I had a bout of insomnia last night so I decided to turn on the television. Surprise, surprise! Oprah was on. It looked semi-interesting since Madonna was on albeit via satellite. This made me realize that it's not just serialized television shows that are in danger of extinction due to the latest technology. Even talk shows and award ceremonies have to watch their backs now. More and more celebrities are relying on satellites and web cameras thus, making less and less live appearances. Then again, the new technology could work to their advantage since they can interview celebrities and have them present or accept awards even if they're on foreign soil.
Going back to Madonna, she was talking about her Malawi adoption of a boy named David. At first, David's biological father gave his consent to the singer, thanking her. Then, he recanted saying he didn't realize that giving his son up for adoption meant that he'd never see David again. Some say Madonna shouldn't be surprised at the slow rate this is going. For one thing, the language of Malawi doesn't have a term for "adoption." Let alone established laws on the matter.
Although there's nothing fresh about this issue, what I found new was Madonna's slant on it. She blames the media for all this. She claims that they're the reason why David's father took back his consent. She says that anyone who lives a simple life and is suddenly thrust into the spotlight by the harassing media is bound to cave. Madonna states that her anger is fueled even more because by doing this, the media is discouraging other people to adopt. No one wants to go through the same difficulties she did and that means less children are coming out of Africa to lead better lives.
Although I see her point, I think that most people have their ideas made up about adoption. Either they plan to do so or they don't. Those who are seriously considering it already know that the adoption process is long and difficult whether it's here or abroad. They don't need the press to tell them that. In fact, it's the media that spreads the news about all these celebrities adopting in the first place. Without them, people wouldn't be encouraged further to adopt children from third world countries.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Show and Tell
New televison shows are subject to fickle audiences, steep competition, and the network's ax. A number of fall series have already suffered from all three. CBS' Smith and the CW's Runaway were both cancelled while NBC's Kidnapped and FOX's Vanished are as good as cancelled. In other words, the latter two were exiled to Saturday and Friday timeslots, respectively. On top of that, the networks only ordered 13 episodes of each instead of the usual 22. Some say that it's better than nothing. At least, they're going to finish the season, and they won't dillydally with any unecessary episodes or plotlines.
Originally, I was just going to write about Kidnapped and how other media outlets on kidnapping have been unsuccessful. For instance, the movie Trapped starring Charlize Theron and Kevin Bacon bombed at the box office. It cost $30 million to make, but cashed in under $7 million. Then, I read an article in USA Today about the same thing. However, it expanded the scope of its discussion to why all four of the aforementioned shows failed. The article stipulated that it was because all of them dealt with crime. Also, the audience needed "something they [couldn't] get from CSI or Law and Order." Moreover, the world we live in is already a constant reminder of crime, why do we need to see it on our television sets?
On the other hand, four new shows have been picked up for full seasons. The lucky ones are (Drumroll, please!) CBS' Jericho, ABC's Ugly Betty and Brothers and Sisters, and NBC's Heroes. Coincidentally, I happened to stumble on an article with some insight as to why Ugly Betty and Heroes are successful. Although they're two very different shows, "half the cast of each, including the leads, is a person of color." They boast of cast members who are Indian, Japanese, African-American, and Hispanic. That alone pulls in a very large, diverse audience. I guess they're not the minorities anymore--at least not in the world of television and that's a start.
Originally, I was just going to write about Kidnapped and how other media outlets on kidnapping have been unsuccessful. For instance, the movie Trapped starring Charlize Theron and Kevin Bacon bombed at the box office. It cost $30 million to make, but cashed in under $7 million. Then, I read an article in USA Today about the same thing. However, it expanded the scope of its discussion to why all four of the aforementioned shows failed. The article stipulated that it was because all of them dealt with crime. Also, the audience needed "something they [couldn't] get from CSI or Law and Order." Moreover, the world we live in is already a constant reminder of crime, why do we need to see it on our television sets?
