(Robert) Masseo Davis
May/ 9/ 2008
Seth Parker
Process Paper
“From Me to You” Choreography by R. Masseo Davis
In the beginning there was no title, no steps, just a desire to talk about people. Perhaps it was my lack of filming, and my obtuse amount of time dancing that made me desire to try my hand at choreography. There was an opportunity with the Umass Dance departments, Emerging Choreographers Series (ECS), that gave undergraduate students to choreograph a piece assuming that they were not seniors for they had their own concert where they were required to choreograph.
In my extensive experience of dealing with BFA dance students, not only here but prior to my own college years, I’ve come to recognize a trend in student choreography. Many times students tend to either over think their concept/ theme, make extreme claims that they cannot really substantiate, or try ridiculously hard to be “innovative” and create some pretentious work that nobody in the audience could ever understand. I didn’t want to fall into that trap, I merely wanted to paint a picture, and say that this feels nice. I didn’t want to choreograph any show stopping, jump out of your seat, masterpiece, just a humble, intimate little scenario of tenderness.
Ultimately, my piece was about “the morning after”, and two people who learn to find comfort with one another. As a man myself, I am aware of the stereotype that claims that men are dogs; and I have seen the situations were the couple has their night of passion, and then the guy leaves in the middle of the night. I switched the roles, where the man is emotionally attached and the woman tries to leave him. The dance is to “Where Are My Panties?” by Andre 3000 and “Take Off Your Cool” by Andre 3000 featuring Nora Jones.
In the beginning my cast consisted of two friends of mine from the dance department, Megan Brown, and Jeffery Labbe. They had known about this idea I’ve had for about a year prior to official casting. The problems started to arrive when official casting time came. Jeffery was cast in two other duets, and I couldn’t do anything about it. I decided to cut Jeff from my cast so to not possibly look like I was copying other people, and because I didn’t want people to miss out on the choreography and get caught up on the fact that Jeff was in all the duets. Thusly my options were to either cast myself in the piece, or find someone else. This was an interesting situation because I would have loved to have been cast in the dance that I eventually choreographed, but I never would be, based on the kind of mover I am. Anyways casting myself was out of the question, because it was my first choreographic experience and I needed to see it, to really make corrections.
The other men in the dance department, in a sense aren’t really men on stage. Yes they do consider themselves homosexuals, and their feminine traits are visible when they perform. This is not intended to be a low blow towards those men in the dance department, nor against the gay community. I merely feel there is something powerful about seeing a man dance, next to a woman, and I craved that contrast for my piece. Eventually I built up the courage to ask Thomas Vacanti, who is the Ballet Professor for the University of Massachusetts. He too considers himself to be a homosexual, however you would never know onstage. He eventually agreed, and he was a perfect match.
Having Thomas on my cast list was a problem in disuse however, not because he was hard to work with but it really put pressure on me to put together something that I was proud of. The challenge when Thomas joined the ranks became choreographing a dance that overshadowed the fact that I had convinced a Professor to dance for me. I wanted people to love the dance and the message not the cast. I defiantly wanted my audience to enjoy the performance of the steps by my cast but not the cast alone with or without the choreography.
Thomas and Megan prior to this dance solely had a student-professor relationship and I still wanted to paint a picture about how at times “the morning after” feels nice. I really just threw them into their roles rehearsal one. I choreographed the whole thing in two hours. I made my dancers incredibly embarrassed immediately and we all got over it quickly and the process went smoothly.
I knew this had the potential to be really awkward, so I made sure I had my thoughts in order every time I went into the studio. I took inspiration form not only the way that I discovered my dancers moved, but from works of other great choreographers. I watched lots of Twalia Tharp, Roland Petite, Olivia Davis, Jiri Kylian, and Gene Kelly. This set the sage for a really mature romance between two adults. Thomas’s presents made Megan seem older and more mature, and not the other way around, that was a nice surprise.
While I did finish the choreography for the dance in two hours on the first rehearsal, I then proceeded to change steps and arrangement for the duration of our time together in the studio. Eventually I found myself changing chucks of the dance every time we met. I could have done this forever; fortunately for my dancers Showtime came up and I had to just stop and be content with what I had accomplished and rehearse that for the performance.
I came up with the dances title just before show time. I had been thinking about what I wanted my program notes to say. I wanted to give my sincerest thanks to the department, and signify that my dance was a gift from me to them, as my minuscule attempt at giving back to the dance world from which I have taken so much. Then it hit me, “From Me to You” it could have multiple purposes. It stood as a narrative implication as well as a message from me the choreographer to the audience.
In the end of it all I had a mixed review from the spectators of my dance. It has been called “Beautiful” “inappropriate, in the best way” Sexual” “intelligent”. Audience members have said “Way to make to most inappropriate dance ever.” And “ That was beautiful I want to see more of your work.” I guess given the extremely contrasting views on my dance I can conclude that the work did find it’s humble little place in the program. It was not necessarily something to be remembered forever but it had its own special moment.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Written & Directed by Masseo Davis, "BLANKETS. Cuddles & Smooches."
Blankets: Cuddles & Smooches
written & directed by R. Masseo Davis
-Over Black- “ It’s okay to look back on the past, just don’t stare.”
– Charlie Nicholson
Opening Credits…
Music- Bob Marley; “Could You Be Loved”
(Montage of Kevin waking up, almost in dance form showing that his life is a routine, that he can do his mornings with his eyes closed.)
--Kevin walks and you see him meet with his friend Sean. On the way he passes a man playing a guitar (Jason). They acknowledge each other.
--Kevin also catches sight of a beautiful girl (Raina) they exchange glances of interest and move on.
#1, Stability with the appearance of Conflict
(Kevin Meets Sean)
Sean: Oooohh Shhhh,!!! Hey What took you the whole afternoon?!
Kevin: Sleepin’ I was in know rush.
Sean: Screw you! I haven’t got all day, what’s on the agenda?
Kevin: I’m actually kind of hungry.
Sean: oohh really I could eat.
Kevin: I know you could.
Sean: AAAHHH MY NAME IS KEVIN HAHAHAHAAA
Kevin: hahaha let’s get something to go..
-----CUT------
They come out of sandwich shop with food.
Kevin: Where are we gonna eat.
Sean: I have a blanket in my car
Kevin: You would you old women
-----------CUT---------
Sean: How did I let you talk me into this?
---------CUT (Back) --------
Kevin: You would you old women.
Sean: (smaller) AHHHHAHA come on we could sit in the park.
Kevin: (Sigh) okay.
----------CUT--------
Sean: It was like 5min ago.
Kevin: Whatever, I do what I want.
Sean: haha ass hole.
Kevin: haha … so how’s the wife?
Sean: Don’t call her that.
Kevin: Not so hot huh?
Sean: Look who’s talkin’!!!
Kevin: Whatever man I do what I want.
Sean: Yeah I know and look how your last relationship ended. Have you dated since..
Kevin: She slapped me!!!
Sean: So what it happens..
Kevin: Are you serious. No that’s where I draw the line, don’t slap me!! It’s not cool.
Sean: Did you ever consider that she didn’t mean it?
Kevin: Then why did she do it, Sean ?!
Sean: Kevin you aren’t the easiest person to get along with all the time. I mean you and I are best friends and we’re disagreeing right now.
Kevin: (Sigh) Whatever.
Sean: Listen there are a few things girls want out of a relationship.
1) They want to know what they’re getting themselves into. Where we men like spontaneous women who can continually surprise us they need assurance. Sure they are humans and like surprises just like the next person but they really are the more logical sex so it is what it is…
2) The other-
Kevin: -Since you know so much about women, why are you and your women having troubles?
Sean: No one’s perfect, no matter how seamless things appear, be aware the seems are there.
Kevin: …Yeah.
Sean: Come on, I have to meet “the wife” downtown soon anyway. Where do you want me to drop you off?
Kevin: Um I’ll come and roam town aimlessly.
Sean: All right, man.
#2, Conflict
(Kevin Meets Raina)
Music- Prince; “Starfish and Coffee” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs; “Maps”
--Montage Kevin and Sean head downtown and on the way they pass the man playing a guitar (Jason) Kevin stops to give him money Sean walks by without noticing.
--Later while Kevin and Sean are heading downtown Kevin spots the beautiful girl across the street and while remaining on track watches her, focused and falls down a flight of stairs. Sticks his head out of the stairs and she’s gone.
--Montage Sean helps Kevin up and they go there separate ways
-- Kevin walks around thinking about Raina and the day as he is just roaming aimlessly
-- Kevin sees the man playing the guitar (Jason) they acknowledge each other.
--Later Kevin finds himself in the movie store looking for a movie when through the movie shelf he sees Raina.
Kevin: (Frightened) Ahhh!! Oh my god!!
Raina: I’m sorry did I scare you?
Kevin: No I’m fine it happens; are you okay?
Raina: (Laughing) Yeah thanks.
Kevin: Sorry
Raina: It’s okay I’m fine
Kevin:. Hi my name is- (bumps his hand into movie rack and knocks movies over off the rack) bends over and hits his head only knocking over more movies)
(To himself) Smooth Kevin Real smooth.
Raina: (Laughing) are you all right, what happened?
Kevin: I’m being a dumb ass hold on I’ll come around.
Raina: No I’ll come help (She goes around)
Kevin: (She helps) Thanks.
Raina:…….. (Looking at Kevin Standing there)
Kevin: Hi my name is Kevin
Raina: Raina… My name is Raina.
Kevin: Nice to meet you
Raina: Like wise.
Kevin: Um what are you looking at there?
Raina: Oh it’s nothing
Kevin: Really come on tell me.
Raina: Ahh it’s just this graphic novel I was told was good.
Kevin: I love comics.
Raina: Really, well Really!!??
