#like his background is so interesting to me he is so enigmatic
Text
“Just because you see a smile, don’t think you know what’s going on underneath.”
#cw blood#hazbin hotel#alastor#hazbin hotel spoilers#human alastor#this quote was crazy#like his background is so interesting to me he is so enigmatic#like to have the background he has from the time he is from with the knowledge of what he becomes?????#sooo intriguing#my doods#anyway still killing time til the finale
8K notes
·
View notes
Text
It's said that the only way to access Mhin's red choice is by choosing the Alchemist background, and that fact alone has me thinking about how the origin stories will actually impact the course of the game at full release. I wouldn't assume that you have to choose a certain origin to get a "good" or "bad" ending for a specific character, but (as stated by RSS directly) different origin stories will allow the main character to connect differently with each of the main five love interests.
Obviously, this isn't revolutionary, but I wanted to touch on which origins I think will be best suited for each route, based solely on scraps from the demo lol
For Kuras, I think the Alchemist and the Unnamed suit him the best. The former really comes from the fact that Ais' relationship chart suggests Kuras likes to ramble about alchemy, and because it has a lot to do with his role as a doctor, I would assume it opens up a lot of opportunities for him to connect with the Alchemist MC. I am more convinced of the latter based on the actual content of the demo. If you played the Unnamed origin, you may remember when the MC states that something about Kuras "nags" at them, "like a half-formed memory". This small line can obviously allude to Kuras not being human (and the Unnamed MC can pick up on it because of their sensitivity to the supernatural), or it could also imply that maybe this background gives the MC and Kuras a deeper sort of association with one another. I also encourage you to consider the dynamic of an excommunicated oracle in love with an excommunicated divine eldritch being.
It shocks no one that the Alchemist is probably the best route for Leander, and I maybe want to say the Hound could possibly be a good option in the future. The Alchemist can pinpoint exactly what about Leander's magic abilities makes him powerful, and obviously, this mutual connection will probably allow for plenty of unique interactions in his route. Sit on the fact that the MC had been mentored (manipulated) by an ex-Senobium mage, only to fall right back into the hands of another (pseudo-Senobium-affiliated) mage with sketchy intentions and big secrets... hmmm interestinggg...
As for the Hound, I realize (admittedly upon limited playthroughs with this origin), that the dialogue never really changes for Leander's scenes. However, he is still an enigmatic socialite running a cult-gang, so surely the Hound will have some unique thoughts on Leander in his route and may eventually be able to see through this "nice guy" facade that Vere is so insistent he's parading around with? Just a thought.
As for my thoughts on Vere, I somehow have many and none at the same time. The one I'm pretty certain about is the Alchemist because they have unique dialogue acknowledging that Vere's collar is enchanted. I think the Hound may also work with his route, but I'm only basing that on the unique dialogue after the first encounter with Vere, wondering how he managed to pickpocket them without a sign, tell, or slip-up. The Hound has good social intuition, which is at least somewhat useful in dealing with Vere and his contradictory personality.
Ais comes naturally to the Unnamed, having an abundance of unique lines towards him more than the other characters. Not only does the Unnamed MC feel uneasy and hear unnatural sounds leading up to the Seaspring, but they also are the only one out of the three origins who has a distinct connection to "groupminds". The main character also notes that his tattoo (relating to Ocudeus) almost looks like it's moving. Similarly to Kuras, I like to think of the dynamic between a runaway ex-oracle crossing paths with a demonic being with cult-like worshipers...
I predict the Hound will also suit Ais' route, based on how extensive their unique dialogue of Ais' natural leadership skills is. This origin is also the only one that actually details why his "gang leader" status contradicting the lack of an actual gang is so strange. The Hound comes from a more directly rugged life, and Ais takes an interest in the MC being feisty and defiant, so I'd guess that'll come into play somehow.
Back to square one on this whole overexplained talking point, Mhin obviously has some special connection to the Alchemist (or vice versa), if it wasn't obvious by the fact that Mhin's only red choice in the demo so far is only available with the Alchemist background. I think the Alchemist's unique connection to the Senobium through their mentor may come up, as Mhin's bio page says that they like the Senobium. The bio page also says they enjoy conducting alchemical experiments, which will connect the two even more.
Once again, I think the Hound will also suit Mhin's route, based on little evidence and mostly just because Mhin and the Hound have similar vibes.
All of that said, I want to reiterate that I'm not under the impression that one origin will give you better or worse endings than the others, but rather unique choices and extra details based on their strengths. Regardless of how well one origin pairs with a LI, I will still probably be playing through each route with my own biased favorite (the Unnamed, if you were curious (I know you were not)). At the end of the day, it allows us to replay the game over and over to see what special changes and choices are available, so that will be very exciting.
#touchstarved game#touchstarved#touchstarved kuras#touchstarved leander#touchstarved vere#touchstarved ais#touchstarved mhin
159 notes
·
View notes
Text
Let’s talk about Hong Lu’s poster
Summary:
Introduction
The paifang
Where is Hong Lu?
The reality of Hong Lu
{Skip the introduction if you’re only interested in the analysis of the character of Hong Lu and his poster}
I/ Introduction
Today I would like to offer you an analysis of Hong Lu's character poster. Although it is difficult to know what these character posters seek to show, apart from presenting characters, it is clear that each of them possesses clues about the sinners’ past and especially where the character represented comes from.
For example, we could see the pallid whale destroying the Pequod on Ishmael's poster, although it was easy to make the connection with Moby Dick, the poster also showed us that Ishmael had a history with a white whale and was a survivor of a shipwreck.
I am not sure if all the information is equally valuable according to the posters because, for example, Sinclair's poster is quite enigmatic and does not really show a specific event or place, or at least I do not recognize it.
But that does not stop me from believing that what is depicted behind the sinners is supposed to be related to the sinner, yes, but also, I think, related to a wing or place in the city that was important in the sinner's past.
I even wonder if the moment/place represented is not supposed to represent the place where the sinner decided to join the company.
Why do I say this? Well, you can see behind Rodion's character a casino setting, whereas her ego and space generated by the golden bough were affiliated with a world of ice. So why does Rodion's poster show her in front of an environment reminiscent of a casino? Perhaps it is to evoke her love for gambling as well as her ability to bluff and her desire for money, but if we look at Rodion's photo in the identity archive menu:
We can see Rodion in an outfit we have never seen her in before, an outfit that closely resembles what someone might wear at a casino. We have never seen how Rodion was recruited by Limbus Company, but if we follow the logic I just proposed, Rodion would have been recruited in a casino.
This logic seems credible and yet doubtful when we look at the case of Yi-sang.
For the moment, Yi-Sang is the only sinner whose recruitment by Limbus Company we know:
We know he was coming out of the laboratory where he was held by Gubo, the same laboratory we can see behind him on his poster.
But here's the catch: this is how Yi-sang was dressed when he met Faust VS versus what Yi-sang looks like on his photo in the identity archive:
But hold on! I may have an explanation for this difference:
Yes, in the first image, Yi-Sang is not wearing his scientist coat, but he is indeed wearing the gray shirt, and I think Yi-Sang was indeed dressed with his coat initially, I think he just took it off in the left image.
So yes, it sounds like a lame excuse, but look at how Yi-Sang was dressed before this scene (when he was held captive).
Boom, there it is, that scientist coat. Yi-Sang was indeed dressed as he was in that laboratory when his photo for the company was taken.
But here's the second little hiccup: we don't know how much time separates Yi-Sang's escape and his encounter with Faust...
But if what is depicted behind the sinners is not toward the place/moment where he was recruited by Limbus Company, then I think the place depicted behind the sinner is still a place/moment that shaped the sinner and convinced them to join Limbus Company.
II/ The Paifang
After this brief analysis that raised many questions, I would especially like us to keep the idea that what is depicted behind Hong Lu is related to him and the wing (or other place in the city) where he comes from.
Let's continue:
To make the understanding and analysis of the poster simpler, I decided to divide it into 6 zones:
Red: character
Dark blue: background area with tall buildings —> the city / what is behind the paifang
Purple: Paifang
Light blue: distorted and highly colorful area / portails
Orange: what surrounds the sides of the paifang
Green: the ground and what is in front of the paifang
Even if sometimes I won't do it, I will now also use this color code to target specific areas of the poster when needed.
Well, first of all, I'm going to talk about the purple area, which is everything related to the Paifang, which is a very important element of this poster:
This Paifang, which looks like it's made of (red?) wood, seems to be surrounded by tall walls as we can see in the orange area.
So it seems that this Paifang is the only entrance and exit between two spaces. Indeed, if this Paifang is surrounded by walls and (assuming) they extend over a long distance, we can quickly conclude that this passage is the only one that could allow someone to enter or leave a closed space (we will come back to these ideas a little later).
Returning to the Paifang, it seems to perfectly fit the definition I found of a Paifang: "A Paifang is a traditional Chinese architectural structure in the form of a portico or arch, usually placed at the entrance of important places such as cities, temples, or properties. These symbolic gateways are often richly decorated and serve as monumental entry points."
