Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Oscars and Remember Me

Jessegirl, a frequent commenter on this site has written this article about the Remember Me phenomenon, the evolution of the reactions and the "masterpiece" that is Remember Me. This article is partially derived from comments that Jessegirl has made on other sites since the release of the film in March.

Oscar and “Remember Me”: Modern Masterpiece
-by ‘jessegirl’ May 20, 2010



THE PHENOMENON:
The Downside-
With notable exceptions this film has been panned by critics, most of whom, when they weren’t arrogant, were ignorant. In a misguided attempt at political correctness they trashed the shocking ending of the film to pre-empt predicted public outrage. That is a kind interpretation of their motives. There was also much envy and maliciousness, an attempt to diss ‘vampire boy’ Robert Pattinson for daring to be a teen heart throb and not, in their opinion, rising in the ranks slowly enough, like a good boy.

Then even Pattinson’s teen girl fanbase boycotted the film, for the immature reason that the vampire Edward was ‘cheating’ on Bella. Which brings us to the fact that the studio poorly marketed the movie as a romantic drama. This kept the males away too.
Therefore the film, by blockbuster standards, did poorly at the box office. Yet this small indie flick, produced for a mere $16M, has now made $55M world-wide, which is actually a very respectable figure. Compare it with the Academy Award Winner, Hurt Locker, which had comparable production budget and grossed approx. $45M globally. [Box Office Mojo]

However, the story of its reception by actual viewers is very different. Indeed, puzzled by the poor reviews, audiences have been jumping to the film’s defence, sometimes passionately.


The Upside-
Comments on websites and blogs have been amazingly positive. And that ending elicited mostly more positive comments. From general good ‘reviews’ from the viewing public, the comments ventured into more intense territory. People started sharing personal responses to the film and reactions of their families and friends; these were as stunning as the film’s ending.

People of both sexes, of all ages, from 14 to 94, reacted similarly. It is hard to encapsulate the sheer passion which they describe. Some quotes from the comments might give an idea but they should be multiplied one hundred fold, because the impact of reading them together is astounding:
-rarely does a film move me emotionally as this one did;
-it’s how the film touches my heart that sets it apart
-I cried like a baby
-haven’t seen a movie this honest in a long time
-it profoundly moved me; -never been moved so much when watching a movie
-they don’t make them like this anymore
-it made me feel, unlike most movies
-it’s a sign of a good movie when you genuinely care about the characters
-a deep ache in my heart.

You get the picture. And this is the tip of the iceberg.

Then the comments changed. People started saying things about the need for repeat viewings, and here too, the number of people who voiced this was substantial; it was like a refrain.
-I rarely feel compelled to see a movie twice but this one, yes
-It stayed with me; I can’t get it out of my head and it’s been a week; I can’t forget it.


Next, people started sharing very personal stories, either from their own lives, or told how they and their friends felt the need to discuss it. Stories of loss, love, of 9/11, of their most personal griefs. This poured out of them. Remember Me set off a tidal wave within so many viewers, the dimensions of which none of them knew when they first stepped out of the theatre, after the first viewing. The film set loose a veritable tsunami of feeling within each one.

Comments changed again. People were analyzing the movie.
-sticks with you and makes you think
-thought-provoking and caused me to re-evaluate my life
-I somehow felt more alive after watching this film
-this movie opened my eyes to grief


Another shift in the comments came when they decided this film had changed their lives. They analyzed their own lives and had existential epiphanies.
-remembering helps you grow and change
-I renewed my commitments to touch others’ lives
-the raw emotion this film evoked from me had been untapped for many years and was transforming; it got me to step back and re-evaluate my life
-how do I want to be remembered?
-what if today is my last day?


Next new blogs began, analyzing the film from different angles: artistic, psychological, sociological, through the characters, themes and symbols used. People thought it should be taught in high schools and universities.



Viewers had always used superlatives but now they used emblematic ones. It was a modern day Ordinary People. According to some, it was ‘the best film ever made’, ‘the best film I’ve ever seen’, ‘my favourite movie of the year’, ‘of all time’. It had ‘a deep message’, ‘a film that matters’, ‘not to be missed’ and would have ‘a lasting place in film history’. And big words were being used, by quite a number of them. The words Oscar and classic.