Kevin: Yeah
Raina: Um okay I’ll show you. I only just started so I really don’t know what’s going to happen but it seems to be- well it really is kind of like a chick flick.
Kevin: Is that what you’ re looking for here?
Raina: (Sarcastically) NNoooo..
Kevin: Okay
Raina: Anyways, you know what I’m talking about; it’s one of those romantic comedies though I have a hunch it’s going to end disastrously.
Kevin: Well that’s a shame.
Raina: haha … Yeah.
Kevin: … Yeah….
Raina: Hey do you want to grab a bite to eat I haven’t eaten yet… My treat.
Kevin: (Flashback to Eating with Sean) I’m starving…
# 3 Climax
Music- Jason Mraz “ Sleep All Day”
--Montage they walk and get food they have a good time doing various activities.
-- They talk they get to know each other better.
-- At Raina’s House
Kevin: So where are you from?
Raina: Here actually yeah I’ve lived hear all my life, but I’m heading off to college in a week.
Kevin: A week?!
Raina: Yeah..
Kevin: One?!
Raina: Haha Yeah…
Kevin: Damn…
Raina: …Yeah..
Music- John Mayer; “Your Body is a Wonderland”
Sequence ultimately leading to them for playing it.
#4 The Crash
Kevin: …I Love you Raina.
Raina: (Kisses his nose, gets up and slaps Kevin’s butt) Come on lets Walk!!
--At swing set they are talking and having a good time then…
Raina… Hey?...
Kevin: What?
Raina:… I don’t know… Never mind.
Kevin: Yes you do. Come on tell me.
Raina: Why did you say you love me?
Kevin: Because I do.
Raina: What do you really mean by that?
Kevin:… Aaaah?-
Raina:- Well I love you too… but?... I guess what I’m trying to say is…
Kevin:… What?
Raina: Everything ends!! No! “End” is too graceful a word! Everything degenerates!
Kevin: Crumbles.
Raina: It makes me wonder how anyone could fall in love.
Kevin: I did
Raina: How?! When?! Why?!
Kevin: Do I need to Know?
Raina: Yes!!
Kevin: Do You?!
Raina: Yes
Kevin: You do?! Then How, when, why?!!
Raina: I asked you
Kevin: I don’t know I just do.!!
Raina: That’s not good enough for me.
Kevin: What’s your reason?
Raina: Don’t make this about me.
Kevin: It’s about us!!
Raina: Us!? I just met you..
Kevin: Then lets not be off to a bad start… Please I’ve had a great time today.
Raina: … So have I…
Kevin: … So then where did this come from?
Raina: I’ve been thinking about it all day.
Kevin: You have..?
Raina: You haven’t..?!
Kevin: (Sigh)… Not all day.
Raina: Well at least you know what I’m talking about!
Kevin: So!.. I mean-
Raina: - No so! I leaving in a week or did you forget already living this fantasy. Besides I want to know what I’m getting myself into!!!
Kevin: OOH!! MY!! GOD!! Sean was right!
Raina: What so your already talking to your friends about me?!!
Kevin: Don’t put words in my mouth. I never said that..!
Raina: That’s what you’re implying.
Kevin: … Raina I love you.. That’s all there is to it.!!
Raina: That doesn’t make any sense. I mean I don’t know you!!!
Kevin: So we have a lot to discover.!!!
Raina: No Kevin in a few days I’m leaving for college!!!
Kevin: Are you going to bring that up every time we don’t get along!!? Cause if your going to be this pessimistic!!-
Raina: (SLAPS Kevin)… I’m not pessimistic.
Kevin: I’m sorry for everything… (Gets up and leaves)
#5 Recuperation
(Kevin Meets Jason)
Music- Broken Social Scene, Tuck and Patti, & Feist
--Walks and revisits all the places he had been that day
-- Ends up at the park where he ate with Sean and sits
Jason: (Plays guitar)” … Hey kid
Kevin: (Waves)
Jason: (Continues playing; notices Kevin is obviously upset) Hey kid you want to talk about it… Here I’ll make it easier for you my name’s Jason. (Holds out his hand)
(Kevin doesn’t shake it).
Jason: … (Pulls his hand back)… I was in love too once… I saw her for the first time a couple years ago. It seems like a lot longer then that. She was sitting at the table three tables ahead of mine. She was reading a book I think, I was reading the paper and we both had bagels I had a ______ bagel, she had a ______.... (Books down; food bite; drink; books up; leg peek and catch eyes; smile; go back to reading)… It was like we were the same person… I’ve heard opposites attract but with us it wasn’t about filling any holes, but more along the lines of adding icing to the cake. (Small laugh) I never thought about it but now thinking back I never said anything to her until like the third time we met… She was a person ahead of me in line for her bagel and she was short a quarter…
--Montage Jason and Girl getting to know each other; (Under blanket on butterfly chair cuddled together)
… She made this blanket for me.. It’s all I have left reminding me of… us… We were together for a long time, then one day… she was gone… I don’t know what happened. Maybe I met her too soon, maybe I had to do something before we were to meet… I don’t know It’s like I never knew her.. Funny how life seems to be a big contradiction that way.
Kevin: Kevin… My name’s Kevin.
Jason: Nice to meet you Kevin (They Shake hands)
Kevin: I’m Sorry
Jason: For?
Kevin: What happened..
Jason: Don’t! It is, what it is, tomorrow is another day. Besides the way I figure it is, life is what you make it so why angry or sad.
Kevin: Then why do you still have the blanket?
Jason: It was a gift.
Kevin: You said it reminded you of the two of you… together. How could you get over her with that??
Jason:… I don’t know.
Kevin: ..Sorry.
Jason: It’s okay
Kevin: Thank you
Jason: For ?
Kevin: You said exactly what I needed to hear.
Jason: Which was?
Kevin: Life is what you make it so why angry or sad. That doesn’t mean it will be easy or that I’m over her but at least now I know where to start… Have a nice night….
End Credits...
Music- The Wannadies; “ You and Me Song”
--Shows Kevin Waking up again going through his normal routine just a little different meeting Sean in town again where he saw Jason the evening before only Jason isn’t there but his blanket is draped over the bench where they met.
written & directed by R. Masseo Davis
-Over Black- “ It’s okay to look back on the past, just don’t stare.”
– Charlie Nicholson
Opening Credits…
Music- Bob Marley; “Could You Be Loved”
(Montage of Kevin waking up, almost in dance form showing that his life is a routine, that he can do his mornings with his eyes closed.)
--Kevin walks and you see him meet with his friend Sean. On the way he passes a man playing a guitar (Jason). They acknowledge each other.
--Kevin also catches sight of a beautiful girl (Raina) they exchange glances of interest and move on.
#1, Stability with the appearance of Conflict
(Kevin Meets Sean)
Sean: Oooohh Shhhh,!!! Hey What took you the whole afternoon?!
Kevin: Sleepin’ I was in know rush.
Sean: Screw you! I haven’t got all day, what’s on the agenda?
Kevin: I’m actually kind of hungry.
Sean: oohh really I could eat.
Kevin: I know you could.
Sean: AAAHHH MY NAME IS KEVIN HAHAHAHAAA
Kevin: hahaha let’s get something to go..
-----CUT------
They come out of sandwich shop with food.
Kevin: Where are we gonna eat.
Sean: I have a blanket in my car
Kevin: You would you old women
-----------CUT---------
Sean: How did I let you talk me into this?
---------CUT (Back) --------
Kevin: You would you old women.
Sean: (smaller) AHHHHAHA come on we could sit in the park.
Kevin: (Sigh) okay.
----------CUT--------
Sean: It was like 5min ago.
Kevin: Whatever, I do what I want.
Sean: haha ass hole.
Kevin: haha … so how’s the wife?
Sean: Don’t call her that.
Kevin: Not so hot huh?
Sean: Look who’s talkin’!!!
Kevin: Whatever man I do what I want.
Sean: Yeah I know and look how your last relationship ended. Have you dated since..
Kevin: She slapped me!!!
Sean: So what it happens..
Kevin: Are you serious. No that’s where I draw the line, don’t slap me!! It’s not cool.
Sean: Did you ever consider that she didn’t mean it?
Kevin: Then why did she do it, Sean ?!
Sean: Kevin you aren’t the easiest person to get along with all the time. I mean you and I are best friends and we’re disagreeing right now.
Kevin: (Sigh) Whatever.
Sean: Listen there are a few things girls want out of a relationship.
1) They want to know what they’re getting themselves into. Where we men like spontaneous women who can continually surprise us they need assurance. Sure they are humans and like surprises just like the next person but they really are the more logical sex so it is what it is…
2) The other-
Kevin: -Since you know so much about women, why are you and your women having troubles?
Sean: No one’s perfect, no matter how seamless things appear, be aware the seems are there.
Kevin: …Yeah.
Sean: Come on, I have to meet “the wife” downtown soon anyway. Where do you want me to drop you off?
Kevin: Um I’ll come and roam town aimlessly.
Sean: All right, man.
#2, Conflict
(Kevin Meets Raina)
Music- Prince; “Starfish and Coffee” – Yeah Yeah Yeahs; “Maps”
--Montage Kevin and Sean head downtown and on the way they pass the man playing a guitar (Jason) Kevin stops to give him money Sean walks by without noticing.
--Later while Kevin and Sean are heading downtown Kevin spots the beautiful girl across the street and while remaining on track watches her, focused and falls down a flight of stairs. Sticks his head out of the stairs and she’s gone.
--Montage Sean helps Kevin up and they go there separate ways
-- Kevin walks around thinking about Raina and the day as he is just roaming aimlessly
-- Kevin sees the man playing the guitar (Jason) they acknowledge each other.
--Later Kevin finds himself in the movie store looking for a movie when through the movie shelf he sees Raina.
Kevin: (Frightened) Ahhh!! Oh my god!!
