation. The lead actors--best buddies Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson--were enormously praised for their performances; McConaughey for his portrayal of the brooding, contemplative Det. Rust Cohle, Harrelson for his portrayal of the damaged, volatile Det. Marty Hart. This just in: As I was skimming over the True Detective page on IMDb, I noticed that the website added a feature called "The Top 250 TV" list. True Detective is at #12. This is a very much appreciated addition, IMDb. Again, I won't get into plot specifics because (1) it wastes too much time, and (2) most of you have probably watched the first season. What was unique about the series from its initial launch was that it sort of reintroduced the noir genre to television. I say "sort of" because I can't say for sure whether that statement is true. I don't watch every single show, so I can't say for sure, correct? Granted, Breaking Bad has noir-ish elements, but I view it more as a dark Western type of production. But that's just me. Anyway, True Detective provided audiences with astounding performances, which make up for most of the show's allure in my opinion, mixed with intriguing, makes-you-think dialogue. The two lead characters, also, have an amazing on-screen chemistry--their conversations and debates are so engaging and realistic that it is as if you've become a bystander to their verbal exchange. The show itself has a mesmerizing atmosphere. Taking place in the Deep South of Louisiana (I think I'm inaccurate in calling it the Deep South), the setting provides an additional element of mystery and grittiness that only enhances the show's allure. I love writing with elaborate adjectives. The plot itself, involving a serial homicide case and witchy cults, completes the thrill and attraction of the first season of True Detective. A show this praised and complex just screamed for a continuation. Enter season 2.
The show was developed, I'm assuming, to have completely different storylines and characters from seasons to season. The second season includes four big names, as opposed to two in the first season, and a story many people found to be far less complex and therefore (to most) less interesting. The characters of this season are: Det. Ray Velcoro (played by Colin Farrell), a deeply disturbed alcoholic/drug-abuser who has connections to the underworld of crime; Det. Ani Bezzerides (played by Rachel McAdams), whose resistance to human connection causes her to give off a stone-cold front; Frank Semyon (played by Vince Vaughn, of all people), a pragmatic and intimidating leader of the criminal underworld; and Officer Paul Woodrugh (played by Taylor Kitsch), a strange, quiet war hero whose sexuality, he believes, contradicts his masculine persona. All I will say about the show is that its actors are superb. As good actors, they are good anywhere--that's basically the gist of it. The character development is lacking somewhat, yet this ambiguity contributes to the show's overall ambiguous character. Yes, the show has character as well as physical human characters. I really can't say why the reviews were so scarring for season two, other than maybe that the dialogue was a bit trite and cheesy. However, I'd like to justify that with the idea that the season was attempting to emulate the older films of the crime/noir genre. I saw the back-and-forth dialogue as a sort of homage to those older gangster-crime films, but that's just me apparently.
That's all I have to say on the topic of True Detective because, once again, I am continuing this post after a period of time. What appears to be the new format of my way of posting is that I will write in inspired spurts while I sit (most likely) inside my local Starbucks. I realize this is very very pretentious and clichéd, but it is honestly so peaceful here. Writing in cafés is clichéd for a reason. Thoughts just pop in my head. Whether or not those thoughts are actually interesting is up to you. I think every thought is valuable. Sometimes.
Looking back at how much I've written thus far, I believe it is time to wrap things up. I showed some posts to a few dear friends of mine, and they were shocked at how long they were. And that was said about the introduction alone. Of course, that's my odd, annoying writing style. I'd like to end this post with some repeated information as to how I'll be posting, if I do in fact post frequently. When a thought comes to mind that I think is broad enough to discuss in a post, I'll shoot out some witty yet scattered paragraphs about the topic. I will definitely be going off on tangents, especially when I continue writing the post at a later time. Regarding the titles, that I will have trouble with since I will probably be covering multiple topics in one post, all unrelated. The title of this post came to mind months ago when I started writing this, so I won't change that. I suppose I'll just use a title that forms in my mind as I'm writing--I really don't know. This is the most confusing paragraph of the post, resembling the complexity of True Detective. Boom, connecting points. I don't know. I write as I think. Also, I would like to disclose that some future posts may be very personal and might even resemble a column that Carrie Bradshaw would write. (Spoiler for my next post, which I am in the process of writing.) The dynamic and format of this blog may change dramatically, but will still possess my distinctive voice and eccentricities. Never fret, I'm still me. I am simply transmitting my laziness onto the blog; that is, instead of not writing, I will write when I feel like it and it will be very unorganized. I'll try to make sense. Again, this paragraph could be committed but I never erase of delete anything, which is a creative issue for me. Anyway. I hope to keep writing throughout the rest of the year and onward! Farewell until next time.
That little intro was written a few weeks ago on my phone. Unfortunately, that so-called insight that overwhelmed when writing that has vanished. I have absolutely not idea what I wanted to write about at that moment. If only I had a functioning laptop that was in my vicinity. Now that I've been reunited with my MacBook, I felt it was time to get some words onto the screen and, dare I say it, actually post something. To get the creative juices flowing (as so many "writers" reiterate time and again), let me fill you in with what's been going on in my personal life. Those of you who care anyway.
