Der Untergang (Downfall)

Tuesday night F. and I went out and saw the new German film Downfall. In many ways this is the film I love – it makes you a fly on the wall of history. The film thrusts you into the last days of the Third Reich, witnessing the regimes military, psychological and spiritual collapse. The film uses the books Inside Hitler’s Bunker: The Last Ten Days of the Third Reich [Joachim Fest] and Until the Last Hour [Traudl Junge and Melissa Muller] as its source material.

It is all to easy to look at Hitler and see a monster, a madman, or the face of evil, but Hitler in reality is a complex personality, and though he was incredibly brutal, at the same time he was also capable of kindness. To me there is a certain arrogance that we seem to have as we look at the Nazi’s; the unspoken view that it couldn’t happen here; we are different. The naïve idealism that the German’s felt in the 1920s would easily transfer across cultures and history; renewal, and rebirth are themes that appeal universally.

Bruno Ganz (from Wings of Desire, another of my favourite films), was phenomenal as Adolf Hitler, he clearly got into his role, capturing the voice and mannerisms of Hitler. The other characters in the drama were also played beautifully. The film was like my high school Modern History textbook coming to life, albeit with both a touch of humanity, and more chillingly. Chilling as we became witnesses, as Magda Goebells drugged and poisoned her five children, because they were “too good to grow up in a world without National Socialism”; and the “loyalty” of officers who would shoot themselves before being captured, or would burn the bodies of their Fuhrer (and his wife – Eva Braun).

I found it quite interesting as entwined with the military collapse of the German Army, was the collapse of the moral virtue prized by the Nazi state – those in the bunker plunged in decadence as military defeat became inevitable. The decadence and decay of the German society made me think of the fall of the Roman Empire wondering if there were similarities and if the United States is likely to suffer a similar fate.

While it does present Hitler in a slightly different light; the lasting image is not of the kindness or humanity of Hitler, but rather of how Hitler saw himself and the German people, to which Hitler responded – "there are no civilians in war". The film is bookended by a voice-over from Traudl Junge, who speaks of in the beginning of her naivety and curiosity getting the better of her as she accepted the position of Hitler’s secretary, the film then closes with her saying the she was not naïve, she was not an unwilling participant nor could she claim innocence.

In summary, the best film of 2005 to date. (And being honest, I can’t see this changing in the short term at least). It’s filled with what I love about film: I was challenged, it brought history to life, and was filled with great dialogue and in Bruno Ganz one of the more masterful performances from a leading actor. It is a tragedy that this film only has a limited release.

Blogosphere update

So, after checking my email tonight, I found out that Marty has joined the blogosphere :)

Martyn and I met, from memory at Club 5 [2002?], and had what I recall as a great edifying conversation around our thoughts on ministry, and our thoughts on where God was taking us. It was great to meet him the following year at Unichurch. Since then, I remember having countless greatly edifying, God centered conversations after church with him.

Welcome to the blogosphere Marty, I look forward to reading more of your thoughts.

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Check out Joe's blog tonight too for some great news :)

Soundtrack for Life - Part Two

Deb wanted to know my playlist for my Mp3 player: At present, this is the list.

The Arcade Fire – Funeral
Bright Eyes – I’m Wide Awake its Morning / Digital Ash in a Digital Urn
Clear - Clear
Dire Straits – Sultans of Swing
Neil Finn (and Friends) – 7 Worlds Collide
The Frames – Burn the Maps / For the Birds
Brooke Fraser – What to Do with Daylight
Interpol – Turn on the Bright Lights / Antics
Daniel Lanois - Shine
The Killers – Hot Fuss
Sarah McLachlan - Afterglow
Joni Mitchell – Dreamland
Pearl Jam – Rearviewmirror
Powderfinger – These Days
Radiohead – The Bends / Ok Computer / Kid A / Amnesiac
R.E.M. – Life’s Rich Pageant / Around the Sun
Damien Rice – “O”
Switchfoot – The Beautiful Letdown
U2 – The Unforgettable Fire / The Joshua Tree / Rattle and Hum / Achtung Baby / Pop / How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb
Wilco – Yankee Hotel Foxtot

Soundtrack for Life

I've just joined the I-Generation. No, I didn't go out and buy an I-Pod, but following on from one of my colleagues at work, I did however, buy a mp3 player.

