40 years and…

It’s hard to believe that Mario Puzo’s The Godfather was published forty years ago. The story has become part of the American lexicon thanks to the popular movies adapted from the novel. I’ve read the complete book many times and frequently find myself reading passages. What I like most about the book is the sweeping nature of the story. It stretches from the east coast to the west coast of the United States as well as to Sicily. Similarly, the character and plot development span the outer reaches of human experience. One thing missing from the movie adaptation was a more in depth look at the Johnny Fontane character. Thankfully, the book has entire sections devoted to Fontane, showing a character who develops into more than a simply crooner.

Puzo has left a brilliant legacy with this book. At the same time, don’t neglect Fools Die, another brilliant look at humanity, it’s foibles and follies, something Puzo knew how to show better than most.

Published in: on August 19, 2009 at 3:17 pm  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , ,

Handwriting Analysis

Mont Blanc hosted a fun event last week. They introduced some new fountain pens, watches, and other exotic wares at their King of Prussia, PA, USA location. They were good enough to invite me, and I showed up toting my favorite Mont Blanc pen, one that’s written much of several novels. Now, I’ve never been one to go in for psychics and the like but Mont Blanc had a handwriting analyst on hand, one Paula Sassi. Let me tell you dear readers of The Bent Page, this lady knew her stuff! Here’s a photo of her after the analysis discussed below. In the photo we’re chatting about my notebook.

paula_sassi

In the first place, she asked that I write out a single sentence and then my signature. She proceeded to interpret these after a few moments of contemplation. Well, she had my personality pegged, flaws and all, to such a degree that my wife nearly blacked out. No kidding! More than just general traits, she zeroed in on the specifics and I kept my mouth shut, partly out of awe and partly because I didn’t want to give her any clues. All I can say is this lady knows how to delve into your characteristics with nothing more than a few lines on paper.

Thus, my thanks go out to Mont Blanc for the invitation to a thrilling event. Plus it was interesting to see their new fountain pens as well as a few old standbys. Keep up the good work, fellows, but remember, they’re hard to wear out.

Published in: on August 3, 2009 at 1:30 am  Comments (1)  
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Great Characters

Regular television programs bore me. There are a few, however, that are outstanding for the brilliant characters they bring to the small screen. Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers are two examples that come to mind. What I like most about these shows is that they show what the general public would consider “regular people” doing extraordinary things. These guys aren’t movie stars or television heroes. They’re people out in the world making a living, doing their level best against some wicked conditions.

Regular TV, on the other hand, is populated with attempts to create characters such as the ones mentioned above. To me, these creations generally fail in that they are either over the top or not authentic. The action star who never runs out of bullets comes to mind, as does the genius detective who never misses a clue. It’s not that I seek unbridled realism, it’s that I’m looking for a more accurate reflection. By structuring the narrative correctly and populating it with better characters, I believe this goal can be achieved.

The First 48, a show about detectives trying to solve actual crimes comes close to the concept I’m trying to conjure up. The detectives are a mixed bag, some flamboyant, some introspective, but all doing what they can (and more) without the sculpted hair, stilted arguments with higher-ups, and fantasy dates in between. Furthermore, the intensity of their pursuits comes across in vivid clarity. The clock is winding down. If they don’t run down the leads and get a suspect in short order, the odds of solving the crime evaporate. That’s an example of structuring the narrative correctly, and it works very well.

Again, it all doesn’t have to be “reality.” I’ll take some science fiction, some straight forward drama, and whatever else the screenwriters can develop. Just keep it closer to the realm of possibility in the context of the given setting. That’s not too much to ask is it?

Published in: on July 30, 2009 at 12:47 am  Leave a Comment  
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

To Read or Not To Read

A few posts ago, I talked about literacy and the price thereof. Well, a U.S. Congressman actually stated in public that there was no reason for members of that august body to actually read the bills before them.

Are you kidding me?

In other words, the United States Congress should simply vote blindfolded on whatever bill happens to land on the floor. Bills that they have not read and therefore can not understand thus become the law of the land and enforced upon the citizenry.

Talk about hubris!

These are the kind of people running the United States of America. As George Orwell said, “Some are more equal than others.” Some don’t even have to be literate to create the laws for the rest of us.

Published in: on July 27, 2009 at 10:14 pm  Comments (2)  
Tags: , , ,
« Older Entries
Newer Entries »