Foreign Film Review – Les Choristes
You may have noticed that Hollywood has been taking quite a plunge in the quality and diversity of their movies. It seems as though they are all about either the end of the world, people getting pregnant, or anything involving guns and fighting. For example, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “I am Legend”, “Juno”, “Live Free and Die Hard”, “The Bourne Ultimatum”, and the highly acclaimed “Knocked Up”. Well unlike the movies us Americans are making, people in other countries such as France, Spain, and China are making movies that are worth the wallet draining expenses the theaters steal from us and they could actually affect our lives in ways unimaginable. Foreign films such as “Amelie” (France), “Pan's Labyrinth”(Spain) and “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”(China). All were nominated and won many awards, the critics seemed to love them as well. And each was not your everyday run of the mill Hollywood blockbuster. Each has a deeper meaning that is just awaiting to be discovered by it's viewers.
“Les Choristes”, known as “The Chorus” in English, is a French film about a failed former music teacher, Clement Mathieu, who becomes a Prefect at a boarding school for troubled boys. Upon meeting the boys Clement did not think they seemed entirely problematic. But as time progressed and he came to know the environment of the school, other employees, the boys, and the devil of a headmaster he realized how troubled the boys really were, and the reasons of their insolence. It was not long until he learned the course of punishment of the school, which did not seem right to him at all, so he encompasses new methods that could change the boy's lives and the lives of others forever. These new methods however do not grow seemingly well with the Headmaster, Rachin. Rachin believes in harsh punishment, physically beating, malnourish, and solitary confinement while negotiating, and helping is more Mathieu's style. While watching the movie it sort of draws you in and makes you feel as though you are a part of it all. It plays with your senses and emotions throughout the entire 94 minutes. One moment you will be filled with happiness, another you will be grabbing for the tissues, then you will be appalled and terribly angry with one of the characters. All together this movie was beautifully made mixing in both dramatic and comedic elements that balance the film and gives it the potential to be on many top 10 movies lists throughout the world.
It was disappointing to learn at first dialog that the whole film was in French. However, as the movie progressed the subtitles became a part of the movie it became much more fluent and less a chore to read the subtitles. If the movie was made or even just dubbed in English, it would not have given off the feeling it did and the meaning would have changed completely.
Foreign Film Review – Les Choristes
You may have noticed that Hollywood has been taking quite a plunge in the quality and diversity of their movies. It seems as though they are all about either the end of the world, people getting pregnant, or anything involving guns and fighting. For example, “The Day After Tomorrow”, “I am Legend”, “Juno”, “Live Free or Die Hard”, “The Bourne Ultimatum”, and the highly acclaimed “Knocked Up”. Well unlike the movies us American's are making people in other countries such as France, Spain, and China. Such as “Amelie”(France), “Pan's Labyrinth”(Spain) and “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”(China). All were nominated and won many awards, the critics seemed to love them as well. And each was not your everyday run of the mill Hollywood blockbuster. Each has a deeper meaning that is just awaiting to be discovered by it's viewers.
“Les Choristes”, known as “The Chorus” in English, is a French film about a failed former music teacher, Clement Mathieu, who becomes a Prefect at a boarding school for troubled boys. Upon meeting the boys Clement did not think they seemed entirely problematic. But as time progressed and he came to know the environment of the school, other employees, the boys, and the devil of a headmaster he realized how troubled the boys really were, and the reasons of their insolence. It was not long until he learned the course of punishment of the school in which he he encompassed new methods which could change the boy's lives, and the lives of others forever. These new methods however do not grow seemingly well with the Headmaster, Rachin. Their ideas of how the school should be run and how the boys should be treated clash like oil and water. Rachin believes in harsh punishment, physically beating, undernourishment and solitary confinement while negotiating, and helping is more Mathieu's style. While watching the movie it sort of draws you in and makes you feel as though you are a part of it all. It plays with your senses and emotions all throughout the entire 94 minutes. One moment you'll be happy and joyful, another you'll be grabbing for the tissues, and another you'll be completely angry and horrified by one of the characters, and it's usually Rachin's fault.