On the other hand, four new shows have been picked up for full seasons. The lucky ones are (Drumroll, please!) CBS' Jericho, ABC's Ugly Betty and Brothers and Sisters, and NBC's Heroes. Coincidentally, I happened to stumble on an article with some insight as to why Ugly Betty and Heroes are successful. Although they're two very different shows, "half the cast of each, including the leads, is a person of color." They boast of cast members who are Indian, Japanese, African-American, and Hispanic. That alone pulls in a very large, diverse audience. I guess they're not the minorities anymore--at least not in the world of television and that's a start.
Monday, October 23, 2006
Yakity Yak Yakity Yak
I've been watching The Megan Mullally Show and for me, it's just not up to par with The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Maybe it's because The Ellen Show has been around longer. Maybe talk shows are like wine--the older, the better.
First off, Megan's stand-up comedy at the beginning of the show is nowhere near as funny as Ellen's. Granted DeGeneres has done stand-up comedy before, what was Will & Grace if not a comedy forum? I suspect the producers of The Megan Show realized this as well since that segment of her show is now relatively shorter than earlier episodes. While I usually skip the first few minutes of shows like Conan O'Brian or Jay Leno because they're boring (I wait for the guests.), I actually enjoy what Ellen has to say during that segment. Plus, she dances! It's an absolute delight to watch her! If for some reason or another, you haven't yet, you should add it to your life list.
In fact, this is the gimmick that's running all season long on The Ellen Show. Ellen is sharing with her audience the life list she made. One of the things on her list is to learn Spanish. She's done this several times on her show and it's hilarious! I'm sorry I can't say the same for Megan. However, one of the few things I like about Mullally's show are the guests she has on. That's when things really get going. Both Bradley Whitford and Laura Linney are recent guests of hers that I enjoyed watching. It could be attributed to Megan's interviewing skills, or more likely, the guests's charisma. Still, if you'll notice, on Mullally's show, they sit on a couch and are physically closer, projecting warmth whereas on DeGeneres' show, they are seated on separate chairs.
Then again, Mullally uses the couch as an excuse to Indian-sit on it while interviewing her guest. I personally find it unprofessional. She should be more aware of the fact that millions of people have their eyes on her. At the very least, you'd think that she'd lure in more people to be in her audience with fabulous giveaways but no. She gives a year supply of meat. Yum! Ellen hands out free Tivos. Is it even a competition? Well, I guess not--since they're on the same network. I suppose NBC ran out of good writers for Mullally. Even the band on The Megan Show is cheesy. I like the deejay on The Ellen Show better. They just replaced DJ Tony from last season with DJ Jonny.
Although I preferred DJ Tony's music selection better, DJ Jonny is a lot more involved in DeGeneres' sketches. So, we get to know him better, and he's quite funny. (As it turns out, he's an actor who's starred in Dead Man Walking, Meet the Parents, etc.) Nonetheless, all the songs he chooses for Ellen's dance segments sound the same--relatively unknown 80s funk. To me, those particular songs he plays are un-danceable to, which is just a tribute to Ellen's dance skills because she works it out. Even when DJ Jonny plays more current music, they're similar songs. For example, in the same show, he played two Missy Elliott songs. Hello? You're a DJ. Music is (supposedly) your repertoire. Give variety.
In addition, one can tell Mullally doesn't quite have her footing yet. She doesn't even have her own website. (The link above is one of the imdb websites of television.) Nevertheless, I learn new things from both Mullally and DeGeneres. Who knew there was such a thing as laughing yoga? Also, did you know that they're coming up with a drink that will give twice the energy as Red Bull? Did you know they're going to call it Cocaine? How apt.