Raina: I’m sorry did I scare you?
Kevin: No I’m fine it happens; are you okay?
Raina: (Laughing) Yeah thanks.
Kevin: Sorry
Raina: It’s okay I’m fine
Kevin:. Hi my name is- (bumps his hand into movie rack and knocks movies over off the rack) bends over and hits his head only knocking over more movies)
(To himself) Smooth Kevin Real smooth.
Raina: (Laughing) are you all right, what happened?
Kevin: I’m being a dumb ass hold on I’ll come around.
Raina: No I’ll come help (She goes around)
Kevin: (She helps) Thanks.
Raina:…….. (Looking at Kevin Standing there)
Kevin: Hi my name is Kevin
Raina: Raina… My name is Raina.
Kevin: Nice to meet you
Raina: Like wise.
Kevin: Um what are you looking at there?
Raina: Oh it’s nothing
Kevin: Really come on tell me.
Raina: Ahh it’s just this graphic novel I was told was good.
Kevin: I love comics.
Raina: Really, well Really!!??
Kevin: Yeah
Raina: Um okay I’ll show you. I only just started so I really don’t know what’s going to happen but it seems to be- well it really is kind of like a chick flick.
Kevin: Is that what you’ re looking for here?
Raina: (Sarcastically) NNoooo..
Kevin: Okay
Raina: Anyways, you know what I’m talking about; it’s one of those romantic comedies though I have a hunch it’s going to end disastrously.
Kevin: Well that’s a shame.
Raina: haha … Yeah.
Kevin: … Yeah….
Raina: Hey do you want to grab a bite to eat I haven’t eaten yet… My treat.
Kevin: (Flashback to Eating with Sean) I’m starving…
# 3 Climax
Music- Jason Mraz “ Sleep All Day”
--Montage they walk and get food they have a good time doing various activities.
-- They talk they get to know each other better.
-- At Raina’s House
Kevin: So where are you from?
Raina: Here actually yeah I’ve lived hear all my life, but I’m heading off to college in a week.
Kevin: A week?!
Raina: Yeah..
Kevin: One?!
Raina: Haha Yeah…
Kevin: Damn…
Raina: …Yeah..
Music- John Mayer; “Your Body is a Wonderland”
Sequence ultimately leading to them for playing it.
#4 The Crash
Kevin: …I Love you Raina.
Raina: (Kisses his nose, gets up and slaps Kevin’s butt) Come on lets Walk!!
--At swing set they are talking and having a good time then…
Raina… Hey?...
Kevin: What?
Raina:… I don’t know… Never mind.
Kevin: Yes you do. Come on tell me.
Raina: Why did you say you love me?
Kevin: Because I do.
Raina: What do you really mean by that?
Kevin:… Aaaah?-
Raina:- Well I love you too… but?... I guess what I’m trying to say is…
Kevin:… What?
Raina: Everything ends!! No! “End” is too graceful a word! Everything degenerates!
Kevin: Crumbles.
Raina: It makes me wonder how anyone could fall in love.
Kevin: I did
Raina: How?! When?! Why?!
Kevin: Do I need to Know?
Raina: Yes!!
Kevin: Do You?!
Raina: Yes
Kevin: You do?! Then How, when, why?!!
Raina: I asked you
Kevin: I don’t know I just do.!!
Raina: That’s not good enough for me.
Kevin: What’s your reason?
Raina: Don’t make this about me.
Kevin: It’s about us!!
Raina: Us!? I just met you..
Kevin: Then lets not be off to a bad start… Please I’ve had a great time today.
Raina: … So have I…
Kevin: … So then where did this come from?
Raina: I’ve been thinking about it all day.
Kevin: You have..?
Raina: You haven’t..?!
Kevin: (Sigh)… Not all day.
Raina: Well at least you know what I’m talking about!
Kevin: So!.. I mean-
Raina: - No so! I leaving in a week or did you forget already living this fantasy. Besides I want to know what I’m getting myself into!!!
Kevin: OOH!! MY!! GOD!! Sean was right!
Raina: What so your already talking to your friends about me?!!
Kevin: Don’t put words in my mouth. I never said that..!
Raina: That’s what you’re implying.
Kevin: … Raina I love you.. That’s all there is to it.!!
Raina: That doesn’t make any sense. I mean I don’t know you!!!
Kevin: So we have a lot to discover.!!!
Raina: No Kevin in a few days I’m leaving for college!!!
Kevin: Are you going to bring that up every time we don’t get along!!? Cause if your going to be this pessimistic!!-
Raina: (SLAPS Kevin)… I’m not pessimistic.
Kevin: I’m sorry for everything… (Gets up and leaves)
#5 Recuperation
(Kevin Meets Jason)
Music- Broken Social Scene, Tuck and Patti, & Feist
--Walks and revisits all the places he had been that day
-- Ends up at the park where he ate with Sean and sits
Jason: (Plays guitar)” … Hey kid
Kevin: (Waves)
Jason: (Continues playing; notices Kevin is obviously upset) Hey kid you want to talk about it… Here I’ll make it easier for you my name’s Jason. (Holds out his hand)
(Kevin doesn’t shake it).
Jason: … (Pulls his hand back)… I was in love too once… I saw her for the first time a couple years ago. It seems like a lot longer then that. She was sitting at the table three tables ahead of mine. She was reading a book I think, I was reading the paper and we both had bagels I had a ______ bagel, she had a ______.... (Books down; food bite; drink; books up; leg peek and catch eyes; smile; go back to reading)… It was like we were the same person… I’ve heard opposites attract but with us it wasn’t about filling any holes, but more along the lines of adding icing to the cake. (Small laugh) I never thought about it but now thinking back I never said anything to her until like the third time we met… She was a person ahead of me in line for her bagel and she was short a quarter…
--Montage Jason and Girl getting to know each other; (Under blanket on butterfly chair cuddled together)
… She made this blanket for me.. It’s all I have left reminding me of… us… We were together for a long time, then one day… she was gone… I don’t know what happened. Maybe I met her too soon, maybe I had to do something before we were to meet… I don’t know It’s like I never knew her.. Funny how life seems to be a big contradiction that way.
Kevin: Kevin… My name’s Kevin.
Jason: Nice to meet you Kevin (They Shake hands)
Kevin: I’m Sorry
Jason: For?
Kevin: What happened..
Jason: Don’t! It is, what it is, tomorrow is another day. Besides the way I figure it is, life is what you make it so why angry or sad.
Kevin: Then why do you still have the blanket?
Jason: It was a gift.
Kevin: You said it reminded you of the two of you… together. How could you get over her with that??
Jason:… I don’t know.
Kevin: ..Sorry.
Jason: It’s okay
Kevin: Thank you
Jason: For ?
Kevin: You said exactly what I needed to hear.
Jason: Which was?
Kevin: Life is what you make it so why angry or sad. That doesn’t mean it will be easy or that I’m over her but at least now I know where to start… Have a nice night….
End Credits...
Music- The Wannadies; “ You and Me Song”
--Shows Kevin Waking up again going through his normal routine just a little different meeting Sean in town again where he saw Jason the evening before only Jason isn’t there but his blanket is draped over the bench where they met.
You’ re Beautiful” Written & Directed by (Robert) Masseo Davis
You’ re Beautiful”
Written & Directed by (Robert) Masseo Davis
This film is open-ended and is meant to both force the audience to question their feelings regarding the context and to reflect on human behavior and our inexplicable attachments to moral values. Not to say that the film is plausibly immoral, quite the contrary, the film is meant to make the viewers wonder why like this, as in the film’s narrative construction. The audience is not provided with an easy read of how to take the story as a whole. Ultimately it could be said that choice is the central theme of the film and it forces many accompanying concepts on the viewers such as paranoia, reality vs. dreams, fate, pre-destined sets of circumstances, and even empathy towards characters.
Choice as a driving narrative force is usually seen as a typical standard of films because most narrative films are motivated by the characters’ development and thus resulting in their specific character choices. In relation to the film’s narrative construction, choice could be written off as irrelevant because any audience member could say, “it was all a dream.” but with this conclusion many other thematic ideas are brought to the table. Was it real or a dream? Is Lauren (the female lead / wife) being paranoid, or do we as an audience member allow our own personalities manifest in the characters within the film? What is the fate of this woman? What and why ultimately do we as audience members are? Is it not Celeste (the other leading lady) who is truly hurt? Breaking the film into three sections allows for the sequence to seem like a study of people’s choices, rather than a narrative about a woman stuck in an unfortunate situation more like a documentary experiment, as opposed to a linear storyline. The study of choices bears for all of us regardless the outcome. We each make choices everyday, often it is as mundane as whether to have breakfast or not.
Other themes that swarm the film are paranoia; questions of who’s the lead (who is the protagonist- who is the antagonist), and how the film pretends to be more than it seems and yet, it is merely the story of two people talking in a room. “You’re Beautiful”, is a film that doesn’t let the viewers become attached to any secular character, regardless of the fact that there are only three characters in the film and the one lead male only appears momentarily in the films final segment. The story itself revolves around Lauren, who is quickly tied directly and indirectly to Celeste. Their dialogue unveils what is most unexpected and would change their lives forever. Lauren and Celeste are both good people. They are juxtaposed to set the audience for a reaction. The audience is asked to make their own ties with characters. Who will they choose? This is meant to keep the film from becoming an escape and totally entertaining. This film is not one where an outside reality is created and the audience is readily embraced. The film sets out to keep the audience members separate from the narrative and invariably question the moral fibers of the 2 women.
The last section of the film was not meant to seem as a section that makes the juice of the film meaningless. The notion of the story being a dream was meant to further the awareness of the film’s purpose. The “open-ended -ness” of the film is deliberate and what makes the narrative a series of questions. Based on the information provided by the film, the viewers can’t help but become curious about what happens next for some sense of closure. By not giving the audience that desired closure “You’re Beautiful”, illustrates a narrative that is hopefully entertaining by making those of us watching not only want more but also makes us continue the dialogue beyond the theater. Many of us moviegoers are addicted to closure and this film makes the audience create its own conclusion. .
