All of me...

[catch22girl]

Just saw "All of Me" for Genres of Affect. Tomorrow we're watching an autopsy video and "The Thing". Tommorrow's lesson is all about how comedy and horror treat the idea of body sharing.

I didn't wake up for my appointment this morning. If anyone was betting, you won. Stupid insomnia.

Pretty good day though, ran into some friends, including someone I haven't seen since the end of last semester. I hope I run into her again before the end of this one.

Saw my thesis advisor. She said she'll give me a recommendation for this internship I want to try out for -- I'm meeting someone on Friday to go over my resume. It's so hard to make a good resume, isn't it? This thesis is going to kick my ass. I just got that feeling.

Have to start watching post-pearl harbor films soon - any suggestions?

I remember loving "All of Me" when I was younger. I was a huge Steve Martin fan -- still am. He's a genius, imho. So, I rewatched it tonight and I realized that the movie was actually about a search for unity.

The main character, Roger, never realized how alone he was in the world until he'd shared his body with another person -- litereally. It's interesting how differently comedy and horror treat this idea of body sharing. In comedy, it's a romantic techinique and a plot device for romance. In horror, it's the most terrible thing that could ever happen, making people into little more than shells for other creatures or just pawns. In comedy, this device is used for humor. "All of Me" is an excellent example of vitality in comedy, since most of the humor revolves around Edwina's death and her reaction. It also has a healthy dose of slap-stick, a lot of the film's comic energy comes from Steve Martin's performance of a man who suddenly finds himself sharing a body with a woman.

In horror, this device is used for dramatic effect. A creature that can morph with another or invade another person's skin is a common horror motif and has a very inhuman quality. It is a fear of replacement and a fear of what happens after being replaced. While in "All Of Me", the soul is treated as a sight-gag and can transfer easily from one body to another, in horror films, the soul is tormented, tortured and trapped without any recourse.

Just a few night time thoughts.

Comments

[memphis-letters.livejournal.com]

Have to start watching post-pearl harbor films soon - any suggestions?

OOH! How about Pearl Harbor! With Mr. J-Ho Ben Affleck! And then go see the greatest film ever made, Wild Wild West. Then to top of the evening, Big Fat Liar, and Glitter! Don't forget Crossroads!


Look for the sarcasm it's contained in everything I say...