This movie, which was panned by critics, boycotted by the supposed fanbase, poorly marketed, had found its audience—which straddled demographics—and which was in awe of the profound impact it had had on each of their lives.

We are now at the stage when next year’s Oscar contenders are being selected in a general buzz. Where is Remember Me in all of this? Again, there is a big disconnect between those with power and influence to create Oscar talk and those who have see the film. Call it the great divide. And that begs the question: What the heck happened?



THE ELEMENTS:

Take a new script writer, a young untrained actor, an open set in New York City where papparazzi and fans hounded the star and made keeping focused a real test. What do you get? If Robert Pattinson is that star, you’d be surprised. Add veterans like Chris Cooper, Pierce Brosnan, Lena Olin and things get even more interesting. Mix in Tate Ellington, a romantic lead in Emilie de Ravin and intense child actor Ruby Jerins . Recruit stage notables like Kate Burton, Gregory Jbara and an uncredited Martha Plimpton and the results speak for themselves.

Will Fetters’ script creates multi-faceted characters, each of them well-rounded and complex. Viewers give their verdict: I was engrossed with the characters, who felt so real. I connected with the characters and story in a way I never have before. This reflects on both the script and the actors, who gave stellar performances. Superficially the story has some clichéd elements, but these are layered into a finely complex weave.

Now to Mr. Pattinson, whose work here cannot be underestimated. He plays Tyler Hawkins, and it is really Tyler’s story. Tyler is the linchpin, the glue, and without him the centre would not hold. Because Tyler is so important, a lesser actor would have demolished the film. But Robert gives a nuanced, subtle yet impassioned performance; every emotion is reflected on that remarkable face. We love Tyler by the end and when he dies the loss ripped our being, breaks our hearts; whether we are female or male, 14 or 90, the result is the same. We scream inside, sit stunned. By the tragic end we are so emotionally invested in him we cry for him. (Oh, did I not mention how many people left in tears?) You don’t do that for an actor whose range is limited to a broody James Dean imitation. Pattinson brings a believable vulnerability to the role which touches everyone. Acting calibre this good means there is natural genius involved. It’s time critics shed their juvenile prejudice and really watched his performances.



Allen Coulter, with Sopranos and Hollywoodland credits, has done a fine job on this one, weaving together many story strands in a dynamic and realistic way. The DP, Jonathan Freeman, has framed shots chock full of symbolism and interest. And Marcelo Zarvos, who wrote the score, used music to great effect, never intruding on the story and always hitting the right note. Even the end piece, which, during the final montage, begins with sad heartbreak and swells to uplifting affirmation, does so in a way which comes across as genuine, not contrived. It’s superb. Let’s not forget Nick Osborne and the other producers, who took a courageous risk to back it.

There is so much stuffed into two hours, and the themes of grief, loss, hope, healing and redemption come across with poignant illumination. Symbolism abounds unobtrusively.

Okay, the ending. That has been a subject of great debate, but it has, in the final analysis, divided critics again from the viewers. I will not go over this here as it is too complex and has been dealt with on other sites. However, the general consensus from audiences is that the ending pays homage, is a tasteful tribute. Tyler is the touchstone, the person who allows you into the tragedy, so you really know. He is the conduit. The shock was that his internal journey, from stumbling to serene, from floundering to forgiving, had taken him to a beautiful, soulful spot and he would die there. He would be taken away at just that point. The breathtaking beauty of his promise to the world was taken away just as it was unfurling.
“...And I forgive you” –that is the clincher.

This film is a tragedy, quietly coming at you in a natural and seemingly mundane way, until, by the end, it shakes your world apart, touches you at your core and resonates like few films ever have. It is just that good. It is, quite simply, a masterpiece.


THE MASTERPIECE

What to say first? How to say it?
The one word repeated like a mantra over and over by viewers was haunting. This film haunted them. I think each person in his or her own way was so affected. That is stunning!

It haunts because at the end Tyler is gone and we, the survivors, cannot come to terms with it. A young and, let’s face it, physically beautiful life, is taken from us at just that turning point in his life. The promise of his new understanding and breakthrough shines like a beacon for one glorious moment. And then—at that exact point—Tyler is taken away. Murdered. And we have to go it alone. And it is hard to bear. It haunts.