“You’re Beautiful”, is not meant to be like Jean-Luc Godard films. Godard films that imitate other movies by keeping the audience separate from the films’ narrative and allowing the audience to question the film’s purpose. .“You’re Beautiful”, does not establish a main character nor makes any effort to persuade the audience to be tied emotionally to any one character. Often films create a character that is the “main character” or “lead” and it is within their character and their choices for action or non-action conduct the events of cause and effect that predetermine the course of the narrative within the film. The film should make people question their own perception of the film’s conclusion. What does her husband have to talk to her about? And more importantly, what does each audience member think he has to say and why? “You’re Beautiful” is a film about our lives and choices we make. We live in a culture where we hold so dear a set of moral values. Oftentimes, we judge each other harshly according to these virtuous ideals. We are quick to draw conclusion even without merit. .“ You’re Beautiful” presents us with a situations that only we as an audience member can decipher how to make one’s action righteous. The characters’ actions are not distinguishable as simple black and white. Hollywood has made billions by building and nurturing an audience that are quick to see everything in black and white. By those standards, “You’re Beautiful” is a shade of gray.
Written & Directed by (Robert) Masseo Davis
This film is open-ended and is meant to both force the audience to question their feelings regarding the context and to reflect on human behavior and our inexplicable attachments to moral values. Not to say that the film is plausibly immoral, quite the contrary, the film is meant to make the viewers wonder why like this, as in the film’s narrative construction. The audience is not provided with an easy read of how to take the story as a whole. Ultimately it could be said that choice is the central theme of the film and it forces many accompanying concepts on the viewers such as paranoia, reality vs. dreams, fate, pre-destined sets of circumstances, and even empathy towards characters.
Choice as a driving narrative force is usually seen as a typical standard of films because most narrative films are motivated by the characters’ development and thus resulting in their specific character choices. In relation to the film’s narrative construction, choice could be written off as irrelevant because any audience member could say, “it was all a dream.” but with this conclusion many other thematic ideas are brought to the table. Was it real or a dream? Is Lauren (the female lead / wife) being paranoid, or do we as an audience member allow our own personalities manifest in the characters within the film? What is the fate of this woman? What and why ultimately do we as audience members are? Is it not Celeste (the other leading lady) who is truly hurt? Breaking the film into three sections allows for the sequence to seem like a study of people’s choices, rather than a narrative about a woman stuck in an unfortunate situation more like a documentary experiment, as opposed to a linear storyline. The study of choices bears for all of us regardless the outcome. We each make choices everyday, often it is as mundane as whether to have breakfast or not.
Other themes that swarm the film are paranoia; questions of who’s the lead (who is the protagonist- who is the antagonist), and how the film pretends to be more than it seems and yet, it is merely the story of two people talking in a room. “You’re Beautiful”, is a film that doesn’t let the viewers become attached to any secular character, regardless of the fact that there are only three characters in the film and the one lead male only appears momentarily in the films final segment. The story itself revolves around Lauren, who is quickly tied directly and indirectly to Celeste. Their dialogue unveils what is most unexpected and would change their lives forever. Lauren and Celeste are both good people. They are juxtaposed to set the audience for a reaction. The audience is asked to make their own ties with characters. Who will they choose? This is meant to keep the film from becoming an escape and totally entertaining. This film is not one where an outside reality is created and the audience is readily embraced. The film sets out to keep the audience members separate from the narrative and invariably question the moral fibers of the 2 women.
The last section of the film was not meant to seem as a section that makes the juice of the film meaningless. The notion of the story being a dream was meant to further the awareness of the film’s purpose. The “open-ended -ness” of the film is deliberate and what makes the narrative a series of questions. Based on the information provided by the film, the viewers can’t help but become curious about what happens next for some sense of closure. By not giving the audience that desired closure “You’re Beautiful”, illustrates a narrative that is hopefully entertaining by making those of us watching not only want more but also makes us continue the dialogue beyond the theater. Many of us moviegoers are addicted to closure and this film makes the audience create its own conclusion. .
“You’re Beautiful”, is not meant to be like Jean-Luc Godard films. Godard films that imitate other movies by keeping the audience separate from the films’ narrative and allowing the audience to question the film’s purpose. .“You’re Beautiful”, does not establish a main character nor makes any effort to persuade the audience to be tied emotionally to any one character. Often films create a character that is the “main character” or “lead” and it is within their character and their choices for action or non-action conduct the events of cause and effect that predetermine the course of the narrative within the film. The film should make people question their own perception of the film’s conclusion. What does her husband have to talk to her about? And more importantly, what does each audience member think he has to say and why? “You’re Beautiful” is a film about our lives and choices we make. We live in a culture where we hold so dear a set of moral values. Oftentimes, we judge each other harshly according to these virtuous ideals. We are quick to draw conclusion even without merit. .“ You’re Beautiful” presents us with a situations that only we as an audience member can decipher how to make one’s action righteous. The characters’ actions are not distinguishable as simple black and white. Hollywood has made billions by building and nurturing an audience that are quick to see everything in black and white. By those standards, “You’re Beautiful” is a shade of gray.
Balanchine
(Robert) Masseo Davis
Balanchine
It’s interesting that many of the great people who set the standards of their fields seem to stumble onto their paths of fate. George Balanchine is no exception to this ironic truth. In the ballet world of the 20th century Balanchine is regarded as one the fathers of this seamlessly upheld tradition.
“The mark of greatness is when everything
before you is obsolete, and everything after
you bares your mark.”
- Dave Chappelle
- “Inside the Actors Studio”
It’s not to say that dance, or even ballet in the modern world is mere imitations, quite the contrary, however there is something to be said about the standards that were both required and upheld today.
It has been said in regards to the four leading men in American Ballet Theater, Jose Manuel Carreno, Angle Corella, Vladimir Malakov, and Ethan Stiefel in the dance documentary “Born to Be Wild: The leading men of American Ballet Theater” that,
“They set the standard for dance, now.”
-Kevin McKenzie,
“American Ballet Theater Artistic Director”
Those standards that Kevin McKenzie, spoke of, were the groundwork, required, as well as demanded by George Balanchine, of his dancers. George Balanchine is responsible for arranging what the western world recognizes as traditional ballet.
In regards to the American audience George Balanchine is arguably the countries primary influence, and contribution to the vast history, and lineage, which is ballet.
Sure we didn’t train him as a dancer; there were no notable American ballet schools until he came. And Balanchine is not of American decent, however his legacy is now, and forever will be apart of the American ballet tradition.
In regards to George Balanchine the man, not the choreographer, he was always referred to as a levelheaded man, humble, happy, and easy going. Balanchine, however was not afraid of work he welcomed it, Balanchine would say, “First comes sweat…then comes beauty if you’re vairy lucky and have said you’re prayers”.
George Balanchine was a simple man who at the end of the day did nothing more than express a profound love for the dance. His legacy was not one of legend until after his time, just as the “Golden Ages” in history were not referred to as the “Golden Ages” until much later.
In regards to the evolution of the modern ballet tradition, George Balanchine’s, contribution, his work and his legacy are equivalent to man standing upright the
homo-sapien. Balanchine is the pinnacle of what we recognized as the traditional ballet movement.
In St. Petersburg Russia, on January 22, 1904 Georgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze was born. It wasn’t until approximately twenty years later that Georgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze changed his name to George Balanchine, when he joined the Ballet Russes in Paris. Serge Diagilev, merely found “Balanchivadze“ to be a name far too difficult to pronounce. Balanchine’s father was Meliton Balanchivadze and his mother was Maria Nikolayevna. Balanchine’s parents had three children together; George was their second child. Tamara Balanchivadze was George’s older sister, and Andrei was his younger brother.
As a choreographer Balanchine has been noted and recognized as being very musical mover and creator. Balanchine’s father was a well-respected musical composer who raised his children with a modest fortune and respectable reputation. This would lead most to believe that with a musician as a father that he would play the role in leading his children into a musically involved lifestyle; quite the contrary it was Balanchine’s mother, Maria who got their children involved with music at a young age.
“It’s like watching light pass through a prism.
The music passes through him, and in the same natural
yet marvelous way that a prism refracts light, he
refracts music into dance.”
-Martha Graham
(Balanchine, A biography by Bernard Taper)
“Balanchine composed the choreography as he
listened to my recording, and I could actually
observe him conceiving gestures, movement,
combinations and compositions. The result was
a series of dialogues perfectly complementary to
and coordinated with the dialogues of the music.”
-Igor Stravinsky
(The George Balanchine Foundation)
Balanchine’s, mother started teaching him how to play the piano when he was 5 years old. His lessons later were given to him by, “an imposing, bespectacled German lady…”
In the beginning George didn’t enjoy playing the piano or even music for that matter, because like most young boys Balanchine found practicing to be tedious and boring. It wasn’t until one faithful day when he was working on a section from a Beethoven Sonata. He found the music so beautiful that it brought him to tears as he practiced. This new found love and appreciation for music would prove to be very beneficial for his future, and in a sense beneficial for the entire ballet world.
When Balanchine was 10 years of age he was to become a naval officer his mother was going to enroll him in the Imperial Naval Academy, and his sister, Tamara was returning to The Imperial School of Theater and Ballet, for her second attempt at being admitted to the school. Coincidentally the naval academy that year was overloaded with applications and there was no room for young George to enroll in the academy. As a result of the navel academy’s tremendous overflow, he wound up applying with his sister at the Imperial School of Theater and Ballet, ironically he was admitted and she again was not. The tedious amount of classes he took at the school bored him just as his early stages of piano lessons. Eventually, George Balanchine had his first taste of the stage. It was costmary that students from there second year on at the school were to be used in small parts and performed with the company on the legendary Maryinsky Theater. George Balanchine appeared as a cupid in the last act in the company’s performance of “The Sleeping Beauty”. This performance was an experience that changed his perspective, similar to his experience with the Beethoven Sonata. All the work he had been involved with at the school had a purpose, with the beautiful sets, décor, and costumes Balanchine found a new respect for the medium of dance.