I think the main idea to remember is that this Paifang is a gate/a means of passage, and I think it is the only gate allowing travel between the two spaces it separates.
But what does this gateway separate? Well, I think we have an answer with the inscription in the middle of this Paifang:
Indeed, what is written in the middle behind Hong Lu is this: 境幻虚太 (Jing Huan Xu Tai), we can recognize 4 distinct characters:
境: Realm
幻: Illusory
虚: Void
太: Great
But what is most surprising is that this phrase is actually written backward; indeed, in Chinese, it should be written 太虚幻境 (especially when we know what this combination means, especially in Dream of the Red Chamber), and here it is written as if it had been reflected in a mirror. We know that mirrors play a very important role in Limbus Company, but we will come back to this idea of a mirror a little later.
{Update : I was informed that the ordering of character written on the paifang is actually correct for traditional Chinese writing and for when the characters have to be placed horizontally (especially when you have to write on a space which does not really allow you to write in the vertical like on this paifan). The fact remains that the name of Hong Lu's weapon is therefore written in backward, so why? I don't really have an explanation now... and I have to admit that I still like my first analysis and I still think it is (a little) relevant in a way, so I invit you to keep reading (while keeping this in mind)}
For now, I would like to return to the meaning of what is written on this Paifang; indeed, once the combination of these 4 characters is reversed, it refers to a very important place in Dream of the Red Chamber: "Illusory Land of Great Void" or "Land of Illusion".
We can therefore conclude that this Paifang overlooks the "Land of Illusion" and separates/is the gateway between these two worlds, which are the "Land of Illusion" and, I think, the city.
Which is reminiscent of its “equivalent” in the novel since in the novel there is also a mention of a gate which separates the world of illusions from the rest or at least which indicates its entry point
{Side note: Strangely, this is not the only time that "太虚幻境" appears on the poster since it also appears just at the bottom right, and yes, "Land of Illusion" is also the name of Hong Lu's weapon, but that's not all! It is of course also the name of his EGO.
We can therefore see that the "Land of Illusion" is used to define many things related to or belonging to Hong Lu.}
In the novel Dream of the Red Chamber, The Land of Illusion is a domain where illusions and fantasies come to life. However, despite its enticing and enchanting appearance, this fictional world is also fraught with dangers and traps as it can lead individuals into deceptive illusions and prevent them from perceiving the truth.
However, a very interesting analysis of the Land of Illusion parallels this place with the Prospect Garden, which is the garden where Baoyu lives with his cousins and servants. It is the setting for many events in the novel and is also a haven of peace cut off from the rest of the world where its inhabitants can indulge in their idle and luxurious lives.
When Baoyu first visits this garden, he feels like he has been here before, and indeed, this garden actually reminds Baoyu of the place he visited in his dreams: the Land of Illusion.
A fantastical literary garden devoted to pleasure and love, which recalls the hero's dream of love and evokes in him a sense of the uncanny, will lead the reader to realize that Prospect Garden is the Land of Illusion. Eden, emptied of humanity, may remain a pristine ideal.
The Prospect Garden becomes a Buddhist allegory of experience. It blooms and withers with the ebb and flow of human desires and longings, but it is also a fictional world, imagined, the stuff of dreams.
The Prospect Garden is the earthly manifestation of the Land of Illusion, just as Baoyu is the physical earthly reincarnation of the stone.
III/ Where is Hong Lu?
After discussing what The Land of Illusion is and what this Paifang separated or rather where it leads to, it's time to ask a question: on which side is Hong Lu on his poster?
The Paifang already gives us an indication of this: since we can read "Land of Illusion" backward.
So I think we can deduce that Hong Lu is currently on the side of the "Land of Illusion" because if we follow the theory that the writing on the Paifang is reversed because Hong Lu is in a mirror world, then it's easy to guess that on the other side (the non-visible face) of the Paifang, we could read "The Land of Illusion" written correctly because this Paifang does lead to the "Land of Illusion."
To support this assertion (that Hong Lu is on the side of "The Land of Illusions"), I invite you to look at the dark blue area.
We can see tall buildings bathed in a red/black color; I think this modern aesthetic and these colors are supposed to remind us of the city, whose red color is often associated with —> just look at the map to notice this.
But that's not all: the color red is associated with the red dust by which Buddhism refers to the earthly realm, which contrasts sharply with the luxury brought to mind by the vernacular use of red.
Red dust is a symbol of the impermanence and transience of human life in Chinese philosophy.
It represents the reality of life as transient and ephemeral, reminding individuals that everything in this world is subject to change and disappearance. This notion is often used in Chinese literature and poetry to express the human condition and the importance of fully living each moment, knowing that nothing is permanent.
Red dust is used to talk about our world and our existence on it, which is but a short-lived illusion filled with suffering, to talk about the mundane world.
In Limbus Company, this world of Red Dust, this illusory world, is the city, and this bubbled paradise is "The Land of Illusion."
But how do we know that Hong Lu is indeed walking on the water of what I have been calling "The Land of Illusion" all this time?
Well, a clue might give us the answer; I invite you to look at the green area.
We can see that Hong Lu is walking on water, which already evokes the notion of "reflection" and this idea that The Land of Illusion is a mirrored world of the world of red dust, as is "The Land of Illusion" in the novel, but that's not all.
I will have to step away from Hong Lu's poster for a moment to look at an image present during the Limbus Company launch trailer.
Although nothing I'm about to say has been confirmed, I don't think it's too farfetched to say that we can see in this image a past version of Hong Lu, before he joined the company when he was at home, probably the Jia family manor (or at least its version of LCB).
What's interesting about this image is the color of the sky: this blue fading towards turquoise. We've seen it elsewhere before:
And yes! I am convinced that this blue space we can see in the cutscene of Hong Lu's EGO is supposed to be the sky from his home. And what is Hong Lu's EGO called? Land of Illusion.
Furthermore, I think that this blue sky is meant to contrast with the red sky of the city. Thus, the separation between the two is even more accentuated, as it was with the Paifang that clearly separated the two realities.
So, I believe that we can conclude that Hong Lu lives in the Land of Illusion.
This idea that the world in which Hong Lu lived is "The Land of Illusion" is emphasized by another detail: the reflection of the moon in the water.
In Buddhism, the image of the moon in the water is often used as a metaphor to illustrate the illusory nature of reality or the nature of conditioned existence. This metaphor is often associated with the practice of meditation and understanding the nature of the mind.
The moon in the water appears clearly and distinctly, but it is unstable and transitory, as it is subject to the movements of the water. Similarly, in daily life, what we perceive as reality is often changing, impermanent, and conditioned by multiple factors.
This metaphor thus emphasizes the importance of recognizing the illusory and impermanent nature of reality and not attaching to appearances or transient phenomena. In summary, in Buddhism, the image of the moon in the water is used to illustrate the illusory nature of reality and to encourage the practice of meditation and the search for the true nature of the mind.
I think that this image of the moon in the water is meant to make us understand the true nature of the place where Hong Lu walks: it is The Land Of Illusion, which is nevertheless Hong Lu's reality.
IV/ The Reality of Hong Lu
Indeed, I will now delve into an explanation, and I will try not to get confused. For this, we must now look at a very important excerpt when analyzing the novel Dream of the Red Chamber:
"Truth becomes fiction when the fiction's true; Real becomes not-real when the unreal's real."
This idiom is not just written anywhere in the world of the novel; it is located on the Paifang serving as the border and gateway to the Land of Illusion, and there is a good chance that it is also on the Paifang that we see behind Hong Lu.
This idiom makes us understand that reality is actually fiction and that fiction is actually the real world. It invites us to reverse our perception of realities and to consider what is called "real" as false and what is called “false” as real.
Here, I think, it is about understanding that Hong Lu's reality, which is (in) the Land of Illusions, is actually a fictitious and false world. Where the city, which is an unknown and completely foreign world to Hong Lu, which could be seen by him as a fictional world that is not real, is actually the real world, whereas the world he considers real is (his home) actually a false world.
To be honest, I cheated a bit because even though the reflection of the moon in the water is used to evoke a world of illusion for Buddhism, and even though I think it can indeed refer to the fact that Hong Lu is on the side of the "Land of Illusion", I think above all that this reflection is meant to make us understand that this world where Hong Lu is located has an illusory nature of reality + a nature of conditioned existence.
This brings me to talk again about Prospect Garden, which I think is the place where Hong Lu grew up but is especially the place from which Hong Lu must escape.
Prospect Garden is, as mentioned earlier, the Land of Illusion materialized in the real world and is therefore a domain where illusions and fantasies come to life, that is, a place where Baoyu bathed in luxury and idleness.
In "Dream of the Red Chamber," Jia Baoyu is often faced with symbolic choices between staying in Prospect Garden, which often represents the materialistic world and earthly pleasures, or setting out in search of spiritual enlightenment. His journey to enlightenment often involves leaving the illusions and distractions of the material world represented by Prospect Garden. Thus, it is often suggested that to achieve enlightenment, Jia Baoyu must move away from Prospect Garden and seek a true understanding of himself and the world around him.
