"Green Book" Won Best Picture And Some People Are Angry

The biggest mistake the makers of this movie made are calling it "Green Book."
The title suggests that it will have a lot to do with the Civil Rights movement. In reality, it has very little to do with it. It's also been criticized for portraying the typical "White savior" trope, which is doesn't (if any of the assholes who blow their shit over social media against it would've watched the movie, none of this would need to be explained). It is a story, to which I attribute closer to "Rain Man" than "Driving Miss Daisy."

The simple fact that a White guy wrote the script and another White guy directed it blew Black folk's mind. Not all, mind you. A lot saw it for the good that it was. Now, here's the rub. Hollywood is so fucking scared of social justice warriors and the wrath of an offended Black person, it bends over to change history so that it doesn't offend them. They're, essentially so Left they went Right. Not all the bullshit controversy surrounding a movie that is about...oh...love, acceptance, kindness and brotherhood. The controversy was over facts of a movie.

Nowhere was it ever promised a documentary on piano prodigy Doctor Don Shirley. It is about the man who drove him over a few months to tour the racist south.

The gist of the gripe of the movie stems from Blacks and guilt ridden Whites feeling butthurt over the lack of facts and details of Dr. Shirley's real life. In reality, NO ONE knew the real Dr. Shirley. The guy who wrote it can only be the voice of what happened in their road trip. Dr. Shirley's family were the most vocal about the inaccuracies of the man. Funny how the good Doc left them out of his will and this is what they go with (in reality, Shirley left everything to one of his students).
The other hilarious thing is...in attempting to chastise this movie, the guilt ridden Whites are essentially acting the role of the White savior. Ironic? Yep. White people are blasting the movie to protect the modern day Black community against...fuck if I know. The movie is beautiful tale of a self-proclaimed dumb passively racist man who was taught culture by a very intelligent man. Instead, this new Left group LOVE to play victim and decide they know everything based on nothing.
True, the family did officially come out to blast the film, however, others (including the man who Shirley eventually left money to) came out to praise it. It wasn't the facts that bogged them down, it was the spirit of the man, who was dignified and lived a life we got to know a bit about (or ended up researching as I did).

The other thing I'm hearing is that...we will never "get it." As a society, unless you kowtow to the Blacks and admit every wrong and crime you weren't born (nor neither your folks) to commit, then you are racist. Consider that for a second. EVERYONE understands being patronized.

When the Oscars were on, I was at the local cigar bar whose clientele were mostly Black people. Guess what they wanted to watch? The San Antonio Spurs versus the New York Knicks. None considered the Oscars. That's how little the well-off Black folk think of the social justice warriors.
I'm glad "Green Book" won Best Picture. It's a warm hug with a great message.

I'd Like To Thank - Oscar 2019

First off, fuck them all for not nominating me. For what? Fuck you, is what. There's a sequel in the works.

Hey, ever notice that today's Left wing Hollywood never thanks the public that pay to watch their digital garbage? Or home videos as I call them. If you look back at the days of when Hollywood was REALLY conservative they couldn't thank their public enough. What's changed? Seems the new actor is more self-involved than most. Now you could chalk this up to "The People's Choice Award" where they thank the people, but that's not the stage for that. The people are what we are beholden to. And celebs have forgotten that. You know what THAT does? Makes them appear, once again, they feel they are superior.
The one thing you should know about celebrity (which you most likely do already) it's fleeting. There are a ton of actors who show up to these conventions that baffle me why they don't work. They've already proven they can act. Why not hire them and save the headache of casting. Better yet, write for them.
That said, the public is fickle and I can see where one would eventually hold them in contempt. For me, I've always thought the masses were dumb. Individually smart though. But if it were not for them pumping their hard earned dollars to see them, they would just be playing an accordion at a bus stop in Tarzana. BE GRATEFUL. BE HUMBLE. If an actor is going to cultivate any image, it's that you respect the people. Tonight, they will put on a show to reward themselves for being rich and famous and can fake being someone else real good. To me...this is not curing any disease. If people are ever wondering why there's a new disgust for social justice messages in speeches. Especially the Latin American performers ones who take pot shots at American politics. Dude, your country sucks fucking dick. Which is why they're risking life to get here. Get a fucking clue.
Also, stop assuming Americans are dumb. A typical Hollywood celebs is making the greatest mistake today...that's lecturing the public on a night of awarding yourselves. If you don't know why that is wrong, you are a self-centered dickbag. Which we already know you are.