Over the course of his following years at the ballet school Balanchine appeared in several other ballets amongst which include the “The Pharaoh’s Daughter, Paquita, La Jota Aragonese, The Nutcracker” and many others.
In 1924, George Balanchine, Tamara Geva, Alexandra Danilova, and Nicholas Efimov were allowed leave from the newly formed Soviet Union to tour Europe. All four of the dancers were invited to join Serge Diaghilev Ballet Russes, and never returned to Russia as students of the Imperial Ballet School.
Balanchine quickly worked his way up to being the company’s ballet master, and principle choreographer, with the Ballet Russe Balanchine created such works as “L’Efant et les Sortileges, Romeo and Juliet, the Prodigal Son etc”.
After Diaghilev’s death Balanchine formed Les Ballet, a small group who’s solo season was short lived however, the touring of this company can be blamed for introducing Balanchine to a man who will with Balanchine’s help bring ballet to America.
“It was during its London
engagement, however,a meeting occurred
that would change the history of the
20th-centurey dance.”
-(Pg1, The George Balanchine Foundation)
During Les Ballet’s, London tour George Balanchine met Lincoln Kirstein, and he convinced Balanchine to help him bring ballet to America. Kirsten had always wanted to see an American ballet company not dependent on European ideals or standards of repertory. Balanchine agreed to take part in this project, however his request was to first build a school. Balanchine came to the big apple in October 1933, and under one year later the School of American Ballet was founded in January of 1934.
Balanchine choreographed Serenade, on the students of the ballet school, and it was his first of many works in America.
The students and the school however did not have a permanent residency until years later. A year after the schools opening Balanchine had succeeded in establishing a professional company. They had their premiere performance at the Adelphi Theater, in March of 1935. The company later became the resident ballet company of The Metropolitan Opera. This merger was brief for the Opera was not interested in showcasing ballet and Balanchine’s company was only allowed two all dance programs per season.
By 1946, after an exclusive performance of Balanchine’s new works on the company, which included The Four Temperaments, and Orpheus, George and Kirstein and the company were invited to join the New York City Center of Music and Drama. The rest is history, the birth of the New York City Ballet had arrived and Balanchine and Kirstein’s dream had been realized.
In conjuncture to the School of American Ballet, and the New York City Ballet, the company, Balanchine remained the Artistic Director and the company’s choreographer creating a plethora of original works until his death, on April 30th 1983. George Balanchine died at the age of 79. (The Balanchine Foundation/ Taper)
“Mr. B. is with Mozart and Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky.’
But we have not lost Balanchine- not the essential Balanchine,
who lives in the great catalogue of masterpieces that have so
shaped and refined our understanding of ballet and given it-
and us- thrilling life. And we are not without the other essential
fact of his work: his school and training system that has tuned
American bodies as the ideal classical medium for his ideal classic
vision. We can never be without Balanchine. He is so central to the
“dannse d’ecole in our century, so surely its guiding force, that grief
becomes mere self- indulgence. Gratitude and joy must be our feeling
for what he gave us, and determination that his work and ideals be
honored and preserved and used to illuminate the future of ballet.”
-Lincoln Kirstein
It could be said that George Balanchine, was highly influenced during his four years with Diaghilev and the Ballet Russe. There is something to be said on Balanchine’s pedagogy method in relation to his experiences in Paris with Diaghilev.
The relationship between Balanchine and Diaghilev was different than that of any of the previous choreographers of the Ballet Russe; he was the first one to in a sense trust in his own work without the felt need for approval from Diaghilev. All the other choreographers would go before Diaghilev with their work before show time, because the Ballet Russe as a project ultimately was Diaghilev’s baby, just as The school of American Ballet, and the New York City Ballet would become Balanchine’s.
Since Fokine, Balanchine was the only choreographer of the Ballet Russe to not be bread into the choreographers seat by Diaghilev, as was Nijinsky, Massine and Najinska.
However, while Balanchine was a unique character in that sense, not being trained to choreograph by Diaghilev Balanchine did receive a different kind of education, which is reflected in the way New York City Ballet is organized and upheld.
While Balanchine was with Diaghilev, Diaghilev would bring him everywhere imposing other art forms on him such as paintings. These were the artists that where creating the décor and set designs that the Ballet Russe was so famous for having. Balanchine in turn noticed something about the company that the public had yet to realize.
Though the Ballet Russe offered a visual spectacle, in terms of décor and set, the dancers weren’t that talented.
“One of the variations in “Apollo” was not to Diaghilev’s
taste. He thought it was to long, too repetitious…He told
George that the variation was no good, and that he didn’t
like the music. George said, “It is your dancer that isn’t
good.” (It was [Alice] Nikitina.) George wouldn’t change
the variation, so Diaghilev took it out. One day, in Covent
Garden, just before the performance of “Apollo”, Diaghilev
rushed looking for George…”put the variation in quickly…
Stravinsky is in the audience.” So George had to grab the
lady who was dancing Tersichore and quickly rehearse her
just before she went on stage.”
(pg 197, Garafola and Baer)
Balanchine felt that dance execution was at the forefront of the work and it could be argued that that is way when Lincoln Kirstein convinced him to come to America Balanchine insisted on first having a school. The case being that if could not find talented dancers that could do his work; then he would raise them.
Another influence that Diaghilev left on Balanchine is the tradition of collaboration, with other artists. When Balanchine was partaking with the Ballet Russe Company he was in back stage area with acclaimed artists such as, Picasso, Rouauly, Utrillo, Miro, Gris, de Chirico, Braque, Derain, and Tchelitchev. At the time Balanchine didn’t realize the company he was with, but he later continued this tradition with a musical artist, Stravinsky.
The relation ship as a creative force of Balanchine and Stravinsky is comparable to Petipa and Tchaikovsky, or filmmakers and their leading actors, like Martin Scorssese, and Robert DeNiro. (Taper)
As a result of his experience with the Ballet Russe Balanchine was capable of being a founding member of Americas premiere ballet training method and school, as well as one of the best ballet schools in the country.
Ever since the New York City Ballet found it’s permanent home Balanchine lived out the rest of his days as the company’s ballet master, culminating with a total body of work consisting of 425 works. His final piece was Variations for Orchestra (1982), which was a solo for Suzanne Farrell. Other works that within his catalogue of master pieces are, Bourree Fantasque, The Firebird, Scotch Symphony, Western Symphony, Jewels, The Nutcracker, which was his first full length ballet for the company, and many more.
The members of his company held him in high esteem and their love for him play a part in helping keep his tradition alive today.
“I went to his aphartment in New York and we sat on
the couch and I didn’t say, “May I please come back?”
and he didn’t say, “Would you like to come back?” It
was “When do we get back to work?” I was committed
to Bejart until December, and Maurice said he was sorry
to lose me, but he knew how important Mr. B. was to me.
He knew this had to be. .. I knew I was going to go back where I belonged.”
-Suzanne Farrell
In conclusion, George Balanchine while he did change the face of ballet as it was known. The truth is as a humble man; he did not ever set out to do that. Balanchine didn’t set out to change the world, he didn’t intend on influencing the world, he didn’t expect to do anything more than just create good work. All Balanchine ever really did at the core of it all was express his unbridled love for the art medium, dance.
“We must first realize that dancing is an absolutely independent
art, not merely a secondary accompanying one. I believe that it
is one of the great arts… The important thing in ballet is the
movement itself. A ballet may contain a story, but the visual spectacle…
is the essential element. The choreographer and the dancer
must remember that they reah the audience through the eye.
It’s the illusion created which convinces the audience,
much as it is with the work of a magician.”
-George Balanchine
Balanchine
It’s interesting that many of the great people who set the standards of their fields seem to stumble onto their paths of fate. George Balanchine is no exception to this ironic truth. In the ballet world of the 20th century Balanchine is regarded as one the fathers of this seamlessly upheld tradition.
“The mark of greatness is when everything
before you is obsolete, and everything after
you bares your mark.”
- Dave Chappelle
- “Inside the Actors Studio”
It’s not to say that dance, or even ballet in the modern world is mere imitations, quite the contrary, however there is something to be said about the standards that were both required and upheld today.
It has been said in regards to the four leading men in American Ballet Theater, Jose Manuel Carreno, Angle Corella, Vladimir Malakov, and Ethan Stiefel in the dance documentary “Born to Be Wild: The leading men of American Ballet Theater” that,
“They set the standard for dance, now.”
-Kevin McKenzie,
“American Ballet Theater Artistic Director”
Those standards that Kevin McKenzie, spoke of, were the groundwork, required, as well as demanded by George Balanchine, of his dancers. George Balanchine is responsible for arranging what the western world recognizes as traditional ballet.
In regards to the American audience George Balanchine is arguably the countries primary influence, and contribution to the vast history, and lineage, which is ballet.
Sure we didn’t train him as a dancer; there were no notable American ballet schools until he came. And Balanchine is not of American decent, however his legacy is now, and forever will be apart of the American ballet tradition.
In regards to George Balanchine the man, not the choreographer, he was always referred to as a levelheaded man, humble, happy, and easy going. Balanchine, however was not afraid of work he welcomed it, Balanchine would say, “First comes sweat…then comes beauty if you’re vairy lucky and have said you’re prayers”.
