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This Is Us
How can we best tell our story to the world?
According to Steven Spielberg, we can best tell our story by projecting it with the people in it…along with a little imagination and uncertainty.
Spielberg, a forthcoming HBO documentary, is a double-edged sword.
On the one hand, I (and most likely everyone else on the planet) cannot wait to see this in-depth look into everything Steven Spielberg. The man is a cinematic and storytelling trailblazer. On the other hand, the fact that an in-depth documentary about Steven Spielberg’s life has been filmed, produced and is ready for showtime HBO means that he’s lived a full life and that it’s now time to just reflect…?
Fortunately, the greatest filmmaker in history (my humble opinion) isn’t slowing down one bit.
Ready Player One, directed by the man, the myth and the legend, is set for release with high-anticipation next year. Then, of course, the famed director has another Indiana Jones film. Plus, he has at least a couple more Jurassic World’s to produce and guide during the next several years.
That’s the good news. Now here’s some more. We won’t just be entertained by Steven Spielberg’s imaginative movies about virtual reality, genetically modified dinosaurs causing chaos in the modern world or an adventurous professor from the mid-20th century. Moreover, we’ll be entertained by stories about, well, ourselves. That’s the true storytelling genius of Spielberg.
He suspends focus on himself in order for all of us to believe in ourselves in ways we never thought possible.
And an accompanying John Williams score doesn’t hurt either…
Spielberg premieres on HBO on Saturday, October 7th.
It’s Monday…
Today is one of those days. It (as a wise woman once told me) inhales profusely. We’ve all had them, we’ve all become stressed because of them and we’ve all just wanted them to end.
Except me and except for today.
I want to remember this feeling equally comprised of anger, depression, hopelessness and, oddly enough, reassurance. If you’re doing something and/or are around someone who is constantly making you feel under-appreciated, unwelcome and miserable, then a change, however painful, is necessary for basic human happiness.
Life is too damn short.
And while I am not in the mood for levity at the moment, Chuck Lorre may be the only person who just might get me to achieve this impossible feat today. Not out loud, but inside, where the fire burns. And, apparently, that place deep down where the fire burns is precisely where Chuck Lorre “amateur comedy writer” slowly evolved into Chuck Lorre “sitcom king.”
From feelings of upchucking to Chuck lifting me up a little in a single bound interview.
That’s a super story of winning made for TV.
Sam I Am Who Gives a Damn
Sam Elliott for the win (or ftw, as the kids say).
There are few actors in Hollywood who exemplify that old school “man” in film and televsion. Clint Eastwood is certainly at the top of this list, along with mustache aficionados Tom Selleck and Sam Elliott (video above). As a matter of fact, Mr. Elliott portrays such a manly character in the Netflix show The Ranch. His gritty, no nonsense, old school, tough western rancher persona is, ironically, a refreshing contrast to his sons played by That ’70s Show alums Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson.
Although, as the show demonstrates, both generations have valid points in a myriad of situations. It’s just that ever-present sign of the times.
Or, from a different perspective, Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson seem destined to be around Red Forman (in some form) for TV eternity. Regardless, this one-on-one interview between Sam Jones and Sam Elliott seemed like a perfect fit for “Wisdom Wednesday,” sponsored by Jimmy’s Daily Planet.
“Always do a little more than what’s expected of you”
–Sam Elliott
Jimmy's Daily Planet 