What’s “Brechtian”?
February 17, 2006 | 6 Comments
Twice in the last month I’ve heard things referred to as “Brechtian”. I was curious the first time and read up on it. The second time it was buried in the bottom of a color coded “hilarity meter” on The Daily Show. I got to feel real cool when I knew the reference and could explain it to Sara. I figured everyone should be “smart” like me.
From the Wikipedia entry on Bertolt Brecht:
Brecht created an influential theory of theatre, the epic theatre, wherein a play should not cause the spectator to emotionally identify with the action before him or her, but should instead provoke rational self-reflection and a critical view of the actions on the stage.
For this purpose, Brecht employed the use of techniques that remind the spectator that the play is a representation of reality and not reality itself [...]. Such techniques included the direct address by actors to the audience, exaggerated, unnatural stage lighting, the use of song, and explanatory placards.
A perfect example of this is Dogville, starring Nicole Kidman.
Tags: "bertoldt brecht", brechtian, dogville, nicole kidman, the daily show, theater
Happy Feet
November 19, 2005 | 28 Comments
A trailer for Happy Feet ran in front of the Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire show I saw last night. The trailer didn’t give a clear idea of what this movie will be about other than it is musical, digitally animated, funny, and about penguins. It has me hooked. I’m pretty sure I wasn’t alone, as a palpable buzz infected the entire packed theater after the trailer ended.
The official blurb on what Happy Feet is about:
Happy Feet is a comedy adventure set in the land of the Emperor Penguins in the heart of Antarctica. These penguins sing, and each needs their own special song to attract a soul mate. Our hero Mumble (ELIJAH WOOD), son of Elvis (HUGH JACKMAN) and Norma Jean (NICOLE KIDMAN) is the worst singer in the world… but he can tap-dance something fierce!
Tags: antarctica, elijah wood, emperor penguin, emperor penguins, happy feet, harry potter, harry potter and the goblet of fire, hugh jackman, jackman, kidman, movie, musical, nicole kidman, penguin, penguins, teaser, trailer, warner brothers, wb, wood