Orlando

Film director Sally Potter, and actor Tilda Swinton, joined forces 18 years ago and created one of my favorite films of all time.

Orlando is a film based on Virginia Woolf's book of the same name. The film is about a character who changes genders and lives through four centuries.

The film is being re-released and I want to revisit the experience. I'm eager to see what new insight I might gain by reconnecting with a work of art with my new 18 years-older eyes.

If Orlando is not being shown in your hood, please rent the DVD. This film has beauty that will nourish your mind, eyes, and soul.

There is a wonderful interview with Sally and Tilda at the Village Voice website.

"Changing is precisely what Swinton worked hard to avoid when her male character wakes up a woman. "Transformation is not about changing," she laughs. "It's about a sustainable spirit." Or, in Potter's equally heady words: "[It's] looking for a state of being-ness through time and space and genders." As Orlando herself says while looking into the camera: "Same person, no difference at all. Just a different sex."

Click here to check it out.

Cruising The Aisles at Walmart - Revised

I saw this pic and was inspired to write a fictional tale, based on real-life behaviors. While writing this tale, I recalled a comment made during HRC's Equality Forward online chat. It was pointed out that down-low men come in many colors and ages.

(All said in whispered tones)

Mr. Daisy Dukes: Well, that's why we have it out of town. I understand your...

Mr. Wrangler: You do understand? Dontcha? I'm a deacon at my church for chrissake. And, if word ever got out. Lord almighty, the hell I would catch.

Mr. Daisy Dukes: I know, I know!

Mr. Wrangler: I gots grandkids.

Mr. Daisy Dukes: Got three myself. Little angels and I spoil them rottin'. Hey, pal look we got members with a life no different from yours. I give you my solemn word, and you ask folks they tell you my word means something, we protect our members privacy. Three years running a no one's wife or family is any the wiser.

Mr. Wrangler: Is that right? In three years no one caught?(strokes chin)

Mr. Daisy Dukes: Two towns over, in a wetback neighborhood. Who you gonna run into? I tell you who, no one you know.

Mr. Wrangler: What about if at the motel room, I see a familiar face.

Mr. Daisy Dukes: Well, buddy, you both there for the same thing. (smirks and laughs)

Mr. Wrangler: (laughs) Yup, you right about that. Can't argue with ya there. (laughs)

Mr. Daisy Dukes: (puts hand on hip) Come on out and meet up with the fellas. You'll fit right in, don't have to do anything you don't want to do.

Mr. Wrangler: So how it works again?

Mr. Daisy Dukes: Saturday, 3:00 pm, Capri Motel off of exit 9. You pull into the parking lot, look for the white Ford Explorer, on the windshield will be a paper with the room number. Bring a towel. We don't want to call room service and ask for a bunch of towels. Won't look right and raise suspicion. Oh and don't forget our modest $5 cover, need to pay for some expenses for the party. (winks)
(Both men shake hands)

Mr. Wrangler: Well, alright then. I'll let you get to it. Oh, and by the way, be careful when you put your foot on the bottom of the cart. Your balls slip out of the side of your shorts.

Mr. Daisy Dukes: (smirks) I know!
(Both men nod and walk in opposite directions)

BTW I shared my thoughts on down-low living in a previous post. Click here for that rant-with-a-purpose.



Image courtesy of peopleofwalmart.com