#my rotating interest in actors help

[nanabrainrot]

can i please request jealousy hcs for joe from "you were never really here"? i haven't been normal about this man for a day in my life and i don't plan to start either✊😔 love your work, mwah

YESSS I rewatched n I was like “this man def fucks u over the sink when ur coming out for ur midnight piss” like hes plaguing me.

Jealousy and Joe Headcanons

(the V TAPER IN THIS PIC IM SLIDING DOWN THE WALLLLL)

He’s so silent treatment coded.

He knows the kind of attention that’s inevitable when you have a pretty girl, even worse when they’re sociable and friendly - the man cannot hold a conversation like a normal person unlike you (because he just isn’t a normal person).

It’s so hard for him to understand that you’re just nice without ulterior motives, but he isn’t confident that others have good intentions. His line of work keeps that in the back of his head. He can’t separate the cruelty of humanity with the kindness he only sees in you.

The last thing he wants is for you to see him be aggressive. He would rather bite his tongue in every instance to avoid confrontation. When he considers getting involved he just… looms.

The way your eyes gravitate to behind who you’re talking to and they meet Joe hovering over you two usually makes them greet him nervously, they can tell you two are close by the way you smile at him all tender.

He’s silent there and he’s silent at home. It’s just who he is; brewing on what he wants to say and not wanting to say it unless it’s perfectly phrased. It never is.

So he looms in the kitchen quiet, only grunting in affirmation or rejection. You notice that but remain quiet and tread carefully to brighten his mood; you really love the conversation with people in passing. They don’t mean anything just because your pals happen to be men here and there. He just can’t quit the thought that every man wants you as lewdly as he does. Every man must want you and eat you with his eyes.

Silent brushing your teeth, silent in the shower, silent crawling into bed. He turns his back to you. Brooding all boyish despite the age in his face screaming man.

You reach out, tracing the tattoo on him: a perfect circle. He tenses, breath hitching.

You coo, a breath beneath the hum of the fan and the re-run of I Love Lucy playing for white noise: “You’re the only man I love Joey baby.”

It’s 2am when he’s presses that warm kiss to your forehead and his muscles relax. He hums an apology into your hair. You don’t need to overcomplicate the way you say it. Just let him huff in that moment.

RAAAA I need to watch some more joaquin I rewatched gladiator im gonna write sum commodus but phoenix babies come hither hes back up hes so up rn

#nana writes #ywnrh #you were never really here #joaquin phoenix imagine #joaquin phoenix x reader #joaquin phoenix x you #my rotating interest in actors help

[dumping-ideas]

I'M DONE READING SKY'S EDGE!!

Just like a phoenix, Tsukasa will rise up again even if he falls a hundred times over, but I think it's okay for him to sit down for a while too.

Ngl it's funny how it feels like Tsukasa haven't gotten the memo that they're in their disbandment arc yet. Understandable, as the story is giving hints that he'll be the catalyst for the climax of WxS third storyline.

I was scared that Tsukasa might not get the role that he wanted from the event summary on Twitter, but I'm glad that he got it! And did he earn it too! It's really amazing that he managed to survive on water alone for three days while going to school, running for 10km and doing hours of warm-ups, and practicing for both the audition and his chicken role... Although I'm not sure if it's healthy. I've heard of actors doing ridiculous and reckless things to grasp a role, so I guess Tsukasa is only of those... And yeah, Tsukasa the perfectionist wouldn't stop at anything to perfect a role.

Heck, he even lied to Saki (and probs his parents) for three whole days?? An interesting thing to note is that apparently Tsukasa 'overshared' his trouble with Saki, but his expression doesn't even show his anxiousness. But of course, Saki always watches Tsukasa, so she knows something's up.

Back to the story, the others' 3rd rotation focus stories have been about their feelings about the future disbandment of WxS, and what actions they would take if that day arrives. However, Tsukasa has been thinking of his lack of skills since Pop in My Heart all the way to Sky's Edge. He's toying with that idea in Lion Dance Robot, but easily discards it because he's WxS chairman. However, his hunger for growth keeps growing stronger, and if no one satiates it there's a chance that he might consider leaving WxS again--for real this time.

Fortunately, Emu's brothers don't want to let one of their cash cows go just yet lol (I mean yeah, they feel gratitude for Tsukasa so they give this chance as well but you know... money is still money lol). They know that their tactic of letting WxS collab with Phoenix Stage for Phoenix Stage's 30th anniversary show is just prolonging the time (2-3 months at best), but now they're also thinking of how to make WxS keep working with them in the long term. Judging by Rui's little monologue at chapter 8, there might be a possibility where the three of them will work together to keep Tsukasa in WxS.

We know of the others' role models and inspiration (Emu's her grandpa, Nene's and Rui's were told in Mermaid and Revival respectively). While Emu's inspiration is the cornerstone of the first and second storyline, we know of Nene's and Rui's in the beginning of the third storylines. So I find it interesting that Tsukasa's inspiration will probably be told in WxS fourth rotation? Probably the end of this disbandment arc?? The flash to WxS main story prologue illustration may hint that we might see more of Tsukasa's childhood before and after he watched the show that changed his life, because he'll perform that same show as the character that his role model played in the past (most likely Tsukasa's fourth event focus).

Another thing, I like how the other WxS members in this event is shown to be more proactive in helping Tsukasa to grasp his role compared to back in Dazzling Stage. Sure, they still have the mindset of 'let's watch over him', but they're more... there? Rui made a robot to help Tsukasa (on Tsukasa's request), Nene taking care of Tsukasa's wounds, and Emu supporting Tsukasa when he was staggering, and everyone being there and never say anything about Tsukasa's tears? They were together with their chairman for every step. I guess their frustration on not being able to help Tsukasa in Dazzling Stage fueled them to be more forward in helping him in this event (also because they're worried by how reckless Tsukasa is with his own wellbeing if it's for making the best show... everyone, please take care of Tsukasa).

Also, I like how this story is telling us that Tsukasa is not a talented actor. He's charismatic, sure, but he's only a dime in a dozen of actors. All he has is his dedication and hard work to his craft, and even then he can't even see how far the peak is. More than that, the fact that he's able to use his negative emotions into something that will help him forward in the future is nothing short but inspiring. First, it was his loneliness and pain in Dazzling Stage, and now it's his frustration and helplessness in Sky's Edge.

I really love that Tsukasa's crying face isn't portrayed as beautiful---because it isn't. He's sad, he's frustrated, and he couldn't help but cry because he felt so powerless in front of an overwhelming talent. His face is scrunched up so much because he forced himself to see the ugly reality--that he's never as good as those who are talented than him.

But I think being able to look at your shortcomings and never avert your eyes from it is a talent itself. Not many people could be as strong as Tsukasa. He was able to do that without anyone's influence---all that strength is all him.

And his perseverance is rewarded--I seriously got goosebumps in chapter 8. The fact that he's using boku and not even ore in his inner monologue just shows how much Tsukasa managed to make Rio's role as his... At that time, he was Rio. And when the scene is over (btw Sakurako answering Tsukasa's heartfelt acting is very heartwarming), Tsukasa was still in a daze because I guess that's just how much he was 'into' his role.

And after it was announced that he does get that role, Tsukasa's first thought is not the satisfaction that he finally managed to get that role, but relief because he could see Emu''s, Nene's, and Rui's smiles---he's happy not because he managed to get his dream role in his dream show, but because he managed to answer their support and trust in him. He was able to grow so much because they were there with him--and I think this mindset will be important for the third storyline climax for sure.

I also think that this friend of Sakurako will show up in future WxS stories as Tsukasa's rival, but who knows lol.

The next event! Rui decides to move forward in his plan, and Nene is determined not to get left behind by Tsukasa's growth! I wonder which one will come first... (psst psst, Nene)

#pjsekai #proseka #project sekai #hatsune miku colorful stage #tsukasa tenma #tenma tsukasa #wonderlands x showtime #analysis #i really want tsukasa to bond with ena over their frustration lol #the shout-outs to tondemo wonderz and 88☆彡 in the story is very delightful #just like that recent sasakure.uk interview on tondemo wonderz #to show how bright the light is the darkness needed to be seen #and tsukasa has a lot of dark feelings but he always shine the brightest despite of them #the anticipated pierrot who will never be discouraged #hirose's voice acting is really amazing in this event story #i wanna write about tsukasa's inspirations and his feelings and possibly the relation to his card?? #but maybe later #as you can see i have so many thoughts about this event

[ramshackledtrickster]

What are your favourite AC characters?