One aspect of my summer is the acquisition of habits. Annoyingly vague isn't it? My use of eloquent evasion is spot on. I don't know if "habits" is the proper word to use here, except to refer to two activities that is certainly not at all healthy. Raised in a European household, I began drinking at an early age. Not vodka in my baby bottle early, but earlier than most. Drinking for me was solely for entertainment and I always made sure to be doing it with someone else. I'm not at the stage of drinking alone quite yet; I'm waiting for my first divorce or a midlife crisis. Still, my drinking did bother my ex, from what he hinted at while we were together and from what I found out later from his friends. I understand his frustration with my little (understatement) drinking, but it would have been nice to be confronted about it if it was such a problem. Again, no bitterness. I'm simply stating the fact that if you're in a caring relationship, those confrontations, while difficult, are recommended if not necessary. Sorry if that sounds harsh. Anyway, drinking has never really gotten out of hand for me over the summer, thankfully. It remains a very fun pastime I share with my closest friends. Or oftentimes new friends. I've made quite a few of those over the summer. I just feel drinking is a disinhibitor (because it is) and that it can pave the way for great friendships. In my case it has anyway. So that's that for my chapter in drinking. Don't drink and drive. Stay in school. Oh, the other habit is the occasional cigarette. Don't do drugs.
I'm trying not to write into "depressing Tumblr" territory, because that's not what this blog is about. I merely wanted to get the creative juices flowing (repetition) and share a little of what's been happening in my life. More excuses as to why I haven't been writing. It seems that I've developed a trend for writing posts, which involves writing in segments. For instance, the intro was written mid-nap sometime in August. The portion before what I am writing now was written a couple nights ago. Now, I am sitting in a computer lab on campus, finding a way to occupy my time in between classes. I'd have to say this is far more productive than my previous method, which is not writing at all. Anyway.... Let's move on to some more relevant topics that I normally cover.
I'll start the cinematic portion of this post (about damn time) by discussing the second season of True Detective. To begin what I hope to be a reasonably lengthy analysis, I'll give an overview of the first season and my thoughts on it. Most of the TV-viewing population was positively enthralled by the premiere of True Detective. Many critics and viewers alike dissected the series as a dark, complex, meanings-upon-meanings creation. The lead actors--best buddies Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson--were enormously praised for their performances; McConaughey for his portrayal of the brooding, contemplative Det. Rust Cohle, Harrelson for his portrayal of the damaged, volatile Det. Marty Hart. This just in: As I was skimming over the True Detective page on IMDb, I noticed that the website added a feature called "The Top 250 TV" list. True Detective is at #12. This is a very much appreciated addition, IMDb. Again, I won't get into plot specifics because (1) it wastes too much time, and (2) most of you have probably watched the first season. What was unique about the series from its initial launch was that it sort of reintroduced the noir genre to television. I say "sort of" because I can't say for sure whether that statement is true. I don't watch every single show, so I can't say for sure, correct? Granted, Breaking Bad has noir-ish elements, but I view it more as a dark Western type of production. But that's just me. Anyway, True Detective provided audiences with astounding performances, which make up for most of the show's allure in my opinion, mixed with intriguing, makes-you-think dialogue. The two lead characters, also, have an amazing on-screen chemistry--their conversations and debates are so engaging and realistic that it is as if you've become a bystander to their verbal exchange. The show itself has a mesmerizing atmosphere. Taking place in the Deep South of Louisiana (I think I'm inaccurate in calling it the Deep South), the setting provides an additional element of mystery and grittiness that only enhances the show's allure. I love writing with elaborate adjectives. The plot itself, involving a serial homicide case and witchy cults, completes the thrill and attraction of the first season of True Detective. A show this praised and complex just screamed for a continuation. Enter season 2.
The show was developed, I'm assuming, to have completely different storylines and characters from seasons to season. The second season includes four big names, as opposed to two in the first season, and a story many people found to be far less complex and therefore (to most) less interesting. The characters of this season are: Det. Ray Velcoro (played by Colin Farrell), a deeply disturbed alcoholic/drug-abuser who has connections to the underworld of crime; Det. Ani Bezzerides (played by Rachel McAdams), whose resistance to human connection causes her to give off a stone-cold front; Frank Semyon (played by Vince Vaughn, of all people), a pragmatic and intimidating leader of the criminal underworld; and Officer Paul Woodrugh (played by Taylor Kitsch), a strange, quiet war hero whose sexuality, he believes, contradicts his masculine persona. All I will say about the show is that its actors are superb. As good actors, they are good anywhere--that's basically the gist of it. The character development is lacking somewhat, yet this ambiguity contributes to the show's overall ambiguous character. Yes, the show has character as well as physical human characters. I really can't say why the reviews were so scarring for season two, other than maybe that the dialogue was a bit trite and cheesy. However, I'd like to justify that with the idea that the season was attempting to emulate the older films of the crime/noir genre. I saw the back-and-forth dialogue as a sort of homage to those older gangster-crime films, but that's just me apparently.
That's all I have to say on the topic of True Detective because, once again, I am continuing this post after a period of time. What appears to be the new format of my way of posting is that I will write in inspired spurts while I sit (most likely) inside my local Starbucks. I realize this is very very pretentious and clichéd, but it is honestly so peaceful here. Writing in cafés is clichéd for a reason. Thoughts just pop in my head. Whether or not those thoughts are actually interesting is up to you. I think every thought is valuable. Sometimes.
As long as you're writing, the world is a better place!
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