Bläeckfisk is the Swedish translation for the word octopus. I am not Swedish, but I do own a lot of furniture from Sweden and I like octopuses while admiring their multi-tasking ability. I would like to travel to Sweden at some point, plus I think it is a pretty cool looking word. Anyhow, speaking of words, I guess you could say that is why we are here. Words are the foundation for way we try to wrap our thoughts around everything in the galaxy. The tendrils that lead to emotions and curiosity. I am not here to solve the mysteries of the universe, just to discuss words in general. Specifically words written by other people and have been printed off and slapped between two slices of thin card stock. Many of these sandwiches go on to bigger and better things, some bigger and better than others. So, I guess we will be talking about those as well. If you share an interest in words or enjoi seeing what they can look like in action....välkommen! (Swedish for welcome.)

Monday, January 23, 2012

F13: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close-Directed by Stephen Daldry

"He loved the smell of gasoline and hated tomatoes."

You do not want to miss this movie. Films so masterfully crafted around emotionally devastating events are few and far between and this wonderful movie will get to you. There is a lot I could say about the deconstruction of each individual layer of this picture, but I will say that I loved everything about it and leave it at that. In my humble opinion, movies that transcend memorable and move into the magnificent are why we tromp down to the movie house on weekends and shell out 12 clams in the first place. We slink in, sit down and stare. Sometimes we stir, but most often we don't. This movie is an emotional enterprise that somehow finds its way into your soul. It connects to so many people and so many experiences that I would strongly suggest people of any age to watch it. Tragedy, adventure, reconciliation and the efficacy of the human imagination are the threads that are stitched into this picture.

Oscar himself is not your average tween-ager nor is his alluring relationship with his father Thomas. The two share a passion for the unknown as well as a bond that is endearing to say the least. On "The Worst Day Ever"  (September 11, 2001) Thomas is snatched out of Oscar's life forever. What ensues is a journey of self discovery that takes Oscar zigg-zagging through the boroughs of New York as he tries to make sense of the unexpected new void in his life. Armed with a tambourine, an Israeli gas mask and a mysterious key, Oscar begins his personal odyssey.

Although he is young, Thomas Horn (Oscar) should be considered for some sort of major award this year. After getting noticed for his success on Jeopardy for Kids, he absolutely nails this role. His performance was remarkable and I might even goes as far as to say that it is the best piece of acting I have seen all year long. His role is believable, quirky and heart wrenching, the type of performance that is not easily forgotten. I will be looking forward to following his career and hope he enjoys all of his new found fame. Well deserved young man. Go see this movie, Kleenex optional.

Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqfA1BocV44

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