~ Into The Wild ~

[airtwardo 7]

I saw the movie on an airplane, just finished reading the book...

All I can say is I'm really glad that idiot didn't take up Skydiving!

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[skymama 37]

Do you recommend either though?

She is Da Man, and you better not mess with Da Man,
because she will lay some keepdown on you faster than, well, really fast. ~Billvon

[airtwardo 7]

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Do you recommend either though?

I watched the movie because it was a transatlantic flight and it was either that or Mary Tyler Moore reruns...

VERY well done movie...Sean Penn at his best as a director.

I read the book because...usually with movies they have to leave out a lot of the story because of time and continuity, and I couldn't believe that main character could be that stupid.

The book does go somewhat deeper into the story and shows that the guy was even MORE of an idiot than the movie portrays.....it too is VERY well written and an interesting, though be it quick read.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[squirrel 0]

you should also try "Into thin Air" by the same author. Its about the Mt. Everest disaster awhile back. My sister was actually friends with one of the guides. The author was on the expidition, so the detail is emmense...without giving away the story, there are good lessons learned from this book. The audio version is excellent as well...if you have a long drive ahead...like to a boogie.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[DSE 5]

Krakauer's "Under the Banner of Heaven" is an outstanding read, too.

[TrophyHusband 0]

these are on mt to do list. i've read a couple of things from jon krakauer and like his writing. i usually stay away from sean penn's stuff because of his politics. he's very talented, but i wish entertainers would just shut the fuck up and entertain. having said that, i am going to make an exception in this case.

"Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama
www.kjandmegan.com

[airtwardo 7]

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these are on mt to do list. i've read a couple of things from jon krakauer and like his writing. i usually stay away from sean penn's stuff because of his politics. he's very talented, but i wish entertainers would just shut the fuck up and entertain. having said that, i am going to make an exception in this case.

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Krakauer is an excellent writer, I will look for more of his stuff, the Everest thing sounds good.

And I'm with ya on the Penn politics thing...I wish he would stay with what he's 'good' at!

The Into The Wild story really prompted a lot of discussion between my wife & I regarding risks....and preparation.

We all, at time do things that kind of put us in a corner...what that character did borders on suicide.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[squirrel 0]

from the movie it seemed he was searching for ultimate freedom...but being creatures requiring energy input to survive...I agree that his survival education was lacking. My wife and I discussed how just a short time ago...everyone lived like this...hunting, making shelter, pure survival. But was it "fun?" was there enough time in the day to relax...after doing all the required tasks to mearly survive. I have been on long backpack trips, weeks out in the mountains, lite on food supplies so had to fish for core meals....and after while, you get your routine down, and I found some time to simply chill out

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[DSE 5]

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these are on mt to do list. i've read a couple of things from jon krakauer and like his writing. i usually stay away from sean penn's stuff because of his politics. he's very talented, but i wish entertainers would just shut the fuck up and entertain. having said that, i am going to make an exception in this case.

Hijack not intended but...
Why should artists "shut the fuck up" if they've got something to say? You do too. They have a bigger stage than you, that's all.
I deplore most of what Bono does, for example. On the flip side, he DOES do a lot of good. Same with Penn. Or Vince Gill, or Garth Brooks, Gene Simmons, or...
You or I might not think they're worth listening to, but at the least, they're trying to make a difference.
Just like Krakauer. Who was on Bill Maher and awesome.

[airtwardo 7]

Hijack not intended but...
Why should artists "shut the fuck up" if they've got something to say?

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As I hijack my own thread...

You're right, artists 'should' be allowed to say whatever they want....the problem lies within them doing so 'because' of their popularity and thus detracting from their creative work.

I don't like Penn's politics, and because of that probably wouldn't have paid to see this movie...but because I DID see it~

I'm reminded what a talented and creative actor / director he is.

I'm only human...I mistakenly let his extra curricular activities almost cheat me out of a positive experience.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[TrophyHusband 0]

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Why should artists "shut the fuck up" if they've got something to say?

because the more i know of them, the less i usually like them. since they are trying to get my dollars, they are better off not making me dislike them. They may be trying to make a difference, and they may even do some good, but mostly they just make noise.

"Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama
www.kjandmegan.com

[DSE 5]

I submit that speaking out on subjects of interest to the artist allows the artist/entertainer to feel a sense of balance in their lives, no different than non-artists do.
If life is nothing more than the pursuit of artistic endeavor and seeking the creative muse...it becomes boring very quickly.
Been there, done that.
IMO, artists have a responsibility to use their influence to change the world. If Penn agreed with your politics, you probably wouldn't give a damn about what he does.

[waltappel 1]

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You or I might not think they're worth listening to, but at the least, they're trying to make a difference.

Why does the terms "self-serving", demagoguery, and grandstanding come to mind?

Maybe it was Sean Penn trying to boat around in Katrina-ravaged New Orleans claiming to be trying to do whatever he could to help when there was no room in the boat to actually haul people out of harm's way because he had to have his personal photographer along.

I don't like his politics but even if I did I would consider him an opportunistic piece of filth for that. If he wants to make a positive difference in the world he can either STFU or off himself.

Walt

[TrophyHusband 0]

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IMO, artists have a responsibility to use their influence to change the world.

you make valid arguements, however artists such as Penn live in a world most of us will only dream of. they are trying to the world, but they have no idea what the real world is for most of us.

"Your scrotum is quite nice" - Skymama
www.kjandmegan.com

[squirrel 0]

if an actor is truely politically concerned...quit making movies/TV and run for office and make a difference...some have...results vary.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[airtwardo 7]

If Penn agreed with your politics, you probably wouldn't give a damn about what he does.

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I understand what you're saying, and I take the YOUR as a generalization because no it really doesn't apply to 'me'...I shook my head just as much when Charlen Heston became the president of the NRA.

I guess I'm somewhat of a purest in that matter...I don't like it when someone uses their position in one arena to bring attention to another unrelated genre.

It hits me as..."I'm cool because of this, so you should do that" kind of mind set.

And again what bothers me most isn't the 'selling out' aspect, ie. sports figures promoting shoes...it's the fact that political stands alienate a segment, and as in my case and I'm sure many others...the artistic message is skewed or often missed altogether.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

• Quote

[waltappel 1]

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I submit that speaking out on subjects of interest to the artist allows the artist/entertainer to feel a sense of balance in their lives, no different than non-artists do.
If life is nothing more than the pursuit of artistic endeavor and seeking the creative muse...it becomes boring very quickly.
Been there, done that.
IMO, artists have a responsibility to use their influence to change the world. If Penn agreed with your politics, you probably wouldn't give a damn about what he does.

If there were a thread here asking how many people in these forums have done the down and dirty work that *does* make a difference, e.g., EMTs, paramedics, military, police, and teachers are a few that come to mind, and if people chose to post what they do or have done, it would make celebrities look like the fakes that they are.

In this crowd, I consider myself to be in the company of heroes. And I doubt if a one of them would insist that cameras capture their efforts so they could boost their public image.

Fuck politics. I respect people who try and make a positive difference just because that's what they do and I will respect that part of them even if I despise their political views.

Walt

[airtwardo 7]

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if an actor is truely politically concerned...quit making movies/TV and run for office and make a difference...some have...results vary.

Ronald & Arnold?

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[waltappel 1]

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if an actor is truely politically concerned...quit making movies/TV and run for office and make a difference...some have...results vary.

Ronald & Arnold?

I see Speakers Corner in this thread's future....

Might as well give it a nudge in that direction.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> GUNS
Walt

[airtwardo 7]

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I submit that speaking out on subjects of interest to the artist allows the artist/entertainer to feel a sense of balance in their lives, no different than non-artists do.
If life is nothing more than the pursuit of artistic endeavor and seeking the creative muse...it becomes boring very quickly.
Been there, done that.
IMO, artists have a responsibility to use their influence to change the world. If Penn agreed with your politics, you probably wouldn't give a damn about what he does.

