The Real John Davidson

I am over two score and ten in years, meaning my eyesight and attention span are not as good as they once were. Subtitles are a challenge to your physical and mental capacities and besides the challenge, they do offer other benefits.

One of the best reasons to watch subtitled movies is that they can be entertaining. It is a competitive world and to get your attention takes a lot of creative effort. Hollywood recognizes talent wherever it is available and bought much of it globally. Writers, directors, actors, cinematographers, composers, set designers, etc. etc. Perhaps the bottom line might be sex appeal which is found on all habitable continents.

Genius and intelligence is spaced globally. Much film innovation come from foreign countries and is adopted by Hollywood. Often foreign countries develop unique plots that Hollywood gobbles up.

The world is a big place. You are urged to spread your retirement investments around to protect your limited resources. The world in fact has intruded often very subtlety into your mind. Almost everything you know came from somewhere else with much of it so long ago you are totally unconscious of it. One Facebook post recalled was about some right wing parents upset that their children would be learning Arabic numbers not realizing that is what most of the world relies on. Others love Mexican or Chinese food despite their antipathy to their foreign origins.

Mark Twain once said "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness." Travel with personal contact is better, but it takes both time and money whereas you can travel the world much quicker and cheaper on film.

When you watch a subtitled film you will first notice differences. Some of the differences may eventually (or even sooner) strike you as worthy of thought, although some will seem weird or even disgusting. A second thing you will notice if you spend enough time is the similarities. We think we are unique (and we are) and in fact are at the centre of the world (and we are in a sense), but in fact everyone faces the same problems--to survive, to maintain self worth and to find love. There are obstacles everywhere, one of which is ignorance.

One of the early film pioneers, Herman G Weinberg got involved with foreign films brought to the United States by re arranging German symphony music for string quartets. When talking pictures became more common, many foreign films became inaccessible. In a bit of a learning process Herman subtitled over 300 movies. With a subtitled German film the non Germans were upset that they were not understanding a joke as the German speakers were all laughing.

Talking pictures minimized need for subtitles, except foreign films would be identified as foreign and the main way to overcome language differences was with dubbing which was very expensive and time consuming. One advantage of dubbing is it requires less effort from the viewer, but you will experience a slight cognitive dissonance. The voice may not match the body you see. Each language has a cadence that affects how we move our lips and put words together, so it doesn't sound quite right..

After World War II European nations became concerned about American culture overwhelming their own so they encouraged the film industry to tell their story. So there has always been a bit of a culture war with English being dominant. But we all are enriched and more understanding when we are aware of different cultural perspectives.

Below are some subtitled movies that opened my mind a little. Enjoyable satisfying

"A Separation" (2011) won best foreign film Oscar.with Roger Ebert declaring it was the best picture, period. Asghar Farhadi, the director/writer recounted his reception when flown back home after receiving his Oscar. The Iranian government attempted to restrict the crowd, but the population gathered in huge numbers along the route.

The central problem was understandable as the parents were split over their concerns for their daughter needing a better education (out of country) and of the husband's father with dementia. Tension is boosted with some well executed twists. The lead actor, Payman Maadi later appeared in an American film as an intelligent Arab terrorist prisoner. Asghar is in demand and has been involved with films in European countries. and won another Oscar.

Censorship is a concern in countries like Iran and another film maker who has defied censorship efforts is Jafar Panihi has done films while under house arrest.
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/10/my-three-persian-experiences.html

"Leviathan" (2014) showed a different part of Russia than we are used to. It was set in the Arctic and involved a familiar theme, political corruption, but at the municipal level. American composer Philip Glass wrote the background score. The director/ writer, Andrey Zvyagintsev has done a number of provocative films involving social issues. This film was nominated for Oscar best foreign film.

Read more on Russian films including their contribution to film editing
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2017/08/russian-movies.html

"After the Wedding" (2006) from Denmark and one of my top favorite films of all time. films was nominated Oscar best foreign film. An interesting twist makes this film memorable, but also deals with global social issues. The director/writer, Susanne Bier has been involved with American films. The lead actor, Mads Mikkelsen has gone onto films in other European countries as well as America as well as lead for popular American television series.

Read more about Mads Mikkelsen: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/05/mads-mikkelsen-helping-denmark.html

Germany has a long film history with many actors, writers, directors migrating to the United States and Britain. Of course in the 20th century they instigated World II and the Holocaust which have been major themes in films. What does Germany have to say about their past crimes? They have many films explaining (not praising) their involvement in both the war and Holocaust. They have actually gotten involved with supporting the Israeli film industry.

