This past week has been, in a single word, crazy. Not only was work incredibly busy and one night I actually had to stay until 6:40 to get through all my e-mail, but with my manager out of office for a business trip on Thursday and Friday - we had to work through some major testing failures on our own, which is always a trip when the manager's out!
I did get a chance to go see Black Swan with Chris this week, though. Fantastic movie, really. I took some time and read reviews after the movie and was surprised to learn there was so much hatred for the movie. Many people called it contrived, and noted that although the acting was excellent (doesn't that usually make half the movie!?!?), you could tell that Natalie Portman wasn't completely skilled in ballet. Um, what? Were we honestly seeing the same movie?
First off, Natalie Portman trained in ballet for 8 years while younger, and then recently started up, so she does have the training. She fooled most people, anyway, since many mentioned how fantastic her dancing was, including my former-ballet star senior manager. Second, the acting was absolutely fantastic. Originally, the script was meant to capture the nuances of stage productions, but it was changed to ballet upon Aranofsky's request. I think this gave an opportunity to throw everyone out of their element and gave Mila Kunis a great opportunity to give a grittier side of the role. Also, to say that the characters weren't developed enough is part of the story, in my opinion. We're meant to be thrown into the middle of the action of Portman's life, and Mila is one new addition that she doesn't understand and doesn't take the time to do, either. The entire movie is played out so we can see everyone's actions and reactions, but we're really just seeing what Portman sees. We're inside her mind, living out the life she's made for herself, including her interactions with others. Truly, this is a psychological thriller at its finest.
And yes, I agree that the lesbian sex scene was a little graphic. But, we were, to iterate, inside of Portman's mind, and who's mind isn't graphic? And even though I'm not specifically attracted to women, I have to admit it was a great pairing, and still more great acting on both sides.
So, see it if you get a chance. :) It's not a movie I would purchase, or necessarily pay for to see again, but the first time around was great, and really made you think. I would also recommend some of Aranofsky's other films, if you haven't had a chance to see them. Pi is a little mindbender, but definitely worth a watch. Requiem for a Dream is probably one of my favorite movies, since it is another psychological thriller with a focus on what drugs can do to the mind and society. Finally, The Fountain is a beautiful, subtle film, depending on the severity of the physical illness to shine through the gorgeous soundtrack and colorful landscapes the actors are thrown in. I first saw this movie in China, so maybe that was part of its allure, but really it's one of my favorites. I haven't seen The Wrestler yet, but I've heard it's excellent, so it might have to make the Netflix list eventually.
In other news, I had a "get-to-know-you" status at the Northern Campus location of my employer (this is what we call them, truly), in Brooklyn Park, MN. I found out that there are a couple of positions open in on area that I'm extremely interested in, Global Compliance. The role is focused on relationships with vendors and helping them ensure they are always following political, governmental and internally-negotiated rules and regulations. I've spoken to my manager about this, and although I've only been with the company now 9 months, she thinks that she can work with our divisional manager to get the go-ahead for me to apply to this other position. Mostly because there's a potential there wouldn't be any openings for about 2 years if I waited...
So while this might be a small wrench in the NY plan, that can still be a goal. Chris isn't 100% sure on his future with his employer yet, so we'll need to discuss. Plus a move like this could be really good for me, if offered the position. We'll see, we'll see.
Off to Zumba fitness with Chris, finally play more WoW (after a 4 day hiatus, can you believe it?), and potentially go out to dinner with a friend. Beautiful days call for relaxation.
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