At the end of the novel, Jia Baoyu (the figure who is supposed to have inspired Hong Lu) realizes the illusory nature of his life and realizes that Prospect Garden was only a world where he was trapped by the illusory pleasures of life, and that is why at the end Jia Baoyu decides to break with his previous life and leave the garden (as well as the rest of his family).
I think we are going to go to Hong Lu’s home to realise that he was literally living in a bubbled space and we will go to the Land of Illusion which, I think, will also be the Prospect Garden.
And the fact that the words are reverse like if they were reflected in a mirror helps, I think, to support on the idea that Hong Lu's world/reality is a reflection of the real world but where everything is distorted/inverted (a symbol I also think of Hong Lu's ignorance and his strange vision of the world) and that this illusion glass will break little by little
We also have to remember the sentence
"Truth becomes fiction when the fiction's true; Real becomes not-real when the unreal's real.
And remember that what is true is actually false / wrong according to this. So maybe, if this idea from the novel is kept, the world where Hong Lu is living is just a big lie where everything is just a smoke screen and that Hong Lu is living in denial, prefering to accept this illusion so that his world / vision of reality or truth is not shattered.
So, I think that Hong Lu, during his chapter, will have to understand that his reality is not true and learn to leave the land of illusion to find the truth because it seems to me that one of the theme of Hong Lu will turn around the theme of truth and reality.
#limbus company#hong lu lcb#project moon#analysis#theory#SN: I am so hype for Canto VI !!#so let's talk about Hong Lu while everyone else is talking about Heathcliff lol#of course it s just a theory and my interpretation#so I may be wrong or have misunderstood the character or even the book maybe#even if I really tried to do a maximum of research on the subject#Anyway I hope you'd enjoyed it !
80 notes
·
View notes
Text
The Best of Lies - Jade
Authors Notes: Yet another Octavinelle fic. I swear they aren't my favorite dorm. This fic actually came together rather quickly and without me listening to much in the way of background music. To be honest, it just kind of happened. As per usual, reader is gender-neutral. Hope you enjoy!
Type: Fluff/gender-neutral reader
Word count: 845
The best of lies were those that held at least some small truth.
When you had first heard that statement you would’ve never thought you would meet someone who so embodied it.
And yet here you sat, across from Jade Leech, methodically wrapping utensils and folding napkins while Floyd got scolded by Azul yet again.
All of the students in the Octavinelle dorm were rather crafty, this was a well-known truth of NRC. Jade, however, took that craftiness to a whole other level. He was so good at lying that sometimes it was hard to tell what parts of his personality were genuine and what parts weren’t.
You wouldn’t have been surprised if Vil tried to nab him for one of his little films considering what an actor Octavinelle’s vice-housewarden was.
Perhaps that was what made Jade so interesting though. After all, a man with an air of mystery was supposed to be more fascinating.
Either way, you assumed it was Jade’s puzzle like nature that intrigued you. How much of his mask was false and how much of it was true? Did he have more than one mask that he donned? You’d only ever been greeted by his butler persona…..
You were reasonably sure that his politeness wasn’t totally faked. While it was true that it was occasionally faked depending on who he was dealing with, it was a little too kneejerk to be wholly false. Either way, it served as the perfect mask for his taste for chaos that you had glimpsed in the past.
His teasing nature also seemed genuine. Possibly a small bit of playfulness that slipped through the cracks of his supposedly gentlemanly character.
And that gentlemanly character led you to that butler persona of his…. You didn’t entirely know what to make of that other than it possibly put some of his victims at ease.
His love, or perhaps obsession, for mushrooms was definitely real. No one, not even a first rate actor such as Vil, could fake that level of emphaticness.
Mismatched eyes met yours and an enigmatic grin spread across his face, “I cannot say I am accustomed to being analyzed so…. Is something the matter, dear Prefect?”
The vaguely affectionate title slipped from his lips, going almost entirely unnoticed as you realized you had been staring at the young man you’d just been pondering.
“Ah… No. I was just thinking, I suppose,” You airly waved away his question as you searched for a topic of conversation. The atmosphere was distinctly awkward now that you’d been caught.
Or at least you felt it was awkward. Jade, on the other hand, seemed completely comfortable.
“If you have a question, you need only ask,” His smile was polite, if a little amused, as he pressed you.
Briefly faltering, you asked the first question that came to mind, “What do you think of me?”
He looked just as startled as you felt. That hadn’t been what you meant to ask…. But then, considering your previous line of thought about what you thought of him, it wasn’t that odd of a question.
Flustered by the possible misunderstandings, you fumbled to explain yourself, “I mean… Just in general! As a person…”
You trailed off as his surprise morphed into amusement that was more palpable than his previous mirth. A new smile curved across his face and his previously mechanical motions slowed, “Just in general, hm?”
You nodded, awkwardly redirecting your attention to the utensils in your hand in an attempt to avoid the glimmer that had appeared in his eyes.
“I admit you caught me off-guard.… But I think you are rather odd,” You froze at his rather nonchalant statement. Looking back at him in slight disbelief. It was odd to hear the usually slippery man be so obviously frank.
You must have made a face at him when you’d looked up at him since he almost immediately chuckled. A controlled, but authentic sound that had you questioning all your past choices, “Don’t get me wrong, Prefect. I meant it as a compliment. One of the highest I can offer.”
Sharp teeth flashed briefly as he smiled, an expression that was touch more real than the carefully formed polite, but cold smiles he showed customers.
You couldn’t deny you were oddly fascinated, abandoning your previous work as if that could help you better listen to him when he continued, “Difference is one of the many spices of life that keeps things interesting.”
He paused briefly, as if to let his words sink in before he finished. Making you wonder if there was some double meaning to his statements.
“So I suppose I do find you rather….” He paused again, eyes glimmering like he knew he had your undivided attention and was reveling in it, “Interesting.”
And there it was. A new puzzle laid at your feet like a gift from the man who smiled at you for just a beat longer than necessary before returning to his steady work.
What was the real meaning behind those words, his smile, and this oddly intimate moment?
#Jade leech x reader#Twisted wonderland x reader#twisted wonderland imagines#jade leech#Disney TW#twst#jade x y/n#jade x you#twisted wonderland x you#twisted wonderland x y/n#twst x reader#twst x y/n#twst x you#Octavinelle#Azul and Floyd are mentioned but just in passing.#fluff#mywritings#fanfiction#fanfic#reader insert#gender neutral reader
274 notes
·
View notes
Text
Watching the S4 xmas special (in May yes yes shush) and it just hit me when Julian & Pat are downstairs with the presents & Pat watches his family xmas tapes for the first time - Julian’s there too, stood behind him.
Like, his first thought was it’d be a bluey because that’s something he’d want - idk, I think that initial selfish reaction is quite telling. He’s very detached from thinking of others which is why him watching Pat’s family from the literal shadows is so poignant? Because it’s so foreign to him watching Pat’s children with personalities other than screaming babies & just, yeah, I suppose it’s a snippet of what it could’ve been for him if he stuck around a bit more.
Now to Pat what’s initially perceived as happiness turns to upset but to Julian? That table is probably gold dust.
Like Pat’s perception of Christmas and family is entirely perfectionist and ideological; dissatisfied by one lighthearted mockery yet Julian?? He never had any of that - even the physicality of his background stage presence & his face’s cut off warrants an enigmatic detachment as oppose to Pat’s seat front and centre (the lighting highlights this too). Julian admires the jokes he couldn’t make himself despite the cliché. Note the sense of irony as he goes to look at his calendar (some things never change) - he gave it a once over before concluding that’s not his place.
Julian’s probably watching awed by what Pat considered normal cause he never had that connection or closeness. I just find the duality of Family dynamics really interesting in this scene…
#sorry bit of a rant#bbc ghosts#julian fawcett#pat butcher#I’ve worded this horrifically I do apologise#hopefully this kinda makes sense?
116 notes
·
View notes
Note
the lack of monster fics on every platform i know is tragic i fear
you're right, it is a travesty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
... although, i can admit that monster's a tricky series to write for. naoki urasawa is a master at creating characters, coming even close to depicting them in a way that resembles their canon iteration is no easy feat. i rewatched scenes with johan multiple times to try and get his speaking pattern down, but i still nitpick the dialogue i wrote for him to this day 😭 the visual and audio aspects really helps in adding the enigmatic air that makes johan so special. lighting, framing, background music, his calm, soothing voice; replicating that strictly with words is a challenge.
while i've read about some interesting/mysterious characters, i think that the only one that's come close to giving me the uneasy impression johan does whenever he's present is the judge from blood meridian. that book gave me a lot of ideas for how to better depict a character that intrigues the reader. i'll have to try using what i learned the next time i write a johan fic.
it's sad that there aren't more fics for monster, but at least the fanart is absolutely stunning!! some of the works i've seen of johan and tenma look like they belong in an art museum. it's insane.
23 notes
·
View notes
Text
Saltburn
Hi, I am King, and this is PestoButGay.
Talking of gay, have you seen Saltburn Yet? The homoerotic period piece that lead to a bajillion TikTok’s of men walking around their houses with imitating ART as Sophie Ellis Baxter plays in the background?
