Obsession and paranoia.
Destiny versus man's choices.
Psycho-thriller--with a number!
Of course I wanted to see it!
So, having earned a movie ticket by subbing during my conference period before Spring Break, I decided it should be used to watch a movie of my choice. I wanted to see The Number 23 even if very few others wanted to see it with me. Besides, ever since seeing The Majestic and than later Truman Show, I've falled in love with Jim Carrey as an actor.
So, Josh and I made a date of it tonight. The movie was in the likes of Butterfly Effect, Memento, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. If you liked those, you'd like this movie. It ended up being a far better movie than I had expected having only seen trailers that intrigued but didn't excite. I was going to have to have a good reason to get at least Josh to go with me to the movie--and free movie ticket was a really good opportunity.
Now, I'm not really a critical movie reviewer person. I really just like to watch movies to be entertained, not to analyze. If I analyze at all, it's usually the message, and any particular cinematic aspects that stand out for me. First, I liked the introductory credits. After having seen 300, I'm wondering if one of the new awards movies are vying for are highly artistic and visually capturing credits-- since credits are usually boring. The introductory credits were well done, and really draw you in to the obsession of 23 throwing out factoids of 23. Now, already I'd look at some of those and start to sit and try and figure out how to mathematically show you can find the number 23 in any string of numbers you're given.... I used to do it with lotto numbers and the number 14 as a kid. My mom used to think I was on to something...
So anyways, the credits--while not having any characters at all--actually draw your attention to the movie--and have you looking for 23 as quickly as possible in the main character's life--even before he knows it.
I was pretty well hooked--the narration helped move things along, and had you feel more apart of the guy's life. Looking back, the narration is also intriguing and a key part of the plot twists after thinking about the final narration and the end of the movie, but I don't believe in spoilers. The narration had you thinking one thing was going to happen--especially if you'd seen a trailer and thus adds to the "surprise" twists of the climax.
The plot revolved around the book, and you get clues all thoughout the movie. I'm sure there are many clues I missed as I'm only so much of a details person, but I really liked the intrigue of how one person read the book and passed it along, and you get two very different reactions of readers. I liked this contrast. I also liked how as the narrator read the book they visualized for you the scenes. Sure, it's nice to have things left to the imagination (which they did do in pieces), but it's a movie. Imagination is for after you watch the movie.
There are obvious plot clues in the movie, but they're supposed to be obvious. There's also some very subtle things--things I picked up on but didn't put together because I was watching for more.
There was a lot of blood, and the language was relatively mild--they threw the f word in a few times, but it wasn't many. It was all within one scene too--one short-term character.
The movie was only an hour and a half, just right in my tastes. and I was pleased with the final summarizing message of the movie--although I'm getting cynical about how many people probably pick up these philosophical ideas of man. I have the same trouble with the stuff my student like to watch and hear.... all they seem to get is certain actions are good and cool, but they don't notice the consequences of said actions.
Okay, this is starting to feel rambly and not really get across what I want to say. The end message, stated rather clearly, is about life not being one of destiny but one of choices--actions are not excusable as "it was destiny". Really, I believe that God does cause things to work together--and one could call that destiny--for things will happen as he wills them in his purpose, but man's actions do have a role. Actions and choices are sort of the characters in the play of purpose.
I struggle at being deep at this, and my head is starting to hurt for some reason. Hence, I will end with a few amusing "coincidences"
Today is 3/22/2007. When my head doesn't hurt, I'll make this be 23 all sorts of ways.
There were 6 people watching the movie. 6 = 2*3
I wore my Pi shirt to the movie--and it wasn't intentional. I was inspired to put on the too small shirt over a white shirt I had on underneath a sundress today (dress code wants sleeves to go mostly from neck to shoulder--this had 2 inch straps, i could have gotten away without the shirt, but meh.) Anyways, I took off the dress and put on jeans not wanting to see the movie in a dress and was trying to figure out what shirt I could wear over the white shirt to have the currently "in" fashion of layering. and I remembered I hadn't ever worn my Pi shirt that I got for Christmas.
There's a 23 on my can of Dr pepper because it has 23 flavors.
Tonight was the closing night of the movie at the theatre. In theatre 12 at 7:10 p.m. (19:10) The eve of March 23.
The movie runs 1 hour and 35 minutes, = 95 minutes. Probably related to 23 somehow.
Alright, I'm starting to stretch things a bit. Hey look, there are 32 names in each of the two showing titles to "sets" in my AIM buddy list. 24 names showing.--23 of which aren't highlighted. :-)
Mark 12:30 is a verse that is upon the wall next to me.
So enough fun. Now for another post that I meant to write two nights ago.
Posted by Anna at March 22, 2007 09:38 PM | TrackBack