#just made difference quotients make sense

[caffeiiine]

thanksgiving break needs to come already ive literally been so so productive all week i need to have time to work on my stuff alreadyyyyy gljhsbdbdb

[purble-gaymer]

confession i actually really like calculus. i think it’s fun i’m just not very good at it. if i were learning it outside of an ap classroom and could spend more time understanding the concepts, i’d probably be okay. sometimes you just get the urge to solve an integral by hand yknow

[nereidprinc3ss]

i have such a very unpopular opinion. but have you seen pretty little liars? if not, the show is about four girls who try to figure out the source of anonymous threats messages that attempts against their lives. it even has a criminal storyline going one. one of them, spencer hastings, SHE EVEN SHARES HIS NAME is the smartest one and has a similar storyline to reid. i even believe that her character was inspired by reid.

she dresses like this preppy academy girl, has high iq and she even struggles with her own addiction (sleeping pills) that leads her to having anxiety and other psychological things. she makes more sense than maeve trying to be spencer. if a crossover ever happened to exist in some random universe, i’m constantly asking myself how would spencer deal with someone like hastings, or even fall in love with them because it’s so easy and relatable.

reid was the first male character i could relate to because you know, male gaze. and men in comparison to women don’t face the same amount of pressure when it comes about intelligence quotient which is why i’m always seeking comfort in female characters. specially, smart ones because i feel the same. personally speaking, in dating, i also rely on smart men rather than ‘average’ men which is also what i seek when it comes about intimacy/sexual intimacy. for me it’s not about the looks anymore.

i first learned about hastings before reid and fell in love with her because i relate to her so much, for me it’s about our psychological struggles and our tendency to use our iq to hide our vulnerability which makes it so real because we are so fucked up that we will always choose to hide that side of us to normal people. sorry for my rambling, but i needed to get that out.

# i’m claiming this emoji. ❤️

i love rambling!!! thank you for sharing i have not seen pll but i will go on a related rant about iq and self worth and stuff

first of all this is exactly what my and my friend were talking about the other day but with the show suits!! the character mike ross also is a genius w and eidetic memory and a drug problem who goes to jail!! spencer reid truly is the blueprint i think but you can NEVER outdo the doer!!

as for the iq stuff you are so so right. for a long time i based my self worth on my iq and being “gifted” until i realized it was actually completely meaningless and other people thinking i was smart would do nothing for me in the end. but it was the only thing i had to feel good about myself bc i was NOT attractive in middle school/early high school and i was pretty socially awkward so i made myself feel better by thinking about how much smarter than everyone else i was all the time but as you can probably imagine that actually did NOTHING for me except make me feel further isolated and also rlly amped up my narcissistic defensive tendencies!! which was not good!!! (to clarify i am not a narcissist😭 but in my early teenage years i was definitely developing narcissistic QUALITIES)

and then i realized i was failing all my classes anyway and i couldn’t retain any information and i was a fast reader but had absolutely NO reading comprehension. like couldn’t remember the sentence i had LITERALLY just read. and then i got evaluated and diagnosed w adhd which like thank god for medication because im FINALLY capable of learning again but my point is that intelligence is sooo complex and abstract and essentially a empty signifier that means different things to different people. it’s a terrible thing to base your self worth on because it can fluctuate too, and also speaking directly about iq—there is a threshold with iq where if you get above a certain number of standard deviations of average you are actually predicted to be less successful than people with lower iq’s. iq is much less important than we think it is. it’s about what you DO with your potential, not the amount of sheer potential you have

i was actually thinking about that recently cause like?? spencer reid is obviously a rare case and exceptional in every measure BUT a big part of his genius is just his personality. like there are people with eidetic memories and staggeringly high iq’s who do absolutely nothing with their lives and work in offices or construction or something. and obviously he’s fictional but i think that aspect of his character is so interesting because it speaks so much to who he is a person like he never was inherently going to be so intelligent, he had a lot of potential, but it was more due to his desire to learn and his childhood and probably approval seeking but i digress

and also yeah me too babe i am ridiculously sapiosexual but i also have never been attracted to a man who isn’t pretty objectively physically attractive so i need a male model bf who is ALSO a genius and ALSO hilarious and not vain about his looks. like do you hear how ridiculous that is??? im a 7 on my most attractive day and i can’t do mental math like at all…….. so ig this man also must have low standards LOL

so there was my ramble😁 if you read the whole thing im so sorry

[marciabrady]

explain to me the heteronormative angle of tngled in particular, sounds fascinating. i thought by their narrative structure most disney films were hetnorm in nature due to the inclusion of a love story, sometimes unneeded. you see it most in movies where the romance plays secondary like fox and the hound or jungle book.

While I have a different take, I can definitely see where you're coming from! From my perspective though, none of the original four princess movies had forced "obligatory" straight side-ships or main ships (I think they all develop in a way that makes so much sense) and the models of all the characters- from the Princesses to Sebastian to the fairies to the Dwarfs and beyond- offer so many different perspectives and methods of expression and identification. I think the relationships all the characters have regarding their gender is healthy and varied. They're all nuanced individuals that are distinct and different from one another, with some productions even having gay coed characters (Triton and Ursula are the main ones that come to mind- I'm not including the remake btw because that's been so straight washed it's sad). The women in all these films can be themselves openly and freely (more on this in the next reply I'm about to post to another question, because it's pertinent to my opinion on Tangled).

Tangled, to me, reads differently and just reeks of an all straight writer room and such a lack of diversity of thought. With the earlier princesses, they all had something different to offer and were unique flavors, for lack of a better word. By the time we got to Tangled, Disney had been so self-conscious of how to portray a Princess and had essentially reduced their leading ladies to women that held their own against contemporary, live action counterparts to...baby sitters for children and creating, explicitly, what they thought would be a good role model for children and aging the prime demographic drastically done? ALSO I think, by this point, they only knew how to portray a female character in one way because they were so weighed down with the overwhelming criticisms against Disney Princesses. (Which, btw I think it's fine that they're taking into account how children are going to perceive the character but like when the character is mostly only written to appease straight suburban moms who find anything to complain about, it's creatively stifling and results in a lack of art and more of a commercial product in my opinion; it robbed these characters of being natural in their depictions, in my opinion). And I think, also, the way the characters of Rapunzel and Flynn are treated, even Mother Gothel, it just. Yeah it feels like a straight person's fantasy lol

I'm sure you've heard of the "hot guy meeting" where straight women were asked to come in and pitch the most desirable features, in their eyes, of what a man should look like and how that ultimately resulted in Flynn? One of the features mentioned was thin upper lip...yeah lol and also just like. I think Rapunzel is so limited in her portrayal. She's meek and submissive and feminine enough to appeal to the traditional quotient of the audience, and doesn't really do anything to move the needle one way or the other, but she has specific things stated in the narrative to appease the angry mothers ready to condemn Disney (she's turning 18 so she's legal!!! if Flynn met her a day prior she won't be, but they intentionally made her right at the legal age of being an adult. Not 19, not 20, not 25, but 18) while also still giving her attributes that would check off the "feminist approved list" that every female character is subjected to now (she runs! she's barefoot and active! she has hobbies, as evidenced in her opening number, though not many of them ever really get brought up later in the film). And it just rubs me the wrong way that she has to quantify all of her character traits that are "flaws" or "negative"- if she's emotional, she has to look silly so it's funny to the audience because nothing's off-putting like a woman just candidly showing emotion from what we've seen regarding the reaction to Snow White! (like I've seen people try to say that her whole monologue between "I am the worst daughter ever" and "THIS THE BEST DAY EVER" is coded in itself and super realistic but please be honest with yourselves and acknowledge that it's showcased in the film as part of her being zany and we're meant to laugh at her, especially when you take into account the way Flynn is responding to her). She's naive and sheltered and innocent, but guess what! She can save Flynn from the ruffians and thugs who were ready to stab them because they'll listen to her!! Yeah, she's the same Princess who's been trapped in a tower but GUESS WHAT. She can do karate with her hair! She can fling it around like a lasso and toss herself around huge landscapes and breathe under water for periods of time even though she's never left her tower! It's so funny to me that people are so openly misogynistic in their critiques of the classic princesses, when they were human characters. I think the princesses, starting with Rapunzel on, show us how ridiculous our society has gotten with the expectations they've placed on women. Princesses went from being realistic women whose stories were allegories for finding your place in the world and they took these characters and turned them into superheros? Rapunzel's magic hair and healing incantation, Elsa's ice powers, Moana's connection with the ocean. It's not enough for women to just be themselves anymore- in order to have any value, they literally have to be superhuman. And if you doubt this point at all, just look at the difference in reception and popularity between how the public and children perceive the character of Elsa (magical) and Anna (more human).

Back to what I was saying though, where Rapunzel has to be Jesus incarnate and all things to all people, Flynn is allowed to be a bad person. Imagine if the story was reversed and she was the thief that lied and stole and he was the sheltered good boy whose tower she snuck into and he was the one that beat her with a frying pan. It would never work and that shows how straight it is imo? Because honestly, say what you want about the original princesses, but their stories work if you flip the roles. Cinderella being a Princess whose Mother put on a ball so she could meet a suitor? Snow White searching through the forest for her lost love? Aurora working with the fairies to escape being entrapped by a fairy, to awaken her love with true love's kiss? Ariel and Eric essentially have the same storyline, but in reverse. Meanwhile with Rapunzel and Flynn, it's so uncomfortable...the way she hits him with a pan and threatens to keep doing it if he doesn't listen to her gives me the ick. BUT IT'S CUTE WHEN SHE DOES IT! Because she's a short petite straight woman! It's so annoying to me too to see straight ships, or even straight couples, where the men are essentially programmed to believe their wives always know better than them and they have to listen to them and, in order to keep peace in the household, they have to just agree with whatever their wife is saying because it just feels SO disingenuous on the men's part (the whole happy wife, happy life principal). This would never work in a non-straight dynamic because it's so unequal. And just like...again, the fact that a naive, sheltered, short woman is hitting a man- a dangerous criminal who never strikes back and just takes it and seems afraid of her is just soooo unrealistic and lowkey dangerous to depict to me? And the whole, how she's good and responsible and he's suave and charming and he's the bad boy that she turns good just UGH I hate everything about it, get me out of here!! Ultimately their compulsory hetero dynamic is "the cute quirky responsible good petite girl who's the embodiment of the "x3" face turns a bad guy good and she wears the pants in the relationship!!! being too much for me. Even the ending where he's joking that she asked him to marry her and she has to correct him from lying...no.

[decovrys1blogs]

Embracing Cozy Elegance: The Latest Trend in Home Décor

In the realm of interior design, the shift towards creating spaces that are not just visually appealing but also texturally rich is gaining momentum. This trend underscores the importance of incorporating elements that engage our sense of touch, bringing a new dimension to the aesthetic experience of a space. It's not just about how things look but how they feel under our fingertips.

