Eighties movies

(written on ipod touch, so perhaps with stupid typos!)

In the mood recently to re-watch some 80s movies , and in paticular the classic action Schwarzeneggers like the Terminator and The Running Man - great fun!

Apart from the nostalgia factor (brings back memories of particular times watching it, and that lovely carefree teenage feeling of settling down to a good movie in splendid isolation), there definitely is a distinctive character to movies from that era: all dystopia but tinged with humour, a judge dread view of the future. While don't realise these things when actually grow up during them, looking back now with an awareness of the sparse seventies which came before, the 80s, despite having it's own problems, was a unique time of change and potential.

This is probably best manifested in the profusion of gadgets and gizmosn that started to appear then. As illustrated in the BBC programme "electric dreams" it was in the 80s that not only electronic devices started to multiply, but, more importantly, it was then that they began to spread into recreational rather than just functional areas. It was I think the growth of "consumer" devices that highlighted and possibly fuelled the "consumerist" flurry of the 80s. Personal and for consumption, together with seemingly infinite technological potential- does this not capture the mood of that decade? Me, Mine, and Machines- an intoxicating spirit that was a fertile foundation for both the trends that eulogised and espoused the time and those that commented and reacted more crtitically to it.

So watching those movies brought back some of that feeling, although, as for all reminisces, with a touch of poignancy. For some reasons the fantastic visions of lethal game shows and domineering computers doesn't have the same grip nowadays. Maybe it's just that it's been done so much it's all passe to us, but maybe too our world outlook has changed. The one hand a lot of 80s fears have dissipated- nuclear war, technology gone mad, etc.- and we perhaps have now simpler (but still sombering) threats, but which are much more of a reality : climate change, world recession, random terrorist attacks etc.; however, now that I list these things I see they are dangers which I as a lucky westerner am probably relatively less exposed to, and from that viewpoint can't compare to something like hearing one rapidly arming nuclear power refer to another as an "evil empire". As the documentary 1983, Brink of the apocalypse showed, global annihilation was such a present risk it could be sparked by accident as much as by design. And maybe too I'm getting older and more sobre and settled, not needing or entertaining the thrill of a warped future. Either way, while the 80s were an exciting time, but in general, for my class at least, things are probably better now.

Still however always good to relive the 80s dreams, or , in the secluded comfort of my living room, it's nightmares :-)

Inception

Got the chance to see Inception in English when was in Nuernberg. Enjoyed it-but didn't find it as confusing as had been led to believe! Think once accepted a few (admittedly bizarre) premises then fitted together quite nicely; although seemed to rush the end a bit and some of filling in the gaps required there.

Actually was so on guard for a Shutter Island type flip-around that when there wasn't one (despite being hinted at,the top symbolizing reality was definitely wobbling into normality) it seemed reasonable enough in comparison! Slightly unnerving to see scenes of suicide as "going back home" given recent events though; especially since there's something surreal and dreamlike anyway about travelling alone and participating in an 'event',even one as minor as going to a cinema. Hard to express but there's something about the way one is forced to focus on oneself when in a strange yet social environment, and when don't have the normal handy distraction of a quick mobile surf(since roaming)! Also go to cinema so rarely it evokes some nostalgic memories ,especially one with old fashioned decor (not your usual cineplex but only one showing movie in English!).

Actually every time I see a movie in Nuremberg it's a bit surreal after. Last time came out from a viking 3D movie to the moon rising over the castle walls ,this time came out to a desolate stop by the cemetary just in time to see the little oasis of light that was the tram rattle away like the something from a Bergman film. Maybe just not used to quiet parts of cities at night-always a bit freaky!