Studying Abroad (Part III): Getting Better

[tuesdaymush]

If my last entry seemed bleak, that's because I focused on the negative parts about the first few days, and I must say I'm disappointed I got no comments of sympathy. In actuality things have been going quite well.

Fast FriendsIn the two weeks that I have been here, I am happy to say that, I have made a surprising amount of friends. My flat mate

Comments

*hugs and sympathy*

[sweetsexysadie]

Well, you know that we love and miss you... and that last post was uncharacteristically negative of you! But, sympathy you have, none the less. Deanna says "Hi" by the way... she came in this past weekend for Bridget's wedding. It was crazy huge and expensive! Not my style, but nice, if you like that kind of thing (we don't, though!)

Justin and I say Proof and A History of Violence, and contrary to your analysis, I must say, I thought Proof to be the more flawless of the two.. A History of Violence was good, but it seemed like it had no center, no point... like it was an exercise in film making. I did like it though... but only like. Proof was fucking fantastic... I highly recommend it... brilliant and illuminating, and very well acted.

That being said... miss you and love you and all that jazz!

Re: *hugs and sympathy*

[sweetsexysadie]

And... I like how your post is titled with a line from a Beatles song... I heard it playing in my head immeadiately once I read it.

[karatestereo]

Glad you have made friends and that things seem to be going well. :)

Diana and I also saw A History Of Violence earlier this week, along with Proof; which I thought was a much better movie than AHOV. The problem I found with A History Of Violence is the problem that I find with most Cronenberg films. The acting was strong, if not fantastic; the scenery rich; the story interesting... but the way Cronenberg chose to play it all out felt ultimately unsatisfying. The characters felt slightly plastic to me, and I got no real sense of any of their motivations. Ultimately, the surreality of it seemed forced; like Cronenberg knew that he was slightly off his top game. Given a second chance... I would have waited to watch it on DVD.

[tuesdaymush]

I didn't have any feeling that the film was surreal and found strong motivation in the character's actions. In response to Diana's statement, the point of the film was to look at what effects violence has on people and our culture. What makes it so flawless is that there is no superfluousness in the film and the theme is seamlessly woven into a thoroughly engaging and believable story.

Although, if you can't stomach violence, there are a few, short, realistically portrayed scenes of intense, but never gratuitous or glorified, thematically appropriate, violence. That was way too many descriptors for one sentence.

Taking stock of your circumstances

[anonymous]

I am pleased to hear about all the connections you are making with other students, even if you are finding it harder to connect with the Brits than Americans. At least the US students are from other parts of the country, which may offer different insights on the American condition

Story of my life (kinda)

[tuesdaymush]

Since I wrote this, I have found out that Nora has an ex-boyfriend, who is an ex only because they are living in different countries for about 10 months. They had been dating for almost 4 years before this and she thinks she will go wherever he goes to Grad school after this. Fuck!!!

Re: Story of my life (kinda)

[tuesdaymush]

I am somewhat intrigued by the sense of anonymity the author of blogs seem to presume. The writing is rather frank and I think it would be awkward if some of the subjects of your introspective ramblings were to read your comments. Does that occur to you or is it similar to Calvin and Hobbes barreling down the hillside in their big red wagon, too absorbed in the moment to consider the consequences?