One such element gaining popularity is the use of textiles that boast a variety of textures. When used thoughtfully, these fabrics can transform a room from mundane to extraordinary. They add depth, contrast, and a sense of warmth, making spaces more inviting and personal.

 The Power of Versatile Accessories

 A key to achieving this textured elegance is through versatile accessories. Consider, for example, the impact of a throw or a decorative cushion in your living space. These items, often overlooked, can be pivotal in elevating the style quotient of a room. A well-placed throw or cushion can offer a pop of color, a contrast in texture, or an element of surprise that can tie a room together.

 But beyond these, a specific accessory makes waves in the interior design world for its versatility and elegance - a double-sided woven scarf. This unique item is not just a fashion accessory; it's a multi-functional piece that can be draped over a chair, used as a table runner, or even displayed as wall art. Its double-sided nature offers two distinct looks, providing an easy way to refresh a room’s look without significant redecoration.

 Discovering Elegance at Home and Furniture Store

 Explore the realm of exquisite home decor at our distinguished home and furniture store. Every piece tells a story here, intertwining timeless craftsmanship with modern design. Transform your living space into a haven of style and comfort, where each selection reflects your aesthetic and creates an inviting atmosphere for all who enter.

 When selecting furniture, consider the look, quality, and durability. Furniture is an investment, and choosing pieces that are well-made and timeless ensures they will stand the test of time, both in style and functionality.

 A Harmonious Blend

 The key to successful interior design is the harmonious blend of different elements. It’s about balancing textures, colors, and styles to create a space that reflects personal taste and lifestyle. It's not just about filling a room with furniture and accessories; it's about curating these elements to create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

 This approach to design allows for a lot of creativity and personal expression. It encourages mixing and matching different styles and textures to create a look that is uniquely yours. It's about embracing eclecticism while maintaining a sense of harmony and balance.

 Conclusion: The Destination for Trendsetters

 In conclusion, the trend of textural diversity in home decor is not just a fad; it reflects a more profound desire for beautiful but also tactile and inviting spaces. For those looking to transform their homes into bastions of cozy elegance, a visit to shop.decovry.com is a must. It’s a destination that caters to the needs of modern-day trendsetters, offering a curated collection of furniture and accessories that epitomize this ethos of stylish, textured living.

chairs for living room home decoration handmade

[viviensophieonline]

Convenient and stylish footwear at Vivien Sophie

Keep up with the latest styles and embrace your look by adding on shoes to your collection. This winter, let your style speak for itself. No matter you are planning to pair them with a conventional outfit for an event or an after-party, our footwear will make you look graceful.

Have you been looking for a pair of stylish footwear that is convenient also? If yes, then your search ends here.

It is that time of the year when you have to update your festive closet. No matter you are styling them with a set of conventional lehenga or something else; our premium leather shoes will definitely enhance your outfit for the day. Set up new practices even while celebrating festivals with your dear ones.

Latest footwear for your conventional outfits

Get ready to turn heads in our stylish footwear. Making a rigorous statement in our shoes may appear like a chore, but it is not rocket science at all. You can just update your style game by styling your attire with our footwear. If you are concerned about the different ways to style them, we have also mentioned a style tip for every shoe.

Going for footwear made of high-quality material with your attires make you stand out in the crowd and add that bling to your sense of style simultaneously. Are you ready to step into the festive season with our footwear for conventional dress? If yes, then discover our wide range of styles and add the glam quotient to your collection!

This is your best chance to leave a lasting style impression by transforming your look. Don’t miss out on it before it is too late. Get ready to enhance your style sense while you create memories that you will cherish in the future with your dear ones.

[stylishclutchbag]

Get Glamorous with Our Party Wear Potli Bags

Are you ready to elevate your style game and steal the spotlight at the next party you attend? Look no further than our exquisite collection of party wear potli bags! These stunning accessories are the perfect blend of tradition and contemporary fashion, designed to add a touch of glamour to your party ensemble. In this blog post, we'll explore how party wear potli bags can instantly transform your look and make you the center of attention at any gathering. From the elegance they exude to the versatility they offer, we'll cover it all. So, let's dive into the world of party wear potli bags and discover how they can help you dazzle at your next event.

The Elegance of Party Wear Potli Bags

Party wear potli bags are not just accessories; they are a statement of elegance. These bags are meticulously crafted with intricate embroidery, rich fabrics, and dazzling embellishments. Whether you choose a potli bag adorned with shimmering sequins or one that features exquisite beadwork, you'll be sure to turn heads. The active voice in the design and detailing of these bags ensures that every piece is a work of art, showcasing the skill and creativity of the craftsmen.

Moreover, the unique shape and design of potli bags add an element of sophistication to your outfit. The soft, rounded silhouette and the drawstring closure create a sense of mystery and allure. When you enter the room with a party wear potli bag in hand, you'll feel like a true fashion icon, radiating elegance and charm.

Versatile Fashion Companion

One of the most significant advantages of party wear potli bags is their versatility. These bags are not limited to a single type of party or outfit. Whether you're attending a grand wedding reception, a casual birthday bash, or a formal corporate event, there's a party wear potli bag that complements your attire perfectly.

The active voice in their design allows for a wide range of styles and patterns to suit different occasions. For a traditional touch, you can opt for a potli bag with intricate ethnic motifs. If you're aiming for a more contemporary look, there are modern and minimalistic designs available as well. You can even find party wear potli bags in a variety of sizes to accommodate your essentials, from your phone and keys to your makeup and wallet.

The Perfect Blend of Tradition and Trend

Party wear potli bags are a testament to the fusion of tradition and trend in the world of fashion. These bags have a rich cultural heritage, hailing from the heart of India, where they have been used for centuries to carry precious items. However, their timeless appeal has made them a global fashion sensation, coveted by fashionistas worldwide.

The active voice in the evolution of potli bags has led to innovative designs that cater to modern tastes while preserving the essence of tradition. You can find potli bags that incorporate traditional fabrics like silk and brocade, adorned with contemporary elements such as metallic accents and tassels. This unique blend makes party wear potli bags a symbol of cultural appreciation and style evolution.

Accessorizing for Impact

Accessories can make or break an outfit, and party wear potli bags are the secret weapon to elevate your style quotient. When you choose a potli bag that complements your attire, you create a harmonious and attention-grabbing ensemble. The keyword "party wear potli bags" signifies the transformative power of these accessories in making a bold fashion statement.

For example, if you're wearing a classic black cocktail dress, a vibrant and intricately designed potli bag can add that pop of color and personality. On the other hand, if you've chosen a traditional saree, a golden or silver potli bag can enhance the elegance of your look. The key is to let your potli bag be the star of your accessories, allowing it to shine and draw all eyes towards you.

Party Wear Potli Bags for Every Budget

You might be thinking that such exquisite fashion accessories come with a hefty price tag, but that's not the case with our collection of party wear potli bags. We offer a range of options to suit every budget, so you can look glamorous without breaking the bank.

From affordable yet stylish potli bags for everyday use to premium designer pieces for those special occasions, we've got you covered. Our commitment to quality and affordability ensures that you can indulge in the luxury of party wear potli bags without compromising on your financial well-being.

In the world of fashion, it's the little details that make the biggest impact, and party wear potli bags are the epitome of this philosophy. Their elegance, versatility, and ability to blend tradition with trend make them a must-have accessory for every fashion-forward individual. So, the next time you're getting ready for a party, remember the keyword "party wear potli bags" and let one of these exquisite bags be your ticket to turning heads and leaving a lasting impression. Elevate your style and get ready to get glamorous with our collection of party wear potli bags.

Must Read: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Party-Ready Potli Bags

[raindropfiles]

Motherhood.

In the english dictionary, moth·er·hood is a noun, defined as "state of being a mother". In what sense do I still belong to this title.

In general, the thought of being a "mother" is someone who lives in the same house, prepares what is needed, makes almost everything, supports and guides the children at all times. All in one package.

But what if..

I have two kids and I don't get the chance to do all that takes to be a mother in general. Am I not to be considered as a mother at all? Shouldn't I get the same treatment and praises mothers get?

A year and 6 months of living away from them. A year and 6 months of hearing and taking different opinions of what I should and must do as a, or say, "to be a good mother". A year and a half of blank spaces in my heart.

Everyone has their own thoughts, and believe me, I have absorbed all so much and respect what I am to them.

Nevertheless, I have a say on this. In my personal opinion - motherhood is not always about being with your children physically. It is more of understanding and giving so much importance of how they FEEL. Yes, they are young and innocent, but they have the most crucial stage of developing emotional quotient. As defined, EQ is the capability of individuals to recognize their own emotions and those of others, discern between different feelings and label them appropriately, use emotional information to guide thinking and behavior, and manage and or adjust emotions to adapt to environments or achieve one's goal.

Motherhood is making them comfortable regardless of the situation, regardless of my own selfish reasons. It's never easy to fall asleep weeping because I miss them. I miss them SO MUCH. Yes, I still cry at night because no matter how much I want to kiss and hug them any time of the day, I cannot. That doesnt make me feel less of a mother. I love my boys so much. So much that I would sacrifice all the pain of longing just to make them live the life they are comfortable with.

No child can decide what and how their parents should live. It is us, adults, that got them into trouble of living the confusing lives of having separated parents. 'Twas never their fault nor their choice. My boys will live with me, when they are ready to live with me. Not when I want them to. Not when I have to drag them and make them emotionally drained only because I needed to be a mother.

Every night, my prayers are:

1. For them to be well guided - because I cant watch them all the time.

2. Thankful to the people who take time and effort to do what I, as a mother, is supposed to do for them every single day.

3. For them to be in good health, and for their hearts to be filled with joy.

4. For both to grow in faith with a kind heart.

5. One day, if the Lord permits me to be a full time mother to them, I will have the gift of living day by day again with them. Take care, hug and kiss them again any time of the day.

Once I asked them randomly, "Did your nanay abandoned you?", both looked at me with a frown and answered with a loud "NO!"- it's as if they want to ask me in return how would I ever thought of them feeling and thinking I abandoned them. My eldest answered, "You live in a different house but you never left us".

Regardless of what others may think and say about what kind of a mother left her children behind, what kind of a mother lives alone without her children, what kind of a mother survives a day without knowing how her children was the whole day, regardless, I know by heart that I am a mother. It is very important that both know and understand what happened because I have not missed explaining to them how we came up to this situation. I have explained things to the way and level that they can cope up with. I have explained things without bad mouthing the other side. I made sure both are equipped to live day by day without a mother's helping hand. And most important of all, I trust them. I trust their young minds and hearts that they can, we can do this.

Two days in a week - weekends, 48 or less hours I get to spend precious moments with them, but I know for sure, I get the same equal love that I missed for five days in a week. I missed 5 days in a week of their lives, and that alone is too much but I would never focus on what was missed because I still have 2 days in a week to make them feel what it's like to have a physical mother. I am more of an emotional than a physical mother, despite everything, I am a mother and only my children, only them can prove and say how and what kind of a mother I am.

