An Awakening: You Must Unlearn What You Have Learned

The Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser has arrived.

Whereas most blog posts could simply end there with a link to the teaser, I'm not gonna get off that easy.

About 20 years ago, I remember my dad setting up his betamax tape deck in our living room. Being the little movie enthusiast I was, watching many films became my habit. Whether it was after school, the weekends, or in the morning, that machine found new life because of me. It was there that my true love for Star Wars began. With mouth agape, I relished seeing Obi-Wan cutting the cantina patron's arm off, the Death Star blowing up, the group getting their medals, Hoth, Yoda, and the mystery of the Force. Subsequent viewings would give way to more understanding and more enjoyment from these films. I ran those beta copies into the ground. Then, the announcement came of the films being re-released in theatres for their 20th anniversary.

Whaaaaaat?

You mean I get to watch these adventures on the big screen? What's the hold up? Let's do this already! It was an altogether infinitely amazing joy to see these films in their intended format. I was at such an age where the changes George Lucas made to the movies went right over my head. I mean c'mon, I was just happy to see my favorite space adventures. I felt that I had been given a rare chance to do what my parents were able to do when they were kids. Then came word of more adventures! The Prequels to The First Trilogy! Until recently I only vaguely remember the trailer for Phantom Menace. New music, shiny starships and a double bladed lightsaber. What could go wrong?

6 years and 3 doses of confusion, mediocrity, head scratching, and over blown CGI later, I pondered just what the hell happened.

I've heard the arguments, the rants, the speeches, and tales of woe regarding the state of the series. It was a popular conundrum because pretty much all facets of the Film and Sci-Fi communities were displeased. A most beloved franchise had somehow eaten itself for the sake of marketing and satisfying one man's pathological need to alter his cinematic past. We all know the first Star Wars was not what Lucas wanted. Be it budgetary concerns, the feasibility of the effects, or shooting conditions, it wasn't the story he intended to share. But something happened during making that film.....Art from Adversity. The production overcame it's obstacles to create a vibrant, gritty, and fantastic galaxy. Just as Obi-Wan told Luke, we had all just taken our first step into a larger world. That's why those movies were good. Because they were hard to make. And we all know the rewards of hard work.

So the big thing I noticed when seeing the prequels was that something was missing. While Lucas finally had the technology and means to put EVERYTHING he wanted in his movies, there was something still missing. I believe it was the spark of the real and the unknown. We all wanted to return to that place that made us believe in the fantastic. But when we arrived, that place was different, yet the same. Sure the hallmark signs of the Star Wars galaxy were there, but it was populated by unrelatable characters, shiny and out of place imagery, and hard to follow direction. We were told this was the Vader story. Why did we need to know that? Why not let the draw of Star Wars generate the buzz and let the Vader story evolve naturally, and not be forced into a 3 movie buildup of how he came to be. Look at how the Original Trilogy progressed. We saw the characters we cared about face new and terrifying challenges. They matured, showing that this galaxy had affected them, changed them. The Prequel Trilogy was procedural, lined up like a row of dominoes. So it was very hard to suspend the disbelief and to let myself really buy into the story. When the 3 movies finished, it was pretty unanimous what the feeling was. A potentially great story, mired in poor execution. So it was understandable that many fans were fed up. This isn't news to anyone, I know, but it plays into my point here today:

There is a legitimate beef with how the prequels were done. No one denies this. And while that beef is super legitimate, I think that in light of the teaser of The Force Awakens, we all need to let the Prequel hate go. Not in the, "Oh the Prequels are ok" let the hate go. I mean the, "I shouldn't let the Prequels hold me back from enjoying Star Wars."

Because seriously? That teaser is the best Star Wars has felt in years.

That Teaser made me feel like I was back in my living room, marathoning Star Wars. I felt like I had my toy X-Wing and Millennium Falcon by my side again. And for many others, they had a similar reaction. This pleases me to no end.

