Mattlog

Time to Get Arty

I'm working on my script still, but I'm cruising along over the half way hump so that's always good. But it's interesting but what I've always fought against... structure... that's telling... structure has opened the door and made it easier in some ways to tell this story.

I can also see how this sense of structure has lead to a lot of mediocre movies. Because the nature of drama is action... a character must be inactive. Aj and I have said along what's interesting about my idea is no one's done it. And I know why my lead character is pretty inactive. Well not anymore... she does the same inactions but she's active... never mind... trust me. But I can see how people will betray their original ideas because it's too hard to rework them. So instead they doing something that's been done a hundred times.

I'm not calling myself master screen writer but I saw myself falling into those traps. "well it's alot more active if she does {reveal secret}" but I reworked it. It's better and it's nice knowing where you're writing to. And what I do, that really works... I think... I'm about to read Aj's comments.... is that I fight the tedious A to B by creating clever moments in which things happen.

It's funny cause now that I better understand the structure of film it'll be easier to play agianst it and make things happen to jar the audience.

It's like being a painter. You could draw a stick figure and say it's art. But it's only becuase you've become "an artist" that it's allowed. You undertand, supposedly, the nature of art. And now with a growing understanding of Structure I too can draw a stick figure and turn it into the Sistene Chapel.

Matt

Well I guess....

I only joked about this on Aj's coment box... but what the hell.

Women from any time. I'm assuming at least the 20th century. Cause Well, Helen of Troy was supposedly pretty hot... as well as Cleopatra.

So....

1. Mary Tyler Moore during the Dick Van Dyke Show.

She's just so hot. Maybe it's the push up bra.

2. Jenny McCarthy during Playboy shoot #4

3. Madonna during the Like a Virgin Years

Mmmmmmmm. Madonna. Mmmmmmmmm.

4. Carrie Fisher

Since Aj took her in Star Wars I'll take her in Return of the Jedi. It's a cheat but I'll use it.

5. Farrah.

Need I say more?

Aj also took Olivia Newton John. Good choice. Cybil Shepard from Moonlighting is good. Oh and I've always loved Alyssa Milano.

I forgot to tell you it snowed in Austin. 3 inches. First time since '88 and that's ben fact checked. It was 1:30 AM on Valentine's Morning. Beautiful real snow. And by ten AM nothing remained. People who were up and made snowman where now just hats and sticks. And today 70 degrees and beautiful. Awesome.

1 month till Vega$. I'm staying a day longer than AJ and Jeff as TOby and his crew are flying in. So I get a day with them. Awesome.

That's enough.... I'll probably write more on Friday. Till them....

Matt

Bad TV

My cable hasn't been shut off yet. I get more and more worried I'll pick up the phone and cancel the cancel. I just love all TV good and bad.

I spoke a few posts ago about some of the good TV I'm watching. I also meant to add another nice BBCAMERICA nugget called "Faking It." This is where they take, say, an X-Ray Technician and try and make him a real Photographer. Then he snaps pictures and is interviewed by Photo editors who quiz him and 3 others to see which is the fake. Another episode involved a farm boy taking on a bouncer postition at a London Hotspot. Just wacky reality TV.

Tonight I watched a Whoopi Goldberg movie I have never seen before called the Associate. I couldn't write and all my games were making me mad so I vegged on the couch and watched this WHOLE damn movie. Whoopi plays an executive who's fired then pretends to be a man to win over new clients. Why I watched all 2 hours of this piece of crap I have no idea. True molasses for the brain.

I sometimes just need something stupid to numb the brain. Bad TV might be more prevelant these days. I 'spose it depends on your deifintion of bad. If it's true entertainment I save it for Friends, 24 and Alias and those other shows I mentioned previously. But if I'm writing or playing games I don't mind having My big Fat Obnoxious Fiancee' or Average Joe in the background. It's something to entertain me during loading time or to not take up mind space while figuring what I want to write next.

*takes 3 minutes to watch a review on G4 of the new Max Payne game*

But Bad Tv has always been around. The Dukes of Hazzard? Fantasy Island? Remember Mantis? Dennis Miller does:

A show about a guy who was half man, half preying mantis, and he fought crime. And they cancelled it. Here's a guy who whenever danger reared it's ugly head half of him would turn into a preying mantis. Don't you see the BEAUTY of that Crissake! Why didn't any of you fuckers watch? *whimper* Why? I'm sorry I guess there's a little bit of mantis in all of us. Manti, we heardly knew ye.

What I truly wonder is how much TV is actually sat down and watched and how much of it is just ON while people do other things. Like eating, or using their computer or just talking. I watch Fiancee' not because it's a good show (though it could be great if the chicky was a little more willing to play along) but because it gives me something to discuss with my friends.

I could sit here and talk about how John Kerry and John Edwards are the perfect pres and vice-pres noms to go up against Bush. I could try and discuss it with my co-workers. But half of my co-workers would not have realized it's even an election year. It basically comes down to that it's easier for people to numb their brains with an 11th season of the REAL WORLD then to think about which candidate would their best interests in mind. Phoebe's wedding takes precedent over all.