More than winning the lottery - is my children feeling and knowing that no one can ever replace me being their Nanay ❤

#LatePost #WrittenWayback2019

[fashiondestiny23]

Summer Staples: Embracing the Allure of Shorts

Introduction

As the mercury rises and the sun graces us with its warm embrace, it's time to bid adieu to heavy layers and welcome the ultimate summer staple Essentials shorts. These humble yet versatile garments are more than just a practical choice for beating the heat; they're a fashion statement that embodies comfort, style, and the carefree spirit of the season.

Shorts: A Warm-Weather Tradition

Shorts have become synonymous with summer, evoking memories of beach days, picnics, and outdoor adventures. Their origins trace back to ancient civilizations, where they were designed for functional ease during hot weather. Today, shorts have evolved beyond mere practicality, becoming an integral part of summer fashion that celebrates both form and function.

Unveiling the Comfort Quotient

The allure of shorts lies in their unparalleled comfort. Their shorter length allows for greater ventilation, ensuring you stay cool even on the hottest of days. The lightweight fabrics commonly used in shorts provide a sense of freedom, allowing you to move with ease as you embrace all that summer has to offer. From leisurely strolls to impromptu dance sessions, shorts enable you to make the most of the season.

From Basics to Statement Pieces

Shorts offer a spectrum of styles, ranging from basic to statement-making. Classic denim cutoffs exude casual charm and pair effortlessly with everything from tees to tank tops. On the other end of the spectrum, printed or patterned shorts become the focal point of an ensemble, allowing you to build an outfit around them. The diversity in styles ensures that you can curate looks that align with your personal style and the mood of the day.

Dressing Up with Effortless Elegance

While shorts are often associated with casual settings, they have also found their place in semi-formal and even formal environments. High-waisted tailored shorts, when paired with a crisp blouse and accessorized thoughtfully, can transform into an ensemble fit for garden parties and evening soirées. This fusion of sophistication and ease reflects the modern approach to dressing, where boundaries are blurred and creativity is celebrated.

Mix and Match: Endless Possibilities

The mix-and-match potential of shorts is nearly limitless. You can effortlessly pair them with a variety of tops, from breezy tanks to off-the-shoulder blouses, creating looks that suit different occasions. Throw on a sun hat and some sunglasses for a beach-ready appearance, or opt for a light jacket and sandals for an evening outing. Shorts provide a versatile canvas for experimentation and self-expression.

Beyond Gender and Age

Shorts have transcended gender and age, becoming a unifying element of summer wardrobes. They're no longer limited to a specific demographic; rather, they've become a common thread that ties together diverse fashion sensibilities. From children's playful rompers to adults' sophisticated styles, shorts span generations, reflecting a universal understanding of comfort and style.

Eco-Friendly Fashion Choice

As sustainability gains prominence in the fashion industry, shorts have emerged as a conscious choice. Many brands offer shorts made from eco-friendly materials, contributing to a more sustainable wardrobe. Additionally, the versatility of shorts allows for repeated styling, encouraging a "less is more" mentality that aligns with sustainable fashion practices.

Conclusion

"Summer Staples: Embracing the Allure of Shorts" encapsulates the essence of a garment that transcends its functional origins to become a symbol of summer's essence. Shorts embrace the spirit of carefree days, outdoor escapades, and effortless style. They are the canvas on which you paint your summer adventures, ensuring that you stay comfortable, confident, and stylish as you embrace the sun-soaked days and balmy nights of the season.

[dipperdesperado]

How to Turn an Idea into a Story

Once you’ve generated an awesome story idea to pursue, the next thing to do is to flesh it out, so that you can actually write the story. If you’re like me, and you need to have a little bit of structure in place before you draft, then I have an idea I want to present to you. The foundation of this idea is the MICE Quotient, a storytelling framework with rules that help you tell cohesive narratives. By combining that with the idea of Elemental Genres (which was imparted to me by the amazing Writing Excuses Podcast), you get a framework that incorporates more story elements, specific to the genre(s) you’re using.

Steps

The general steps to use this framework are:

Create your story prompt using divergent and convergent thinking (I made a post about a potential process for this)

Think about the Elemental Genres of the story

Think about the MICE elements of the story (I made a post about a potential process for this)

Think about the elemental subgenres

Bring it all together

Step One: Getting the story prompt

Using the methods of idea generation and idea synthesis, figure out a basic idea of what your story is going to be. By the end, you end up with something resembling a logline or short paragraph synopsis (or something in between). For inspiration, you can look at stories in the public domain, the news, your own life, and other art, the options are endless.

Step Two: Choosing Elemental Genres

Elemental genres aren’t what we traditionally consider story genres. When I hear the word genre, I think of things like Science Fiction, Drama, Buddy Cop, etc. There’s some overlap name-wise between elemental genres and the traditional idea of genre, but they represent different things. Genres as we think of them usually are meant more to classify for the sake of the audience…it’s more of a categorization tool. Elemental genres are meant to bundle certain emotional responses to that story. A particular elemental genre is decided by the ideas that the story presents AND the emotions that stories in that elemental genre try to illicit. Also, note that elemental genres are used to tell stories in traditional genres. As an example, Science Fiction stories prescribe more to the themes, settings, and characters than an elemental genre would. A SF story could have any of the elemental genres, and any of the elemental genres can be used in the SF context.

The elemental genres are wonder, idea, adventure, horror, mystery, thriller, humor, relationship, drama, issue, and ensemble. You can probably come up with more using story analysis, but that’ll do for now.

Choosing your story’s foundational elemental genre requires you to look at your idea and think about what overall emotions you’re trying to get from the audience. If it’s a sense of awe, then your story’s main elemental genre is a wonder. If your story is about the limits of human physical ability, then it’s an adventure story. Each elemental genre elicits its own emotions.

To make sure that this is clear, I’ll use the example of elemental horror versus traditional horror. If you were to ask the point of a horror movie, it would be to cause fear. You might say that for one that has elemental horror, or is just broadly in the horror genre. The power of elemental horror allows you to understand what makes a horror movie tick, and apply that in new, other contexts. Horror in the traditional genre sense will usually fall into the monster, slasher, or psychological camps, and while there can be unique takes on these, they are all working from more surface levels of inspiration. Elemental horror can be a completely different kind of experience. An elemental horror story can be one where the protagonist(s) have to generally deal with horrible things, and we see their reaction to it and hope for the best while the story doesn’t really give us strong signals that things will end up okay. In this context, seemingly silly things can become horrifying given the right character context and reactions.

For more detail on specific genres, I have a document that I’ll link here with the elemental genres and describe how to use them.

Step Three: MICE Elements

Now, we start to get into actual story events. I have a longer explanation of the MICE quotient here, but the basic idea is that the MICE quotient is relating to four different elements of the story. M is for Milieu, which is the location where story events happen. I is for Inquiry, which is a driving question for the story that a character has. C is for Character and relates to some character flaw a character has and their journey to overcome it. E is for event and relates to something that happens in the world of the story that disrupts the status quo, and the character(s) journey to restore that status quo.

Think of mice elements like nesting dolls, holding your story in the middle. If you start the story with a MICE element, you have to end it with that same element. The second element gets resolved second to last. And it just continues, for as many of the elements as you decide to use.

In my post about the MICE Quotient, I go into more specifics on how to use it.

Step Four: Elemental Subgenres

Elemental subgenres are incorporating the parts or aspects of one elemental genre in the story that is primarily of another elemental genre. If our story is primarily an elemental adventure story, which is focused on the physical challenges driving the narrative, a subgenre implementation could be an elemental issue, where the adventure has a subplot of a greater political conflict that underscores the physical challenges. Subgenres can vary in amount and importance; they can be as short as a moment or span most of the story. Subgenres are used to enhance the narrative and build off of the themes and ideas of the MICE elements and primary elemental genres.

My Example

I’m going to bring all of these steps together by using this process for a story idea I have. The initial idea is: A god/deity falls in love with a human, and this union creates an equalization; the god loses some godliness, which is gained by the human. They both become equivalent in power to demigods.

Step One: Story Prompt

Through my story idea development process (explained in detail here), I came up with this story prompt: The worlds of gods and humans are ruled by centralized, hierarchical power structures that provide unsustainable decadence for the oligarchs at the expense of everyone else. One god and one human see each other as a haven to experience freedom from their current realities. The solidification of their relationship leads to them both becoming demigods, disrupting the status quo. To preserve themselves and their relationship, they have to contend against both worlds. Part of this involves sneaking into a council between the gods and humans and using the neutrality of the meeting to plead their cause.

Step Two: Primary Elemental Genre

Based on this description, I want the elemental genre to be drama. Drama is focused on the growth of the characters, and how that impacts the world. I pick this one because while the prompt lends itself well to the elemental romance genre, I want the story to be focused less on the trials and tribulations that the couple has with each other, and more on how their union causes hardship for them as partners, in opposition to the status quo.

Step Three: MICE

Now, with the idea and main elemental genre in tow, I can input the MICE elements to create the skeleton of my story.

<Xₓ> is opening/introducing an element

</Xₓ> is closing/resolving an element

<C₁> The god and the human protagonists long to be together corporally. The god can astral project to the human, but can’t easily come to our world. They want this because the closest thing they know to true happiness is each other.

<E₁> The two are able to meet in person due to a transgressive plan they craft together. This sets off a chain of events, transforming them both into demigods.

<I₁> The couple has to figure out how to survive and find a new life against both angry gods and jealous humans

</I₁> The couple meets a pocket of little-known dissenters to the hierarchical nature of the worlds they come from. Gods and humans from all backgrounds living in harmony show them that there is a possibility for a future centered around equality and solidarity.

</E₁> The couple are able to carve out a stable peace in the world, separate from the fighting both sides had to do in order to be together.

</C₁> The two finally achieve that real happiness they were looking for, not only from their love which has been forged in fire but the community that they’ve built along the way for this journey.

Notice how the elements are set up like nesting dolls; they have their own order that has to be followed.

Step Four: Subgenres

The secondary genre of the story that I want to explore is issue. Issue is all about a topic being discussed through the story. An issue element that will enhance the primary elemental genre is the exploration of the influence of hierarchy and power consolidation on the protagonists. We’ll see different points of view on the topic, and different philosophies will clash to challenge our protags and make them think critically about their worldview and the motivations behind it. Relationship, Humor, and Thriller would also be big subgenres.

All together:

<Drama>

<Issue>

<C₁> The god and the human protagonists long to be together corporally, as the god can astral project to the man, but can’t easily come to our world. They want this because the closest thing they know to true happiness is each other.

<E₁> The two are able to meet in person due to a transgressive plan they craft together. This sets off a chain of events, transforming them both after they hook up into demigods.

<Thriller>

<I₁> The couple has to figure out how to survive and find a new life against both angry gods and jealous humans

</I₁> The couple meets a pocket of little-known dissenters to the hierarchical nature of the worlds they come from. Gods and humans from all backgrounds living in harmony show them that there is a possibility for a future centered around equality.