In no particular order:

Ratonhnhaké:ton/Connor (overall favorite, aspire to be more like him love everything about his character and story. I love his performance and subtleties in posture and ‘business’ such as how he keeps his hands busy and scratches at himself. Incredibly tragic, but despite everything he still fights to protect what he loves. Done a major disservice by,, everyone. I love him so much. I love big men with an even bigger heart!! I talked enough abt him in general u already know)

Leonardo da Vinci (aspire to be like him, lovely charisma, fun and silly, I see a mildly dark potential conflict with him, gender and voice envy. Major sentimental value because this character inadvertently helped me realize more about my own identity. I wouldn’t be so sure of who I am today if not for him, so he’ll always have a special place in my heart for that.)

Altaïr Ibn-La’Ahad (Sentimental value with all three of Altaïr, Malik and Maria since they remind me of my partner!! I like ac1 too for it’s moody atmosphere and I associate him with that. He has incredibly great character growth. Plus he’s autistic he told me himself)

Malik Al-Sayf (loooove his voice and performance and design. Love his design and I love his character growth. He deserves more love and the set isn’t complete without him he’s like glue.)

Maria Thorpe (one that reminds me most of my partner I love thinking about her own character journey and redemption. Her dynamic with the other two is incredibly fun to think about and I wish we got more of her. :)))

Ziio/Kaniehtí:io (I see soooo much potential in her. She’s done dirty by the writers and I wish there were more thoughts and headcanons on her in general. Love her actress and voice and overall performance and design. I wish she better haunted the narrative, and I can see so so so so many parallels between her and Connor. I wanna flesh out her backstory and her side and perspective of just. Everything. Since I’ve been replaying ac3 I’ve been rotating her in my head nonstop.)

Kanen’tó:kon (underrated!! I really love the conflict set up between him and Connor and I love tragic fallouts between friends. I just wish it was handled better towards the last leg of their story instead of Lee’s contrivance— and I wish Connor didn’t have to kill him. I absolutely adore his character design, and his voice and performance is wonderful. I love how his development contrasts Ratonhnhaké:ton’s)

Achilles Davenport (I don’t know rogue well so sorry in advance, but yeah I know he fucked over the brotherhood majorly. And he knows that too. I know he’s meant to be more tough and not very welcoming, but I’m a sucker for tired and grumpy mentor figures. I like to see him as a father figure for Connor and have that be elaborated upon. He’s not perfect and when he and Connor fight, I can’t help but feel and understand where both of them come from. He’s worn and jaded from past failure, but it’s nice seeing him come out of his shell in the homestead missions and grow to become a mentor again, and hopefully learn from Connor too. I love his design and I’m absolutely in love with his actor, performance and voice.)

Haytham Kenway (FANTASTIC villain and antagonist. Tragic backstory doesn’t justify how he became who he was tho. He’s a very successful unreliable narrator type, and he’s interesting to study critically. Hands down has one of the best voice performances in the game. Love his design. He’s very fun to root against. I love him so much as a tool in the narrative to drive home the idea that you can’t always fix someone, especially if they belittle and manipulate you. He’s incredibly scary in that sense, but very well done. I love how Connor triumphs over him and how his own hubris and stubbornness leads to his demise. Best Templar in the series imo.

Desmond Miles: silly. Trauma from childhood and he shouldn’t have to forgive his piece of shit dad. I want him to chill and relax. He’s lived so many lifetimes in the span of a few days,, he’s tired. But silly. Love his voice and the music accompanying his dream sequences in Revelations

[tavina-writes]

When will we ever get something like yanxi palace and story of ming lan, the fact that they were allowed to take revenge on the people who caused the death of the women they loved most, there was no "revenge is bad" or "we're better than this" no. Ming lan schemed and planned so meticulously and ying luo when she found out Erqing played a role in the empress death she brought her in front of her portrait and strangled her to death without fear or hesitation. Dramas nowadays would get cut and censored to hell if they did anything close to that. I want my complicated badass smart women back, I'm so tired of shows trying to convince me very hard the leads are smart by having people say it again and again when the actual writing doesn't show it...

I feel your pain on this "the leads are very smart because people keep saying they're smart" nonny. I, too, sometimes question why it is that that happens, but I'm not entirely certain its only censorship at play!

I've been rotating this for a while now since I still haven't found anything that strikes me as hard as Yanxi/Minglan/Ruyi in the years since then, especially since I love political dramas with cool female leads and I'm always on the hunt for new ones. I think the Yanxi-Minglan years were a real treat for us tbh. I don't know that things are necessarily more watered down now solely because of censorship exactly, because we've always had to work around censorship. Yanxi famously cut Yingning's storyline as well as Chenbi's Korean costuming just to get by the censors, which is also why the back half of Yanxi lost like, 10? or so episodes? and we lost some supposedly STUNNING scenes in there because of those cuts to get past censors. (There are photographs that I drool over about the cut plotlines every now and again while shaking my fist at the sky.) Minglan was originally 80 episodes long instead of seventy-three. I'm not entirely certain what they cut from there, but there is a rumored director's edition with 80 episodes that I haven't been able to get my hands on that's apparently also very good so it's not like Minglan escaped the censorship cuts either.

However, like, I think stories like Yanxi and Minglan are so rare because it is very difficult to get the whole package together -- the actors, the costuming, the sets, the screenwriters, the directors, the ost, the editing, the air dates, the audience interest, the companies investing money and budget into a production, and yes, the production clearing the censorship hurdle. In my ~15 years or so of watching cdrama, I'd say that the Yanxi-Minglan years were still some of my all time highs when it comes to cdramas that really grabbed me and it's because for these productions so much of this came together. It's always vastly easier for a writer to say "this character is very smart! this character is very smart and other people know it!" rather than showing that the character is smart or setting up a plotline where the character is smart and getting the payoff back from that. We see this all the time in every sort of media. Most of it comes down to bad writing and the writers being so afraid of like, actually going for the throat rather than censorship (though of course the censorship doesn't help a writer lose their fear of going for the audience's throat on a plotline or a character moment).

So I think a lot of more recent cdramas that fall into that pit are in there more for bad writing than censorship tbh, and bad writing unfortunately has always existed, and shows that claimed their characters were super smart while also making my eyes bleed also existed prior to and during the Minglan-Yanxi years as well as after. (Looking at you Brocade Heart Like Jade, I still haven't forgiven you for baiting me.)

For the record I've been watching The Side Story of the Fox Volant which came out last year in 2022 recently with @autumnslantern and some of those scenes are dark. We're about 5-6 episodes in right now and it's been really fun and well constructed. This show definitely is not at all holding back with showing bloody deaths, societal troubles, or the implications of the jianghu being a dangerous and often miserable place. So I think that cdramas with smart people and extremely vicious moments do still exist! Or at least they did up to last year.

TLDR: I think it's a combination of "the censorship is obviously not helping" and "stories that good are rare for reasons other than censorship because it's so much harder to tell a good story."

I do feel you though nonny, when will a show like Minglan or Yanxi and a main character like Sheng Minglan or Wei Yingluo EVER COME BACK from the WAR. I WANT.

#asks and answers #the story of minglan #yanxi palace

[hiejindraws]

Key differences between Hyper Projection Engeki Haikyuu!! and Gekidan Haikyuu!! (+ Review)

Btw don’t ask me for scans of the pamphlet or bromides bc I didn’t buy them. The only merch I bought was a t-shirt and a towel ok BABY’S ON A BUDGET.

• No “hyper projection” and no rotating stage

• Less emphasis on music and dancing, more on acting

• The stage is level and not on an incline. This means the volleyball net could be on wheels and be rolled around on the stage (in fact, most of the set pieces were on wheels)

• No epic opening or closing sequences

• Very few (if any, I don’t remember) musical interludes—really, there was music only during the volleyball matches

• No Seijoh/Oikawa theme music 🥲 or Nekoma theme (for when they’re briefly mentioned in the announcement of the GW training camp)

• More characters! Seijoh actors doubled as Yukigaoka players/all FOUR members of the Karasuno Neighborhood Association, not just Shimada and Takinoue!

• They really fleshed out the Yukigaoka vs. Kitaichi game! Like, Hinata had actual teammates, it wasn’t just him and Kagz 1 v 1 on the court like it was in the first Haisute (although, I guess it wasn’t technically 1 v 1 then either bc Kindaichi and Kunimi were also there)

• They included even more scenes from the series and stayed even truer to the source material. I think leaving out the music and intense dance breaks opened up a lot of room for this

Some callbacks to Engeki:

• Hinata hums the tune to a musical motif from Engeki but I cannot for the life of me remember which one it was even though I JUST saw it today. If I had to guess (bc the scene involved Hinata imitating Kagz), it was Kageyama’s theme from the first Haisute when he whips off his cape and crown.

• Ennoshita (AND Kinoshita AND NARITA!!) do the “SE〜NO” synchronized clap with the audience (and it made me so so SOOOO happy!!)

