Grey's Anatomy: The Perfect Storm

Meredith, knowing that she shall fall unconscious in less than a minute, instructs her intern and calms him as he operates on her. My, my, Ellen Pompeo rocks it! 

Greetings everyone! 

Surely, in time past, I have revealed my religious and cultish following of Grey's Anatomy, and although its 9th season is a bit of a hit and miss, the 9th season finale is simply and superbly perfect.

Dedicated to my people. 

[Credit]

First up, I'd like to say that this is not an episode recap, because I do not do plot outlines. Many critics, especially TV critics, do it because fandoms love to debate over plot points and play the good old prediction game. I suppose that's one of TV's advantage over the big screen, the engagement - if conducted  masterfully - may be intense as well as prolonged.

Anyway, to each his own. Being an aspiring marketing major, I like to price a product based on the value it delivers. 

The high it induces. The thrill it enforces, and the thoughts it stirs. 

[Credit]

Recently, Grey's Anatomy has been renewed for a tenth season. Even though it is nearing its timely denouement, the show is still raking solid ratings. I thank human nature for this. As a writer - I hope I can at least claim that fact - I see Grey's as a social experiment. Shonda Rhimes places her intriguing and perplexing characters into deathly situations, and let them react. Fortunately, she has an extraordinary cast, which includes the always on-point Sandra Oh, to deliver the emotions that are just right! 

They are unpredictable enough to shock you, but not quite alienate you. The show has, really, rehashed some very similar situations, and yet every time the emotions are taken afresh. That is the beauty - one of the few - of us Homo sapiens.

I, too, need to accommodate my female viewers. Plus, it's an in interesting shot. Great dynamics.

 Shonda's only issue is introducing too many new characters at once. When the original cast has such a layered and established relationship with the audience, new characters - like explosive situations - should simply be stimuli and not things that waste valuable screen time. I digress - this isn't Writing101.

This episode is Grey's at one of its peaks. The physical thrill parallels its emotional punch, and you become entirely absorbed by this world and these people. For that forty minutes, it's no longer fictional because the fourth wall is completely shattered. I'm sorry if this is sounding more and more like Writing1001, but that is exactly and precisely magnificent story telling. 

Love y'all. 

Timeless Jolie

Hello readers!

My, my, have I missed blogging. 

What a week it has been!? I have been waiting and waiting - day after day - for some exploitable spare time and much needed perspective. Aptly named, this installment is a loving tribute to my roaring hero Angelina Jolie. 

[Credit]

As a critic, however amateurish, I endeavour to remain objective, which means I am barred from playing *favourites* and - with le cinema's enormous sky of goddesses - there is really no need to play such a game. Alas, I am human - the heart wants what it wants - and I love her. 

Jolie is a creature of bewildering intrigue and wonderment. Her screen presence compels me so effortlessly, so naturally, and I am constantly entranced by not only her radiant beauty, but more so by her aura. Words, or at least my weaving of them, cannot adequately describe her. However, in his review of Girl, Interrupted (2000), the late literary genius Roger Ebert - may he rest in peace - has most succinctly pin-pointed her position in the world of films. 

"Jolie is emerging as one of the great wild spirits of current movies, a loose cannon who somehow has deadly aim."

With this post, I simply wish to relive the most unforgettable detonations of this loose cannon.   

[Credit]

Gia (1998) 

This beautifully haunting made-for-television biopic paints the portrait of the late model Gia Marie Carangi. It was one of Angelina's first breakthrough performances, and won her a SAG as well as a second Golden Globe. 

In so many ways, this role was perfect for the 23 year old Jolie. Gia was the fresh blood that so naturally inspired and excited photographers. A magnetic and enigmatic star. Now, I don't know how well Jolie personally relates to Gia's parental issues or reckless self-harm - unfortunately, we do not lunch every spare Friday - but every expressed emotion seems too real.

 They are both gorgeous women, but distinctly so, and yet Jolie's delivery evokes the authentic rawness and vulnerability that made Gia so darn appealing to photograph. 

[Credit]

With every shot, Jolie disappears into this character, and as Gia's fairy tale spins into a rusting train wreck, the audience is entirely captivated. Wrapped around her fingers. From the flamboyant poses, gestures, and playful cheek to the screaming fits and lonely moments of solitude, Jolie brings every nuance of this persona to life. We no longer care that - yet again - it's one pretty girl playing the part of another pretty girl. We only care for her and we, too, feel the pain that is well beyond skin-deep. Gia was many things, but strip away the layers and she is just a girl, who wanted nothing more than to be loved and protected. 

This post is wearing out its welcome, so I shall cover the other three deadly precise detonations in future posts. Separate posts. 

Thanks for checking the blog even when I neglected to write for months on end. 

Love y'all. Truly.