She demanded of her future husband: “I only ask one thing, that should my people need me, you would help me to do my duty by them.”
And they and her mother did need her, so she went back… and was put under house arrest because of her political activism.
She was offered her freedom, if she left… But she is a Diplomatic Contender, and
“… Contending entails competition. Thus to contend with another’s work one must hold one’s ground, hang onto one’s position, stick to one’s intention, tend to one’s business, stay the course, in a word, betenacious. It is not so much that one is bent on overtaking or outdoing others, as it is having one’s way. Contenders will have their way if at all possible.” Personology, page 77.
“You might as well live a lot, really hard, and not give a shit, because you can always walk through that door. So I started to live as if I could die any day.” [Our emphasis, not hers]
But she couldn’t.
She couldn’t liveas if she had no purpose. It wasn’t in her nature.
So she had started her search, not knowing why or how, or even where. She didn’t even know that she was searching.
No ashes, no coal can burn with such glow. As a secretive love of which no one must know.
She was.
But, “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us…” [Charles Dickens, Tale of Two Cities]
She began her dark journey into light at the age of seventeen.
In that darkness, he had beaten her ‘on her bare buttocks’ in a ‘special room’ away from the family. In the light, she eventually confessed that she had felt sexual excitement when her father beat her. Her mother had raised her ‘in complete sexual ignorance.’
Suffering – both physical and emotional – with love.
Disney/Pixar’s 2012 project Brave released a full trailer recently and looks to have in droves the charmingly delightful delightfulness that Pixar seems to achieve so well. Disney/Pixar will be looking for cinematic redemption after its 2011 release Cars 2flopped hard both at the box-office and with critics. Brave is centered around a Scottish Princess named Merida, and will be Pixar’s first ‘fairytale’, and it’s first film with a female protagonist. A brief synopsis tells us that Merida ‘confronts tradition, destiny, and the fiercest of beasts’. Let’s jump right in and take a look at our red-haired heroine Merida who is voiced by actress Kelly Macdonald (Boardwalk Empire).
Merida is described as the impetuous daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to carve her own path in life, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane). “Searching for the meaning of existence,” and believing in a “world pregnant with possibilities,” Merida indeed seems quite optimistic. Extremely courageous, highly independent, deeply mystical, and on a search for life’s truthsMerida is a classic Idealist. Indeed Merida turns to an “eccentric old Wise Woman (voice of Julie Walters) for help, she is granted an ill-fated wish.” In order to find out what happens I suppose we’ll have to just watch the film! Brave is slated for a June 22, 2012 release date.
If you had the chance to change your fate…… would you?
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1opens today much to the joy of pre-pubescent girls all over the country. Breaking Dawn is the last of four vampire-themed fantasy romance novels, meaning that The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (to be released this time next year) will be the last time that we have to deal with this garbage. While some skeptics might call this stuff low-budget low-talent pop-teen fluffy bullsh*t, it has managed to gain quite a following so let’s not dampen the mood. The Twilight Saga is a series of stories told primarily through the narrative of a young girl Bella and her romantic encounters with a vampire (left), and a werewolf (right). The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 begins with a wedding between Bella and Edward (the vampire), so I guess we’ll see how that goes. Twilight author Stephenie Meyer actually loosely based Breaking Dawn off of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, so it can’t be THAT bad. Criticism aside if you are a hopeless romantic, The Twilight Saga has a lot to grasp on to so let’s go right on ahead and take a look at this delightful and charming story of true love.
Surely one of the most important and appealing concepts of The Twilight Saga is the idea that true love transcends time, as Edward is over 100 years old and yet falls deeply in love with the young humanBella. Edwardhowever is a pragmatist, and constantly warns Bella against being involved with him despite developing very strong feelings for her. In the second book Edward even convinces Bella that he doesn’t love her in an attempt to protect her, as he knows that their relationship puts her in danger. Highly skeptical of the dark world he lives in, extremely resolute in his concern for Bella, and very pragmatic about their forbidden relationshipEdward Cullen is undoubtedly a Rational. Indeed the couples’ entire relationship exists only with monumental amounts of self-control on behalf of Edward, something that Rationals pride themselves on. Bella’sscent is irresistible to Edward, and every second that he is with her his vampiric instincts are telling him to ‘bite’ her, but he ultimately cannot corrupt something that is so pure in his mind.
