So I was thinking today...and I came to the conclusion that I am learning more now living in my isolated little dream world, where all I seemingly do is sit around and read Murakami (I'm currently finishing up Kafka on the Shore and then I'll be halfway through his novels...hey, I'm taking my time) and listen to Laurie Anderson albums (seriously, Big Science is one of my favorite things ever created) and eat shelled edamame with cholula, than I ever learned in college.  My mind feels like it's going to burst from all the awesome stimulation (caused by Mr. Murakami and Ms. Anderson, not so much the edamame...unless it's especially clever), but I don't want it to ever ever stop.  And seriously, it's all so moving and beautiful, I can almost see why that weird ol' Wes Bentley was so moved by that stupid flying sack all those years ago in American Beauty (I was almost overcome by emotion driving home from work today because all these leaves were blowing around and I was listening to "O Superman" and everything just seemed really lovely...lame, right?  Ah well, I guess).  This must be what it feels like to be in a cult (the sweet-ass cult of Murakami and Anderson!  Oh yeah!).

And speaking of Andersons, go see The Darjeeling Limited if you haven't (though the theatre experience might be slightly annoying because you'll probably have to deal with those baffling people that are both choads and Wes Anderson fans, which doesn't seem like it should be possible...but whatever, x doesn't equal x in this instance I guess).  It didn't overtake my devout favoritism of Rushmore, and honestly, I don't believe anything can, but it was probably my third favorite Wes film (and I say that begrudgingly and with doubt because occasionally I resent The Royal Tenenbaums for being too perfect...I mean, it's like his masterpiece and yet I'm more drawn to Rushmore and possibly even Darjeeling.  I don't know why though...maybe I just like a few flaws every now and then you know?).  I liked it more than Bottle Rocket and The Life Aquatic (which has definitely grown on me over time...I remember seeing it in the theatre and being kind of disappointed but I can't really say why now.  I think it had to do with Noah Baumbach and my past problems with him...which was unfair and he completely blew me away with The Squid and the Whale.  Lesson:  people can change and become infinitely more talented over time, and Sarah is one flawed chica.  Who knew?  Oh yeah...you).  But yeah, it was weird watching Darjeeling because I've had huge crushes on all three guys in the past (first Jason, then Owen, then Adrien) and I wasn't sure who would win my affection in this...but you know what?  I adore them and think I just see them all as best friends more than boyfriends now.  So they all won my platonic love, I guess (lame, eh?  Yup).  But hell, if you want to see the epitome of handsomeness on film, look no further than Mr. Brody in this.  He's a true beauty, he is.

And if you see no other film this year, see This Is England.  I believe it is closely linked with my Murakami and Anderson cult experience.  It's amazing that Half Nelson came out last year and then this came out this year and they're two of maybe the ten best films I've ever seen...and this could be an exaggeration, but I totally don't think it is.

Oh, and you should see Grindhouse too (I'm pissed that they split the films up because the theatre experience was absolutely incredible and perhaps the most fun I've ever had at the movies...but you should still see both Death Proof and Planet Terror.  They were both brilliant in their own unique ways and I just watched the Death Proof DVD and it was expanded and such so I was a little less pissed about them being separated...but I'm also still holding out hope that they'll release them together on DVD at some point.  It's how they were meant to be, you know?).  Come on, surely you can make room for three movies (so it's technically four now, but who's counting?).

And yeah, I'm gonna go sleep now and dream of pretty things.  You better too.