Movies: V for Vendetta

A futuristic sci-fi movie, setup in an all-powerful and authoritarian Britain. The movie starts with a action sequence which reminds of mask of zorro, after which V (yes, thats the name) starts the barrage of words starting with a V (v for vapid!). As the story unfolds, V (Hugo Weaving, agent Smith from Matrix) declares his intent to liberate Britain. V himself has quite a disturbing past, and many a scores to settle.

Natalie Portman (Evey) is rescued and sheltered by V, and her parents had fought the same battle. Evey seems to discover herself, through the course of events, and associates with the cause. The chemistry between Evey and V is quite intriguing.

But for the big screens used by the chancellor and the mention that 2014 is history, not much seems futuristic. V’s mask, and his chief weapon (sword!) seem old-fashioned.

V for Vendetta keeps a brisk pace, and the plot is gripping. Some sequences like the prison term, are theatrical marvels, and leave a distinct impression of the directorial acumen. I would recommend carrying much more brains to the movie than you did for Daredevil.

The length of the movie would be one for the discussion. I have watched many a Spielberg movies and wondered if they are too long. But movies like Schindler's List deserve the whole three hours and more. At 2 hrs and 12 minutes, V for Vendetta seems a touch too long, for the plot's a touch weak, a touch lacking in meat.

While the category is still movies; I can't get over the fact that a movie as good as Munich, won so little at the Oscars.

Philosophy: Home alone

[Given that all my news blogs seem to stay as drafts, I have decided to write this one *LIVE*, i.e. I click "Publish Post", instead of "Save as Draft"]

Friday was an exciting day. I started a stint of staying alone. Having only done it back in India, when my folks were out for a week or so, staying alone by myself was sort of a big deal. It started ok really, with the first thing I did was to clean, almost at a frantic pace. I did a pretty decent job, I thought. The problem with cleaning is that it is not something you do once, and forget. You do it over and over again. Problem is there are way too many such things. How does the poor mind get its stimulation in the drowning noise of a vacuum cleaner?

My philosophy when it comes to good food is mostly "anything that fills". However it doesn't suit the stomach, or the wallet to eat outside all the time. So I have to cook, and it’s an ordeal from start. Its not so much the cooking, but how much time and energy it takes. And hours later, one has to do it all over again. So have stuffed the refrigerator with the frozen food.

The productivity takes a boost, with no distractions. Having to do a million things is the painful part. Feel old, going shopping with a shopping list. Hope it will boost my organizational skills.

The main advantages are the flexibility, and lack of noise. I don't mean noise in a bad way, but any sound that is not mine. However, sometimes the noise is so much within the head, that the outside factors are an excuse. Staying alone basically ensures, that it always goes your way, if that’s always a good thing, I am not sure of. The ordeal of locating the lost TV remote is an example.

Just finished my first weekend alone.

Phone, internet, TV all connect. When are we really alone? Compared to Tom Hanks in Cast away, my life is a party. Over the course of the week I did not have dinner on three nights. My say the staying alone is coming to an end on 12th March.