Cinematic Insights

My friend, Rob, texts me this today: "I'm watching The Birds, and my thought is not so much on the plot and its theme of complacency, but moreso on the fact that Tippi Hedren, in her day, was very doable."

A Brief History of Time

I've never told anyone this before, but my family* is credited with inventing one of the first watches, by a prominent old family in Biel. I find this funny in the context of Time as illusory. So, blame us for false constructs, I guess. Phillip K. Dick claimed some manner of mystical experience across dimensions of time - epiphanal even, as he felt time was an illusion. From then on, he sensed Time was essentially created by Satan to prolong and delay the return of Jesus Christ, the Second Coming.

Did you know he lived next to Disneyland?


(*In fact, my Swiss great-great grandfather was also a master watchmaker, who emigrated to America in 1890.)

Funny Talks with Funny Boys

Chris: I have an interview I give every girl I date.

Me: REALLY? What?

Chris: It's two questions - #1 If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? If she answers with something like, "My Nose," she's out.

Me: Why is that?

Chris: (rather emphatically, which is generally how he relates things) Because God GAVE you that nose and you should be basking in gratitude for it!

Me: Uh, ok, what's #2?

Chris: Can you cook? The answer is always "no" in this town.

Terry: (indicating to me) She can REALLY cook.

Tim walks up to us at this point.

Chris: Hey Tim, can your girlfriend cook?

Tim (looking completely incredulous): She's PRETTY.

Looking Forward, Looking Back

Someone's a bit overly wistful and introspective, much of which is brought on by over-exposure (it only takes a second) to Tim Buckley. If there is a more beautiful song in the world than Song to the Siren, I don't know it. It makes me feel so much I almost can't bear it. It's a beautiful dream from which I never want to awaken. It makes me feel I'm living the wrong life. It sounds like the most intense love and sex and sorrow I've ever had.

Here's to Tim, whose more famous son had a remarkable voice and was also a very good songwriter, but his father maybe should be more widely remembered and revered. I'll have to do more serious study and consideration before I can absolutely swear to it, but it is generally what I feel.

Tim Buckley recorded this in 1970 -



And here's to the Cocteau Twins and Elizabeth Fraser's always stunning vocals and melismatic style. I love this '83 version every bit as much as the original.



Fraser much later would have an "intense personal relationship" with Tim's son, Jeff Buckley. They recorded his song, "All Flowers in Time Bend Towards the Sun." He was so like his father, whom he met only once.



Ok, I have to go now and gather my guts up off the floor.