Alice in Wonderland -a movie vs book review

Posted: July 18, 2017

Listening to records and cassettes was luckily part of my childhood.  I remember raiding my mother’s collection occasionally, to find something good to listen to and one of those times I found a tape that changed my life.

It was called, “Lewis Carroll Soundshow, Through the Looking-Glass and Alice in Wonderland,” featuring Joan Greenwood as Alice.

Immediately the talented voice acting attracted my attention, but the words themselves opened my heart to a world I never knew before.  With the simple plot of a young girl named Alice steadily moving through an extraordinary place meeting off the wall characters, Lewis Carroll has been able to capture audiences of all ages for generations.  Listening to these tapes let me see that it could be fun to write, fun to read, and fun to imagine.

After I memorized most of the poems and conversations I heard from the tapes, I declared myself an expert in all things Carroll.  I received a beautiful pop-up book for a birthday present, purchased any TV/movie version I could find, and bought a complete collection of Lewis Carroll’s works.

I wouldn’t say I know every little personal detail about Carroll’s life, but I know enough to understand why he wrote the way he did.  He was socially awkward with people his own age and controversially at ease with young children, mostly girls.  He would often write whimsical letters back and forth to children that were friends of the family.  Critics today judge him harshly for odd photographs he took of them which he considered art.  His mind was unlike others of his time and this gave us the classics we know and love today.

I highly suggest everyone to pick up any one of Carroll’s books and dive right in.  (Everyone is different so one might enjoy Sylvie and Bruno.  I did not because since the author loved math, he used this work to display his abilities and frankly I found it boring compared to all the other wild adventures he wrote.)

Highly Suggested Poems to Read:

The Hunting of a Snark

The Pig Tale

Beautiful Soup

Father William

The Walrus and the Carpenter

Jabberwocky

To fully understand Carroll’s most famous works about Alice one must understand that two books were written just for her: Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking-glass.  The biggest shame, as a fan of the books, is watching giant movie makers, like DISNEY, butcher the entire story from start to finish.  The first book, Alice in Wonderland is all about playing cards and the second, Through the Looking-glass, is all about chess.  I recently had to explain to a friend that there were in fact four queens mentioned in the books.  The Queen of Hearts (a “playing card” character) is the most memorable, but the most pleasant is the White Queen (a “chess piece” character) who later turns into a sheep that sells merchandise at odd prices.

Favorite Characters from the Alice Books:

The White Knight

Humpty Dumpty

Cheshire Cat

Tweedle Dum

Tweedle Dee

I will briefly touch on the Disney cartoon version from 1951.  Yes, the movie is a classic and children will be able to remember it the rest of their lives, but it was a disappointment.  Most viewers agree that it was very fun to watch, but in the end when Alice loses her way and she starts to meet a group of very strange birds and creatures the movie takes a weird turn.  I am proud to announce that in fact that part of the movie is not ever once mentioned in the books.  Alice never complains about losing her way and feeling lost.  She never meets any birds like the ones that Disney took the liberty to create.  Very brash on the cartoonist’s part to try and create creatures of their own when the books are filled with so many to pick from.  It’s like trying to make a beautiful bouquet of real flowers and deciding to throw in a few fake ones.  It doesn’t make sense.  Yes, I did enjoy the 1951 version, but also wished Disney would have stayed truer to the books.

As for the 2010 and 2016 versions that recently have been released starring Johnny Depp, I cringe in despair.  I did enjoy the second one a little bit better, mainly because I became use to the creative liberties they took.

The main problem I had with the movies is how they lumped all the characters together.  In the books Alice meets them all one by one and none of them meet each other nor ever mention another.  The only character that sort of knows what is going on and has an omniscient awareness is the Cheshire Cat.  I will give credit to the artists that developed the smiling feline in the newer movies.  They nailed it.  The smile was perfect and his transitions from visible and invisible states was astounding.

I do understand that the movies meant for Alice to be grown up and that she misunderstood what she saw as a child, so that gave them free reign to change things the way they pleased.  Watching a big-headed Queen of Hearts storm around the screen was enjoyable, but watching a silly idea about a prophecy needing to be fulfilled by a slain Jabberwocky was annoying.  It is sad that to fill a theatre for a classic tale, the movie makers felt they had to include a battle scene including flames and chaos.

