Let's All Go to the Lobby!

Yesterday I was fortunate enough to be able to attend an advance screening of the French film "Persepolis." I had hoped to catch the film when it played at the last festival, but work got in the way. It was definitely worth the wait. The film uses a simple form of animation, but it strongly brings Marjane Satrapi's art to life. The film is imaginative, compelling, and will hopefully win the Oscar for best animated film.

When I got back to the office, I was saddened to learn that Heath Ledger had died. I am very excited for his performance as the Joker, but knowing that he was one of Kara's favorite actors (and crushes) made the situation somewhat surreal. Part of the reason I liked him as an actor so much comes from Kara's love of him. She definitely helped changed my mind about "A Knight's Tale." Of Ledger's films I have watched, I always enjoyed his work, from "10 Things I Hate About You," to "Brokeback Mountain," to "Candy." It will be bittersweet to take in his performance as the Joker and to think of all the hacks who are out there muddling up the silver screen while Ledger, who always delivered an engaging, entertaining, or profound performance, had yet to really reach his peak as an actor.