Not long later I remembered this article Deb linked to. Quite an interesting read. (Thanks for the link).

Leunig.. When I talk to you..

God help us.

With great skill and energy we have ignored the state of the human heart. With politics and economics we have denied the hearts needs. With eloquence, wit and reason we have belittled the heart's wisdom. With sophistication and style, with science and technology, we have drowned out the voice of the soul. The primitive voice, the innocent voice. The truth. We cannot hear our heart's truth and thus we have betrayed and belittled ourselves and pledged madness to our children. With skill and pride we have made for ourselves an unhappy society. God be with us.

Amen.

[From Michael Leunig, When I Talk to You].

Standing up to evil

The message of the pope's ministry was about standing up to evil, not about holding grand funerals.

"Throughout the West, John Paul's witness reminded us of our obligation to build a culture of life in which the strong protect the weak," Mr. Bush said. Well, what about that reminder? What kind of a "culture of life" is it that allows us to shrug as Sudanese soldiers heave children onto bonfires?

New York Times, April 6, 2005. Nicholas Kristof.

Karen’s Meme *

Perhaps the interesting point to preface this list with, is that the majority of the books I’ve been reading recently are non-fiction, looking particularly at the Church. Again I guess that confirms that the most important thing for me in a book is the ideas they contain.

1. If you could be any character from a book, who would you be and why?

Sometimes I would like to be Jack Ryan (CIA) of the Tom Clancy books, or Sparhawk of the Elenium, and Tamuli (David Eddings). I don’t think I’d mind being Val Jean from Les Miserables, or Faramir in Lord of the Rings.

2. Which book do you wish you had written and why?

Les Miserables, because of the ideas and character is it. Lord of the Rings, there is something impressive in manner in which Tolkein created the world from scratch. Perhaps also the four books in the Ender’s Game series.

3. What book(s) have you wanted to change the ending of?

Not sure … The Diary of Anne Frank. (unfortunately that’s based on history) so yeah. That means that perhaps I need to see human hearts changed.

4. What is most important to you in a book and why?

I’m generally looking for a read that is more than simply entertainment; a read that either reveals more about me and the world in which we live. In some ways the is inexorable linked in with character. The events of the ideas, perhaps more than the plot, shape, mold, challenge and convict the characters. So perhaps in order, Ideas, Character, Plot, language.

5. In your opinion, who is the writer who is best at:

• ideas?: Victor Hugo, Orson Scott Card.
• character – JRR Tolkien
• plot – I quite like the political situations that Grisham, Clancy create, because they come across as real, or plausible.
• language – toughie, I guess I don’t really notice language a great deal.
  

6. Which book(s) have you most wanted to burn/obliterate the memory of off the face of the planet?

None, yes this is perhaps a lame answer. But as much as I don’t want to read particular genre’s or particular books, they all have the right to exists.

7. Describe your favourite place to read (plus essential accompaniments, etc. tea).

Solely from hours spent, I’ve found it great to read in transit on the train. More generally curled up in bed, with a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or outside near the beach, or overlooking some great scenery.

8. Which books are your “comfort” books? (ie. the ones you keep coming back to to read over and over again because you enjoy them so much each time.)

Lord of the Rings / A Time to Kill / The Sum of All Fears / Enders Game / any of the four David Eddings series / The Chronicles of Narnia.
By enlarge these are books that I can simply pick up, open, and start reading.

9. What attracts you about your favourite genre?

What I like about Science Fiction, which a lot of these books can fall into, is that Science Fiction gives you a context within which you can write about trends in society, you can write about the future, and in doing so challenge society.

I’m also particular partial to some of the political thriller type genre. I guess because some talk about historical events, and reshape them, asking the what if questions of history, and others, are sometimes too close to reality

I’ve not really got in deeply with Fantasy. Could someone who is reading this clarify the distinction between fantasy and science fiction?

10. Which book has had the biggest impact on you/completely changed your life? (apart from the Bible)
Knowing God, Knowing God is a challenging read, but it details the nature and character of our Maker, and of who we are as his creation.