I've also noticed that Ellen is helping people out more and more, which is good but it only dilutes her show as a comedy. Her show's great sense of humor is a major reason why people tune in. If you can't find it in a mate, watch The Ellen Show. Take that away with charity, and all you're left with is the American Red Cross with air time. I think if she wants to use her fame for world peace, she should do it during her time off camera a la Angelina. Breast cancer awareness-themed episodes are fine, but let's not overdo it. In a recent episode, she presented hypnosis as a viable option to quit smoking, overcome phobias, etc. I just hope the hypnotist, Paul McKenna, doesn't become her Dr. Phil or worse, she becomes Oprah.
First off, Megan's stand-up comedy at the beginning of the show is nowhere near as funny as Ellen's. Granted DeGeneres has done stand-up comedy before, what was Will & Grace if not a comedy forum? I suspect the producers of The Megan Show realized this as well since that segment of her show is now relatively shorter than earlier episodes. While I usually skip the first few minutes of shows like Conan O'Brian or Jay Leno because they're boring (I wait for the guests.), I actually enjoy what Ellen has to say during that segment. Plus, she dances! It's an absolute delight to watch her! If for some reason or another, you haven't yet, you should add it to your life list.
In fact, this is the gimmick that's running all season long on The Ellen Show. Ellen is sharing with her audience the life list she made. One of the things on her list is to learn Spanish. She's done this several times on her show and it's hilarious! I'm sorry I can't say the same for Megan. However, one of the few things I like about Mullally's show are the guests she has on. That's when things really get going. Both Bradley Whitford and Laura Linney are recent guests of hers that I enjoyed watching. It could be attributed to Megan's interviewing skills, or more likely, the guests's charisma. Still, if you'll notice, on Mullally's show, they sit on a couch and are physically closer, projecting warmth whereas on DeGeneres' show, they are seated on separate chairs.
Then again, Mullally uses the couch as an excuse to Indian-sit on it while interviewing her guest. I personally find it unprofessional. She should be more aware of the fact that millions of people have their eyes on her. At the very least, you'd think that she'd lure in more people to be in her audience with fabulous giveaways but no. She gives a year supply of meat. Yum! Ellen hands out free Tivos. Is it even a competition? Well, I guess not--since they're on the same network. I suppose NBC ran out of good writers for Mullally. Even the band on The Megan Show is cheesy. I like the deejay on The Ellen Show better. They just replaced DJ Tony from last season with DJ Jonny.
Although I preferred DJ Tony's music selection better, DJ Jonny is a lot more involved in DeGeneres' sketches. So, we get to know him better, and he's quite funny. (As it turns out, he's an actor who's starred in Dead Man Walking, Meet the Parents, etc.) Nonetheless, all the songs he chooses for Ellen's dance segments sound the same--relatively unknown 80s funk. To me, those particular songs he plays are un-danceable to, which is just a tribute to Ellen's dance skills because she works it out. Even when DJ Jonny plays more current music, they're similar songs. For example, in the same show, he played two Missy Elliott songs. Hello? You're a DJ. Music is (supposedly) your repertoire. Give variety.
In addition, one can tell Mullally doesn't quite have her footing yet. She doesn't even have her own website. (The link above is one of the imdb websites of television.) Nevertheless, I learn new things from both Mullally and DeGeneres. Who knew there was such a thing as laughing yoga? Also, did you know that they're coming up with a drink that will give twice the energy as Red Bull? Did you know they're going to call it Cocaine? How apt.
I've also noticed that Ellen is helping people out more and more, which is good but it only dilutes her show as a comedy. Her show's great sense of humor is a major reason why people tune in. If you can't find it in a mate, watch The Ellen Show. Take that away with charity, and all you're left with is the American Red Cross with air time. I think if she wants to use her fame for world peace, she should do it during her time off camera a la Angelina. Breast cancer awareness-themed episodes are fine, but let's not overdo it. In a recent episode, she presented hypnosis as a viable option to quit smoking, overcome phobias, etc. I just hope the hypnotist, Paul McKenna, doesn't become her Dr. Phil or worse, she becomes Oprah.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Circus Act
Since we were dismissed early today, I was able to catch TRL on MTV. Christina Aguilera's new video premiered so, I was glad to watch that. The video was for Hurt, the same song that she performed at this year's MTV video music awards. One can't help but admire how Christina is constantly reinventing herself from a pop princess to being Stripped and then, Back to Basics. In fact, she co-directed this latest video of hers with Floria Sigismondi. Sigismondi previously directed Aguilera's music video, Fighter. She has also worked with David Bowie, Sarah Mclachlan, Sheryl Crow, Bjork, Incubus, Fiona Apple, and The White Stripes.