It was disappointing to learn at first dialog that the whole film was in French. But as the movie progressed the subtitles became a part of the movie. If the movie was done in English it would not have given off the feeling it did and the meaning would have changed completely.
Journalism Article # 3
Why are people so...ugh. I don't understand how someone can be so nice to you one moment and completely wretched the next! I mean, honestly, what possible reason could there be to that dumb? Do they have something against you? Or are they just complete drama whores? Like there are these random people you know that send myspace friend requests. And well they go to your school, so whatev it's cool. I mean I would assume they want to be friends if they sent a “friend request.” But then during school all they do is stare you down and act as if you're this horrible person. I mean what the fug? They don't even know you. I find it quite funny though. They're just so dumb. It makes me laugh.
Then you have those hypocrites that are saying one thing and doing another left and right. Like on Mean Girls when Regina George says that she'll talk to Aaron Samuels for Cady but then she totally back stabs her by making out with him. Not cool Regina!
Or when people like to pretend to be better than they really are. It's like, come on, why do you do stuff like that? Like a couple people I've seen around the school. They make up stories and qualities of themselves that they really don't have, just to make themselves sound better or more likable than they really are so they can be friends with “certain people” that might better their status on the “social ladder.” It's ridiculous. Kind of like in the Social Studies department. (And you know what I'm not feeling very respectful right now so I'm saying sorry in advance.) When Wayne and Chad try to be all funny like Rob and Steve. It's just like, wow. Stop now before you embarrass yourselves even more than you already have. Chad is almost there at least he's kind of cool. But Wayne on the other hand...It's just not happening for you. Sorry Wan-ye, but the misspelling of your name is the closest to cool you'll ever come. Okay so back on topic. Wouldn't you want friends that like you for you and not some fictional personality you put? Well I personally think it's dumb to change for other people. If they don't like something about you well then that's too bad! There's millions of other people to be friends with don't get worked up over one stupid jerk. Well of course it's okay to change for people but only if they are also willing to change for you too. It works both ways.
And what about those people with the 5 personalities? Like some people that I have unfortunately come across in my life. They act different for every person they meet. It's like they try to fit into every clique, no matter how cliché it is. They try to fit in with the jocks by playing sports, they eat humus and go to protests to fit in with the hippies, they're in drama club to try and make themselves feel like “real actors”, they lay in the dark and cry while listening to Hawthorn Heights so they can say they are the emoest emo ever, they buy a few pet rocks and go to concerts and “mosh” with all the other “straightedge” scene kids until someone gets a limb torn off from getting spin kicked in the face because they are “soo hardcore”, and then they spend $200 on 3 Hollister shirts and a pair of Abercrombie pants just so they can fit in with the rest of the idiotic human population that don't have minds of their own. Seriously though, who are you? Pick a personality and get over yourself!
You know sometimes I just hate all people in general for their complete lack of a brain. I've noticed that the older you get the more artificial and heartless people get. I mean come on! When you're more fake than Paris Hilton you really need consider getting some help. I don't know the last time I even talked to a real person. Maybe a decade ago, when I was like 7, when people didn't care the least bit what people thought about them. Someone's picking on you? You didn't go tell the teacher, you went right up to the person and kicked them in the shin. And that was the end of that. Soo not something to get worked up over. Sometimes I wish I was back in elementary school. The work was waay easier and the people were soo not as dumb. Once you get to high school and even middle school is all just drama, and drama, and even more drama. But well I guess it does make life a whole lot more interesting. Don't you think?
Journalism Article # 4 – Memoirs of a Teenage Psychopath.
Teenagers. What is there to say about teenagers. They are all psychopaths. Without a doubt. They live to destroy the lives of their peers and torture each other until they are almost about ready to die. They all live, breath, and eat drama. It's always all about drama. “That girl talked to my boyfriend” “She called me fat!” “He broke up with me” “So and so said I was a whore” Blah! Blah! Friggen Blah!