Review:

Overall, this production seemed less “dramatic” in the sense that the entire performance (the acting, music, and choreo/blocking) felt very subdued compared to its predecessor. There was certainly a different energy in the theater this time around. My blood didn’t get pumping the same way it did when I saw Start of the Giant and The Tokyo Battle in-person. I believe this artistic direction was intentional. I’m just not sure it’s sustainable.

What I always appreciated the most about Engeki was that the stage performances perfectly matched the high levels of energy the anime possessed. In fact, I would argue it brought even MORE energy than the anime did or ever could in large part due to Wada Shunsuke’s memorable musical compositions and HIDALI’s ingenious choreo.

Music and dance have always been core elements of the OG Haisute to the point that each show had it’s own unique opening/closing sequence, each team had it’s own musical and dance motif, and certain reoccurring events had their own identifiable themes (e.g. the starting lineup before any given match). The true magic of Engeki lied in the music and dancing. Obviously, the cast brought their own magic by always giving 150% to their performances, but they were also matching the energy the music brought THROUGH their dancing/acrobatics. It’s all intricately woven together.

OH, not to mention the original production’s partial namesake: the projections! There was always a level of suspended reality when watching Engeki because the light projections literally helped to merge the manga with the stage. They transformed the stage and backdrop into anything and everything the story needed—manga panels, speech bubbles, a sunset, a volleyball net. They also synced with, you guessed it, the MUSIC to give an absolutely outstanding audio-visual experience.

It really hit me hard when I entered the theater to see that it really was… just a regular stage.

That’s why I question if this production (and any future ones they may have planned) is sustainable. Not in the financial sense… but just in the way of retaining interest. It didn’t get me hooked the same way Engeki did, so I don’t think I’m able to give it the same level of enthusiasm. I’m hard-pressed to believe others feel the same way. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoyed it. It wasn’t bad. It didn’t take anything away from the series… I’m just not sure it added anything to it, either. Sure, there was music and dancing, but it just paled in comparison to what we were gifted by Hyper Projection Engeki Haikyuu. Makes me wonder why they would take so many steps back with this production.

All that being said… I’m glad I went. I truly did enjoy myself and the cast put their all into these characters. And if nothing else, I’m glad to have gone in support of Suga Kenta (OG Hinata) in his Haisute directorial debut.

#haikyuu!! #hyper projection engeki haikyuu #engeki haikyuu #gekidan haikyuu #engeki haikyuu!! #gekidan haikyuu!! #haisute #haikyuu!! stageplay #hq!! #hyper projection engeki haikyuu!! #haikyuu

[windvexer]

Fractal Tiles: My Dirk Gently inspired custom divination system

This post is for people who are into creating and developing personal divination systems. Sadly, it has very little to actually do with Dirk Gently.

Readings are performed by drawing tiles, sight-unseen, and placing them down in a random or pre-determined order (such as in a square or line).

Each tile has a directional stripe of paint which indicates its element. When a tile is placed face-down (as some of them will be by chance), the tile is carefully rotated on this axis so the direction of the stripe doesn't change.

(Because the tiles are hand-made, there are small differences in the stripes from front to back).

The stripes are important because they indicate one of the three main factors in the system: Direction. The other two factors are Element and Profile.

This system uses four Elements (earth, water, fire, and air) and numerous Profiles. Profiles include concepts such as Agent, Boon, Home, Prosperity, and Defense.

Each Profile has four tiles; it's a key word fractalled out into the elements. Pictured below are two profiles, Attack and Agent. The Attack profile contains the tiles Onslaught, Subterfuge, Insurrection, and Intervention.

The Agent profile contains the tiles Ally, Opposer, Enemy, and Friend.

Each element has ongoing themes. For example, all fire tiles share themes of passion, intensity, single-mindedness, and consumption to fuel action.

The tiles are not read intuitively. Because they're inspired by a show that has a lot of synchronous balance, I use a spreadsheet to carefully develop a set of meanings for each tile. When I develop meanings, I especially focus on movement and intention.

For example, consider the Agent tiles Opposer and Enemy. Their movements are very different - Opposer is slow, steady, mostly unmoving, and waiting for you to cross it so it can shove back. Enemy is rapid, flickering, following, and opportunistic.

However, their intent is also very different. Opposer is a guardian, defender, and morally neutral agent who may act as a gatekeeper or protector, and by doing such halt your progress or ruin your plans.

Enemy is a bad-faith actor who dislikes you personally and will act against you in any way they can, regardless of what it is you're trying to do.

So even though tiles like Ally/Friend, Enemy/Opposer, and Income/Dividends may seem very similar, there are always key differences.

With the use of the "official" meanings, and paying careful attention to the direction of the tiles, detailed readings may be obtained with relatively few tiles.

Here's an example reading. A practitioner wants to know if their planned spell to obtain a bonus at work will be successful. Three tiles are drawn and placed randomly, then flipped over on the axis so they are all face-up.

First, we can see that there's nothing wrong with the spell in and of itself. That person's Power neatly aligns with and points towards the Gift they want to obtain.

Unfortunately, it's the intervention of an Opposer which will cause the spell to fail. We can gain a lot of information from this:

The Opposer isn't pointed at Power or Gift. Whatever is stopping manifestation might not care about either the practitioner or the work bonus, but is nonetheless acting in its own best interest and causing the spell to fail.

Because the practitioner's tiles are both red tiles of fire, and the thing getting in the middle of them is directly oppositional water, simply adding more firepower (hah) won't help. Consider how the spread might be different if the watery Opposer tile was an airy Enemy tile, or if the fiery Power tile was actually the earthy Discussion tile.

Because the Opposer tile isn't directly in the middle of Power and Gift, there might still be plenty of opportunity for the practitioner to obtain what they desire. My final interpretation might be that the practitioner should reconsider their methods in this matter to ensure they aren't stepping on any unseen toes on their way to their goal.

Larger spreads can get intensely more complex and can include elemental patterns and groupings, and shapes formed by randomly placing tiles.

This system is far from complete. I have many profiles that I've never actually made into tiles, and there needs to be a lot more testing. However, from what I've observed:

This system excels in explaining energies, why they're doing what they're doing, and where they're headed. This system cannot easily tell you what your greatest strength is or what your god wants you to know, but it can very easily explain what's giving your bedroom those bad vibes, or what the hell your friend is up to.

I was going to make this a two-parter with thoughts on developing custom div systems, but it's feeling a bit long, so I think I'll nip it in the bud here and make a separate post for that.

#fractal tiles #divination #custom divination systems

[filmfunction16]

Wes Andersons adaptation of Dahl Short Stories!

Wes Anderson, the American filmmaker and director recently released 4 new short films on Netflix as of September 27, 2023. Each short film containing rotating cast of actors taking on multiple roles. And many familiar actors we've seen from his previous works such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and Life Aquatic! And the a new editions Benedict Cumberbatch! I personally love how Wes Anderson use of rotating actors, It adds a sense of familiarity to his films, and makes it easier to recognize his film and film style. I've been in love with Wes Anderson's film since the beginning. Ever since I watch The Grand Budapest Hotel, when I was sick in early 2018. I've been in love with his style, since I feel like it really applies to the artistic of me. Outside of school, I love to dress with pastel colours, and unique fashion statements. While I feel has been greatly inspired by Wes Anderson movies especially MoonRise Kingdom. His style reminds me of my GodAunt, who practically raised me back in Ottawa. Her style and colours are very similar to Wes Andersons manner, and even the way she talks is in a very chic and intellectual manner. Which I feel like copies that of many of his characters such as Mr. Gustave. However, enough of the past, let's get into Wes Andersons new short films inspired by Dahl previous works.

The most popular short film which is perhaps The Wonderful Life of Henry Sugar, is an adaptation of Dahl novels, which Wes Anderson brought to life and one day hopes to make a full length film, depicting the adventures of Henry Sugar. I personally will LOVE, a full length film, of the short film. I feel like it has the potential to be a very interesting story. Once the main introduction it can go into Henry travelling the world, from casino to casino. Along with those who help him with his adventure. As well as the sense of mystery surrounding Henry real identity. On top of that i'll love to see, a rein-action of the detective work from The Grand Budpest Hotel.

There is also The Rat Cather, which tells a hilarious and quirky story of 3 men trying to catch a mice who's been reeking havoc in their area. Although it was personally not one of my favourite short films. I felt like the ending was kinda misinterpreted. However, I feel like it has a deep meaning that I just haven't full understood. But Im looking forward to truly uncovering the meaning of the Rat Cather, it reminds me of a fable that you would read as a child, that would teach you a lesson that you would carry for life.

