The Magic Reel
From the fires in the cave to the modern screen, humankind has stared into glowing light and seen pictures from the imagination come to life. Everyone loves flickering light, fantasy, and escape into other worlds.
When the American movie industry hit the stage, it stopped the world in its tracks. The stories came out in serial form and people around the globe waited on pins and needles for each installment. They still look to this country for wish fulfillment.
The theater above is exactly like the ones I grew up in. Every Saturday for a quarter I would go with my brother and the other kids for newsreels, cartoons, short subjects, and often a double feature. The darkness, the quite, the expectation, the clickety-click of the projector, the real-buttered pop corn, the bon-bons, and the jujubes were honey in the rock to me. The modern day multiplex doesn't satisfy me. The sound is too loud and tinny. The screen too small. The lack of elegance, lonely. I do love a beautiful thick velvet curtain.
There has been some speculation that pictures projected from the front of the screen are healthier for the human than projections from behind. Food for thought.
Things change, but something will come along to replace the fullness of the original movie-going experience. I'll be there.
posted by jm at 4:40 PM
73 Comments:
There has been some speculation that pictures projected from the front of the screen are healthier for the human than projections from behind.
That sounds like something Rudolf Steiner would have said. He believed that live music is better for us, energetically speaking, than recorded music.
I really must read some Steiner. I know he's right about music.
I think the frontal projection is part of this. It fills the room, and the beam of light is visible so there is more interaction and participation. A more live experience. I know it's that way for me. I've been unable to watch DVDs on the LCD screens. Too trapped.
The old TV tube was bad for the eyes and brain, but I'm not sure about plasma, LCD, and the all the new ones.
The clue is how the technology never seems to satisfy. More and more comes out, and still the experience seems to fall flat.
I think these old theatrical settings were a large part of the experience.
I wish live theater were flourishing. It's moving along and hopefully won't die at least. Maybe people will come back around.
I have a book on my shelf that Steiner wrote about color. I recall some interesting things he said about the color "peach". Must reread.
Well, nothing can really completely substitute for live performance.
When I'm in a room with a few other highly focused people, I can sometimes clearly feel invisible energy patterns.
I've compared my specific observations with another sensitive, and the details match up perfectly.
However, I believe that to some extent the psyche can tune in to the energy associated with other performances of the piece of music -- past, present and future -- while listening to it. That may either enhance or cause dissonance, I suppose.
It's true. I've never even been tempted by recording. Most of the energy is invisible, and as a performer, the patterns are entirely different from night to night.
Sometimes they gel in harmony, sometimes they disassociate, sometimes battle. That part alone is fascinating.
Even just the breath of everyone is significant.
I think there is an impulse in a group to breathe in unison.
Movies and recorded music are dead and after the fact. So the experience will be flat. The out of synch time factor is what I don't like. Live recording in the studio is one of the most exciting parts, but the replay has no spontanaiety.
I think this is one of society's woes as it searches for lively experience. The recorded stuff has to get more violent, more intense, too get response.
Also the lack of interaction creates alienation.
so live is for me.
With live theater, the audience members are already naturally putting themselves into a heightened mental and emotional condition hours before going to it. They groom themselves, dress up, anticipate, etc. And being part of a larger group of people automatically magnifies both the performance and the audience's sensitivities. A kind of group consciousness begins to form.
"Sometimes they gel in harmony, sometimes they disassociate, sometimes battle. That part alone is fascinating."
Yes, it is. Quite interesting how that happens! People bring their own emotional stuff with them, too, to add to the performance.
I believe that to some extent the psyche can tune in to the energy associated with other performances of the piece of music --
Yes, I think so. The imagination will enhance, but the longing for completion overrides I feel. The sense participation. Also the visual of musical instruments when music is played is very powerful.
Sometimes, though, recorded music helps people disconnect and go into themselves alone without a lot of distraction. And for this purpose, I think it's good. Also accompanying other tasks without demanding attention. So it can motivate.
But underneath I think it causes problems.
"Movies and recorded music are dead and after the fact. So the experience will be flat."
Comparatively so. And yet paintings aren't live performance, but a manifested memory, an impression made on space-time, a record of the artist's energy and movement.
I do think paintings have their own life, though, their own radiance that continues long after the artist's commitment of time and conscious attention.