Stop complaining. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Just stop it with all the drama! It's soo not a huge deal if someone says you're ugly, they're probably just saying that because they're jealous, or because they're complete jerks. I just don't get how people can let this stuff get to them. Even if they say that they don't care what other people think the thought still dwells inside them slowly eating away at their soul. It happens to everyone. Don't say you don't care what people say when you really do. There's no changing that, it's just human nature.
At a time when teens think they know everything there is to know about, well...everything, they really don't do themselves justice by the actions that they take. It seems as though the world has completely flipped from what it was a few decades ago. It's kind of ridiculous when people with a few morals are looked down upon and filed into some stupid category of human. It's like just because a person isn't a total whore it automatically makes them some crazy religious fundamentalist instead of what they really are, just a decent person with a few human values. It kind of sucks when people are so quick to judge people before even getting to know them. There are a lot of people who are seen as some ridiculous thing that they are not in the least bit, I'm sure. But then there are so many people that seem to have no human values and just give themselves away to random people. It kind of takes the meaning out of love and marriage if you think about it. What is love anyways? Does anyone have any idea what love truly is? Is it just finding that one person who is your best friend and you just have so much fun with? Can you only fall in love once? It's weird. Or is it just like a fling now and then? Who really knows the answer to any of this stuff. I personally don't want to get very “deep” in this article, I'll save you guys from boredom. But seriously don't judge people so harshly, because it's usually not true, it's probably hurtful to that person and it's just plain dumb in general. Have I drilled that into your heads enough? Or do I need to do it a little bit more? Nahh, I think I'll let those thoughts settle in your minds and hopefully it will have some effect on your lives. If not well then I guess either I'm not a very good writer, or you're just stubborn as hell.
Journalism Article # 3
Why are people so, ugh. I don't understand how someone can be so nice to you one moment and completely wretched the next! I mean, honestly what possible reason could there be to treat people like that? Do they have something against you? Or are they just complete drama whores? Like this one girl sends me a myspace friend request and I've seen her around school before so I accepted it, whatev. I mean I would assume she wants to be friends if she sent me a “friend request”. But then during school she stares me down and acts as if I am some kind of terrible person. I mean wtf? This girl doesn't even know me. I find it quite funny though. This girl is just so dumb. It makes me laugh. Then you have those hypocrites that are saying one thing and doing another left and right. Or when people like to pretend to be better than they really are. It's like, come on, why do you do stuff like that? And what about those people with the 5 personalities? When you're more fake than Paris Hilton you really need consider getting some help. Seriously though, who are you? Pick a personality and get over yourself! You know sometimes I just hate people in general for their ignorance and lack of a brain. I don't know the last time I even talked to a real person. Maybe a decade ago, when I was like 7, when people didn't care the least bit what people thought about them. Someone's picking on you? You didn't go tell the teacher, you went right up to the person and kicked them in the shin. And that was the end of that. Soo not something to get worked up over. Sometimes I wish I was back in elementary school. The work was waay easier and the people were soo not as dumb. High school is all just drama drama drama. So much fun, right?
Journalism Article # 3
Why are people so, ugh. I don't understand how someone can be so nice to you one moment and completely wretched the next! I mean, honestly what possible reason could there be to treat people like that? There's no excuse. Do they have something against you? Or are they just complete drama whores?Like this one girl sends me a myspace friend request and I knew she was from school so I accepted it, whatev. Then during school she stares me down and acts as if I am this terrible person. I mean wtf? This girl doesn't even know me. I find it quite humorous. This girl is just so dumb. It makes me laugh. Then you have those hypocrites that are saying one thing and doing another left and right. I mean, wtf? It's like, come on, why do you do stuff like that? And what about those people with the 5 personalities? They're so fake it puts Paris Hilton to shame. Seriously though, who are you? Pick a personality and get over yourself! You know sometimes I just hate people in general for their ignorance and lack of a brain. I don't know the last time I even talked to a real person. Maybe a decade ago, when I was like 7, when people didn't care the least bit what people thought about them. Someone's picking on you? You didn't go tell the teacher, you went right up to the person and kicked them in the shin. And that was the end of that. Soo not something to get worked up over. Sometimes I wish I was back in elementary school. The work was waay easier and the people were soo not as dumb. High school is all just drama drama drama. So much fun, right?