George Balanchine was a simple man who at the end of the day did nothing more than express a profound love for the dance. His legacy was not one of legend until after his time, just as the “Golden Ages” in history were not referred to as the “Golden Ages” until much later.
In regards to the evolution of the modern ballet tradition, George Balanchine’s, contribution, his work and his legacy are equivalent to man standing upright the
homo-sapien. Balanchine is the pinnacle of what we recognized as the traditional ballet movement.
In St. Petersburg Russia, on January 22, 1904 Georgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze was born. It wasn’t until approximately twenty years later that Georgi Melitonovitch Balanchivadze changed his name to George Balanchine, when he joined the Ballet Russes in Paris. Serge Diagilev, merely found “Balanchivadze“ to be a name far too difficult to pronounce. Balanchine’s father was Meliton Balanchivadze and his mother was Maria Nikolayevna. Balanchine’s parents had three children together; George was their second child. Tamara Balanchivadze was George’s older sister, and Andrei was his younger brother.
As a choreographer Balanchine has been noted and recognized as being very musical mover and creator. Balanchine’s father was a well-respected musical composer who raised his children with a modest fortune and respectable reputation. This would lead most to believe that with a musician as a father that he would play the role in leading his children into a musically involved lifestyle; quite the contrary it was Balanchine’s mother, Maria who got their children involved with music at a young age.
“It’s like watching light pass through a prism.
The music passes through him, and in the same natural
yet marvelous way that a prism refracts light, he
refracts music into dance.”
-Martha Graham
(Balanchine, A biography by Bernard Taper)
“Balanchine composed the choreography as he
listened to my recording, and I could actually
observe him conceiving gestures, movement,
combinations and compositions. The result was
a series of dialogues perfectly complementary to
and coordinated with the dialogues of the music.”
-Igor Stravinsky
(The George Balanchine Foundation)
Balanchine’s, mother started teaching him how to play the piano when he was 5 years old. His lessons later were given to him by, “an imposing, bespectacled German lady…”
In the beginning George didn’t enjoy playing the piano or even music for that matter, because like most young boys Balanchine found practicing to be tedious and boring. It wasn’t until one faithful day when he was working on a section from a Beethoven Sonata. He found the music so beautiful that it brought him to tears as he practiced. This new found love and appreciation for music would prove to be very beneficial for his future, and in a sense beneficial for the entire ballet world.
When Balanchine was 10 years of age he was to become a naval officer his mother was going to enroll him in the Imperial Naval Academy, and his sister, Tamara was returning to The Imperial School of Theater and Ballet, for her second attempt at being admitted to the school. Coincidentally the naval academy that year was overloaded with applications and there was no room for young George to enroll in the academy. As a result of the navel academy’s tremendous overflow, he wound up applying with his sister at the Imperial School of Theater and Ballet, ironically he was admitted and she again was not. The tedious amount of classes he took at the school bored him just as his early stages of piano lessons. Eventually, George Balanchine had his first taste of the stage. It was costmary that students from there second year on at the school were to be used in small parts and performed with the company on the legendary Maryinsky Theater. George Balanchine appeared as a cupid in the last act in the company’s performance of “The Sleeping Beauty”. This performance was an experience that changed his perspective, similar to his experience with the Beethoven Sonata. All the work he had been involved with at the school had a purpose, with the beautiful sets, décor, and costumes Balanchine found a new respect for the medium of dance.
Over the course of his following years at the ballet school Balanchine appeared in several other ballets amongst which include the “The Pharaoh’s Daughter, Paquita, La Jota Aragonese, The Nutcracker” and many others.
In 1924, George Balanchine, Tamara Geva, Alexandra Danilova, and Nicholas Efimov were allowed leave from the newly formed Soviet Union to tour Europe. All four of the dancers were invited to join Serge Diaghilev Ballet Russes, and never returned to Russia as students of the Imperial Ballet School.
Balanchine quickly worked his way up to being the company’s ballet master, and principle choreographer, with the Ballet Russe Balanchine created such works as “L’Efant et les Sortileges, Romeo and Juliet, the Prodigal Son etc”.
After Diaghilev’s death Balanchine formed Les Ballet, a small group who’s solo season was short lived however, the touring of this company can be blamed for introducing Balanchine to a man who will with Balanchine’s help bring ballet to America.
“It was during its London
engagement, however,a meeting occurred
that would change the history of the
20th-centurey dance.”
-(Pg1, The George Balanchine Foundation)
During Les Ballet’s, London tour George Balanchine met Lincoln Kirstein, and he convinced Balanchine to help him bring ballet to America. Kirsten had always wanted to see an American ballet company not dependent on European ideals or standards of repertory. Balanchine agreed to take part in this project, however his request was to first build a school. Balanchine came to the big apple in October 1933, and under one year later the School of American Ballet was founded in January of 1934.
Balanchine choreographed Serenade, on the students of the ballet school, and it was his first of many works in America.
The students and the school however did not have a permanent residency until years later. A year after the schools opening Balanchine had succeeded in establishing a professional company. They had their premiere performance at the Adelphi Theater, in March of 1935. The company later became the resident ballet company of The Metropolitan Opera. This merger was brief for the Opera was not interested in showcasing ballet and Balanchine’s company was only allowed two all dance programs per season.
By 1946, after an exclusive performance of Balanchine’s new works on the company, which included The Four Temperaments, and Orpheus, George and Kirstein and the company were invited to join the New York City Center of Music and Drama. The rest is history, the birth of the New York City Ballet had arrived and Balanchine and Kirstein’s dream had been realized.
In conjuncture to the School of American Ballet, and the New York City Ballet, the company, Balanchine remained the Artistic Director and the company’s choreographer creating a plethora of original works until his death, on April 30th 1983. George Balanchine died at the age of 79. (The Balanchine Foundation/ Taper)
“Mr. B. is with Mozart and Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky.’
But we have not lost Balanchine- not the essential Balanchine,
who lives in the great catalogue of masterpieces that have so
shaped and refined our understanding of ballet and given it-
and us- thrilling life. And we are not without the other essential
fact of his work: his school and training system that has tuned
American bodies as the ideal classical medium for his ideal classic
vision. We can never be without Balanchine. He is so central to the
“dannse d’ecole in our century, so surely its guiding force, that grief
becomes mere self- indulgence. Gratitude and joy must be our feeling
for what he gave us, and determination that his work and ideals be
honored and preserved and used to illuminate the future of ballet.”
-Lincoln Kirstein
It could be said that George Balanchine, was highly influenced during his four years with Diaghilev and the Ballet Russe. There is something to be said on Balanchine’s pedagogy method in relation to his experiences in Paris with Diaghilev.
The relationship between Balanchine and Diaghilev was different than that of any of the previous choreographers of the Ballet Russe; he was the first one to in a sense trust in his own work without the felt need for approval from Diaghilev. All the other choreographers would go before Diaghilev with their work before show time, because the Ballet Russe as a project ultimately was Diaghilev’s baby, just as The school of American Ballet, and the New York City Ballet would become Balanchine’s.
Since Fokine, Balanchine was the only choreographer of the Ballet Russe to not be bread into the choreographers seat by Diaghilev, as was Nijinsky, Massine and Najinska.
However, while Balanchine was a unique character in that sense, not being trained to choreograph by Diaghilev Balanchine did receive a different kind of education, which is reflected in the way New York City Ballet is organized and upheld.
While Balanchine was with Diaghilev, Diaghilev would bring him everywhere imposing other art forms on him such as paintings. These were the artists that where creating the décor and set designs that the Ballet Russe was so famous for having. Balanchine in turn noticed something about the company that the public had yet to realize.
Though the Ballet Russe offered a visual spectacle, in terms of décor and set, the dancers weren’t that talented.
“One of the variations in “Apollo” was not to Diaghilev’s
taste. He thought it was to long, too repetitious…He told
George that the variation was no good, and that he didn’t
like the music. George said, “It is your dancer that isn’t
good.” (It was [Alice] Nikitina.) George wouldn’t change
the variation, so Diaghilev took it out. One day, in Covent
Garden, just before the performance of “Apollo”, Diaghilev
rushed looking for George…”put the variation in quickly…
Stravinsky is in the audience.” So George had to grab the
lady who was dancing Tersichore and quickly rehearse her
just before she went on stage.”
(pg 197, Garafola and Baer)
Balanchine felt that dance execution was at the forefront of the work and it could be argued that that is way when Lincoln Kirstein convinced him to come to America Balanchine insisted on first having a school. The case being that if could not find talented dancers that could do his work; then he would raise them.
Another influence that Diaghilev left on Balanchine is the tradition of collaboration, with other artists. When Balanchine was partaking with the Ballet Russe Company he was in back stage area with acclaimed artists such as, Picasso, Rouauly, Utrillo, Miro, Gris, de Chirico, Braque, Derain, and Tchelitchev. At the time Balanchine didn’t realize the company he was with, but he later continued this tradition with a musical artist, Stravinsky.
The relation ship as a creative force of Balanchine and Stravinsky is comparable to Petipa and Tchaikovsky, or filmmakers and their leading actors, like Martin Scorssese, and Robert DeNiro. (Taper)
As a result of his experience with the Ballet Russe Balanchine was capable of being a founding member of Americas premiere ballet training method and school, as well as one of the best ballet schools in the country.
Ever since the New York City Ballet found it’s permanent home Balanchine lived out the rest of his days as the company’s ballet master, culminating with a total body of work consisting of 425 works. His final piece was Variations for Orchestra (1982), which was a solo for Suzanne Farrell. Other works that within his catalogue of master pieces are, Bourree Fantasque, The Firebird, Scotch Symphony, Western Symphony, Jewels, The Nutcracker, which was his first full length ballet for the company, and many more.
The members of his company held him in high esteem and their love for him play a part in helping keep his tradition alive today.
