mixed reactions
Sep. 1st, 2009 04:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
osarabaDistrict 9. Let's start with a disclaimer. I have an issue with alien stories. Aliens are almost always too human or not human enough for me. In a certain sense it's a pet peeve of mine -- I know I'll never be satisfied with how aliens are portrayed. There are some exceptions -- where either the story just isn't serious enough, or I have a particular love for the character(s) -- so that the writer/editor side of me just has no chance to become irritated or engaged in the circular question of how well the aliens were written or portrayed.
So, on one level, there are things that really annoyed me about this movie. Big examples would be the fact that "Christopher Johson" stomps his feet in frustration, as well as hitting his hand into a wall. These are human gestures, expressing human emotions. Leaving aside the speculation that human and alien emotions are similar enough, one could argue that the aliens had time to adopt human gestures in order to better communicate with their oppressive overlords. And I would not disagree. But truthfully, I'd argue that Christopher -- especially he who seems to be the only one with the drive to escape -- in the privacy of his own home, would not make such a gesture.
There, example of a pet peeve.
On another level, that of social criticism -- criticism of human rights, freedoms, prejudice, South African history -- I also have a few thoughts. As messages go, it's not the most original since time (and fear and corruption and power) began, but it is a good one; still extremely relevant in current times. Obviously it isn't really imperative that the aliens be alien. They represent a different people; humans have committed atrocities to their own kind for thousands and thousands of years.
The last level -- the story and direction. The movie was extremely well done. The protagonist's character was consistently that of (as Liz said last night) "selfish asshole". His casual disregard for the aliens was only a reflection of the rest of humanity. He had moments of "good" -- in comparison to the utter disdain and disregard for alien life that the soldiers and doctors had, certainly. And so in the end, I don't feel like his moment of altruism was a particularly big change, though I would have to admit that one could call it the turning point of his redemption. I'm very glad over the fact that his selfishness was so consistent. It's a big part of what I appreciate so much about the story.
Also, the dynamics of the ghetto society were actually fascinating -- Nigerian gangs, markups on cat food, interspecies prostitution (I can't help it; I really wanted more of a look at the physics of that!). Had this been in novel format, I feel I would've been quite interested in this aspect of things. I've heard that this is based on a graphic novel; I wonder how true to the story they stayed.
One last note: I saw this in a cheap theater ($7.50 ticket!) and the screen size and quality reflected that. Liz and Juliet say that this detracted from my first impression (and maybe the overall experience?), but a coworker who was very into it disagrees. And in point of fact, I think the issues I had with the movie were not issues with the visuals. Still, it is legitimately a factor in first impressions.
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting.
In any case, my final reaction is that I really appreciated -- even admired -- the story on an intellectual level. On an emotional level, however, I didn't quite feel as engaged.
My other reivew of mixed reactions is of Skin Trade by LKH. IT'S TRUE! Anita made a brief return to her beginnings as a preternatural crime investigation consultant. Somehow, even as a US Marshal, LKH finds a way to make sure she's at a procedural disadvantage. After all, our Anita works best as the underdog. I felt a sense of excitement and urgency, and *gasp!* mystery! Little of which I've felt in her more recent novels.
I was sad to leave behind the regular medley ofhusbands lovers pets food characters. But there were some fresh interactions and untrod paths to maneuver. Even better -- the return of Edward and Olaf! Time and distance (and the fact that I blocked out much of Obsidian Butterfly) has given me fresh persepective on Edward's "extracurricular" activities, and it was SO NICE TO REVISIT MY FAVORITE SECONDARY CHARACTER! I missed Edward so much!
I don't remember much of Olaf, except that he was kind of creepy and had to be kept on a short leash. There's more of the same here, but BETTER. You know, it's not that I begrudge Anita her merry band of faithfully returning guest-stars, but let's get some fresh blood in here! Of all people, I feel the characters in (and author of) the Anitaverse can understand that request!
One big disappointment, however -- again, i should say -- is time elapsed. A FEW DAYS. And I think a good 12 or so hours goes by as Anita is unware, so that barely even counts! I wouldn't be so obsessed with seeing more than a 36-hour time period every time I read a new LKH book IF SHE DIDN'T DO IT IN EVERY SINGLE BOOK! I want to see a case or problem that doesn't come out of left field and is resolved (or stop-gapped) in about as much time. I know there's a lot to put in each book - especially if there's a case going on too. But it can be done! You know, like, a case that starts out small-time; something she consults on but wouldn't necessarily get involved with. A couple of days go by. There are some weird goings-on. People sleep. Some supernatural sexy stuff happens. Maybe another consult. ANITA DOES SOME INVESTIGATION. Things like research, or asking questions. Maybe someone comes after her and there's a firefight. THEN THERE'S SOME MORE SLEEP. Maybe some sex. Anita gets out her calculator and adds things up. Voila! Turns out it's all related! And she goes to hunt bad guys in their lairs.
SEE?! There's like a whole weeks' worth of time in there! I WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS, on occassion, OVER 3!
Hey, LKH - take your time. Use a smaller font again. I'd be willing to wait longer for AS WELL AS shell out $25-30 for a book that had 500 pages of size 12 rather than 500 pages of size 14 or 16 text.
