This is a look back to: March 23, 2005 ~

During our travels to California last week, we were amazed at how much people are dependent on cell phones. Everywhere people were talking on the phones. As soon as they got off of the plane. In the plane right up to the time that the announcement said to turn them off. In restaurants. Of course, driving. I know in Texas the situation is the same but everyone getting off of a plane was on the phone. Everyone! Even young, young, like 10 years old young kids had phones.

Today while eating in a restaurant (Schlotzsky's Deli - one of my favorite sandwiches and now they have added free wireless in many locations!!) there was an older man over 60 who made a phone call after he finished eating. What made me grin was that he called a woman, probably his wife that he's been married to for 40 years, and didn't say anything. Only that he was eating and going back to work. Nothing urgent. No news of anything that happened to him since he last talked or saw her. So why did he call? Did he just want to be one of the crowd and make a call in public? Just makes one wonder.

On to the Script ~ Today's scene, back in act one, was an "additional" scene that I went back to add. I had the thought for it during the night. It's needed and I like the writing of it but the protagonist has no reaction in the scene. Granted, this is the first draft of the scene. I will go back and add subtext, etc. I was surprised that the whole scene revolved around the antagonist. The antagonist is introduced in this scene but he shouldn't take over. I know where I need to add her reactions and actions so I guess that's a good reason to call this the "first draft" of the scene.

Last night we watched "Van Helsing." I remember this movie getting the movie bomb rating but I don't remember why. For a horror/fantasy/superhero type movie, it had great graphics, lots of action and a little sexual tension thrown in (of course). There was one time when they did break the rules of their world. I can't remember now which rule but I noticed it. Of course Mike said, "It's only a movie." Then of course my response, "They aren't supposed to break the rules of the world they create." Maybe that's one of the reasons this movie got the bomb rating?

The worst part of the movie was the 130 minutes! Over two hours. By the time the ending finally came around, I was too tired (10:45pm ~ late for one that is up at 5am to write!) to watch the extra parts they add to the DVD. The deleted scenes, director and/or writer explaining why they changed scenes or what was happening at the time, etc. Very interesting and enlightening when you are writing a screenplay!

When we finally bought a DVD player, that was the main reason I relented to stop renting VHS. Of course, we bought a DVD/VHS dual player. I would rather not have to replace my many workout videos.

More later...