However, there's massive reaction that I've seen that argues that anything that ISN'T the prequels would look better, the fact that none of the previous principals being in the teaser is lame, the Claymore Lightsaber is a joke/farce/huge screw up, one of the main characters is black, and a host of other nonsense.

Ok. This....is why we can't have nice things. But! I'm not here to just bash on these people. The point of this post is to foster understanding and preach open mindedness. Because yes, The Prequels were less than extraordinary. Yes, you feel that your favorite thing was whored out and ruined for the sake of money and toys. And yes, you feel that anything that isn't what you imagined in your head is infinitely inferior and you hate that anyone tries. 

Got that all out? Good. Wait, you still have some more? Then let it all out. Seriously, scream to the heavens and have a little 2 minute meeting with yourself about how much they sucked. Then come back here.

Feel better? Great.

What? You need a couple more minutes? Uh, sure, ok, go ahead...you need a song to vent to? Uh sure, here you go:

We good? Good.

Now guess what? It's time to get excited.

As far as teasers go, this one is pretty darn perfect. Why? Because it entices you! It doesn't give you a 2 minute synopsis. It's Great music, expert cuts between footage, and a haunting voice. It's the sounds, the feeling, the imagery, and the rush of the unknown that tie this together. Notice that when we see these fresh faces, they're reacting to something off screen. We all know Luke, Han, Leia, Chewie, C-3PO and R2-D2 are in the movie. But we also know this solely isn't about them anymore. This is the the most polite yet intense way a film can ask, "Do you want some more?" And the answer is hell yes.

Now, I've also read people saying, "Hey, Phantom Menace teaser made the movie look good. And we all know how that turned out." I will say on some level that's true. However, look at the Phantom Menace teaser:

This is a poorly constructed piece, one that just throws Star Wars stuff at you. Once you're past the one sentence slates, it's straight mania. BAM! Pod Race, Lightsabers, Music, Random Dialog, Obi-Wan meets Anakin, and a half assed Yoda puppet. Now I'm sure you can argue that The Force Awakens teaser does this, too. Let me clarify then: The Phantom Menace teaser is 2 minutes, whereas The Force Awakens is 1:20. (probably less than that because there were heavy cuts of black in between scenes.) So, with 2 minutes of straight footage, Menace managed to show you so many things, it was practically begging your mind to overload with coolness to get you to see the movie. So in that regard, it did do it's job. But the composition and style are amateur at best. This was someone knowing people were gonna shell out for this thing, rather than be cinematic and editing with a purpose. This teaser took complete advantage over an audience that had been wanting for more Star Wars for 15+ years.

Fast forward to today. This teaser does exactly what the other one did, but the method is reversed. We were given only bread crumbs. And these crumbs are infinitely more impressive than the hokey lightsaber wipes, blatant Jar Jar awfulness, and overall scattered story. Let's face it, we were all gonna go see Phantom Menace if it was just the title and the music. But this time around things are different.  We're a more guarded bunch. We all dealt with 3 movies of unexpected disappointment, then chose our separate ways of dealing with it. Whether it was letting them be, condemning them, picking them apart, or actually enjoying them, we all did our own thing. So now comes the day where we get a glimpse at what's to come. And once again, we all chose how to take this information. And I must say, I'm peeved.

I'm not peeved that you don't like the teaser. I'm not peeved that you don't like the new (or old) lightsaber. Hell, I'm not even peeved that you're upset about a black guy being a lead......Actually, I am really peeved about that. Bastards. All of you. Wake the hell up, we're all people. He's not a black guy. His name Is John Boyega. Go see "Attack The Block" and see for yourself why this guy is money. This is gonna be kickass and if you're so BACKWARDS that skin color is really your make-or-break thing, then please return to the primordial ooze from whence you came. STFU, and stand aside. 

What I'm also peeved about is that you're holding yourself back.

We all got burned on the Prequels. I know this, you know this. But that's no reason to tear this thing apart already. No reason whatsoever. Don't use your distaste and dismay over the Prequels as an excuse to cut the new ones to shreds. We only have some not-meant-to-be-leaked concept art, a teaser, and a ton of speculation as to what this might be. So instead of a preemptive nuking of Star Wars, just like Will Hunting tried to destroy his relationships with Skylar and Sean, embrace the chance at a fresh take.

