Monday, May 3, 2010

Muse came across time for me, too

While blog hopping last week, I saw a post by Rosemary Clement-Moore on the Genreality blog about famous "All is lost moments" - you know, the moment you think: There is NO way the character can get out of this.

Reading through the suggestions, I was reminded of cliffhanger books and movies that made me think: Wow. All IS lost.

Terminator ranks near the top. I've always loved that movie, but my admiration for it strengthened when at 2008 Thrillerfest Dr. D.P. Lyle deconstructed the movie, scene by scene, calling it a prime example of a perfect thriller.

I won't get into the details here - though, the plus / minus / neutral scene ranking (based on how much kaka Sarah Conner is in) is fascinating. Dr. Lyle would argue many current thrillers would show a similar +/- chapter structure. Something to think about while tweaking my manuscript.

There's certainly other reasons to remember Terminator though. The dialogue rocks, the "oh crap!" moments are legendary, and the characters are amazing. Expecially Kyle Reese.

To echo Rosemary's sentiments: Kyle Reese ruined me for all other men.

Consider this quote from the movie:


"John Connor gave me a picture of you once. I didn't know why at the time. It was very old - torn, faded. You were young like you are now. You seemed just a little sad. I used to always wonder what you were thinking at that moment. I memorized every line, every curve. I came across time for you Sarah. I love you; I always have"

Swoon. 

In my (highly active) imagination, Kyle is over Sarah now and has come across time this week to be my muse avatar.

That's right. Be jealous.

The Book In My Bag Today: Industrial Magic, Kelley Armstrong

9 comments:

  1. Lol!

    I love 'oh crap' moments. Thanks for the blast from the past....I almost didn't recognize him. :)

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  2. I am jealous! And you're right Terminator was an awesome movie! Great post!

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  3. Donna - I always recognize him. He haunts my dreams :-) xo

    Thanks SS. I'll share though...you can pop by to look at him anytime...

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  4. Hahaha! Glad you have a new muse avatar!

    I love that movie too. I grew up on sci-fi, and Terminator was a great combo of sci-fi and action. I liked T2 as well, but there's something elemental and raw about the first one that just can't be copied.

    Nice post! And thanks for stopping by my blog today! :D

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  5. Thanks, B - You have a fun blog to stop by :-) I completely agree about your assessment for T@...it didn't quite measure up. I could watch Terminator over and over and not get bored. For, ahem, research purposes of course.

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  6. mmmm. I be so jealous. Do you loan him out ever?

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  7. After this week I'll return him yo the general muse avatar pool :-)

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  8. can you believe I didn't see terminator for the first time until a couple months ago? It was frickin awesome and I agree, coming back in time for a woman is swoon-worthy, to say the least! Great post!

    PS-You've got a little suttin suttin waiting for you on my blog;)

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  9. CQG - oooh. I like suttin suttins...heading there now!

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