9-11: Phone Calls From the Tower

Credit: tvthrong.co.uk

In an effort to polish my mind, I had dedicated a couple of hours today to watching a documentary titled, “9-11: Phone Calls From the Tower”. Released in 2009, the 90-minute production centred around the voice recordings that were left behind by some of the victims who perished in the World Trade Centre on September 11, 2001.

Directed by James Kent and produced by Darlow Smithson Productions for Channel 4, the documentary combined heart-felt interviews with the victims’ loved ones along with the victims’ voice recordings that were immortalized on answering machines, voice mail and 911 calls from that fateful day.

Credit: vcdq.com

By showing home videos, photographs and old home movies with each interview, I felt as if I were listening to a collection of sad songs, each with their own unique lyrics, but they all shared a common refrain:

Your absence has left a hole in my heart

You meant the world to me

You will never be forgotten

I will love you forever

While each interview was poignant and extremely moving, the one interviewee that made the most lasting impression on me was Anne Mulderry. Her son Stephen, a trader and former collegiate basketball star, was killed when the towers had collapsed. Through her poise, choice of words and even her surroundings, she exuded a level of wisdom and insight that reflected her choice to celebrate Stephen’s memory rather than dwell on the pain caused by his absence.

Credit: timesunion.com

We tend to lose sight of our own mortality and quite often put off saying and/or doing things that we ought to do today. As one of the interviewees had so aptly put it, “You never know when it’s going to be your last day”.

More than anything else, this documentary is a vivid reminder of that adage that nothing and no one should ever be taken for granted.

Click the following link to watch it on-line (Canadian residents only): 

http://www.cbc.ca/passionateeye/

The Weekend

Credit: thecinemasource.com

What is it about two strangers coming together? 

Whether it’s Brokeback Mountain or West Side Story, we are naturally drawn to the notion that two strangers can magically fall in love with one another and live happily ever after. Luckily for realists such as myself, The Weekend isn’t one of those movies.

While at its very core, the movie is essentially about two strangers coming together (Or I should say, cumming together). And even though there were moments of connectivity, tenderness and humour, be forewarned: there is no fairly tale ending. Instead, the viewer is left to ponder the question:

Does “true” love ever knock at your door twice?

Written and directed by Andrew Haigh, The Weekend tells the story of Russell (Tom Cullen) a mild-mannered, gay lifeguard who ends-up falling for Glen (Chris New) a cynical, out and proud gay artist that he picks-up at a bar. But what was supposed to be a simple one-night stand ends-up becoming a weekend-long exploration of passions ignited, secrets revealed and fears uncovered.

Credit: chicagotribune.com.

On the surface, the recipe for this film isn’t unique. In fact, some might argue that it’s pretty standard fare. Add two strangers, a dash of smitten love, and a serving of broken hearts - Voila! A celluloid version of mac & cheese. Despite the clichéd scenes of drug and alcohol use, what makes The Weekend so delectable is its montage. Interweaving moments of intimacy, conflict and discovery with scenes from the hero’s day-to-day life, Andrew Haigh allows the viewer to slowly savour not only the characters’ blossoming relationship, but their emotional blueprints as well.

Credit: http://quinnfordandscout.eu/

Both Tom Cullen and Chris New did a wonderful job playing their respective roles. They were both authentic and real with their choices and beats and were well-casted for this impactful picture. I almost didn’t watch The Weekend but I’m glad that I did. It was a good reminder of the fact that as in life, movies can be like a box of chocolates. 

Corner of Granville & Davie Street, Vancouver, B.C.

There, amongst the dumpsters, cigarette butts and alley refuse is a mural that is a visual parable for those who choose to see it as such.

Tucked away off of a busy street in the heart of Vancouver, this hidden gem of street art remains, for the most part, ignored and isolated - just like the rocks and islands who pass by it.

Insulated in their cocoon of phone apps, tweets and ear buds, the dwellers of the electric city march-by, yoga mats in hand, eager to chase that elusive bliss that always seems to be, just beyond their reach. 

Eventually, the colours will start to fade and this city scape will be no more. And the only memory of its existence will be in the minds of those who chose to stop and open their eyes to the world around them.

I was waiting for the bus today when I noticed a lonnie and two quarters lying on the pavement.

I was going to pocket the change but then all of a sudden, I had second thoughts.

The way the coins were arranged and the fact that they amounted to exactly $2.50 made me suspect that their presence wasn't entirely by happenstance.

Someone had left them there on purpose.

All of a sudden, I looked up and saw a man walk by. His dishevelled hair, soiled clothing and a gait that is so common amongst the down-and-out made me want to rush up to him and press the coins into his hand.

But I didn't.

Instead, I silently watched him walk away until he was out of sight.

The bus came at its appointed time and I got on. 

As I watched the scenery go by, I silently hoped that the man would come across the coins and claim them for himself.

I wonder if I would have done the same had the money been the kind that folds...

...probably not.