Weekly Movie-Making Moments in Film: Attack the Block – 2011

The city series….

Yo - the aliens are coming

One of the things that I have always questioned is this … Why don’t the aliens ever attack the ghetto? I mean, all the alien invaders when they invade seem to end up in the midwest; or on someone’s farm; in the backwoods; at the lake during vacation; or the town you would never visit with a population of 10—anywhere but in the hood.

Well those days are over. We be talking about the really cool, down by law, and just totally sweet, street-wise, hip new film (out this year) entitled “Attack the Block”. I could say more but I will let the trailer say the rest. But I will conclude by saying I think it is a must see film if you like the dark comedy science fiction genre. There are great moments in the film. Nothing gave us a laugh more than one of the characters saying …”fire in the hole” or “aliens got talent” in reference to America’s Got Talent and Simon Cowell.

Attack the Block is a 2011 British science fiction action film written and directed by Joe Cornish. The film stars Jodie Whittaker, John Boyega, Alex Esmail, Franz Drameh, Leeon Jones, Simon Howard. Set on a council estate in South London on Bonfire night, the film follows a street gang which have to defend themselves from hostile alien invaders. The film was released in the United Kingdom on 11 May 2011. Attack the Block is the directorial debut of Cornish.

http://youtu.be/AUFaLAMojfA

A scene from the film - is that what I think it is

No safety in here

At Every Corner the Noise of Our Thoughts Intersect

The city series….

Sometimes the noise of our thoughts take us places we can no longer go

Illuminating the intersections of our lives….

When you arrive naturally at a state of meditation, inspired by the View, you can remain there for a long time without any distraction or special effort. There is nothing called “meditation” to protect or sustain, for you are in the natural flow of the wisdom of Rigpa. And you realize when you are in it that is how it has always been, and is. When the wisdom of Rigpa shines, not one shadow of doubt can remain, and a deep, complete understanding arises, effortlessly and directly.

This moment is the moment of awakening. A profound sense of humor wells up from within, and you smile in amusement at how inadequate were all your former concepts and ideas about the nature of mind.  – Rigpa Glimpse of the Day

Sometimes when we are distracted by the noise of our thoughts, we can look within; to the light that illuminates and frees us. Knowing that at every corner, every self examination is the opportunity to renew our perception of the world around us and the thoughts that govern our relationships.  – Walter W Smith

Urban Contemplation: 12 – Music for Public Places – Lawrence English & Stephen Vitiello

The city series….

Perfomance at Art Gallery of New South Wales – Lawrence English & Stephen Vitiello – 2010

http://youtu.be/WRkdgtBoUt8

Urban Contemplation: 11 – Music for the World Trade Center – an interview with sound artist Stephen Vitiello

The city series….

An interview with sound artist Stephen Vitiello – World Trade Center Recordings

http://youtu.be/PbkMBU2A9T8 – Stephen Vitiello

Urban Contemplation: 10 – Music for Entangled Thoughts – Lawrence English & Ai Yamamoto

The city series….

Music for Entangled Thoughts

http://youtu.be/gy1C5Jj6zNQ – Lawrence English & Ai Yamamoto – Plateau 2007

Detail of entangled thoughts and attached emotions

Where the Entanglement of Our Thoughts and Emotions Reside

The city series….

The ambiguity of a certain step

life and stolen moments….

where things are taken away

and given back with bated breath

while we intrepidly

hesitatingly

transcend the mundane

where things are like yesterday

and in every breath

life is given hope

like tomorrow’s dream….

the American dream

in the illusion of timelessness

where things are the same

on either side

of the entangled thought

and attached emotion

where the city sleeps

at the crossing of life and liberation

Everywhere I looked the City Hosted the Old-Timey Bikes

The city series….

A biking city is a beautiful city

a city

a bike

and streets to explore

we’re downtown

and all around

by the river

on the pier

stopping for art

ipod in ears

moving there

nestled here

we love the journey

yours and mine

with personal finds

a city

a bike

as one….

Across the River There’s A Place Not Far From Here

The city series….

The bridge that takes us there

it’s there just beyond my reach

a bridge to cross

yesterday I am here

in a present moment

happiness

tomorrow I am there

in a dream to share

ambiguity

across the river

on either side

it’s just the same

nowhere

now

here….

a place not far from myself

Urban Contemplation: 09 – Music in the Streets – Painting in the Air

The city series….

The sounds of the streets and the color of music

color takes a form

finding it

only takes

a moment

to listen

hearing the blue

seeing the red

feeling the glow

of fair music

painting in the air

….

sounds flow like palettes

of greens and yellows

just sitting

by you

feeling mellow

listening

smiling

and hearing colors…

and knowing

it’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Urban Contemplation: 08 – Art Work Ahead

The city series….

Art work ahead on the city streets

Finding the way through the narrow streets

searching for the deeper sentiment

of thought

of ideas

drifting block by block

glancing right

turning left

hoping to find

colors that speak

forms that convey

it’s a beautiful day

a wonderful life

finding art everywhere

inside and out

where there is work ahead

on the city streets