Saltburn, transports viewers to the idyllic Saltburn House, where the lives of its residents are set against the backdrop of a picturesque summer sandwiched between uni years at Oxford.
Quite similarly I was asked to my friends summer house in a seaside town of Lyme, equally gay, but a bit less of the whole drinking cummy bath water.
The film follows the eclectic cast, as we follow Oliver, played by Barry Keoghan in awe over Felix, Jacob Elordi, as we are pulled through a scarily British cast ranging from Rosamund Pike to Richard E.Grant and their pets that reside at Saltburn house, from the enigmatic Venetia, to the eccentric Farleigh, or the wine aunt we all have, Pamela. The film, written by Rosamund Pike, as the characters navigate love, loss, and even the passage of time in the quintessentially British setting and class divides we have all become so used to.
What I really love, is the way the house and class is a sort of character in itself in the film. “Saltburn” was this character referred to as if it was heaven, it serves as more than a backdrop for the unfolding drama, it breathes and represents so much more than looks. It feels like its a fully realised character, with its own quirks, history and personality, I even picked on references to minotaurs or paintings like The Garden of Earthly Delights.
"Saltburn" explores the theme of class as another character in the story with the divide between the residents of the estate and the working-class inhabitants of the town to the subtle power dynamics at play within each social dynamic. The film's exploration of class consciousness and the inherent tensions between privilege and poverty adds depth and complexity to its characters and their interactions, shedding light on the broader social landscape of post-war Britain. And I love it even more because 2006 is the perfect setting for this that encapsulates all of those themes, and I think it is so interesting that what for many of us was our childhood can be considered a period piece.
I think I would give it about a 3 and a half stars to be annoying. The half star is purely because we got to see Barry Keoghan naked.
***.
In all honesty, what was that? Man! What a brilliant but also terrible but also stunning and grotesque and stupid and amazing film, yet the film loses me the most at the end. Basically up until he kills Venetia i’m with it! But then it unravels and i understand the thought behind it but at the same time its all dumb!!!!!!!!
I loooved the acting, Rosamund Pike especially but strong performances across the board. Visually stunning, all the things you want in a film, like constantly i found myself grinning at how well shots were put together or the way colours bounced off one another.
The shock value all kinda works for me, where as others looked like they had seen a ghost, I was sat there like it was any other day of the week, It worked for me, the like sexual shock value like the bathtub and the vampire and the grave was all a lotta fun. It just sticks the landing so much to the point it drags down the whole film.
I think the ending would be fine (still bad, but fine) if it didn’t re-contextualise other parts of the film from earlier and give them worse meaning!! he doesn’t need to be this mastermind what the hell is the point in that, let him be a weird little Liverpudlian freak who’s psychosexually obsessed with a 6'6 man and his big ass house like I thought this film was going to be about! Him being from Liverpool had so much potential for further analysis and points to be made to critique North/South class divides and dynamics in place in British society, that were just sort of lost and that was such a shame
i can see my opinion changing, either for the good or the worse tbh, depending on how it sits with me and whether i find myself thinking about the good or the bad more.
3 notes
·
View notes
Note
Hello! I have come to incite violence! Choose Violence ask meme: 7, 16, and 14 (about L)
What character did you begin to hate not because of canon but because of how the fandom acts about them?
The main one for this for me is Mello, which I touched on in another ask (I just think he's a bit of a boring character in canon despite how dramatic he's written to be, and the way he gets portrayed in most fan stuff doesn't often make him that much more interesting or endearing to me, as it's rarely ever focusing on any of the stuff about him I actually want to know more about). But I might also add Matt into here as well? He's definitely a bit of an oddly funny scene-stealer to me in canon, but I think he got overhyped so much in the fandom that it makes me want to just ignore him most of the time out of spite instead of appreciate him even more, lol.
You can't understand why so many people like this thing (characterization, trope, headcanon, etc.)
I don't like having either Light or L decide to give up on their attempts to win for each other in the canon storyline! They're spicy and fun together exactly because they WON'T do that for each other under any circumstances, and I love how excruciatingly difficult they are to get together without annoying complications somehow this way
L + that one thing you see in fics all the time:
I feel like L just gets written a bit uh... lacking in pizzazz at times in fics? People don't often really know what to do with him outside of making him obsessively interested in Light, which FAIR ENOUGH I suppose, he is a fairly enigmatic character, and he was kind of left a massive question mark in many ways outside of that particular endeavour of his. I find this especially when it comes to giving him a background or life outside of the Kira investigation. It's just often not even mentioned for him at all, even when the fic is from his POV. But like realistically, even if he WAS kind of a boring shut-in with no friends who didn't get up to much outside of solving cases from a computer screen, he still probably had a lot of crazy cases he solved and learned things from and some weird childhood shit he endured. So whenever I find one that DOES give L just about as fully fleshed-out a life as Light with memories and experiences and opinions and everything else that touch on things outside of his immediate circumstances and surroundings I'm like !!!!! and 100% more interested in it by default.
[choose violence]
5 notes
·
View notes
Text
Night Walk - Lee Felix
Summary: You take your new neighbour, Felix on a night walk. But it turns out into something more.
Genre: FIuff, romance
Pairing : Idol wannabe Felix x gn Reader
Word count: 1631
In the quiet neighborhood of your small town, a new family moved in next door. Among them was Felix Lee, a charismatic and enigmatic young man. Curiosity piqued, you eagerly anticipated the dinner your parents organized to welcome the newcomers. As the evening approached, you couldn't help but wonder what this new neighbor would be like.
The evening arrived, and the fragrant aroma of home-cooked meals filled the air. The table was set with care, and your family anxiously awaited the arrival of the Lees. Soon enough, the doorbell rang, and you opened the door to find Lix standing there, a warm smile lighting up his face.
"Hi, Lix! Welcome to the neighborhood. Come on in," you greeted, feeling a sense of excitement as you ushered him inside.
"Thanks! I'm excited to meet everyone. Your house looks great," Felix replied, his eyes scanning the surroundings with genuine interest.
Throughout the dinner, conversation flowed easily, and you found yourself engaged in a lively exchange with Felix.
"So, Lix, what brings your family to our little town?" you asked, genuinely curious about his background.
"My dad got a job transfer, and we decided to make a fresh start here. It's quite a change from the busy city we used to live in," Felix explained, his voice filled with a hint of nostalgia.
As the meal progressed, you discovered shared interests and passions.
"I've always dreamed of attending college in the city. What about you, Felix? What are your plans?" you inquired, eager to learn more about his aspirations.
"I've actually already graduated from college. I studied music, and now I'm hoping to pursue a career in the industry. Music has always been my passion," Felix revealed, his eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
The more you talked, the deeper your connection grew.
"What was your old town like? Any memorable experiences?" you asked, genuinely interested in his past.
"Oh, there were so many! The music scene was vibrant, and I had the chance to perform at some local venues. It was an incredible experience," Felix shared, his voice filled with fondness for his previous home.
As the dinner came to an end, you felt a natural bond with Felix. The conversation had flowed effortlessly, and you found yourself wanting to spend more time with him.
"Hey, Lix, the night is young. Would you like to take a walk with me? I can show you around our town," you suggested, a tinge of excitement lacing your words.
"I'd love to! Lead the way," Felix responded, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
As you strolled through the town, the conversation flowed effortlessly between you and Felix. The night air was filled with a sense of excitement and curiosity.
"So, Felix, what do you enjoy doing in your free time besides music?" you asked, genuinely curious about his hobbies.
Felix smiled, his eyes lighting up with enthusiasm. "Well, I'm a bit of a movie buff," he confessed. "I love watching all kinds of films, from classics to the latest releases. How about you?"
A playful grin spread across your face as you shared a common interest. "Oh, I enjoy watching movies too! Any recommendations for me?" you asked, eager to discover new films.
The conversation smoothly transitioned to the topic of movie marathons with friends. You reminisced about the fun times spent staying up all night, indulging in popcorn, and laughing at the cheesy rom-coms.
"Speaking of movies, have you ever had a movie marathon with friends?" you inquired, a hint of nostalgia in your voice.
Felix's eyes sparkled with fond memories. "Absolutely! It's so much fun to gather with friends, binge-watch our favorite films, and just enjoy each other's company," he replied. "Have you had any memorable movie nights?"
You chuckled, recalling a particularly entertaining movie night. "Oh, definitely! I remember one time we stayed up all night watching a series of cheesy rom-coms. It was a blast," you shared, a smile tugging at your lips.
The conversation meandered towards the topic of love and attraction. You found yourselves discussing the concept of love at first sight.
"Do you believe in love at first sight?" you asked, genuinely curious about Felix's perspective.
Felix pondered for a moment, his expression thoughtful. "Hmm, it's an interesting concept," he mused. "I think it's more about a strong initial attraction that can develop into something deeper over time. What are your thoughts on it?"
You considered his words carefully. "I'm a bit skeptical about love at first sight," you admitted. "But I do believe in those magical moments where you meet someone and feel an instant connection."
The conversation took a turn towards crushes and the nervousness that comes with expressing your feelings.
