Avalon

Scoop

Sunday, October 01, 2006

I haven't watched a show that combines good acting, a charming cast, humourous lines and a good story plot for quite a long time. Compliments to Woody Allen, as the quirky magician who never fails to awe the crowd (not those he performs to in the show but those watching the movie) and set off a chain reaction of laughter during his appearances. (the lady sitting behind me definitely enjoyed herself alot because her high-pitched laughter really added quite a bit of entertainment to the already entertaining scriptlines)

Hugh Jackman did a fine job acting as someone without adamantium claws and a primitive personality, but the refined english gentleman. Scarlett Johansson doesn't lose out to him either in terms of stealing the show, but makes her acting seeps in naturally through subtle emotions and minor details. No longer just the pretty face like that in "The Island", I think she really gave the show a run for the money, though I don't know if it's the camera angle, the lighting or the clothes she dons but some scenes do seem unflattering to her. In conclusion, a good movie that shouldn't be missed.

I spent my past week immersed in Freud's world and I am truly fascinated. Although reading through "Civilisations and its discontents" reminded me strongly of studying for GP back then, there was so much to take in I had to stop and close the book at times to let things settle down first before continuing. The mental journey is quite arduous but enlightening. I especially liked his main point, about how the "death drive" lies within every human, only to be suppressed by the super ego and the sense of guilt within him, thereby disarming the primitive aggression that lives in him, as a measure adopted by civilisation to cope with the discontents it faces, a kind of check and balance, and that finally, Eros (the life instinct) is forever engaged in a struggle against the Thanatos (the death drive).

Some might say Freud is psychotic, or that he does suffer from mental illness. Maybe that's true, but that shouldn't and doesn't undermine his brilliance. I did hear from someone that psychologists or experts in this field do become mentally ill over time. Sometimes I don't even understand what mentally ill means. Does thinking differently from the masses or achieving a certain level of awakening that sets you apart from the community warrant an accusation of being mentally ill? Now you know why hermits exist.

Envoy of the Stars @ 1:19 AM
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