You have to let go. You must unlearn what you have learned. That galaxy far, far away is out there ready to be explored again. You have to let yourself be that kid again. Sure, you can reflect and use your experience as a learning tool. But you must remember to believe. Put away your fragile tweets about a new lightsaber, shut down the editing program that you were gonna use to remake the Teaser with G.I. Joes, and cut the hate speech right the fuck out. You have to let Star Wars be cool again.

There is indeed an awakening happening.

It's of our imaginations, you guys. And there's plenty of space in my living room for us kids to gather round and make the jump to lightspeed. 

SO? PUNCH IT!

The Power of Music: Interstellar & The Bond Between Image And Sound.

!!!!There are moderate spoilers later in this post. Read at your own discretion!!!!

A year ago, I went to see The Desolation of Smaug with a good friend. It was a midnight showing, packed house, with lots of good buzz. With snacks and drinks procured, we headed to our seats. As the lights dimmed, I was fully ready to take in the next Peter Jackson trip to Middle Earth. However, I was caught completely off guard by a trailer. This doesn't happen often because I've seen many good trailers before. What was so different, so special, about this one?


The green preview screen appeared and disappeared. Next, I was met with a beautiful piano arrangement, echoing as the Paramount, Warner Bros., Legendary, and Syncopy film logos flashed across the screen. I then suddenly knew what this was.....the trailer for Interstellar. I had read about the next project from Christopher Nolan only briefly, as I wanted to remain as unspoiled as possible. So this was a pleasant surprise as I had no idea it was attached to The Hobbit. What followed was, for me, the perfect movie trailer. WATCH:

Think about it. The imagery backs up these awesome words about resilience and exploration. But underneath all of that is this song. This beautiful piano arrangement that builds and builds and brings such emotion to these words, then BAM title card that says "ONE YEAR FROM NOW". The music was....warming, soothing, inspiring. The flashes of space flight and exploration brought to life by this simple yet bold piano sound. I was already hooked on this film and it hadn't even come out yet! This is everything you need for a trailer. An idea, and a direction to point it towards. I know a lot of people may be burned out by the Mystery Box that Abrams uses, but this was a wholly different mystery for a trailer. I've watched it many times and it still hooks me. Granted, I'm a huge Nolan fan. But that doesn't mean this trailer wouldn't have grabbed me if I wasn't. Seeing this for the first time on a huge movie screen made it even more powerful. Scope is something that has fallen by the wayside with major films. Since everything is connected now, we may take for granted that we can see the world from our homes. But this trailer.....I was near tears. Beautiful music, powerful words, and pictures come together seamlessly. You don't always need a peek at a big action sequence or a cheap laugh to get you into something. Nolan is a master at showing us what HE wants us to see, not what the marketing or executives want to. He knows what will get us more intrigued and more interested. Just look at all of his films. To me, this is a great speech that speaks to an idea of where we are now as people. What's our direction? We've shown that when we all work together, we can overcome and do the impossible, and that made us mighty. But we've strayed. So how do we reclaim that glory? To be known in history not as consumers, but builders. Not as parasites, but pioneers? It's a great question that we get to see played out on the spectacle of film. And I learned that from only a 1:53 of music and picture. The trailer ends and I'm floored. I actually said to myself, "Now I gotta sit through a whole movie before I get to see that again." I enjoyed Smaug rather much, but right when I got home, I knew I had to see the trailer again.

Fast forward a year.

I stayed as much away from the later previews in preparation for the film. I wanted whatever I saw from this film to be on the big screen. The night finally arrived for Interstellar to grace the world with it's presence. Tickets in hand, I walked to the theatre trying to temper my expectations. I sat in my seat, the lights dimmed, and what followed was one of the most visceral yet intelligent movies that I've ever experienced. Such amazing pictures, powerful & compelling storytelling, and breathtaking music. I am truly satisfied on so many levels with this film.

