I finally saw 500 Days of Summer after some of my closest friends insisted that the movie was written about me (I know there’s a compliment hidden in there somewhere… ). I steered clear while it was in the theaters, figuring it was just another cutesy indie romp where everyone drives around on scooters, acting quirky while listening to The Shins.
And it was. In a way. But it wasn’t nearly as annoying as I thought it would be.
The moments where the film is most successful is when it allows us to use our imagination and insert ourselves into the film. In that way, the music montages carry more weight than the dialogue-driven scenes. And the use of split screen, which usually makes me panicky and nauseous, are some of the most moving and relatable moments in the story.
If you love Say Anything, and hold a place in your heart for the glory days of The WB, then you’re bound to enjoy 500 Days of Summer. But a word to the wise: see it alone.
I recently heard about Oasis frontman, Liam Gallagher, launching a new clothing, Pretty Green, and came across a couple interviews online.
I’ve always loved Liam’s style, which tends to land just outside the lines of mod fashion. Here he is talking about Pretty Green and what inspired him. I love where he says that he was the “first” to wear a parka in the 90’s, and the bright yellow one that he lost after going dancing at a Stone Roses concert. But my favorite part happens about halfway through when he runs into a woman and her friend in the back alley by the shop and they realize who he is. The way he handles that moment, and what the woman says to him, reminded me of just how important a figure like Liam is to his fellow Brit, and how proud they are of their boys – a moment of kindness and appreciation felt both ways.
And here’s another video that takes you a bit deeper into the line. I want Liam to design a Sparrow Hall parka. Or maybe I’ll just have to do it myself.
This was taken last year while I was out rummaging around Upstate NY with Nathan Parker, screenwriter of MOON. I was just in Cold Spring this past week and remembered this image and felt like it was about time I posted it.
I. Can. Not. Wait. For. Spring.
View other photos of New York State by Sparrow Hall on Flickr >
Joseph Kosinski, director of Disney’s upcoming Tron Legacy, talks about treating the original film as historical fact, and how ENCOM has grown to become the most successful digital company in the world.
The Edge of the Empire / Battenkill State Forest / Photograph by Sparrow Hall
This was taken on Route 313 coming out of Cambridge, NY, heading east towards the border of Vermont. Route 313 cuts through a valley through the foothills of the Green Mountains. This wall of trees is at the edge of Battenkill State Forest—at the very edge of New York State.
2009 had its share of challenges. And now as we enter 2010—as we see things beginning to take a better shape for America—our neighbors in Haiti are going through one of the most devastating moments in human history.
We now have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the Haitian people, and to use this travesty as a catalyst to help build a new, stronger foundation for prosperity.
Helping couldn’t be easier. You can literally donate by text. Here’s how you do it:
These $10 donations really add up. To give you a sense… Since the fund was introduced just a few weeks ago, over 131,000 contributions have flooded in from all over the United States. I hope you’ll join us in making a difference.
