Fifty Shades of F*cked Up

   Fifty Shades of Grey. Since the release of the trailer, I swore up and down I would never watch this movie. Mostly because I kept reading that the BDSM practices shown in the movie are not safe, and if viewers attempted to replicate them, someone would get hurt; but also because I'm not a fan of looking at my own breasts, much less someone else's for two hours. And yet, there I was, RA on duty on a Friday night, sitting in my pajamas at five o'clock in the afternoon because I couldn't leave the dorm. I'm not sure how, but curiosity finally killed the cat. I found the movie online (if I was gonna watch it, I wasn't going to let them make money from me), and I watched it. 
   My thoughts are so jumbled, I'm not even sure where to start. It was certainly different than I imagined, but I don't know if that's in a good way or a bad way. I also can't figure out if I liked it or not- I liked parts of it but I really disliked other parts. The BDSM is a perfect example. So many times it crosses the line into abuse, specifically with when Christian "punishes" Anastasia in the end. However, it's more than just that one scene that blurs into possible abuse. He extends his control to all aspects of her life, not just in the bedroom: giving her lists of what she can eat, constantly spying on her, getting angry even if she rolls her eyes. I'm certainly no expert on BDSM practices, but that doesn't sound even remotely common to me. 
   Overall I really really liked the character of Anastasia. She was a lot more than I expected. I went into the movie assuming she would be just this simple wide-eyed little girl who just went along with Mr. Grey's every command. But her intelligence and complexity was really refreshing, and the fact that she challenged him and didn't let him get away with shit was not only more realistic, but also more entertaining to watch, since it provided conflict. I totally understand how someone could get sucked into a situation like that. A beautiful and mysterious billionaire wants you and takes an interest in you and when he does help you lose your virginity, he does it gently and kindly and shows you respect. Of course you would be at least willing to give his "interests" a try. But what I don't entirely understand about Ana, is that at times, she liked it. 
   Christian is just confusing. The majority of the movie, he pissed me off. The way he just showed up when Anastasia was visiting her mom, the way he had to control everything, the way he was just so wishy-washy. He kept saying over and over that "that's just how I am" about the punishing and the desire to hit and not letting her touch him and not wanting to sleep in the same bed, but she tried really hard to adapt to his world and try new things for him, but he was so self-absorbed, that he never even attempted to return the favor and just try to act like a normal boyfriend. If you don't like being touched, but your girlfriend, who is going out of her way to try new things for you tries to touch your face or hug you, just let her. Its not that hard. Grit your teeth and fake a smile if you have to. Furthermore, the way their relationship was based solely on sex, and the fact that he didn't even want to try to be normal, really makes it seem like the only thing he thought she was good for was f*cking. She was his little sex toy, and that it. Yes, they're made up people, but it pisses me off. 
   On the other hand though, it was obvious that Ana was changing him. That he did things with her that he had never done with any other girl. And it all came across exceedingly genuine. So in that respect, I guess maybe he was trying to be better? Those couple instances that he "tried," though seemed more like accidents, or slip ups, or even just cons to get her to sign his stupid contract. 
   I don't know when the next movie is set to come out, nor do I care at this moment in time. This one just seemed so much like a movie that middle-aged stay at home moms with mediocre husbands and no sex life get together to watch, and giggle, and fantasize over like school-girls. So, as for now, I won't be seeing the next one. But if I get stuck inside on a Friday night again, apparently all bets are off. 
   

Riley

Available for adoption!

Riley is a male Pitbull mix. He is approx. 4 mths old and weighs 20 lbs. Riley is new at the shelter so we are still learning about him. He is a friendly little guy with a wonderful coat! He will need someone with a little patience as he learns to walk on a leash. If not reclaimed by his owner he will be available 12/7/15

Animals for Adoption

If anyone is looking to give a dog or cat a good home, please let me know! I volunteer at the Conway animal shelter and can certainly help you out! There are lots of good pets looking for owners to love!

Be Inspired

Metastatic cancer took cinematographer Gordon Willis from this world in 2014 at age 82. Famous for his work on all three Godfather movies, his talent speaks for itself. He also worked on a number of other significant films, including Annie Hall, Manhattan, and All the President's Men. Three films he shot- The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, and Annie Hall- all won best picture at the Academy Awards. Between '71 and '77, seven films he shot received a total of 39 academy award nominations, and 19 wins. He himself, earned two Oscar nominations for cinematography for The Godfather Part III and Zelig. Willis worked in almost every genre- from screwball comedy to period pieces to westerns. Editor and publisher of American Cinematographer magazine, Stephen Pizzello stated "If there were a Mount Rushmore for cinematographers, Gordon's features would surely be chiseled into the face." And yet, most people have no idea who Gordon Willis is or was or what he contributed to history or to American culture. Of course, this statement is excluding filmmakers, film students, film historians, etc etc. But Gordan Willis, I doubt was ever a household name and certainly never will be in the future. There just seems to be something wrong with that. That a person can achieve so much in their life and career and shape great pieces of art that undoubtedly touch many people, but go practically unrecognized. And yet not a single American doesn't know the name Kardashian. What a twisted world. I certainly don't have the answers on how to solve such a conundrum, but I would like to challenge myself and those around me to try. Even if it's simple and small. Turn off the reality TV. Put down the Paris Hilton magazine. Focus on what matters and the people who make a difference. Let them inspire you to make a difference as well. 

If Wishes Were Horses

Rodrigo Prieto

  Rodrigo Prieto has worked as a cinematographer on a number of films, both Spanish and American, including We Bought a Zoo, Water for Elephants, Brokeback Mountain, and 8 Mile. The most noticeable and consistent feature in Prieto's work is his use of light and shadow, shallow depth of field, the use of texture, and color. Pools of light flood certain areas of the frame while shadows create contrast. For example in 8 Mile,  a large portion of Jimmy's face is often times lit while the edges of his body and the rest of the frame is filled with shadow. Low key lighting is prominent in several of Prieto's films. Shallow depth of field exists throughout many of the cinematographer's work as well. It is seen mostly in close ups in Water for Elephants, 8 Mile, and Brokeback Mountain. This technique puts us as audience members closer to the characters and in their heads and worlds. Texture comes into play with the use of fog and gives Prieto's images a gritty, realistic feel. In almost every film of Prieto's that I have seen has fog to create texture. The best examples of Prieto's color grading is seen in Brokeback Mountain, We Bought a Zoo, and Water for Elephants. In Brokeback Mountain, blues and greens are dominant creating a cool, yet almost sad at times, tone. We Bought a Zoo has lots teal and yellow as well as green, perfectly fitting the outdoor and nature settings. Water for Elephants is washed in reds, browns, and yellows, adding to the flashback/antique nature and tone/feel to the film. All of the above characteristics of Rodrigo Prieto's work is what makes him one of my personal favorite cinematographers, as well as arguably one of the best modern cinematographers in the industry.

Headshots