Whew! What a resume! Can you imagine the video now? Allow me to help out a bit more. The song is personal for Aguilera since it's about her tumultuous relationship with her father. Thus, the video shows Christina as a little girl with her dad and how they grow apart over the years. It's mainly set at the circus. It goes back and forth from the time Aguilera was a little girl, watching the show with her dad till the time she grows up and is the star of the circus.
While I was watching it, I couldn't help but notice how much attention the circus is getting in the media nowadays. In a recent episode of America's Next Top Model, the theme for the contestant's photo shoot was the "freak shows" at the circus. On MTV, you may stumble upon a Sweet Sixteen replay where the girl's birthday party theme is Cirque du Soleil. HBO aired the short-lived Carnivale. There was also a book and movie of the same name, The Invisible Circus. Hence, one has to ask, what fuels our obssession for circuses?
Yes, it's not everyday that we see a bearded lady or a contortionist, so when the circus comes to town, naturally, the cat is killed. However, I think it's more than that. It's the same reason why people are captivated with X-men. We can relate to them. In one form or another, we are outcasts, too. Perhaps, we don't have Tivo or we don't find forensic work as interesting as the rest of the world--things like that. Seriously, though, we may not be siamese twins or gigantically tall, but we do differ in our sexual orientations, races, cultures, religions, and more. That's what allures us to the "freak shows." They're us.
Whew! What a resume! Can you imagine the video now? Allow me to help out a bit more. The song is personal for Aguilera since it's about her tumultuous relationship with her father. Thus, the video shows Christina as a little girl with her dad and how they grow apart over the years. It's mainly set at the circus. It goes back and forth from the time Aguilera was a little girl, watching the show with her dad till the time she grows up and is the star of the circus.
While I was watching it, I couldn't help but notice how much attention the circus is getting in the media nowadays. In a recent episode of America's Next Top Model, the theme for the contestant's photo shoot was the "freak shows" at the circus. On MTV, you may stumble upon a Sweet Sixteen replay where the girl's birthday party theme is Cirque du Soleil. HBO aired the short-lived Carnivale. There was also a book and movie of the same name, The Invisible Circus. Hence, one has to ask, what fuels our obssession for circuses?
Yes, it's not everyday that we see a bearded lady or a contortionist, so when the circus comes to town, naturally, the cat is killed. However, I think it's more than that. It's the same reason why people are captivated with X-men. We can relate to them. In one form or another, we are outcasts, too. Perhaps, we don't have Tivo or we don't find forensic work as interesting as the rest of the world--things like that. Seriously, though, we may not be siamese twins or gigantically tall, but we do differ in our sexual orientations, races, cultures, religions, and more. That's what allures us to the "freak shows." They're us.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Show Offs
"In every generation, there is a chosen one. She alone will stand against the vampires, the demons, and the forces of darkness. She is the slayer." Buffy the Vampire Slayer is the late, great television show on the lives of Buffy Summers (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and the Scooby Gang composed of her best friends Willow (Alyson Hannigan) and Xander (Nicholas Brendon) as well as her watcher, Giles (Anthony Stewart Head). Knocked off by some as television's guilty pleasure, Buffy is definitely much more than that.