People bring their own emotional stuff with them, too, to add to the performance.
THIS is the joy.
And this is also motivating me. The whole schlep is awful, but is must be done. The time is approaching.
Late, under cover of the night, people release feelings like no other time. Surprisingly gentle sometimes.
One thing wonderful about clubs is the lack of flourescent light. I think this makes a huge difference.
All the disparate desires are really trying to form one or else they wouldn't be there. How this is achieved is the mystery and fascination.
Makes me want to go pack my gear right now. Too bad the snow is 4 feet high and my van is covered..:-).
Absolutely true about paintings.
But they really are multidimensional in reality, and oil paints are mystical it seems. Recordings and movies lack the dimension of paintings. Just the stretcher bars alone add the 3D. It all tricks the mind.
Another thing is that with music, the players are doing it, while with paintings, the person perceiving it is more involved in the playback.
There are some studies being done about the effects on brain chemistry of light from the computer screen. I suspect some of it might have to do with office environment -- i.e., most offices have florescent lights, which also are bad for mood. But there's no doubt that computer light is not very good for us. I work with a full-spectrum mini-lamp very close to my computer to help off-set the bad light from my screen.'
Studies also have been done showing we retain less of what we read on the computer than on the printed page. My theory about this is that we are more relaxed when reading a book or magazine, because we can lie down, shift positions often, bolster ourselves with pillows, and stay comfortable. Sitting upright in the same position for hours HURTS, and who can retain information when they're in a constant state of low-level pain, or worse?
In any case, I hear you about the big, surround-sound theaters. I also love IMAX. Haven't seen any IMAX movies lately, but the ones I saw ten years ago totally blew me away.
Speaking of getting blown away, how are you doing with the latest storm, JM?
"THIS is the joy."
I suppose we can't now expect a traveling troupe to organize a cross-country train tour, with the audience buying tickets to join the train at various points on its artistic journey. :-)
do think paintings have their own life, though, their own radiance that continues long after the artist's commitment of time and conscious attention.
I think the radiance grows. I think that with each pair of eyes looking the radiance grows another ring.
"Another thing is that with music, the players are doing it, while with paintings, the person perceiving it is more involved in the playback."
I wonder if I listen to music in a different way to other people, then. Interesting.
"I think the radiance grows. I think that with each pair of eyes looking the radiance grows another ring."
That could well be! I have often wondered what other perceive when they look at the same artwork. It can be dazzling to the artist. At least it has been for me at times.
Very very interesting Pat.
Studies also have been done showing we retain less of what we read on the computer than on the printed page
Did not know this.
Speaking of getting blown away, how are you doing with the latest storm, JM?
HA HA HA!! Very funny.
Actually speaking of discomfort, I just shoveled for the 2nd time in 24 hours and my upper back hurts. Other than that, I'm just experiencing my ordinary misery.
who can retain information when they're in a constant state of low-level pain, or worse?
I hear ya.
I suppose we can't now expect a traveling troupe to organize a cross-country train tour, with the audience buying tickets to join the train at various points on its artistic journey. :-)
Ooooohh. What an idea. It could be done. Wow.
I'm much happier looking at an LCD screen than the older cathode-ray tubes. I think there's less subliminal flicker, and the light itself seems healthier to me.
Print media, such as paper, has much higher resolution than the current state of electronic display technology. So that is another reason that it is easier to read, besides the form factor, limited viewport, etc.
I wonder if I listen to music in a different way to other people, then. Interesting.
You? Different???
I have often wondered what other perceive when they look at the same artwork. It can be dazzling to the artist. At least it has been for me at times.
Me as well. I think the artist discovers things he didn't even realize were in the work when peoples' responses are revealed.
The artist's relationship with the audience could be studied for several lifetimes. I am far from knowing that one.
Oh, I dunno, I'm probably pretty vanilla for New York City! Haha!
"Ooooohh. What an idea. It could be done. Wow."
Well, not impossible. :-) Someone has to make it happen, cast a light around the project. I suspect it takes a bit of daring, a dash of Uranus and Mars, maybe. Truly independent people with the living spirit of theater in them. I doubt heavily protected celebrities would do it.
Print media, such as paper, has much higher resolution than the current state of electronic display technology.