Each person remembers Tyler. Then imagines their own lover, son, friend, is Tyler. Then remembers real losses. Then is put in touch with their real grief. The film is, for some, almost overwhelming in its power to summon primal feelings. That’s why they couldn’t get it out of their heads. I’ve never seen such a huge demonstration of people needing to see it again, and again. At first they needed time to process the power it had unleashed inside them. Then they went again. And, not only does the film stand up after multiple viewings, it seeps into the soul.

Remember Me elicits strong feelings, and its substance provokes deep thought. People see new things every time they view it and its message gives them strength.



-Transformation-
Remember when I talked about how the comments kept changing? Well, with some people the process has been even more profound. What other film in recent years has riveted viewers and prompted them to make their voices heard? What other film has moved them and drawn them into the deepest part of themselves? Remember Me has guided them to these meaningful places within themselves. What an achievement! What a gift!

There’s an invisible pull, a yearning for that which surpasses all the wonderful parts I’ve talked about—acting, directing, story, music, theme. People are drawn to the film’s healing property. If the film speaks to you, you will return again and again to drink at that well of transformation. The filmmakers proceeded from faith in the material and did their best, so this almost sacred thing happened. It infuses the whole film and now there’s a glow which permeates it, from beginning to end, which cannot be accounted for. It is felt, just felt.

Anyone who needs healing and who is ready will come again to allow the radiance of the film to penetrate them. They know something significant happens inside them when they see it and until it has done its work, they will return. It is some wisdom working internally and the film is the catalyst.

This is a far-reaching effect. So, to those who go again, what happens? Well, Tyler lives and dies over and over and sometime in this spiral the viewers must transform, must, while accepting death, be reborn in some manner. Survivors have the hardest job, to go on, and yet how can they do this unless some transformation has taken place within them?

Do not underestimate the possible ultimate result of this film. Catalyst, if you want to call it that. Or, the illuminating effect that comes from this. The film is the messenger of transformation, the guide, the angel in the midst. And it cannot take us the whole way. No art, no person, can. Only we, ourselves, alone or with supernatural help, can do that. We must do that alone.

But all art must be entered into in the right way. You can’t get it if you are out to get it. You can’t be moved if you hold yourself apart from it, trying to be above it. That is what so many critics watching this film did. The sad thing is that those who do not come to it with the right attitude miss the grandeur, the profundity and the just plain loving beauty of it all.

Why? Because it will not allow those people in. Like any great creative effort which comes from the well of pure intent, it demands certain things. Remember Me demands respect, the right attitude, and most of all, -heart. And it has a right to. If viewers do not also give, the art either remains silent for them, or comes across as distorted.

I will go so far as to say that with all great art there is always a ‘higher power’ of some kind which is involved. But only if there is a purity of intent. The filmmakers of Remember Me had that, so something special wove itself into the process and now shines through in the result. That is plain.

There is always a great divide: before and after. Before he dies, and after. Before your loved one dies, and after. The haunting quality of Remember Me is significant in film history. Perhaps, on the issue of grieving, in hindsight, people will talk about before and after Remember Me.

Remember Me is a full-throttle masterpiece, from beginning to end, with not a false note, not a wasted moment. Unforgettable. And, yes, it should be in contention for the big awards, Oscar, Bafta, and so on. Of course. Duh.

45 comments:

gkngc04 said...

I have been on the blog that jessegirl is on..she is an amazing writer and I love her work! I loved this movie and I connected with it like no other movie...I am one of those people that just had to see it more than once....thanks again jessegirl for your beautiful words.

Anonymous said...

Amazing.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for validating how I felt about this amazing film!

CeeCee said...

Hey Jessegirl. Chris here. I see you wrote your letter. More than a letter of course. A beautiful attempt at explaining why Remember Me is more than just a movie. Why it touches people's souls. You really nailed it. :) It's just so much more than the sum of it's parts and affects people so deeply. I'm here after all, still searching for others who really 'see' and appreciate the depth and meaning of it. I would love to see RM get the recognition is deserves, but I'm afraid the critics have killed any hope of that. They and peoples instinctive rejection of anything that will make them really stop and feel and cry. Saw VIII with it's blood and screaming and horror...no problem. Remember Me that makes you examine your life and tears you up inside while at almost the same time giving you hope for the future...not so much. But we get it so I'm happy that the movie and the ideas won't be forgotten by everyone. Thanks. :)

Jen said...

