Posts Tagged ‘Rolling Stones’
Classic Clips: Blow
(Photo compliments of Wikipedia.)
Okay so I know Blow probably can’t be classified as a “classic” yet, but it is one heck of a good movie. At least our generation thinks so! I re-watched it for the first time in a long time the other night, though I’ve probably seen parts of this movie 100 times.
In high school it was the go-to movie to put on at parties or gatherings when no one was really necessarily following the film intently, but needed a good background. It created for a cool atmosphere with awesome cinematography a killer soundtrack, hot actors/actresses and crazy party scenes.
The soundtrack was also an UNREAL background necessity that, despite people’s music interests, got just about anyone fired up to party in college.
There are so many great scenes put to classic tunes in this film that it’s hard to pick one.
The scene in which Johnny Depp, decked out in the coolest all white outfit of the time complete with gold sunglasses, walks through the airport with a suitcase full of millions to “Black Betty” is pretty memorable. Johnny Depp has that walk down to perfection. In that moment he appears so untouchable. Who wouldn’t want to be him?
However, the winning scene in my mind is the opening. Best use of a Rolling Stones song in any film in my opinion, though there are definitely some good Martin Scorsese films that use Stones tracks pretty darn well too.
This scene is so American yet so Columbian at the same time. It’s a combination of the classic American rock ‘n’ roll song being played while we are given the behind the scenes making of a drug in Columbia. It’s a perfect introduction of the film. The nitty gritty behind the scenes and the glamourous ”rock star” lifestyle soundtrack.
Looking back at the film now I don’t think of it as “cool” and “inspiring” as I did at the naive age of 16, but rather really sad. It is based on a true story. A story where a lot of peoples lives were ruined.
Reminds me of the Eagles song “Life in the Fast Lane”. One of the ONLY Eagles songs I like and I’ll proudly admit it.
The end quote perfectly delivered by Depp sums it up pretty well:
“So in the end, was it worth it? Jesus Christ. How irreparably changed my life has become. It’s always the last day of summer and I’ve been left out in the cold with no door to get back in. I’ll grant you I’ve had more than my share of poignant moments. Life passes most people by while they’re making grand plans for it. Throughout my lifetime, I’ve left pieces of my heart here and there. And now, there’s almost not enough to stay alive. But I force a smile, knowing that my ambition far exceeded my talent. There are no more white horses or pretty ladies at my door.”
Favorite Foto Friday
In loving memory…
Today’s photo is one that represents a celebration of a birthday and of the Red Sox home opener!
Back in 1986, on April 12th, the world was given the gift of my dear friend, Dan. Unfortunately, his time here was short and he died unexpectedly back in 2007 just after his 21st birthday.
I do not share this photo lightly or wish to burden whoever views today’s photo, but, instead, display it in memory of his life as an inspiration. To live simply. To live kindly. To live wholeheartedly. These are things Dan did every day seamlessly effortlessly.
This picture is from a lifetime ago. I think I was a sophomore or junior in high school. This is no longer me and no longer him, but for a while, this was all we knew. I love this photo because it represents the happiness we found in each others friendship. Despite the rough times RDHS often had to offer, we were genuinely happy here. We had our friends to get us through.
I loved Dan’s Doors t-shirt. It was my favorite and I always joked that I would steal it one day. He was a true, old school rock ‘n’ roll lover and I almost always think of him whenever “Gimme Shelter” blares (because- duh- it’s the Rolling Stone’s- it’s definitely always blaring).
He also loved the Red Sox. I remember pestering Dan endlessly as he patiently watched the games (this was pre-2004 World Series mind you) me not being able to sit still and wanting to go cause a ruckus somewhere in Owls Head.
There were most certainly some bad memories that we shared from high school too, but I can’t seem to remember them any more. Dan is always remembered in my mind, my heart and my soul as a true blue midcoast Mainer. He worked hard and played harder, and he ALWAYS had my back. He was a true friend and is dearly missed by many, myself included.
I share this photo today in honor of his birthday and his love for the Red Sox, but also as a reminder to believe in what you do. Dan almost always did. That’s not an easy task by any means. If you don’t wholeheartedly believe in what you’re doing, question whether or not you should be and remember there is still time to change and what better a time for new beginnings then spring!?