All the demons she encountered were manifestations of whatever problem she was going through at the time. Over the first four seasons, she not only deals with the bad guys but everyday high school teenage angst and all that entails. The show tackles issues that matters: family dynamics, betrayal, homosexuality, suicide, friendship, relationship problems, death, and redemption, just to name a few. In addition, Buffy reeks of girl power and that's a powerful thing. The show's success gave other Joss Whedon's (Buffy's creator) noteworthy works and similar, equally valuable shows (i.e. Joan of Arcadia and Veronica Mars) a fighting chance. Buffy also led to a spin-off series, Angel, which dealt with the same important issues. Moreover, Buffy has spawned multiple pop culture studies.
House is centered around the smart talking doctor of the same name (Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie) and his medical team composed of Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), Chase (Jesse Spencer), and Foreman (Omar Epps). Even though House is what health professionals would officially diagnose as a jerk whose antics are as radical as several feminists, Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), the head of the hospital, and House's best friend, Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) try to keep him in check. Keyword: try. On top of that, House is the hospital's resident genius, never stumbling on a case he can't solve, which is the only reason they keep him on staff.
House isn't only one of the best dramedies (that's drama and comedies combined) on television, it's also a mystery show. The culprit is the disease and House is Sherlock Holmes except...more badass. I think that what they do on the show is metaphorically beautiful--the "bad guy" is within us whether it be cancer or a parasite. House differs from other medical dramas such as ER because the latter only shows the loss of blood as a result of car accidents, shootouts and the like. The illnesses that House's patients have are much more rare and complex but not any less real. The writers base them on actual sicknesses that people have suffered. So, in that sense, it can be classified as an educational show--just another part of its importance and charm.
For example, I never knew that cancer can be cured, or at least delayed, if the patient is infected with a certain virus. Knowledge like that may come in handy, but hopefully, I'll never have to use it. It's also enlightening how, in practically every episode, House asserts that everybody lies. Just when the you think the patient doesn't have any reason to lie, it turns out that House is right. Hence, the show also deals with ethical dilemmas. It raises questions, challenges the audience to think. Whether or not House is justified for giving a heart to his bulimic patient, who could easily abuse her body after the transplant, having the organ go to waste is a testament to that.
Gilmore Girls tells the tale of Lorelai Gilmore (Emmy-cheated Lauren Graham) and her daughter, Lorelai (Rory) Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). We're in on their love lives, school, work, family, and friends. The show is important because it affirms the strength of a single parent. More importantly, it encourages a mother-daughter relationship akin to best friends. It has actually garnered the approval of the Family Friendly Programming Forum, which is a breath of fresh air amidst all the media violence. Other than that, since Gilmore is set in a small town, it serves as a window to the world of kooky characters and cat funerals.
Additionally, Gilmore delves into the sensitive issue of social status whenever Lorelai butts heads with her well-off and estranged parents. Rory isn't spared from the clash of the titans, either. Her current boyfriend is also from a well to do family who, safe to say, doesn't approve of the match. Seeing as the show is broadcast in over 30 countries, people abroad are able to obtain some insight on American culture at its best. As a matter of fact, Gilmore's dialogue is filled with informative and fascinating pop culture references. This has only made the show more important seeing as it has furthered the career of its mother hen, Amy Sherman-Palladino, who is now working on a new sitcom involving two sisters brought closer together because one of them is carrying the other's child.
Furthermore, both Gilmore Girls and House have introduced the world to amazing and unconventional music, which is only the international language. Last but certainly not least, I enjoy watching all of the above for its dialogue drenched in wit and sarcasm. It's also one of the reasons why they're the most important television programs ever produced because they prove that intelligently written shows can bring in the ratings. Thus, networks will dish out more shows like them in the future.
BUFFY-ISMS
Buffy: When the apocalypse comes, beep me.
Xander: I'm just gonna go home, lie down, and listen to country music. The music of pain.
Buffy: You know, I always say that a day without an autopsy is like a day without sunshine.
HOUSE-ISMS
Wilson: Did you know your cellphone is dead? Do you ever recharge your batteries?