Hi Jessiegirl, once again your thought provoking and well written words expose to us the real meaning of a good movie. Like you I was appalled that the critics panned the movie for whatever dumb reason they did. However,I hope and know all the viewers that saw Remember Me, left with a tug in their hearts, tears in their eyes but also being very aware that they were touched forever by this movies and didn’t listen to the idiots who criticized the movie and who obviously had no clue what this story was about.

I feel fortunate that this movies was made and it touched my heart the way it did leaving a profound feeling of appreciating each day as it comes as we never know what can happen.

I feel that all the performers were stellar and Robert Pattinson proved that he can act. Of course the writer Will Fetters and the Directors should be so proud of the fact that they made a movie that is going to finally be seen more on DVD than in a theater but people are going to wonder why didn’t this get an award and then maybe people will learn to judge for themselves what they should see and not be dictated to what critics dictate.

I have a feeling that Remember Me Is never going to be forgotten.

Jen said...

Hi Jessiegirl, once again your thought provoking and well written words expose to us the real meaning of a good movie. Like you I was appalled that the critics panned the movie for whatever dumb reason they did. However, I hope and know all the viewers that saw Remember Me, left with a tug in their hearts, tears in their eyes but also being very aware that they were touched forever by this movies and didn’t listen to the idiots who criticized the movie and who obviously had no clue what this story was about.

I feel fortunate that this movies was made and it touched my heart the way it did leaving a profound feeling of appreciating each day as it comes as we never know what can happen.

I feel that all the performers were stellar and Robert Pattinson proved that he can act. Of course the writer Will Fetters and the Directors should be so proud of the fact that they made a movie that is going to finally be seen more on DVD than in a theater but people are going to wonder why didn’t this get an award and then maybe people will learn to judge for themselves what they should see and not be dictated to what critics dictate.

I have a feeling that Remember Me Is never going to be forgotten.

WhyIstheRumAlwaysGone said...

Hi Jessegirl, thanks again and again for writing this beautiful piece and expressing so well all our feelings and thoughts about the film. I can only wish for one thing:that people will read it and pass it on and spread the word!

InstantKarmaGirl said...

Yeah, so this made me cry.

I'd like to impress upon you Jessegirl that I don't cry, not usually and that is how I know the brilliance of this film.

You are absolutely correct in your assessments here. This film has awakened something within me, something that I hadn't known I repressed. It was not over the top, it did not sensationalize, but yet made a very public tragedty personal.

And I forgive you. So very haunting and hopeful. What this movie does is it shows just a little of what has taken from all of us that day. I know that there are places with worse tragedies, places who live with this kind of pain daily, but this *MY* tragedy, it's *MY* pain and this film has worked to help me understand it. It has worked to force me to confront it.

Quite honestly, I think if Twilight got one person to read (whether I like the material or not), then it is a success and likewise, if Remember Me got one person to actually REMEMBER what we lost that day, then it's a success.

I'm currently in the middle of ten 9/11 books, with about 10 on the shelf waiting. I am remembering how I felt, I am reading the names of those lost, and I am regaining that sense that life has meaning.

It's so easy to get bogged down with the illusions in life. It's so easy to let emotions rule you and become concrete. It's easy to just cut people out and to harbor and foster anger and hatred. It's harder to let it go, but this movie shows us the way.

Tyler's family situation was intense and painful and yet, Tyler, ALL of them wasted their precious time together. When the world ends, will we have said what needed to be said? Will we have given the forgiveness that should have been easy.

Wow. So, I think I'm trying to say thanks for this article. I don't cry everyday, nor do I cry when personal tragedies or trying times occur.

But I am crying now.

I don't care about critics. This is the best film I've seen in a LONG LONG time.

Heidi said...

jessegirl-Thanks for putting into words what many of us are feeling. I still can't understand why this film didn't get the recognition it deserved...maybe it will in time. I sure hope so. Such an incredible, thought-provoking film. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jessegirl, very well written review, i love this movie and think that critics are really killing the buzz because of their arrogance to actually admit Robert Pattinson is a good actor.
"juvenile prejudice" -- that nails it so in the bulls' eye! LOL
Thanks for the post!

P.S : i'm one of those ppl, i've seen it 3rd times and still plan to go some more ;)

Anonymous said...