Yesterday, they broadcasted the Independent Spirit Awards. Aubrey Plaza hosted. She's great. First off, I love when they thank "Sony Classics" or "Paramount Vantage" or "Plan B"...these people are funded by studio. True indie movies...no one has seen. They are also pretty fucking awful. So I get it. But Aubrey had fun fucking with the idealism of the award. How phony it is. In her adorable deadpan style (yeah, I'd like to bang her). I think what really set this one apart from any other award is maybe the Independent Spirit. Making movies you know doesn't sell a bunch of tickets but expands movie watching vocabulary. You don't need people throwing each other through walls or explosions to get a point across. In fact, 90 years of it only to be undone of the following 10+ that required it.

True independent cinema is avant garde. None of these are what I would call...Ramen flicks (meaning you ate ramen for months to make it). Hollywood poor is so different than Joe America Broke poor.
Any way, pay attention to who thanks America and the public. Doubt any will.

The Curious Case Of 1989

"Driving Miss Daisy" won Best Picture Oscar in that year. I was 13 years old at the time and thought very little of politics or the world around me, other than I wanted to finger Lauren, this older girl, and play guitar. That movie cleaned up a lot because the message was kind. Be good to one another regardless of race. Little is still brought up about the detail that Miss Daisy (played perfectly by Jessica Tandy) was a Jewish school teacher. One would believe, she among any one else would understand the plight of the African American in America.

The film that media is speaking about that really got hosed in that year was "Do The Right Thing" Spike Lee's angry Black man causing a riot film that is really well made. A literal slice of life of a Italian pizza parlor in New York City on the hottest day.

Not that Spike has mellowed out since, but it was a fun film to watch when I was 13-22. I'm not as disenfranchised anymore because it's all for naught. Spike's film accused America of, pretty much everything, almost like a temper tantrum on screen. Well made, but yet...still immature. It got no love from the Academy. My guess at the time, they probably shook their heads and said "that Spike, always angry." Also, he's an East Coaster, and there's always been that rift as well. I think Spike is LONG overdue for an Oscar. If we are to see it as a lifetime achievement award, he has EARNED it. Regardless of how you see his films. He is a FILMMAKER.

Flash forward 30 years. Spike is back with "Blackkklansman" and Peter Farrelly's "Green Book" are nominated. "Green Book" is essentially "Driving Miss Daisy" in reverse. And Spike's flick...yep...still angry. But here now...the Left are angry now. Back in 1989, they were chill. Having fun and cracking jokes. Now, they're militant and they aren't interested in "increasing the peace" anymore. Spike's flick ended with Heather Heyer's murder at the hands of White supremacist activist. Eesh. Whilst "Green Book" ends with a holiday dinner and warm hugs.

I prefer the warm hugs.

Jussie Smollett Versus John Wayne

In a 1971 interview John Wayne said this to Playboy:

"I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated"

In 1971, this type of talk drew very little controversy. For a few reasons that still exists today. The inner city urban community still feels victimized, and they shun being educated. Now, that sounds controversial in itself, but the value of education is "street smarts" rather than "books smarts." Many outliers, to be sure. But how does the Asian culture get the stereotype of focused on education, whilst the Black culture gets the one about sports and entertainment.

Little has been raised at the tiny population of Asian actors, or directors or entertainers. This isn't an avenue that most in this community are interested in (it's slowly changing as older Asians are growing more Westernized or portrayed as such).

Enter, Jussie Smollett. The gay Black man allegedly paid two buffed out Nigerians dudes to beat him up so he could blame Trump supporters...In Chicago.

I don't think ANYONE believed him. Except the very few celebrities who used it for their own cause (go fuck yourself, Ellen Page). Then the allegations came out that he lied about the whole event and staged it for...salary dispute.

Hey Juss, the Leftists are the ones who fucked with your dough, not Trump or Trump supporters. This dickbag could've caused a riot. He should do prison time. But, as justice reform goes, the assistant district attorney recused herself from the prosecuting him...on suspicious grounds. Black woman, fill in the spaces.

