Recently, Britain has lost two of their most talented actors. Both were well known for their roles in the science fiction show, Doctor Who. I am talking about the untimely deaths of Nicholas Courtney and Elisabeth Sladen.
Courtney's death, I learned by happenstance, was in late February. The exact cause of death was not given, but it sounds like it was cancer. Courtney has worked, in one way or another, in various roles throughout the 26 years of the original Doctor Who, working along side six of the seven incarnations of the lead character. He most often portrayed the character Brigadier Alistair Gordon Lethbridge-Stewart, one of the most beloved characters in Doctor Who. He reprised the role in more recent audio adventures of Doctor Who.
Then, not two days ago, I heard that Elisabeth Sladen died. She played Sarah Jane Smith, one of the most popular Doctor Who companions, and certainly one of the first headstrong, independent female characters in the show's history. She worked alongside the incomparable Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker for three and half years. She reprised her role in an episode of the new Doctor Who series, which led to a new spin-off show. Sladen became an icon for a new generation of children, and sadly, now she is gone.
I shall miss them both.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Sunday Movie: The Red Spectacles
When you think of surrealist films, Mamoru Oshii's name probably doesn't come up. Known more for his animated adaptation of the Ghost in the Shell series, Oshii's films focus more of the complex political/technological themes. "Kerberos Panzer Cops" is a series created by Oshii about an elite team of soldiers who work for, and above, the law. The series is most known for the iconic armor worn by said team.
"The Red Spectacles" is a live action film that works within the "Kerberos" series, but it's much different than the political/philosophical ramblings of "Jin-Roh," an animated film that mostly embodies the "Kerberos" series. "Spectacles" is about Koichi Todome, a somewhat bumbling character who does not seem like the same character, clad in that iconic armor, stoically escaping Japan and leaving his comrades behind to cover his escape. Years later, Koichi returns to Japan, seeking his old comrades and possibly more...
While the summary of the film seems straight forward, the actual film is anything but. Koichi's journey through his homeland is filled with bizarre characters and almost parody-like antics, all filmed in sepia colors. The heady mix of contemplation and slapstick humor keeps the film interesting, even if it never bothers to answers any of the questions it puts forth.
Who is the Red Riding Hood, whose face is plastered all over the city? What happened to Koichi's armor? What are the Red Spectacles? It doesn't really matter, because the journey is more interesting than the destination.
"The Red Spectacles" is a live action film that works within the "Kerberos" series, but it's much different than the political/philosophical ramblings of "Jin-Roh," an animated film that mostly embodies the "Kerberos" series. "Spectacles" is about Koichi Todome, a somewhat bumbling character who does not seem like the same character, clad in that iconic armor, stoically escaping Japan and leaving his comrades behind to cover his escape. Years later, Koichi returns to Japan, seeking his old comrades and possibly more...
While the summary of the film seems straight forward, the actual film is anything but. Koichi's journey through his homeland is filled with bizarre characters and almost parody-like antics, all filmed in sepia colors. The heady mix of contemplation and slapstick humor keeps the film interesting, even if it never bothers to answers any of the questions it puts forth.
Who is the Red Riding Hood, whose face is plastered all over the city? What happened to Koichi's armor? What are the Red Spectacles? It doesn't really matter, because the journey is more interesting than the destination.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Doctor Who's New Season
I've decided to cautiously optimistic about the new season of Doctor Who, as I am of most things. I like Matt Smith as the Doctor, though his interpretation is much more light and innocent than his predecessor's incarnation. The new season starts around Easter, which makes me wonder why the new series is fixated with Christian holidays.
I had watched the first couple episodes from the previous season, Smith's first, but I wasn't terribly happy with them. I'm willing to give the rest of the season a second chance, but BBC America has decided not to show them prior to the new season. Either case, the opener two parter sounds interesting (I guess) with the Doctor bouncing around Monument Valley and Area 51.
Neil Gaiman is also on tap to write a story about the Doctor's wife. Why him, but not Stephen Fry, I don't know. Fry was too busy, unfortunately, and season three lumbered on without him.
Well, how bad could it be anyway?
I had watched the first couple episodes from the previous season, Smith's first, but I wasn't terribly happy with them. I'm willing to give the rest of the season a second chance, but BBC America has decided not to show them prior to the new season. Either case, the opener two parter sounds interesting (I guess) with the Doctor bouncing around Monument Valley and Area 51.
Neil Gaiman is also on tap to write a story about the Doctor's wife. Why him, but not Stephen Fry, I don't know. Fry was too busy, unfortunately, and season three lumbered on without him.
Well, how bad could it be anyway?
Only Human Chapter 10: Eperdu
“You aren’t serious, are you?”
“Why not?” replied Zoey. “I think you owe me big time for everything, especially listening to you go on and on about your delusions.”
Zeitgeist fell silent. Zoey could make out air bubbles gurgling behind that reflective surface of his brain bin.
“Go ahead, then. If you can,” he said at last.
