Movies!

Well, my Oscar preparation continues. I saw 127 hours, starring James Franco as a man between a rock and a hard place. It was very well done: Danny Boyle's Trainspotting twitches gave the film a vibrant energy it needed and Franco was excellent.

I was surprised by how little the film relied on flashbacks. When I heard the film mainly took place in the main character's head, I assumed that meant it would cut back and forth between The Rock and his childhood -- or something.

It doesn't. The closest film I've seen to it was The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, which also used visual imagery to evoke mental states, but it also relied heavily on voiceover, which 127 Hours doesn't.

Anyway. It's a good film. It's worth seeing, and because of the gorgeous scenery, is probably better seen on the big screen. The Scene  is not as tough to watch as you've heard.

I also checked out the animated Oscar films. I found Shaun Tan's The Lost Thing absolutely charming, but I think the award will probably go to The Gruffalo, which was the crowd favourite. Madagascar, carnet de voyage might take it as the outside artistic favourite.

Research again

I don't know how I missed the online transcription of this journal of a Royal Navy Seaman, but I did. It's an interesting glimpse of shipboard life in 1798:

Friday 13^th. At daylight Barbuda in sight, as Mr T got Tipsey last night. He was unable to keep his morning Watch, but sent word to the Officer that he was ill. Captain H knowing the true cause, ordered him up to the mast head.

Friday 13 July 1798 continued

        Mr. Taylor, the Masters Mate. during his intoxication last night in the middle watch went on the Quarter Deck, intirely naked. And at 10 PM the same evening, the Boatswain wife when all the Lights were out, came out of her Cabin with a large knife and her hand, and cut the head Clues of the Hammocks of Mis'rs Berkley, Taylor & Fitz.
        At 1 p.m. Fell in with La Concord, At 3 anchored in Basseterre Road. At 8 to Mr. Canes, the officer who had charge of the watch, was called into the cabin and there told by the Captain, to march out, and that he was an impertinent fellow for striking his Coxwain. Canes was releived; & confined to his Cabin
        At 7 AM. The Gunner complained to Captain of Mr. Tripes's conduct last night, he went to the Mast head at this hour, and remained there untill 4 PM without anything to eat, when he came down, he looked at me as if he wanted something, so I sent him a tumbler of Maderia, and a bit of roast Pork.