As well as The Swan, which reminds me a bit about his early works Moon Rise Kingdom. It tells the story of a little boy who is relentlessly pursued by two bullies and must fight them off using his intelligence. I like how the dialogue was said completely by his older self, which gave a false sense of security. However out of all the short films, I feel like it was the most visually pleasing. And has the most beautiful meaning out of all. The visuals kept me completely entertained! I absolutely loved the main character (the boy), I loved his cool and collectedness. I think what made me love this short film more was the fact that I would loved adopt that nonchalant personality. And careless about how others view and see me.

And Finally Poison which is probably the saddest of all 4 short films, a man is awaken when he finds a poisonous snake in his bed, and tries to make it out of his bed safely, however there is an unexpected twist which questions the actuality of Harry's reality! It's also the only other short films out of the 4 that has a open ending. I personally love open ending, because I love to think about all the possibilities. I'm a huge movie fan, and these opening ending allow me to think about the other possibilities and how differently the story could go if the ending was fixed. As well as be able to draw inspiration from other moments in media to determine an ending. Anyways, y'all should definitely check out these short films, and comment your thoughts about them!

xoxo

~filmfunction

#wes anderson #short film #novels #film #adaptation #book adaptation #movies #benedict cumberbatch #poetry #art

[blade-that-was-broken]

You know DJ Suki from Trolls, right?

Do you think she will ever be back?

Honestly I’m not sure if she will ever be back as I heard that her voice actor is busy in real life or something.

What do you think what happened to her? I know in TrollsTopia, it showed where she went in the final but as we know it’s not canon to movies and she wasn’t seen in TWT. (Never liked Legsly, I’m surprised I never realized that until now that DJ Suki wasn’t in TWT-)

I’m not sure if she will be in next movie but I’m kind of hope The Snack Pack will get more attention like in Trolls, unlike TWT and TBT.

Yes of course they were awesome in TWT, like Cooper having the important role and have a backstory to his family, Yay! :D

I’m fine with Biggie except how he did was great, as we saw in the end of TWT and how he said that the good queen should be listening, he helped in good way even if I don’t like him.

But TBT… what happened? Where they are?! If Tiny have big role in then should Guy be? He’s Guy’s son after all! Poor Guy…. :(

I hope some missing members are back in too, I like Smidge, she’s the great character.

I actually kind of liked DJ Suki. I'm not sure if she will be back. I guess it depends on a lot of things, even if there ends up being another movie. Not that she had a ton of screen time in the movie anyways; it was mostly the show which I don't think is technically canon?

Cooper's backstory kind of came out of nowhere but it also kind of makes sense cause he was so different. When it comes to that, I kind of understand Poppy's point. Like, despite Cooper being so different, no one ever treated him like he was an outsider and his differences are fairly obvious.

Biggie kind of drives me nuts sometimes lol but it might be his voice. also, controversial opinion, Mr. Dinkles wigs me out.

TBT was very Branch- centric. Tiny was mostly there because kids love him and he's got that extra comedic effect. I understand why the snack pack isn't really involved. That would be WAY too big of a cast for kids to understand and handle - and the cast was already big to begin with for that movie. We have to remember, in the end, no matter what age people are watching - these movies primary audience is children. Sure, it's got some adult humor - it's kind of like shrek. Kids can watch and have fun but the parents also watching can be amused at the same time.

Anyway, I got a little off topic.

If they do another movie, I'm kind of hoping it might be a bit more Poppy-centric? As we all know I LOVE Branch and JD and the rest of the bros but I'd love to see a bit more Poppy-centric stuff too. Especially now that she has a sister by her side. Possibly.

I think we think of the Snack Pack as this huge thing because of the TV show mostly. In the end, the movies are very easily about Poppy and Branch. It's the characters the audience focus on and since it's mostly just them, it can be easier to digest for kids. The rotating cast of new characters invites new jokes, new toys and new interests for the kids who don't always remember some of the side characters of other movies.

This is something that I generally like to keep in mind, that some of the movies we love and watch are made for children a lot younger than us. So I take everything with a grain of salt and that in mind and it definitely helps my enjoyment. I don't expect questions to be answered or deep themes to be addressed. That's something I - and others - can do through fanfiction.

So yeah... my two cents lol

#ask #I also have the dream that Branch and JD will get along due to their similarities and such but that is FAR FAR hopes #JD was the butt of the joke in TBT so I expect if he's in anything else #they will continue to make him that way

[haro-hawayu]

Spirited Away: Live Stage

I watched the Spirited Away Live Stage in theaters on Sunday AND Thursday because there’s two sets of casts for some of the major characters~ just wanted to write my thoughts down. This is me trying to be organized but gets a bit rambly later.

Prior to watching: I already learned about some of the cast. TBH, the only names I knew right away were Hashimoto Kanna and Kamishiraishi Mone--both of them playing Chihiro on separate shows. I’ll just refer to them as Show A/Cast A (Hashimoto) and Show B/Cast B (Kamishiraishi) when talking about them~ Another name was Paku Romi who was part of Cast B. I was familiar with both actresses from different movies: Hashimoto as Kagura in Gintama and also Kamishiraishi as Kana in Chihayafuru (and voice of Mitsuha in Your Name) so I really wanted to watch both shows because I was really excited to see how both actresses would interpret the role of Chihiro.

Thoughts: I love the use of the projections and stage mechanisms that they used to depict movement, and changing of scenes. I think a lot of it was very very very cleverly used.

+Stage projections: I especially loved the part where they projected the Japanese title 「 千と千尋の神隠し 」(literal translation is something like “Sen and Chihiro’s Spiriting Away”) on screen, and they took the kanji 千 from both Sen and Chihiro to form the little torii ⛩ (gate commonly seen in shinto shrines that separate the mundane and sacred worlds) that they drive right through (in the movie they pass by one that’s just leaning there), kind of to represent the moment when the Ogino family entered a different realm. 

+Stage mechanisms: The very obvious ones was how they just rotate some big parts to show different scenes, like Kamaji’s boiler room, Chihiro’s room, the inside/outside of the bathhouse, Yubaba’s office, etc. I liked how they made use of ladders, walkways, and doors/entrances. The whole train scene was amazing too~

+Stage hands: So many things were definitely made possible thanks to all the stage hands!!! It’s interesting that instead of black, they went for a brownish color, but I think it fits very well. I know some people might feel a little distracted by them, but I learned to really ignore them lol. It’s thanks to them that we have Kamaji’s arms/hands, the really cool scene of Haku grabbing Chihiro and running through/past many doors (that one part where they purposely did a “slow-mo” moment during their run when running past the pigs was really cool), the elevator scene, as well as the movement for the soot sprites, mouse-Bo, fly-bird, dragon Haku, and many other things. Oh yeah, and major props to them for the part where they lifted Chihiro and Haku up in the final scene where they reveal Haku’s name.

+Funny oopsies caught: Because it’s a stage play, not everything is full-proof and completely “perfect.” Although I tried to ignore the stage hands, there were some moments that made me giggle a bit. One of the earlier ones (Show A) was the scene where Chihiro is eating the onigiri from Haku and the camera just happened to show Chihiro handing off the onigiri to one of the tree stage-hands to hold onto. Another funny moment was (Show B) where a hurt Haku turns back into his human form, and again, the camera just so happened to show an angle where Haku’s actor sneaks onto the set and tries to quickly hide into the little doorway in Kamaji’s boiler where he waits to “roll out” when his dragon form disperses.

+Unique moments: There were def things that I noticed were unique and great specifically for the live stage play. I loved all the extra singing that was added. I absolutely love the sung version of 神々さま with the whole bathhouse cast. I know this song actually exists but every now and then I wonder if I dreamed that a sung version of this song exists because there’s no full version online. My Googling skills only helped me find the lyrics and clip of it. I also liked that they expanded the scene of everyone cheering/dancing when they freed the River Spirit, and for the play, they had everyone dance and Chihiro was dancing along with them. I loved that they added a (new?? pretty sure it is) theme song for No Face/Kaonashi, and there’s always that same musical motif that plays when he appears. NGL I felt like Kaonashi was extra creepy/scary in the live stage play >< There’s also a song that Kamaji sings and a sung version for The Sixth Station with the ladies which I found were quite nice additions too. Definitely appreciate all the music that was added.

I actually teared up both times during that scene when Chihiro goes back to her parents in the beginning and sees that they got turned into pigs and she was screaming in a panick as they were getting hit and those strange things started to appear around her. I think they were amazing at depicting how scary of a situation it is when a kid finds themselves in such a situation and seeing all these strange apparitions too. I personally felt that the parting scene for Haku and Chihiro more sad and bittersweet in the live stage version, especially when Haku is telling Chihiro to not look back, and in the live stage play, you can see that initial hesitation she had. My favorite added tidbit was the part at the very end where you see Haku standing at the entry of the tunnel. THERE IS HOPE IN THEIR PROMISE!!