<Humor>

<Humor>

</E₁> The couple is able to carve out a stable peace in the world, separate from the fighting both sides had to do in order to be together.

</Thriller>

</C₁> The two finally achieve that real happiness they were looking for, not only from their love which has been forged in fire but the community that they’ve built along the way for this journey.

</Issue>

</Drama>

One thing that I want to note is that while the MICE elements have to nest in a particular way, the same isn’t true for elemental subgenres. Elemental subgenres can show up as flashes in the story, appearing and disappearing within a single scene. They also don't necessarily have to close in a specific order like MICE elements

Conclusion

From here, I usually flesh out different characters, then I write a scene-by-scene outline. If you tend to explore more through drafting, you can start writing here, or plan out scenes in more detail—whatever works best for your process!

If you want more information on each elemental genre, I can’t recommend season 11 of Writing Excuses enough. This is one of the best things I’ve found in my creative writing journey. My own notes for the season are here. Anyway, I enjoyed coming up with this story idea. Now it’s time to get back to writing my current story!

[butterflydm]

Wheel of Time S1E2: shadow’s waiting

The first episode was good. This episode, things got even better, though the body horror quotient also goes up as well.

(Side note: I do want to mention how much I love the costuming, especially the pants-with-divided-skirts-on-top, which I really like, and that whoever did the location scouting was amazing, because everywhere is gorgeous.)

Shadar Logoth, in the books, is one of the big things early on that really hooked me into the series. Obviously, they are able to go into more detail about the story in the books, but the whole idea of this different kind of evil that the Trollocs are afraid to deal with was fascinating to me. It made the world more complicated and interesting. It gets shortened in the series, which I was expecting, but the creepiness of it is still there.

But first, we are on the road! (as a reminder, this is my rewatch that I’m doing my best to keep future-spoilers free, so I’ll only mention the books if what they’ve dealt with has already been shown in this or a previous episode and even then, I will avoid details)

I love what they did with the Whitecloaks. They made them creepy and scary and actually a danger right away! The story of Shadar Logoth may have been compressed but the main theme of it is right here -- that evil doesn’t only come from the Dark One, that suspicion and paranoia can make monsters out of men. Again, there’s definitely some grusomeness/gore -- seeing the Yellow sister’s hands was pretty brutal -- and we also see Valda’s self-righteousness in killing someone horrifically and calling it ‘mercy’.

The intro is so pretty! I’ve rewatched the first three episodes all through now and this is my third viewing of the second episode, and I’ve not skipped the intro once. I am very curious to see if it will change over time, while still using the same concept of the pattern being weaved.

The crossing at Taren Ferry is really the first thing in the series that shows us why everyday folk might fear Aes Sedai, as Moiraine's determination can come across as cold-blooded here (and certainly does to Hightower). Yes, she didn’t kill him, but watching someone die like that because of a choice that Moiraine made would still be a shock to our Two Rivers kids. Also, this would only be the second time that Rand would have seen her channel, I believe, as he missed her throwing fireballs and rocks during the big fight. He’s had less exposure to her risking herself for others than the the rest of the group.

During the campsite, which is kinda a compressed version of all of the wilderness traveling that happens in the book in this section, I love that we get to actively see the process of the Two Rivers kids processing their shock and grief over what happened at Bel Tine and Moiraine asking them to leave their homes. They had to skip over them challenging her more at the time of leaving, because there just wasn’t time to deal with it (and I agree that, pacing-wise, they really needed to leave at the end of episode one and not drag it out), so we get to hash it out here and it’s a good conversation and I feel like we get to see a lot about the character and relationship dynamics.

Egwene is the most inclined to trust Moiraine; Rand is the least inclined -- not only does that make sense for their characters, but it also sets up yet another tension point in their already frayed relationship. Mat does his best to break the tension of the moment while Perrin is lost in his own head.

The scene with Moiraine showing Egwene that she can touch the Source hews pretty closely to the book, from what I recall, and it’s just as lovely here as I remember it being. A world of possibilities is opening up for Egwene -- again, this stands as a strong contrast to how Rand is feeling like they’re being controlled until they can be used and potentially discarded. ‘What place does a man have at the White Tower?’ indeed.

Apart from Egwene being the most inclined to trust Moiraine, I think a key element of that is that when Egwene challenges Moiraine, Moiraine actually explains to her exactly the details of what happened. Egwene does get special treatment here, in being taken aside and having her fears get taken seriously in a one-on-one setting, which is naturally going to make a huge difference in how she feels about Moiraine. Now, Moiraine’s behavior does make a lot of sense given the history of the world and the society that Moiraine comes from but we can see the difference that it makes that Moiraine is already treating Egwene like she’s on the road to becoming part of the Aes Sedai; teaching her, guiding her, and behaving more like a mentor.

To contrast, when the kids wake up in the morning from their nightmare, Moiraine is in full ‘no time for explanations; go go go’ mode. Rand doesn’t get any of his fears talked through the way that Egwene did. He’s basically just told to suck it up and get moving. Of course that makes him balk. And we can see that the other two boys also have their doubts, but they’re just wary enough of Moiraine that they aren’t going to challenge her decisions at this point.

So, the Whitecloaks scene... brief but impactful. We set up an internal conflict that is clearly brewing in the ranks, get to see Moiraine dance around the truth, and then it leads to another scene where Moiraine instructs Egwene in the nature of the Aes Sedai.

Love the broken, ancient bridge (overpass, maybe?) in the background of one of the traveling scenes.

Glad that Rafe fought to keep that Manetheren scene in the show! I love it. The bit of song is great and I’m glad we got to hear the story. Especially since the history of the Two Rivers is important when thinking about the way that shaped the way their local society developed, even if the details were lost to the locals themselves as time passed.

Perrin and wolves! I will not go into details because the show hasn’t given us too much yet, but... wolves! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 I like the music playing here; I assume it’s probably Perrin’s theme?

Anyway, then we are finally entering Shadar Logoth! Creepy vibes! Story is much abridged but that’s to be expected. Shadar Logoth accomplishes what it needs to:

a. splits the party

b. scares the Trollocs

c. Mat finds the dagger

And the show did it with a wonderful atmosphere. The emptiness! How quiet it all is when they enter, except for the actual sounds that our group makes. I liked the soft moments that Mat & Perrin, and Egwene & Rand share. Especially since, due to the party split, those pairs won’t be getting to spend time together in the near future.

Some of the other stuff that happened in Shadar Logoth, I kinda feel like I can’t talk about without going into book spoilers, so I will end there, lol. For now, I’ll just be excited about Nynaeve showing up at the end! <3

Looking forward to the new episode this week! My initial reaction to that will likely be full of book-related spoilers, but I’ll try to do a book-spoiler-free rewatch for 1x03 this weekend.

[goblinconceivable]

braindump: betty/daniel

I’ve been living with them for a while, notes taken, a few stories significantly started but there’s a gelling issue, which I’m hoping is at least partially down to a lack of proper braindumping.  So, in no particular order and certainly not comprehensive:

Frankly I also got too hooked on the last 2 eps, which is likely where I’m blocked.  It’s an abrupt emotional twist for them (esp Daniel), and in trying to make sense of that I’m losing focus on the 4 previous years.

- I’m a little bit obsessed in the scene where Betty tries to convince Matt she’s fearless by pointing out her bang-less-ness.  And then runs into Daniel, who is at that moment half brain-washed, but yet when she asks about her fearless quotient his response is immediate and natural and entirely lacking in irony: “no bangs.”  It’s a tiny little moment that shows how well he not only knows her, but understands her.  Without judgment, without fanfare.  Were I to have a husband, this is the sort of response that would confirm I’d married the absolute perfect guy for me.

- They’re too close for mirroring to be an important indicator, but there are two scenes that stand out in this vein: the first is when Betty thinks he may have pushed Christina down the stares and steals the video.  She’s backing out the door, and he follows, matching her step for step.  I love the direction choices because from her perspective there’s a sense of menace, Daniel as potential villain is stalking her.  But from his guileless perspective he’s talking to her and if she’s moving, so is he.  The second is from the penultimate, talking about Trista, where Betty’s rolling back and forth and he moves with her, rather than simply turning his head.  It signals his full engagement in the conversation, seeking her attention, and is why the scene plays as flirting rather than their normal banter.

- That bulletpoint was getting a bit long, so second point on the flirting is that it plays against Betty shutting down the conversation “none of my business,” leading to the fight over involvement in each other’s personal lives, leading to the revelation that they know each other at that deep personal level so very, very well.  Which was a very clumsy leadup to Daniel’s revelation during Hilda’s wedding speech, that could have been handled so much more deftly but those last two eps were quite rushed, I don’t know when they found out about the shortened season but it feels like they’d planned for more space and had to jab in exposition.

- Becaaaaause: they narratively broke his ‘aha’ moment onto “know you better than you do” while the strength of the message is really in the “do anything to protect them.”  Which is, I believe, where they cut to his softened expression.  Not coincidentally, this is precisely what a lot of fan-readings of the characters focus on: Daniel will do anything to protect Betty.  Bobby might have said he’d throw himself under a bus for Hilda, but Daniel HAS done that for Betty- in fact literally doing so would probably have been easier than publicly shouldering the blame for the Tornado cover and giving away the profits.  Due to the fact that he had time to consider the consequences and did it anyway.

- Which is tidy segue into an admission that I’m flying mostly blind on the Molly arc because I basically skipped all her scenes, but it’s my understanding that Daniel doing this was a pivotal moment for them.  Ie, she was impressed that he did this thing.  I mean, I really appreciate that he spent the whole press conference scene looking for Betty, so the show in no way undercut their relationship.  But then they very clearly built the Molly relationship on the foundation of not only the man Daniel had become due to Betty, but choices he was making in large measure for Betty: it’s not that he saw Betty beaten down and resolved the situation: he was upset but lost, she yelled at him, and THEN he resolved the situation by taking the bullet.  Did I break grammar by ending up with two colon’d clauses in the same sentence?  It’s a braindump, ain’t gotta be pretty.  XP

- Quick sidebar that the same thing happens with Alexis.  She was expecting to come back to one brother, but then listens in on his pep talk with Betty and finds she’s returned to a different brother.  This may be where I got the “an assistant” phrasing, if so, my bad.  But basically, she was impressed with Daniel’s actions, not understanding that it was Betty specifically inspiring his actions.

- Follow that a step further and did Molly ever acknowledge how important Betty is to him?  Legit question.  I think her line here was about him doing it “for an assistant” (?) rather than even “his assistant,” establishing Betty as a non-entity for her.  (Quoting a summary but I think I’m in the ballpark.)  And I’m sure I’d have read about it somewhere if she brought Betty up during their discussion on who he’d date when she was dead.

