September 13, 1994 I was initially very excited when I saw
that you were requiring us to write a journal. I find them a great outlet for
all the complaining I want to do but find socially embarrassing to vocalize.
Journals I've done in the past have always remained hand written which meant
that I could add to them anytime, anywhere. Typing is not a problem, though it
may not end up as spontaneous. I apologize now for any times in the following
pages where I may drift off topic. I have no intention of editing it all out as
I think that some of the more mundane thoughts of today may reveal themselves
to be the revelations of tomorrow. In other words, please bear with me.
We
had our first class yesterday. I was extremely nervous going into it and
remained so until the end. Although I am fairly certain that I will be able to
keep up with my classmates in scholastic matters, I worry that my reclusive
ways may leave me straggling behind when it comes to developing interpersonal relations
between myself and the others. Although today I spoke at length with Mark from
Concordia and we shared many of the same thoughts about the state of the
Canadian film industry.
Mark
and I talked about horror films, a favourite topic of mine, and how the recent
Canadian horror films I've seen (ie "Dracula Rising") which pull most
of their punches and substitute style and gloss for tension and atmosphere. The
purpose of this, I propose, is that the market for our "B" movies is through
venues such as pay tv which must be "appropriate" for a wide
audience. Don't get too scary, we don't want to create any new Cronenburgs out
there. Italian and Spanish horror films pull no punches. Perhaps they don't get
the rapid support of the film establishment, but they make money and
international reputations for their creators. Neither of us desired to see the
continued support of mediocrity in our cinema, here or in any country.
So
we'll be shooting super 8 film eh? I wish I'd known. I left my camera and
projector at home (home will always be Saskatchewan. Oh well, start off on a
equal footing I suppose. I have a couple 16mm cameras being shipped here for
when I need them. I used to shoot 8mm when I was younger (1976-1982) so I think
I'll be an interesting endeavour.
Went
to Scott library to watch Wells' Magnificent Ambersons
on lazerdisc. I hadn't seen it
before. Frankly I was a bit disappointed. There are bits of interviews and
storyboards and so on after the movie; they explained how he lost control and
how so much was cut out. I felt regularly confused by what was going on and who
was who. It wasn't that difficult but something was seriously wrong. My tv
still hasn't arrived so I am feeling very frustrated, my evenings have been
filled with reading and time with Margaret. Margaret (Bessai), whom I may
regularly refer, is my partner of nearly 4 years. She moved here with me. She
has a degree in visual arts and frequently assists me with my animation or
other aspects of my films.
Regarding
the film festival; I really wanted to avoid the chaos of the big crowds until I
feel more settled in my routine here. There is constant pressure to go to films
there, so I suppose I will have to try.
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