Friday, February 3, 2012

The Speculative Balance of Rhythmic Thoughts

Rhythms. Patterns. Yes, we have heard this before. Human beings form these things that track a series or sequence of something, whether we choose to or not.

Will it balance itself out?

Is it a bi-pattern? A mind frame that is split into two separate systems. Again, you probably have heard about the subject of systems of the mind or consciousness thoughts - you would think some sort of plagiarism is taking place. But, there exists such a thing, right? "I think, there I am..."

Enough about introducing the idea, it is time to give some thought to this. Why do we think we have a separate modus operandi? No wait, why in the first place should we be solipsists? Again, the human mind is playing tricks on us. It is built in our systems to make it seem that everyone has the same frame of mind. I think, therefore you think too? Economically, it is not always a good idea to press an idea on others when they do not have the slightest clue of the subject at hand.

But what if it is not of a solipsist feature? I.e. what if we just need to an orthodox outlook, an objective one, before going deeper to more subjective things to explore in our minds? Ah, speculative now, are we?

Going back to the two-systems subject, we usually start with a hypothetical question, right? Why do I feel? Why do I analyze and think? Is it due to the right-brain-left-brain analogy? Bah, all this points to is a lot of theory talk, but little proper analysis, unless of course, we decide to think and think.

So, is there a balance? An equilibrium? The point in which we set our minds to be calibrated, a reference point (my apologies for another act of plagiarism). Why do need that anyway? Now, that certainly requires thought. But if we use our 'systems', is it not an unbalanced thought process occurring?

Hence, do we find something in between the two systems? Something that keeps everything sane? Who knows?

Review of The Week!

Movie : The Avengers (2012)

Awe-inducing, funny and action-packed, this could be the superhero movie of the year (not that there are many).



It is unusual for directors to modify the genre of superhero movies. To be precise, if we are looking for some popcorn entertainment, Joss Whedon could have easily turned this into a full-blown alien-versus-superhero affair (that actually would not be too bad). Interestingly to note however, he does not. With an affinity to blend action scenes with tongue-in-cheek humor, he balances the tone of the movie to be both rewarding and most definitely, superhero-themed.

There are plenty of noteworthy things you can brag about this movie. The cinematography, the script, the visuals, the cast, the production design. Surely though, there would be one or two flaws, but they are not really meant to be called 'flaws' per se. Bending the laws of physics, 'saving the world' is saving the US and how Hulk manages to comply to orders are just some of the minor 'flaws'. These are probably things that you would just like to ignore for the sake of giving the director the benefit of the doubt.

It is quite evident that Whedon has made this film his own. He incorporates humor into almost every scene, as if things are not to be taken too seriously in the world of The Avengers. And it should be like that. Again, the emphasis on superhero movies usually lie on destruction, life-saving and personalization of characters. But here, there is some of that, but not completely. No chessy lines. No rushed pacing. No cliche-ridden narrative. (Just Loki speaking in a not-so-sharp English accent.)

The movie can also be likened to last year's Deathly Hallows (Part 2); a lot of hype, and duly delivered. At least we could expect how the last Harry Potter movie was meant to be : an emotional, epic battle. The Avengers did deliver but there is something different to the whole theme that somehow manages to change our view on how superhero movies should be in the future. Is it Robert Downey Junior's Shakespearean jab at Thor? Or is the excellent cinematography of sticking to single shots instead of quick-fire editing? Heck, it could even be Scarlett Johansson's semi-obscene display of bust. Anyhow the movie is a success, most definitely.


Unprecedented, now that is one word to decribe Joss Whedon's take on a superhero movie.


Personally*... Stay in your seats till the end; there are rumors that an extra scene is added to the US version of The Avengers, for compensation of the late release.

http://www.rottentomatoes.com/user/894039/reviews/

Spark of inspiration?