Year: 2008

Update re: myself… and movies to (definitely) check out

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey all! 

I have been sick (yes, even after being pretty sick in October) since last Sunday!!!  Well, it wasn’t THAT bad last Sunday, but it quickly became worse… and worse… and worse.  I went to my local dr. on Wed p.m., and he said I have strep throat.   I got meds to take for 7 days, and am being v. careful re: rest, eating, and drinking (tea, water, o.j.).  I don’t have health insurance yet, so had to fork over $50 to doc!!!  Oh, also got flu shot (recommended if you work w/ kids).  Also, my mom (Happy B-day today!!!) said I should do some exercise and eat yogurt (since ppl on antibiotics need that).  My dad is moving (again) to Washington D.C. area today!  I heard he was a bit emotional b/c he has to live away from my mom and lil bro (yes, again)!     

Okay, on to the main topic of the day!  Recently, I’ve seen some AWESOME movies that y’all should check out (when you get time).  Last week, I saw Atonement over at Kaufman Astoria.  What can I say- it’s like being transported to another time/place (esp. in the last 30 mins. or so).  It’s terrific, but in an understated way!  I heard that the book is really about words (the importance of language) and imagination.  However, the movie was marketed more as a romance.  The director is young, but does NOT do anything too flashy w/ technique.  I REALLY enjoyed the jumps forward and backward in time (used to show the little girl’s perspective and then what REALLy happened).  On to the actors…

Well, many ppl know by now that James McAvoy is a FABULOUS actor (and at such a young age, too.)  His role perfectly suited him, his background, and natural abilities!  I thought is was a BIT weird that some people (mainly online) commented that he was NOT good-looking enough for them!  Okay, so he’s not the TRADITIONAL leading man, but his looks really suited his role, Robbie.  If you see him, even back in his TV days, you can tell there is a lot of commitment he gives to his characters.  Hmmm… how about Keira?

Keira Knightley is NOT as strong as James, or even Romola Garai (she’s the older Briony), but she has GROWN a lot over the yrs.  Sorry to Keira haters, but Cecilia is a good role for her- a young woman who is rich, reserved, sheltered, but v. strong on the inside (you’ll see the decision she makes after Robbie is put in jail).  Romola, looking very unglamorous, does a GREAT job in this film (as usual).  One of her co-stars from Amazing Grace plays a villain in the movie.

The little pre-teen girl in the movie did a TERRIFIC job!  The viewer was seeing a LOT of things through her eyes (later on through Romola’s and Vanessa Redgrave’s).  She had QUITE an imagination!  What I liked most about the movie was that SO many young actors (under 30) demonstarted that they could do serious work.  Also, there were no wild theatrics or action put in to distract from the 3 main characters struggles and hopes.  Honestly, that flash-bam stuff wouldn’t have fit in this film. 

I just saw (today) a little foreign (Russian) film- The Cuckoo.  It is from a FEW yrs. back and is also very character-driven.  The time is the tail end of WWII (1944) in a remote area of Finland.  There are 3 v. different ppl put in a situation where they need each other to survive: a young Finnish soldier, a middle-aged Russian capt., and a young widow.  The widow lives alone on a little farm (her hubby went off to war more than 4 yrs. back).  The woman saves BOTH their lives, and brings them to (eventually) live in peace.  They give her something v. precious (you’ll see at end of film- don’t wanna give it away!)  The odd thing- none of these characters speak the same language!  It is not needed b/c the issues in the film are universal.  Believe me, if you like smart, sweet, quirky films- you’ll LOVE this one! 

Directors

EmmaLeave a comment

My fave directors: Pedro Almodovar: This guy is a legend in his native Spain, and his films are unabashedly colorful, emotional, and well… out there (for many American viewers).  He can hook you in w/ his passion for his material, though, and the ride is worth it! Spike Lee: He’s colorful, bold (usu funny), and has his pulse on what is going on NOW; his characters (even the historical ones) pop off the screen b/c they are so easy to relate to; the music he chooses for his movies is always interesting as well.  The convos his characs have sound like REAL people, not movie people.  There is such a variety in this world, and he shows us a wide spectrum of black experiences, dreams, problems, etc. Mira Nair: She lives in-between many worlds, and her movies reflect the conflicts that generations of family members struggle with everyday.  How does what has come before affect someone today?  There is always a positive/hopeful thread woven in her films because most people (in the world) are trying to do the right thing.  John Sayles: He writes his movies as well, so that is a BIG advantage for those working w/ him; he loves to learn about communities (here and across the border in Latin America).  This guy does not use fancy camera tricks because his writing and character development are the focus.  His movies are about regular people and real issues (gentrification, international adoption, immigration, etc.)  

What I did today…

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey all!  (I hope a FEW ppl are rdng this, at least…)

Today I got 2 great DVDs (yes, yes on sale for those of you who know about my po’ self): The Talented Mr. Ripley (v. suspenseful and well-done) and French Kiss (I LOVE Kevin Kline in everything!!!) 

I also saw Charlie Wilson’s War (over in Lincoln Center area).  It was GREAT!!!  There were MANY laughs, as well as things we can relate to (in our time).  Tom Hanks was EVEN better than usual, but Phillip Seymour Hoffman was TERRIFIC!  Honestly, whenever I see that guy, I wonder how he gets so deep into character!  He is not even middle-aged yet… WOW!  Yes, Julia did well too, but her part wasn’t that substantial.  (She looked very cool/relaxed/ glamorous in this part.)