Despite Bella frequently asking Edward to turn her into a vampire so that they can be together forever, Edward believes that being a vampire is a curse and that they are soulless creatures with no place in heaven. Indeed Bella possesses an unrelenting energy and passion for their relationship, and fell into a deep depression during their fallout in the second novel. During such a dark period Bella discovered that she possesses intuitive powers, and can hear Edwards thoughts when she is in danger. Highly sensitive, extremely empathic, deeply loving, and undeniably intimateBella Swan is undoubtedly an Idealist. Indeed Bella uses such danger-invoked telepathic abilities to justify nearly killing herself, a romantic cry for help that screams Idealist. Certainly, Idealists (like Bella) “have a flair for dramatizing their courtships, and they spare no effort or flight of imagination to win the heart of their loved one.”
“The basis of the Idealists and Rationals compatibility is that they both live primarily in the world of abstract concepts–the world of theories and possibilities, of insights and symbols. After dating more down-to-earth, literal minded Artisans and Guardians, an Idealist’s first encounter with a Rational can be a revelation, putting the NF in touch with a new and intriguing type of person, someone eager and able (like the NF) to dream the world, to build castles in the air, and to see far distances with the mind’s eye. Also fascinating is the Rational’s calmness and autonomy, two characteristics which give the NT a strength of character—a firm grasp of who they are—that the easily ruffled, soul-searching NF greatly admires, and would like to emulate.” Please Understand Me II, p. 238
Before you, Bella, my life was like a moonless night. Very dark, but there were stars points of light and reason…And then you shot across my sky like a meteor. Suddently everything was on fire; there was brilliancy, there was beauty. When you were gone, when the meteor had fallen over the horizon, everything went black. Nothing had changed, but my eyes were blinded by the light. I couldn’t see the stars anymore. And there was no more reason for anything.’
Tarsem Singh‘s visually spectacular Greek mythology epicImmortals opened last Friday to mixed reviewsand a $32 million box office weekend opening. Some call it a “living, breathing, work of art” while others ask “doesn’t Greece have enough problems already?” The film is an artistic depiction of several classic Greek myths including that of Theseus, the Minotaur, and the Titanomachy. While the film does succeed in being an impressive visual spectacle, the story ultimately falls short and those looking for an emotional connection to the characters will likely be disappointed. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a 37% aggregate with its Top Critics giving it a 22%, while Metacritic gave it a 47 out of 100. In other words when a movie gets “mixed reviews” it usually just means the movie sucks. Most of the films issues lie in the screenplay, but if you are a movie fan or Greek mythology buff you should definitely check it out. Regardless of Singh‘s artistic direction or perhaps lack-there-of let’s take a look at Immortals’ four main characters with limited spoilers.
A father-less peasant named Theseus played by the new SupermanHenry Cavill serves as the Artisan in the film, being highly skilled in martial arts and utterly fearless. Indeed it is Thesseus’ fearlessness that prompted Zeus to train him and provide guidance for him in the disguise of an old man.
An oracle priestess named Phaedra played by Freida Pinto serves as the Idealist in the film, being highly spiritual and gifted with visions and premonitions of the future. Indeed it is Phaedra who took notice of Thesseus’ destiny and affinity to the gods, and helped guide him along his path.
A ruthless and bloodthirsty mobilizer named King Hyperion played by Mickey Rourke serves as the Rational in the film, who rose from an unwanted peasant to the most powerful man in Greece. Hyperion is a mercilessly efficient leader and does whatever needs to be done to fulfill his aim of de-throning the tryanny of the Olympians.
