movies

The Stories we Tell

The recent release of The Odyssey found me reflecting on not only the stories we tell but how we tell them. For example, I have a good friend who is a songwriter. We have burned the midnight oil talking about storytelling and, on occasion, he has asked for feedback regarding lyrics he is composing. IContinue reading “The Stories we Tell”

One Great Line…or Scene

A friend of mine is a retired English teacher. He told his students that every piece of writing, no matter how elevated or simplistic, has one great line. It was the job of the reader to remain alert and active so the great line can find a home. Of course, it is not simply aContinue reading “One Great Line…or Scene”

Deliver Me From Nowhere: A Study of Mental Health Through Music

The biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” chronicles Bruce Springsteen’s struggles with depression while creating the album “Nebraska.” It explores themes of male friendship, creative drive, and the impact of his tumultuous relationship with his father. The film emphasizes the importance of belief and support in overcoming mental health challenges.

Superman: What Makes Him Super?

Perhaps he will not succeed. Perhaps he will fail as the Buddha failed and as Christ failed to wean men from their iniquities, but he will always be remembered as one who made his life a lesson for all ages to come. -Rabindranauth Tagore, writing about Gandhi (1) The recent release of James Gunn’s SupermanContinue reading “Superman: What Makes Him Super?”

C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)

I have enjoyed Marvel characters for over forty-five years (1). As a child they helped me learn to read and fueled my imagination. My curiosity was spurred as I read Norse myths because of my interest in Thor. The Avengers, Fantastic Four, and Silver Surfer hit the sci-fi chords that I increasingly enjoyed in myContinue reading “C’mon MCU!!! (encouragement from a fan)”

The Trauma Behind Joker Folie a Deux: Gary’s Testimony

Before we get started SPOILER ALERT! That’s out of the way. Also – I enjoyed the movie! This plants me in a clear minority according to even the briefest of Google searches. Also, this is not a movie review. I am going to focus on a single aspect of the film, the courtroom testimony ofContinue reading “The Trauma Behind Joker Folie a Deux: Gary’s Testimony”

Godzilla Minus One: A Tale of Trauma and Redemption

Godzilla Minus One uniquely focuses on Kōichi’s psychological struggles rather than the monster itself, exploring themes of survivor’s guilt, compassion, and the path to healing in post-war Japan.