Hmmmmm.
The cathode tubes are terrible. The lines as the travel up the screen are perceived and go against the other motion. Very very bad. In fact all the movement, such as a horse galloping across a field, packed into the rectangle is confusing and I think disturbs the equilibrium. Unless our brains are changing to accommodate this.
LCD is much better.
Amother factor about the printed page....quiet. The noise of the computer is also disturbing.
The only thing I like about the computer in comparison is that my hands/body are busy. When reading on paper they get frustrated.
I doubt heavily protected celebrities would do it.
I don't think they do much of anything of note.
Best to keep things simple and leave them and their managers out of it. :-)
The train idea is fabulous. It's an old standard. The whistle-stop tour.
Anything can be done. It takes organization, a few bucks, the will, and off you go.
It's such a unique idea, yet traditional. Might fit with Pluto in Capricorn.
I HATE MANAGERS!
Best to keep things simple and leave them and their managers out of it. :-)
Did that about 30 years ago.
It's truly a Faustian bargain with managers. People don't realize until they get trapped. They get half of the earnings, I think, and probably most of the control. But people want stardom that much.
My theory about this is that we are more relaxed when reading a book or magazine, because we can lie down, shift positions often, bolster ourselves with pillows, and stay comfortable.
Would that I could. If I could only get comfortable, let alone stay that way with my pesky Mars/Uranus. That fuss budget, fidgety, squirming, you know what!
Ugh, "Faustian" sounds about right.
I think I heard that writers these days have the option of self-publishing longer works, the Internet makes distribution easy to paying customers, and it can be cheaper for the independent-minded writer than getting a traditional publisher, but many don't know that.
"It's such a unique idea, yet traditional. Might fit with Pluto in Capricorn."
I wonder how it would be promoted? Word of mouth and text messaging? Fun to think about.
The promotion would be fun. Good to think about. I think most of the best advertising is word of mouth. I really believe that the word is a subtle energy level that is picked up by the population and too much hullaballoo can interfere.
The less stellar product needs this hype, but I tend to think that great things have another path altogether. Now this could be my fantasyland thinking, of course.
Last year a woman musician won a grammy without any music industry input. She sold her album entirely on the Net.
This is what I think.
Everything is flawed. But this fact notwithstanding, the Internet is going to grow and grow in its usefulness. Just as the telegraph started this thing last time Neptune was in Aquarius.
The plus is the direct linkage to the people and the markets. This freedom is new. So just as politicians will start to use it, so will artists, writers, and everyone else.
The discovery is just beginning. The hows will be learned. It just simply seems to eliminate the middle man. What it does to the economy remains to be seen.
Or maybe new middlemen will be created. But it's a crack of light for those who want control over marketing and distribution.
The corporate music industry deserves to fall.
One year, there was a "flash mob" at the Toys 'R' Us store in Times Square.
People coordinate (through e-mail and text messages, etc.) asking them to meet at staging areas before proceeding to the site to be flash mobbed.
About 500 people arrived at the store, gathered around to stare fixedly at the giant mechanical Tyranosaurus Rex. When it shifted its head and roared, as it is programmed to do at intervals, they all screamed and collapsed to the floor in worshipful obeisance. Afterwards, they quickly dispersed.
"The corporate music industry deserves to fall."
Oh, definitely.
But trains and railroads will continue to be built to link cities in the world.
What a great story!! Wonderful!
Back to that imagination I love so much. And makes me fall in love with NYC again.
It really is the telegraph with its speed and invisibility.
I think it all comes down to organization and coordination. Some people are naturals and will always do it.
What fun! Non paid advertising. When you think about it, this could truly be a threat to the survival of the bosses. How we stay out of the vise-grip remains to be seen. I think individual greed is the culprit anyway.
We seem to be learning how to have cost free nonconsumptive enjoyment with this medium.
Excellent story. love the T Rex choice.
Trains are thriving and growing.
This is good to think about.
The European tour will be easy..:-)
Sometimes the flash mobs are stunts, but some are intended to have a political point behind the stunts. It could become interesting when people carry digital cameras with them.
Another one that I heard about was when, at intervals, groups of friendly, unnaturally helpful people arrived to browse a clothing store. They were dressed in blue polo shirts, slacks, and black dress shoes -- just like the store's employees.