The comment by Wayne, at the surface seems to be fed into history. The terms "white supremacy" is part of the lingo of the press. To me, he seemed to have parroted what has been going on during the Civil Rights movement, the one that really mattered. And this seems to be more of a call to action rather than a slight at the Black community. Get smart and get above and thrive. He wasn't one to speak with any level of airs.

Now the press is going to have a field day with this, in order to cover for Smollett's dumb crime. Which is ironic, considering what Wayne is saying speaks nearly directly to Smollet.

Being The Best Social Media

There's been an influx of models and former models who have kids now who re-affirm their child's looks, mostly girls, that they are beautiful the way they are. That having a paunch or a bent nose or too tall or too short...reaffirmation...

Hey airhead, DUUUUUUUUHHHHHHH... these are the same idiots who are giving them Botox, stomach staples, and most likely giving them complexes when they broadcast how insecure their child is.
I know we've been griping incessantly on how social media is driving women to unrealistic ideas of attractiveness. Here's a few facts that you have to get use to:
1) you aren't the prettiest person in the room
2) you aren't the smartest person in the room
3) you aren't the most talented person in the room

You never will be. That's the reality. That being true, do the best version of YOU. The whole idea of unique isn't that you can act like a fucking retard. It's that you have a voice and can express to the public (if you wish). Billions of people are much more talented and attractive than me. Truth. That being said, I choose to focus on what I can do for myself. That's being a teacher (sort of) and filmmaker. The unique part isn't what I do, but that I am doing something.
Last night, whilst smoking cigars, I met a fascinating young man who was traveling the world. He works as tech support and can work remotely. He was booking a flight to Peru when we struck up a conversation about life. As a young man, he is prone to the constant comparison to his age group. The women have sexy photos and the guys pretend they are rich and globe trekking. This dude actually was. If not to get a different perspective. OR the walls of this country were closing in. I got the impression the wanderlust of humans are folded up now behind a screen. I'm guilty. Love living through the eyes of people who travel. Though, what I've heard are "what can I do to get more eyes on my Instagram page." This is devastating to anyone with ambition. You aren't doing things for yourself and losing your unique perspective in the process. Catering to the masses who may like the phony you is not what makes people rest well at night.
I asked a friend recently "what do you think will fill that void in your life." I know what she wanted to say...a guy she was hung up on. I know that feeling. I sensed that as well. Leaning on the support of someone else because you needed constant affirmation you matter. NO ONE...I repeat NO ONE knows your value but you. It's been years, of myself, at the mercy of these thoughts. I understand. We can't allow others to assign us value.
And it's near impossible, if you are a social media staple. Such as these "influencers." They prey on our own insecurities (though they don't know this is what is happening).
I would say, focus on your own peace. Jealousy and envy are what these sites instill. That we are missing out on more adventures. Much like the young man, I don't think he understands that wherever you goes, he still is him. You can't outrun that regardless of how many trips you take. How many injections of Botox you give yourself.
Men and women need to accept some life's truths before we can stop fully judging based on looks (we know its impossible). But I like being surprised.

What People Aren't Saying About The Academy

We can't have suitable things without it being ruined by politically correct crybabies. Very few people have been talking that ever since Will Smith and Jada Pinkett whined their asses about lack of diversity the Academy bragged about (forcefully) adding more black, brown and women. In fact the president is a black woman.
Has it occurred to anyone this new shit show is the result of these dopes being added.
Now I get having diversity and having diverse film...because you know...Black music isn't the most influential in America...movies need to be controlled as well. What do we get? Best Picture nomination that are nonsensical to dumb obvious.
To be fair, social media can't let s movie be a movie anymore. It has to fulfill all the requirements of the fuckface outraged. Garbage human beings who can't enjoy s movie for a story. Saddle thst with guilt ridden white voters and you get Mexican cinema being nominated whenever available. Alfonson Cuaron's flick "Roma" is a nice day in a life...but it's not American cinema. It's American cinema to fucking lame wad crusaders to stick it to Trump because he doesn't want any more of them hopping the border. Guess what celebrating this film TWICE does? Gets a conservative president elected (perhaps this is the plan).
Hollywood is not going to win targeting the major cities with their Lefty agenda. So this is why the outrage.
This new Academy regime are incredibly dumb. It's overthinking the ceremony because of media pressure. It really draws more light on how insignificant the awards really are.
We can't have nice things.

