John I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the film, especially the concept that the master is not the one setting forth the rules/traditions. Interesting to note that most of the rules are not explained to Songlian by the master; but, rather, by the servants. It is as if the rules live outside of the individual people involved. I agree that the title "Master" is, in this case, misleading. The third wife's room: In listening to your thoughts I couldn't help but remember when Songlian told her, "Your room is a stage." How true.
Hi John, Fabulous, not just the technology, which is of course great, but also--and most importantly--the thoughts on this fabulous film. You mentioned the "Foucault" review, which I, like yourself, really like for the most part. But there was comment in that that really struck me. The reviewer writes,
"So Chen orders young bean sprouts from the kitchen. It's a cruel joke, but unmistakeable - bean sprouts are unearthed and cooked just as the plant has begun to break free of its seed. Hence they are killed at a young age - fixed in immaturity forever, or at least until they are devoured."
Now, call me crazy, and I love films like this that are full of symbolism, but either I really missed something or I think perhaps this reviewer may be reading something into it that's not really there or intended?!? Maybe not, but I wondered what you and others thought.
On another of your points, as you note the master too is constrained by social mores that certainly would not have allowed him to marry the servant Yanier--although she can dream, surely, can't she?!?--but nothing, of course, stops him from fooling around with her! The guy has four wives and he's messing around with the servant! Of course, that was very, very common without a doubt in China, as well as Europe and just about anywhere else for that matter. Just some additional thoughts for consideration. Jeff
John...i wish i could tell u how much u influenced my life...i miss you my friend and it hurts that u never take the time to look ME up or at least gave me a call when i gave your parents my number...congratulations on your marriage and your baby--see, i knew the hermit would turn into a provider someday--i just thought i'd get to hear it from you. sarahtfool@yahoo.com
3 comments:
John
I really enjoyed listening to your thoughts on the film, especially the concept that the master is not the one setting forth the rules/traditions. Interesting to note that most of the rules are not explained to Songlian by the master; but, rather, by the servants. It is as if the rules live outside of the individual people involved. I agree that the title "Master" is, in this case, misleading.
The third wife's room: In listening to your thoughts I couldn't help but remember when Songlian told her, "Your room is a stage." How true.
Hi John,
Fabulous, not just the technology, which is of course great, but also--and most importantly--the thoughts on this fabulous film. You mentioned the "Foucault" review, which I, like yourself, really like for the most part. But there was comment in that that really struck me. The reviewer writes,
"So Chen orders young bean sprouts from the kitchen. It's a cruel joke, but unmistakeable - bean sprouts are unearthed and cooked just as the plant has begun to break free of its seed. Hence they are killed at a young age - fixed in immaturity forever, or at least until they are devoured."
Now, call me crazy, and I love films like this that are full of symbolism, but either I really missed something or I think perhaps this reviewer may be reading something into it that's not really there or intended?!? Maybe not, but I wondered what you and others thought.
On another of your points, as you note the master too is constrained by social mores that certainly would not have allowed him to marry the servant Yanier--although she can dream, surely, can't she?!?--but nothing, of course, stops him from fooling around with her! The guy has four wives and he's messing around with the servant! Of course, that was very, very common without a doubt in China, as well as Europe and just about anywhere else for that matter. Just some additional thoughts for consideration. Jeff
John...i wish i could tell u how much u influenced my life...i miss you my friend and it hurts that u never take the time to look ME up or at least gave me a call when i gave your parents my number...congratulations on your marriage and your baby--see, i knew the hermit would turn into a provider someday--i just thought i'd get to hear it from you. sarahtfool@yahoo.com
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