I loved this movie - saw it 4 times, and can't wait for the dvd to be released. Thanks for this article.

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone. What a beautifull writing Jessegirl.
I'm from Argentina and had to wait really long for the movie to come here. When I saw it I couldn't stop crying, it ache inside. Then the critic of my local newspapper wrote the worst critic ever, calling Rob "a poor actor like always" and I felt like I wanted to scream (still do).
The film is for me one of the best ever. I probably didn't experience the 9/11 like other people from the USA because I'm not from there, but I did lost people in my life, like my father 4 years ago and this movie really did let me cry it all out.
What you wrote is wonderfull, glad more people think the same...

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Jessiegirl, for expressing so eloquently what I've thought and felt about Remember Me. It's a movie I'll never forget, and I'm so happy to know that so many others feel the same way about it. I'm hoping the DVD sales are gigantic, and that everyone who missed seeing it in theaters because of the critics' negative reviews will now see it, experience it as it should be experienced, and come to their own conclusions that it's one of the best movies ever made.

Natalie said...

Jessegirl, thank you so much for giving this movie the credit it deserves! I would have to say that Remember Me is probably one of the most thoughtful, well put together movies I've ever seen, if not THE most. Nowadays, all that counts is how much money a movie makes at the box office. Sure, some movies are big money makers, but do they really affect people in the long run? As for Robert Pattinson, the critics probably won't ever give him the credit he deserves, but IMO he is a brilliant actor, and I will continue to watch his movies no matter what the critics may say about them.

jessegirl said...

Thank you, everyone, for your kind words. I'm glad you thought my article was worthwhile.

Karma...I admire that you have the courage to take this internal journey. And crying, esp. in one who doesn't do so often, means, as you know, something important has been found. Crying is not always the maudlin or weak thing so many people would have us believe. It can take us where we need to go as well. What is scary is when people go to those deep, dark, problematic places without crying. We must be in touch, if you know what I mean.
Oh, and Karma, have you got this book on your 9/11 pile? "The Alchemy of Loss: A young widow's transformation", by Abigail Carter, who lost her husband in one of the towers that day.

Christal Williams NC said...

My daughter first wanted to go to this film because Robert Pattinson was in it. But, I can tell you that we both walked away forever changed by this movie. It was fantastic, it didn't get the accolades it should have. He was wonderful in it, the whole cast was. I bought a 3 by 5 ft Vinyl poster for my daughter of it, plus a poster from Thailand that was different.

But, what amazed me was my son who is 20, he went to see it because a girlfriend made him. Just let me say, he thought it was one of the BEST movies that he has every seen. I had to go back on ebay and purse a 3x5 ft poster for his room..That says alot..

I can't imagine a person leaving the movie and not being touch or change by it forever..I look forward to June 22nd to purchase it.Great website.
Thank you
Christal

solas said...

Thanks so very much, Jesse, for taking the time and expending the effort to write such a strong exposition of the film 'Remember Me.' I so appreciate your use of such a defined structure to clearly relate each aspect, each part, that contributed to the whole picture.
The film tugged at my heart and resurrected an intense sense of loss once again to the fore, feelings simply not stirred by any film n recent memory; not a fan of most movies lately, I think of Remember Me as a gem, a brilliant surprise shining and sparkling in the muddy waters of the mindless and soul-less films of the past 2 decades at least.
With hope that your efforts to secureroper recognition for the film are successful, I am grateful.

beanie said...

Jessegirl, I so love your wonderful and honest article and I agree with everything you wrote. Just as you, I care for this little masterpiece and I'll defend it each time I see it has been treated in an unfair way. I hope RM gets the recognition its deserves. Isn't there any possibility that your article can be published in other places, not only here or the RP fan sites or can't there be a petition? I know this sounds ridiculous but I'm still angry about the narrow-minded reviews.

LTavares2011 said...

Congratulations Jessegirl, you have great ideas and knows how to defend them quite well. I respect you so much because of this. You are a very smart woman and I liked specially of your remembering of The Hurt Locker, an Oscar winner that was underestimated by many. Congratulations, again. A big hug to you.

Christine said...

Your review gave me goosebumps and reminded me, yet again, why I love this movie so much. It touched me deeply and I plan on buying the DVD (something I rarely do with movies), so I can watch it with family and friends. It brings people together, makes them feel, and sparks discussion. Thank you for the great article!!