+Additional thoughts: I really loved Hashimoto Kanna’s depiction of Chihiro. I really think she was the perfect Chihiro. There was that one scene where she was just about to cry when eating the onigiri and I think the camera angle was perfect because you see her eyes getting shiny just as she starts crying and I was just kinda wow’ed by that (angle wasn’t quite the same for Show B at that scene). I was kinda on the fence on how I would feel about seeing Show B with Kamishiraishi Mone, but she exceeded my expectations~! I still love Hashimoto’s Kanna more though. As for Haku, I’m a bit partial towards Cast B’s Haku, but I appreciated that Cast A’s Haku appeared to be the better dancer??? I liked that he had a little dance thing in the play. I was also really excited to see Paku Romi in Show B, but tbh I got a BIIIIIT distracted by her voice because I can’t help but go “kyaaa it’s Paku Romi!!” Oh yeah, small thing but I loved that they had Chihiro trying to read her new name and went “Chi” and Yubaba was like “CHIGAU (wrong!) it’s Sen!”--it made me giggle.

Overall, I think the stage play did such an amazing job at being true to the original movie, and even expanding a little more on some scenes. I was skimming through the original movie and soundtrack while writing this, so there were some things that made me go “wow, they actually were able to include this and this and this into the stage play”??!” They even copied some of the same guests/patrons of the bathhouse, but I was a bit disappointed that Ootori-sama was only mentioned but didn’t actually appear in the play (unless I was blind both times)?? Not sure what else I missed out on but will edit this post if I remember something important later~

tl;dr Spirited Away Live Stage is an excellent adaptation for the original movie. 100 out of 10 recommended! Also Blu-ray has been announced for July as well as return/rerun of the play in August with both Hashimoto and Kamishiraishi reprising their roles!! So exciting!!

#spirited away #spirited away live stage

[quarkslobes]

deep space 9!

ok here we go:

blorbo (favorite character, character I think about the most)

it used to be odo but now by far sisko, mainly because the benny russell plotline is my absolute favorite star trek plot ever. is he sisko or benny.... if he ascended to the prophets or whatever did he create benny?? if benny russell was a real author in strange new worlds... what does that mean. "you are the dreamer and the dream" is rotating in my microwave brain constantly. odo is still my emo repressed babygirl though.

scrunkly (my “baby”, character that gives me cuteness aggression, character that is So Shaped)

if couples count, worf and jadzia. yes they can and have gotten away with murder yes i still want to put them in a little jar on my desk. they're legitimately one of the best written tv couples ever. worf is the wife and jadzia is the husband though

scrimblo bimblo (underrated/underappreciated fave)

damar, im not saying hes a good person or anything but his arc was so interesting to me and he did have his very good moments at the end

glup shitto (obscure fave, character that can appear in the background for 0.2 seconds and I won’t shut up about it for a week)

rom and leeta. roms development was also SO good and leeta is the cutest side character ever i love her. like star trek does not get better than wimpy alien man finding his passion for engineering and falling in love with his hooters waitress wife who helps him form a union. that was peak cinema

poor little meow meow (“problematic”/unpopular/controversial/otherwise pathetic fave)

i cant think of a character that's necessarily unpopular... maybe lwaxana?? i know she was like a minor villain in tng but i loved her in that ep where she hung out with alexander, and her friendship with odo later on in the show was actually super cute to me. she is a queen idc what tng says. headcanon she's still like alexanders cool aunt and worf is very tired.

also near the end... kai winn?? i do not like her or think she was a good person at all but i did feel bad for her for maybe two seconds near the end. i dont know she spent her life wanting to talk to god only for some alien guy to become emissary so while shes evil and i hate her i kinda have pity for her so shes my meow meow idk

horse plinko (character I would torment for fun, for whatever reason)

dukat for sure. i would drop dukat in hot soup. definitely the best written star trek villain though and marc alaimo is such a good actor, every time i watch a dukat ep im like how does alaimo act so well that i genuinely hate this man with a passion

eeby deeby (character I would send to superhell)

kai winn. i know i just said shes my meow meow but i hate her i hate her. same thing with marc alaimo though, louise fletcher was such a good actor that for 45 minutes i hated her like she was real dude

#star trek #ds9 #ask game #lwaxana troi #odo ital #rom x leeta #worfzia #kai winn #gul dukat #damar

[emilycollins00]

“My— it was probably a bad move I did, Tasuku-kun. As I said, nothing to concern yourself with.”

“Just sit and let me see, for Gods’ sake.”

Tasuku grabs Homare’s hand and makes a few motions, careful not to make the movements too quick. He sighs tiredly. “You know a wrist motion you do continuously can inflame the tissues around joints, right? You should try to use a computer like Minagi at least. I’m sure this is not the first time it’s hurt before a due date.”

With Tasuku already dabbing on antiseptic, Homare supposed he had no choice but to oblige.

“But how could I dare such thing! I’ll have you know it is imperative I present my drafts by hand so that I can fiddle with sonnets and rhythms without intermission, Tasuku-kun. Many of you might be unaware, but for us artists words are dictated by a gentle voice outside of ourselves. We fall under a spell— and become the conduit of forces beyond our power and control.”

Tasuku listens and chooses to make no comments, keeping his eyes on his work instead. The bulked actor twists the fabric up and around, layering it over with precision and an uncommon extra attentiveness that even Homare notices. Once he reaches the end of the wrist, he pauses.

“The bandages,” he nods, murmuring towards the hand, “are they too tight?”

Homare hums, then rotates his hand and gives a little shake. They stay in silence as he watches the winter actor now trying to finish tying the bandage. “…How very interesting indeed.”

Tasuku raises an eyebrow, his voice a slight tone of exasperation. “What now.”

“You are much gentler than I thought.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” He rolls his eyes. “I wouldn’t have to do this if you took care of yourself, you know.” And yet despite his manner of speaking – brusque and curt like usual - he doesn’t lose hold of Homare’s hand. The poet notices this. Notices Tasuku could have let go by now, but keeps nagging at him about buying a splint, or at least call him for help whenever it started hurting again, all while tracing unconscious pressure on his wrist to alleviate the pain - as though he cared.

As if he was touching something precious to him.

Well, Tasuku has indeed always been a man of actions rather than words – completely opposite to Homare. “Are you even listening to me?”

Homare’s red eyes encounter a purple glaze staring right at him. Being taken care of still felt strange. He nods.

“Ah, but of course! I shall buy the wrist splint you mention. I was merely thinking about those angry wrinkles on your forehead.”

“What?”

“See? There they are again,” with his free hand, Homare’s thumb traces a vertical line in between Tasuku’s eyebrows, trying to erase them. “You frown too much, Tasuku-kun.”

“That’s because the lot of you drive me insane daily.”

He doesn’t retreat or shake his head to stop what’s going on. In fact, Tasuku’s whole body seems to melt at Homare’s brief touch. It makes his eyes soften, despite such a response. Homare laughs.

Both of them have yet to let go of the other’s hold.

________________________________________________________

Adding this beautiful drawing of the last scene courtesy of my talented and lovely friend @usuallyangrypanda 💕 It captures the emotions so well I think it's mandatory for me to put it here asdfghj thank you my love!

#@everwisp Literally your fault ever/j #pulled me in the Tasuhoma feels these days and then you expect me to do nothing after I just read that cute prompt?? #I wrote this SO quick so bear with me asdfghjk #look at them I love them #a3! #a3! tasuku #a3! homare

[terresdebrume]

Favorite place in the world you’ve visited?

Guadeloupe! (It’s a tiny French island in the Caribbean.) It’s warm and beautiful, and that’s the place that made me appreciate the beauty of hiking, even though I never did manage to get into it after that x)

It’s also where part of my family is from so that helps too :D

Something you’re proud of yourself for?

I’m really proud of how much I’ve grown as a person these past few years. I’m proud of the fact that I’m still standing even though it sometimes felt like I wouldn’t be able to.

Also I’m proud of my writing to be honest. I think that’s the most solid ‘I’m good at this’ part of my life and it was the cornerstone of me building any kind of self esteem. I hope I get even better as time goes by :D

Favorite books?

I think the Hunger Games books are the ones I reread the most often (sidebar: I absolutely recommend you read Spin Control by Trovia in this fandom. It’s still pretty high on my ‘Introducing people to quality fanfic’ list!)

That being said, Pride and Prejudice is also a big favorite! A lot of my favorite stories are fanfics, though, it’s my favorite medium x)

Something that makes your heart happy when thinking about it?

My cats, my goddaughter, my niece, my friends 😊

Favorite thing about your culture?

The fact that we’re used to pushing back against authority (make fun of the French all you want for striking all the time, we sure do it a lot and even too much at times, but sometimes it’s useful to have a coworker who’s not afraid to be frank xD)

Also: how affordable books are! I miss paying only 5-10 euros for pocket-format paperbacks, especially when I can’t find anything under 13 dollars here ;_;

When did you join the HBO War fandom? What was the first show you watched?