In conclusion, if you want a quick look into Carroll’s works and don’t want to get to know the amazing characters he created, then consider the new movies.  If you instead want to debate an egg, talk with flowers, and become a queen at the end, READ the books.  You won’t regret it!

-Beck

(Maybe you can decide which book is better, for I believe Through the Looking-glass is the best!)

With a unique voice Joan Greenwood played Alice unlike any before or after.

How to Survive a Murder Mystery

Posted: 6/14/17

“Over my dead body!”

Imagine you find yourself living in your favorite genre: MURDER!  What are you going to do to survive?  There are two ways to be killed in a murder mystery.  Either you are the victim of murder or you are the murderer which ultimately is caught and executed for justice sake.  Here are some ways to avoid a date with death.

If You are the Murderer

Avoid the Sleuth-  For some reason murders like to hang around and chitchat with the sleuth.  With bloated egos, they truly believe they have pulled to wool over an investigator’s eyes.  An excellent example of this scenario is found in the show Columbo.  It is enjoyable to watch how shocked the character becomes when they realize that Columbo was on to them… the entire time.

It is intriguing because most viewers know what people are really like: overly confident.  It is in a sense enjoyable to watch a coldhearted killer be tricked and caught.  The best solution in escaping the noose is to stay clear of the detective.

Be Smart-  Nothing can ruin your day like a botched-up murder.  Most killings happen in the heat of the moment insuring the 100% probability of being caught.  The premeditated murders have a much higher chance of surviving.  85% of the time they will be caught, but that 15% chance of getting away with murder is more likely on your side if you have carefully plotted and successfully executed your plan.

Don’t Have a Motive-  Most murderers can’t help their actions due to their motives behind the killing.  If you keep a pure heart and clear conscience towards everyone you meet, you have no reason to be on the suspect list.

 Nice Guys Finish Last-  It is a sad fact, but a lot of characters commit the dastardly sin to justify a wrong doing in their eyes.  I can’t count the number of times I have heard a character say, “Well… they had it coming.”  Yes, the viewers/readers might have wanted the victim dead, but that often leads to a reserved seat on the electric chair.  Keep that “Raskolnikov mentality” in check!

 If You are the Innocent

                Don’t Be a Jerk-  If you walk around stepping on toes, stealing livelihoods, or are just being plain old nasty, watch your back!  Nine times out of ten, the character that is giving everyone problems will be the one that becomes violently expired.

                Keep Your Nose Down-  Being witness to something you should never have seen, whether it be another murder or possibly a steamy love affair, is a sure-fire guarantee of death.  The murderer will want to tie up any loose ends.  Minding your own business and keeping your eyes on your own problems is the best way to staying alive.

                Be Friends with the Sleuth, NOT a Friend of a Friend-  If you know a detective or a citizen that randomly solves crimes become attached to their hip.  By doing so, you are allowing yourself to become a key role.  This is the only way.  Be very cautious if a friend starts a conversation stating, “Oh my detective friend is coming into town.  He is working on a case.”  In these circumstances, it is best to just leave town for the next forty minutes (the time it takes for a sleuth to figure out “who-dun-it”).  If you do not take these precautions, be prepared to become a suspect, guilty or not.

Location, Location, Location-  If you have the habit of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, you will most likely not survive a murder mystery.  Avoid these following areas: dark alleys, the top of staircases, abandoned workplaces, empty houses or lake houses, forests, lonely roads, trains, large mansions or castles, theatres, public demonstrations, or any questionable establishments.  If you are alone in one of these places and you hear eerie music in the background, you might end up with gloved fingers around your neck.

Don’t Change Your Will-  Now granted not everyone can help accumulating wealth.  In the best scenario, keep your original decisions on how you divide your estate the same.  If you decided to change things, it most likely be the last decision you make.  A disgruntled family member will always, always, always seek revenge or try and find a way to expedite their future.

                Don’t Involve Yourself in a Bribe-  Say you find out a secret, the best thing you can do is avoid the person at all costs and never ever threaten them with your knowledge.  Yes, it is a powerful thing to know someone’s dark past.  You could make quite a lot of money or take the upper hand in a situation.  You are dancing with fire.  Eventually your victim will make you their victim.

                Don’t Fall in Love-  Some lovers will make it out of murder mysteries alive, but most will not.  A love triangle is the biggest no-no.  Simply stay a hermit and do not make googly eyes at anyone.