But I'm sure you noticed the title of this post. The movie is a complete success to me, and I believe the music is heavily responsible. Put simply, this is a story about a father having to leave his daughter to save humanity. (I know he has other children but the connection between Cooper and Murph is the focus.) From a composer's standpoint, how do you even approach making a theme or a song about this relationship? Well, I'll let Hans Zimmer answer that:

"Chris said to me, in his casual way. 'So, Hans, if I wrote one page of something, didn't tell you what it was about, just give you one page, would you give me one day of work?'" Zimmer told Tom Shone. "'Whatever you came up with on that one day would be fine.'" Zimmer agreed, and then one day he received a one-page typewritten letter. On the paper was a short story, no more than a precis, about a father who leaves his child to do an important job. It contained two lines of dialogue — "I'll come back" "When?" — and quoted something Zimmer had said a year before, during a long conversation with Nolan and his wife at the Wolesley restaurant in London ... "There was no movie to be made, there was no movie to discuss, we were talking about our children," said Zimmer, who has a 15-year-old son. "I said, once your children are born, you can never look at yourself through your eyes any more, you always look at yourself through their eyes." Zimmer spent a day composing the theme and then showed it to Nolan, and Nolan loved it. It was only then that Nolan revealed what kind of movie he had in mind. "I asked him, 'Well, yes, but what is the movie?' And he started describing this huge, epic tale of space and science and humanity, on this epic scale. I’m going, 'Chris, hang on, I’ve just written this highly personal thing, you know?' He goes, 'Yes, but I now know where the heart of the movie is.' Everything about this movie was personal.'"

If you want to read more, check out http://www.businessinsider.com/how-hans-zimmer-wrote-the-interstellar-theme-2014-11

I can't help but think that that's probably the coolest damn origin story for a music score. Straight from the heart, no directives or persuasion, just doing what feels right. I read that interview and immediately knew this soundtrack was even more special, even after I had heard it in the film. I did the research and found there would be 3 releases of the score. Two of them to arrive a week and a half after the film's release and a larger version to be released a month after that. With the 3rd version being caught up in mystery as to when it'll actually be released, I bought the deluxe soundtrack. Very pleased and happy to have it, but there is one hiccup.

There's a scene towards the end of the film where Cooper must pull a risky flight maneuver to dock with The Endurance to ensure it doesn't fall to an ice planet. It's the most gripping and intense sequence of the film. And what pulls it all together? You guessed it, the Score. HOLY BATSHIT INSANITY, BATMAN, the music during this scene is beyond epic. A truly moving and powerful music cue, bringing such emotion and awe. Was it an emotionally exhausting sequence? Yes. Was it worth it? YES. This scene is one of many lynch pins that hold this story together so well. When the scene finishes, I made the mental note of, "DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO GET THAT SONG." Here's the audio from the scene:

Sadly, this particular song was not on the Deluxe Soundtrack. Understandably, I was a bit disappointed. The most powerful track from the whole film......and it's missing. I began to search the web to see if anyone knew anything more about this. Sure enough, I stumbled across a bunch of people who had the same concerns. After going down the rabbit hole, I arrived at a Hans Zimmer fan site that had a heavy discussion thread about this issue. It seems it was just not included on the soundtrack. So most who know that a 3rd version of the soundtrack was coming asked if this track would be on that one. At this point no one knows. However, it seems this movement caught the eye of a few people who are close to Zimmer and WaterTower Music. They then disseminated that the Docking Sequence track would be released. HUZZAH. A couple days after reading that, the track was recently released. Aaaaaand it's not the track we were all looking/hoping for. It appears to be a version of the song, but not the one that was used for release. Very frustrating to say the least. And now, there's been an update that the version in the film may not even exist. Taken from a reddit post, which was taken from www.hans-zimmer.com:

Hybrid Soldier reply Replies: 22 || 2014-11-22 15:48:50

"Actually I got it confirmed, the cue as you're looking for it doesn't really exist, it's just post production mess in the hands of music editors & mixers (so obviously Mountains material used)...

