Monday, November 28, 2011

On Forgetting November and Hugo in 3D

This past weekend was full of so many wonderful happenings, I barely know where to begin. The weather in the northeast has been extraordinary and I was reminded, as I am each year when November breezes through with its mild temperatures and canvas blue skies, of an old Professor who once said during an unbearably cold winter in Boston, Everybody forgets November. Remember how lucky we were in November.

Over the weekend I saw family, rode my bicycle great distances, ate Tapas, went to a college hockey game with friends, listened to my favorite radio show, and finished reading a book. I wrote and rewrote so much of my novel. Turned over a new writing project for review. I put up my little Christmas tree and experimented with new ice cream flavors (homemade butterscotch pie crumble-- yes, I made it up.)

And I also saw Hugo in 3D. Probably one of the most visually stunning films I have seen in a long time.

For those of you who love to go to the movies, I urge you to see this. It is an absolute love affair with film. There are films within this film itself. It honors the medium, its history and its future. It shows what has been done with the moving image, what can be done, what will.

As a writer, I will admit, there are major story problems. At times, my heart fell, thinking how extraordinary the film could have been if they got that part right. The pacing felt off. Convictions were unecessarily extreme. Characters gave in too easily. Backstories were overdone or nonexistent. Dialogue often trite. And, sometimes, longing looks and Bergmanesque holds on facial expressions were excruciatingly long.

But, as someone who loves beautiful things, who cries while listening to good music, who tries desperately to wake up to see a sunrise (and so often fails), this movie took my breath away.

Have you seen the film?

12 comments:

  1. I am so desperate to see Hugo. Just to see it. That's all I want to do (not listen, not analyze, just witness).

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  2. You are so right about November! I normally cringe at the name of the month. It means report cards and parent conferences to me. I often forget just how gorgeous it can be.

    As for Hugo, I'm not sure it appeals to me. I think I would be frustrated by the lack of depth in the story if it's as you describe. I understand it's visually beautiful -- but why can't it be both?

    I ask a lot of my movies. ;)

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  3. I've been wondering about Hugo - the book is stunning and I worried the movie wouldn't live up to it.

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  4. I've heard great things about Hugo, but it's nice to have more than one recommendation.

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  5. It's a movie I've been interested in, and I heard the books are pretty good. I'm glad you had a great month! I'm loving this month, too. And I look forward to December. :D

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  6. I've seen trailers for 'Hugo' and have been debating whether to see it or not. After your recommendation, I think I might be going to the cinema to see this!

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  7. All of the sudden there are like, ten movies out that I want to see. Now this one too. Thanks for the thoughts :) I'll go in with the right expectations now.

    Sarah Allen
    (my creative writing blog)

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  8. I thought you were going to say you hated the movie when I saw your post title. I am really looking forward to this movie. I will probably forgive all the things you've listed if it's that pretty to look at.

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  9. I haven't seen Hugo or any movie lately. :( Everyone seems to busy or tired to go to the movies.

    I'm glad you had such a nice Thanksgiving break. :D

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  10. My husband mentioned he wanted to see Hugo, and I was so excited! I didn't even consider seeing it in 3D, so I know he will really be on board for that!

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  11. I'm putting Hugo on my list of films to see.

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  12. I've heard great things about Hugo. It's on my to-see list. And usually I never see 3D movies, but I heard, like Avatar, the 3D in Hugo is incredible and well worth the surcharge.

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