Anonymous said...

I feel exactly the same way about Remember Me, this film and Robert Pattinson touched me greatly. I could only see it twice as it left me so emotional for the rest of the day. I cant say that I have ever felt that way about any movie. I feel this movie deserves an Osacr but very sadly it will not be nominated I dont think.
Thank you for such a great article and this underestimated brilliant film!

Anonymous said...

i am so impressed by this movie, i can tell, i watched it every day in cinema. i cant get it out of my mind.now i must wait till release on dvd.it is weeks ago that i saw it the last time but it is still in my thoughts.there is so much that reminds me on my own childhood. it makes me sad that tyler and caroline must suffer like me. i can agree with all of your comments. i have never before seen a movie like this. and i am 46 years old and have seen a lot of movies in my life. i am thankfull for your words, because it shows me i am not alone. i hope i have not so much mistakes in my comment,but my last englishlesson was 30 years ago. i wish you all the best.

Anonymous said...

Your article says everything I thought, but could not put in such eloquent manner. I felt the critics were there to take the vampire-boy down. They were so transparent it was pathetic. To me critics=welfare for useless people. I personally don't care what they think. I never do and never will. However i'm well aware a majority of people like to be told what to do. So they rely on the opinions of these useless people. That's unfortunate. Had I listened to those critics I would have missed one of the most beautiful and heartbreaking films in a very very long time. Thank you again and I hope in time people discover this gem for themselves.

jessegirl said...

I feel a bit odd, responding to all your responses, but it seems the polite thing to do. I just hope I get all you ‘anonymouses’ straight -lol. Popular identity I see.
I recognize some of you from here, some from the Brevet post—333comments on that baby and quite a little club at the end!—and some from a Robert fan site as well.

@anonymous on May 30 at 3:29 pm: No, you are most definitely not alone. The site I referred to, if you wish, is a place where you will see that you are in good company. It is from a post which reviewer Brad Brevet did on his site: www.ropeofsilicon.com on March 16, 2010. Because it was so long ago the easiest way to find it is to put these into the Google search string: Reacting to Remember Me: an Interview with screenwriter Will Fetters. Read the interview, then plough through the 333 comments and you will find validation, and more.
There are a few other sites and blogs with more but I think that is more than enough for you.

@Cristal...May 27. Loved the story about your 20 yr. old son. When even young males respond to the film in this way we know its hold speaks to a universal audience.

@beanie...You’re a great supporter. (I saw your comment on that other site. *hugs*) If I was more savvy about the politics and process of getting stuff ‘out there’, I would, but I’m a virgin poster and this was my maiden voyage. I thank Kat on this blog for posting it! It did get to a few big fan sites and smaller blog sites, was being tweeted positively and I saw it picked up in Norway, Brazil, Indonesia, Portugal. Small fish, big ocean, but still swimming along.

Even if I’ve not mentioned each of you individually, I DO thank you for your supportive comments. Somewhere, someone tweeted that it was a good article, but a bit over the top. Oh yeah, ‘over the top’ is somewhat of my MO in general, but with this film, no.
You see, I am not the only one. All those hundreds of people who have commented on various blogs, sites, tweets, facebook and so on, have validated that something special and extraordinary has happened in viewing this film. ‘Over the top’ is an invalidating phrase. But I’m trying to describe a phenomenon and a film which is extraordinary.

Thanks again, Kat.

Anonymous said...

Wow I just read the article, I wonder where else can "we" spread the world about this beautiful movie...
Jessigirl you said it better! PLEASE can I copy and paste it to all the relevant websites?

jessegirl said...

Well ‘anonymous’, you know we want the word spread.
It’s important though, that you post my pen name—jessegirl—and that you source it. I think, since Kat posted it here first, this site with its direct link should be sourced.:
http://www.rememberme-film.com/2010/05/oscars-and-remember-me.html#comments
How did you happen over here, I’d be curious, and I’m sure Kat would be too? Right, Kat.
Kat, anything to add or contradict??

jessegirl said...

Also, anonymous, you might know more about the process than I do, but I don't know whether other sites want site addresses in their comments' sections, because they want to avoid spam. This sounds hopelessly naive, but copy and paste to websites how? It's way too long as a comment.

