Acting

They say actors are professionals. They are good at conveying emotions in front of the camera. However, overtime the imagery becomes blurred between the staged acting and reality. If an actor can do all that for money then they have the capacity to cheat themselves, their partners, and the people watching them. They are essentially role playing. And, at times falling for their co-actors. Many even sleep with their co-actors to form that chemistry or bond. Sometimes they may sleep with the director or producer to get the part. Other cases, they could be sleeping with the director to go from supporting actor to the leading actor. Perhaps, they have to do this or else be doomed in the industry. Even repeating the same intimate scenes over and over as practice. However, where does one strike a balance towards what is acceptable? How far will an actor go to earn money? Kissing for money? Sex for money? At times, it can sound cheap and sleazy, almost like prostitution with consent. No wonder actors have a hard time in relationships. You can never really trust an actor with their emotions. To them life becomes a drama and everything is theatre. One day they will be sitting back with their partners over a bowl of popcorn, replaying the scenes on Netflix. What happens when it gets to the intimate scene? What happens when the couple has children? What sort of answer do you give to the child when they ask - daddy why is mommy kissing another man on telly? They may be good at acting in front of the camera. But, their entire life falls apart or left behind in reality. No longer the typical easy trips to the supermarkets. They are surrounded all the time by an entourage of people. Everything is scrutinized about them in public. Life becomes complex from each passing role where they become more distant from people and more secluded from the average things in society. Some don't even realize inflation and that the price of an item has gone up like tomato or a loaf of bread. Their social circle dwindles. Everything turns into a facade. But, they are never truly happy in all this fame and fortune. Loneliness and depression engulfs their mind from day to night. It all leads up to a household of broken families, broken promises, broken relationships, broken children, and inflated egos. Is fame and fortune really worth it? It would be far easier if they were seen as humans. If they acknowledged to the world their flaws, their mistakes, their imperfections and let the world acknowledge them as human beings just like any other role today. If they set limits for themselves on what they wouldn't do for money. People are far more accepting if they know someone than one that is distant and full of secrets. In the entertainment industry, AI has had a profound influence. In some ways this is for the good. In other ways, it means weird dynamics between AI actors and Human actors. It also means loss of jobs for actors and the production crew. Perhaps, this will imply that the whole idea of drama, film, and theatre becomes a very immersive entertainment experience.

GOT Countdown

GOT Countdown

Game of Thrones Season 7

Game Of Thrones Season 7

Marco Polo

A dramatic story line in the perspective of an imprisoned Marco Polo and an interesting look at the Mongolian Empire. In an epic journey, we see a relatively quick transition that Marco Polo takes as a guest into the Mongolian way of life but also the way he develops a sort of kinship with the Kublai Khan. Perhaps, this is shown as his greatest survival strength and wisdom through foreign diplomacy and adaptation. Nonetheless, the story also shows how his own merchant trading father repeatedly undermines him through deceit, putting him into deeper difficulty. Although, the main protagonist is assumed to be Marco Polo, given the title of the series, the real off loaded drama takes place in the fighting scenes, at center stage, with the Kublai Khan. While the pace of the story is relatively slower than could be expected, there is a versatility and balance to the drama from the vantage point of the diverse characters. Hopefully, the audience will get a chance to witness the many adventures recounted of Marco Polo as vivid and visual depictions from his book.     

Rectify

An amazingly dramatic look at how innocent individuals can be conned and wrongfully imprisoned which not only effects them for life but also everyone around them. Rectify has a very interesting look at an individual's life, after release, and the way he copes with the changing world around him as well as in coming to terms with the events that circumnavigated into his wrongful imprisonment. The audience is slowly provided with chunks of information into his past while progressing each episode into the unfolding present and future events. What is also unique is the way the story is depicted from a southern american viewpoint. The story line is captivating in manner with which it carries the audience through the events but also the characterization of Daniel Holden while leaving much to the speculation of his innocence through the enfolding episodes.

Homeland 2014

Homeland was left in disarray after the hanging of Nicholas Brody. In season 4, we see Carrie with her daughter still coming to terms with parenthood then suddenly the loss of her father. At same time, there is another stereotypical story line emerging on Islamic terrorists. There are constant twists and turns in season 4. Eventually, the last couple of episodes provide the audience with much needed information of not only the chemistry between Carrie and Peter, but also the unequivocal entanglements between the US government and terrorism. Moreover, Carrie finds herself in a pickle in questioning her own loyalties as well as the ramifications of her US comrades towards the political links with terrorism groups. However, the season 4 ends in a disarray just as it started, leaving much to be desired. Homeland has turned into quite a frustrating drama series with questionable basis on which they create such deceptive and discriminating story lines.