“I went to his aphartment in New York and we sat on
the couch and I didn’t say, “May I please come back?”
and he didn’t say, “Would you like to come back?” It
was “When do we get back to work?” I was committed
to Bejart until December, and Maurice said he was sorry
to lose me, but he knew how important Mr. B. was to me.
He knew this had to be. .. I knew I was going to go back where I belonged.”
-Suzanne Farrell
In conclusion, George Balanchine while he did change the face of ballet as it was known. The truth is as a humble man; he did not ever set out to do that. Balanchine didn’t set out to change the world, he didn’t intend on influencing the world, he didn’t expect to do anything more than just create good work. All Balanchine ever really did at the core of it all was express his unbridled love for the art medium, dance.
“We must first realize that dancing is an absolutely independent
art, not merely a secondary accompanying one. I believe that it
is one of the great arts… The important thing in ballet is the
movement itself. A ballet may contain a story, but the visual spectacle…
is the essential element. The choreographer and the dancer
must remember that they reah the audience through the eye.
It’s the illusion created which convinces the audience,
much as it is with the work of a magician.”
-George Balanchine
Monday, May 12, 2008
Death at a Funeral, Directed by Frank Oz.
(Robert) Masseo Davis
April/ 5/ 2008
Death at a Funeral
Death at a Funeral, Directed by Frank Oz.
Rating: 4/5
Frank Oz, director of the film Death at a Funeral, has created a film that has been applauded as “A comedy to die for” Today Magazine, “Insanely Funny” Time, etc; However the film has not be recognized for one of it’s greatest traits. Oz’s film is an incredible character study.
It was great to see a film that deals with a lot of characters, in a short amount of time, while allowing for all the characters to be active participants to the films narrative.
The film also seems to utilize all of the films players in very crafty/ quirky ways. There is a man who is always stuck doing really awkward manual labor; every time there is something to be done he happens to be near enough to that area to be dragged into the situation. It’s a film of great movie magic and a fine example of verbal/ scenario based slapstick.
In conclusion, this is one of those movies for people who tend to enjoy crafty dark humor. If you find pleasure and humor in really awkward situations then this is the film for you. A word to the wise however is that to truly enjoy this film your brain has to function properly. It’s not a film strictly for academics just that you must somewhat intelligent to enjoy the film.
April/ 5/ 2008
Death at a Funeral
Death at a Funeral, Directed by Frank Oz.
Rating: 4/5
Frank Oz, director of the film Death at a Funeral, has created a film that has been applauded as “A comedy to die for” Today Magazine, “Insanely Funny” Time, etc; However the film has not be recognized for one of it’s greatest traits. Oz’s film is an incredible character study.
It was great to see a film that deals with a lot of characters, in a short amount of time, while allowing for all the characters to be active participants to the films narrative.
The film also seems to utilize all of the films players in very crafty/ quirky ways. There is a man who is always stuck doing really awkward manual labor; every time there is something to be done he happens to be near enough to that area to be dragged into the situation. It’s a film of great movie magic and a fine example of verbal/ scenario based slapstick.
In conclusion, this is one of those movies for people who tend to enjoy crafty dark humor. If you find pleasure and humor in really awkward situations then this is the film for you. A word to the wise however is that to truly enjoy this film your brain has to function properly. It’s not a film strictly for academics just that you must somewhat intelligent to enjoy the film.
Diana’s Reefer Mission, by R. Masseo Davis
Diana’s Reefer Mission
There once was a man who wore a hat, he was very small a mighty fat. I asked him for a couple dimes, and in exchange he wanted rhymes. I said, “that’s fine I rhyme all the time, I’ll just kick you a line and we’ll both be sublime.” I told him that was my rhyme and to give me my dime. He said, “don’t waste my time with those lame ass lyrics, if that was your rhyme then I didn’t want to hear it.”
The man wearing that hat left me defeated, leaving me without my drugs when indeed I really needed it. I wondered, what was wrong with my rhyme? Why didn’t I get my dime? I gave him a rhyme, and I need to be sublime. I told myself then that before the day was threw, that I’d have my answer and I’d know what to do. I sat there and pondered as I grasped onto my belt, and it hit me there like lighting, I’d ask my friends for some help.
I still consider rhyming to be an art. So I figured my poet friend Jordan was a good place to start. I found my friend Jordan, alone pondering life, in one hand a skull, and another hand a knife. I approached Jordan cautiously, trying not to disturb his focus, hoping that after his moment we could have ourselves a caucus. I told Jordan the story. I said, “Here is the “sitch”. He said, he could solve my problem and here was his pitch.
“A rhyme should be like a supple meal, delicious, wet, and coursing with warm juices that are melted within. It should be so generous and easy to take, that upon entering ones consciousness, all that is felt is pleasure. The way, in which we come to this climactic conclusion, is tangled intensity. It should be complex in its form. It should not only be a value of the mouth and tongue, but also involve the entire body. With this art there are a minimum of two participants, the giver and the receiver. I know that the goal is the end result, but the experience of the journey, the discovery, the indulgence of the moments leading up to the product are where the masters find their muses. So Diana if you slow it down, back it up and take it all in for just a moment I’m sure that you too will come to the conclusion you so desire.”
I couldn’t be confident that this was it, did I now have my answer or was he looking at my tits? I really wasn’t sure concerning what to rhyme about next, I just knew to look within myself and keep it complex?
As I wondered the streets searching for my reefer dealer, I made up my new rhyme that would be a deal sealer. It was gonna be complicated and have nothing to do with my tits, I just planned to keep it real, and just spit it like this. I spit to make the mike like a flammable torch. It’s understandable my mind is a mechanical force, and I’m tyrannical a vandal of intrigable sorts, cause I’m a, warlord with a sword from the Montague hoard speaking the tongue of the lord to bless my vocal cords. But that’s all right it all fine and dandy, cause my blood type consists of wine and brandy; yet, y’all ain’t with me my flows is too loose. I spit more bizarre rhymes than the Dr. Seuss. My flow is heavy; you don’t even know, cause I rhyme from my toes to the top of my afroooooooo.
No that will never do, he wouldn’t want to hear it, when I ask him for some weed he won’t let me near it. Then I had an epiphany about who to ask instead. I’d track down and question my philosopher friend Fred.
I went to Fred, and explained to him my problem, he was whom I went to will issues cause I knew that he could solve them. I asked him confident he would put this problem to bed, he opened his mouth and this is what he said.
“Language is an interesting thing because there is no real definition, that can be pinpointed, by a single human, without coming to the crossroads that is notable as dependency, and matters of many opinions, while it can often be, and often has been described as a translatable text that leaves, room still for many interpretations of the term known as language in regards to it’s purpose and/or purposes, should one include the means of communication, when defining what language is, and if so that intuitively includes many other possibilities, such as terms like “body language”, “sign language”, and this too leaves room for thusly the very possible trait of human communication known as misinterpretation/ conflicting views an example of this is the proverb what is one mans trash is another mans treasure, or the fact that people tend to think that the floor in ones home is the surface that is utilized as a way to transport ones self from room to room, when in fact it is actually the largest self in the entire house, it’s a vicious cycle that turns, and turns, perpetually and yet supposedly, when referring to “language”, it would seem that there are specific criteria that a means of communication need to acquire, an example of such a defining quality is the notion of the means of communication being translatable, thusly the word “no” means “no” in every language, where with modes of communication such as “body language” physical actions don’t necessarily mean specific things at all times, so it would seem that at the very least “body language” cannot technically be classified as a language because it is not a translatable medium of communication like with words, still the question is how can we honestly say that any mode of communication isn’t a language considering communication is the primary function of language intuitively this claim just seems false.”
After that try I decided to stop, cause no matter what I did I couldn’t get any pot. My reliable friends couldn’t help me either, during this desperate mission to score me some reefer. Then it hit me, like after a smack there’s pain, that instead of smoking weed I’d start to snort cocaine. There were a few cocaine dealers in town, but only one that I know, so I went in search of him to score me some blow.
Then there was the man whose name was Jim; who was very tall and mighty slim. Instead I asked him for a couple lines, and in return he replied, “twenty bucks.”
There once was a man who wore a hat, he was very small a mighty fat. I asked him for a couple dimes, and in exchange he wanted rhymes. I said, “that’s fine I rhyme all the time, I’ll just kick you a line and we’ll both be sublime.” I told him that was my rhyme and to give me my dime. He said, “don’t waste my time with those lame ass lyrics, if that was your rhyme then I didn’t want to hear it.”
The man wearing that hat left me defeated, leaving me without my drugs when indeed I really needed it. I wondered, what was wrong with my rhyme? Why didn’t I get my dime? I gave him a rhyme, and I need to be sublime. I told myself then that before the day was threw, that I’d have my answer and I’d know what to do. I sat there and pondered as I grasped onto my belt, and it hit me there like lighting, I’d ask my friends for some help.
I still consider rhyming to be an art. So I figured my poet friend Jordan was a good place to start. I found my friend Jordan, alone pondering life, in one hand a skull, and another hand a knife. I approached Jordan cautiously, trying not to disturb his focus, hoping that after his moment we could have ourselves a caucus. I told Jordan the story. I said, “Here is the “sitch”. He said, he could solve my problem and here was his pitch.
“A rhyme should be like a supple meal, delicious, wet, and coursing with warm juices that are melted within. It should be so generous and easy to take, that upon entering ones consciousness, all that is felt is pleasure. The way, in which we come to this climactic conclusion, is tangled intensity. It should be complex in its form. It should not only be a value of the mouth and tongue, but also involve the entire body. With this art there are a minimum of two participants, the giver and the receiver. I know that the goal is the end result, but the experience of the journey, the discovery, the indulgence of the moments leading up to the product are where the masters find their muses. So Diana if you slow it down, back it up and take it all in for just a moment I’m sure that you too will come to the conclusion you so desire.”