"The European tour will be easy..:-)"
Oh...Europe! Excellent.
Is there a train to Belges?
Gotta be. Europe loves trains. I'll check the schedule. Easy as pie on the Internet.
I love these creative stunts. There really is a lot of potential in them.
Actually, the Republican Convention in all its unbelievable ugliness and alien grotesqueness spawned great creative acts around new York City. I think that event was underestimated in people power and goodness.
My sister on the upper west side decries the demise of the city, but still she lives there and does really love it. It's probably indestructible in spirit.
Oddly enough, years ago, when I spent so much time there, I used to love the smell. I enjoyed the city then, so maybe it was the reminder.
"...spawned great creative acts..."
Very true!
I think that in some sense the world at large created cities such as New York City. It'll be needed for quite a while yet.
It's the strangest thing. I've been on a big anti-New York kick for awhile. Really extreme. But my fundamental affection is returning. Why?
I can't believe how I went on about my sister leaving, but suddenly, I'm free entirely of the feeling.
What on earth?
Actually this is what happened. A year before 9/11 I was there and I freaked. something was in the air. I Left early and vowed never to return. Of course, my sister took this with her usual grain of salt concerning my dramatic statements.
Maybe the pressure was released and the city is more relaxed as it used to be.
I've changed.
think that in some sense the world at large created cities such as New York City
Yes. Cities are a vital part of humanity's growth. How we deal with them remains to be seen It's very exciting to see the changes in many of them as preservation vs new construction. Very Pluto in Capricorn. Coming right up.
Our cities are an expression of our greatness in many ways. They should be cared for.
Probably. And there was a future shadow over the city in advance of the attacks. Some people at least, through either logic or intuition, knew it could happen.
Some believe that the probabilities of more attacks, whether biological or physical, decrease slightly with each year that quietly goes by.
There's already been more conscious planning of, and renovation of, urban environments in some places in the world. Very much a growing trend. I think there's a consulting firm in NYC that specializes in it. I don't know what they do for NYC, but I've heard they do work for other countries.
That attack was enough. The city will get better with each passing year.
Conscious urban development is a great thing coming. Denver is in the vanguard, and doing quite well.
Very very exciting and fulfilling for those creative people involved. And very important.
The parks are the bst and there is 77 mile long canal with a bike path and walkway through the city, all preserved land around it. Wild, not like the parks.
There are bike paths now all over.
The inner city is being developed with taste. Lots of brick and good wood. It's actually much better than the environs because the fast food and cheap malls aren't there as much.
That sounds wonderful. On many levels, people are slowly wising up to the hidden benefits of building structures that are environmentally sound.
The environments we build actually modulate energy, affect mood and quality of mental functioning.
There are physical effects. I guess that could bring us back to the environment of the theater and live performance.
The environments we build actually modulate energy, affect mood and quality of mental functioning.
Completely. This has always been my dream. Good healthy environments so that when I have to interact with humans, they will feel good and will treat me better. It's not that complicated, especially when you build these things in from the ground up.
I think environmentally sound building is the next wave.
The problem is the poverty stricken who get pushed around so much in the development, but that can be worked with too.
I could never understand why people don't take care of these things to prevent further problems later.
There is something particularly satisfying about rebuilding deacying parts. Memories are there which add soul and depth.
There are physical effects. I guess that could bring us back to the environment of the theater and live performance.
This brings us beautifully back to the center. I do see street life as live theater. We have the choices and the freedom to create these theaters to our liking. We just have to come to agreements.
I hope I live to see some improvement in the theatrical details. When I moved here the pedestrian mall was just being built. The stones they chose matched the mountains, and the lights are very beautiful and unusual. The concrete tables have built-in chess boards which are always in use. There are also some interesting art selections. It's a source of pride for a city and they want the beauty and individuality to show, I know.
Architects can potentially achieve great things along with satisfaction. Such substantial creations and so useful.
"There is something particularly satisfying about rebuilding decaying parts. Memories are there which add soul and depth."
A beautiful thought, that.
I wonder if someday I would get into design of spaces. Since I was young, I can barely remember that, in an alternate history of the world, I was involved with spiritual architecture a very long time ago. But maybe it's better left to new people. Maybe when I am old, I will just travel and show people how to notice what they've always felt.
