"Birdman," Where Fame Stifles Hopes and Dreams

Teetering between sanity and insanity, I am trying to decide whether Birdman was the most genius thing I have ever seen this year, or the most ridiculous. Was this film some uncanny way to capture life as it is today, or was it Michael Keaton’s schizophrenic break on screen? Equipped with rambunctious drum solos and daring cinematography, Birdman allows us to explore the life of fame in a different light and through mediums that we have come to love and treasure so much.

Opening up to jellyfish and the swish of the sea tide, we are instantly snapped to the cramp, out of date stylings of St. James Theatre in the theatre district of New York City. From here, director Alejandro Gonzalez Iñarritu takes us on a wild journey of human emotion and how dire the need for attention is to the human being. Iñarritu’s talent with a camera shines its absolute brightest with long tracking shots through twisty turny hallways of St. James. The shots are designed perfectly, placing us in every character’s head, getting a first hand look at what they see. If Iñarritu is trying to get us to walk a mile in someone’s shoes, he has successfully done it here. Delighting us with extreme close ups, we are given a front row seat to all the ugly that human emotion can show us; and it is illuminating, painful, and real.

Though the cinematography is brilliant and artistic, the screenwriting is subpar. The story is lost through a slew of curse words that made me feel like I was talking to a twenty year old at a bar. We get it, these characters are pissed. They want to be noticed. They want to make a name for themselves. The vile language doesn’t make me feel your pain any less or more, and honestly took away from the colorfulness of the characters. It made me forget that these characters were grown adults, with jobs. And maybe that was the point.

What made this film earth-shatteringly profound for me was its in your face message to society today. It plays with the idea of fame and notoriety like putty in its hands. It plays with the idea of how we all long for it. Aim for it. Do wild things for it. And in the end, how it eats away at us. Chews us up and spits us out. We all want to be famous. That’s why we all write, tweet, blog, Instagram, and share every little detail of our lives with the world. 

Enter Sam. Played by the wonderfully talented Emma Stone, Sam represents everything Riggan Thomas (Keaton) can’t be: calm, cool, and collected (somewhat). Sam is our generation; the young twenty to thirty year olds snapping selfies and swapping mindless thoughts through social media. Her understanding of our life is harrowing and eye-opening. Thomas, on the other hand, has lost touch with reality. He struggles to understand the way art, film and theatre work today. He longs for the same fame he once had as “Birdman”, but has no clue how to achieve such prominence again. Going back to what inspired him to be an actor in the first place, he hopes to find what he is missing, only to be slapped in the face when he finally gains his stardom through the minutiae of social medium and crazy stunts. Birdman’s look into celebrity and the idea of becoming a star is intriguing and enlightening.

I could not help but get a laugh or two from the consistent and rowdy jazz drum that was used throughout the film as score. Somewhat distracting, I thought it was an interesting example of the human psyche. Jazz music can often be bumpy, sporadic and all over the place. Thomas’ mind and thoughts throughout the film are scattered and fantastical, sometimes catching him flying around New York City or throwing objects with the flick of a finger. The jazz music can be annoying at times, taking away again from the story and the script, but it does give us another opportunity to walk in the characters shoe’s.

Keaton, Stone, and Edward Norton, who plays Mike Shiner, all deliver wonderfully reckless performances. Keaton, trying to make the comeback of the decade, loses me at some points. He in no one stunned me like Eddie Redmayne’s performance in The Theory of Everything and makes me question The Academy’s desire to nominate him for Best Actor. His performance is almost too exotic, and at times unbelievable. Stone and Norton steal the show, giving us characters that make us question life and the meaning of it. They are full of anguish, and are spiteful and mean to the point where their dialogue is so delicious you want to sink your teeth into it. I basked in the few moments we shared with them and drank it up like sunlight on a cold winter day.

Birdman was in no way revolutionary. Lost through the cacophonous drums and poor language, Iñarritu’s cinematography managed to shine through, giving us some respite. And though the premise and idea was there, my mind was too busy playing catch up with all the oddities that at some point, I just gave up and hoped for the film to be done so I could head home to my bed. I do appreciate the interesting take on fame though. I think I will go tweet about it now.

Redmayne Is A Talent To Be Reckoned With!

“The British are coming, The British are coming!” And I mean that in the best way possible.

If you were unaware of who Eddie Redmayne was last year, you are certainly aware of the Golden Globe winning actor now. Redmayne has splashed onto the Hollywood film scene with his brilliant portrayal of Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything and has graced us with a talent that is vivacious and astounding. Even though a London native and a Brit at heart, I hope Redmayne is ready to grace Hollywood with his presence a bit more frequently in the future.