- Just one last note on Molly, (okay it’s a multi-part though it veers off her as a character) but a possibly incorrect beef is that I hate the Daniel/Molly relationship because there’s no interesting or even real conflict?  It’s perfect?  I’m supposed to think this is magical “true love”?  Molly has apparently been engaged for years to a man she doesn’t really love (and um... that’s lazy not strong), and helps inspire a vengeance filled betrayal by her ex because she’s so awesome everyone loves her?  But she comes out squeaky clean because any emotional cheating on her part is balanced and thus “justified” by Connor falling for Wilhemina.  And then the only “conflict” is that she’s dying, and is perfect throughout it?  That’s...  weak.

-That poem thing WOULD have been an interesting point of conflict but it was resolved by Betty’s intervention, rather than within the relationship.  Which actually is an incredibly interesting beat.  The problem with that being it’s so entirely consistent with the role Betty plays in Daniel’s life that it’s treated as just another beat, as if it doesn’t MATTER that a fundamental moment of intimacy and growth of vulnerability in Daniel’s very important romantic relationship is a door opened by a third party.  There’s a strong argument to be made for something but I broke off to write the next point and now can’t remember what that strong argument is.  I might remember later.  It may have had something to do with Molly being a stepping stone in Daniel’s arc, but the cult-thing was so long and dominating that it didn’t work, it tied him too tightly for too long and coinciding with a loosening of his relationship with Betty there was flailing.

- Quick one: Daniel’s fast-forwarded and time-bounded relationship with Molly is the analog to Betty’s time-limited relationship with Henry.  Which is a discussion I would like Daniel and Betty to have.  Esp. noting that Betty and Henry had issues they worked through together (ice cream foreplay being one.)

- Player!  So going back to a happy place, when Betty’s on the phone trying to fix the apartment situation and the camera pans onto Daniel just leaning against the doorway: this may be a legitimate little moment of “squee!”  There’s so much denial in his laid back attitude at Player, but I still love watching how the informality of the environment reflects in the informality with Betty.  He gives her free reign, and there’s many answers to “why,” and I (almost) don’t want to go into them because I totally adore how this Daniel is basically a College!Daniel only he’s latched onto Betty, who, meanwhile, is just being Betty.  OMG how different his life would have been if he’d met Betty in college...

- Okay I actually don’t feel like going into whys, it’s just an arc to enjoy.  With a small mention of how he TOTALLY was playing with the MODE book and handed it to Betty knowing she’d understand and use it to get them back in.  Such a crazy subtle manipulation, to the point where I’m not sure it wasn’t almost entirely subconscious on Daniel’s part.

- The YETI recommendation letter.  What I love is that this is another time when Daniel fvcks up, but fixes it, and more importantly displays competence and ingenuity alongside authentic caring and effort.  Here’s the thing: YETI wanted Betty, even if it was just a quota thing (which it wasn’t entirely, at least one of the board was generally enthused.)  So all that was necessary was to have them re-label her as from Player.  Daniel knew this and did this.  And told Betty that.  BUUUUT that point was purposefully (by script and character) overshadowed by the gesture of the lengthy rec letter he put significant time into.  Whose real audience was... wait for it...  Betty.  He even did a second draft!  Which is more time and effort and a cleaner product.

-  Also flaking on her practice run.  I also enjoy how he (finally...) bounced back into the office clearly having forgotten her schedule, but having mentally shifted from Molly-space into Betty-space.  He’s enthused, he’s engaged, he’s sort of bantering and I’d like to see where that scene would have gone if she hadn’t immediately gotten the acceptance call.

- So there’s this moment somewhat early on, pretty sure when Betty’s taking the writing class, and wants Daniel to give her feedback.  And he’s all “why?,” coming from his “I don’t actually know what I’m doing” place.  She responds that he’s her friend and wants to know what he thinks.  And he does a little double-take at that word.  Because until that point Daniel totally sees Betty as HIS Friend, and they’ve referred to each other as friends, with a little “f,” and he believes that.  But it wasn’t until this moment that he even considered that HE might be HER Friend.  Presumably because he doesn’t believe he has anything to offer her, beyond the power he holds as EIC and her boss - ie, “here run this show” and other such responsibilities.

- Which is a recurring theme.  Pronounced on relationship stuff especially.  When she asks him for input on the Henry vs Gio situation, when she’s trying to date the playwright.  His response is always “I’m in no position to offer relationship advice/judgment on relationships.”  He sorta dodges the first and is permissive on the second.  I don’t know where to go with that so I’ll leave it (for now).

- When  he was supposed to be in Rio, Betty wasn’t even at MODE, she was working for the “enemy,” and he was sending her regular postcards?  First, they’d have been postmarked in New York and presumably with local stamps, so I’m not 100% on Betty not cottoning on.  But it’s super cute that he was thinking of her when he was incommunicado with literally everyone else.  Did he want her to figure it out (subconsciously)?  It’s an act of reaching out, but also of convincing: he’s created a fictional narrative of being in Rio, fed and embellished by the media and swallowed by coworkers, but it’s through Betty that he’s establishing the fiction in a definitive way.  He wants HER to believe it, because if SHE believes he’s there and having a good time, then he can believe it too, with a small piece of his imagination.

- Same convincing as in Player.  BTW, how did all those messages on her phone work?  He was 99% totally hiding the situation from her.  a) why wouldn’t he just call her from his phone, as he always did in the past?  b) he was creating another fictional space.  Where her “number” was literally on a post-it on his temporary assistant’s monitor.  It’s all play: “call Betty” happens many times, and every one is the act of doing it while knowing that he’s not really doing it.  c) Betty does not point out that he should have been confused he never heard back, or more to the point, that he never heard her voicemail message.  d) he was in a state of limbo waiting for her to come back, nothing is real until she does.  At which point there’s lovely dramatic tension since he both wants her to fix it and get them out of there, and wants to draw her into this new reality and thus make it feel viable.

- 100th Anniversary edition.  I love the idea that he’s hep on her writing his bio because he needs her name, at least, to be next to his.  His identity as EIC is predicated on her being his partner, and needs that shown, even if it’s functionally an “in joke” because it’s not like she can be featured.  In musing over his thoughts while flipping through the book right before deciding to quit, I usually come back to a realization of the transience of the role, but I want it to be a gutpunch of how he assumed, without being aware, that Betty would be next to him in picture, and that’s what they were heading for.

- I’ve actually got through most of my notes, so just a couple more.  Daniel is super impressionable.  He did what Becks told him to in the pilot.  He did what Natalie told him in the cult-situation.  Both against his better judgment - his look after Betty when he kicked her out for being “drama he didn’t need” - that’s the same look when he told her to clock out and was dragged off by the not-16-year-old.  I’m too tired to go check the pilot, but assuming similar look there.  He does what he’s told by anyone telling him to do something, but he WANTS to be rescued from the bad influences, who are so often so forceful.

- Final scene: okay so it turns out quick a lot of my thoughts are trying to understand Daniel.  His growth is blatant and deep.  So a second round will be more Betty-focused.  ‘Cuz I identify strongly with her and don’t have a lot of surface questions about her motivations, but I’m LOST on side of the romantic coin.  And plus she deserves a close look regarding how she grows during the series.

- I watched at least part of the reunion and very much like how AF answered the question of the final scene versus what EM says.  Because I think they each, as actors, see it from the perspective of their characters, which means it was played authentically and grants insight.  AF basically says that she saw it as Daniel coming to say thank you, and how it came down to Betty teaching him that he was good enough.  Which came across a little funny because her phrasing implied they’d never talk or see each other again or something and that’s an alarming finality.  But also implies that Betty really did see moving to London as a significant parting of ways, something that started as soon as she became an editor and their relationship changed.  Probably before.

- She then challenged EM as to why Daniel didn’t say goodbye (as if she didn’t know and hadn’t thought about it?  I’m guessing this was panel performance: asking the question “in character” and throwing the question to the other relevant actor.)  But anyway, EM’s answer was “Because things were just starting.”  Which is blatantly a shippy answer, and he even explains Daniel’s “revelation” as when he “really saw Betty for the first time through and through.”

- At some point in these things you’re like: oh but I thought of something else, and only stop when your brain falls asleep.

- I thought of something else.  And then I forgot it.  My brain is failing!  But not yet failed.

- After Betty gets her braces off there’s this scene near the end, at the shoot.  Daniel sees her and crosses quite purposefully to talk with her.  He wants to banter and share this exciting moment with her.  And the scene goes a little strange when Betty kinda goes “yeah, going now bye.”  I expected more eye contact, a big smile, more conversation.  That’s Betty.  That’s them.  But instead it’s a little awkward so Something Is Happening Here.  Is she self-conscious?  Did she see and hear something in Daniel’s look and comment right after she was detached from the bra and isn’t at this moment comfortable with him?  Is this all fallout from her dream in which she and Daniel slept together/he thought she was a bad person/rejected her only they chose not to explicate this/cut a useful scene/thought I’d get that right away but I’m obtuse?  I don’t think it’s the last one because while I can be horribly obtuse, I don’t think it was coded.  But that’s what the obtuse would say.

- At any rate they don’t pick up on it again, next scene (next ep) they’re back to normal.

- But Daniel does immediately chase after Amanda and let go of her.  Which is payoff for his convo with Betty earlier where she sort of disdainfully asks if he WANTS a more serious relationship with Amanda.  I did sort of wonder if he actually does, but Betty’s judgmentalness is what convinces him he doesn’t.  Usually I’d say Betty understands him so well she knows he doesn’t, but they’re not as close at this point, Betty is living her own life much more, so I dunno.

- But I don’t actually think Daniel was falling for Amanda, or that the show wanted us to think that was ultimately a viable path.  Because of that moment when he’s in a car, calls Amanda, says “I really need to see  you” and she turns him down.  It parallels his text to Betty when Molly died.  One text and Betty came over.  This was an actual distressed voice convo and Amanda doesn’t care enough about him to be there, which is really great development for Amanda even though we don’t see her!  She previously went after Matt when he was in jail, she’s interested in Tyler here, she’s not totally pining for Daniel!

- Daniel of course was using Amanda and their earned if mild emotional intimacy as a crutch, trying to fill the space Betty left.  Also note when Amanda turned him down for sex and he stayed to “hang out,” - this is not supposed to be an analysis of Amanda but I wanna note I like that moment because it felt like she was pleased to think she wasn’t just sex to him, while still being over him romantically. Because she does care about him.

- Or for pete’s...  I have this bad habit of writing notes which I later look at and am like... “huh?”  This is a fic idea, from Daniel’s POV: “Betty had moulded him, often by sheer force of her iron will, into being a man who almost deserved Molly.  And he'd turned right around and become a man who would never deserve Betty.”  And I DON’T REMEMBER WHAT THE SECOND HALF MEANS.  Specifically.