Aaron Sorkin wrote the script, so it was fast-paced and clever; he wrote The West Wing (which I used to watch religiously for some time).  I got the 1st season (clearance) a couple of months back, and am SOOO glad I did!  I love the emotional notes his writing hits, and he is damn smart too.  Check this movie out!!!

Bollywood movies and related stuff…

EmmaLeave a comment

Hey all! 

I’m not a HUGE fan of Bollywood, but I’ve watched a FEW movies in the last 3 years.  I’m sure some of you know about Lagaan and Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.  I loved the songs and womens’ fashions in KKKG!  Another movie with great songs is Humraaz(kinda like A Perfect Murder.)  In fact, the director of that movie copied some shots directly from A Perfect Murder.     

My dad recently saw Swades and LOVED it!  I don’t know what it’s about or anything, but if you’re into popular Hindi (Bollywood) stuff, check it out.  My mom (who usually abhors Bollywood) REALLY liked Hum Tum (based on When Harry Met Sally).  Tonight, I saw Yuva– it has 3 interwoven stories involving 3 very different young couples.  It has Ajay Devgan (who I like somewhat) and Rani Mukherjee (who I really like).  Warning: Rani’s character is a TOTAL doormat.  You CAN’T take Bollywood too seriously… 

Ooh, a good movie w/ both Ajay and Rani is Chori Chori.  It has great scenery and cute dialogue.  CC reminded me a little of While You Were Sleeping b/c Rani plays a drifter who is welcomed into Ajay’s big, bubbly family (who all think she is his fiancee from the big city).  In truth, she just came to a country house he is building (Ajay’s an architect) b/c she has nowhere to stay!  Ajay already had a gf, but he doesn’t like her that much- LOL. 

I used to be against any such style of movie, but I suppose Bollywood has it’s place in the world.  Many country (rural) people LOVE these “popcorn” films- all fluff.  People somtimes ask: why are those movies SOOOOOO long?  Well, people want to sit inside a air-conditioned theater for as long as they can!  And let’s face it, the women of Bollywood (and a FEW of the men) are drop-dead gorgeous!  

I prefer stuff by Deepa Mehta and Mira Nair.  Also, I LOVE Nandita Das and Shabana Azmi, and want to see more of their films.  In 15 Park Avenue Shabana Azmi plays a complex, well-rounded character (unlike any I’ve seen for a woman her age).  Hell, there aren’t good roles written for middle-aged actresses here in the U.S.!  One actress who can pretty much play any part is Konkona Sen Sharma- she’s NOT self-conscious at all!  She takes on VERY challenging characters- you can’t see the acting.  She has done independent films (she’s in 15 Park Avenue), but does make a few appearances in Bollywood pics as well.  Amir Khan is making some meaningful pics as well…

Do you have any thoughts on this topic?  Let me know! 

Hey everyone in cyberspace!

Emma1 Comment

Welcome to my 2nd blog (1st one on Blogger never really went anywhere).  Here you’ll find out a LOT about me…  I consider myself a pretty boring person, BUT perhaps my opinions will be of interest to SOME of you.

I’m nearly 29 (yikes!!!), live in Jackson Hts, Queens, and work as a substitute teacher in both public (DOE) and private (charter) schools in the NYC area.  Yes, I do need a FT (“real”) job.  If you can help, I’ll LOVE YOU FOREVER!  NYC is bloody expensive, as Dad would say.  I’ve lived here almost 3 yrs; I wanted to be here since I was 17.  I have a few relatives here (aunt’s and uncle’s families). 

I’m Bangladeshi-American (or “desi” as the young people say these days), but spent most of my life in Tucson, Arizona.  My parents came to US for PhD studies.  I’ve only been out of AZ for the past 6 yrs!  I always wanted to get away, BUT once in a while I think about it.  My younger sis and (new) bro-in-law still live there!  My sis (Ifat) is a one of those annoying young gals who is beautiful, outgoing, all-rounded in her interests/studies/etc.  Blech!  My bro-in-law is a super-sweet (orginally Midwestern) guy who has just started his career as a Pharmacist. 

No, I haven’t been to BD since my family came to US (but we always say we’ll save and plan a trip soon).  People always say that they love to reconnect to their roots, BUT come on- I live in Jackson Hts!  How can I NOT be connected w/ desis of all sorts!?  Here I’ve seen desis from India, BD, Pakistan, UK, Australia, and all over the US (some even from little towns in the Midwest).  Yes, desis are all over…

My parents (currently) live in a suburb of Indianalpolis (or Indy as locals call it).  My dad is going to be going to DC/VA area for a new job VERY soon.  I lived over there for about 2 years and was BORED out of my mind!  Seriously though, it’s a very nice, down-to-earth place to raise kids and all that.  People actually have manners and concern for strangers- shocking!  Not that AZ was all rough, but the Midwest has that low-key, calm, gentle environment IMHO.  We should create a program to bring MORE Midwestern folks here to NYC!

All my life, my family has been connected to education.  My maternal grandfather helped raise money for a girls’ school (in the 1950s) in his little village.  My mom is really proud of that fact!  My mom dreamed of becoming a doctor (What desi kid didn’t back then, eh?)- she is now a cancer researcher in IUPUI.  My dad was a professor of statistics (WAAAY back in the day in Dhaka), and has worked in MANY different settings/cities/colleges here in US.  He even sub taught for a while- whoah!  I have a lil bro (now 18!!!) who’s at IU.  More about him and other stuff later…

Happy New Year to all… and keep reading!  EMMA