Neglect, Hindsight and ‘Elvis’

Warner. Bros Pictures

Howdy, curious readers. Remember me? I hope you’ve all been keeping well amidst trying times of political discourse and ill-advised invasions. We’ve been here before, haven’t we?

Still, the landscape of cinema has remained unsullied, for the most part. Cinema, as is often highlighted in our culture, will always provide a means for escapism, and a sense of overwhelming comfort.

I myself have been seeking that warmth continually of late. It’s been an unusual few months that, upon reflection, has often mimicked the motion of a bucking seesaw. But summertime has that remarkable and frankly uncanny ability to relax my unease. I’m able to grasp a healthier level of perspective and assess my priorities with a more constructive line of thought.

By that virtue, I’ve come to discern what I’ve neglected. Self-care, daily rituals, my writing and my loved ones. My partner, first and foremost. My number one fan who, to her enormous credit, has done her utmost to soothe my sometimes devilish disposition. Drawn together like magnets, we say. Everything I write is for her, really. But it’s time I gave back to her, for all she’s given me.

And it’s time I gave back to you, curious readers. Like any relationship, this platform thrives on a functioning divulging of communication. Like most practices, it requires vulnerability to succeed in earnest. Ultimately, while my writing thrives on a working level of introspection, it longs to be an extrovert. Musings is a personal blog for cinematic enthusiasts and deep-thinkers alike. It’s built with the intention to share, intrigue and amuse. It’s my therapy as much as it is my practice.

So I seek the creative counsel of cinema, for all the enrichment it readily affords. While the constantly weaving motion of the medium is jarring to some, it affords a wealth of influence that never ceases to amaze and bewitch my curiosities. I’m painfully aware of how much I’ve missed its tender embrace. I’ve craved crossing that glittery threshold to be greeted by that intoxicating aroma of popcorn and the childlike burst of excitement that goes hand in hand with it (See ’The Cinema and the Absence of my Happy Place’ for more musings).

To make amends, I go tonight to see Elvis (2002). While I’m certainly no keen endorser of musicals, a musical biopic is certainly something I can get behind, when considering quality pictures like Walk the Line (2005) and Control (2007). My partner, too, is excited by this one and the creative influence of Baz Luhrman, which lends tremendous reassurance. As does the name of one, Tom Hanks, to the leading cast.

In the end, a much-needed venture to the cinema ticks all my respected boxes. It’s giving back, to myself and to her, in a way that is most true to my own heart. It’s giving back to the art of cinema, too, and to the industry itself, that thrives on people like us playing our part. What do we have to lose?