House: They recharge? I just keep buying new phones.
House: Are you comparing me to God? I mean, it's great, but so you know, I've never made a tree.
GILMORE-ISMS
Emily: Obviously you have a maid.
Christopher: Actually, I have a maid-nanny combo.
Emily: Ah, how McDonald's of you.
Rory: Oh my God!
Lorelai: What?
Rory: He hired Brennon Lewis.
Lorelai: And?
Rory: Ew!
Lorelai: He doesn't look that bad.
Rory: He's the boy who dissected the frog, did not wash his hands, and then ate a sandwich.
Lorelai: Ew!
Rory: He's like the lost Farrelly brother. He's so stupid. He watched The Breakfast Club and decided to tape his own butt cheeks together.
All the demons she encountered were manifestations of whatever problem she was going through at the time. Over the first four seasons, she not only deals with the bad guys but everyday high school teenage angst and all that entails. The show tackles issues that matters: family dynamics, betrayal, homosexuality, suicide, friendship, relationship problems, death, and redemption, just to name a few. In addition, Buffy reeks of girl power and that's a powerful thing. The show's success gave other Joss Whedon's (Buffy's creator) noteworthy works and similar, equally valuable shows (i.e. Joan of Arcadia and Veronica Mars) a fighting chance. Buffy also led to a spin-off series, Angel, which dealt with the same important issues. Moreover, Buffy has spawned multiple pop culture studies.
House is centered around the smart talking doctor of the same name (Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie) and his medical team composed of Cameron (Jennifer Morrison), Chase (Jesse Spencer), and Foreman (Omar Epps). Even though House is what health professionals would officially diagnose as a jerk whose antics are as radical as several feminists, Cuddy (Lisa Edelstein), the head of the hospital, and House's best friend, Wilson (Robert Sean Leonard) try to keep him in check. Keyword: try. On top of that, House is the hospital's resident genius, never stumbling on a case he can't solve, which is the only reason they keep him on staff.
House isn't only one of the best dramedies (that's drama and comedies combined) on television, it's also a mystery show. The culprit is the disease and House is Sherlock Holmes except...more badass. I think that what they do on the show is metaphorically beautiful--the "bad guy" is within us whether it be cancer or a parasite. House differs from other medical dramas such as ER because the latter only shows the loss of blood as a result of car accidents, shootouts and the like. The illnesses that House's patients have are much more rare and complex but not any less real. The writers base them on actual sicknesses that people have suffered. So, in that sense, it can be classified as an educational show--just another part of its importance and charm.
For example, I never knew that cancer can be cured, or at least delayed, if the patient is infected with a certain virus. Knowledge like that may come in handy, but hopefully, I'll never have to use it. It's also enlightening how, in practically every episode, House asserts that everybody lies. Just when the you think the patient doesn't have any reason to lie, it turns out that House is right. Hence, the show also deals with ethical dilemmas. It raises questions, challenges the audience to think. Whether or not House is justified for giving a heart to his bulimic patient, who could easily abuse her body after the transplant, having the organ go to waste is a testament to that.
Gilmore Girls tells the tale of Lorelai Gilmore (Emmy-cheated Lauren Graham) and her daughter, Lorelai (Rory) Gilmore (Alexis Bledel). We're in on their love lives, school, work, family, and friends. The show is important because it affirms the strength of a single parent. More importantly, it encourages a mother-daughter relationship akin to best friends. It has actually garnered the approval of the Family Friendly Programming Forum, which is a breath of fresh air amidst all the media violence. Other than that, since Gilmore is set in a small town, it serves as a window to the world of kooky characters and cat funerals.