The King of the Gods Zeus played by Luke Evans serves as the Guardian in the film, as the one who must enforce the rules of the Gods at all costs, while also protecting his Olympian family from the threat of the Titans. Indeed Zeus is forced to execute martial law when one of his fellow Olympians breaks the rule of not interfering in human affairs. He is also ultimately forced to defend his family’s right to the throne of Mount Olympus, which is probably the coolest part of the film.
If there was one human who could lead them against Hyperion, it would be Theseus. But it has to be his choice.
The Dark Knight Rises is now in it’s final filming stages as it takes its talents to Manhattan, New York. Naturally, more eyewitness videos and photos have popped up online, this time showing a chase sequence with motorcycles, GCPD patrol cars, the Batwing, and Bane’s ‘earthquake device’. Though we know where Bane and Batman stand (on opposing sides) many wonder what role new characterCatwoman will ultimately play in the film. While Anne Hathaway has received criticism for the above picture, she assures us that ‘we’ve only seen a tenth of what the suit can do’. Let’s then ignore the slight goofy-lookingness of the above picture and proceed with analyzing the Feline Femme Fatalle.
A young orphan who grew tired of being abused, Selina Kyle opted to take her chances surviving on the streets of Gotham. Kyle became a talented thief, gymnast, and martial artist, but practiced her own unique brand of justice, and always gave back to the slum that raised her. Fiercely independent, unabashedly shy, highly intuitive, and infamously ambiguousCatwoman is undoubtedly a Healer Idealist. Indeed Selina Kyle’s status as a hero or villain is up in the air, as she possesses her own unique moral code. Kyle often has romantic encounters with Batman and is always pursuing her own identity in Gotham City. While Selina often fights against Batman, she also has a tendency to display deep affections towards him in times of need. In true Idealist fashion, Selina Kyle eventually gives birth to a daughter, and quits her vigilantism for good. An event, however, we will not likely get to witness in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster conclusion. The Dark Knight Rises is now starting to wrap up shooting and can be seen in all it’s glory July 20, 2012.
My world is all just shades of grey, Batman. That’s why you’ll never really understand me.
Marvel Studios and Walt Disney Pictures have strategically released independent films providing backstory for the Avengers’ four major characters. Those being Iron Man, the incredible Hulk, Captain America, and Thor. And like any dynamic and complex set of major characters, these four ‘Avengers’ together represent all four basic personality types. Captain America is of course the stalwart Guardian who defends justice with his iconic shield. Hulk is likewise the emotional and impulsive Artisan who transforms into a raging beast when angered. Iron Manis the Rationalindustrialist and ingenious engineer that utilizes a mechanical suit. Finally Thor is the championingIdealistGod of Thunder who fights ‘for Asgard’ and is constantly learning life’s lessons. Together, they assemble to fight against threats to humanity. Much like the four temperamentsassemble to do the same.
Captain America is the hard-hittingGuardian who actually leads The Avengers into battle, with his infamous battle-cry ‘Avengers Assemble!‘. A born leader, defending justice with his iconic indestructible shield, The Sentinel of Libertyis undoubtedly a Supervisor Guardian. Strong, dependable, and hard-working: ‘Cap’ is a poster-boy for the ideals of our nation, a nation that was indeed founded by a Guardian. Dutiful, commanding, and disciplined Captain America is the vocal leader of the Avengers, and knows like all Supervisors do that one must ‘lead by example‘. The ‘first avenger‘, Steve Rogers is very much the back-bone of The Avengers, much like Guardians are the back-bone of society.
