(from Kathleen Givens on 6/30/09)
We’ve been talking a lot about death far too much lately, all of us. Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon, Billy Mays, have all captured the news media attention, and we, willing or not, have had to think about the final check out. I was already weary of it all, so it was with trepidation that I watched “The Bucket List” tonight. I needn’t have worried.
Rob Reiner, as usual, directed a gem of a movie, brilliantly acted by Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman. As wonderful as the acting and directing was, it was the writing that captured me. The smooth transitions between laughter and tears that so impressed me. Isn’t it odd that so few screenplay writers become famous, when it is their thoughts and words that move us? So tonight I am singing the praises of Justin Zackham. Thank you for a wonderful time. I can’t wait to see what you do next.
It’s also a gentle reminder that life is short, that friendship is precious, and that we need to tell those we love that we love them. So here’s to eating dessert first and being courageous. I love you, man.
Sherri continues the discussion:
Transitions. Smooth transitions in The Bucket List impressed Kathleen. The ability to go right from a moment of profound inspiration to straight nuts and bolts business without jarring the reader (as I just did- wham) shows true skill. When done right, we don’t usually even notice things like scene transitions or emotional transitions but Kath watched movies as she read, with a writer’s eye. What worked? What can I take from this to improve my own writing? I’m not really sure how I’ve been making those transitions (not well in this case, but it’s no time to get choked up. Again). But now I’m thinking about it, and I’m going to have to watch The Bucket List to see what Kath meant.
How do you make smooth transitions? Do you have a Bucket List? Have you crossed some major things off it?
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
USA Today! WOOOOO HOOOO!!!! Too cool Sherri!
My list is in my head — have had it forever. But really there aren’t too many things left undone. In fact, there’s really only one big thing left. A trip to Greece. Ever since reading the Moon-Spinners I’ve wanted to go. But the timing has never been right — so it’s still there on the list –waiting for me.
I think the best things in life aren’t really planned — they’re the things that catch you by surprise. The moments when life grabs hold of you and makes you laugh or smile. Okay — that’s as deep as I can get on a Thursday morning. (actually afternoon).
I agree with that one, Dee. I’ve stumbled upon things that I would never have imagined for me, so I stopped creating stuff.
And I can’t believe you haven’t been to Greece!
Congrats on the USA today articles. That is very exciting! I can’t wait to read your book.
It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the Bucket List so I don’t remember the transitions at all. I do have my own bucket list…except I call it the Never List. I started it when I got divorced and every time I said never it went on the list. Things like, Oh I’ve never had Greek food (check), or I’ve never driven in Chicago, (check, check) or I’ve never had a pedicure (check, check, and oh yes check that one again) and Oh I’ve never jumped out of a plane (never ever checking this one – there is no reason to throw this body out of a perfectly good plane). My best friend and his husband moved from Chicago to Fresno the same time I moved from Chicago to Denver and as our last weekend together he confiscated my list and we crossed off as many nevers in Chicago as we possible could. The aquarium, a ball game, the ferris wheel at Navy Pier, the art musem, Dinner at Morton’s followed by Wicked, and many other little things. It was an awesome weekend and one I’ll remember every time I look at my list!
That’s great, Michelle! You have a list with lots of checks! Very impressive. Life is short.
Cool on USA TODAY!!! Popping over right now to read. As for bucket list: one of the things on my list is to start a list (and to watch the movie).
Thanks! I don’t have an actual list yet, either. I guess I need to get started on that.
I really liked The Bucket List and am working on compiling my own. So far I’m just adding things to the list. I’m looking forward to crossing a few things off.
I can’t say that I particularly noticed the transitions in the movie, other than to know I liked the whole thing. Will have to watch it again and pay closer attention.
That’s so cool about the USA today, Sherri! Can’t wait for the book to come out!
Transitions in Bucket list…hmmm….if Kath were here, I’d make her explain herself. I don’t remember anything about the transitions. But I do agree they are very important in writing. Sometimes I get lucky and it just happens.
As for my bucket list, I am going to cross off “run a 10k” in April. WOOT
Woot! You’re going to move on to marathons in no time.
You’ve seen the Bucket List? Hmm. I wonder what impressed her. Maybe she was just really in the mood for an uplifting film. I wasn’t sure which one of Kath’s old posts to share. I tend to look toward the oldest ones first. But something kept telling me to check out the recent ones, and my gaze went right to this one. I think she just knew I needed to hear “I love you, man” this week, and it was her way of passing it on. Who knows. But I love you, man. Group hug!
Woot! I’m in today’s USA Today. Cross that one off the bucket list.
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2010-03-04-grahamesmith04_VA_N.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2010-03-04-mashups04_ST_N.htm
Fabulous article, Sherri–congratulations! I can’t wait to read Jane Slayre!
I’m not really in there much. But thanks! That Seth Grahame-Smith hogs all the attention– and the movie deals. But I guess he started it all, so he earned it.
Wow! I’d have to say being interviewed by USA Today is the stuff of bucket list accomplishment. I’m so happy for you, I don’t think you sounded shadowed at all.
I don’t really have a bucket list but graduating with honors from UOP at the age of 37 sort of tops my list right now. I had many setbacks and my dear husband made me finish, bless him. Oh yeah and he gave me two children and still likes the way I smell, so I guess finding him is also a bucket list item.
LOL, he still likes the way you smell. He’s a keeper! He was right to convince you to finish. Doesn’t it feel good? Yay!
Big, big, big congrats, Sherri! That’s just wonderful!!!
WOOHOO!! That’s awesome, Sherri!
Sherry, you deserve the attention! Congrats!