BlakeAtwood.com

…the promised update isn’t coming today, but, there’s this, a nephew that cracks me up. I just wish the cameraman wouldn’t have been laughing so hysterically and going all Bourne Identity with the cinematography.

I’m starting to write more, as in things that other people may actually want to read. This is a good step. More news on that front to come, hopefully, in the next week or so.

In coming to grips with the need to make writing a habit, I’m to the place in my life where I can start blogging more regularly, sharing both personal stories as well as the things I find in life or on the internet that amuse, startle, or confound me.

I desired this post to be more of a personal update; however, it’s not going to be because I spent roughly the last two or three hours updating this website. Ironically, you wouldn’t be able to tell just looking at it, but there was a lot of backend work that needed to be done. It took a mysql upgrade, some gzipping of exported wordpress posts, and some prayer. But things seem back to normal, and I needed to get this site up to par if I’m going to make more use of it.

Speaking of backend work, a co-worker and myself have a weekly habit of eating at the Catfish Parlour (be sure to go on Tuesdays for the corn fritters and any day for the leg lamp). They have incredibly bad jokes on all of their receipts, which, college-educated as we are, are often able to deduce. Today’s had us stumped: What happened when the butcher fell into the meat grinder?

Aside from being a horrendous image (that made me think of Steve Buscemi), we just didn’t get it and had to ask for the answer: He got a little behind in his work…

Additionally, since this is turning into a funny post, I saw this a few weeks back. I’m glad to see the Muppets are staying with the times:

Finally, don’t watch this if you’re easily offended by bad takes of hymns or spiritual songs. Otherwise, in my research (no, really) at the church today I ran across this gem:

So, apparently today was funnier than I gave it credit for.

Tomorrow, words from the heart, or as close as I can get to there.

A buddy of mine, @rothenflue on Twitter and eleven72 guy, made this with his kids. It’s getting me prepped to go see Avatar.

Yeah, me too.

Via OddlySpecific

ScriptShadow is the brain-child of Carson Reeves (@scriptshadow) in which Mr. Reeves succinctly summarizes, grades, and analyzes upcoming Hollywood scripts, often including a link to read the script itself. It’s a fascinating look at what sells and consequently gets made in Hollywood. It’s an equally beneficial site for any type of writer. I only found out about it a few weeks ago, but became a quick fan.

At the end of most reviews, Carson tells “What I Learned” from reading the script. I was especially taken with his recent conclusion based off the script for Renko Vega and the Jennifer Nine:

What I learned: Is there a theme more powerful than redemption? I struggle to think of one. Maybe it’s the man inside me that feels stained, that feels like I need to somehow find a way to “right” things. I don’t know. Maybe it’s why I like noir so much. Characters trying to wash the blood from their hands, characters trying to balance a ledger that’s been corrupted by their own misdeeds and mistakes. I connect with these characters, and I love it go on the journey with them as they try to break through a wall and come out a more honorable person. It’s not only cathartic, there’s something about it that’s peaceful to me. In Renko Vega’s case, what’s so astounding to me is that he’s a character that re-discovers his own worth. He’s a character that learns how to believe in himself again. And belief, the ability to hope and to dream and to matter, that’s a powerful thing. I think, as writers, we shouldn’t be afraid to aim high. To dream big. Don’t be afraid. And writing about redemption, well, I think that’s as high as you can get…

I know that if I ever write something of worth, redemption will be the arc. What is it in that kind of narrative that is so universal? Why does it resonate so deeply within us? What is it about The Shawshank Redemption, Simon Birch, Gran Torino, A Tale of Two Cities, or Braveheart or any other number of films that allow us to glory in the death of a beloved character? Or that make us believe that wrong can be made right? And that death, in some form or fashion, is always a part of that equation?

What are some other films worth watching with redemptive themes? Why do you think they resonate?