I don't mean to come across all judgmental on this subject. After all I just watched the Associate for two hours and NOTHING ELSE! Earlier tonight I caught a friend of mine up on the last 5 years of General Hospital? Why? Because the flaming Quartermaine hotel has been a great Story line for the past few weeks. But more importantly, WHY am I watching it? Legacy. My mom always did. So it must be passed.

But as one famous person once said. "TV is made to sell soap." And the fact we get anything entertaining to watch it all should be quite remarkable.

Matt

And now... your moment of Zen.

Go GOOGLE Bad TV and see and how many hits you get. What's More Amazing? How many are blogs.

Happy Birthday to Me

It's not really my birthday. My birthday is actually September 21. How odd that this would occur.

The Star Wars Trilogy on DVD
February 10, 2004

The most requested films for the DVD format will finally become a reality this September as Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox present the eagerly-awaited Star Wars Trilogy for the ultimate home entertainment format. The four-disc collection will be released on September 21 in the U.S. and Canada, with international release dates following closely.

Sounds like a pefect birthday gift to me... hint hint. I knew this was coming by the way. Hence all the Star Wars links. I have my finger on the pulse of the movie industry.

In other news...

I've never kissed a red head. This was a passing thought I had the other day when I saw a hair commercial with this horribly hot red-head. Everyone has a little list of things to do before they die... I mean, get married. People you really wanna mack on before the inevitble no mack on of marriage descends.

Which led me to the list of actresses of women who if I ever get a chance to sleep with my wife will have to let me. (Yes, they did this on FRIENDS.)

So here, in no particular order, the top 5. (cause anymore than that looks selfish and greedy. ;)

Rena Sofer

She's a lesser known actor but so dang hot. I love these green eyes she has well she's a hotty. Couldn't find ther perfect pic of her so here are two near perfect pics.

Nicole Kidman. Just lovely. She would also help in taking care of that red head tick. But she's just a hotty. And one of my favorite muscials, The Producers is being made into a movie. A Mel Brooks movie, turned into a Mel Brooks play starring matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane, will be turned into a Mel Brooks starring Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick and Nicole Kidman. It's gonna be great. coming Xmas 2005.

And a good pic of her....

Jennifer Anistion Been in love with her forever. Course I could never because of Brad.... but as I'm assured Brad will probably be on my wife's list if we got some sorta wife swap thing or something.... aw this is all fake anyway so it doesn't matter. She's on the list.

Natalie Portman or Keira Knightly

As they are both similiar in smarts and looks either one would negate the other. Keira from Pirates of the Caribbean and Nat from Star Wars and Beautiful Women and The Proffessional. It took me forever to forget that wasn't Nat in Pirates but then I found out she played the decoy queen in Episode I. THAT's funny. I didn't even know. Here they are.

Keira

Nat

and finally, I'm sure you've seen this one comeing a while....

Christina.

i know.... she's a bit on the nasty side.... but damn what a voice on her. One night of her singing then some DIRRTY-ness. That would be good. Besides it's just a sex thing. That's the point of the list. Though I have a feeling some wife might 86 this one as it's far more likely too happen. *bud-duh-bump*

So on a slighty obsessive note here's a Christina Video that I uh... edited together from stuff around the web. Aj this an updated version from the one you've seen. And Ricquel I thought about throwing in a certain pic of you looking Xtina like but I opted not to. *evil grin*

Now you'd think that Elisha Cuthbert or Jennifer Garner would be on this list. But alas not list worthy. Don't know why. These 5 make me drool everytime.

I don't usually pimp for comments as AJ does but i'd be interested to see everyone elses list.

Matt

Stuff and Movies

[littleboyessay] Movies. They are good. I like movies. Movies are big. Movies are loud. Movies make me happy. Movies make me cry. Movies are awesome. [/littleboyessay]

I went to Spike and Mike's Animation Festival at the Alamo Draft House this week. Let me just say I'm glad we could drink. I laughed. Alot. Hugely. I may have done a spit take once. Jeff showed me the short film rejected at his house. It's a damn funny film. Here's a little comic by the creator of rejected. http://www.bitterfilms.com/TA_MSB_04.html And his first viewing of this film was at Spik and Mike's. I knew that this was the festival for me.

And wow, there are some sick people out there. You think south park is wrong.... it's just... worse.

When you walk in the door they're showing just strange movies. Like a woman with 80's hair in leotards dancing to Thriller. It was a real home movie someone put on cable access. And these guys taped it and now, years later they show it.

Well this just sets you up for some damn mean shit. Teddy bears catching their eyelids on tree branches. But I think for the funniest short of the night was Dr. Tran. Visit his web site.

http://www.beyondgrandpa.com/drtran/main.html

Dr. Tran's the man. And the 3-d effects are awesome.

So that was a worthy Friday night. Well, that, and playing Need For Speed: Underground. Freakin' awesome game. I recommend it.

