My horoscope (Virgo) for June 5th reads, “Take a long walk after dinner and watch the stars. You may find that there is something important that they have to say.”
I had not yet left for Newport when I read my horoscope but looked forward to viewing the opening night film at the Newport International Film Festival, “In The Shadow Of The Moon,” sure it would present all the star and space matter necessary to make me think, even if the walk from Yesterday's to the Jane Pickens consisted of less than a hop, skip and jump.
The film chronicles, through present-day interviews and breathtaking NASA footage, the American men who first walked on the moon. They are older now, obviously, reflective, and fascinating. Little did I know, cheesy as it sounds, that the brightest stars of which my horoscope spoke would be some of our greatest American heroes. They share for the first time in such glorious detail their lunar and terrestrial experiences and let viewers see what it means to live on this planet by leaving it behind however briefly.
I am tempted to write about the space shuttle as phallus – man’s desire to penetrate the great unknown with his big, er, rocket. But watching “In The Shadow Of The Moon” forces even me to take the high road. It is a beautiful, informative, evocative film that makes one feel an olden-days patriotic swelling in one’s chest where recent history may make one’s heart cave in on itself. The film encourages one, subtly, of course, to dust off that tiny American flag we all hold inside and yearn for a time when everyone, it seemed, regardless of home country, watched with bated breath and believed that shy, well-spoken American actually was taking one giant leap for mankind.
“In The Shadow Of The Moon” reminds me of one the greatest qualities possessed by our American men (and perhaps men everywhere – director David Sington is British, after all,): The desire and confidence to try something so seemingly ridiculous that it just might work (not that women aren't also capable of literal flights of fancy, we would just more often than not say, "Moon, schmoon. Take out the garbage"). And because of focus, ingenuity and support (and funding), men like Mike Collins (the audience and my favorite in the film), Buzz Aldrin, Edgar Mitchell and others have made history and can share the oft-religious experience of being somewhere that one can watch the earth rise.
The opening night film and party for the Newport International Film Festival are a great success. Do not get me started about the phallic centerpieces at the Colony House this evening, meant, no doubt, to represent, however loosely, an “In The Shadow Of The Moon” theme and the sexual imperialism I've decided not to write about. We are talking a huge white ball on top of a black cylinder on every table. But then maybe I read too much into things (or I am too Freudian). The additional white paper lanterns overhead, however, also suggest (more appropriately) a shadow-of-the-moon feel.
Colony House wants to put its moons over your hammy.
No matter, of course – Pravda Vodka keeps it flowing so that all who are left are willing to sing and dance along to the classic rock cover “band.”
Couple cuts nonexistent rug whilst Newport’s most popular columnist, Jim Gillis, looks on. That is you, Jim, right? Like I said, Pravda kept it flowing so I’m just not sure, though I think I recognize the dashing figure you cut.
On that note… I will write more tomorrow, lest I further break down the doubtlessly well-meaning decorations and what they suggest about guests going gently into that good night (nudge, nudge) but it's just too late in the evening (um, morning) for a girl to successfully quote Yeats.
I’m interested, though, to hear what other people think about “In The Shadow Of The Moon,” fresh, the next day, or days after. Who is your favorite astronaut? Why? Does the film make you feel patriotic again?
Don't tread on she: Becky Pineo of Zipcar is sure to be in orbit after tasting a tiny tomato and mozzarella rocketship of flavor, the color of seven stripes of the American flag.
2 comments:
It was interesting that the filmmakers decided not to pursue modern cult assertions and investigate the conspiracy theories regarding whether NASA ever really landed on the moon.
As for you concerns regarding the overt sexual imperialism of phallic rockets, how does the feminist concern propose space travel? Just what would vaginal celestial exploration look like?
Well, anonymous, that's a great question! (And you're making me blush, just a little). I like to think that space is the vagina! When one is the great unknown one... well... let's just keep that a mystery.
As per the filmmakers deciding not to pursue modern cult assertions - they do! Remember? One of "the guys" posits why, if they faked it, would they have faked it six times?
Also - if the moon landing is fake, those "astronauts" today are the best actors I've ever seen.
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