Welcome to your life, as a walking, unscripted film. Yes, the convention of imagining one's life as a movie is trite in this media-saturated culture. Any preening hipsters on Rodeo Drive can attest to the fatuous belief that we are all the star of our own movie. Perhaps this is true, after all we can only know consciousness from within, looking out. We can only presuppose the consciousness of others, much like presupposing the reality -- how every briefly -- of the actors on the screen.
by NelsonPellew
Welcome to your life, as a walking, unscripted film. Yes, the convention of imagining one's life as a movie is trite in this media-saturated culture. Any preening hipsters on Rodeo Drive can attest to the fatuous belief that we are all the star of our own movie. Perhaps this is true, after all we can only know consciousness from within, looking out. We can only presuppose the consciousness of others, much like presupposing the reality -- how every briefly -- of the actors on the screen.
The ubiquitous nature of cinematic language means, by definition, that we all speak it. We have appropriated a host of cinematic terms to "frame" our lives. We live life "in slow motion" or "press rewind." We want to "fast forward" through the boring parts and live in the "limelight." Of course some of these terms originated with the theater, but what is film but theater filmed for the screen?
This, perhaps, is why indulging in a parlor game that recasts a beloved film you're your friends and loved ones as the heroes and heroines is so appealing. Companies, like Yoostar and others, have developed the software to make this flight of fancy a reality. How would you fair in a turn as Rick Blaine in Casablanca? That's Humphrey Bogart's role, for the uninitiated.
Roughly four centuries ago, the Playwright put it best when he said, life's a stage and we are but players. This certainly must be the case as we are compulsively preoccupied with the very private lives of celebrities -- it seems some people's stage are meant for multiple viewings. Now, of course, the term "celebrity" pertains, by and large, to actors. For such a low profession, it seems to enjoy the lion's share of media coverage. We seldom crave to know the private lives of investment bankers -- unless, of course, they're embroiled in some kind of scandal.
Take comfort in the fact your next soiree will not lack for a nifty parlor game. To be sure, you and your closest companions and cohorts can tap into your deepest desire to be famous and project yourself into a film clip. Keep in mind, as you stumble through your lines and giggle your screen tip with Ingrid Bergman away, that life is a stage, and you put a player, playing the part of another player, played by yet one more player.
About the Author:
There is nothing left for a curmudgeon like myself to say, save "Good show, Yoostar! You have delighted dozens of my beloved friends and family members!" Spot on.
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