Director/writer/producer Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck has done a number of historical films including winning Oscar best foreign film with "The Lives of Others" (2006) on the East Germany subjugation. More recently "Never Look Away" (2018) covering the Nazi era and the liberation of East Germany from the viewpoint of an artist. It depicts the racist attitude of some people in power positions and afterwards artistic commemoration of the horrors.

One of the actors, Sebastian Koch has appealed in English speaking tv series like "Homeland" (2015-16) and "The Name of the Rose" (2019) and films like "Bridge of Spies" (2015).

"Glove" (2011), shows a love of baseball shared with North Americans. Koreans have been making inroads into Major League Baseball. Asians also have adopted it and love it. They also have prima donna players including professionals. Based on a true story there is a twist on typical sports movies and is very well done.

Korea is a global hotspot, an upcoming economic power and a successful cultural invader. Recently "Parasite" (2019) won 4 Oscars including best picture. For more on Korean films: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/04/a-slice-of-korean-cinema.html I have found many Korean films and even tv mini series worth blogging about.

Paraguay is a small land-locked country in South America and not a big splash anywhere. Any films are likely to have small budgets and dependent on foreign experience. "7 Boxes" (2012) is a very simple movie, but manages to use suspense and humour effectively. A Spanish speaking country, also manages to convey awareness that Guarani is spoken by citizens.

Chile is a bigger Spanish speaking country with more film resources. "A Fantastic Woman" (2017), took on a controversial theme, namely that trans genders are humans deserving of dignity. Originally director/writer Sebastian Lelio talked with transgender, Daniela Vega as a consultant, but decided she should play the lead, a role which turned out to be a very good choice. This film went on to win an Oscar. Sebastian directed Natalie Portman to an Oscar nomination in "Jackie'"(2016). Another very interesting film from Chile was "No" (2012) about a constitutional referendum against dictator Pinochet.

Spanish is the third most popular spoken language in the world and encompasses dozens of countries with their own unique stories. Check out: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/07/hispanic-cinema-spans-globe.html

Americans might be familiar with the Richard Gere remake, "Shall We Dance" 2004) of the original Japanese film of 1996. It used the same script by the Japanese writer Masayuki Suo. Part of the strength was about the supposed shyness of Japanese people and how husbands sometimes hide their passions from their wives. Shyness is not unique to Japan. Competitive Ballroom dancing is the vehicle to tell the story.

Check out more on Japanese cinema including their contribution to filming copied globally http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2015/03/japanese-movies-are-more-than-godzilla.html

"Mothers of Mine " (2005) was a Finnish movie with Swedish partner The theme really was the attachment of children to their mother. A little bit of history unknown to many. Finland was attacked by Russia during World War II and received German defenders. Children were sent to neutral Sweden breaking up many families that were in most cases brought back together. War distorts human relationships and none is more basic than that between mother and child.

Sexual consent has been an issue in North America for awhile, but still not quite settled. India has a long history of male chauvinism, but this film would ring bells with North Americans. It is one of the best I have seen on this subject anywhere. The ending is very dramatic and appropriate. Check http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2016/11/pink-sensitive-film-to-deal-with-consent.html

Most people feel a revulsion around severely handicapped people, but someone has to deal with them. This film is about a man who had abandoned his child and later dragged back when his wife in her turn abandoned the child and she was rejected by his family. She was spastic and drooled, but the viewer will see her as human. The movie also brings in a transgender who is able to put the family together. This film in Tamil was the top rated film from India and not a Bollywood blockbuster. This was one of my favorite movies of this year. http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2020/03/peranbu-top-film-out-of-india.html

China is a major rising economy, but its films are perceived to be propaganda. Actually the two main Chinese languages, Cantonese and Mandarin (as well as some others) are spread around many different countries with many different political systems. China has produced a lot of unique martial art films that many westerners enjoy. Also they have a number of creative film makers that sometimes are able to get around the censor. On top of that they do deal with relationships in and out of political contexts that are worth studying. "In Love We Trust" (2008) deals with the formerly one child rule. This movie uses an unusual set of circumstances to illustrate some marital tensions. It was my favorite movie a few years back. To understand the tension check out: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2018/08/in-love-we-trust-is-movie-title-with.html

It is true that Chinese censors can distort reality and you will have to be careful to avoid being sucked in. Still it is important to understand what the Chinese people are watching and forming their opinions from. They have an influence even on American films. In the film "Gravity" (2013) won 7 Oscar awards plus two nominations, but in the studio's desire to make money in the lucrative Chinese market they misled the public. The dilemma in the movie was supposedly originated by Russians causing an explosion in outer space, but in reality China is the only nation to deliberately cause such an explosion. The movie also had the Chinese eventually rescuing the American stranded astronaut played by Sandra Bullock. In reality it is only the Russians that are set up to accomplish that.

Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore offer different perspectives that are often of high quality. Ang Lee, well respected in America has done interesting movies in Taiwan. United States and other countries have their own Chinese films not easily accessible to casual film goers.
Learn more at:
http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2014/08/chinese-cinema-is-peek-into-their_1.html

I am not claiming every foreign movie is superior to every English language movie. NO, not by a long shot. Many nations, especially those relatively poor cannot attract the necessary investment and along with that have difficulty to develop their own experienced film crews. Often those interested in a country with few opportunities will go to a foreign country for both training and experience. With Hollywood and Europe grabbing promising prospects, poor countries lose talent before they can develop it. Fortunately often the talented film people will go back home and foreign talent can be bought under the right circumstances..

Another problem in every country is that it often more profitable to cater to the "peanut gallery" meaning those seeking violence and/or, sex in its simplest forms.

Everyone wants to portray themselves as commendable and normally castigate their enemies and critics. Look at your own culture and seek alternative perspectives. The truth is probably somewhere in between. Don't worry that you will be bored with foreign films. Be selective and check out the many possibilities as you already do for the more familiar movies.

We all take a lot for granted. Up until my retirement I was free to roam and I did my fair share. Now I am stuck. Most of you are in the same boat. I have lived over half my life in Hamilton and at various times had traveled over almost all of it for various jobs, taking kids to events, shopping, visiting friends, relatives and going out. A city changes and one forgets. Originally one motive for writing blogs was to remember. There is a comfort to appreciating the good times and the beauty in life.

Some interesting murals.

Spotted this on Barton St at the office of the John Howard Society. It is by local artist, Conrad Furey who I only got to appreciate after his death.

this one of the left is actually on the second story

There are people on both sides of the border who want to get back to normal. Donald Trump has it in his twisted mind that his best chance to get re-elected is to get the economy running again. He takes credit for how well it was before, while in fact he was already screwing it. He has confessed that more testing reveals how bad things are and doesn't quite appreciate how useful a tool it is. Reports are starting about countries that have relaxed some of the guidelines and are experiencing a re-surgence.

Signs of Support for Front Line Workers

some helpful person gave the Leonardo
Sciascia statue as mask.

The stock market reacted strongly when Moderna was given credit for a promising Covid-19 vaccine, but the rise was reversed quickly when it was learned some inside executives had quickly sold their shares. The assumption was they knew something negative. Although that might be true, it might also be true they wanted or even needed a quick profit for their own reasons. The stock market is subject to manipulation by those who know something the rest of us don't. Personally it seems like the stock market is way over priced right now partly because many people are assuming we will be back to normal soon. Other people want to keep it up for political reasons. Medical predictions indicate we are likely to have a second wave which could be worse than what we have experienced to date. Many humans are already tired on restrictions and are reading too much into slight improvements.

The many churches offer an interesting diversity of architecture and ethnicity.

This is the church I was married in. St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Greek Orthodox.

Mosque on York Blvd.

Everybody has to eat and Hamilton offers a wide variety of restaurants to choose from

Hamilton City Hall has some interesting statues.

Gandhi who has long fascinated me: http://www.therealjohndavidson.com/2012/08/gandhi-life-long-fascination.html

Ukrainian settlers to Canada.

Worker Safety

Right across from City Hall and at the back end of the Art Gallery of Hamilton is the Irving Zucker Square where a visitor can look at some sculptures.

My daughter Heather helped connect me to Seniors without Walls. You phone in and participate in some activities with other seniors. I have joined two offshoots that are more conversational and stimulating. They have partnered with the Hamilton Library and that has led me to read a few books that were recommended. Reading is something that I have let slide to in spurts, but during the shutdown I am habitually reading more and enjoying it.

As a tribute to all the front line workers the Snowbirds were sent out to demonstrate over many Canadian cities. My wife, Sharon actually took this shot from our house. This was just a few days before a fatal crash.