If there were a thread here asking how many people in these forums have done the down and dirty work that *does* make a difference, e.g., EMTs, paramedics, military, police, and teachers are a few that come to mind, if people chose to post what they do or have done, it would make celebrities look like the fakes that they are.

In this crowd, I consider myself to be in the company of heroes. And I doubt if a one of them would insist that cameras capture their efforts so they could boost their public image.

Fuck politics. I respect people who try and make a positive difference just because that's what they do and I will respect that part of them even if I despise their political views.

Walt

I agree with you wholeheartedly, but even on a more basic and selfish level, when an actor / entertainer does these political or religious things, it takes away from their efforts AS an artist.

I loved Penn in "Dead Man Walking"...the first time I saw it, saw it again a while back and yes, I kept seeing the press photo of him in his little boat with the shotgun he'd taken from someone.

Same with Cruise and L. Ron Hubbard....
Him playing off Newman in "The Color Of Money" was one of the best movies from an acting standpoint of 'our' time, but watching it again a few nights ago, I kept thinking about him being nothing but a religious robot zealot.

~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~

[point_code 0]

I saw the movie on an airplane, just finished reading the book...

All I can say is I'm really glad that idiot didn't take up Skydiving!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The book was good, I need to see the movie now. I agree with Squirell though, "Into Thin Air" was a spectacular read. Hard to put down. "Under the Banner of Heaven" was good too, but I still think the Everest account was his best work. I'd like to see Krakauer write about the whole D.B. Cooper thing. I bet he would do a great job

[squirrel 0]

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if an actor is truely politically concerned...quit making movies/TV and run for office and make a difference...some have...results vary.

Ronald & Arnold?

i guess i should say "Results vary according to who is judging results"

any...back to "Into the Wild" or,...has this thread already gotten...wild?

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[cloudseeker2001 0]

I do not think that Chris was really that stupid......just a little over confident with his skills in the Alaskan backcountry-and he really was not in the backcountry by Alaskan standards. I think he knew it would warm a bit in a month and I think he planned on being out of there by the end of summer before the first really cold weather rolled in. All of his other adventures were really cool!!!!!! Taking a canoe all the way to Mexico????? That must have been really great! Even Jon K said that he did not talk to one single person who thought that Chris was a flake. In fact, Jon said that everyone thought Chris to be a great guy! Chris was brilliant. But, I think he was in search of something, or maybe a way of just being, that does not exist on any level. I have met people on the road that were doing the same thing as Chris. I once cooked lunch for a group of people near Cambridge Idaho who had almost nothing to their names and I was amazed at how comfortable they were with themselves. I think had he survived his last experience, he would have settled back into some roll in normal society. I think his Alaska Adventure was really just a hike gone very bad, but he had done all his homework concerning what he could eat (maybe not how to cure meat). He just did not get enough food.......and to think he was just a few miles from a fully stocked cabin and wire across the river! Kinda of funny how Chris has influenced thousands of people to think outside the box of everyday life as it is sold to us on TV! He would have made a great skydiver!

"Some call it heavenly in it's brilliance,
others mean and rueful of the western dream"

[ryoder 1,590]

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I saw the movie on an airplane, just finished reading the book...

All I can say is I'm really glad that idiot didn't take up Skydiving!

He did, but he used an alias: Scott Lutz.

I read the story in Outside Magazine. Didn't have much interest in learning any more of it after that.

"There are only three things of value: younger women, faster airplanes, and bigger crocodiles" - Arthur Jones.

[bclark 0]

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Hijack not intended but...
Why should artists "shut the fuck up" if they've got something to say? You do too. They have a bigger stage than you, that's all.
I deplore most of what Bono does, for example. On the flip side, he DOES do a lot of good. Same with Penn. Or Vince Gill, or Garth Brooks, Gene Simmons, or...
You or I might not think they're worth listening to, but at the least, they're trying to make a difference.
Just like Krakauer. Who was on Bill Maher and awesome.

They DO have a right to say whatever they want. But they need to understand that people may not like what they have to say. And based on that people may decide not to watch their films, or listen to their music, or buy their books. Just as they have a right to free speech, we have a right to not listen.