Reminds me of First Flight from MOS, where the strings were put totally upfront in the mix..."

Hybrid Soldier 2014-11-22 16:39:28

"It is EXACTLY the same case as Batman Chased... Exactly... A cue written, and then music editors messing around."

So.....this is plain crappy. I hope that there will be a way to release the "Mess". Because that's what grabbed everyone, that's what moved everyone, that's what had everyone on the edge of their seat. That music elicited one of the most profound mixture of emotions that I have ever experienced. The whirling and blaring organ is so damn good. Amazing mixing done there. I guess I'm just wondering why this was bungled. This movie is a masterwork, using all elements of film making to maximize and expand an amazing human story. The responsibility of being a father, the prospect of mankind's future, and the possibilities of what people are capable of. Beautiful, emotional, powerful, satisfying, gripping, engaging, and bold. Interstellar goes way beyond being a movie, it's speaks to an idea. And we all know how Nolan feels about ideas. And it wouldn't have had this effect if it wasn't for the music.

There's a real human moment happening here. While the movie has been polarizing, it's still doing it's job: Giving the chance to get out of one's world. I love this film because it gives something that few movies can: A moment of infinite possibility. For that, this movie is beyond important to me and to my life. Christopher Nolan was quoted as saying, "I believe that Hans' score for 'Interstellar' has the tightest bond between music and image that we've yet achieved." I believe that 100 F**king percent. And this film would not and could not succeed without the profound emotion and experience of Hans Zimmer. Two visionaries of their craft coming together to make something truly original. Feelings, you guys. Feel all of them.

DELUSION: The Halloween Revolution You Never Knew About (But Will Soon)

When it comes to Haunted Houses, there is something to be said about Tradition. The blend of mood, scenery, location, and good scares make haunted houses fertile ground for fun and adrenaline. After all, who doesn't love a nice walk with the occasional strobe light and jump scare? However, when the formula becomes repetitive and stagnant, the love for the haunted house dies. A morbid and appropriate thought, yes. Being a horror fan myself, the allure of a haunted house had dwindled over the last few years. It's been the same idea for the longest time: Dark rooms, the monster mash, boxes with noodles posing as innards, and a sweaty college student hiding in a cardboard box with a wolf mask on. I now realize that the tradition of Haunted Houses has become it's greatest enemy.

And like a bat out of hell, DELUSION has come to change that.

I attended last year's show and I was completely floored by the experience. A fresh, invigorating, punch to the gut spin on haunts, DELUSION offers something altogether simple and complicated; What if you were part of a horror story? No just as a spectator, but a participant in the insanity? This is a notion that is fully realized in this interactive haunted play. And it's has no where to go but up. While I was only able to go once last year, the experience was so gripping, I was toiling over it for the days to follow. From the writing, to the performances, to the stunts, to the generally F**ked up and scary atmosphere, this attraction is the next step in horror innovation. This is a link for the review I wrote on Yelp.  http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=ffXCued5Ey-mFLpjaZfh_A

After writing that, I immediately decided to make plans for the next show. And since the show is based in Los Angeles and I'm in Detroit, planning was a must. So I waited for the announcements, all the while entertaining myself by making a couple Vine videos about the experience. And then the facebook page started dropping hints and messages. Aw hell yes.

A big hand to the team behind generating the buzz for the show. Though to be honest, I was gonna be an easy sell. Seeing as I was hooked from the get go, they could have just said, "Again?" and I would have this:

And so, the time came for tickets to be purchased. The mailing list member notification was sent and I became as excited as a little girl. (proceeds to grab front of shirt) The day for Pre-sales arrived and I quickly snatched up Halloween night tickets. Significantly better price than the small fortune I had to pay last year. Still ultimately worth it, but hey, that's extra money I can use to put towards the next one! With tickets acquired and flights set, the waiting game commenced.