"Have you ever had a crush on someone but didn't know how to approach them?" you asked, your voice tinged with curiosity.
Felix nodded, a knowing smile on his face. "Oh, definitely! It's nerve-wracking when you have feelings for someone but don't know how they feel about you," he confessed. "Have you ever been in that situation?"
You chuckled softly, reminiscing about your own experiences. "Yeah, it can be quite intimidating," you admitted. "I remember being too shy to make a move, but eventually, we ended up becoming good friends.
As you and Felix continued your leisurely stroll through the town, the conversation flowed easily between you. You chatted about college life, your dreams, and the experiences that shaped you. The night wrapped around you like a comforting blanket, creating an atmosphere of intimacy that allowed you both to open up to each other.
Amidst the laughter and sharing, Felix asked with a curious glint in his eyes, "So, tell me, what's something you've never experienced before? Something you've always wanted to do but haven't had the chance to?"
You hesitated for a moment, your heart pounding as you considered your answer. "Well, um, I've never had my first kiss," you admitted, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks.
Felix's eyebrows raised in surprise, but there was no judgment in his expression, only genuine interest. "Really? Never?" he asked, a playful smile tugging at his lips.
You nodded, feeling a mix of embarrassment and relief at sharing this secret with him. "Yeah, never. I guess it just hasn't happened yet," you replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
He stopped walking and turned to face you, his eyes softening. "Well, in that case, how about I offer to be your first kiss?" he said with a flirty grin.
Your heart skipped a beat at his bold suggestion. You weren't sure how to respond, the mix of emotions swirling within you leaving you speechless.
Felix chuckled lightly, sensing your hesitation. "Hey, no pressure," he reassured you. "I just thought it could be something special, you know? If you're comfortable with it, of course."
You appreciated his understanding and the way he respected your boundaries. Taking a deep breath, you mustered up the courage to respond. "I... I appreciate the offer," you said, feeling your cheeks heat up even more. "It's just... I've always imagined my first kiss to be meaningful, with someone I really care about."
Felix's expression softened, and he reached out to gently take your hand in his. "I understand," he said softly. "And I promise, if you decide to share that moment with me, it will be meaningful. I wouldn't want it any other way."
His sincerity and warmth touched you deeply, and for a moment, you allowed yourself to imagine what it would be like to share your first kiss with him. The thought both excited and terrified you, but the connection you felt with Felix made it all the more enticing.
In that moment, as the moon bathed you both in its soft glow, you took a leap of faith. With a small smile and a newfound courage, you looked into Felix's eyes and whispered, "I think I'd like to have my first kiss with you."
The world around you seemed to fade away as he closed the remaining distance between you. As Felix's lips met yours, it felt like an electric shock running through your body. The kiss was initially just a gentle brush of lips; but soon it turned into a passionate and intimate connection that left you breathless. His lips were firm and insistent, molding perfectly against yours as if they were made to fit together.
You lost yourself in the intensity of the moment. You could feel the warmth of his breath mingling with yours, creating an intoxicating sensation. The kiss deepened, and your heart raced with anticipation and desire.
His hands found their way to your waist, pulling you closer as if he couldn't get enough of you. Your arms wrapped around his neck, holding onto him as if he was your lifeline. It was a moment of vulnerability, trust, and an overwhelming feeling of being wanted.
The taste of him was sweet, a flavor that became addictive with each passing second seemed to stand still as you explored each other's mouths, tongues moving in a sensual rhythm. It was a kiss that spoke volumes, conveying a longing and connection that words couldn't express.
When you finally broke apart, your breaths heavy and your lips tingling, a shared gaze held the unspoken promise of something extraordinary. The world around you came back into focus, but you knew deep within that this kiss had changed everything.
As you continued your walk, hand in hand, a sense of exhilaration and contentment washed over you. The night sky, adorned with shimmering stars, seemed to celebrate your newfound connection. It was a kiss that marked the beginning of a beautiful journey, where the stars themselves bore witness to the love that had ignited between you.
You knew it had to be much more than a first kiss now......
A/N: Reblog and share if you like, and let me know what you think about this!
#kpop fanfic#kpop imagines#skz imagines#skz felix#skz fanfic#stray kids#lee felix#felix lee#skz scenarios#skz x y/n#skz x reader#felix x reader#felix fluff#skz fluff#skz feliz
17 notes
·
View notes
Text
Embers of Resilience
In the bustling halls of U.A. High School, a unique and enigmatic presence commanded attention. BlackIce, the mysterious cyborg student with a heavy Australian accent, walked with purpose, her metallic wings folded neatly against her back. Her striking appearance and fearsome abilities intrigued everyone, but it was Todoroki Shoto, the prodigious young hero-in-training, who found himself captivated by her.
Todoroki had always been drawn to those with unconventional powers and backgrounds, and BlackIce's story touched a chord within him. He admired her resilience and unwavering determination, seeing a reflection of his own struggles. The two shared a connection, a silent understanding of the hardships they had endured.
As Todoroki approached BlackIce one afternoon after class, his normally stoic expression betrayed a hint of nervousness. "Hey, BlackIce," he began, his voice tinged with uncertainty. "I was wondering if you'd like to train together sometime. Your skills and powers are incredibly unique, and I believe we could learn a lot from each other."
BlackIce's cybernetic eye studied him for a moment before a small smile formed on her lips. "I reckon that could be interesting, Todoroki," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of intrigue and amusement. "I've seen your icy side in action, but I'm curious to witness your fiery half as well."
And so, their training sessions began, a dance of ice and electricity that resonated with a newfound synergy. Todoroki, with his control over fire and ice, and BlackIce, with her lightning-based abilities, pushed each other to their limits, honing their skills together.
Beyond their training, however, a bond grew between them. In the quiet moments between battles and the chaos of hero training, they discovered shared dreams, fears, and hopes. Todoroki, known for his reserved nature, found himself opening up to BlackIce, their conversations punctuated by her hearty laughter and witty comebacks.
BlackIce, too, found solace in Todoroki's presence. He listened intently to her stories of experimentation and loss, offering silent support and understanding. In his steady gaze, she found a sense of acceptance and a reminder that her past did not define her.
As time passed, their relationship deepened, blurring the line between friendship and something more. Todoroki admired BlackIce's strength and resilience, while BlackIce found herself drawn to Todoroki's unwavering determination and quiet compassion.
In the quiet corner of the U.A. campus, under the moonlit sky, Todoroki finally mustered the courage to speak his heart. "BlackIce, you've brought light to the darkness within me," he confessed, his dual-colored eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and determination. "Will you be the one to balance the fire and ice within my heart?"
BlackIce's metallic wings rustled softly as she considered his words, her gaze meeting his with unwavering determination. "Todoroki, you've shown me that there's strength in embracing all parts of ourselves," she replied, her voice filled with warmth. "I'd be honored to stand by your side, as we face the challenges ahead, fire and lightning intertwined."
And so, their journey continued, side by side, two souls forged in the crucible of their past, creating a future where their combined powers illuminated the darkness, a testament to the power of acceptance, friendship, and love. Together, Todoroki and BlackIce blazed a path forward, leaving behind a trail of ice, fire, and unyielding determination, their hearts entwined in a bond that defied all odds.
#mha#my hero academia#my ocs#mha x oc#todorki shouto#mha todoroki#my hero fanfic#fanfic#x oc#original character
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
youtube
"Well first of all, I think Robert Downey Jr. is just absolutely electrifying in that role; I think he's mind-blowingly good in it. We talked a lot, me and Robert and Chris about it, about this sort of dynamic between that relationship because it's really, really interesting and, and complex. And you know, when you think that one man's motivation in destroying another man can be about a slight, you know, at this tiny, tiny event, so he feel slighted so - and it was just fascinating to talk about that. And, and then the scenes where we did get to work together it was just the best; I mean he's the most wonderful scene partner - so generous, so focused, but you kind of never know what you're gonna get in a brilliant, in a brilliant way. And some of those scenes, Chris let us loose a little bit so we could actually surprise and improvise a little bit and it was, they were some of my favourite scenes in the movie, yeah."
"Well yeah because plotting that was very kind of interesting because it's not - it's so complicated. It's not straightforward, it's not linear; it's really not black and white. You know the rush to, to make the bomb, because they're in the race with the Nazis, that's very clear, but then when Germany surrender, then it becomes very kind of opaque. And, and then obviously kind of plotting his kind of moral journey, which is quite complicated as well, so I leant on Chris an awful lot you know, the script comes from Chris' head, he knows each frame, he knows every single scene, so we just talked and talked about it - and obviously I would do an awful lot of work and then we would just plot it. And you're right, it's tricky shooting out of a sequence, but it's just a lot of communication really."
"Oh it was all in camera, yeah. Like when stuff starts vibrating - that was done with a projector. So they would photograph the background, then project the photograph onto the background, then vibrate it very gently. So it was, it was, it was amazing - but that, but like, that's always been my experience working with Chris is that it's always been practical so I'm all - I've never done a green screen obviously with Chris and so every movie I've been in the environment. I remember being up on top of a mountain in, in Inception, in the middle of a snowstorm; we were doing the skiing scenes, and it's all for real so you get a better, truer performance from your actors."