Zoey lowered the weapon. “Yesterday, I might have done it. Last week, more than probably. But today? Right now?” She turned her head, trying in vain to conceal her half grin. “I mean, just look at you. You’re like a toy that’s been played with too much.”
Zoey shook her head. “You’re practically immortal, but what’s the point? When’s the last time you took a walk in a park or spontaneously went out for lunch? Or stayed up late to watch a movie you’ve never heard but desperately wanted to know how it ended? Talking to a friend you hadn’t seen in years, or feeling someone’s lips pressing against yours? Being young and feeling unstoppable?”
“Sentimental drivel.”
“But that’s the whole reason for living. These things make human existence bearable. How can you claim to being able to rule over everyone when you can’t even relate to them anymore?”
“The things you described are but children’s playthings. I put them away a long time ago. My mind must always be focused on what’s important. I cannot entertain such distractions.”
“For what?” asked Zoey. “Because you cling to your abstract totems of power and control. The thing is you aren’t in control, Zeigeist. Look around you. You’re dependent on these drones and even kidnapped slaves to maintain your body. You’re even dependent on whatever it is you put in your body. Without them, you’re powerless.”
“Silence!” It was the first time that Zoey had ever heard him raise his voice.
“I spent every moment of my life, for better or worse, trying to accept the decisions I have made and hoping that tomorrow I’ll make better ones. That is how I became the person I am today, and I don’t need you or anyone else to tell me otherwise.
“In other words,” continued Zoey. “You have no power over me.”
“You have no right to talk to me like this. I could have you killed at the flip of a switch.”
“But you won’t. I’m one of your ‘creations,’ remember? I’m too valuable to kill.” Zoey smiled brightly, her heart thundering in her chest. “And even if you kill me, you’ll never be able to hurt me again.”
“Brave words, but I don’t need to kill you. I can still have you lobotomized. After that, you’ll happily strap Sara down while I do the same to her.”
Before Zoey could reply, a shrill alarm filled the air. Zeitgeist pressed a button on his controller, and a flat screen lowered itself from the ceiling. It displayed images of police officers in heavy gear swarming the once-vacant hallways above.
“So, it wasn’t a bluff,” said Zeitgeist.
“Was it?” Zoey suppressed her own surprise.
“Oh, well. The droids will make short work of them. Once I re-arm them….” Zoey ran and snatched the controller out of his right hand.
“I think this is where we part company,” said Zoey, giving him a half salute. “Let’s not do this again sometime. Hope you enjoy prison.”
Zoey ran out into the hallway, already greeted by the sounds of muffled gunfire. Hopefully, the police could handle the drones with their lethal firepower disabled. She tossed the controller down the hallway.
Had the inspector followed me here? Could my parents have told her where I went? Was there some other connection that the police made and I missed?
She made her way back to where the captives were being held. There was a lone drone still outside the door. It was easy for Zoey to take possession of its primitive mind. She led it inside where the captives were unsettled by the noise they heard.
“What’s going on out there?” demanded McDonnell.
“Everyone relax. That’s the police. They’re here to rescue you, I hope,” said Zoey. She nodded to the drone, and it obediently floated over and started to cut away their chains.
“I have to leave before they get here, and it’d be best if you all just forgot about me,” said Zoey. “Don’t worry about this little guy. I enabled his weapons package, but programmed to protect you until the police get here.” She was feeling a little self-conscious, because she still had the gun in her hand.
Please don’t think I’m some sociopath that’s working with Zeitgeist.
As she left the room, Zoey turned to see two police officers racing toward her. Already? Their helmets obscured their faces, but the slender form of the one in the lead was definitely female. The broader man behind her was carrying a large backpack.
“Zoey…,” was all the policewoman got out before Zoey charged her. Zoey tucked her head in and her shoulders out. The man, despite his size, managed to step out of the way, but Zoey clipped the policewoman setting her off balance.
Zoey didn’t stop to look back. She kept running down the hallway. Eventually, she found the elevator. As she waited for the door to open, there was a horrible screeching sound that filled her head with pain. For what she could tell, the noise was coming from where she had just been. And it was just her who was affected.
All the drones flocking in the opposite directions like a group of spooked bats. As the door finally opened, Zoey slid in and hit the top button. As it rose silently, the noise became dimmer and dimmer, and the pain eventually disappeared.
A little lightheaded, Zoey stumbled out of the elevator and walked up the same quiet hallway she went down what seemed like a year ago. Had the gunfire stopped or is it just soundproof? Was it all over? The secret doorway opened in front of her, leading her into the same dim garage.
Zoey walked around looking for the ramp out of the garage. When she saw the exit was covered by two police officers, she quietly went back the way she came. Zoey climbed up onto a car and proceeded to slide through the opening that she had squeezed through previously.
Dusting herself off, she slowly walked to the nearest bus station.
Click here to read Chapter 11
Written by J M Emmons. The story and all characters are copyrighted by J M Emmons.
“Why not?” replied Zoey. “I think you owe me big time for everything, especially listening to you go on and on about your delusions.”
Zeitgeist fell silent. Zoey could make out air bubbles gurgling behind that reflective surface of his brain bin.