Last year, and late in the year at that! Although whether I’ve really joined the fandom is debatable, given how bad I am at socializing, but I’ve definitely written fic xD

What can I say, I watched this show twice before I caught the fic/shipping bug for it! Now I’m trying to decide whether I can actually watch The Pacific without damaging my mental health because I am not a gore fan xD

Have you read any of Easy Company’s books? If so, which ones were your favorite?

None so far, though I’m still looking around for Bill Guarnere and Babe Heffron’s book…and I’d like to get my hands on David Webster’s book as well, if I can. Not that the others aren’t interesting to me, but I’d say these are the two at the top of my list.

Favorite HBO War character and your favorite moment with them?

To my own surprise, I had a hard time deciding between Webster, Guarnere and Liebgott for this one! But I think David is the one that rotates the most in my mind, and I do absolutely love his whole “Can you believe I said that?” bullshit when he gets shot like, man what are your priorities xD

Do you make content for any fandoms, if so; what sort of content?

Well, I’m coming up on a million words of fanfiction published on AO3, the most recent works being largely Band of Brothers fic, but I also occasionally fiddle on Canva to make fic covers!

Favorite actor/actress and your favorite film of theirs?

I think I still have to answer Tom Hiddleston, and Thor (the first one).

Favorite quote/s that you wish to share with others?

I do love Mika’s lyrics in Rio: “Maybe I’ll be myself when I’m somebody else.”

It really resonates with me, and if I’m going to tattoo any words on my body it’ll be those.

Random fact your mutuals/followers don’t know about you?

When I go cross eyed I can make it look like my eyes move independently like a chameleon’s.

If you’re a writer, do you need a beta reader (say yes so I can be your beta reader 🤭)?

Beta reader, cheerleader, whichever you prefer! I have too many fics on the backburner tbh! Right now I’m trying to wrestle the one where modern AU!Don Malarkey and David Webster met on Grindr, disliked each other too much to actually sleep together, but accidentally become ride or die friends anyway x)

Three things that make you smile?

I’m going to count my cats as only one thing, even though there’s three of them :P

Whenever my students compliment me.

The smell of rain on a hot road or warm grass.

And, because I can: swimming in a river/lake it hot weather.

Any nicknames you like?

I would describe myself as largely indifferent to nicknames on the whole? I’m fine with Matt tbh, I picked it myself and it’s only one syllable so it works x)

I do have two people who refer to me by a (different) nickname though, and I would feel very strange if they stopped ;_;

List some people you love to see around on tumblr!

Well, @almost-a-class-act, who tagged me, is a pretty nice presence :D I'm also always happy to see posts from @formerlyknownas-delight, @liesmyth (enjoying the Italian blogging at the moment even if I don't understand most of it), @lectorel, @nemainofthewater and @talysalankil

Lately, I've also really enjoyed the works of @renegadepublishing, @fuckyeahgoodomens and @atlaculture

What would you do during a zombie apocalypse?

Freeze and try to be as quiet as possible? Probably slowly kill myself with stress over my cats’ wellbeing.

Favorite movie?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy, but also The Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert.

Do you like horror movies?

No D:

Tag list: @ronsparky @cinnamonmalarkey @1waveshortofashipwreck and whoever else wants to do this :D

#Assbox Games #About Matt #Merci beaucoup pour le tag :D

[kokomatdoroshi]

I was tagged by loved mututal @everlasting-beg. thank youuu 🫶🏽 this is gonna be interesting bc I am NOT the idol girlie I used to be lol😵‍💫

2023 kpop recap

Groups you started stanning : help i don't really stan new groups anymore lol. i haven't in a few years tbh. the groups i get insane over have been rotating in my brain for years. but I started listening to CIX, Faries, and QODES (RIP 😔)

New ult biases : my top ults remain the same (Mint, Yugyeom, and Mingun) BUT things do change within groups. like, Kyungsoo edging out Chanyeol. And Yuri with Sunny. I love them in variety shows! and shows that happen to feature idols is like MOST of the idol exposure I get outside of comeback releases. also Changkyun has been threatening Shownu by being hot, but he hasn't won 😤😤 etc. etc. also all of the current Blackswan line up (which had better stay as it is 👀👀)

Idol(s) who got the most of your simping? : god idk sfdjkl it's like I black out and write insane shit in tags. i think mutuals would have a better chance at answering for me 😭

Most streamed group(s) : Blackswan, Minimani, Koyote, Exo, Snuper, Infinite, Wonder Girls

Most streamed soloist(s) : JK Kim Dong Uk, Stella Jang, Shin Minjung, Yoyomi, Kanni, Dara, MiSo, The Black Skirts, Salt N Paper, Seo In Guk

Top kpop song of the year (opinion or streaming) : Blackswan Cat & Mouse 😽🤟🏽

Top debut this year : help I literally have no concept of who debuted in 2023 😂😂

Choreographies you learned : I haven't learned a choreography since like……….SSAK3

Albums/merch you bought : I didn't buy anything. trying to be financially responsible 🤧

clearly, I'm not in the idol game nearly as much as I was in, say 2018 lol. still love it, still love the groups i'm loyal to, but i'm way more into actors and non-idol acts now. i think this would have been a much different outcome in, say, january 2019 lmao. Still, this was fun to think about! 😌✨️

I'm gonna tag @clgzb @missaoapink @dalkyum @potatopasta69 and its totally optional ofc 💖💕

#help this was so funny to be confronted with #i have NO idea whats happening in kpop outside of my echo chamber yall #bri.txt #tagged #if there are typos...nuh uh

[always-andromeda]

You asked for a Louis promped and I love her so much and I love your writing so hope you like this idea :) Helping Louis with a play they are writing and you are a theater actor / another writer

Author’s Note | I’ve executively decided to file this one under Fool for Love since my Louis NEEDS all of the fluff 🥰 thank you for the request, anon!

When Louis first approached you with their idea, frankly, you were ecstatic. Working for Terra along with the continual discouragement from Henry had almost completely obliterated their creative drive.

So, hearing that they had begun a new screenplay was exciting enough. But when Louis said they wanted your input...that was just the icing on the cake for you. You had been immensely flattered when they said sincerely, "I think you're one of the most brilliant writers on Terra's team and I would be honored if you'd give me just a bit of your time; just to go over some of my ideas."

Really, you would've given Louis every hour of your day if it meant not having to be stuck at your desk all day, writing and editing fluff pieces and drivel that you really didn't give a damn about. Louis, without even realizing it, colored your days with their ideas.

It started with getting coffee after work. You sat with them, reading over the notebook they'd presented to you. Dozens of pages were filled with the general plot as well as drafts of little scenes. You liked the premise of their play: the story of a concert pianist, Addison Montgomery, who holds a love for theater and classical music and who feels the overwhelming pressure to perform the part of manhood and traditional strength. 

The angle seemed interesting. And you almost certain you had possibly found a shred of Louis buried somewhere inside of this character. The softness and sensitivity behind Addison's lines often read like diary entries directly from them. That was equal parts heartbreaking but relieving.

You're glad that Louis feels comfortable enough expressing these worries through their art. But it makes a deep pit of dread settle in your stomach knowing that those insecurities were most likely personal. So you handle Louis and their work like a bird with a broken wing.

With your coffee half drank and Louis' barely touched and growing cold, you ask the question that had been growing on your mind. "You said your working title is Adelaide? Was there a character named Adelaide that I'm missing...?" you flip through the pages, searching for the name somewhere in the dialogue markers.

Louis reaches forward and slides the book away from you. They turn to one of the final pages in the book before looking back up at you nervously, "Adelaide is Addison...by the end of the play." Louis rotates the book around so it faces you once more.

There, on the page before you is Adelaide. She looks gorgeous, dressed in a flowing silk dress and her short, dirty blonde hair gelled in perfectly formed waves. She's perched at the seat of a grand piano, head tipped back in sheer joy. The pencil drawing is small but it drags the breath from your lungs as you realize all at once what Louis is trying to express.

Once the pounding heartbeat in your eardrums fade, you tune back in to Louis explaining, "...and by the end, Addison performs for the first time as Adelaide in front of the largest audience he's–"

"Wouldn't it be 'she'?" you ask quietly.

"Hm?"

"Adelaide...do you mean 'she'?"

Louis stares back blankly. For a second, it strikes you that perhaps they had never really gotten to think that far about it. Adelaide may have been written an ending, but Louis certainly hadn't figured out what their own ending would look like.

Louis laughs sheepishly, "I...I don't know. Would you say 'she'? What do you think?" strong brow turned up and lips pursed, Louis looks vulnerable waiting for your response.