Auditioning Stories

A few of my actor friends have told me their unbridled stories of going into an audition and taking it to the max. You hear these stories in big films as well. Go see Sean Young's audition tape for "Raiders Of The Lost Ark" and you'll see how desperately she was gunning for the role (it went to Karen Black).
These stories are great. And it's funny how the actor friends love telling them, but the reality...we're only really hearing the success stories. The failures disappear into the ether.

For every guy or gal who pulls their pants down and eats their own socks to impress the casting director there are many more that have banned them from ever returning. These are the stories we don't hear. Want to know why? Because they were never casted.

Though, I'm not adverse to say, I love that level of chutzpah. None of which matters as I'm not casting massive budgeted films. Sometimes, it's just sad. But I will never tell an actor not to do what it takes to get what they want. The ones that it really doesn't work for is if they aren't that way in life. The wallflower isn't going to whip off her blouse in a convincing way to indicate how free spirited she is (the perfect example is Meg Ryan being ridiculously casted as Jim Morrison's girlfriend Pamela Courson). Meg was so uncomfortable, you can see her covering up her tits to Oliver Stone's dismay.

I do get the mentality though, "nothing ventured, nothing gained" And if you are put on their radar, they will more than likely cast you. With one caveat. For those who continue to love pulling down their own pants and sucking your thumb for casting attention, probably should ask yourself if you'd want to be with that person for 12-16 hour days around women? This is now a liability and isn't (unfortunately) as tolerated. I've been on sets where the actor thought it funny to do so. This was in 2008 when it was somewhat still acceptable. The guy most likely O.D.'d somewhere in Hollywood by now. The Babylon isn't that shimmery.

The other thing to consider, if you decide to take it to the limit...this is an industry of talk. By the time you finished your audition, every agency, by lunchtime, will have this story. Whether you consider this good or bad is up to you. Me? How about wow'ing people with just reading the line. Most of the time, to be perfectly frank, most people conceal lack of talent with a gimmick stunt. If these are the ways you get on set, more power to you. You also have a story to tell for the next person who may outdo you in outrageous behavior. From what I hear in the grapevine, most people are annoyed by it. They know the trick. Better to be the first than the next.
If you're lucky to get an audition for a studio, consider that they already decided who they want before you even got there. And it isn't you. So...in that sense...why not?

Coming to Hollywood

With the new influx of social media influencers, I'm befuddled by the people who are determined to make it in Hollywood. I welcome all ambitious people but most people who come here have no plan. Perfectly fine considering most people also have no back up plan.
To work in entertainment isn't necessarily fun. Not sure how many times I can express this. I suppose it is when you're young but reality are the downsides when it's not. And what most discover there is more down time than not. In this case, work needs to occupy this space. Or at the very least. Keep busy. My time was taken up by graduate school. And that was ALL down time. The rest was drinking into a college stupor. Fact is, everyone is so busy with their own lives they reall don't do much to concern themselves with yours. And with the new ambitious youth, plenty would rather NOT see you succeed. Sorry, that is reality.
So how do you muddle through?
Pick the people to hitch your wagon to that aren't established yet and grow together. It's a slooooow process that requires you all to be constantly making things.
Support each other regardless. Champion the work. I've met too many people who moved beyond me, and more successful. Yes, it's a bitter pill to swallow, but it does you no good to suffer. And harbors resentment that is irreparable.
Be honest with yourself. There's this odd notion that you have to pretend to always be confident. Not really. Exuding confidence and being confident are different. Too many arrogant people, not enough listeners. Unfortunatel the social climbers suffer this the quickest. You won't be the most talented, handsomest, prettiest, smartest...so why bother, right? WRONG! You will be you. And though sometimes that's not what you wanted, you need to work with that. A unique voice speaks volumes.
Don't be strange to attact attention. Unless that is your true being. Too many people simple are attention seekers. Fair enough, we're in the attention seeking biz, but let your WORK speak for itself. A new batch of actors are done with making headlines. In my opinion their work has never been better. Think of it like this, Marlon Brando ended his career with "The Island of Dr. Moreau." His life was always in headlines. Oddball behavior perpetuates itself into obscurity.
Anyways, these are just some observations. Tread carefully and respect what you do. No one else will.