“Go ahead, then. If you can,” he said at last.
Zoey lowered the weapon. “Yesterday, I might have done it. Last week, more than probably. But today? Right now?” She turned her head, trying in vain to conceal her half grin. “I mean, just look at you. You’re like a toy that’s been played with too much.”
Zoey shook her head. “You’re practically immortal, but what’s the point? When’s the last time you took a walk in a park or spontaneously went out for lunch? Or stayed up late to watch a movie you’ve never heard but desperately wanted to know how it ended? Talking to a friend you hadn’t seen in years, or feeling someone’s lips pressing against yours? Being young and feeling unstoppable?”
“Sentimental drivel.”
“But that’s the whole reason for living. These things make human existence bearable. How can you claim to being able to rule over everyone when you can’t even relate to them anymore?”
“The things you described are but children’s playthings. I put them away a long time ago. My mind must always be focused on what’s important. I cannot entertain such distractions.”
“For what?” asked Zoey. “Because you cling to your abstract totems of power and control. The thing is you aren’t in control, Zeigeist. Look around you. You’re dependent on these drones and even kidnapped slaves to maintain your body. You’re even dependent on whatever it is you put in your body. Without them, you’re powerless.”
“Silence!” It was the first time that Zoey had ever heard him raise his voice.
“I spent every moment of my life, for better or worse, trying to accept the decisions I have made and hoping that tomorrow I’ll make better ones. That is how I became the person I am today, and I don’t need you or anyone else to tell me otherwise.
“In other words,” continued Zoey. “You have no power over me.”
“You have no right to talk to me like this. I could have you killed at the flip of a switch.”
“But you won’t. I’m one of your ‘creations,’ remember? I’m too valuable to kill.” Zoey smiled brightly, her heart thundering in her chest. “And even if you kill me, you’ll never be able to hurt me again.”
“Brave words, but I don’t need to kill you. I can still have you lobotomized. After that, you’ll happily strap Sara down while I do the same to her.”
Before Zoey could reply, a shrill alarm filled the air. Zeitgeist pressed a button on his controller, and a flat screen lowered itself from the ceiling. It displayed images of police officers in heavy gear swarming the once-vacant hallways above.
“So, it wasn’t a bluff,” said Zeitgeist.
“Was it?” Zoey suppressed her own surprise.
“Oh, well. The droids will make short work of them. Once I re-arm them….” Zoey ran and snatched the controller out of his right hand.
“I think this is where we part company,” said Zoey, giving him a half salute. “Let’s not do this again sometime. Hope you enjoy prison.”
Zoey ran out into the hallway, already greeted by the sounds of muffled gunfire. Hopefully, the police could handle the drones with their lethal firepower disabled. She tossed the controller down the hallway.
Had the inspector followed me here? Could my parents have told her where I went? Was there some other connection that the police made and I missed?
She made her way back to where the captives were being held. There was a lone drone still outside the door. It was easy for Zoey to take possession of its primitive mind. She led it inside where the captives were unsettled by the noise they heard.
“What’s going on out there?” demanded McDonnell.
“Everyone relax. That’s the police. They’re here to rescue you, I hope,” said Zoey. She nodded to the drone, and it obediently floated over and started to cut away their chains.
“I have to leave before they get here, and it’d be best if you all just forgot about me,” said Zoey. “Don’t worry about this little guy. I enabled his weapons package, but programmed to protect you until the police get here.” She was feeling a little self-conscious, because she still had the gun in her hand.
Please don’t think I’m some sociopath that’s working with Zeitgeist.
As she left the room, Zoey turned to see two police officers racing toward her. Already? Their helmets obscured their faces, but the slender form of the one in the lead was definitely female. The broader man behind her was carrying a large backpack.
“Zoey…,” was all the policewoman got out before Zoey charged her. Zoey tucked her head in and her shoulders out. The man, despite his size, managed to step out of the way, but Zoey clipped the policewoman setting her off balance.
Zoey didn’t stop to look back. She kept running down the hallway. Eventually, she found the elevator. As she waited for the door to open, there was a horrible screeching sound that filled her head with pain. For what she could tell, the noise was coming from where she had just been. And it was just her who was affected.
All the drones flocking in the opposite directions like a group of spooked bats. As the door finally opened, Zoey slid in and hit the top button. As it rose silently, the noise became dimmer and dimmer, and the pain eventually disappeared.
A little lightheaded, Zoey stumbled out of the elevator and walked up the same quiet hallway she went down what seemed like a year ago. Had the gunfire stopped or is it just soundproof? Was it all over? The secret doorway opened in front of her, leading her into the same dim garage.
Zoey walked around looking for the ramp out of the garage. When she saw the exit was covered by two police officers, she quietly went back the way she came. Zoey climbed up onto a car and proceeded to slide through the opening that she had squeezed through previously.
Dusting herself off, she slowly walked to the nearest bus station.
Click here to read Chapter 11
Written by J M Emmons. The story and all characters are copyrighted by J M Emmons.
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