Barb (Greg Jbara's webmaster) said...

"Recruit stage notables like Kate Burton and an uncredited Martha Plimpton and the results speak for themselves."

How about that other "stage notable," Tony winner Gregory Jbara! :)

jessegirl said...

So sorry, Barb! I guess I was trying to do too much all at once. No excuse though. Extend my apologies to Mr. Jbara. If the article is reprinted anywhere and I have knowledge of it (often am not told) I will be sure to rectify that.
I actually didn't mention specific producers by name either.

Thank you for pointing it out. He was excellent! Mea culpa.
jessegirl

Barb, Greg Jbara's webmaster said...

Thank you, jessegirl. :)

Anonymous said...

Your articles, the couple I've read, are wonderful! You, Jesse girl are able to write what a heart is feeling, very nice. I especially like these words, symbolism, masterpiece and a message of strength. Explain more to me the haunting, is this just the over and over thoughts about the movie or subject? Also, where else do you post as I have enjoyed reading these?! thanks, Kim

jessegirl said...

Kim,
Wow, my question to you is, how did you find this article? What pointed you here?

Okay, this site is the source of most of my articles, 17 now, and you can easily find the rest of them by navigating via my name, which Kat has nicely labelled on the sidebar. If you click on it they all come up. When you get to the bottom of the page you scroll back to the top where you click on 'jessegirl: older posts', and keep doing this until you've gone through them all--and you're welcome to comment on any of them--or until you're tired of me.

Other than this site I have had some stuff posted on the French sister site: "Regards sur le film Remember Me". The webmistress there is so talented, posting her own great articles and translating everything into French and English.

As for writing in general. I've recently completed a novel and am working on two more at the moment. (They have nothing to do with RM.)

About the 'haunting'. Well, it is more about the intense feelings which this movie evokes. Thoughts too, yes, but mainly feelings. It takes so many people into the depths of their souls. How it does this is a tiny and beautiful miracle. And the fact that you can't stop thinking and feeling about it, that it gets under your skin and you remember and remember and remember. How did it affect you?
Enjoy! -And thanks for the good words.
j

Anonymous said...

Well you told me about this from Robsessed, where I occasionally blog. Kat is one of the lady posters. Yes I want to read some more, you just do have a very intense and passionate way of expressing this story. You are a writer for sure, congrats on a novel. My attempts, I have 12 chapters for a book and also lyrics for a song written. Something is possessing me and driving me along, for it is not normal. If you didn't send me here to this article then someone from Robsessed did. Anyway, I love your writing! Kim

jessegirl said...

Oh yeah, Robsessed. I am timidly admitting I send people here every chance I get. FYI: The Kat from Robsessed is not the same as the Kat who runs this blog. And, much as I love the dialogues at Robsessed, I offered the administrators there, more than once, my articles, including this one, but they never got back to me. They have never posted my stuff there. If you think they should, tell them. Since the Oscars are around the corner this particular article would generate a lot of discussion. Do you think the people who read Robsessed would like my articles? Because that site is a wide net. The Kat here and I have been trying to get the good word about RM out to as many people as possible. I admit to disappointment that Robsessed has not picked up my pieces because I can just imagine the comments there. Although I know my style is not for everyone. I thought they'd love the Rob pieces. ('Lemonie1') put a link on some thread a while back. *hugs* lemonie.
But other big sites have picked them up, Spunk-ransom for one, and Robertpattinsonbrasil, a huge Brazilian site, sites from Ireland, Russia, Hungary, Italy, Spain, Norway and of course US.

About your writing: No, it's not 'normal'. All artists feel compelled to work at their art/craft and that voice telling you, possessing you, is very important. It's unique to you and needs to be developed. So, go with it. Just always stay true to yourself and don't let negative criticism stop you.
Remember how much criticism Will got? And the people who worked on this movie? It was shameful, if you ask me.
Anyway, thanks for enjoying my writing. I love to see new comments by people who have just discovered an article.
Good Luck with your work.
j

jessegirl said...

Kim,
FYI: The Kat who runs this blog is not the same as the Kat on Robsessed.