Having said that, I actually very much enjoyed reading this latest installment in Anita Blake's soap-operatic love/work life. And it kind of gives me (possibly false) hope for the Anitaverse books-to-come.
Unrelatedly, I got home at 12-something last night, and went to sleep at 3am. Again. I think I want to go home and sleep ASAP.
So, on one level, there are things that really annoyed me about this movie. Big examples would be the fact that "Christopher Johson" stomps his feet in frustration, as well as hitting his hand into a wall. These are human gestures, expressing human emotions. Leaving aside the speculation that human and alien emotions are similar enough, one could argue that the aliens had time to adopt human gestures in order to better communicate with their oppressive overlords. And I would not disagree. But truthfully, I'd argue that Christopher -- especially he who seems to be the only one with the drive to escape -- in the privacy of his own home, would not make such a gesture.
There, example of a pet peeve.
On another level, that of social criticism -- criticism of human rights, freedoms, prejudice, South African history -- I also have a few thoughts. As messages go, it's not the most original since time (and fear and corruption and power) began, but it is a good one; still extremely relevant in current times. Obviously it isn't really imperative that the aliens be alien. They represent a different people; humans have committed atrocities to their own kind for thousands and thousands of years.
The last level -- the story and direction. The movie was extremely well done. The protagonist's character was consistently that of (as Liz said last night) "selfish asshole". His casual disregard for the aliens was only a reflection of the rest of humanity. He had moments of "good" -- in comparison to the utter disdain and disregard for alien life that the soldiers and doctors had, certainly. And so in the end, I don't feel like his moment of altruism was a particularly big change, though I would have to admit that one could call it the turning point of his redemption. I'm very glad over the fact that his selfishness was so consistent. It's a big part of what I appreciate so much about the story.
Also, the dynamics of the ghetto society were actually fascinating -- Nigerian gangs, markups on cat food, interspecies prostitution (I can't help it; I really wanted more of a look at the physics of that!). Had this been in novel format, I feel I would've been quite interested in this aspect of things. I've heard that this is based on a graphic novel; I wonder how true to the story they stayed.
One last note: I saw this in a cheap theater ($7.50 ticket!) and the screen size and quality reflected that. Liz and Juliet say that this detracted from my first impression (and maybe the overall experience?), but a coworker who was very into it disagrees. And in point of fact, I think the issues I had with the movie were not issues with the visuals. Still, it is legitimately a factor in first impressions.
I'm sure there are things I'm forgetting.
In any case, my final reaction is that I really appreciated -- even admired -- the story on an intellectual level. On an emotional level, however, I didn't quite feel as engaged.
My other reivew of mixed reactions is of Skin Trade by LKH. IT'S TRUE! Anita made a brief return to her beginnings as a preternatural crime investigation consultant. Somehow, even as a US Marshal, LKH finds a way to make sure she's at a procedural disadvantage. After all, our Anita works best as the underdog. I felt a sense of excitement and urgency, and *gasp!* mystery! Little of which I've felt in her more recent novels.
I was sad to leave behind the regular medley of
I don't remember much of Olaf, except that he was kind of creepy and had to be kept on a short leash. There's more of the same here, but BETTER. You know, it's not that I begrudge Anita her merry band of faithfully returning guest-stars, but let's get some fresh blood in here! Of all people, I feel the characters in (and author of) the Anitaverse can understand that request!
One big disappointment, however -- again, i should say -- is time elapsed. A FEW DAYS. And I think a good 12 or so hours goes by as Anita is unware, so that barely even counts! I wouldn't be so obsessed with seeing more than a 36-hour time period every time I read a new LKH book IF SHE DIDN'T DO IT IN EVERY SINGLE BOOK! I want to see a case or problem that doesn't come out of left field and is resolved (or stop-gapped) in about as much time. I know there's a lot to put in each book - especially if there's a case going on too. But it can be done! You know, like, a case that starts out small-time; something she consults on but wouldn't necessarily get involved with. A couple of days go by. There are some weird goings-on. People sleep. Some supernatural sexy stuff happens. Maybe another consult. ANITA DOES SOME INVESTIGATION. Things like research, or asking questions. Maybe someone comes after her and there's a firefight. THEN THERE'S SOME MORE SLEEP. Maybe some sex. Anita gets out her calculator and adds things up. Voila! Turns out it's all related! And she goes to hunt bad guys in their lairs.
SEE?! There's like a whole weeks' worth of time in there! I WOULD TAKE 7 DAYS, on occassion, OVER 3!
Hey, LKH - take your time. Use a smaller font again. I'd be willing to wait longer for AS WELL AS shell out $25-30 for a book that had 500 pages of size 12 rather than 500 pages of size 14 or 16 text.
Having said that, I actually very much enjoyed reading this latest installment in Anita Blake's soap-operatic love/work life. And it kind of gives me (possibly false) hope for the Anitaverse books-to-come.
Unrelatedly, I got home at 12-something last night, and went to sleep at 3am. Again. I think I want to go home and sleep ASAP.
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Date: 2009-09-01 10:17 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-09-02 01:45 pm (UTC)^^