Your finger drags down the length of the finely dressed, hand drawn figure as you choose your words carefully. "I think...that what I think here doesn't matter. I think that who Addison or Adelaide will be is up to you, Louis. As long as whatever you write honors yourself and what you need...I think that no matter what you choose, you will be accepted."

Louis' quivering lip forms a gentle, grateful smile. With a trembling hand, they wipe away the single tear that had begun to form in the corners of their eyes. "Thank you," they reply and release the breath they'd felt they'd been holding possibly for years. They finally reach forward to grab the coffee they'd ordered hours ago.

Louis chokes down the cold beverage and you tease, "You really had to wait for it to cool down, huh?"

Louis quips, "Of course. Don't want to burn my mouth." And you laugh. God, you laughed at the joke. And for the hours spent after the tense moment, you don't seem to look at them any differently. You still flash them that warm and inviting grin, still engage in conversation freely and comfortably.

You couldn't have known it, but it reassured Louis greatly. They'd experienced varying shades of cruelty and intolerance masquerading as understanding. But this was an acceptance they had yet to have; one that encouraged them to flourish and grow. One that told them that whoever they were, they wouldn't have to be alone anymore. 

#strange trails milestone✨ #paul dano #danonation #danocel #the extra man #louis ives #louis ives x reader #louis ives x you #louis ives x y/n #˚ʚ meda writes ɞ˚

[brooklynislandgirl]

Just as there is a rotation of duties at the hospital, there is also a rotation of obligations as host of events for the Manhattan elite. The pedigree of Stephen’s upbringing grants him the ability to recognize the purpose of hobnobbing; even the old money and deep pockets of the Strange family could not necessarily be counted on to convey him into all the circles he would need to be part of to ensure his success.

His apartment is meticulously designed to be a place where wealthy socialites can gather, be quietly wowed by a tasteful array of pricey possessions and his pristine organization, and weave the invisible, intangible net which makes the high life they live sustainable. Because many of them carry within their cores the secret fear that they will be the next to lose it all. It is an existential dread which leaves the unpurposed soul a little dimmer… clenches a fist more tightly about its cash and credit.

On paper, there could hardly be anybody at this gathering more “high society” than his pupil. The Riley legacy has even deeper pockets than Stephen’s. If Beth wanted to, she could buy the building in which he resides. But that isn’t where she’s interested in applying herself. For reasons Stephen cannot quite fathom, her passion is in helping people who find themselves at their lowest. When they must throw themselves upon the mercy of the medical profession, and place their lives in the hands of strangers whom they must trust to know what’s wrong and how it can be fixed.

She needs not network here. Her trust fund alone would carry her into the next millennium without her needing to lift so much as a finger or read so much as a sentence. But Stephen has seen those hands work themselves to the bone – and when Beth lets herself be still, she often has a book in her hands (and close to her face, at that). She’s a more studied polyglot than he.

As far as Stephen has ever been able to tell, she feels an obligation to apply herself to the healing arts, to connect with others, for nothing more than that restless, inexorable call within her soul that says she should.

The Admiral is not here. Stephen had extended the invitation even knowing he wouldn’t come; his is a face that is rarely seen in the vicinity of Beth’s, and his aspirations exist outside the realm of mingling with crusty New York dilettantes. Besides which… the Admiral seems to not particularly like Stephen. (Then again, does he truly like anybody?) But it is still a necessary gesture from a polite society.

And it allowed Beth to accept the invitation before it had even fully departed his lips.

The television shows what any cursory glance over the balcony would: the throngs of crowds populating the streets, and the countdown taking place over in Rockefeller Plaza. As the final minute approaches, Stephen politely extricates himself from the round-robin of hospital money talk and makes his way towards Beth, who is wearing a dress that speaks to the kind of money she comes from and a mask-like expression of faux interest in the older gentleman talking to at her – a venerable stage actor with increasingly extreme opinions about nothing in particular. A gentle smile to the gentleman and an upheld cell phone are followed with, “I’m so sorry to interrupt, but I need my protege here, she has a call from an old friend from home.”

It is a kindly assertion of his authority, paired with the subtle code that tells her this is a rescue effort. The gentleman responds with a lifting of both hands in surrender, a pearly smile, and an utterance of concession as he moves away from her – he’d been standing a little too near, and there’s more than a subtle hint of Scotch on his breath as he passes by. Stephen pays the man no further mind as he offers first his phone to Beth to uphold the ruse… and after a sufficient display, he holds out a hand to Beth, inviting her to join him.

The starry look in her eyes and the gleam of the light against the points of her teeth in her atypically unabashed smile seem to carry a language all their own. Stephen wonders if perhaps, one day, he might learn that one, too. At the least, he might have a chance of catching up to her acumen.

He takes her past the serving table populated with champagne flutes, which are already disappearing quickly into the hands of others preparing for the moment. The final seconds are on approach. He plucks a pair of glasses from the table and offers her one.

As people begin to shout the final countdown to ring out the old year, Stephen holds up his glass, a faint smile curling one corner of his mouth as the musings of T.S. Eliot spring to mind, in the wake of his own recent considerations about linguistics. “Last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.”

~*~

Champagne Kisses || -

Originally Beth had planned on staying at home. Tucked up in bed in warm and comfortable pyjamas far and away from the city bustle and all the accidents and assaults waiting to happen on one of the City's biggest party nights. She had a fresh pack of highlighters, brand-new note books, and quite possibly the most riveting set of lectures she has ever managed to collect; Peripheral Nerve Entrapment Syndromes and Lower Surgical Approaches {Part One}, Chiari Malformations and Syringomyelia, and Neuropatholigic Studies of Epiletogenic Tissue. A dozen different invitations to get out and about, to be seen and to see, to live up the moment and all declined in favour of spending the evening with Stephen. That plan had her floating on air for the gruelling days leading up to New Years, where nothing could seem to dampen her spirit and no amount of the Admiral's general disapproval could get under her skin. At least that had been her hope until Stephen called her into his office, right before her well deserved break, and with the preamble of explaining he hadn't yet received an RSVP to the invitation she had no idea he'd sent. Fortunately for her, the good Doctor has a habit of being fairly straight-forward when he wants something, and whatever sabotage had nearly played out behind her back was uprooted before it could take root. And his reward was that dreamy little smile that bloomed before she expressed that, of course, it would be her absolute pleasure. It didn't even matter if she was to be his guest, a server, or really any other role he might imagine for her. She had arrived early. Statuesque in a one shouldered midnight blue gown with diamond floral accents at the shoulder, and diagonal across her waist. Diamond solitaires glittered at her ears, silver bangles at her wrists but otherwise unadorned. Her make up is exquisite, smokey shades and deep wine on her lips. With her hair spiralling down her back in carefully curated curls and heels high enough she is only a scant few inches shorter than he. She comes bearing gifts; a case of Cristal from her own cellars for his guests, and for the host himself, an exquisite box of salted caramel and dark chocolate truffles she'd had delivered from Swiss chocolatier DeLafée. She knew he'd likely decline consider they'd already exchanged Christmas gifts ~she'd delighted over the fountain pen and specific blend of purple ink he'd said reminded him of her notes and the brushed platinum cuff-links with an oil stain pattern that she'd had made for him~ which is why she didn't say anything until she turned up. It wasn't the excess or expense, not for her and not for Stephen. They existed in a privileged world where the material generosity was merely a formality and it was every bit the thought that mattered, the time spent, and the joy those gifts evoked. Beth is genuinely surprised as other guests begin to arrive that she doesn't seem to spot anyone of Stephen's innumerable admirers and fair weather beauties. Oh there are definitely beautiful women, powerful ones too. The kind he courts for support and for business. It makes sense. Medicine is highly lucrative for someone as skilled and sought after as he is, but it's also a tightrope act without a net and always requires more funding and more renown. Something that she disliked about her chosen occupation and from the sidelines, she doesn't envy him the exhaustion of accruing clients and good-will. Even if she directly benefits from it by having his backing. And so like duck to water, Beth ends up slipping into a role she's been groomed for her entire life, and acts as hostess. She mingles amongst the guests, heading certain ones off at the pass to buy him time, and trying to ensure that the party continues on without a hitch. If only the Admiral could see it all, and the flawlessness with which she plays her part. She's thankful that he isn't, until she gets snared in the net of her own making. She hadn't quite caught his name, but the man ~someone of the Admiral's age and clearly his intellectual and political leanings~ was on and on about something she isn't exactly clear on. She smiles blandly and nods or hms on cue. Occasionally she pats his arm demurely as he makes a witty bon mot. Once in a while her gaze flitters over his shoulders to catch the screen and the way the year is quickly running out between the fingers of time. She does her best not to try to chew her own wrist off that she might be delivered from the current drone that borders on the truly offensive. Just before she can spill his drink with an accidental muscle spasm, Stephen appears like her very own knight, with upraised phone rather than sword. He is the world, and she smiles only because she can't help herself.

