So, the University of Brighton has messed up the dates of study on my visa. I hope it does not effect the processing of my Visa. That would just be more salt on the already sore wound, however I'm pretty sure everything will be O.K.
A couple of things...
First of all, since I'm going to be in England for such a long time, I think I will open a local bank account. It will be useful, just around the corner, and fun. Don't ask me why I think bank accounts are fun. They just are.
I'm also going to buy a cheap old bicycle (if I can find one). I get the impression that Brighton, although cheaper than London to live in, is not, necessarily a cheap place. It seems to be the Myrtle Beach of England. Or the Malibu of England. A very popular, recreational ocean vacation spot. I guess it has been for quite some time.
In Pride and Prejudice, the youngest daughter Lydia goes to Brighton with Colonel Foster's wife, where Lydia meets up with Wickham, and runs away to London. In one part of the book, Kitty-- the second youngest-- says, "If I should go to Brighton, I would behave much better than Lydia." To which Mr. Bennett replies, "Brighton! I wouldn't trust you as near it as Eastborn. No, believe me, Kitty, I have learned my lesson and the rest of you shall pay for it. No man in uniform is ever to enter my house again, you are not to stir outdoors unless you can prove you've spent ten minutes of your day in a rational manner, and balls and dances are strictly prohibited, unless you stand up with one of your sisters!"
The quotes go something to that effect.
Jane Austen's books are my favorites. I could read them my whole life and not grow tired of them. Not my whole life nonstop, you know. Just off and on. Well, you get it.
On a different note:
Did you know that the fabric on couches and chairs that drapes over the headrests and arms of the furniture is called an antimacassar?
Well, they are.
Reason: Macassar oil was, apparently, the producer of a popular men's hair grease back in the Victorian era. To save the fabric on their furniture from ruin, the housewives made little doilies or coverings and pinned them to the chairs, protecting them from all the hair scum. Thus, antimacassars! The English language is a fascinating animal.
And ah! On an even MORE different note:
I just watched Sunset Boulevard with Gloria Swanson (1950) for the first time tonight. That movie is terrific. I love older films, but this tops all dramatic films I have seen. It ranks right up there with Citizen Kane, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane, and The Children's Hour for sickening stomach wrenching drama.
They don't really make many movies like that any more.
The acting is so compelling, the sets and plot so simple, and yet they are some of the most powerful films. I know they aren't to everyone's taste, but there's something about the hopeless situation the characters find themselves in that makes you so sympathetic with them. The best movies are not about "good guys" and "bad guys". Some of the best movies have no fancy effects or fight scenes. They don't need them. All the extra stuff is just to hide things like a poor writer, an indecisive director, a stubborn producer, or simply a dig for money. I mean, yes, films are made to make money. It's not a charitable organization. However, you think maybe film companies could give the American audience a LITTLE more credit of intelligence. Sometimes I watch movies and somehow they remind me of McCain's choice of running mate: A gimmik for votes and popularity, and an insult to the assumed intelligence of the populace. I do not believe there is an average "Joe Blow".
ANYWAY. Sunset Boulevard is a wonderful movie. Wonderful. IF anyone was as truly powerful as Gloria Swanson today, they wouldn't know what to do with her. The style of movies has changed, but I hope the quality of talent hasn't. I just can't imagine Kirstin Dunst, Kiera Knightly, or Natalie Portman delivering a performance like that. Then again... there aren't any real chances for performances like that. You think about all the time in films spent racing down streets in fast cars, blowing things up, or having sex, or screaming pitching fits, or awkward longing looks, or slow-mo sequences with the actor's tears welling up in their eyes as they watch their dreams become dashed.
I would LOVE to see, for once, a modern film with no slow-mo, no heavy sex scenes, no racing, no blood and guts, no "cool" actors, and with a camera holding still for more than five seconds. A well put together movie and just pure literature in motion.
I guess what I really want is to make my own movie.
It will happen one day.
But that's me going on a ranting tirade (happens a lot).
Anyway, still in Idaho.
28 days left until take off.
My best to any readers... and anyone in general.
Hannah
No comments:
Post a Comment