Our Zoo

Our Zoo is a documentary told from the narrative of June Mottershead and her childhood. What makes the series so magical is the principles on which Our Zoo is depicted as a means of providing a sanctuary for neglected animals as well as a therapy for George Mottershead from his days in the army. It is a remarkable story of how the Chester Zoo started out with the spirit of the entire family. The pinnacle of the story or perhaps the focal point is Honor Kneafsey who plays June Mottershead and her experiences with the animals. The family face many obstacles in their path when they relocate, mostly from their conservative neighborhood. It is unfortunate that the series came to an end after the first season. There could have been plenty of tales to tell for many seasons.

The Newsroom

An extraordinary serial about the politics and the dynamics of an internal newsroom. One thing annoying about the show is the amount of shouting and arguing between the characters. This is obviously what happens as part of a real-life newsroom. But, besides that, it provides for a fascinating story base of news presenters, support staff, and producers that make the network a success. Well, not always a success, if ratings is all that is left to conjure on. The casting is also a nice mix that showcases the new and the experienced actors. There is a bit of news drama from every angle almost a menagerie of stories of current affairs. A lot of consideration is made on the bond that the characters have with each other as well as the way they build and regain their sense of integrity for all things newsworthy. In a lot of ways in journalism of today, maintaining objectivity and integrity is compromised for ill-informed, timely, and artfully crafted delivery of content, while being watchful of the audience ratings. 

Tyrant

A new serial that chronicles a story of a tyrant. A dedicated family man and doctor is brought back to his family homeland in a fictitious Arab country, forcing him to face his past. His father is also the tyrant ruler of that particular country for which he escaped much of his childhood. But, in process of coming home and interacting with his extended family members, he slowly sees his character disintegrating and becomes his own worst enemy. The environment forces him to take action and heed his responsibilities of his place in the family. Ultimately, to plan a coup against his brother. Towards the end of the first season we can almost see him emerging and rediscovering himself as a formidable tyrant, while trying to keep his family from harms way, only to be caught by his own brother. The story line is again based on a myriad of stereotypical nonsense of the west against the Arab world with plenty of bias from an Israeli vantage point. Another prototypical alternative to media propaganda, like homeland, not only against Islam but also of the east. Apart from some relatively questionable acting, the continuous drama, climax, and nail-biting intrigue attempts to keep the story galvanized to capture the interest of the audience.

Game Of Thrones Editing

Editing of scenes is crucial towards meeting realism within story expectations and providing a consistent character profiles. One of the most annoying aspects that could be had is when the very important part of the scenes are exploding with character mistakes. Game of Thrones has many unique character profiles. However, central to every role is the use of the sword. When one plays their roles or lines incorrectly this can often be overshadowed by the flawed use of the sword. Arya Stark is a character profiled as left-handed. However, this character portrayal is rather confusing as the core aspects of wielding the sword are quite badly managed in sequence. This seems to occur in almost every scene. One would imagine that unless the individual is ambidextrous, it may be quite a training phase to shift the mindset to left-handed. However, where the sword is central to almost every role, it becomes quite crucial in maintaining a certain level of consistency with the character or the realism can often be dissipated. The Hound and Arya scene at the bar is one such example. She starts out clutching the sword with both hands, even throws a bout with both hands, but then we see her attacking with right-hand then picking up needle with the right hand also, only to later swap hands.

Arya starts her revenge 

24: Live Another Day

A new season continuation of a hotly anticipated 24 which is to be aired as Live Another Day. The episodes might just be diabolical or just rudimentary in failure. In all fairness, the whole set of 8 seasons of the past show series have been exceptional which have over time made them a classic as well as a box set to be had in every home. We will see what new drama and action thrills awaits Jack Bauer as well as the political intrigue that follows to push him over the edge of an almost single handed G.I.Joe like figure.

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Orange Is The New Black

Orange is the New Black is an interesting autobiographical story of a woman's life behind bars, her struggles to fit in and adapt, as well as the way she grows tougher through each passing day. Every episode draws a new experience and a distraction from inmates. Often allowing one to understand the unique ways in which prisons for women function as well as the social dysfunctions within the system both between inmates as well as the prison system as a whole. The format uses random character flashbacks to connect the many plot lines within the episodes as a way of providing contextual cues. With each season the intensity of prison environment is explored as well as characters of inmates appears to enfold as relationships are broken and reformed with the outside world. However, it is questionable as to how long such a prison environment story can be explored before it veers on repetition and over extended plot lines.

Game of Thrones

Game of Thrones is a provocative tale told from multiple vantage points for conquest of empires and houses trying to attain hold to lands and throne. Every episode is an explosive drama in its entirety with some superb plot lines. However, the show does provide for some questionable viewing especially with the depictions of characters and scenes. Yet, at same time they can appear quite intriguing in the graphic nature of exploring issues related to social hierarchy, religion, loyalty, corruption, crime, war, punishment, and specific personal struggles of each character. At times, the scenes do converge on almost making one squirm. While, every episode attempts to draw a packed full of drama from start to finish. The fantasy drama is loosely based on the story lines from "A Song of Ice and Fire" novel, which it seems still has a lot more to come before the whole series comes to an end.  The story contrasts in much the similar way to the High Medieval Age of Western Europe as well as sharing similarities from past English history. 