- Wedding dancing.  Happens twice.  Hilda’s wedding, we know what that is.  But at Daniel’s wedding.  I like that he wasn’t 100% Molly focused, ‘cuz, shipper.  And I know why the show had Matt cut in, because gotta keep things moving.  But isn’t it a thing that you don’t cut in on the groom/bride?  It’s their day.  Daniel just sort of nonverbally asks Betty if it’s okay (to leave her with Matt), but can’t help a) thinking he was a bit put out and b) want Molly to see his expression looking at Betty and have some sort of “aha” moment where she - do Molly and Betty have any scenes together?  I don’t remember seeing any and I think I did skim through all the eps, but I need to do that again.

- Ooh, one of the things I forgot en route!  I like that Betty has revolving love interests, because that’s textual argument for Betty never having feelings (romantic) for Daniel.  Which is super, super important in this iteration of the story.  There’s a couple moments - pilot and the first bridge scene - where she arguably has a momentary crush, which quickly settles into a developing platonic relationship.  

- Jump back to Daniel finally seeing Betty as a true equal = romantic feelings.  It’s a thing.  Look my brain is deteriorting and wording is hard!  So there’s two sided imbalance throughout.  Daniel always saw Betty with this veneer of youth, and a great deal of his use for her is helping her “grow into the woman she’ll be.”  And that’s the roadblock in him seeing her as a romantic possibility.  Which was initially quite awesome because he was sleeping with people younger than her, even the “she’s actually 20″ girl was younger than Betty.  And yet always saw her as in many ways more mature and competent than her.  And double-yet he still saw how much further she could, and would, grow.  His belief in her knows no bounds.

- Meanwhile Betty sees him as...  someone who’s also becoming.  Who has great potential.  Bullying him into it if necessary.  And because he’s guided by her, she can’t crush on him, he’s like her pet.  Were she to have a crush, much less fall for him, it would have been horrifying.  She needs to have a moment when she sees him as a true equal, someone who - look, everyone is always still growing so it’s not like he needs to be fully formed, and it’s a little murkier what the moment would look like when she finally sees Daniel “for the first time.”

- ‘cuz as noted, Betty has been there for pretty much every important moment of growth and crossroads in every facet of Daniel’s life.  Whereas Betty consistently had many things and relationships in her life Daniel was not involved in.  She’s always been way more self-reliant (not the word I wanted, is there one that starts with c?)  It’s why they did sort of need to peel away through a chunk of S4, because Daniel needed to learn to cope without Betty propping him up, because it’s like a Miranda-thing:

- “I don’t need Gary.  But I want him.”

- Daniel has to be able to be find without Betty before Betty can see him as a viable romantic partner.  She has to see something she never has before.  Daniel saw that the seedling he’d been protecting was not only strong enough to survive on its own had grown up and bloomed (process begun early in the season when he was being overprotective and she shut that down).  For Betty...  I guess Daniel...  ...  .....  it didn’t happen in the show.  As EM noted, for Daniel, the ending was the beginning.  Because his moment isn’t leaving MODE, that’s just the corresponding moment to Betty shaking him off.  His moment is further down the road when he puts into practice everything he’s learned and ...  something answered in fanfic because it’s spec and I’m tuckered.

[mythgirlimagines]

It’s near impossible to miss this infamous taiko drummer! Nicknamed “The Summoner of the Rising Sun” by regular festival goers, introducing Myth Anon, the Former Ultimate Drummer!

—————-—————————————

BACKSTORY AND TALENT

Myth was born and raised in a heavily traditional family that prides itself on its traditional values, alongside her two older sisters (who quickly rebelled and started illustrious sports careers). If there’s one thing that Myth looks forward to every summer, it’s the annual festivals that come every year, with the boisterous taiko drummers being a particular favorite of hers. One faithful summer, one of the taiko drummers that she idolizes so much decided to take her under their wing, in order to become a fully-fledged taiko drummer. Before you knew it, Myth became a massive staple of festivals everywhere, thanks to her loud voice and bombastic stage presence. When not performing at festivals, Myth likes to cheer on her sisters in their respective sports competitions, or upload drum set covers on the internet (with the help of her more technologically-adept friends). Myth’s skills in both taiko drumming and set drumming gave her the title of “Ultimate Drummer”, once she hit high school age. As an adult, her drumming skills are still going strong, and she’s currently working on chaperoning a bunch of Ultimates at the Kibo-Con.

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RELATIONSHIPS

Wyre Anon, Former Ultimate Samurai

Myth’s family and Wyre‘s family have been formidable allies, ever since the dawn of time, and Myth and Wyre themselves are no exception, being two birds of a feather, when it comes to sheer energy and wildness, as well as their strict upholding of their ancestor’s traditional values. Historical enthusiasts like to call them “possible time travelers from the past” or “living relics”, whenever they’re seen side-by-side. Wyre is one of the most formidable warriors that her family has ever seen, and is a beast in both brute strength and swordplay, and has an unshakeable code of bushido to those that treat her with respect, underneath that wild, feral and almost dog-like personality.

Outfit: Cleanier and smoother hair with a Nippon Icchi headband around her head, a red oni mask on the side of her head, a green and light brown haori and an off-white obi that houses a brown scabbard over a black gakuran uniform, bandaged arms and legs, black socks and white zori sandals.

Anon Scar, Ultimate Delivery Girl

Scar’s parents are the owners of the “Witch’s Brew Kitchen”, which is a restaurant that is famous for its dark and fantasy-esque wares and the employees acting a lot like what the modern generation refers to as ”chuunibyous”, when on the job. When Witch’s Brew Kitchen eventually offered online -induced delivery, they sent their ambitious daughter to deliver food (along with a couple of other employees) to all of the homes of the hungry (if lazy) customers. Time after time, Myth just winds up befuddled by Scar’s various odd actions. But Myth regularly helps Scar with deliveries, for her muscular build owes very well to lifting particularly heavy orders, much to the overworked Scar’s elation. 

Outfit: A black delivery uniform with added spiked belts, and her hair in a ponytail, the scarf from her original design..

Fusion Anon, Ultimate Racer

Able to back up his extensive and nerdy knowledge of race cars and the race track with the ability to race down the track at high speeds, Fusion became famous for his superb skills, despite his age, and made a massive name for himself in the car racing circuit and as Hope’s Peak’s ”Ultimate Racer”. Fusion and Myth regularly protect and fuss over the other Ultimates, along with Scar. In turn, Fusion and Scar regularly watch over Myth, to make sure that her fiery attitude doesn’t get her into any trouble. Myth may consider bringing her oendan team to cheer Fusion on, during his races.

Outfit: A blue jumpsuit with yellow thunderbolt designs over the red t-shirt from his original design, yellow gloves, black and white sneakers, goggles on top of his hair.

Fusion Anon II, Ultimate Pinball Wizard

With a heavy appreciation for the hobbies and pastimes of the olden days, Fusion II made a name for herself as the top pinball champion in any arcade that she happens to find eye-catching and cool enough. In an attempt to be seen as cool by her peers, Fusion II attempted to adopt the image and fashion sense of a greasy rebel without a cause that were so popular in the mid-1900s. But upon seeing a fellow history geek (albeit, a fan of the the entirely wrong time period), Fusion II’s spiked greaser shell quickly broke and her geeky side just sprang out. The two girls love to talk about their respective time periods together, and Myth learned that Fusion II wasn’t as much of a troublemaker as she thought.

Outfit: Bangs greased back, a black leather jacket and matching leather pants and fingerless gloves over the undershirt from her original design, boots from her original design.

Just Anon, Ultimate Gunslinger

Being born and raised in a kill-or-be-killed world that could take advantage of his small and weak build (and his general laziness), Janon had to master the use of a certain weapon to make it out alive and into his comfortable bed. Janon specializes in quickly drawing a gun out of his holster, shooting it with mighty precision, and putting it back into his holsters, without anybody knowing what hit them. Janon’s sheer disrespect for everybody (apart from Curious and Iris, but he’d be shot dead in an alley before said soft spot is made public) really puts him at odds with Myth, and Janon just finds Myth (and her drumming) really loud and intrusive on his (extremely-long) beauty sleep.

Outfit: A black cowboy hat, a blue and pink poncho over the formal wear and mask from his original design, brown holsters that house his pistols.

Sparkle Anon, Former Ultimate Statistical Analyst

Blessed with a high intelligence quotient and a love for calculating statistics, Sparkle works for several global companies and helps prevent them from making foolish decisions that could cause their businesses to crash and burn. Assisting all of these high-profile companies gave her quite the large ego, and combined with her love of all things theatrical, you’d get a heavily melodramatic, self-proclaimed “SUPERBLY SPECTACULAR STATISTICAL SOMMELIER”, who regularly boasts about all of the random statistics that she can name off the top of her head. Myth seems to be one of the few people that can tolerate her volume, and thinks Sparkle would make an excellent addition to her group.

Outfit: A grey pantsuit over a pink dress shirt and matching heels, the cape and glasses from her original design.

Egg Anon, Former Ultimate Thanatologist, and Wet Sock Anon, Former Ultimate Revolutionary

While similar in aesthetics and their love for inserting out-of-left-field and cursed comments into otherwise normal conversation, Egg and Wet Sock are very  different in terms of personality and talent. Despite being superbly chaotic and almost too obsessed with the concept of death, Egg is surprisingly a great grief counselor to people in mourning, while Wet Sock leads a rebellion group with an iron fist and doesn’t mince their words when it comes to the terrible state of the world. While Myth was initially unnerved by the twins, Myth eventually found out just how kind and dependable Egg and Wet Sock was in spite of their cursed comments and less-than-conventional worldviews. 

Outfits: Skull masks (symbols of Wet Sock’s movement), black sweaters with white stripes on the sleeves and a red heart in the center, blue ripped jeans and spiked black boots.

Curious Anon, Jr. Ultimate Fashion Designer

Curious was born into a family that was at the top of both the social and the fashion ladder, and Curious has been put to work designing clothes, ever since he started showing considerable skill in sketching out and designing clothes. In spite of their age, Curious is known as a fashion genius and a pioneer in the new age of gender-non-conforming formal wear, with the hybrid suit-dress being a particular speciality of their’s. Curious has a very gullible personality, and Myth regularly takes advantage of their gullibility to plan some mischief together and just toying with the fashion designer in general, much to the ire of Janon and the Freak Twins. Myth also loves modeling for them.

Outfit: Hair tied into a ponytail, a green tuxedo with white wedding dress material on the ends and white heels.

Anon Nerd, Former Ultimate Priest

Born into an extremely religious family, Nerd’s family repeatedly drilled all of the God-loving philosophies into his head and trained him to become a professional priest (just like every other man in his family) for as long as he lived under their roof. While Nerd is patient and calm, when it comes to conducting religious ceremonies, he’s the complete antithesis of that, the second he steps outside of a religious building, or the second anybody disrespects his faith, being loud, violent, and vulgar. While Nerd initially had a disrespectful and terrible attitude in the eyes of Myth, Nerd and Myth eventually became closer, thanks to their protective attitudes and shared strong and unshakeable moral codes.