Rob Lowe's Tweet

Rob Lowe was a part of the Malibu colony WAY before it became multi-million dollar beach front properly.  At the time, it was a hippie commune...er...sort of. Martin Sheen and his boys were there. A bunch of surf kids who had migrated from freezing Ohio.

It was some what of a shock when pretty boy Rob Lowe supports the Left. Staunch in his support in fact that he tweeted this

I recognize this as a joke, but still it supports Warren. Most others recognize it as a joke, but for some reason, these fucking loser assholes do not:

“What a raw blow!” “Star Wars” actor Mark Hamill tweeted.

“That’s not funny,” added Vincent D’Onofrio added.

Don’t. Jesus.

— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) 

First off, you're fucking has-been entertainers. Nerds and really deep cut t.v. buffs MAY recognize you people in something. Hamill is staunch Lefty nut. Strange how he is a puppet of the money monolith franchise that won't be named here.

I dig Rob Lowe. Despite how Left he leans, he is still a pretty decent dude, as I've read in his biography. Though still very guarded to the true ugly Hollywood, or too self-centered to notice, his rise to fame wasn't THAT bumpy of a ride (unless you count Joel Schumacher...just kidding Rob).

It's getting to a point where they can't even poke fun of their own. Which explains why Sa-TURD-ay Night Live is so dull. They can't even find the perfect political comedy angles which happens to be more on the Left with Bug-Eyed Cory Booker or Kamala Junk Mail Harris.

Button Pushing Tards

At my day job, everyone seems to be satisfied pushing buttons. This is not a crack at them. In fact...pretty sure they're the lucky ones. Anyone who aspires for something greater...they will be miserable.
Typically speaking, most of the people who work in post production on a feature film are White middle class guys. A few I've seen are the same crowds that go to Jimmy Buffet concerts. They tell Dad jokes. They're okay with making a simple paycheck and supporting the family. Don't you envy them?
Me, on the other hand, have to know why I'm doing something. In this military style work environment, no one cares why you want to know. In fact, most will tell you to shut up and push a button. Not tell me though, I know why I'm doing something and ask questions to my hearts content. A few stragglers I can tell seemed to have wanted to do something in their youth. They're the ones who give you a nudge to keep making stuff. The others would rather you didn't show them how creatively failed they become. Who knows, maybe a few women there write sexy dime novels.
The issue is, they've fulfilled their lives with other things. Family, for instance. In the film business, your crew and cast become your family. In post production, they prefer never returning to the office unless necessary.
I once asked a co-worker why he came in after hours to work on a company project and didn't clock in. He told me it was to keep their department moving, so that he doesn't get laid off from work. He works without pay, to be a martyr. He has no interest in what he does other than to make sure it survives.
If this is your world...you are ready to die.

Perspective

My friend steered me towards a VHS collector's Facebook page, which is where I met Allie.
We chatted online about things like...mixed tapes and videotapes. She also has a phony Facebook name, like myself. And has a hilarious profile.
She is fascinated by snuff films and odd porno. Odd girl. Which is when I discovered she was only 26. Here's the thing, prior to joining the site, I'd told my friend that there were probably old fat bald guys on that site. Not so! He told me. In fact, under 30 year olds are collecting VHS cassettes. Unreal. VHS players are "in" again, apparently to the Millenials.
She also started telling me this fascinating story of her sexual assault.

Now, that is a TON of information to be giving to a complete stranger, which is clear she most likely suffers from borderline personality disorder. This is typical. But she is fascinating. Thing with these women are how interesting they are. Uninhibited in all facets of life. The freedom to tell people the way it is with no filter is enticing. Most women in this town have this quality, as they want to experience EVERYTHING about life, but are also deeply damaged.

A few more words exchanged and now I'm writing a screenplay based on her life. It's fascinating. And it got me thinking about perspective.