DC/Warner Bros. has made it known that it has similar aspirations to assemble it’s own superhero team in a similar way and put a Justice League Film together by 2013 in order to directly compete with Marvel’s The Avengers. One could argue that they are slightly behind schedule, since Chris Nolan’s Batman franchise will not be connected with a JLA (Justice League of America) film, and neither will Zack Snyder’s upcoming Man of Steel. That leaves DC with only one established character in the Justice League Universe that of which being Green Lantern who’s film without being too cynical was quite the thespian blunder. Warner Bros. president Jeff Robinov has made it clear however that a Justice League film in 2013 is the studios top priority despite all evidence to the contrary. Earth’s Greatest Hero’s assemble in theater near you on May 4, 2012.
With the Dark Knight Rises filming in major cities Pittsburg and now Los Angeles naturally a plethora of on-set spy photos and videos have surfaced all over the web, most of which have been quite spoilerish. This most recent spy video is perhaps the most revealing one as it shows Bruce Wayne ‘limping’ with a cane out of his Lamborghini into a party. This of course strengthens arguments that the film will borrow plot points from the story arch “Knightfall“ in which antagonist Banebadly injures Batman and infamously breaks his back.
Without giving too much away let’s take a closer look at the titularCaped Crusader, and his well-rounded supporting cast. Bruce Thomas Wayne had the unfortunate luck of witnessing his parents murder by a mugger as a young child, an event that no doubt had a major impact on his life. Arrogant billionaire industrialist and notorious playboy by day, and a ruthless masked vigilante by night, Batman/Bruce Wayne is undoubtedly a Promoter Artisan. Bold, daring, and audacious with a tough-minded persona Bruce knows as most Promoters do that ‘nice guys finish last‘.
Primarily trusting his impulses with a knack for tool usage, Batman is definitely an Artisan, but certainly doesn’t get the job done all by himself. Alfred Pennyworth is Batman’s faithful and tirelessGuardian butler and confidant. Lucius Fox is Batman’s Rationalfinancier, gadget man, and behind-the-scenes business manager of Wayne Enterprises. Commissioner Gordon is Batman’s Idealist link to Gotham City’s Police Force who is strictly and naively concerned with ridding Gotham City of evil. Given such a well-roundedbat-squad let’s hope that even with a broken back Batman will be able to best his powerful nemesisBane in Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated conclusion to his blockbuster trilogy.
Word on the streets is that the Dark Knight Rises’ ending sequence is so over-the-top that it is only known by five people including Christopher Nolan and will be done entirely in CG. So apparently Nolan’s conclusion is so epic that it has to be done entirely in visual effects? Guess we’ll find out July 20, 2012!
DC Comics is relaunching its entire stockpile of 52 comic book titles this month in hopes of reaching a broader audience. Such a ‘reboot’ goes hand-in-hand with DC’s parent company Warner Bros. aspirations to put a Justice League Film together by 2013 in order to directly compete with Marvel’s The Avengers. Warner Bros. new president Jeff Robinov has made it clear that such a project is the studio’s top priority with the company looking for a new cash cow in the wake of Harry Potter’s franchise concluding. Regardless of the logistic reality of such a task let’s take a look at the four main characters of DC’s flagship teamof superheroes. Superman is the indestructible Guardian known as the Big Blue Boyscout who is steadfastly reliable and follows a strict code of ethics. Batman is the billionaire playboy industrialist Artisan who dons a mask at night and ‘beats criminals to a bloody pulp with his bare hands’. Green Lantern is the nurturing Idealist who wields a ‘power ring’ that translates his imagination into green energy using the strength of his willpower. Finally The Flash is the Rationalscientist who thinks at superhuman speed, travels through time, and defies the laws of physics. Marvel/Disney clearly has an advantage in Hollywood having almost wrapped principal photography on the Avengers after solidly establishing all four major characters. DC/Warner Brothers on the other hand has it’s work cut out for it having not successfully established any major characters yet outside of Chris Nolan’s Batman franchise. Robinov however has made it clear that a Justice League of America film will happen in 2013 regardless of how many characters have been solidly established with audiences beforehand. Given these two supersquads I think the question on everyones mind is: which one wins in a streetfight?