Outfit: Same outfit as the original, but with the addition of a golden cross necklace.

Eldritch Anon, Ultimate Mangaka

Too scared of the outside world to even leave the squalid apartment that he resides in, Eldritch, desperate to wake the world up to the fact that they live in a dystopia, decided to write manga under the pet name “Sheeple Savior”, which are usually about seemingly-normal towns suffering from horrible atrocities, that everybody (but the “chosen one”) remains completely blind to. Years of living in an isolated apartment, combined with his already paranoid and pessimistic mindset, means that he shows a hostile distrust to everybody, with Myth’s loud and overbearing attitude just scaring the miniature mangaka away. Myth also can’t handle all of the subject matter that Eldritch writes.  

Outfit: Long and unkempt hair, a white and baggy t-shirt with a spiral in the center, the shorts, socks, and slippers from his original design.

Dream Anon, Ultimate Barista

Originally getting a job at the local coffee shop to earn some extra pocket money, as Dream spent more and more time as a barista, she eventually became one of the most popular employees at the coffee shop, thanks to her cheery and peppy attitude and the sheer passion that she puts into making and serving coffee. Before meeting Dream, Myth has never had coffee before (due to her upbringing, she prefers tea), and Dream regularly likes offering a plain latte to anybody who never had coffee before. This has led to disastrous and chaotic results, as the taiko drummer went on an utter rampage, and it took several cups of green tea and Wyre to calm the drummer down.

Outfit: A grey ski cap, a green apron over a black t-shirt with a white illustration of a steaming cup of coffee, a pink flannel shirt wrapped around her waist, grey shorts, black socks and pink sneakers. 

Iris Anon, Jr. Ultimate Bed Tester

As a young and optimistic girl with very big dreams, she takes all of the tasks thrown at her seriously and with great gusto, no matter how ridiculous the side hustles are. But her most successful side hustle yet has to be a bed tester for a heavily influential bed-manufacturing company, called “Sweet Dream Industries”. Getting the Starry Iris Badge of Approval is how one knows that a bed is comfortable and satisfactory to sell. Needless to say, when Myth first met Iris and heard about her talent, she was outright cackling for minutes on end. Once she got over the thought of Iris’s talent, she began viewing Iris as a younger version of her, and is extra protective of Iris for that reason.

Outfit: Hair in two messy braids, glasses on top of her head, galaxy-printed pajamas, yellow ankle socks.

Purple Anon, Ultimate Card Shark

Though originally the scion of a very influential family, Purple’s parent ended up going bankrupt after accidentally getting tangled up in the criminal underworld. Now at the bottom of the social and monetary ladder, Purple decided to take to the gambling tables, in order to replace the riches that her family ended up losing. From there, the shy scion learned about her talent for deceit, and became known by many as the Ultimate Card Shark. Ever since Myth heard about Purple’s talent, the strong-moral-compassed drummer didn’t want to tangle with anyone who lied for a living. This makes Purple one of the few Kibo-Con attendees who Myth openly dislikes, much to the dismay of the timid gambler.

——————————————————-

PERSONALITY

Drummer!Myth has a very loud voice and an equally boisterous presence, which really helps her be heard in the festivals that she regularly attends, as well as leading her oendan group/band. Despite seeming overbearing, rough, and hard-headed, once you get on her good side, you have only the most loyal and supportive friend by your side. Despite being the youngest sister in her family, she often acts like a supportive and protective older sibling to the Ultimates and Jr. Ultimates. She loves using her strength to help anybody in need, and it gave her infamy amongst her hometown, for her helpful attitude and the physical abilities to back it up. Apart from drumming, Drummer!Myth also has a love for sports (thanks to her two older siblings) and ancient history and traditions (thanks to her upbringing), and wouldn’t tolerate anybody who disses either of those things. 

—————————-——-——————-

APPEARANCE

Drummer!Myth has wild and tousled brown hair in a ponytail held by a white ribbon with a pink headband around her head. Drummer!Myth simply wears her oendan/festival wear, which consists of a sleeveless robe that’s white on the left side and blue on the right side with a special purple pattern on the bottom, and tying it all together is a pink obi. Underneath the robe are white bandages that bind her chest and black shorts. The bracelets on each of her bandage wrapped arms match her shorts and she wears white socks and geta sandals that boost up her height.

——————-————————————

I honestly have no idea why, but I decided to go for a different drummer, as opposed to the kind that Max is. I decided to take cues from the two best fictional taiko drummers I know: Saeko from Haikyuu, and Tomoe from Bandori! I hope you like this design! Let me hear your opinions on this AU!

[faint-ashen]

FaintAshen's English Morphology Class not-so-101!!!

Morphology is the study of words and their parts. Odd how morphology itself is made up of two words. It came from the German word Morphologie from the year 1817. The term morpho- means "shape" and -logy or -logie means "the study", making it the study of shapes. In a more general sense it is the study of shape, form, external structure or arrangement.

Under morphology, there is what we call Word Formation Processes - or Morphological Processes - which is a means by which new words are produced either by modification of existing words or by complete innovation, which in turn become a part of the language.

We will only be going over 9 types of word formation processes along with their meanings and examples.

AFFIXATION

The most common type of derivation is the addition of one or more affixes to a root, as in the word derivation itself. This process is called affixation, a term which covers both prefixation and suffixation. But I think I should just show instead of going on and on until someone dies from suffocation. There are three types of affixation, prefix; suffix; and circumfix.

Prefix

Characterized by placement of an operator before its operand or before its two operands if it is a binary operator.

Ex.:

/a-/theist

/ab-/normal

/anti-/biotic

/contra-/flow

/ante-/chamber

/co-/exist

/en-/case

/exo-/skeleton

/hetero-/sexual something that which I am not.

/hyper-/active

Suffix

An affix occurring at the end of a word, base, or phrase.

Ex.:

fall/-acy/ the only unethical thing I have committed.

rebutt/-al/

bore/-dom/

argu/-ment/ the only thing I'm good at, which is why I joined the debate club.

eradic/-ate/ is what I wish we could do with SARS-19 smh

awak/-en/

valor/-ize//-ise/

emotion/-al/

decis/ive/ something that which I am not.

effort/-less/

Circumfix

A prefix and a suffix attached to a root or stem, as the a and -ing in a-going.

Ex.:

/il-/legal/-ly/

/i-/mortal/-ity/

/im-/mobil/-ity/

/un-/imagin/-able/

/un-/account/-able/

/im-/practic/-able-

/in-/different/-ly/

/in-/exact/-ly/

/un-/equal/-ly/

/un-/expected/-ly/

BORROWING

Is one of the most common sources of new words in English. The words formed by borrowing of words from other languages are called loanwords. At least there are no money loans.

Ex.:

English - Tagalog - Spanish

Horse - Kabayo - Caballo

Restroom - Kubeta - Cubeta

Electricity - Kuryente - Corriente

Cooking oil - Mantika - Manteca

Christmas lantern - Parol - Farol

Dish - Putahe - Potaje

Maybe - Siguro - Seguro

Shoelace - Sintas - Cinta

Of course - Siyempre - Siempre

Support - Suporta - Soportar

BLENDING

Speakers take two words and merge them based not on morpheme structure but on sound structure. The resulting words are called blends.

Ex.:

Blended Word - Root Word 1 - Root Word 2

Bash - Bat - Mash

Breathalyzer - Breath - Analyzer

Clash - Clap - Crash

Electrocute - Electricity - Execute

Emoticon - Emotion - Icon

Frienemy - Friend - Enemy

Sitcom - Situation - Comedy gosh, I love watching these

Sportscast - Sports - Broadcast

Staycation - Stay - Vacation

Workaholic - Work - Alcoholic This is me. Right now. Being an alcoholic workaholic

COMPOUNDING

Forms a word out of two or more root morphemes. The words are called compounds or compound words.

Ex.:

note + book (n + n)

blue + berry (adj. + n)

work + room (v + n)

breast + feed (n + v)

stir + fry (v + v)

high + lighg (adj. + v)

break + up (v + prep)

out + run (prep + v)

bitter + sweet (adj. + adj.)

in + to (prep + prep)

CLIPPING

A type of abbreviation of a word in which one part is 'clipped' off the rest, and the remaining word now means essentially the same thing as what the whole word means or meant.

Ex.:

/auto/mobile

/butt/ocks

/calc/ulus

/champ/ion

/photo/graph

/chem/istry

/co-op/erativ

earth/quake/

in/flu/enza

neck/tie/

ABBREVIATION

A shortened form of a written word or phrase used in place of the whole word or phrase.

Ex.:

D.I.Y. - Do It Yourself

R.S.V.P. - Répondez, s'il vous plait

C.C.C. - The Civilian Conservation Corps

C.W.A. - The Civil Works Administration

I.I.R.C. - If I recall/remember correctly

I.Q. - Ignorance Quotient

P.A. - Personal Assistant

V.P. - Vice President

E.T.A. - Estimated time of arrival

V.S. - Versus

BACKFORMATION

A shortened word created from a longer word.

Ex.:

Backformation Words - Source Words

Aviate - Aviation

Bulldoze - Bulldozer

Translate - Translation

Hazy - Haze

Snowy - Snow

Drowse - Drowsy

Injure - Injury

Resurrect - Resurrection

Scavenge - Scavenger

Destroy - Destruction

CONVERSION

Assigns an existing word to a different word class, part of speech, or syntactic category.

Ex.:

Bottled (of a liquid)

(To) Butter

(A) Must

Regular (of a person)

Final/s (in place or ranking in competition)

(To) Empty

(To) Dirty (one's self)

(To) Dry

(To score a) hit

Cheat (Turned to noun)

COINAGE

The word formation process in which a new word is created either deliberately or accidentally without using the other word formation processes and often from seemingly nothing.

Ex.:

Muggle That's us. All of us. Yeah. Yup. My letter never came.

Band-aid

Escalator

Google

Nylon

Psychedelic

Quark

Factoid

Frisbee

Linoleum

Those are only 9 of the MANY, and I mean

M A N Y

types of word formation processes, but I do hope I have expounded them well. You can still learn more with a bit of curiousity and research! And be sure to like and reblog this so that my English professor passes me this semester. Thank you all for reading and have a wonderful day, everyday!

[watching-pictures-move]

Movie Review | Mulholland Drive (Lynch, 2001)

This review contains spoilers.

David Lynch's Mulholland Drive was released in recent years by the Criterion Collection, that great home video company that's probably the OG of boutique labels, known for putting out acclaimed, significant or otherwise interesting films in really nice packages. (For some reason I had been thinking they put this out only last year until I actually looked it up. I guess my sense of time has been a little warped as of late, and as much as I'd like to tie this review into pandemic-era life, the fact is other labels have captured my attention lately, as can be evidenced by my embarrassingly large and extremely shameful Vinegar Syndrome haul from their Halfway to Black Friday sale from a few months ago.) Now, nobody in 2021 is going into this movie truly blind, but if I happened to pick up the Criterion cover and perused the back, aside from the list of special features and disc specs, you'd see the below (which I grabbed off their website):

Blonde Betty Elms (Naomi Watts) has only just arrived in Hollywood to become a movie star when she meets an enigmatic brunette with amnesia (Laura Harring). Meanwhile, as the two set off to solve the second woman’s identity, filmmaker Adam Kesher (Justin Theroux) runs into ominous trouble while casting his latest project. David Lynch’s seductive and scary vision of Los Angeles’s dream factory is one of the true masterpieces of the new millennium, a tale of love, jealousy, and revenge like no other.

