zjournal5

12/18/02
Interesting fact:  We use metaphors to better explain things to others that which they may not understand. ---- I think that's why I like metaphors... they allow others to understand a complex idea or feeling without overbearing them with details.  Films use metaphors all of the time.  In fact, may I be so bold as to say that films ARE metaphors.  (Namely metaphors of the human life.)  They portray that which cannot be explained, they give us feelings and trigger our emotions with the use of a simple gesture or suggestion.  We watch movies and we reflect on OUR lives - and then we can relate – and then we can understand.  Life is too difficult to explain in words; just give me a picture and I will comprehend much easier.  I think this is why I like film so much, such a great way to communicate ideas without seeming like you are.  ---- Sorry, if I could have explained ‘the metaphor’ with a metaphor, I would have!  Haha!  I bring up the metaphor right now because I am currently having trouble coming up with a quality description of what my life is like right now.  The best I can do is use a metaphor:  I’m in a bus - it is warm outside - traveling on the freeway - windows rolled down - the sun hangs lazily above - the warm wind blows into the cabin – Eyes are closed - Everything passes by at rapid speeds – The destination is set - can't wait to get there, but the feeling of being in the bus is also nice - friends are in the back, they're all sleeping - they're all bus-riders with their own destinations in mind. ---- You know, the one problem with metaphors are that they often sound like hopeless romanticisms.  (Or crappy romanticisms.) haha!  But if instead of explaining the metaphor to you, I could show it... in film - that would make the metaphor a lot more viable.  I think that's why I like film so much.  It really is a great way to communicate.  Say, for instance, Citizen Kane, a movie about the discovery of what/who is "Rosebud."  The movie is packed full of metaphors!  The main one being the "loss of youth," as "Rosebud" is Kane's dying word, which ends up being a metaphor of his childhood days and how they were taken away from him with the introduction of money and power.  For those who don't watch movies like "Citizen Kane," you have a personal favorite of mine, "Jurassic Park," a movie (along with the rest of Sci-fi) that represents human ignorance in the face of discovery.  How humans often wield power before knowing the full consequences.  And also that it is human nature to make mistakes, even when the stakes are high.  But film is not the only way to visually communicate in metaphors.  Art and Performance must also be considered.  And this is where I kind of get strangely irritable – that is, calling film ART.  I feel like I need a freakin’ French hat – go around eating cheese and drinking red wine!  If art is the communication through metaphor, then yes… film is art.  And I am on the road to artistry.  But film is also a science!!  (Which is why I think I love it so much.)  PLEASE DON’T ASK ME WHY THIS IS, but with my nonsensical kooky personality - I would rather be called a scientist than an artist.  But by all means, CALL ME A FILMMAKER!  (thanks)  [Back to metaphors]  What is interesting is that often, the things in life itself can be metaphors for other things in life… a rainy day, a squirrel foraging for nuts, an office desk-job employee drinking black coffee at 1am, a sunset.  For all I know, something as simple as a rubber-band could be a metaphor of a metaphor of a metaphor, etc.  Life is one big intertwining web!  One great thing about being human is the ability to recognize the web’s intricacy, in metaphors.  And as a filmmaker I plan to break that web down, build it back up strand by strand, and repeat until I can fully understand as much as possible.  What a wonderfully daunting task!  ---- sorry about not talking about what’s going on in my life right now!  Although I do think this rather long journal is a metaphor for where my mind is right now (film!)  hahaha!  Have a great Holiday break everyone!!!