Double Take 12.10.02: Take One
Posted by Geoff Bell on 12.10.2002
“You never forgot your first time, even if it ain’t all that good! From The Two Towers to Twelve Monkeys”
You never forget your first time, whether it’s a kiss, having sex or in my case, writing your first column. My name’s Geoff and I’m your new columnist here on 411. I can’t guarantee you’ll enjoy what I write because maybe you won’t. But hopefully you will, fingers crossed! I’ll let you know a little about me first, just incase you’re interested, (which I very much doubt!). I’m a 17-year-old male that lives in UK. Sometimes I’ll write about a film I’ve just watched, or a film that I want to see. Now getting back to the actually column.
The Lord of the Rings: Part Duex
I’m not a life long fan of Tolkien, but I’ve never claimed to be. What I will claim though is ever since last year after watching The Fellowship of the Ring, I’ve been hooked on TLOTR trilogy. It took me awhile to read through the books, and after doing so I’ve been waiting for the films to come out ever since. ‘The Fellowship’ took me to Middle-Earth, on what seemed like a journey that I was actually in. I’ve never been so intrigued and engulfed by a film like that before, but it was a welcome experience, one that I’m looking forward to again. Although the film was changed a little bit, it wasn’t all that bad a change. And I’d say it was for the better. Peter Jackson is a fantastic director and his vision of Middle-Earth is excellent. Although something that has confused me is where the Uruk-Hai come from? How do they grow in the ground? Did Sauron get little Uruk-Hai seeds from his local Orc-growing shop? Maybe somebody out there can clear that up for me. Hopefully one of my nice relatives will buy me the extended DVD version of ‘The Fellowship’ for Christmas, so I can enjoy the nearly 4 hour long film while eating my turkey! The only disappointing thing about the release date of The Two Towers is that it coincides with my friend’s 18th birthday on the Wednesday, where nothing less than ‘totally shit-faced drunk’ will do. And then on the Friday, I finish college for Christmas, and the college I go to this is called “County Day”, simply because there is a pub near the college called The County where everyone begins there drinking session for the day at Midday. Anyway, those that have queued up for tickets for the last month or so, enjoy the film and those that haven’t queued up...SHAME ON YOU! Only joking.
Twelve Monkeys
I know this is quite an old film, but I’ve just finished watching it in Media Studies. I remember watching it when I was about 11, but it more or less went straight over my head. This time round though, I had a better understanding of the film. My lecturer pointed out the ‘religious-ness’ of the film which; I noticed but didn’t really take into account. I’ve heard that the John Connor character from The Terminator represented Jesus Christ, in being the savior of mankind even down to his initials – John Connor. But it was also pointed out to me that Bruce Willis’ character – James Cole can also be classed as a sort of Messiah, even down to his initials. Was this intended or was it a mere coincidence? I’m hoping somebody out there can share his or her opinion with me because after I debate I’m very intrigued. With time travel, there is a concept of the primal scene, this is one travelling to a point in time to witness one’s death or conception. In the case of James Cole, his child self sees his adult self killed by airport security. The way I’m lead to believe is that for Cole his life will never ultimately end because he’s going to be travel back in time forever and will die in front of his child self. Maybe I’ve got this wrong or maybe ‘time is but a loop’. Another thing that caused the heated debate is the ending of the film. The ginger man (sorry can’t remember his character’s name) gets on the plane and introduces himself to a woman. That woman is the same woman who is one of the scientists that send Cole back in time. She says she’s got something to do with insurance policies. Now I personally believe that was the same woman, only it was her past self. However others believed that she had traveled back in time to intercept the virus. You’ll need to see the film really to understand that, but if you have seen the film and you have your own opinion on it, let me know. And if you haven’t seen the film, get your ass to the video store and rent it, then let me know what you think.
Bateman, Patrick Bateman
If you don’t recognize the name, then you probably haven’t seen American Psycho. And if you have seen AP and don’t recognize the name, then you probably didn’t enjoy it. Personally, I’m a big fan of American Psycho, although the sequel was a shambles. I don’t see how you can transform a satirical horror into a teen slasher movie. But some dumb bast*** thought it would be fun and did it. I don’t remember it coming out in the cinema’s across here, in fact I’m positive it didn’t, but one day I was in the video store, I saw it, rented it, watched it and despite the appearance of Mila Kunis from That 70’s Show, the film was atrocious. In my next column, I’ll go more into depth on my thoughts of the original and best American Psycho, so if you’re a fan tune in then!
But otherwise, that’s my first column out the way. I hope you enjoyed it.
Ciao