Additionally, Gilmore delves into the sensitive issue of social status whenever Lorelai butts heads with her well-off and estranged parents. Rory isn't spared from the clash of the titans, either. Her current boyfriend is also from a well to do family who, safe to say, doesn't approve of the match. Seeing as the show is broadcast in over 30 countries, people abroad are able to obtain some insight on American culture at its best. As a matter of fact, Gilmore's dialogue is filled with informative and fascinating pop culture references. This has only made the show more important seeing as it has furthered the career of its mother hen, Amy Sherman-Palladino, who is now working on a new sitcom involving two sisters brought closer together because one of them is carrying the other's child.
Furthermore, both Gilmore Girls and House have introduced the world to amazing and unconventional music, which is only the international language. Last but certainly not least, I enjoy watching all of the above for its dialogue drenched in wit and sarcasm. It's also one of the reasons why they're the most important television programs ever produced because they prove that intelligently written shows can bring in the ratings. Thus, networks will dish out more shows like them in the future.
BUFFY-ISMS
Buffy: When the apocalypse comes, beep me.
Xander: I'm just gonna go home, lie down, and listen to country music. The music of pain.
Buffy: You know, I always say that a day without an autopsy is like a day without sunshine.
HOUSE-ISMS
Wilson: Did you know your cellphone is dead? Do you ever recharge your batteries?
House: They recharge? I just keep buying new phones.
House: Are you comparing me to God? I mean, it's great, but so you know, I've never made a tree.
GILMORE-ISMS
Emily: Obviously you have a maid.
Christopher: Actually, I have a maid-nanny combo.
Emily: Ah, how McDonald's of you.
Rory: Oh my God!
Lorelai: What?
Rory: He hired Brennon Lewis.
Lorelai: And?
Rory: Ew!
Lorelai: He doesn't look that bad.
Rory: He's the boy who dissected the frog, did not wash his hands, and then ate a sandwich.
Lorelai: Ew!
Rory: He's like the lost Farrelly brother. He's so stupid. He watched The Breakfast Club and decided to tape his own butt cheeks together.
Someone Should be Stern with Howard
Howard Stern is the mirror image of quite a few things that are wrong with society today. The first issue is two-fold. For one thing, he swears a lot. Let's face it. The 'ol "if someone jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge, would you?" doesn't really stick, no matter how much it rings true. Why, a smart alec, in true Howard Stern fashion, could reply, "But I live in Ohio!" Thus, Stern's French only encourages people to curse, which is especially damaging to the youth. On top of losing car keys, do they have to lose their innocence? What kind of message is Stern's radio show sending if that message is swear like a sailor and you'll reap nothing but the benefits: money, fame, and eternal glory? After all, Stern's going to live in infamy in the oh-so-expensive textbooks.
Secondly, because he is never actually punished for cursing on air, it gives the impression that it's okay to have a foul mouth. Well, the "it's what God gave me" excuse doesn't work here the way it does for hips and thighs, bringing me to the second fold of the aforementioned issue. The absence of a spanking clearly shows that not everything that's legal is right. The only reason Stern isn't getting a time-out from the FCC is because profanity is legal. (Apparently there's a difference between profanity and indecency like there's a difference between tomato and tomato.) Yes, Howard Stern may show that our constitutional rights are still intact. However, for me, he is a primary example of what's wrong with the freedom of speech: people, like him, who abuse it to no end.
Sidenote: I'm appalled that the same symbol of what I believe is the civil rights movement (a closed fist pumped in the air) is on Stern's website. It should be a lyric in an Alanis Morissette's song.
Secondly, because he is never actually punished for cursing on air, it gives the impression that it's okay to have a foul mouth. Well, the "it's what God gave me" excuse doesn't work here the way it does for hips and thighs, bringing me to the second fold of the aforementioned issue. The absence of a spanking clearly shows that not everything that's legal is right. The only reason Stern isn't getting a time-out from the FCC is because profanity is legal. (Apparently there's a difference between profanity and indecency like there's a difference between tomato and tomato.) Yes, Howard Stern may show that our constitutional rights are still intact. However, for me, he is a primary example of what's wrong with the freedom of speech: people, like him, who abuse it to no end.