So tonight, for 8.99 I bought Moulin Rouge. Finally, I know. My roommates have always had it. So I watched it tonight. It kills me everytime. I shut it off just after Roxanne everytime. I can't watch her die. It's too hard. THIS CLOSE to being happy and she's dying. DYING.

For those who haven't seen it, I'm not giving anything away... you find out in the first 5 minutes she dies. And yes, the final chase scene is fun but it just kills.

I've also decided if I ever launch a stage production of Moulin Rouge... Greg is playing THE DUKE... if only based on role in "Robber Bridegroom." Or maybe it was "Anything Goes." Either way it's his.

Movies.

Talked to a buddy of mine tonight about Art and doing something to help the community. He has a bugger of an idea... nothign I'll share but it'd be quite a venture to get on the gorund floor of. Something to help musicians, filmmakers, and painters... anyon with artistic ambition... writers... to get some notice.

It'll take a while.... but well worth the doing.

I could rave about movies.... I have.... I will continue to. I'm inspired.

Must go.

Too long. Gotta a script to finish. Feb 29. Gotta be done.

Matt

Another odd Star Wars Link for you.

http://starwarschicks.com/

This should be a hook up place so like men and women can meet.

I Watch Too Much TV

Its true.

I don't watch normal TV. I watch odd stuff. Have you seen the Office? It's on BBC America and Season I is out on DVD. It's similiar in tone to Curb Your Enthusiasm. It won a Golden Globe. And it's one of those shows you watch through your fingers cause well, it's kind of mean on the main character. Who I might add is the co-creator. It's just... brilliant... in a British sort of way.

G4 the channel for gamers... it talks alot about video games... that's fun. Wanna see something really odd. http://www.redvsblue.com/ They just take Halo screens and make it their own story.

"I've always wanted to be a children's cartoonist." Says his receptionist.
"Well, it's good to have a pipe dream."

Julia Roberts on Dave Letterman. Those two just flirted their way through the interview. She gave him so much crap about the "mother of his baby" he was truly embarassed. Few people have gone so far as to actually get Dave to open up in a shy way about it. She was on a solid 20 minutes and a commercial break. Great TV.

I saw something on Scientology. It was some actress. She was in. She liked it. I probably shouldn't say this as it will come back to haunt me as I progress in my movie career... such as it is. But Scient-ology has always seemed like a cult to me. No one ever openly talks about it. I saw Travolta on Oprah and they didn't really discuss it. This actress sort of talked in general about it. But I let my mind run wild on this. Like really everyone in Hollywood is in on it. And unless you join there's no choice. I took it so far as to run to K. Smith and
seek refuge only to find out he too is was a member. Like they're pod people or something.

I thought about actually trying to see what I could dig up some information but then I thought I'm probably easlily swayed so maybe I shouldn't.

I know I was going to give up TV. And I am. The call is in. The cable's away come the tenth. It's just so hard. I've had cable since I was about 8. It's hard to give it up. And I do wanna do the movie thing. Watch the 100 great movies and all like I said... but Tv is good. Some Tv is good. But how am I going to keep up with my soaps.... I mean survivor?

I have a day off tomorrow.... so I need to sleep.... so I can get up write and then clean my frickin apartment. Cause It's mostly clean but there's clutter and I'm working ont he clutter. It's my new cause.

Matt

And now.... your moment of Zen.

Some people with a little too much time on their hands.

http://www.asciimation.co.nz/

Oh my god leave it alone.

The Janet thing.... I'm not even gonna talk about it.... except to say it really probably was an accident and even if it wasn't... your playing right into their hands. But I'm betting it was a mistake.

As for the actual game itself wow, what a great game. Longest Superbowl ever without a score. So we are in the closing seconds of the game. Vinatieri, who not only hasn't made a field goal tonight, BUT! the commentator tells us... he hasn't made a field goal EVER in Houston. Game on the line. And the kick... it's GOOD.

Holy cow. A win in the final seconds of the game.

Crashed a party with Jeff and Amy. Great people, very nice I see why they are Amy's friends. Just cool people. And all with babies. Oh, I was the only single guy there. Single anything there. With the exception of the three babies. All born within months of each other.

Sydney has now gotten to the point of recognizing things. Though whether she recognizes me is hard to say. But she sure recognizes that bottle. She sees that and starts reaching for it. Babies... learning something new everyday.

Family Guy is funny.

Brian- If memory serves me correct this must be the physics department.

Chris- Well that explains all the gravity.

Finally gotten a hold of this stupid script now it's just the tough task of finishing it. Filling in the blanks more succinctly. And I actually spelled that word rihgt. Damn, missed that oen. Grr... that oen too. I give pu.

Not much more than that... I was this close to putting a personality profile up on eharmony.com but I just couldn't bring myself to type a login name and hit start. Am I really supposed to meet the one over the internet?

And why the hell was Britney still wearing that ring?

Matt

PS Moment of Zen... as always.

From my last trip to Vega$. Yes, that damn thing was really that huge. My sis and my friend Barb. Sis on Left.