When I was young, my parents hoped that I would go into architecture. But I went in other directions. Interesting how we make decisions, and then remake them at a later time.
That's exactly what just happened in my life. my decision to choose music over filmmaking has just returned in a big way.
Capricorn is the sign of architecture, of course. Many Cap type families want their children to go into medicine and architecture.
I don't think architecture fits you. You can still design spaces everywhere you go. In fact I think this is more effective. You can weave magic into every existing environment.
By the time an architect's structure is built, it usually is cumbersome and destined to crumble none too soon.
Maybe when I am old, I will just travel and show people how to notice what they've always felt.
This is beautiful.
I think the subtle have the most power in the end. Our old age is maybe the most productive for society. The tiniest bits of real knowledge and wisdom can be planted then for further growth.
I think most people try too hard in their lives.
I think your decision to free lance and not be locked into the establishment was the only way you could go. Architecture is one of the worst for its confines and I know a lot of people who get out after finding the restrictions too burdensome. Same with physicians but they are less likely to leave the profession.
The whole concept of identity being wrapped up in a validated profession is a big mistake for some. I think the more confidence one has, the less likely he will need these artificial proofs, and the more freedom he will desire.
Confidence is a strange thing.
Yes, the field of contemporary architecture didn't appeal to me then.
Well, I think that we knew how to build to last ages. But I don't think I need to be involved in that in the same way. I've gone over to other ends of the spectrum in the time since.
Free lance has definitely been a path to working independently and thinking on one's feet, metaphorically speaking. Many bosses I've encountered were confused people, anyway, and confusing to their employees! But if I find a really pleasing work environment, with decent pay and flexible hours, I might go for that, too. Then more of my personal time can be devoted to personal pursuits, creative and spiritual.
I think you are more of a practicing mystic than traditional architecture would allow.
Architecture is really any structure preserved for the social order. I think we have plenty of buildings and not enough of the less obvious architecture required for the stability of the society. An architect is just a leader in the workings of the society.
There is a deep underlying matrix, I feel, common to the collective that the spiritual architect seeks for true stability. Then growth can come. I think it's next to impossible to achieve on the grand scale of traditional architecture, although maybe occasionally it slips through.
In my experience people who have a solid spiritual gift to offer often have had to experiment with ways to get this through.
Many bosses I've encountered were confused people, anyway, and confusing to their employees!
They're confused.
I think freedom is the choice in your case. Too much Pisces and Aquarius. Your Capricorn is already established, with your Sun there. Your North Node in Leo tells the real story. Creativity. Your own. You need all your life for this.
A decent job would work. I don't think it matters. Whatever gives you the freedom you need is the choice.
Being locked into professions is slavery. Fine for some. Not for an artist. I think an artist needs almost a free fall in life.
It's a magic trick, really. To stay as spontaneous as an artist must, and still make a living. I do think, however, that with the talent comes the cleverness to achieve this.
"Too much Pisces and Aquarius."
And so much drama in the workplace. :-)
There was always the chance that I would eventually slip up and give an employer that look that says, "I know where you're really coming from with this." (Oops! That's how the architectural facade crumbles. Horror.) Some of my clients already overexplain to me, as it is, to try to preemptively manage how I perceive whatever happened that I might or might not have heard about. But they don't realize that I usually get to hear the other side of the story, too.
With your innate knowledge and understanding of the weaknesses of those in authority, I can't imagine you enduring as much as you do. But then that's part of your wisdom.
Wouldn't it be wonderful to be free of these concerns? just let those
who need to have this kind of shoddy power go on about their business and you, yours? Maybe that will be an ultimate reward.
In the meantime there is a lot to be gained knowing what you do. Maybe it's part of your effectiveness in society. The full understanding of what it's like to feel forced into the hierarchy.
When I worked for a corporation the drama in the workplace was nauseating. It's the same as the political. So tacky, hokey, immature, preschool. What amazes me even more is how these bosses think no one sees through them. Maybe no one does.
I don't know how you can stand it. Of course, I'm Capricorn free. One small detail. Pluto just about to square my Mars. I will be up against authority in some way.
All in all I don't think that's the problem for you, although with Pluto coming in, who knows what will unfold?
