Life Through the Lens: Be careful what you wish for
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"You wished for this."
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King Midas. That name didn't use to mean what it means now. Back then, he was known as simply "Midas" or "Mi-guy." He was amiable and gentle. He spent evenings with his family - no frills, just fun. He spent many of his nights at the local pub where he was just another one of the guys - no formality, just fraternization. He was with the people - he was one of them - he was grounded and even and fair and connected.
Although King Midas was a lover of many things - Burger King's "special sauce," the feel of driving on the rumble-strip, scratching his back on a doorframe like an animated bear on a barky-tree, a gentle shoulder tap or whispered words of affection - he loved two things most of all: his daughter Chloe and his prized rose garden. Those two things received most of his time and spare attention. He could see purpose in the world, sure, but those two things were directly affected by him and by his care. Those two things he could see grow in his presence, blooming with love. They actually NEEDED him, and he wanted nothing more than to be there to fulfill that need.
One night, as "Mi-guy" was strolling the garden, he happened upon a half-starved satyr. As was his heart, his instinct was to help. After a restful night, a home-cooked meal, and all the comfort at the king's disposal, the satyr found himself revived and renewed. To complete his do-good-ary, King Midas offered to take the satyr home, back to his master Dionysus.
Worried about the lost servant, Dionysus was overjoyed to see his return and health. Dionysus offered a wish as payment and thanks, but King Midas had all he needed: a happy kingdom, a beautiful daughter, and luscious roses. What else is there?! Since the king was surrounded by godly splendor, Dionysus being one with refined taste and extravagance, he couldn't help but notice all the gold … and how it elevated everything, giving even the smallest objects worth and wealth. Upon reflection, King Midas's palace was lovely … but was it luxurious? Flesh and petals wilt and wither, but gold would stand forever.
"I wish," Midas said with a new-found confidence, "that everything I touch turn to gold." He could see it now: Chloe and the rose garden surrounded by and accentuated by treasure like the world had never seen. His eyes sparkled at the mere thought!
As Midas headed for home, the wish seemed nothing more - simply a wish. The chariot and horses remained wood and mane. Pssh, whatever. He'd stick with Chloe and roses; that had always been enough. As he entered his humble abode, he casually sat in his favorite chair … which instantly turned to gold! To test this growing realization, he touched the table - gold! He raced around his castle redecorating. Ordinary turned extraordinary with a simple touch!
Exhausted and exhilarated, he sat to eat. Midas was suddenly horrified as the turkey leg struck the ground with a 24-karat CLUNK! His food - pure gold. The sobering sense of starvation forced him into his restful-roses. There, his precious Chloe raced to her doting-dad and threw her loving arms around him before he could whisper his warning. As Midas wept, his tears spilled onto the now golden and lifeless roses.
"Take it back," he muttered. "Please … remove this wish from me." King Midas learned the hard way: Be careful what you wish for.
How do you tell a friend you like them? As … more than a friend. It is a delicate thing that could ruin the fun and tip the balance. Baron "Bear" Bailey (Michael Johnston) is in that exact pickle: He loves Nikki (Inde Navarrette) … but they go way back. A rupture in the friend-group would totally kill trivia night! Alas, Bear can take it no longer - he MUST tell her.
In an attempt to soften Nikki's heart, he buys her a gift, proving his sincerity and intentions; he will give it to her then just say it. Instead of buying the jewelry he sought, he chooses a novelty gift - a "One Wish Willow" that grants a single wish. Something, call it fate, beckons the purchase. When the moment arrives to tell Nikki his true feelings … he freezes. Classic Bear. Once she leaves, Bear's frustration erupts; he breaks the "One Wish Willow" and utters the line: "I wish Nikki would love me more than anyone else in the f*ing world."
As King Midas would attest: be careful what you wish for …
“Obsession” is one of those movies that "everyone is talking about." Usually, when that is the case, my disbelief is triggered - how could it possibly be that good? With “Obsession,” though, it really is that good! From the onset, it establishes itself as methodical, original, and unpredictable. The movie never loses its force, its essential energy! Director/writer/editor Curry Barker has created a piece of extreme precision yet effortless fun. It is a wild ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat as well as rolling in the aisles.
Barker's direction is crystal-clear; his grasp on moments and momentum are astounding! His writing is simple yet surprising; his fearless use of "the absurd" is music to my ears! His editing is organic yet masterfully tight. Barker's work with cinematographer Taylor Clemons is stylish and substantial - their work with lighting, framing, and blocking will leave you breathless. The music by Rock Burwell is intriguing and engrossing; those subtle slides to flat are incredibly disquieting.
Here's a job I've never recognized in a film before: colorist. Jake White, the film's colorist, does flawless work. It is through his work that the film's relentless tone is heightened and honed!
Get ready world, Inde Navarrette is the next big thing! She delivers an unbelievable performance as Nikki - truly chilling and intimately realized! Michael Johnston is a wonderful counter, as well: fumblingly awkward turned to unforgivably selfish. The screen loves the chemistry between these two; they carry the movie to and through incredible moments.
Wow! “Obsession” blew me away! Will you love it like I did? There is only one way to find out …
“Obsession” can still be seen in theaters or now rented/purchased at home.
REPORT CARD: “Obsession”
Grade: A+
Assessment: Painfully thrilling and achingly funny