The Best Dream....

Had this amazing dream this morning. In it was a man I didn't recognize: he was white and well-built, with a shaved head and wearing a white t-shirt and jeans. Although several of my friends fit that description, I didn't recognize his face, though I could see it clearly. The dream started in a terrifying way - he was struck in the head with some sort of alien object. I was horrified to see the ruin of his skull, all the blood.

But, he didn't die. The wound healed itself, slowly, until you couldn't see where it had been. He woke up, and he was stronger than before. The object had merged with him, making him into a sort of superhero. His personality had changed somewhat, too. He was distant, though he still seemed to have his memories and recognized his friends.

Another object had struck another man, but it had completely taken him over and made him into a silvery metal being, somewhat like the Silver Surfer, but more like a tall and very strong robot. Some evil men were forcing the two to fight. I recognized that the silvery one was very powerful and would likely kill my friend. That's when I realized I was in love with him and he loved me, too. I hugged him and being near him was intoxicating. One of the men gave me weapons I was supposed to put on his hands and fingers, but they looked useless and flimsy. I embraced him again and I realized I was terrified to let him go into the arena.

I've had lots of "lovey" dreams and even a lot of sex dreams, but I woke up feeling so totally in love with this character that I haven't been able to stop thinking about him. I woke up feeling good.

Thoughts on Let the Right One In

I'm waiting in line to see Zack and Miri Make a Porno, so I have some time to blog about the last movie I saw. I enjoyed this Swedish film about the friendship between a lonely 12 year old boy and a vampire girl more than my 2 companions did, mosly because of a disagreement about what makes a film "horror" or not. I felt this was a horror film in the classic sense, like the original Dracula or Nosferatu. There is a little gore for sure and some disturbing, creepy scenes, but no jump-out-of-your-skin scares. The stars of the film, the young actors who play Oskar and Eli, are sincere and utterly believable; in particular, I loved the weary inhumanness of Eli. With just a little make-up and oddly effective sound effects, the film makers transform her into a real monster. Even their takes on old vampire lore, like what happens when a vampire isn't invited inside, feel fresh and interesting. The real pleasure of the film is the deep friendship that develops between 2 very lonely and lost kids. It's simply a beautifully made film.

The Pleasure of Being Robbed...

...is my first film viewing of the festival and I'm not sure how I feel about it. The film has an indie aesthetic, filmed on the cheap with minimal editing. The main character is a young, scruffy woman who with absolute fearlessness steals from nearly everyone she meets. Yes, she is poor, but she doesn't seem at all interested in the money or possessions. She examine the contents of purses, bags, even cars, with intense curiosity, then abandons them when the novelty or usefulness wears off. Rather than present a narrative, we watch the girl watch and pry into the belongings of others without any real consequence. Even being arrested only seems to slow her down, not stop her. The film feels very raw; without a story (in the mainstream sense, a least) the scenes feel random and I felt both curious about where the film was going and a sense of alarm at her brazen thefts. Although it was very funny and sweetly quirky in spots, I'm not sure how I feel about this film. It meandered a little too much for my taste, but it definitely kept me interested.

My Chicago Film Festival Schedule

I love October. It includes my two favorite holidays: Halloween and the Chicago Film Festival. I have put together a tentative schedule of films I want to see. If you want to join me or have suggestions for alternate films, please tweet me @eris404, email me or post a comment.

[EDIT]Jeff has helpfully pointed out that I missed SYNECDOCHE, NEW YORK. Also, due to low funds, I was able to buy only a 10 film pass, which limits my options somewhat. Updated schedule below.

[EDIT TO THE EDIT] Ack! The Wrestler and Synedoche are sold out! Edits below.

Friday, 17 October

Friday is a big night, with 3 films in a row all at the same location (AMC River East).

THE PLEASURE OF BEING ROBBED
Why I want to see it: Sounds interesting and it was well received at Cannes, for what that's worth.
Time: 6 PM



LET THE RIGHT ONE IN
Why I want to see it: There's been some buzz on the Intarwebs about this vampire/horror flick.
Time: 10 PM

Tueday 21 October

ZACK AND MIRI MAKE A PORNO
Why I want to see it: Kevin Smith - sorry, I can't help myself.
Time: 8:15 PM
Place:  AMC River East

Wednesday 22 October

SLEEP DEALER
Why I want to see it: This looks like an awesome SciFi film.
Time: 7:00 PM
Place:  AMC River East

Friday 24 October

THE WRESTLER
Why I want to see it: Four words: Directed by Darren Aronofsky ( who directed Pi and Requiem for a Dream). OK, that's actually 12 words.
Time: 8 PM

Sunday 26 October

This day is sort of all over the place. I'm less sure about these films, especially since they are playing at different theatres all over the city.

TERRIBLY HAPPY
Time: 12:00 PM
Place:  AMC River East

TOKYO!
Time: 2:30 PM
Place:  600 N. Michigan



Monday 27 October

FEAR(S) OF THE DARK / PEUR(S) DU NOIR
Why I want to see it: The animation looks cool and spooky.
Time: 6:15 PM
Place:  AMC River East


Tuesday, 28 October

ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST
Why I want to see it: Do I really have to explain why?
Time: 7:00 PM
Place:  Music Box

Dream 12

Had a terrifying dream. It started innocently enough: I was in a large comic book store, where Neil Gaiman was putting in an appearance. He was acting as a "guest clerk," ringing up customers and giving recommendations. I remember chatting with him and have a friendly conversation.

I remember leaving the store and being on the vague, twisty streets that my subconscious creates for my dream city. I walked for a bit, and something else happened, but the dream events that happened afterwards made me forget.

The dream suddenly turned nasty. The location switched to the basement of the house where i grew up, a dark, damp place that smelled of mildew. A male friend of mine was there and came on to me. I was horrified and drew back. This only made him angry; the more I backed away from him and refused his advances, the more persistent, mad and violent he became. I truly feared in the dream that he would rape me, something so out of character for this person in real life that it shook me. Before my subconscious could take me to that horrible place, I woke up. I felt nauseated, as if the encounter had actually happened.