Non-Stop

A pretty dull movie with a lot of excessive facial drama rather than any immersive action. It was not exactly non-stop but every 20 minutes of drama. It felt almost being stuck watching a fear mongering movie that attached an immense amount of typical stereotypes. Plus, there seems to be more marketing involved here and less of quality entertainment. Also, it seems like it was heavily sponsored by a mobile manufacturer as the scenes pretty much depicted every few minutes an interaction with a mobile phone. The movie almost dabbles with snakes on a plane and yet spirals with one dubious character after another. However, it does prove that racial profiling is typical and almost always incorrect in most situations. Liam Neeson at times shows that he can still take the 'Taken' character and play it out in multiple different scenarios with a bit of gusto. Perhaps, this is what makes the movie seem at times workable if not totally pointless.

House of Cards Season 2

The second season is an intense drama seeping with political intrigue and incandescently unwrapping the underbelly of government corruption. The brutal games of Frank Underwood comes unleashed in its clarity from episode to episode leading to the success of his presidency. The stakes are high almost risking his own position for the enlightenment and against all odds. The acting of Kevin Spacey is fired with energy almost to invigorate the subtle plot lines with a steamy twist which unravels into many unfolding subplots. The release of all thirteen episodes can leave one hooked to the very end waiting for more. 

Elementary

Another show just like The Mentalist and Perception. It is a bit like the creators have almost struck a cord where they appear to think anything investigative with an overly observant man and a woman seems to work and provides for a tangible chemistry. Apparently, it does work based on ratings. Perhaps, even in reality it does too. There are an awful lot of shows now on TV that explore the law, forensics, or criminal investigation. Some like Elementary explore the need to recruit a consultant to help solve cases. In a way, such shows mock the existence of law enforcement officers as not being astute enough that they need to hire an untrained consultant. 

Boardwalk Empire

The roaring series ruined much of the climax by killing off Jimmy Darmody. In process, it reduced viewer ship ratings as well. The following up seasons have had a bittersweet after taste and never could reach the pinnacle. Even though, the series chronicles the life of the Atlantic City politician and gangster Nucky Thompson, it does not focus much of a symbolic strong hold on the character. And, as such, the plot lines of the many underlining characters provide for much distraction. Once the protege was passed on after season two it had a very reminiscent effect which seemed to have never managed to recuperate. A lot of varied dark societal story depictions are made which have no real basis or direction. The partying of the Roaring Twenties can not last forever. Each episode is turning into mundane, similar, and almost repetitious story lines. Certainly, it is time Boardwalk Empire came to an end. 

The Americans

An interesting take on international spying intertwined with emotional twirls of love and betrayal. The juxtaposition of the story line in this series is all the more compelling as it explores the many complexities of two people who individually and also together are at the crossroads of nationalist responsibility and their feelings for each other. As the second season continues, it will be exciting to see how the two characters progress in their roles as well as how destiny plays the cards for them. There is immense amount of continuation and the enfolding drama to work with against the many perils that awaits them. The exploration into the lives of a spy couple who ultimately must transcend between their conflicting personal and professional lives to honor both their country and marriage.

The Mentalist

Somehow the discovery and annihilation of the Blake Association leader, Red John, has completely disfigured the premise of The Mentalist. The recent few episodes of season 6 could imply the sudden end to the series. It seems that the purpose and the evolving relationship between Lisbon and Jane has somehow been tarnished. What else is there in the making? There is no interesting story lines left apart from the frustrating chemistry between Jane and Lisbon.  Once, that is resolved, it will inevitably mean the end to the future of The Mentalist. The introduction of FBI team and the often lacking in story lines in the recent few episodes shows that the series has reached its pinnacle and the writers are struggling to find any further tangible climaxes. Also, they really should kill off the role of Kim Fisher. Not only, does the role look out of place but the person playing the role is quite inadequate. The chemistry between Lisbon and Jane is what makes the show work. It stands to reason that the show needs to get a grip on better story lines if they are to continue the interest of their audience and fan base.

End to Homeland Season 3

What a terrible ending and what a way to go. It was just everything they could have dreamt of pushing the rating further down a few notches. What they really should have done was gear it up so people could have looked forward to season 4. Now no one has anything to anticipate about. The surprise, the climax, the repetitious and over improvised intelligence scenes all dissipated and ruined. The hanging was an utter monstrosity. The pregnancy scare was also another glimpse of rejection at birth. What a way to signal teenage pregnant wannabe mothers. It seems the show has dejected itself into a warp hole of deeper and darker twisted plot lines, that mean little, are embellished over and beyond reality, giving new meaning to stereotypes for nonfactual terror escapades. One thing they did do was not show Dana anymore.