"Oh my goodness, there's so, so many I don't think I can kind of pin down one particular thing. I, I hope the film does to people what it's done to you, is to provoke and to get people interested and to start thinking about like - the world we live in now was changed in 1945 and we're still living in this nuclear age because of that, and we all should be conscious of it and aware of it I think."
"...I felt like when I read the script, I remember finding it just really pulse-racing and emotional and immersive, and that's clearly his intention - Chris - when he wrote it; that it is within the traumatic brain of this one man - that's why it feels like you're left kind of destroyed by it because it plays like a horror movie. It's so internal, the internal storm of this man the whole way through it and you kind of felt that when you read the script. And then I think because Oppenheimer was so enigmatic and ambiguous and he kept you leaning in like: 'What's he really thinking about all of this?', Chris wanted these quite, and, and there were these big personalities in his life, that the characters were very colorful; like she was a real fireball; like such an extraordinary person really - not an easy person but, but it's so exciting to play her."
"Yeah, I, I felt like a really - you know Chris was so clear that, you know, with this, with the way that it was written in this subjective voice and that the whole movie lived or died hinged on that performance. He, you know, the book it's based on is called 'American Prometheus' and Chris said: "I'm not calling the movie that, I'm calling it 'Oppenheimer' because it's gotta be; that's our emotional - that's our way in." And so everything was like, to your point like, it - every question I had from: 'How do I calibrate this so it gives you what you need - so it's in support of that larger idea?' because that's what; that's how the movie works really - really on that central performance which is so good."
"I remember Chris going: "I mean Damon's going to be thrilled, he's got so many trailer lines."
"Is that what he said?"
"He did, he did and he knew it."
"I, I don't - I'm just, I'm just playing the, the scene and you know, a line like: 'This is the most important thing to happen in the history of the world'. like, it's just true, right? It's like - so you just play authenticity of that line like, and the, you know, and the script did a really good job of kind of teasing out that tension that was there just because the military had this need to kind of compartmentalize everything and need for secrecy - that desperate need for secrecy because it was life and death - you know, a species level, you know, annihilation potentially, like there's nothing more consequential than that, and yet the, the scientists are like, you know: 'To get to the truth, we have to share information', and it's like, you know, how can those two, those two philosophies co-exist, right? So, so there was a lot to play and Groves was also a very unpopular guy, which was fun so you can kind of mine that for some laughs here and there you know, because he didn't care obviously. It was fun, it was fun to play."
"Well, you're right there are different fights you go through in life, you know, and some are more emotional and some are physical - like what Matt Damon does every night, he's just brawling all the time - but I think, I would say, I think it's conviction. I, I think like her conviction and her surety in him, her passion for him and what's right and fighting on his behalf when he seems so passive was just infuriating for her. And there was a ferocity to the character - that's just who she is, it was in her DNA - that's just; people are who they are."
"But also fighting within the context of her life and the time she lived in, right?"
"Well the time she lived in which was like, which was challenging for someone like her, who was really meant for more than just being strapped to an ironing board in isolated Los Alamos; I mean she deteriorated in support of fostering him, so I saw great sacrifice - there's a fight in sacrifice as well. I just found her to be sort of extraordinary in that way; I really admired her and she also wasn't very well liked, you know?"
"It's an awesome performance though; it's great."
3 notes
·
View notes
Text
About When You Finish Saving The World
In high school Ziggy is somewhat less than popular, but on social media he’s a young folk-music star. He engages with the whole world, except his mother, Evelyn, who works relentlessly as a social worker. There’s static on the line. Jesse Eisenberg weaves the portrait of these two characters – exquisitely played by Julianne Moore and Finn Wolfhard – in their quest for acknowledgement and affection. A punchy, witty and utterly elegant dramatic comedy.
Interview with Jesse Eisenberg
How did you decide to take the plunge and get behind the camera?
“My background as a writer is playwriting and, when I think of stories, they are almost always for the theater. In fact, this story began as a three-person audio drama for Audible, comprised of a series of monologues. When I started to explore the story further, it became clear that it would work well as a film. The story had elements that were inherently cinematic – interesting settings like a women's shelter and small college town America; internet performances and online fame; two characters who don't get alonge but who are living parallel lives. As I began writing the movie, I tailored it to my strengths, which are character-centered humor and an interest in good performances. And I avoided writing anything I felt would be too difficult for me to direct in a first film, such as technically complicated sequences or sharp shifts in tone. I felt that I had been on enough movie sets to understand what would be required of me for this kind of movie.”
Why did you choose precisely to talk about the relationship between a working mother politically committed and her teenage son who tries to understand why everything is political around him ?
“I think this story represents an internal struggle that I deal with all the time. I am in the arts – like Ziggy is in this movie – but I am surrounded by people who are doing social justice work – like Evelyn is in this movie. And I have trouble reconciling the value of my work versus the value of social work. The debates that Ziggy and Evelyn have about the meaning of their respective lives are the debates that run through my mind daily. And they both make good arguments for their lives – their common flaw is that they overlook each other's goodness.”
The cast is amazing. How did you make your choices?
“When I was casting Ziggy for my Audible project, my wife suggested Finn Wolfhard because she knew he was also a musician. After about a seven minute Google search, I realized he was not only so talented and funny and bright, but also perfect for this role. As the movie became a reality, I was just wishing that his busy schedule would allow him to be able to be available.
The day I finished the screenplay, I asked my agents to send it to Julianne Moore. Is there a more compelling, brave, rigorous, luminous screen performer? She has been my favorite actress since I started watching movies that were not about Ninja Turtles. I had the sense that Julianne might like the character because there is a rigidity and specificity to her that I know actors enjoy playing. So I had the feeling that I would be able to attract someone of her caliber who, by all other accounts, is overqualified for a smaller movie like this.
As for the other main characters, I only knew of Jay O. Sanders, who plays Julianne's husband. He's one of my favorite theater actors from this series of Richard Nelson plays and I wrote the role with him in mind.
Billy Bryk, who plays Kyle, is Finn Wolfhard's real life best friend. Finn told me his best friend was auditioning for the role but I didn't realize it was Billy. When I saw Billy's audition, I was elated. He was so perfect for the part – realistic, enigmatic, charming, masculine in an unthreatening way. And when I found out it was Finn's friend, I felt it had been fated somehow. Finn and Billy play characters that are so culturally and temperamentally opposed to each other but both have to fit into Evelyn's idea of what a son could be. So it felt like not only great casting, but also spiritually cohesive.
Alisha Boe initially turned down the audition for this movie because she heard the role was a high school student and she felt she had outgrown that experience. I could certainly understand that because I went through a similar experience as a young actor. However, one of the challenges we had with casting this role is that actors often felt too young for the nature of the dialogue. My wife knew of Alisha and showed me an interview with her and I knew she'd be right. She can play sharp and self-actualized and generous without being obsequious. She's an outstanding actress.
Eleanore Hendricks plays the final leading role. This is the toughest role in the movie because it's one of those movie roles that feels strange when played by a more traditional actor. There are certain dramatic beats that, if played traditionally, seem like melodrama. Eleanore's instincts and presentation are completely singular and the way she interprets language and conversation is so unusual that she allows me, as the director, to shape the expectations of her character in an unpredictable way. She's a very special actor and an important presence in independent film.”
What was the biggest challenge during the shooting, for you as a director?
“The biggest challenge for me was dealing with and worrying about Covid. We were shooting at the worst possible time – at the height of the pandemic before vaccines were available. It impacted every aspect of production – from the number of extras we could safely use to the hours we could work to flights getting cancelled at the last minute to losing an actress the day before shooting to a Covid exposure (she was not symptomatic). I felt very fortunate to be able to shoot during that time and very thankful to A24 for allowing so many contingencies, but it was unusually stressful. Luckily, though some tested positive and had to isolate for ten days, no one on our crew developed serious symptoms.”
The photography is fantastic, very elegant. How did you work with your DOP?
“Emma Stone, Dave McCary and Ali Herting are the producers of this movie. And even before we met with Ben Loeb, our cinematographer, they encouraged me to shoot on film. I've worked a lot on 16mm and always loved the look of it and felt it would be fitting for this story. When we met with Ben Loeb, he agreed and was very eager to shoot on film. Ben became my right hand during the production. We have very different sensibilities – I am anxious and impatient and desperate to be funny and Ben is elegant and calm and Scandinavian. We are a good match because I know my instinct for humor is best when it's reined in.
Ben is as specific as he is versatile. From Mandy to Pieces of a Woman, he can do heightened theatrics and naturalism with equal skill. I loved the use of zooms in my friend Richard Ayoade's movie, Submarine, because zooms can feel simultaneously heartfelt and satirical. They can bring you closer to a character while also commenting on that character's behavior. I thought this would work for our movie because the movie features two leading characters that are very emotional people but who also act in some comically self-conscious ways. I asked Ben if we could get away with a few zooms and crossfades and he was thrilled. This became our language – a kind of naturalism mixed with some wry commentary on the characters in their more embarrassing moments.”
How did you come up with the songs played by Ziggy in the film?