11. Which book do you most want to see as a movie done well which has not been turned into a movie already?
I would love to see the Ender’s Game series made in films, and If I was forced to pick one either Xenocide, or Speaker for the Dead.

NB: The answers to these questions, are current, at 3.4.05, and subject to change.

Music will provide the light you cannot resist.. - I'm Gonna DJ.

R.E.M. – Around the Sun Tour
March 31, April 1, Sydney Entertainment Centre

Support: Both nights Little Birdy (Perth, Australia) and Bright Eyes (Omaha, Nebraska), and both were introduced by Michael Stipe.

Little Birdy
They were okay. I thought their mix was akward on the first night, the vocals seemed drowned out, but things did improve for the second night. I am not that familiar with their music, but they did sound like a very tight group. I recognised very few songs, just Beautiful to Me, and also played Excited (a recent release?).

Bright Eyes (These may not be entirely accurate)
March 31:
Everything Must Belong Somewhere / We Are Nowhere Now / Old Soul Song / Landlocked Blues / Another Travelling Song / Blue.
April 1:
Everything Belongs Somewhere / Poison Oak / Old Soul Song / Lua / Road to Joy.

I would definitely pay to see them top a bill. I was impressed with the bands musicianship, and that they played different songs each night. Their performance of Landlocked Blues on the first night was close to the best performed song I’ve heard live, from any band. Bright Eyes are definitely not a band to listen to if you need to be cheered up. Connor was engaging over the two nights, perhaps joking around a little more the second night – he mentioned on the first night how Old Soul Song was written about a protest rally in New York, and Blue, a song written for Sesame Street. All in all, with their honest and at times depressing songwriting, and excellent musicianship, they are a band to watch out for.

R.E.M.
Firstly it was great to be able to talk about the first night with M., and then share the second night with F, and J. I was a touch disappointed in the numbers at both gigs. But it didn’t seem to bother R.E.M. who played two intense, energetic, and memorable gigs. Of course, inspite of the great set (on both nights) I still would have liked to hear a number of older songs (It’s the End of the World … , Country Feedback), but eh, after reading through the setlists below, there is no reason to complain.

March 31
I Took Your Name / Bad Day / Wake-up Bomb / Maps and Legends / The Outsiders / Electron Blue / Electrolite / Strange Currencies / The Great Beyond / I’ve Been High / Leaving New York / Orange Crush / I Wanted To Be Wrong / Final Straw / Imitation of Life / The One I Love / Walk Unafraid / Losing My Religion.
Encore: What’s the Frequency Kenneth? / Everybody Hurts / Drive [Happy Birthday to Bob – a roadie of 14 years] / Animal / I’m Gonna DJ / Man on the Moon.

April 1
Finest Worksong / Bad Day / So Fast, So Numb / Boy in the Well / So Central Rain / Electron Blue / Disturbance at the Heron House / Leaving New York / Seven Chinese Brothers / Animal / The Great Beyond / Orange Crush / I Wanted to be Wrong / Final Straw / Imitation of Life / The One I Love / The Great Beyond / Walk Unafraid / Losing My Religion
Encore: What’s the Frequency Kenneth? / Everybody Hurts / Exhuming McCarthy (Happy Birthday and Cake for Bob) / Sweetness Follows / I’m Gonna DJ / Man on the Moon.

Michael, and band were almost intoxicating on stage, full of energy and life, and the crowd, also were matching it, particularly in the older songs, Orange Crush, The One I Love, Losing My Religion and Man on the Moon. Quite good value for money too, both shows ran for roughly 110 minutes. The lighting and stage set-up was great, the background was create with rods of lights going down and across behind the band, and also a video monitor across the top of the stage.

The new record translated well to the stage. The rap in “The Outsiders” works better with Michael doing it. Electron Blue, introduced as Michael’s favourite song from the new record, was excellent too. “I Wanted to Be Wrong” and “Final Straw”, described as Michael’s message for his nation, gained a new lease of life on stage, the vocals became more emotive, and had an edge which was not necessarily lacking on the record, but was definitely stronger on stage. It was sung in front of Red, White and Blue lights, in a somber and reflective mood. Leaving New York, which opens the record and is one of my favourite newer R.E.M. songs, was performed well, I love Michael and Peter Buck’s vocal harmonies, though perhaps the sound is clearer here on the record.

