Author: kellyesses

Never Forget

kellyesses 0 Comment Public Art

For so many years, I have been passing this huge mural on Avenue U and East 18th. Every time that I pass it, I am immediately drawn in by the bright blue sky depicted. However, once I turn and actually start looking at it, I remember that it’s not such a happy image. Majority of it shows the destruction and chaos of September 11th, 2001, with a main focus on hope for a better future.

As I’ve gotten older, this artwork has become more and more meaningful to me as I have grown more mature and more able to understand what is depicted. However, I fear that the more time passes, the less likely we are to “never forget.” The newer generations may feel less and less connected to the event. I hope that this painting will last much longer and perhaps provide local children with something that brings this piece of history into their daily lives, and therefore connect them more to what happened as it has for me.

On the painting, we see all kinds of heroes working together to raise a damaged American flag. This can be seen as clear symbolism. The flag represents America, and the damage to it can be viewed as the devastation caused by the terrorism and loss of so many heroes who died on that day. The flag is being lifted up out of the wreckage to stand tall again just as America as a country is going to find a way to stay strong and move on while still remembering everyone and everything from that day.

At first glance, the bottom right portion of the image appears to display three people crying and holding hands to comfort one another. This would make sense as the painting is a tribute to so many lost lives. However, upon further inspection, it seems that they are actually covering their mouths and noses to protect themselves from inhaling the smoke or debris. This seems to emphasize the harm caused by the terrorists on 9/11 and how people are still being affected by the aftermath.

The mural was spray painted by artist, Joe Indart. He uses contrasting colors such as the bright blue sky and the dull gray demolished buildings. This will have the strongest impact on its viewers during the day in the sunlight. This way, the vibrant colors can be seen clearly, and all of the details, including the butterfly, and the rescue dog, are more pronounced.

This piece of public art also contains a quote from the national anthem, “Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.” This line is encouraging and motivational. Despite the terrorism that has occurred, we are still standing strong. We are still a nation that will work together to raise our flag. Ultimately the artist’s purpose in creating this mural is written clearly on the top right corner. We must “never forget” the lives lost, and what occurred on this tragic day.

This public artwork was sponsored by local businesses, mentioned on the bottom left corner, including a pork store, a pharmacy, and G.B. Cares, a local nonprofit group and is dedicated to all the lives lost on September 11th, 2001.

Bruce Almighty

kellyesses 4 Comments Film Reviews

Jim Carrey is hilarious in his role as Bruce Nolan in the 2003 comedy film “Bruce Almighty,” written by Steve Oedekerk, Steve Koren, and Mark O’keefe, and directed by well-known comedy writer, director and author, Tom Shadyac. Self-centered Bruce is hit with one misfortune after the next, and when he does not get his dream job of evening news anchorman he angrily accuses God, who is portrayed by Morgan Freeman, claiming, “The only one around here not doing his job is you!” When Bruce finally meets God, in His multiple roles, (janitor and electrician) God explains that it is not as easy as Bruce thinks to keep everyone happy. Freeman excellently depicts a friendly, warm, and funny God who decides to give Bruce the power to take on the role of God and do anything he wants, and this is when things get really crazy. From trying to impress his girlfriend Grace, played by Jenifer Aniston, by bringing the moon closer, to messing with his hotshot, and more successful coworker, Evan, played by Steve Carell, Bruce takes advantage of his newfound powers, goes wild and fulfills his every desire. When he realizes he hasn’t done any good for anyone other than himself, he grants everyone just about anything they pray for without even a second thought about the greater good.

While this is a great movie if you are in the mood for some fun and laughs, there are a few scenes which are quite vulgar and may be offensive to some. For example, he plants drugs in his competitor’s news van, uses his powers to lift a woman’s dress up and to pleasure his girlfriend, gets his dog to urinate in the toilet, and often yells at and undermines God. Further, some may find Bruce’s goofy personality a bit overdone at times, such as when he can’t control his jealousy and makes Evan sound like a high-pitched idiot on live TV. Overall, however, the film is light, funny, and entertaining.

Alongside the silliness, the film addresses the religious belief in an omnipotent God. Is God really in charge of our lives, do we have free will and choice or is it both? As Bruce experiments with his newfound abilities he is told that one major rule is that he cannot infringe upon any person’s free will. In time, Bruce discovers that it’s pretty hard to grant everyone’s wish while still allowing them this free will. When his girlfriend leaves him, he cries out to God, “I want you to decide what’s right for me. I surrender to your will!” He soon realizes that things don’t work that way and that he is responsible for his own actions. At one point he asks God “How do you make someone love you without affecting free will,” and God’s answer is “Welcome to my world son.” Bruce’s relationship with God is often full of anger and discontent, however, it is honest and candid, and full of unconditional love, even if one-sided for most of the movie.

Loving and caring for others is another religious, central theme. Bruce eventually comes to realize that by indulging himself he has done nothing to improve the world. By the end of the movie, Bruce is no longer a selfish, pleasure-seeker. His concern for others is heartwarming, such as when he finishes up a photo album for his girlfriend, and finally congratulates Evan on his success. With various references to and quotations from the bible, such as, “and let there be light,” “and God saw it was good,” and the splitting of the red soup, this movie dangles religious ideas around, while still remaining a light, humorous and easy watch.

I highly recommend this movie as it is full of humorous wit, while still leaving the audience with much to think about in terms of philosophy and religion. It uses a great approach as it delves into a deep topic in a lighthearted, comical way.