Fast forward to last week. I arrived in Los Angeles already abuzz about the show. Twitter was busy with the great reviews and celebrity shout outs. Just knowing I was maybe going to be in the same place where Nathan Fillion or Alan Tudyk might have peed their pants? I mean, WOW! Can you imagine!? My joy and anticipation had reached critical mass. Halloween could not happen soon enough. Freaking finally, the day came. 

I pulled up to the Manor of Elena Fitzgerald, the character of much repute in the shows description. Upon parking, I arrived at the check in desk and got my wrist band. The word "Ember" was written across it. Excellent. I was then directed towards The Lounge, a quant little hangout area where one could enjoy refreshments, a chain link swing, a comfy couch, or a guillotine. I was also told to listen around The Lounge. Clues and other secrets lay inside a copper tube that looks like if Tim Burton designed the Victrola sound cone. I sat in a chair beside the apparatus and began to hear the hurried, scared, and hushed voice of a woman. Was it Elena? I pondered her musings and rants on shadows and darkness for only a moment when a man started to round up my group. "Ember?" he called. Showtime. Motha. F**king. Showtime. We were led to a metal gate and given an introduction by The Lockmaster. After opening the gate, we were rushed to the back of the house where a single blue light lit a small area at the base of the house. The Lockmaster asks us to silence our noise boxes and refrain from touching and talking unless told to do so. He then asks whom is the bravest. I raise my hand. He then hands me a satchel with a canteen and a medicine bottle inside. He then asks which of us is the least brave. A young woman succumbs to peer pressure and raises her hand. The Lockmaster then leads this poor soul to a stack of boxes, which are then removed to reveal a trap door of sorts. We are all then urged to go through the door, practically having to crawl through this door into an antechamber of sorts (Giving a very Haunted Mansion vibe....but with more sinister characters and scantily clad mystery women). Once inside, The Lockmaster bids us farewell with a smirk and a Happy Halloween. The door shuts and the descent into madness begins.

One of the great beauties of this show is that it creates a living, breathing world. Not just walls covered in fake webs and scary paintings of goblins and ghouls. The room is aged, as if no one has been there for some time. It smells old, undisturbed. You feel like you've entered the ethereal, a place where the rules have changed. The director Jon Braver has once again crafted a truly awesome, terrifying, inspiring, and core shaking tale of terror. In his haunted house, it's not jump scares and goofy music. It's a world of horror and uncertainty. Each character you interact with has their own demons to wrestle with as you become unlikely companions. The mixture of stunts, frights, and story combine for a truly next level experience. The first character, Ruth, regales you with stories of her own struggle inside of the house and how characters from Elena's books have entered our world. What follows is roughly an hour of truly F**ked up-ness that any horror fan will enjoy immensely. The story unfolds expertly and tightly, rarely letting up. The other characters you encounter will mess with you in ways you'll expect and in ways you really won't. (For those of you who are chosen by Glen in the Pink room, you'll know what I mean.) This year's show blew me away and is more improved, meaner, and leaner than last year. The abandoned mansion location lends itself tremendously to the story, always keeping you guessing on where you are. The lighting and sound effects are superb, from the skipping of an old record player, to the rattling of copper pipes in an altogether dank and mystical basement. And then there's the music! Scored by last years composer, Siddhartha Barnhoorn, the music is once again haunting, wrenching, and eerie. And then there are the actors. I'M NOT WORTHY. Each character was divine, brought to life beautifully by these thespians. I felt for each of them, at least, the ones you were supposed to feel for. (Squinty eyes at you, Glenda.) Every aspect was executed with precision, making for an experience that will be forever etched on my brain and soul. Though to be fair, nothing will really trump last year since it was my first DELUSION. You always remember your first, as the saying goes. 

I would love to tell you more, but HOLY HELL there's so much that needs to be experienced first hand by you. Maybe when they finish their run I'll spill more but until then, do whatever you can, while you can, to try and see this show. As I said before, this is the next step. We're seeing the evolution first hand, and the future of this attraction is very bright....or is it grim? Regardless, I look forward to many more nightmares and chills from Braver & Co. I'm hooked for this life....and the next.