Sarah Place
Current Event
La Nina is a weather phenomenon blamed for drought in the southern United States and flooding in Africa. It is said to last another 5 months according to the U.N. weather agency. It is what is causing the fires in California and the Tropical Storms in the Caribbean.
Well as I had written in on of my previous entries I was to be going on a 3 week trek from the catskilss to Central Park following the NYC water system. Yes, it was very long, over 200 miles! I was surprised I lasted the first week let alone all three! It was an amazing experience and I really got to know much more about New York State and it's surroundings. I found out how beautiful the Hudson is even though many people cannot see it. I know I didn't before this! It was incredible! I met so many people and made new friends and saw things I had never knew existed. I can't even believe this had happened to me of all people! I never thought that I would ever do something this great and meaningful. We were walking for over 9 million people's water. It was an indescribable journey that led me to knew paths toward my future.
I took a picture during a sunset at this one campground. It is of the Hudson and shows a beauty and sense of peace that is so hidden by distractions of the present. Not a lot of people have ever sat in peace for just a few minutes looking out on the world and just thought to themselves "wow, now that is incredible"
Well this picture sort of shows what I kept feeling throughout those three weeks. Oh and please rate it, I would love to know what others think of my photography. Also if you have any constructive criticism or anything message me or comment on the post. Here's the link!
<a href="http://www.picture.com/voteforme/photovote1.asp?PID=2335068"> Rate my photo, Click here
Thanks all!
-Sarah
I ended up not getting Gertrude in Seussical because I was too young. They were looking for someone between the ages of 35 and 45. soo. Oh well, I was told my audition rocked so I guess I'm okay. Still a bit disappointed. okay no I'm extremely disappointed. but whatever, I'm still in the show. Just not in the part I wanted.
I havn't written anything since november! That shows how busy I've been. I am in Meet Me in St. Louis and the show is in about a week and a half. My roles are a chorus member in the 1st Act and Lucille Ballard in the 2nd. It's not a huge part but I'm content with it because I didn't have very many lines to memorize, and the stress level is way low compared to the last play. I'm going to New York City tomorrow! I'm going to the Met. Opera, Museum of Moving Image, possibly sitting in on a music practice at Columbia, ice skating maybe, shopping obviously haha, and whatever else we decide to do. We're basically winging it. But it'll be fun. and we're not leaving until like 8 AM which I am extremely happy about! haha. I hope we end up stopping for donuts mmm, that'd be great! lol. Ohhhh! I got accepted to the from Mountaintop to Tap trek! well I've never written anything about it yet so this probably sounds confusing. it's a 3 week trek from the catskills to central park, and we'll be hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and stuff like that. and we'll be sleeping in tents, and testing the water. We're going to be testing the New York City water supply system for different things, I don't quite remember what exactly. But it's pretty cool. and we're going to be keeping a journal which is basically going to be a travel journal and that's perfect for me seeing as how I am going to be a travel journalist! and they're giving us digital cameras and that goes with my whole photo journalism thing! I'M SOOOO EXCITED!!!!!! and in june i'm auditioning for suessical and I'll probably be in it because it has a large cast and they ususally take everyone when they have a cast that large. so I'm excited for that too. the performance is going to be in the fall again which probably means no turnabout for me again. darn, I am so upset. hahaha not really. turnabout is sooo boring. Do they expect us to dance for 4 hours? I think the concept of a dance is stupid. They could at least make them more fun by providing things to do in accordance to dancing. don't get me wrong, I like to dance. but for 4 hours? that's a bit much don't you think? well anyways. have nothing else to say. gooodbye.