I couldn’t be confident that this was it, did I now have my answer or was he looking at my tits? I really wasn’t sure concerning what to rhyme about next, I just knew to look within myself and keep it complex?
As I wondered the streets searching for my reefer dealer, I made up my new rhyme that would be a deal sealer. It was gonna be complicated and have nothing to do with my tits, I just planned to keep it real, and just spit it like this. I spit to make the mike like a flammable torch. It’s understandable my mind is a mechanical force, and I’m tyrannical a vandal of intrigable sorts, cause I’m a, warlord with a sword from the Montague hoard speaking the tongue of the lord to bless my vocal cords. But that’s all right it all fine and dandy, cause my blood type consists of wine and brandy; yet, y’all ain’t with me my flows is too loose. I spit more bizarre rhymes than the Dr. Seuss. My flow is heavy; you don’t even know, cause I rhyme from my toes to the top of my afroooooooo.
No that will never do, he wouldn’t want to hear it, when I ask him for some weed he won’t let me near it. Then I had an epiphany about who to ask instead. I’d track down and question my philosopher friend Fred.
I went to Fred, and explained to him my problem, he was whom I went to will issues cause I knew that he could solve them. I asked him confident he would put this problem to bed, he opened his mouth and this is what he said.
“Language is an interesting thing because there is no real definition, that can be pinpointed, by a single human, without coming to the crossroads that is notable as dependency, and matters of many opinions, while it can often be, and often has been described as a translatable text that leaves, room still for many interpretations of the term known as language in regards to it’s purpose and/or purposes, should one include the means of communication, when defining what language is, and if so that intuitively includes many other possibilities, such as terms like “body language”, “sign language”, and this too leaves room for thusly the very possible trait of human communication known as misinterpretation/ conflicting views an example of this is the proverb what is one mans trash is another mans treasure, or the fact that people tend to think that the floor in ones home is the surface that is utilized as a way to transport ones self from room to room, when in fact it is actually the largest self in the entire house, it’s a vicious cycle that turns, and turns, perpetually and yet supposedly, when referring to “language”, it would seem that there are specific criteria that a means of communication need to acquire, an example of such a defining quality is the notion of the means of communication being translatable, thusly the word “no” means “no” in every language, where with modes of communication such as “body language” physical actions don’t necessarily mean specific things at all times, so it would seem that at the very least “body language” cannot technically be classified as a language because it is not a translatable medium of communication like with words, still the question is how can we honestly say that any mode of communication isn’t a language considering communication is the primary function of language intuitively this claim just seems false.”
After that try I decided to stop, cause no matter what I did I couldn’t get any pot. My reliable friends couldn’t help me either, during this desperate mission to score me some reefer. Then it hit me, like after a smack there’s pain, that instead of smoking weed I’d start to snort cocaine. There were a few cocaine dealers in town, but only one that I know, so I went in search of him to score me some blow.
Then there was the man whose name was Jim; who was very tall and mighty slim. Instead I asked him for a couple lines, and in return he replied, “twenty bucks.”
“Other People.”
Written and Directed by, (Robert) Masseo Davis
“Other People.”
When I started putting together the concepts for my film “Other People”, my main concern was to have a strong thesis regarding the human experience. I soon found myself with two major themes that would consume my film. I wanted to explore the human mind, memory, and the stories that we tell ourselves based on our actual human experiences. I also wanted to integrate the notion that hell is other people, and that we experience that notion through emotions, such as guilt, jealousy, and love.
In my film “Other People” memory is a primary narrative force, for the film is a series of flashbacks that recall events in a man’s life. I found myself highly interested in how we remember things, and the clarity of our memory’s vision.
I used color to depict that which is the present; the reality of the story, and that which my main character will remember forever. There have been many films and instances where people hear about and/ or feel themselves that they vividly, remember an event in their own history and will never forget. The rest of their thoughts are vague, fleeting, scratchy or lacking a sense of authenticity The real world is in color, and I used the lack of that realistic factor to illustrate memories that do not scar or represent an event that is meaningful. I wanted my main characters memories to stand as visual narration to the films audience, and I wanted his feelings to be the most influential aspects that enticed his memory. I wanted the film to visually illustrate thoughts such as; “I’ll never forget the way she looked at me”, “I can’t forget the way it felt”, and so on.
My movie had slowly transformed itself into a love triangle narrative told by way of visual narration of a man’s memories. When I recognized this I went back and looked at my previous work, I wanted this film to be different, yet I needed to remain loyal to the films morals. My previous work had spent time expressing the discovery of love and people becoming emotionally attached, however they always end after the discovery. My new sub-mission for this film was to address the question, what’s next; in regards to the emotional connection?
My films prior to “Other People”, were films with happy endings, a sense of closure, and/ or relief, regardless of the fact that’s just not how the world works sometimes. “Other People”, is my first stab at a less enjoyable piece, focused more on the authenticity of relationships. “Other People”, proposes the notion, “We may love each other but that doesn’t mean we are meant to be together”. I wanted to illustrate that love is the most bipolar of emotional connections between people. It can entice extreme attraction, and make us subject to unforgettable pain. Those moments in a man’s life are that which pop out in his memory and I hoped to parallel that action the way I filmed “Other People”.
The idea that hell is other people, in a sense comes with the territory of love when it subjects us to pain. Love while viewed as a picturesque landscape pf emotional splendor; it in fact is a double-edged sword.
“Other People”, was made to demonstrate both blades of that sword. The splendor, the guilt, jealousy, and envy all attached to the emotional connection.
I filmed the movie without any dialogue because of two major reasons. The film is an exploration of the mental images, and I did not want the viewers to get caught up in plausibly cheesy, clique, or unappealing lines. I wanted it to be strictly visual storytelling, where the narrative did not depend on the dialogue to move the story forward.
I also believe that you do not need words to express/ illustrate emotions.
Thus making the presence of spoken words, both irrelevant and unnecessary.
Ultimately, “Other People” is a film about a man remembering a time in his life, on the morning of his wedding, and questioning his choices. The events in his memory nearly drive him off the edge but instead of like a classical Hollywood picture he doesn’t follow his heart he continues down his current path. This is not a picture about the unfaithful nature of men, nor is it a film that disapproves of love and it’s ways.
“Other People”, is a movie that talks about the power of our own thoughts when we are left alone with ourselves. The stories that we bare about ourselves, and those we learn to cope with and continue on. It is a tragedy of sorts, based on the theory of love while remaining true to the real emotional human experience.
“Other People.”
When I started putting together the concepts for my film “Other People”, my main concern was to have a strong thesis regarding the human experience. I soon found myself with two major themes that would consume my film. I wanted to explore the human mind, memory, and the stories that we tell ourselves based on our actual human experiences. I also wanted to integrate the notion that hell is other people, and that we experience that notion through emotions, such as guilt, jealousy, and love.
In my film “Other People” memory is a primary narrative force, for the film is a series of flashbacks that recall events in a man’s life. I found myself highly interested in how we remember things, and the clarity of our memory’s vision.
I used color to depict that which is the present; the reality of the story, and that which my main character will remember forever. There have been many films and instances where people hear about and/ or feel themselves that they vividly, remember an event in their own history and will never forget. The rest of their thoughts are vague, fleeting, scratchy or lacking a sense of authenticity The real world is in color, and I used the lack of that realistic factor to illustrate memories that do not scar or represent an event that is meaningful. I wanted my main characters memories to stand as visual narration to the films audience, and I wanted his feelings to be the most influential aspects that enticed his memory. I wanted the film to visually illustrate thoughts such as; “I’ll never forget the way she looked at me”, “I can’t forget the way it felt”, and so on.
My movie had slowly transformed itself into a love triangle narrative told by way of visual narration of a man’s memories. When I recognized this I went back and looked at my previous work, I wanted this film to be different, yet I needed to remain loyal to the films morals. My previous work had spent time expressing the discovery of love and people becoming emotionally attached, however they always end after the discovery. My new sub-mission for this film was to address the question, what’s next; in regards to the emotional connection?
My films prior to “Other People”, were films with happy endings, a sense of closure, and/ or relief, regardless of the fact that’s just not how the world works sometimes. “Other People”, is my first stab at a less enjoyable piece, focused more on the authenticity of relationships. “Other People”, proposes the notion, “We may love each other but that doesn’t mean we are meant to be together”. I wanted to illustrate that love is the most bipolar of emotional connections between people. It can entice extreme attraction, and make us subject to unforgettable pain. Those moments in a man’s life are that which pop out in his memory and I hoped to parallel that action the way I filmed “Other People”.
The idea that hell is other people, in a sense comes with the territory of love when it subjects us to pain. Love while viewed as a picturesque landscape pf emotional splendor; it in fact is a double-edged sword.
“Other People”, was made to demonstrate both blades of that sword. The splendor, the guilt, jealousy, and envy all attached to the emotional connection.
I filmed the movie without any dialogue because of two major reasons. The film is an exploration of the mental images, and I did not want the viewers to get caught up in plausibly cheesy, clique, or unappealing lines. I wanted it to be strictly visual storytelling, where the narrative did not depend on the dialogue to move the story forward.
I also believe that you do not need words to express/ illustrate emotions.
Thus making the presence of spoken words, both irrelevant and unnecessary.
Ultimately, “Other People” is a film about a man remembering a time in his life, on the morning of his wedding, and questioning his choices. The events in his memory nearly drive him off the edge but instead of like a classical Hollywood picture he doesn’t follow his heart he continues down his current path. This is not a picture about the unfaithful nature of men, nor is it a film that disapproves of love and it’s ways.
“Other People”, is a movie that talks about the power of our own thoughts when we are left alone with ourselves. The stories that we bare about ourselves, and those we learn to cope with and continue on. It is a tragedy of sorts, based on the theory of love while remaining true to the real emotional human experience.
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