IMHO: Robsessed is a cool site for comments, fun and dialogue, primarily a ‘play’ site, and light in tone. The commenters do get serious and heated at times but I think the intent of the administrators is to keep it light fun. And it is an unabashed—duh, “Robsessed”—fan site, although it does post some industry articles.
Robsessed has not picked up any of my articles. I did, at first, enquire about this Oscar article and offered it but I didn’t hear back from them. I can only presume the administrators don’t want this type of thing on their blog. Only they know why. It’s a shame because Robsessed is so huge and the exposure would have been great. Also, I think some of the people who comment there—and you’ll find the odd one here too—would like some of my articles and would have lots to say about them.

The Kat who runs this RM site—and I—have been trying to spread positive word about RM as far and wide as we can. With some success. It has gone to a couple of big sites and a bunch of small blogs all over the world. So, some progress.

About your own writing: Don’t worry about the compulsion. It’s called a creative urge and you follow it and develop it and go with it because it means something to you and maybe someday it will be shared with others. I don’t know how much writing experience you have—so you might already know this—but the first thing to do is read. Read, read, read. Lots. Then write, write, write. –Just stay true to yourself. Good Luck! -Hope to see more of your comments here. (That is how, by the way, I started writing these particular articles, how the inspiration came.)

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all of that! I do have a bit of fun on that site but find I need more now, more indepth and comprehensive viewpoints with sharing of these(like your article). I think my inspiration has been these movies, Twilight and Remember Me, as you say the creative urge and it's compulsion to do it. A very fun thing that desire! thanks/Kim

Anonymous said...

jessegirl/I just realized as you responded to me on Robsessed, that I have an avatar/user name there and could not use it here, hence anonymous.I am following this path in life which is very exciting for me and much unknown. It delights me what is out there, so much to learn and share. As I said I hope to read more of your articles. thanks/Kim/Rio

jessegirl said...

Kim/Rio,
I'm happy that you're so excited about your 'path in life'. Not sure what you mean, your writing? Writing is one of the coolest things in the world. Your positive attitude is great.
Just checking. If you want to read all the articles I've already written here, is it clear how to find them?

Anonymous said...

Yes thank you it's clear and read one yesterday. Makes me wish I'd known about this site last June! Must watch Remember Me again to absorb some of your statements and thoughts, just more confirmation. Anywho, a couple answers to your questions.
The movie affected me greatly but then again I love deep thought provoking themes that garner your feelings and bring them to the surface. Some life events probably snared in their as well.
Writing is new to me. I have never considered myself to have the complexity, knowledge or where withall to capture and propel forward a story. Somehow I still want to do it, must be a challenge and life events which create your attitude. Mix in a little courage and off you go. Remember Me has inspired me, what can I say?! thanks/kim
So what's your novel about or the genre?

jessegirl said...

First. Principal Oscar snub? RM, our beauty.

Second. Won’t say too much about my first novel except that reincarnation plays a big role—as do love, sex, death, redemption, murder, mystery and a whole lot of other things. Novelist as God. Three time periods. Three life-times. And a big reveal. Don’t know of a genre out there that would claim it. And I wouldn’t have it any other way. –And that’s all I’ll say.

Anonymous said...

WOW....I'm intrigued.

Anonymous said...

One last thing(the dummy in me) what's IMHO?
All the best to you, I'm sure your novel is awesome as your article here catches you and you want more and more. Kim

Anonymous said...

Oh I have another question. Is there more awards like film festivals, like Cannes? Maybe there could still be recognition, not that that proves anything just helps to validate what you feel. I certainly liked reading your article and will check out more, also like conversing, albeit typing. After all this seriousness though, check out the limo discussion of Cosmoplis, many interesting book ideas being discussed. Bye/Kim

jessegirl said...

Kim,
IMHO means "In My Humble Opinion" (IMO means "In My Opinion"). Sometimes one feels humble, sometimes not.

Cannes and the other festivals are something I know little about. They introduce new films, and do have their own prizes and that is where a lot of wheeling and dealing about distribution for films and so on, and networking, and the search for financial backing goes on there. Venice, Toronto, Sundance all have large international festivals.Ask Nik or AP on Robsessed. They'll know more.

However, Remember Me's chance for all that is over. It's already been in theatres. Nope, RM will not be in contention for anything.

Now, Kim, IMO it is time to close this thread, yeah? Practise those writing skills on any of the many other posts, okay? And Happy Writing!

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