Lack Talent, Wealth, and Secrets-  The more valuable you are, the more likely you will fall victim to a killer.  The worse you could do is become ridiculously rich, practice science in your spare time, and make a new discovery that could change the world.  That kind of behavior is like sticking a note on your back that says, “Insert knife here!”  Best to stay poor, stupid, and don’t let others tell you their secrets.

These simple tips should help you last through the first half of any murder mystery.  Just one more thing… it is all very elementary if you use your little gray cells.

-beck

I'm Back!

Posted: 6/12/17

I will begin by stating how thankful I am to everyone who reads my blog.  I want to thank you for your patience and the time you take to read.

Life is a funny thing, and to all my fellow creators, you must know how it can throw your creativity for a loop.  Hard times can fall upon us.  How we react to these funny situations that life puts us into makes all the difference.  It lets us see how we can improve and how we can change for the better.

For a while I have been put under a strain, most of the pressure was placed there by myself.  Having a creative brain can do that sometimes… creates problems that aren’t really there.  So, whether I caused it or not, I was at a very bad place.

I’m not going to reveal any details, only that it is all over and my soul is feeling much better.

It does sadden me that almost a whole year has gone to waste.  I am not as far as I would like to be in most of my work.  The problem with life hitting low blows is that it takes away the chance for amazing possibilities.  Luckily for you, my delightful readers, I have not stopped thinking.

When a writer stops thinking, that is a tragedy.

So, with a notepad or scrap of paper always near, I have jotted down several great ideas.  Mostly for this blog.

Except one idea, which is still in the working gears of my mind, I would like to share.  It is no secret to my friends that I absolutely love murder mystery.  This love of criminal activity as fueled my brain to develop my very own murder mystery series.  Again, I will not go into much detail.  I plan on self-publishing a few short works along my way, and supply my readers with a teaser here and there.

As for the blog, I will be as faithful as I can, publishing short stories, series in all areas of life, reviews, and much more.  Sundays will have no posts.

I will be entering a new decade in my life this year.  I have learned so much and have much more to discover.

Join me as I explore writing, creating, stories, and all the world.

-beck

Currently on Leave

Not to worry, I have been taking a short sabbatical.  I will return in the middle of June.  Please look forward to reading in a couple short months.
Thank you.

A Bit of Unfair Luck - Part V

Posted: February 6, 2017

Part V

The dark-haired man pushed her aside and quickly assessed the problem.

“Put out your arm!”  he yelled.

Jo obeyed, tears forming in her eyes.

Before she could resist, the man ripped the sleeve from her shirt.  He wrapped it firmly around Tom’s bleeding leg and tied a tight knot.  He rushed quickly to grab a box or pieces of debris and place them underneath to elevate the severe cut.  Jo froze in her spot watching through watery eyes.

“You might have just killed the fat man,” was all that Jo heard as she watched blood flow down the sand at her feet.  She did not bother to move from the staining liquid.

She tried to speak, to make some kind of an explanation, but her mouth refused to work.  Her mortified mind remained confused at the entire situation.  Humiliation and guilt washed over her.

The man saw her pitiful expression and assured her, “Listen, he probably wasn’t gonna make it anyway.  You just gave him an easy way out.  Hold his hand, and make sure he isn’t alone when he dies.”

The man left her to face her victim.  Jo felt a little relief from his words, but still felt agony from causing the death of Tom.

Jo knelt alongside of the dying man and tried her best to give words of comfort, “Tom, I didn’t mean to kill you.  I’m sorry.  The man said you would have probably died anyway.  Is there anything I can do to make you comfortable?  Anything, just tell me.”

Tom barely moved.  He took a few small breaths.  Jo leaned in to hear him whisper lightly, “Water.”

She lifted her head back up to see him motionless, looking pale and ugly.  Jo immediately smelled an awful stench and moved away quickly to escape him.

This felt different compared to the already two dead bodies she previously flipped over.  She watched this once alive man die before her eyes.  She felt strange and distant.  She stood staring at the body for a few minutes.

The man yelled, interrupted her from the trance, “Keep checking those bodies!  Try not to kill any more of them!”