Michael Stipe during the first night dedicated Strange Currencies (from the Monster album) to a friend, Michael Hutchence. Monster, it must be said is not R.E.M.’s best CDs, but the three songs they played – I Took Your Name, Strange Currencies, and What’s the Frequency Kenneth, sounded great live. I Took Your Name is a great opener.

Both nights Imitation of Life, was introduced with a preface, the bands first number one radio single … in Japan, and one the second night, he proudly claimed to the crowd that he’d nailed the chorus for the first time.

One of the joys of a band playing multiple nights in once city is that chance that they may mix around the setlist. I didn’t go to the second of the Radiohead concerts in Sydney last year, and I missed what was a great second night. Once the second R.E.M. show was announced, I thought that if I could get some friends to go, I would.

The second night was a little bit more punchy than the first, featuring rarities such as Finest Worksong, Boy in the Well (from the new CD), So Central Rain, Disturbance at the Heron House (played for the fourth time, in twelve years), 7 Chinese Brothers, Exhuming McCarthy (a fan request), and Sweetness Follows. The first night had a few surprises too: Maps and Legends, and I’ve Been High.

One of the bands roadies didn’t mention to the band it was his birthday, and consequently the band pulled him on stage during the encore, in order to embarrass him, and to sing Happy Birthday, and on the second night they sang Happy Birthday and gave him a cake.

Michael also asked the audience how many people had seen R.E.M. before, and on both nights, roughly one-third indicated they had, which I guess I found surprising. But then again as Michael Stipe reminded us, it has been 10 years since they were last here for the Monster tour in 1995.

Michael and band, then played I’m Gonna DJ, which is a really catchy tune, and he said it will be on the new record. The concert then concluded with a great version of Man on the Moon. (On the second night, included an Aussie Aussie Aussie, chant.., led by Peter Buck)

Hopefully it won’t be ten years before they are back in Australia. Oh for the time and money, to follow them to Melbourne…

Another slap in the face

In one of my previous blog entries, I made comment that I was looking forward to seeing Hotel Rwanda. (Haoran made mention of it during the last writing group meeting we had).

I went and saw it with F. on Tuesday night last week. We both found it a very confronting film to watch. Perhaps its designed and created to play on our emotions a touch, but given our blindness, I don’t know that I mind.

For mine, there are a couple of scenes that were particularly challenging and confronting, a western journalist shoots pictures of a massacre close to the hotel, and then shows them to the hotel manager Paul, who after watching it is convinced that the West will see these pictures and will be forced to act. The journalist responds by saying “if people see this footage they’ll say ‘that’s terrible’, and they will go on eating their dinners”.

How that accurately defines us.

The New York Times in reviewing the movie [Dec, 22, 2004], spoke about how the violence differed from that in Nazi Germany, if only in the sense that it was carried out with a spirit of mad jubilation, and the understated violence leaves the impression that given the right circumstances similar passionate hate could spring up anywhere.

The film is beautifully done, the characters, and more centrally the violence are not overplayed, but are real, and the softness of the film strengthens the films impact. The film could not detail the total history and events of the Genocide; rather, by focusing on the stories of a number of “real” characters it packs a powerful punch.

I could go on and on, about how we have failed to heed the lessons of Bosnia, and of Rwanda, particularly as we ignore the conflict in the Congo, and Sudan. We are simply not interested in Africa, more cynically we will only act were our interests are at stake. (Iraq and its oil are case and point).

But now I am witness to these things. As I see, or read, it is my duty to stand, and act. For evil is not only in the actions of those who commit atrocities, but also in the failure of others who stand idly by and not call injustice or evil as it is. (I can't quite find Martin Luther King's quote, so I butchered it, sorry).

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:: Answers to Karen's second meme, and reviews of R.E.M's Sydney shows to come.

:: I'm currently at home in Wollongong celebrating Dad's 60th birthday. I think works starting to catch up with me ... I'm think I've been getting a little sick.

:: The week ahead at work will be good - I'm going to be having lunch with my supervisor on Tuesday, which will be great to be able to talk some things out, and also will have lunch with my Dad on Wednesday (something to look forward to).

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