Redmayne’s performance in The Theory of Everything is nothing short of astonishing. He embodies Stephen Hawking on screen and for two hours we are swept into this turbulent, yet remarkable love story of two very strong willed people. I have seen the film three times and each time I appreciate the performances from all of the actors more and more. But, it is Redmayne’s physical performance of this debilitating Motor Neuron Disease, combined with overwhelming emotion that sweeps me off my feet. He portrays Hawking’s tenacity and passion for physics and family with what almost seems like ease. The British star himself is found stating in several interviews that though it was an extreme honor to get the role, he was incredibly grateful for all of the people he had the opportunity to work with and the amount of time he was given to prepare. Well, the rest of the world is also glad he got the part, because he hit a grand slam.

But it isn’t Redmayne’s performance in Theory that should be getting all of the attention. This British actor has had a stunning career so far, partaking in films like Les Miserables (2012) and My Week With Marilyn (2011). He has acted alongside greats like Judi Dench, Michelle Williams, Hugh Jackman, Julianne Moore, Robert De Niro and Matt Damon. And despite his incredible singing voice and awe-inspiring acting chops, he hasn’t achieved star status of this proportion yet. Could we deem it unfair? Maybe. But Redmayne doesn’t seem to mind, which makes him all the more impressive. In interviews he comes off a bit nervous, but incredibly endearing and exceptionally poised. He never fails to acknowledge the crazy amount of support he gets from loved ones and the fact that it truly is about the “collaboration” on set. He is a true talent.

Though my love for the actor has only come about recently, I have a lot of respect for this man that I have never met. Of course, if I do ever have the opportunity to meet him I would love for it to be in a London pub, over a pint or two, discussing art and theatre, and without a doubt, beer. He is charming, intelligent, and sincere, and that truly comes across in all of his roles. I was first introduced to his tremendous talent in The Yellow Handkerchief (2008), where Redmayne acted beside Kristen Stewart and William Hurt. I stumbled upon the movie on Netflix during an indie film binge over finals week and instantly was intrigued by the several different performances I was taking in on my computer screen. I ended up loving the complicatedness of the film so much that I wrote a final paper for one of my communications classes on it. Redmayne plays the dorky, socially-awkward Gordy, who is on a road trip across rural Louisiana, and is desperately seeking company and acceptance. He delivers an honest performance, full of missed social cues and unnatural outbursts. If you have not checked it out, I recommend it solely for the candid performances given by Hurt, Stewart and Redmayne.

The thing about Redmayne that captivates myself, and hopefully audiences everywhere, is the sheer diversity in the roles he has under his belt. From the charming, yet misguided Colin Clark, to the brilliant Stephen Hawking, to his upcoming role as Balem Abrasax in the space opera, Jupiter Ascending, Redmayne is always up for a challenge. And that is what makes him someone actors should be on the look out for. Redmayne truly gives his all in every performance. And though his portrayal of Hawking should be example enough, I want to commend his performance in the two-part BBC mini-series Birdsong (2012), which I feel is highly under-appreciated. Playing the lovesick and war-torn Stephen Wraysford, Redmayne acts his heart out, and with so few words exchanged, makes the film come to life.

Of course, Redmayne’s splash onto the Hollywood scene comes on a wave of British talent, including Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation Game) and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl). It is almost like a second British Invasion, which I feel we in America don’t mind. I am instantly bewitched by the British’s effervescent personalities and charming demeanor. And, needless to say, they have a sense of style American’s sometimes seem to lack (Redmayne was named GQ’s best dressed of 2015), which isn’t hard on the eyes. But it has less to do with fashion and more to do with enormous talent and supreme performances. Redmayne has proven that he is worthy of many accolades and I hope he continues to put the same feverish love into all of his future performances. 

Captivating Performances, “The Imitation Game”, Leaves Minds Thirsty for More

We are upon another British invasion. Actors from across the pond are flying to the United States to dazzle us with their breathtaking performances on screen this year, and all one can do is watch in amazement. The Imitation Game is yet another jewel that has been presented to us filled with British talent. The film gives us a glance into Alan Turing’s world, the British mathematician who’s impeccable code breaking skills led to an early end to WWII.

There were strong performances across the board. Benedict Cumberbatch filled the shoes of the socially awkward and arrogant Alan Turing, who despite his rough personality, is as charming, as he is smart. Cumberbatch delivers a solid performance, capturing a man so many know so little about. He dishes up a wonderfully dry, and often brash sense of humor that makes film watchers twinge and chuckle. Extremely strong willed, and filled with emotion, Cumberbatch opens up our eyes to a world so few of us know about, and leaves us wanting to explore more of Turing’s world.

