If You Think So

It's so hot in Melbourne at the moment. All my Sydney friends said I wouldn't get a tan spending a summer down here. Everyone in Melbourne is obsessed with the weather. You can hardly have a conversation with the dude at the local shop with out an 'it’s gonna be 35 tomorrow, should all be going to the beach'. And what beach? I ask.

As I am now a converted Melbourner, I'm glad to tell you it will be 43 on Sunday and everyone is planning inside activities to get out of the heat. I find it really funny but in a town where you literally can have four seasons in one day I guess it's good to be prepared.

When I watched the Golden Globes the other night I was reminded ever so slightly of the passion that made me want to be a filmmaker. It was in Ang Lee's acceptance speech for Brokeback Mountain that he said that in the making of this film he was glad to be reminded why he made films, in the hope to change the way people think. Ever so idealistic, it still struck a chord. If someone at his level hasn't become jaded about the power of film, there is hope for us yet.

One night recently over a few bottles of red with my uncle we got talking about why I did film and he pretty much told me that my attempts in the film world would prove futile as there is not an audience out there wanting to be confronted with reality in film. He believes that people got to films to be entertained. He obviously hasn't been to any film festivals at ACMI recently, but as part of a mainstream audience I found his opinion interesting to say the least. It got me thinking a lot about who we make art for and why. Is it for an 'educated' elite (be it in film, academia, literature etc) who bring their acquired knowledge to their viewing of the works? If so can this be in any way productive in the dispersion of knowledge and art? Or do we make art for ourselves, and release it into the world urging the audience to do with it what they please?

Hmm, I guess I've got alot to ponder.

On a brighter note, Hon and I are getting haircuts today (I know you're excited). Stay posted for pics.