I really have zero knowledge of the new kids lifestyle. It's so odd that some can fuck and run. Like this generation knows their lifespan is short and can't waste it to, do things with any level of courtesy. Calling or texting or even talking gathers no traction with this age group. Though most have lived sheltered lives, it still baffles me when they regale me with stories of abuse. With the new media, you do assume most would be broadcasted. Not so.
But it's fascinating knowing what young women go through in this era of technology. A ton are requested for nude photos. And for whatever reason, most girls will do it. Perhaps we were the last generation to have a modicum of shame. Or perhaps they learn this later in life. It's difficult to conclude where this behavior stems from other than women are getting a bigger platform to express their sexuality despite being labeled by the public.
This perspective is very fascinating to me. Especially as she's offered to give me the inside scoop of how young women REALLY talk to one another when we're not around.

Burt Reynolds

A friend had informed me of a Burt Reynolds month at one of our favorite reparatory theater here in Los Angeles. I borrowed "The Last Movie Star" at the library, which is essentially Burt's apology before his recent death.
The story of "The Last Movie Star" is about a, Vic Edwards (Burt Reynolds), an elderly film star at the twilight of his years who, at one point, was the biggest star ever for five years straight. He is honored at a film festival, but when he shows up, he realizes it's a tiny celebration held at a bar in his honor by some hipster college aged kids with a love of irony. Livid, he demands to be taken back to the airport but is then sidetracked to revisit his hometown.

This movie is very meta in Burt's career, as it also reminds you through showing clips of really famous Burt Reynolds films. Melancholy and bittersweet, it's the movie Burt wanted to tell his fans that he couldn't say in person. And I wonder these things constantly when I go to The Hollywood Show. This is a celebrity show from t.v., rock and film fans that have young faces who want to meet old faces. Every time I go, there is this sense of melancholy mixed with bittersweet. To many of future actors, a lot can be gained from learning from the old. Fame doesn't mean you're rich. And most would rather be famous and poor then rich and a nobody...as Burt is fond of saying. I love the shows but at the same time, as I've said in past blogs, it's REALLY difficult to come to terms with your fame that ends in a ballroom near the Los Angeles International Airport. In my mind, they are there to see the fans.
I got to meet one of my favorite James Bond girls, Maryam D'Abo. She seemed distant when I approached but forced a smile. We had a very awkward conversation as to how to sign my photo. And she corrected my grammar, which was really endearing. She also seemed not interested in going into detail about much. This guarded attitude I've experienced more than once.
"How was it to work with Timothy Dalton?"
"Fine. He's nice."
"Um...he's on some show now right?"
"I think so. I'm not sure."

And so forth. I imagine Burt being much more dismissive to his previous fans. Though in movies, his smirk and working class hero permeated the screen. In life, I think he was more troubled than we realized. A few things Burt hasn't ever mentioned is a suicide on his way to meet an actress (Inger Stevens) . This has been buried in his storyline. And he's never spoken of it...ever. Also his long term relationship with Dinah Shore, who was nearly a decade older than him. These things draw up questions I doubt anyone wants to answer. So it seemed Maryam owed me nothing. Fandom is most likely darker for women than for men.

The point of pointing out Burt Reynolds is...I believe a prideful man exists in the mythical nature of Hollywood. Most have no shame. For Burt, in his later years, it felt he toggled in being irrelevant. A term which drives the careers of Warren Beatty or Clint Eastwood (both Burt Reynolds has beaten at box office). I think he felt most on display with his openly hostile attitude towards Paul Thomas Anderson on "Boogie Nights" which he didn't fully own up to in his book. He seemed to have drawn a clearer picture when he attacks the ones who love him the most in "The Last Movie Star." It seemed to be his apology for being so blind as to not accept that people love him for the memories he's given us and not as some circus freakshow which most celebs at The Hollywood Show may feel.

This is a side of fame no one speaks about openly. Mostly because it probably sounds like whining on behalf of being famous...or known. Most emotionally retreat as to not face more rejection. This is why when people tell you that it takes a special kind of person to endure Hollywood, they probably mean the darkness.

Tom Brady And Super Bowl

Patriots won again.
I watched the game with a couple of friends, one rooting for the Los Angeles Rams, the other could give a shit. Incredibly fun. I was going for the Patriots, simply because the Rams got in from a shit no-call by the referees against the Saints. Also, fuck L.A.
An interesting thing occurred. My pal who was rooting for the Rams got upset. Then blurted out how much he hated Tom Brady and the Pats and their cheating fucking scumbags.
Wow. Wild. Then I asked why he'd felt this way. Simply put, Tom Brady represented all the WASPy ass jocks who tormented he and his friends when they were teens.
It's hard to wrap my brain around bullies that transcend the emotional attachment to a...game on television. Like, I don't hate on Tom Selleck because he played rich playboy Magnum P.I. Though these were the guys who got pussy over me in college. Damn mustache.