“The music in the movie came out of my Audible project. When I was writing this story as an audiobook, I thought it would be interesting to take advantage of the medium and have Ziggy be a singer-songwriter, rather than just a cool internet 'influencer.' So I started writing songs for him to sing and Finn actually sings them on the Audible project. The goal with the songs is that they be simultaneously immature and skilled, raw but well produced, young but not stupid.
When I was thinking about the score for the film, my first thought was that the music is an extension of Ziggy's world. I met with Emile Mosseri, who's one of the great geniuses working in independent film today, and mentioned this concept. He immediately started sending me samples of music that sounded 'homemade.' We connected to this cheap Casio keyboard riff that opens and plays throughout the movie and ultimately becomes Ziggy's finale. Emile's score is so unusually brilliant because it's deceptive – it plays like traditional movie score while also seeming like something Ziggy would have written (I wrote the dumb songs that Ziggy sings in the movie like "Alumni Alone," which he sings in the club.).”
SOURCE
2 notes
·
View notes
Text
Ilrenya talks to Nara’enil - 29.4.24
After asking around, Ilrenya finally finds Nara'enil outside Bel'Ameth, by the Root-Bound Sanctuary. The older druid is napping on a hammock, but easily rouses to exchange greetings and introductions with the young woman. Ilrenya, in her usual fashion, directly explains the reason for seeking out the sister of her Honoured Teacher, but Nara'enil's reaction is not what she expected.
N: Meladriss has another Thero'shan? This is wonderful. How did he find you?
I: Shan'do Rakeclaw passed away and instructed me to continue my learning with him... he said his legacy is Shan'do Moonclaw's to pass onward because he's the only one who followed his teaching completely.
What follows is a brief tangent about the ancient First Druid and how his life ended. Ilrenya does her best to direct the conversation away from herself and back to the matter at hand.
N: You wish to know how Mela struggled with control? Would that not affect the way you see him as your teacher?
Ilrenya shakes her head.
I: I think a good teacher isn't afraid to admit vulnerability so that their student can learn better...
Nara'enil smiles faintly at Ilrenya, watching her with increased interest. But she does not answer Ilrenya straight away. Instead, she asks Ilrenya to stay with her for a while as she takes a walk around Amirdrassil to find something more comfortable to slumber in when she returns to the Dream. Their conversation ends up with Ilrenya being commissioned to make a robe that she decides to fashion in the likeness of the one she wore as Freya in the play.
In the hours that follow, they end up in Bel'Ameth after Ilrenya sourced out the materials, so she can shape and sew them. Nara'enil slowly gets to know Ilrenya better despite the young woman's initial reluctance to open up about her sordid background. Yet the painful recollections are balanced by teasing out moments that give Ilrenya more confidence: when she is working on the leather, scale, and ironbark before her, or when she is asked about her goal in life to in turn become a teacher and guide younger elves herself, whether as a craftswoman, or as a druid.
I: I.. have a long way to go.
Nara'enil responds with her usual enigmatic smile.
N: I know someone like you, or used to be like you. You'll get there one day, even if it takes you another three thousand years.
I: That's.. such a long time.
Ilrenya frowns and her ears pin back slightly.
N: It feels like it doesn't it? I envy the men who slept for centuries or even millennia at a go in the Dream. It can feel like mere weeks, but when you wake up, more time has passed than you thought. Though I'm Meladriss' age, it feels like I've lived twice as long and I'm only just starting to witness the blossoming prime of his life after I've exhausted mine.
Nara'aenil chuckles softly.
N: However, what you learn in that seemingly brief time in the Dream is exponential, and you will always carry it with you in your practice when you awake. This is why Meladriss is Shan'do and a veteran.
I: Must I... also Dream so that I gain better control over my form?
Nara'enil shakes her head.
N: That is a matter of practice and finding your own way to do so. It is about will, and most importantly understanding yourself. No one else can give you that control. Only you can.
Ilrenya pauses mid stitch. She stares at Nara'enil with deep curiosity, and repeats her questions more firmly now, growing impatient with the hours of deflection.
I: Why did Shan'do ask me to come and ask -you- about his difficulty with control? What is it that he is unable to tell me himself? He said guilt drove him to finally master it... What or who did he hurt?
Ilrenya frowns as she says this. Nara'enil's pleasant demeanour softens into one of placid somberness.
N: You understand that when we become too immersed - become too much at one with the spirit that blessed us with our form, that we can lose ourselves in it. There's no better example of this than those who sought to control Goldrinn's fury, which is nigh untameable and fell many of our kin. But that of great Ursoc can be too, if you allow your mind to be lost to the primal beast within.
Ilrenya listens intently now, all materials and tools set aside.
N: You understand that the Balance is core to our axiom. It is that which we must apply not just in preserving the Great Cycle, but in every aspect of our learning and our lives. Meladriss immersed himself too long and too greatly for many years, retreating from civilisation and from kin, and for a while, lost that balance as he followed in the footsteps of Ursoc.
Ilrenya nods slowly. Nara'enil keeps quiet, but Ilrenya presses her further.
I: What happened, exactly? How did he gain control back?
The older druid gives a faint smile that does not reach her eyes. Her tone is as gentle as ever as she answers Ilrenya.
N: My brother’s relationship with his father, my Shan’do, is extremely poor. I am certain you know how that feels. It was so bad that he once attacked him when all Shan’do wanted to do was to tell him off and drag him away from being too isolated and too deeply submerged in the Wilds. His intentions were good, but it was the wrong thing to do, and the wrong way to approach him. I tried to protect him from Meladriss and ended up being the one hurt instead.
Ilrenya cants her head as her brows knit. Her gaze trails over Nara'enil, and she takes in the very old, faded scars that are concentrated dominantly over Nara'enil's right shoulder, face, arm, and sides. Though covered by the more recent tattoo over her shoulder, they are there.
N: That was what snapped Mela out of it at that moment. I think since then, he has been doing his best to gain better control. He did return to the Dream after that if memory serves me, but even after he awakened, it was a struggle. Especially when Nordrassil fell with the orcs invading, and then the Burning Legion.
Nara'enil does not elaborate on this further. She maintains her sombre, level eye contact with Ilrenya, making sure the young Thero'shan is listening to every word she is saying.
N: It is easy to withdraw into comforting darkness, away from people, away from reminders of pain. Habits are difficult to break for that reason. Even after your Shan'do joined the Sentinel cadre, he still found comfort in shifting back into his bear form and retreating from socialising. It was only after he forged strong bonds with them that he found more balance, I believe.
Ilrenya finally nods. She looks away from Nara'enil to a few younglings, slightly younger than herself, joke and laugh further down the Terrace where they sit. Nara'enil peers at her with a smile.
N: But if you should ever hurt someone you never meant to, be not so hard on yourself. You are not perfect, and you are still learning. Even the greatest Archdruids still have something new to add to their knowledge. Sometimes getting into trouble is how some individuals understand.
A scarred hand lifts to support her temple. Ilrenya turns back to Nara'enil searchingly.
I: It's a very high price to pay for learning...
N: From what I can see, you are the sort to be cautious until you are allowed not to be, is that right?
Ilrenya shrugs. She looks down at her hands, breaking eye contact once more. Nara'enil smiles.
N: You will find your way along your path. The beast acts in accordance with our own deeper emotions. It is your work to understand what those are, and why they are. Goldrinn the Ferocious knows only the hunt. His spirit will turn even the most placid and rational into nought but the manifestation of single minded, unending fury. This is why it cannot be controlled on one's own, and the worgen need an external means to aid them. On the other hand, Ursoc the Mighty knows protection and loyalty. His rage and tenacity is directed when and where it is needed. What are you protecting, not just outside yourself but also within? Why are you protecting it? These are questions only you can answer. In them, you can start to find your way towards control if you fear so much to hurt those close to you.
Nara'enil reaches out to touch the beads around Ilrenya’s neck.
N: Are these a lingering practice of Bereon Rakeclaw?
I: I.. am not sure. I have only seen Shan'do Rakeclaw as a bear. He embodied Ursol more than Ursoc. But Shan'do Moonclaw gave them to me. He has a similar one he wears too.
Nara'enil smiles.
N: I have seen them used in meditation. Perhaps Meladriss uses them as such. Perhaps they will help you in your own journey.
There does not seem to be anything else Nara'enil has to say on the topic. Ilrenya finally lets out a small sigh and bows her head in respect, mind in deep thought as she ponders all that she has heard.
Before Ilrenya departs Amirdrassil once more, she presents Nara’enil with her new set of armour, which the older druid accepts with gratitude.
I: Won’t the Priestesses be unhappy that you are wearing white like them?
N: Maybe, but surely any intelligent person can tell that I am not one of them.
Nara’enil gives Ilrenya a sly wink. Ilrenya peers at her but makes no further comment. With thanks and well wishes, they part ways.
0 notes
Text
About me
As I grew up watching movies and playing video games, I experienced so many great stories that I admire and love with all my heart, not because they were entertaining but more because I get to learn alot about life through through them and that helped me at lowest times of my life and completely transformed me from a Pessimist to an Optimist and I am really grateful for that.