"My hero," she ennobles him. She takes the proffered glass. The world falls away as he recites to her one of her favourite poets and the smile deepens beyond just joy. While not exactly reserved this one is special. Her entire heart is in it as it pulses in her throat, feeling loud enough to drown out the party, the Ball, the dying of the secular year. It is born from the twitch of his lips. An expression she could spend her entire life in, and for a moment, just these few lingering seconds, Beth pretends that this is exactly the life she wants to live, and that she is exactly the only woman Stephen wants to be with. Tomorrow she will be his student again. Right now? She'll be his everything else. "Not known, because not looked for, but heard, half heard, in the stillness, between two waves of the sea. Quick now, here, now, always-" Beth rises on the steps of the poem's closing stanza, not sparing the champagne more than a cursory sip. She rises on the balls of her toes, a scant few inches. She rises and her mouth rests against his in quietude. The crowned knot of fire isn't allowed to become a conflagration. She's content enough for the warmth of embers banked as quick as the turn of the year. She returns to earth. "Happy New Year, Doctor."

#submission #tangleweave #Kakua|Stephen Strange #Sphere Music|Stephen and Beth #The Flames That Burn|Doctor Strange au #Brooklyn Stories|New York #Fragments of the Past

[randomvarious]

Today’s compilation:

Totally Hits 2001 2001 R&B / Hip Hop / Pop / Pop-Rock

Fuuuuuuck, man. Can we please just go back to the year 2001? Y'know, before *the big main event* happened? Top 40 and hip hop/R&B radio were sooo good back then!! 😭

And here's an excellent collection of radio bops to prove it, put out by Totally Hits, the main, always-runner-up to the ever-dominant Now That's What I Call Music! series. I feel like a lot of people aren't aware of this, but, while the US run of the Now series was originally made up of a partnership between Universal and EMI and all their many subsidiaries, Totally Hits was its answer, provided by BMG and Warner Bros. and all of their subsidiaries. (And BMG also includes Sony, mind you.) So, while Now always outsold Totally Hits and released their albums more frequently, and also had a bigger pool of pop songs to pick from, Totally Hits definitely wasn't a slouch either, especially with this 2001 installment; they had plenty of goods to offer that Now couldn't.

But I don't even know where to start with this thing. Like, nearly all of this CD holds a special place in my heart. Those classic strings from Blu Cantrell's "Hit 'Em Up (Oops!)" ignite and my inner child just immediately activates 🥺.

So I guess I'll just pepper this post with some observations and fun facts about a bunch of these songs then...

Diddy and co.'s "Bad Boy for Life" still bangs hard to this very day. Its beat sounds just as nuts now as it did the day when it first came out 21+ years ago. I mean, I’ve still yet to hear anything else quite like it. And it was made by this dude Megahertz, who also produced Nas' "Got Ur Self a Gun" in the same year. And while the song only peaked at #33 on Billboard’s Hot 100, its “there goes the neighborhood”-themed music video was in *super* heavy rotation on MTV and featured an extended cameo from Ben Stiller, along with other cameos from Xzibit, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Shaq, Mike Tyson, Baron Davis, Travis Barker, Dave Navarro, Access Hollywood’s Pat O’Brien, Fonzworth Bentley, fucking Crazy Town, and weirdly enough, the character actor Richard Dunn, who’d wind up playing a bunch of different roles on Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job! some years later.

Does anyone else remember that early 2000s rap and R&B fad that was obsessed with making South Asian-sounding beats? Did Timbaland start that whole trend with Missy Elliott's bhangra-infused "Get Ur Freak On"? I could be wrong, but it feels like he did? 🤔

Here's what I think is the most slept-on song out of this entire slate: the remix of Dream's "This Is Me." I actually totally forgot that this song even existed, but this CD helped jog my memory. Do you even remember Dream? No, not The-Dream, but Dream; the ultimately fleeting female R&B and pop quartet that were most famous for that song "He Loves U Not." Anyway, they were on Bad Boy and Mario Winans took the original version of "This Is Me" and remixed it to include a sample of the bells from Bob James' "Take Me to the Mardi Gras," which is one of those samples I go nuts for every time I hear it. I first heard it in Snap!'s "The Power" and I've loved it dearly ever since. It also appears towards the end of Missy Elliott’s “Work It.”

Those who call Eve 6 a one-hit wonder are just flat-out wrong. "Here's to the Night," a soft, Police-inspired follow-up to the catharsis of “Inside Out” (the “heart in a blender” song), only placed two spots below it on the Hot 100.

It’s really funny and interesting how Uncle Kracker (what a stupid name) came out of the Kid Rock milieu as the turntablist in his backing band (lmao), and then, despite being a rapper, rose to immense adult contemporary fame with “Follow Me” and then a cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away” (🎶Give me the beat boys and free my soul🎶). It also seems like Kid Rock kinda followed in his footsteps too, dropping his brash, working class, trailer park asshole gimmick for a quick sec to make “Picture” with Sheryl Crow the following year 🤔.

Remember “I Do!!” by Toya? It was her only hit, but that catchy, midtempo R&B groove was 🔥. Produced by this guy Antoine “Bam” Macon, who then went on to co-produce Nelly and Kelly Rowland’s “Dilemma.” Toya would release one more single after this one, which didn’t fare too well, and then she’d appear on Cam’Ron’s 2002 classic, “Hey Ma,” before falling all the way off.

We gotta talk about Willa Ford too. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone that the people who produced “I Wanna Be Bad” also produced a bunch of songs for Britney Spears as well. Willa says she wasn’t trying to copy Britney, but damn, does this sound like a Britney song! Also, what on earth is Eminem friend-and-foe-and-friend-again Royce da 5′9″ doing on this?!?!?

           Oh yeah, and we can’t ignore this from Willa either:

That article was then followed up with this:

Which then allows for the perfect use of this meme:

Is there a stronger trio of singles to come from a rap album than the one that came from OutKast’s Stankonia? I mean, how can you beat “B.O.B.,” “Ms. Jackson,” and “So Fresh, So Clean”? I really don’t think you can. The production group of Organized Noize had a large hand in OutKast’s first four albums, and one of their members, Sleepy Brown, also provides the falsetto parts on the chorus for “So Fresh, So Clean.”

Why wasn’t Craig David a bigger thing in the US? He could’ve been our British R&B king, but he only wound up with two successful singles here with “Fill Me In” and “7 Days.” “7 Days” actually performed better on the Hot 100, but I feel like “Fill Me In” is far more remembered in the States. Anyway, despite his brief showing here, he managed to stay relevant all the way into the 2010s back home. Awesome voice and great beats.

Lastly, Dido’s “Thank You.” This song took such a long path to reach #3 on the Hot 100. It actually first came out in 1998, appearing on the soundtrack to an indie flick called Sliding Doors that starred Gwyneth Paltrow. Then, in ‘99, it was included on Dido’s debut album, No Angel. Following that, Eminem released The Marshall Mathers LP in 2000, which included “Stan,” a song that made the chorus from “Thank You” its own. Naturally, that helped to increased the popularity of “Thank You” itself and Dido then released it as a single in September of 2000. Then a couple months later, Eminem released “Stan” as a single too. Finally, in January of 2001, “Thank You” entered the Hot 100 at the #80 spot, and by April it had climbed all the way up to #3. It then stayed on the chart until September and became one of the biggest hits of 2001.

What a fucking nostalgia rush this whole thing was. Radio was at its absolute peak in these days. Just so many good and fun songs. Take me back! 

More of these installments from Totally Hits and Now in the near offing, so if you enjoyed this post, stay tuned!

Highlights:

Blu Cantrell - "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)" 112 - "Peaches & Cream" Missy Elliott - "Get Ur Freak On" P. Diddy, Black Rob and Mark Curry - "Bad Boy for Life" Dream feat. Kain - "This Is Me (Remix)" Usher - "U Remind Me" O-Town - "All or Nothing" Eve 6 - "Here's to the Night" Uncle Kracker - "Follow Me" LFO - "Every Other Time" Sugar Ray - "When It's Over" Willa Ford - "I Wanna Be Bad" Toya - "I Do!!" OutKast - "So Fresh, So Clean" Ludacris feat. Shawna - "What's Your Fantasy" Craig David - "Fill Me In" Dido - "Thank You"

P.S.: I wrote a long Twitter thread about almost all of the songs on this album. I only covered a little more than half of them here in this post, so if you want more observations and fun trivia, check it out!

#r&b #r & b #hip hop #rap #pop #pop rock #rock #music #2000s #2000s music #2000's #2000's music #00s #00s music #00's #00's music #90s #90s music #90's #90's music