Along with Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, delivers a stunning and driven performance as the brilliant Joan Clark. Often times Knightley gets caught in period roles and struggles to become a convincing character, but she brought life to Joan Clarke, the witty, charismatic, kind-hearted counterpart to Turing’s haughty personality. It was a pleasure to watch Cumberbatch and Knightley convey two people, despite certain circumstances, hold such vehement love for one another. It was touching to see the support Clarke provided Turing and it spoke volumes to the human heart.

Though the acting was superb, the storyline often became muddled with flashbacks and flash-forwards, and often threw off the flow of the movie. Though Turing’s past played large importance to his interest in mathematics and code breaking, it was lost through time hops. It was a struggle to keep up with where they were in breaking the Nazi code “Enigma” and also the timeline of friendships. At times the storyline seemed rushed, and felt as if they were only giving a brief overview of what really happened. Recalling the fact that Turing at one point in the film is asked to become a Soviet spy, it is unclear if he ever fulfilled that role and also how it led to the ending of his engagement with Joan. When you are covering as much time as 30 years, it can be difficult to supply a clear explanation of everything that happened in a man’s life, so the film definitely had its challenges.

Alexandre Desplat again enchants us with a rich score that leaves a haunting aura around the film. Heavy and dark, the orchestra hums with deep bass and rhythms, while alluring us in with taunting strings. The score is beautifully written and plays a vital role in the film, constantly reminding us the dark days that plagued Europe during WWII. Though often low and dreary, the higher strings provide a sense of urgency, or anxiety. What was most remarkable where the times that Desplat left silence in the film, giving the audience a chance to catch their breath and admire the artistry before them. The score is emotional and poignant, leaving a deep sense of longing mixed with a desire to fulfill our inquisitive minds.

Director Morten Tyldum grants us the opportunity to discover a world that for many years was forbidden. Alan Turing for many is still an enigma. Tyldum breaks down some of that wall and cracks open that brilliant mind, allowing other hungry minds to follow an impulse. To investigate the man behind “Enigma.” Keep exploring my friends, keep exploring.

The Imitation Game is in theaters now. Watch trailer here.

Crispy, Saucy, Served with a Kick: Runyon’s is Crowning Jewel of Wings in the Midwest

A family tradition, no matter rain, snow or shine, my family and I pile into the car and trek through downtown Minneapolis to enjoy some of the best wings known to humanity. Okay, not Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York amazing, but probably second in command to the motherland of buffalo wings. Runyon’s, a Minneapolis staple, is home to these deliciously satisfying wings, and I have zero complaints.

My family and myself are quite the wing connoisseurs. Whether grilled, fried, or baked, we have had are fair share of buffalo wings and usually the hotter the better. Runyon’s wings are made fresh to order and come in three sizes: regular, double, or party. They have their regular sauce or nuclear. My family find it safe to go with a double order; twenty delectable wings (split ten regular, ten nuclear) that will change your life forever. They are crispy on the outside, fried without batter, and served with the most supreme house made bleu cheese that could graze one’s lips. Full of potent bleu cheese crumbles, their dressing will have you taking your finger and wiping the remnants out of the small plastic container.

Of course, we come for the rockstar wings and the phenomenal bleu cheese, but let us not forget their great rotating taps, including a shout out to many local Milwaukee breweries, like Lakefront. Wings and beer might as well be brothers, because they belong in the same family when it comes to eating pub food. Nothing like sitting down with a piping hot plate of mouthwatering wings, and washing them down with a nice Fixed Gear, or if you are a Minnesota local, a Surly brew.

The atmosphere is quiet, yet unique. It has this fascinating feel of a dive bar mixed with a college hang out, which fits due to the up and coming nature of downtown Minneapolis and its relative nearness to the University of Minnesota campus. College students are sure to stumble in after a Twins game, Gophers game, or dare I say it, Timberwolves game. It is a great place to hang out, watch a game, grab a beer and some wings with a few buddies. Though I frequently go with my family, I would highly recommend checking it out with some friends on a game night. It is never too crowded and you have your choice of bar seating, high tables or booths. The relaxed setting makes it the perfect venue for a chill night out in my beloved and beautiful city.

I am glad my family made time for an outing to this notable local spot, because there is nothing else like it in the midwest if you ask me. It is like having my own personal Anchor Bar in the heart of the frozen tundra, where we embrace frigid temperatures, and never have to deal with things like the “Buffalo Door.” 

So, once again, I am telling you to make time for this gem of a city and all it has to offer. If you don’t come for all the great winter activities, at least come for wings that explode with so much flavor that it is almost like experiencing Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies” on your tongue. Don’t believe me? Come and try it yourself.

Runyon’s is located at 107 North Washington Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401.