Now, this is a tough movie to evoke with only a blurb, but I'd say that does a pretty respectable job. I however do not own this release. What I do own is the barebones Universal DVD that was released a few months after the movie, back when going into the movie blind would have been far more likely. This is the description on the back:

This sexy thriller has been acclaimed as one of the year's best films. Two beautiful women are caught up in a lethally twisted mystery - and ensnared in an equally dangerous web of erotic passion. "There's nothing like this baby anywhere! This sinful pleasure is a fresh triumph for Lynch, and one of the best films of the year. Visionary daring, swooning eroticism and colors that pop like a whore's lip gloss!" says Rolling Stone's Peter Travers. "See it… then see it again!" (Time Out New York)

Now, the previous description probably couldn't fully capture the movie's essence, but this one makes it sound like an erotic thriller. (Could you imagine somebody going into this thinking this was like a Gregory Dark joint? I say this having seen none of his thrillers and only his hardcore movies, although I must admit an MTV-influenced Mulholland Drive starring, say, Lois Ayres is something I find extremely intriguing.) But you know what? Good for them. Among other things, this movie, with its two all-timer sex scenes, feels like one of the last hurrahs from an era when mainstream American movies could be unabashedly horny, before we were sentenced to an endless barrage of immaculately muscular bodies in spandex (stupid sexy Flanders) somehow drained of all sex appeal (god forbid somebody pop a boner...or ladyboner, let's be egalitarian here). I apologize if I'm coming off as a little gross, but having been able to barely leave the house for practically a year and a half, watching sexy movies like this is one of the few remaining thrills at my disposal. Please, this is all I have.

Now I suppose I should say something about the movie itself, but it might be a challenge given how elusive it is in certain respects (Lynch is notoriously cagey about offering interpretations of his movies) and, as a result, how heavily it's been scrutinized over the years. No doubt any analysis I offer as to the movie's overarching meaning will come off extremely dumbassed. What I will note however, is that for whatever reason, the scene I remembered most vividly is where Justin Theroux walks in on his wife with Billy Ray Cyrus, particularly the candy pink paint he dumps on her jewellery as revenge. We've been following Theroux, a movie director, as he's been having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day, having had control over casting his lead actress taken from him, which he proceeds to process by taking a golf club to a windshield of his producers' car and then reacting as above when he finds his wife with the singer of "Achy Breaky Heart".

With his Dune having been notoriously tampered with by producers, I suspect there's a bit of Lynch's own experience in the scene with the producers, which plays like an entirely arbitrary set of rituals deciding the fate of his movie with no regard for his opinion or even basic logic. While I don't know how particular Dino DeLaurentiis was about his espresso, I did laugh. Now, taking the reading that the first two acts of the movie are a fantasy of Naomi Watts' character, who is revealed to be miserable and ridden with jealousy in the third act, the amount of time we spend with Theroux is maybe hard to justify. Is this perhaps her "revenge" on him, his romantic and professional success having been flushed away while he flounders in search of greater meaning to his arc? Aside from possible autobiographical interest, these scenes do play like a riff on the idea that everyone is the main character in their own story, and if the Watts and Laura Harring characters can be thought of as having merged or swap identities, then perhaps Theroux's arc is the remainder of that quotient. (Now, it's worth noting that aside from being insecure and arrogant, Theroux in this movie is a less stylish than the real Lynch. If Watts conjures the best version of herself in her dream, Lynch maybe doesn't want his dream avatar outshining him.)

Now why did the Cyrus scene stick with me all these years when other details had slipped? Mostly because I'd found it amusing, partly because of the extra specific image Lynch produces, and somewhat because of the casting of Billy Ray Cyrus. Now, I don't have any special relationship to the Cyrus' body of work, but Lynch's casting of him, with his distinct mix of bozo, dudebro and hunk, results in a very specific comedic effect. This is something Lynch does elsewhere in the movie, like when he has Robert Forster show up as a detective for a single scene. The Forster role is likely in part a leftover from the movie's origins as a TV pilot, but the effect is similar (albeit less comedic). Melissa George appears as a woman who may or may not be a replacement for Watts in some realm of reality. Other directors obviously cast actors for their screen presence and the audience's relationship to their career, but the way Lynch does it feels particularly pointed, as if he's reshaping them entirely into iconography. The effect is particularly sinister with the presence of Michael J. Anderson, with whom he worked previously on Twin Peaks, and Monty Montgomery as a mysterious cowboy who dangles the secret of the movie over Theroux's character.

Cowboys in movies are frequently heroic presences (see any number of westerns) and are otherwise innocuously stylish (I confess I've come dangerously close to ordering a Stetson hat and a pair of cowboy boots), but the presence of one here feels like a ripple in the movie's reality. A dreamy, brightly lit mystery set in Los Angeles should have no place for a cowboy. It ain't right. (It's worth noting that Lynch at one point copped to admiring Ronald Reagan for reminding him of a cowboy. Is this his expression of a changed opinion? I have no idea, but Lynch has never struck me as all that politically minded.) Neither is the hobo that appears behind the diner. Certainly hobos have made their homes behind diners, but this one's presence and the way Lynch produces him feel again like a ripple in the the movie's narrative. Jump scares are frequently knocked for being lazy and cheap devices to generate shocks, but the one here gets under your skin.

Now about the movie's look. This starts off like a noir, and the mystery plot on paper would lead you to think that's how the whole movie plays, but the cinematography is a lot brighter, with almost confection-like colours, than that would lead you to believe, at least during the daytime scenes. This is another element that likely comes from its TV origins, but it does give the movie a distinctly dreamlike, fantastical quality that a more overtly cinematic look, like the one Lynch used in Lost Highway a few years earlier, might not capture. This is one of the reasons I think this movie works better than that one, and there's also the fact that the amateur sleuthing that drives the bulk of the plot here serves as a more pleasing audience vantage point than the male anxieties that fuel the other film. I also would much rather hang out with Naomi Watts and Laura Harring than a charisma void like Balthazar Getty.

The manufactured warmth of the daytime scenes also results, like in Blue Velvet, in the nighttime scenes feeling like they're in a completely different setting, one which perhaps offers the key to unlocking the mystery, or at least revealing the phoniness of the movie's surfaces. I think of the evocative Club Silencio sequence, which comes as close as anything in the movie to laying its illusions bare. ("No hay banda.") But at times Lynch will throw in disarmingly childlike, inexplicable imagery, like the dancing couples against a purple screen in the opening, something that would seem tacky and amateurish elsewhere but feels oddly cohesive here. There are a number of directors whose work I admire for being "dreamlike", and putting them side by side they all feel quite distinct (you would never mistake a Lucio Fulci film for a Lynch), but they have the unifying idea of imbuing the tactile qualities of film with the truly irrational to really burrow into your subconscious. Other directors have made movies with some of the same elements as Mulholland Drive, but none have put them together in quite the same way.

[biitchofthewild]

Howdy, welcome to my sideblog.

DNF IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING APPLIES TO YOU:

Under 17, zionist/pro-isnotrael, any form of LGBTQ-phobic, exclus, transmed, believe "Queer is a slur", TERF/SWERF, anti-kink/kink critical, anti-Black Lives Matter, anti-ACAB, use religion to excuse bigotry, pedophile or support/defend pedophiles, victim blame SA/CSA survivors, turn a blind eye to predators in your community(/ies), excuse death threats/suicide bait/threats of violence, pro-"life"/anti-choice, refer to CSEM/CSAM as "C//////P" or "child p////rn, Anti-ship/Pro-harassment/Pro-censorship in fiction

(list may be added to in the future)

Basic things to know about me ->v

Name(s): Katt or Jordan, though René, Link, Grell, Harley, Mikey, and Key are also 100% acceptable

Language: English. I want to learn Korean and ASL

Nationality: American (unfortunate, I know, but it wasn’t my idea /j)

Race: Mixed. I primarily identify as Black, though I'm also part Native American (muscogee/creek and blackfoot) and white (really I'm more white than I am Native but I don't like to think about that)

Gender & Orientation: Queer (demiromantic/arospec, sex repulsed aego-pansexual gay nonbinary man); I'm Genderfluid, my pronouns are He/Him, They/Them, Xe/Xim, Kit/Kits, or literally any pronouns you see fit that aren't "she/her" or "it/its"

I am a fiction-kin. The main characters I kin at the moment are Link, Grell, Harley Quinn, Alois Trancy, Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir, and Sebastian/Glam from Metal Family. I don't believe I am these characters, but I heavily relate to them in different ways.

I AM PRO-CHOICE. If this wasn’t already made abundantly clear by my DNI/DNF, bio/description, about, or just the stuff I’ve been posting on here since, what October 2019?, this better make it obvious.

I'm a spoonie due to chronic vertigo, migraines, and possibly POTS and hEDS

I'm autistic as well as ND in other ways (not yet medically validated). I also have very low empathy (on an empathy quotient test I scored a 16.0). I use tone indicators sometimes, but if I don't and I end up coming off as mean/rude, I simply don't have the energy to mask anymore. I'm naturally pretty monotone/deadpan, even in my sense of humor, and it can and will translate into text. No, I will not apologize if your feelings get hurt.

Likes (bolded = special interest, italicized = hyperfixation): Music (especially rock, r&b, and Kpop, but I’m not picky about genre), BOTW, Animals (especially snakes), Horror, Greek mythology, Witchcraft, A:TLA, TLOK, BNHA, Beastars, The Umbrella Academy, Singing, Rapping, Dancing, Stuffed toys, Stimming, Hannibal, Sewing, Mantids, Tarantulas & Jumping spiders, Butterflies, Mermaids, Dragons, cartoons, anime, Ice cream, Cheesecake, Baking, Miraculous Ladybug, Animal Crossing (dm or send an ask off-anon for my friend code :3), MLP, LoliRock, Metal Family, medical dramas (specifically The Good Doctor, Grey's Anatomy, and House M.D.)

Dislikes: Most bugs (especially beetles), small cracks, loud noises that I can't control, broccoli

If you have any questions feel free to DM me or send me an ask off-anon so I can answer privately. Ableist bullshit will not be tolerated.

[Image ID: A gif of the character Grell Sutcliffe from the anime Black Butler/Kuroshitsuji. She is blushing, winking, and blows a kiss, making a baby pink heart appear and bounce from her hand towards the viewer, quickly moving upward. END ID]