-Beck

https://www.facebook.com/suzannebeckintheopen/

A Bit of Unfair Luck - Part IV

Posted: February 6, 2017

Part IV

Once she found herself alone, facing the possibly dead child, Jo mustered up all her strength.  With her left arm, she reached around his back, then with her right arm, she scooped underneath his legs.  Surprised by the simplicity, she lifted his tiny limp body up to her.  Jo stepped carefully and looked ahead at the morose row to see where he would fit in.

She found a spot next to a woman who wore a black dress suit.  Jo did not take notice of the severe gash on the woman’s head, she only saw the details of the outfit.  This woman was possibly a reporter, or maybe a business owner.

It did not feel right.  A motherly looking woman was needed to look after him, dead or alive.  She moved on to find another spot for the boy.

Jo walked along the feet of the her once fellow passengers.  Stopping at each one, examining if they seemed fit enough to “watch” over the boy.  Breathing or breathless, all remained motionless in Jo’s eyes.

She examined each then found a woman in a pink top and a pair of jeans.  Another small child lay close by, and Jo rested the boy between the two.

Remembering what the man told her, Jo quickly found medical supplies, which she began quickly ripping open.  This task on any other day might prove to be difficult.  Her stomach might not have been able to handle the blood and torn flesh.  Today, her mind allowed her to simplify everything.  She found herself confident enough to play doctor on all the patients laying before her.

One by one she proceeded down the row.  The first two bodies felt cold, even for the hot beach.  Not the temperature you would expect to feel when you touch another’s skin.  She listened for any heartbeats.  None.  Jo felt for a pulse.  None.  Lastly, she listened for any breath coming from their mouths.  Nothing.

Jo, with nothing to cover up their dead faces, only thought to roll them over on their stomachs, as a mark they had passed.

The third passenger in the row had a heartbeat.  Jo wished the man dead, so she might not be put to the test.  The overweight man’s arm held close to his body, and one foot, which had lost its shoe, looked completely crushed.  Jo took a deep breath and took control of the situation.

“Hello, sir?  Can you hear me?”

The man groaned in pain.

“My name is Joey.  What is your name?  Can you tell me your name?”

“Tom,” the man whispered.

“Ok, Tom.  I know you are in pain.  You have been in a plane crash.  We all have.  I need you to answer me.”

“Ok.”

Jo wanted to walk away, to run away.  She continued, “It looks like your arm and foot are broken.  Is there anything else that hurts?”

“My leg, the back of my leg,” Tom spoke, every word weakening.  He pointed to his right leg with his eyes.

Jo lifted the leg and found a chunk of metal wedged right above the back of his knee.  She instantly looked up at Tom.  Her eyes gave it away.

“Ok, Tom.  I’ve got to remove that.”

He shook his head.

“It’s ok.  It will only hurt for a moment.”

She rose to grab a few supplies from the box and returned to start the grueling task.  After she set up everything needed, she propped up his leg.

“Ok, on the count of three.  One, two, three!”

She yanked on the metal piece as hard as she could.  Jo heard the noise it made as it slipped from its spot.  She felt as if she was cutting into a piece of meat.

An uncontrollable amount of blood poured from the wound she opened.  She grabbed all the bandages and pressed it firmly to the hole.  The young woman underestimated everything and began to question her actions.  Jo even thought about putting the metal back in its found spot to plug up the damage.

From behind her she heard, “What have you done?  He will bleed to death!”

-Beck

https://www.facebook.com/suzannebeckintheopen/

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas!

Today is the 24th of December in the year 2016.
I want to wish everyone the best holiday season and a Happy New Year.

As we are about to start a new year, I just wanted to give a little message of encouragement.  For those who know me personally, will know that I love making New Year's resolutions.  A favorite of mine is quitting soda.  I made it all the way to August in 2016!
For 2017, I'm still debating with myself on what I'm going to try changing and improving on.  Primarily the focus will be on writing and how I can get myself noticed and accepted by a good publishing company.  Other areas I might make some resolutions on will be physical, spiritual, and mental. (Coving all the bases, so to speak)
The wonderful thing about the New Year is the start over.  Of course anyone can make changes at anytime during the year, but there is something special about starting out fresh on the first of January.  Maybe it is the artist side, but I tend to get sentimental during this time.  I look back on the year, whether it played out good or bad.  It gives me the proper perspective as I look ahead.
So if you stay awake on the 31st to ring in the new year or decided to get a good night rest for the first day of 2017, think back on the past year and be excited on all the possibilities the future brings.
Thank you for reading!

-beck