Arm Knitting, My New All Purpose Skill

Winter break is quickly coming to a close and fellow educators, including myself, are bracing themselves for cold temperatures and eager children returning to classrooms. It has been a peaceful break full of movies, food, family, and friends. It was a much needed rejuvenation period and it will be nice to see students again on Monday, if weather permits. The one thing I will be most excited to share with my students is my new found love of arm knitting.

Over break I decided to make my movie watching experiences more productive by learning how to arm knit. A good friend of mine came over one day before I traversed back to Minnesota and had one of the cutest infinity scarfs! I asked her where she got it and she said she arm knitted it. I looked at her rather confused, knowing she was quite the avid knitter, and asked how exactly one arm knits? She laughed and said it was quite easy and can be found online.

So I embarked on the journey of arm knitting while enjoyingYou’ve Got Mail before they removed it from Netflix (how rude). Thanks to Handimania, I am now a professional arm knitter and can take to yarn with fluid ease. They share on their webpage a very detailed video on how to knit an infinity scarf in 30 minutes. It took me a bit longer than thirty minutes because it was my first time, and being honest, I had to take it a part and start over, which almost deterred me. Luckily the plethora of movies in my Netflix cue kept me rather positive about the experience.

I find the skill to be practical and feel it could really be useful during holiday times for inexpensive and fun gifts for friends. It is also a nice way to pass time, rather therapeutic. It could be the monotonous motion of knitting, but it really is an enjoyable activity to pursue while watching television or even talking with family after dinner.

My newest addition of a black scarf for the winter months is thrilling and I am really happy to say I did it myself. I highly recommend checking out Handimania for their explanation on arm knitting because the tutorial was clear and concise and after watching a few times I felt like I could continue on my own without the video. Arm knit away my friends!

Taylor Swift Stepped Out and Shined Brightest in 2014

Taylor Swift owned 2014, with her epic Red tour coming to an end and her devastatingly amazing 1989 becoming the soundtrack on everyone’s radios, in headphones, and at parties. Though she has created mass hysteria across the airwaves and social media with her catchy tunes and lovable dorky personality, Swift more than anything this year asserted herself and exploded onto the pop scene with fierce determination.

She has been featured on numerous magazine covers and has truly made the world her oyster. After reading an article in the November issue of UK Vogue that featured her on the cover, I had developed a mad amount of respect for the young women on the brink of 25. She spoke in brutal honesty, but had this elegant, warm and confident demeanor throughout the interview. I remember at one point reading “dating or finding someone is the last thing on my mind, because I can’t picture how it could work with the way my life is.” It was invigorating to finally see her coming to terms with her life and it was motivational to me as a young women on the cusp of 25 and feeling rather lost in terms of friendship, relationships and jobs. I admired her earnestness and feel like many people are finally starting to appreciate Taylor for Taylor.

When 1989 dropped it spoke volumes to where Swift was at in her life and was her most relatable album to date. My roommate and I spent countless nights with the CD (yes, they still make those charming little compact discs) playing on repeat over and over again, dancing in the living room and belting out these creatively addictive tunes. It was like hearing all of my twenties on one album and finding a long lost friend. The album left me feeling surprisingly calm through synthesized pop beats, but also gave me the insatiable urge to dance my heart out. I applaud Swift on creating something so perfect, it changed my view on pop music today.

Not only has she given my roommate and I something to bond over, but she has inspired numerous artist to be innovative with her tunes. Swift has an astounding talent for songwriting; one that many will never match, and it is wonderful to see so many people singing, dancing, and mixing her music. One example that recently has splashed onto the social media scene is the acoustic cover by Louisa Wendorff and Devin Dawson, who have created a superb mash up of “Blank Space” and “Style.” It is beautiful and I command everyone check it out, now, if you can of course. Swift has paved the way for aspiring artists and musicians, which makes her a true artist.

Lastly a video came out within the new year that truly expresses the love and appreciation Swift not only has for life, but her fans. MTV news reported that Swift created an “End of the Year” video that showed her showering fans with gifts and beautifully personal handwritten notes. The video is heartwarming and sincere, as it features Taylor becoming Santa Claus and wrapping boxes with delightfully bright and cheery wrapping paper. It also features fans opening these gifts and sharing extreme appreciation for a musician that has become an inspiration in their lives. It is a video filled with profound joy and can bring a tear to even Scrooge himself.

So, Taylor, thank you for being a constant reminder in my life to chase after your dreams and make the world your oyster. Your album will continue to shape not only my life, but millions of others in the world. You should be proud of the impact you are having. Please, continue to be you, and my roommate and I will continue to spend evenings dancing to the genius you have named 1989.