Sidenote: I'm appalled that the same symbol of what I believe is the civil rights movement (a closed fist pumped in the air) is on Stern's website. It should be a lyric in an Alanis Morissette's song.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
The Face of a Bad Movie
If you're fan of the movie, Shattered Glass, why not watch A Face in the Crowd? It's basically the 1950s version of the fallen hero. Glass reflects the ultimate downfall of Stephen Glass while Face depicts Lonesome Rhodes flush down the toilet. Both Glass and Rhodes are involved in the media, print and broadcast journalism respectively. While only Glass is based on a true story, it doesn't make Face any less real. Face has a point to make and although the movie does get it across, I think it could have been more effective.
Face starts off in a prison cell where a disc jockey by the name of Marcia Jeffries discovers and eventually recruits Lonesome Rhodes. Her gamble pays off because the radio listeners love him; they send him fan mail by the hundreds. Soon enough, Lonesome signs on to be on television. The film shows what would happen to the career and love life of someone in the same shoes as the Rhodes character.
Face had a message to deliver: corruption rears its ugly head among those behind the media and those consuming it. I admire the risk the director, Elia Kazan, took to get his point across. It's comparable to Michael Moore's criticism of the Bush administration in Fahrenheit 9/11, and Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, an expose on the innerworkings of a television network. However, for someone who supposedly specializes in method acting, Kazan didn't do a very good job with the cast, which included Andy Griffith and Patricia Neal.
The scenes where Neal had to cry was so fake it made me want to cry. Also, I noticed that practically everyone's laugh was the same. In one word, it was weird. Still, I'll give the actors the benefit of a doubt. Maybe, they were suppose to laugh like the people in Arkansas (assuming people over there laugh like that). After all, the screenplay was written by Budd Schulberg who hails from the state of Arkansas itself. We could all do better with some knowledge of the state that spurted out the Clintons, but the movie isn't even giving us that much.
On top of that, Face dragged on way too long. It was over two hours! A film with such a short and simple premise doesn't need that much time to unravel itself. I don't care how important a message it is, this is not The Lord of the Rings. Kazan loses his audience with too long a running time. For me, it was nowhere near the league of Tears of the Sun in its pure effectiveness or Nine Lives in its glorious subtlety. A Face in the Crowd, effective much?
Face starts off in a prison cell where a disc jockey by the name of Marcia Jeffries discovers and eventually recruits Lonesome Rhodes. Her gamble pays off because the radio listeners love him; they send him fan mail by the hundreds. Soon enough, Lonesome signs on to be on television. The film shows what would happen to the career and love life of someone in the same shoes as the Rhodes character.
Face had a message to deliver: corruption rears its ugly head among those behind the media and those consuming it. I admire the risk the director, Elia Kazan, took to get his point across. It's comparable to Michael Moore's criticism of the Bush administration in Fahrenheit 9/11, and Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, an expose on the innerworkings of a television network. However, for someone who supposedly specializes in method acting, Kazan didn't do a very good job with the cast, which included Andy Griffith and Patricia Neal.
The scenes where Neal had to cry was so fake it made me want to cry. Also, I noticed that practically everyone's laugh was the same. In one word, it was weird. Still, I'll give the actors the benefit of a doubt. Maybe, they were suppose to laugh like the people in Arkansas (assuming people over there laugh like that). After all, the screenplay was written by Budd Schulberg who hails from the state of Arkansas itself. We could all do better with some knowledge of the state that spurted out the Clintons, but the movie isn't even giving us that much.
On top of that, Face dragged on way too long. It was over two hours! A film with such a short and simple premise doesn't need that much time to unravel itself. I don't care how important a message it is, this is not The Lord of the Rings. Kazan loses his audience with too long a running time. For me, it was nowhere near the league of Tears of the Sun in its pure effectiveness or Nine Lives in its glorious subtlety. A Face in the Crowd, effective much?
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