The Mars/Venus is the social balance. probably the ability to appear not to take sides. It seems like that's most of what goes on. Taking sides.
The whole authority game is up for some interesting events.
I'm going to have to do some fancy footwork myself. I already feel the pressure. My authority is public opinion. I recognize your dilemma here. I used to bash their idols and have stopped this. That's a start. So I have to figure out a way to maneuver within their structure and probably try to keep my mouth shut about certain things. Good idea really. Just to know and let it all be is a relief.
Then the real mastery. To get them to believe that what I'm doing REALLY is acceptable, and even preferable, yet still remain as abnormal as it truly is.
What an interesting discussion you two had going!
One thing I wanted to contribute, re: the Republican convention and "flash mobs," was that it seems progressives and liberals and what-have-you are infinitely more imaginative and creative when demonstrating, be it slogans and pithy commentary, puppets, costumes, and other things, usually on a shoestring budget.
Conservatives, on the other hand, content themselves with patriotic slogans, but sometimes they come up with some zingers.
Case in point: I attended a protest a few years ago. The conventional image of the American flag with the caption, "These colors don't run" turned into a depiction of burqa-clad Muslim women with the caption, "These colors have nowhere to run."
One of the few conservative comments that ever made me laugh out loud: "There's a bumper sticker with the words, 'Run, Hilary, Run!' You can tell the Dems from the Republicans because the Dems place it on their rear bumper, while the Republicans have it on the front."
Art Train. An idea from the 70's. A wonderful exhibit of our contemporary art in America made the circuit (and still rolls) on the tracks across this country.
Sometime in late 70s or early 80s the train came to Southern California. I was one of the two invited studio artists. (I can say i exhibited with Helen Frankenthaler and Andy Warhol!!!Hahaha)
It was a wonderful experience, hundreds of people came, families who would never dream of going to a museum. Kids with moms and dads in shorts and flip flops. There was just something easy and magical about the train itself.
Walking into a car with special lighting and artwork lining both sides was so intimate and personal it was a unique experience. The feeling was of being in a salon.
It could be an exciting venue for music.
If memory serves it was funded by NEA.
The day calls me away and i have barely stated with the conversations here i need to come back, looks like last night was very interesting.
Well, Pluto has been on my natal Midheaven, of course, where the Galactic Center is also.
I have thought before there are points or ages in my current lifetime that correspond to points in other lifetimes. It's as if realizations are shared between people who appear to be different individuals in space-time, but they share life experiences connected by themes.
I have a feeling that such a point is coming up, a memory of transformative experience that may be resurfacing. The interesting thing is that a psychical person told me the same thing two months ago, almost in exactly the same way that I would describe it.
"...infinitely more imaginative and creative when demonstrating..."
Absolutely, joe. And when not demonstrating, too!
"I can say i exhibited with Helen Frankenthaler and Andy Warhol!!!"
LOL! Well...you did! You really did!
"There was just something easy and magical about the train itself.
Walking into a car with special lighting and artwork lining both sides was so intimate and personal it was a unique experience. The feeling was of being in a salon."
That's very exciting. A futuristic and very ancient thing to do is to create aesthetic spaces designed to "transport" people (in nonphysical ways). The display of unusual art would be a big part of that. It alters expectations and reality itself in some way, so that people can start having more unusual and unique experiences as a result.
I have to run off, too, to help my sister. Later, folks!
Joe...
You can tell the Dems from the Republicans because the Dems place it on their rear bumper, while the Republicans have it on the front."
Really? Fascinating. Got to think about this. The front is more aggressive, showing their deficit.
progressives and liberals and what-have-you are infinitely more imaginative and creative when demonstrating
Yes. And when not demonstrating too. Amazing the fundamental characteristics.
Oh! I see kad and I are in agreement on this!
Tseka thanks for the art train! This is wonderful.
It alters expectations and reality itself in some way, so that people can start having more unusual and unique experiences as a result.
This is the aim. All the way around. We can still do it. Especially now.
Thanks for the inspiring talk youse guys!
I have thought before there are points or ages in my current lifetime that correspond to points in other lifetimes.
Yes. The continuing theme. The road to mastery.
The South Node being the karmic mastery completed.
On to the nodes soon. After joe's father's chart.
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