Sometimes I wonder about my friend. I think he has deeper darker pain that hasn't risen to the surface yet. And an unforgiving nature that seems to derail him. I think most everyone I know who suffers in Los Angeles as a transplant are hiding or running from something. The past.

In terms of the Super Bowl, it is rewarding a team who seems to never be the underdog. And maybe that is what disgusts my friend the most. Not that I cared either way, but to see sports history is remarkable.

Shut Up And Deal

"Shut up and deal"
-"The Apartment" (1960)
I get the feeling Billy Wilder or Iz Diamond got this line sitting in a room with an actor.

I'm always baffled when I think about how when people are hustling for things, they tend to over explain themselves. I do it too. Most actors talk way too much and don't listen. Ever. You can fake listening, which is...ask a question. Most who are struggling actors don't.
The NUMBER ONE thing an actor should do is listen. It's all they have. Listening isn't asking questions simply to ask questions, but it is to hear and digest what is being said and then responding properly. The ones that crash and burn and seem phony are the ones who make the scene about themselves. Ones who add lines or give pauses where it's not needed will aggravate audiences, because you can see the work being done...for themselves.
I think either Mickey Rourke or Willem DaFoe said that their technique is to make the scene about anyone else but themselves. It's not a Richard Burton level soliloquy that puts you on the top tier, it's embodiment of the character. Marlon Brando never made the scene about himself. If you watch "The Godfather," he's desperately trying to stay in the shadow. That's when the director or producer begs to have more of Brando. That's smart. It's a misconception that because you aren't doing more you become relegated to supporting actor or upstaged. I don't think it's that combative unless you do garbage like..."Universal Soldier." That is two meatheads hammering out how much screen time and one liners you can deliver.
There is also the wrong way to question your character...
I do have an actress friend who is aggravating when it comes to this. Not only is the character not understandable to her (any one that's ever presented to her), she deconstructs it to a level that isn't the character anymore. There are those moments you just do as written. Not to her. She does have a damaged quality deep into our history with this industry. Stubborn people will wonder this. Willfully esoteric people as well. If you know and still go headlong into that, you have achieved solitude. If working with others for profit is what you wish for your future...listen.

If you ever wonder why Robert DeNiro is quiet and can't form sentences, he's most likely listening. This unnerves a town that only talks.

Anxiety

Anxiety is fear.
I know someone who suffers from anxiety so bad, it prohibits him from being in public. He has odd mood swings, but it's usually placed in check. Most of the time, the dude is in his own head. A lot of artists are like this because of perceived constant threats, I guess. I had one panic attack which put me in the hospital. I know this was as a result of drinking too much. And the nurses spent the time laughing about it. Well, not outright laughing, but making light how a man my age would be concern about suffering a heart attack...I did some research and discovered panic attacks and heart attacks have similar symptoms.
This led me to quit drinking.
I also think a lot of Left leaning people have anxiety attacks more. You can say they are more sympathetic/empathetic but the truth is probably closer to substance abuse issues. The Left seem to harbor more kind hearted crusaders than the Right. To simplify, The Left is coddling Mom and the Right is tough love Dad. This has changed dramatically over the years. The Left have become more militant. And now the Right are this Dad who don't understand their teen son anymore. But the Dad still goes to work to support their frivolous habits.
It's sometimes strange that people consider Trump Right supporters to be toothless hillbillies, when those people want NO government, or laws for that matter. The extreme Left would agree to this. In other words both extremes should probably unite to form their own party. Because in some odd universe they agree on pretty much everything.
But I digress, in the entertainment business, the mentally suffering people do feel slighted about life. Especially the younger you are. The social media platforms make you think you deserve more. Or wish you had more. I would step away for a while, if you think you don't have the stomach for it. It comes in very odd spurts of envy. The single most destructive sin in our lives. Envy. We want what everyone else has. And we can't see we already do.
This causes the greatest of anxiety. Discover your gift and talent and go forth without fear.