As I got older, I become obsessed with movies and with the process of making them. I used to spend hours on YouTube watching behind the scenes of my favorite films and draw their characters on sketchbooks and that was one of the happiest times of my life. That's when I found my passion and desire to do Visual storytelling that could bring some positive change in the world.
I choose animation because I love to draw and play with colors ever since I was a child and the process of bringing non-living to living is absolutely fascinating to me. In animation, one can go as wild as he want with his imagination because there are no limits to tell stories in this medium which makes it even more interesting.
Here are three animated things that I admire the most
WaLL-E (2008) : It is a beautiful and emotionally resonant film that showcases the power of animation to tell universal stories. The film follows the titular character, a waste-collecting robot, as he embarks on a journey across space to save humanity and find love. I first saw this film when I was 11 years old, in a cinema with my mother and it was a wonderful experience. I remember, in the end of the film everyone applaud and praised about the animation and the profound message it conveys.
The film's themes of environmentalism, consumerism, and the human connection to technology are explored with heart and sincerity, which makes us acknowledge the fact that how we are exploiting our planet and the consequences we are about to face. Furthermore, The character animation of WALL-E and EVE, the other robot protagonist, is superb and helps to convey their emotions even without dialogue. Moreover, I love the score of the film by composer Thomas Newman which is a beautiful blend of orchestral music and electronic sounds that add to the futuristic ambiance.
Overall, "WALL-E" is a masterpiece of modern animation, touching on important themes with grace and humor. It is a film that will both entertain and inspire audiences of all ages.
2. Playdead's INSIDE : "Inside" is a visual masterpiece. The game employs a dark aesthetic characterized by its minimalist art style. It has a muted color palette that adds to the overall sense of bleakness and isolation. I like this game because it tells its story through environmental storytelling and let the players figure out the background story of the situation on their own. The eerie ambient sounds, minimalistic musical cues, and lack of dialogue all contribute to a sense of unease and curiosity that keeps us engaged and on edge of our seats throughout the experience.
The narrative is enigmatic and thought-provoking, with a series of cryptic events and unsettling moments that gradually unravel as you progress. The lack of explicit exposition encourages players to piece together the story themselves, which makes it a truly immersive and intellectually stimulating experience. Unlike other games, it is not made with a big budget and by a massive team and yet it is a masterpiece which tells us that it is a way of storytelling and a profound desire to tell stories that matters not big budget with a large team and I admire it for that. Nevertheless, it's a must-play game for everyone, especially for fans of atmospheric, narrative-driven games and showcases Playdead Studios' prowess in creating emotionally resonant experiences through gameplay and atmosphere.
3. Turbo (2013) : 'No dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small'. This film is for all those people who are afraid to Think Big and to Chase their Dreams. I remember, when I was in 8th grade, my school organized a race competition and I did not wanted to participate because I was afraid of facing the failure. Being aware of my situation, my best friend made me watch this film in his house a night before the race and it completely changed my mind. I did not win the race but I was happy, actually even happier than the guy who won, because I managed to gather the courage to defeat my Fear of facing Failure and I give credit to this film for that and also to my friend who persuade me to watch this film that day.
released in 2013, it takes us on a thrilling journey that combines speed, ambition, and heart. This movie revs up the engines of excitement while delivering a meaningful message about following one's dreams. The film's central character, Turbo, is a garden snail with an insatiable need for speed. Voiced by Ryan Reynolds, Turbo's infectious enthusiasm for racing sets him apart from his sluggish snail community. His dream of becoming the fastest snail on the planet is seemingly impossible but ultimately drives the plot forward. The animation in this movie is top-notch. The race scenes are super rad, and they make Turbo's speedy snail moments look totally awesome. You can practically feel the wind in your face as he zooms around.
In a nutshell, Turbo's message about pursuing one's dreams and persevering in the face of challenges is a timeless one, making it an enjoyable and engaging cinematic experience and everyone should watch this film.
1 note
·
View note
Text
The Atlas Six
First of all I have to admit that I had high hopes for that book. I was quite excited to read it and couldn’t wait for it to be translated into my language.
And boy, was I dissappointed.
The plot synopsis looked promising. The characters seemed intriguing (I will talk about it more in the second part of that review). Basically it felt like the perfect mix of classic dark academia and fanstasy setting with a hint of forbidden knowledge and ancient hisory in the background.
In a way the story was… acceptable. I did go through it all. But for me it felt flat and boring at times. Olivie Blake was constantly trying to set the mood for something big to happen. But after so many pages of waiting for something significant it was just not enjoyable. And the thing that amazes me even more is that event at points where the important fact was revealed the tone of the narration was not changing even slightly.
The whole story was a one big constance.
To sum up the generic part of that review I’d say it’s a book to read when you don’t have any other on hand. Just don’t get too excited about it.
Now my favourite part - spoilers!
I’d like to talk about the characters and some main plot points of the book. Oh, and the ending.
Characters:
First of all - they started off great. Each and every one of them was shown to us in an enigmatic situation, we got to see a bit of their mysterious backgrounds. And then it just got worse.
Two (or at times even three or four) out of the main six characters were not even that „main”.
The actual main characters were Libby and Parisa and they did add significance to the story.
The sole role of Nico was to be the second part of Libby&Nico duet. His Gideon driven story had no influence on the plot.
Callum was going to be such an interesting person. He was inexplicably awful and seemed like a villain for the most part. I absolutely hated him but I saw people stating that at the end he earned their sympathy. So I waited. And got disappointed. Because we were fed the classic villain story „I’m mean because nobody loved me”. And wow, that was just so lame. Also he was barely a part of the whole grup.
Tristan had some potential to become an important character but his story basically consisted of two arcs: being in love with Parisa and being rude to everybody else, being in love with Libby. Talk about character development.
On the note of character development I saw some comments online complaining that there was none included. My question: how can there be any character development happening when absolutely nothing happens in the story? The characters basically exist in a villa full of books doing, well, nothing, really.
The biggest loss for me was Reina - I absolutly fell in love with her during her first chapter. And then she was basically non-existent. And I mean it literally. If she was not included in the story, nothing would have changed. Even her chapters were about other people. Her purpose in the story was… I don’t even know what it was. And it infuriates me.
Libby was supossed to be an annoying nerd who was written as neither of those.
Parisa was a big walking red flag. A girl who manipulated people with intercourse? Bold choice.
Dalton Ellery? Character charisma of a cooked carrot.
Atlas Blakely? The apparent master-mind of it all? The buildup to that particular point of the story was (again) non-existent. Atlas had the same chance to be the actual villain of the story as Tristan’s ex-fiancee. That reveal was painful to read.
And finally - Ezra. I don’t even know how to comment that. We get a guy with no personality. His only encounters we see are with Libby (who finally dumps him). We get one out-of-context chapter of him talking and (revealed at the end) Atlas listening.
And then when I thought nothing worse will happen in the story we get an info-dump of… like the whole backgroud of it all. Again, with no buildup. It’s not even a plot twist. You usually can suspect the facts revealed in the plot twist. Here, we had no material to base the suspicions on.
Oh, and at the end? When Ezra turns to be the head of the Forum? Shocking! Only, what is Forum? Do we know anything about it? Olivie Blake did not give us any information about the organization for us to suspect that they are… significnt or important in any way. Ezra could have been a head of &%$& and my reaction would have been the same.
Plot:
That book was about nothing. It’s amazing because it consists of over 400 pages.
The Alexandrian Library played no part in the story. I was hoping to learn something about it, to get to unravel some supposedly ancient knowledge. But nope.
Also at points it felt like The Secret History by Donna Tartt: a peculiar group of young people attending lectures with the teacher monologuing eloquently, spending their time doing questionable activities - also somebody is going to die. At the hands of the rest of the group. The stories are really similar.
Dalton monologuing is basically Julian vol. 2 just more boring. At some points I felt like I’ve already read that book.
And my favourite part - the ending. What on Earth was that? I don’t think I actually have the words to describe it. It made no sense. We were informed about things that should have made it more clear but didn’t. Ezra kidnaps his ex-girlfriend not even because he wants to save her, but just because he knows her features better than he knows the others’. What a great reason. Altas pretends to care or actually cares - I don’t know, he’s so bland. Ezra is a part of the master-mind plan. The end.
All in all, not a great read. What makes me sad is that it seems like now it’s enough to slap the dark academia theme and TikTok goes crazy. The internet got me excited about the book and the book disappointed me.
#the atlas six#the atlas series#olivie blake#callum nova#tristan caine#parisa kamali#libby rhodes#nico de varona#reina mori#dalton ellery#atlas blakely#ezra fowler#dark academia#book blog#bookblr#booklr#books#books and reading#bookish#bookworm#book reviews#book review#review#book criticism#collective book club#ourcollectivebookclub#our collective book club#dark acadamia aesthetic#dark academia books
1 note
·
View note
Last Seen Blogs
moonys-bf
breakin' dishes
plutron111
Untitled
godigitalplan
Godigitalplan
filefocus-blog
FileFocus Blog
aceatbeingace
Ace At Being Ace!