I think he goes by "Mother Shibubu" now.

Updates galore. So many juicy, good for you updates, you won't know how to handle it. Rip all of your clothes off! Run through the streets nude! Stop for a hot dog. Make it all happen.

Job hunt. Still ongoing. Still sending out dozens of resumes (both of us). Interestingly, one of the listings I found on Craig's List was for an assistant to a writer/director. He invited applicants to come over to The Silent Movie Theatre (a fabulous place on Fairfax; just a bit north of Beverly Blvd.--apparently the only one of its kind in the world); for a screening of his film Chasing Robert. I'm unsure if it was a premiere, but based on the casual dress, I don't think it was...but then again, he didn't seem like the tux/caviar type guy. I sent him a cover letter (his very own, not one of my large stable of form letters), a headshot (hell, he's a director), my "business" resume and my acting resume. Here is his ad; and below that, my cover letter to him. I thought it was certainly up his alley, and worthy of an interview.

Craig's List Ad:
Hell, I can't find it, but here's my cover letter to him. Based on that, you can (hopefully) determine what his ad entailed. Enjoy.

"Here’s a letter all about me, in an attempt to win you over; to win an interview; and to win the position you are advertising on the best darn website ever; Craig’s List.

I went to school to be an actor. I’ve done well enough since that time; oh-so many eons ago, although I’m not yet making a living at it. During a period of unemployment (an unemployed actor—how quaint), I completed my first feature screenplay. I’ve been writing since I was a kid, and this was a major milestone for me and my psyche. Just over a year ago, I was working on an uber-indie feature; as a supporting actor, and for the first time as a do-it-all crew member. I ended up getting a credit as “Assistant to the DP”. Super! Well, this whole process found me itching to do my own work behind the camera. So I whipped up a short screenplay, filmed it within 2 months of script completion, and just two months ago, called the post-production phase complete. I also wrote and shot a new short; just a few months ago, for the George A. Romero’s Diary of the Dead MySpace contest. You didn’t see mine in the winners, ‘cause they picked something of lesser quality. Rationalization? You bet! At any rate, don’t let my preoccupation with scary movies and zombie flicks specifically, deter you. I have a great sense of humor, and working with me would be oh-so easy and super fun.

So I still plan to pursue my acting goals (my partner and I moved here a scant 3 weeks ago to this Land of Broken Dreams), but I have a newfound goal to make my own movies. Next up, my epic Sid’s Apple. I had an absolute blast seeing my words come to life on my shorts; and won’t let another day go by before I start my pre-production lists on this new project. Actually, writing this letter is keeping me from that task. Thanks a lot.

On the other hand, I do need a day job. Eating, shelter and what-have-you. Distractions, but they must be addressed nonetheless. So if I have to find a day job, then by God, it will be in “the biz”, and surrounded by creative, fun people. I will accept nothing less.

So, there you have it. I’m fun and creative myself, not to mention a huge fan of all things “movies”. I’m a novice filmmaker, looking to sponge up as much info as possible.

As for my favorite offensive film…hmmm. Well, I have yet to see The Aristocrats (I’ve been trying to get my partner to pick up a copy on one of our Hollywood Video DVD raids—but have yet to succeed), and I am a big fan of Borat. I also recently was shown a mini-marathon of D’Ali G Show. Loved it! Anyway, my favorite offensive film is probably Happiness. While I loved it and wanted to recommend it to all of my friends, I was a bit afraid to do so. What would they think of me? It’s a nasty movie. The final moments alone…Lord. But in general, I’m not easily offended. I’m a king (or queen; however you look at it) of off-color humor loving. In mixed company I may be a bit more prudish, but in the right hands, or in private…nothing can make me cringe.

I look forward to hearing from you very soon…so please don’t make me pull out the razor blades. My partner really needs them for his ball sac."

So, that was it. The other half and I went to see his movie. It's all about a gambling-aholic and a bet he makes in order to get a mobster off his back; or to keep the mobster from killing him over a 50k debt. He has 3 weeks to sleep with the person of the mobster's choice. The choice ends up being a large black man; who happens to be heavily involved in the church. On top of that, our hero is a bigot. While the acting of the lead left a great deal to be desired (also the guy who directed and wrote the piece--my possible future boss), his writing was hysterical. He had a great supporting cast, including names such as Andy Dick, Dan Castalenetta (voice of Homer Simpson), Lin Shaye and Rick Overton (the best part of this film). There's some great offensive stuff, and we laughed all the way through. Also, not to be missed, is the bus sequence; and the bus driver's remembrance of childhood trick-or-treating. Absolutely hysterical! So, I would be uber-pleased to work for this guy. The first month would be expenses paid only, but in July, apparently it would become a paying gig. My interview is supposedly on Monday, but I have yet to receive times/locations etc. I did get to meet him on Tuesday night @ the screening, and he seemed to remember my name (how could you not when you got a cover letter w/ the words "ball sac" in it?) So, keep your fingers crossed. Here's a link to the website/trailer.

http://www.chasingrobert.com/trailer.htm

The house hunt. Where is Suzanne Wong (sp?)? The original place we were hooked on, led way to a place across the street. It's a high-rise, and the unit we found is a lovely, large studio; which is in the final stages of a complete remodel. New fixtures, applicances, closet doors, granite counter tops, recessed lighting. It's at the top of our budget, but if we get it, we will be in hog heaven. It's very modern, so more our style, and done very well. Also, we get to paint. We're in the process of getting approved. With things the way they are, this is a bigger hurdle than most others may have to get over. I really hope we get it. The other one we were interested in, is still in the running...if this more modern one doesn't happen. The high rise however, is south facing, on the 8th floor, and directly to the left; as you look out the large expanse of windows, is The Kodak Theatre...right there; a huge sign. We're in the thick of it, friends. Our time at Chateau Leah is quickly coming to an end. We basically have 2-3 more nights here. I hope this can all be settled by the weekend. I want our own place in the worst possible way. THE WORST POSSIBLE WAY. Is that clear enough? If we can have a place, then we can focus solely on getting jobs...not both major undertakings at once. Oy.

Last week, the other half read Into the Wild. We have yet to see the film, so knew very little about this gem. He read it in two days (only 200 pages, a quick one), and insisted that I do the same, so I picked it up on Tuesday, and had completed it by day's end. It's been forever since I sat down with a book. Last one was The Davinci Code, some 3 years ago? I used to be such a heavy reader, and am always amazed at how my movie/television rotted brain is still able to find such comfort and ease in a good read. This will stick with me for some time to come. I had a hard time falling asleep once I completed the book (at about 11pm). I was unsure of how I felt about Chris in the early stages of the story. I thought he was a pompous ass, the way he wrote to his road friends when he was away from them. But, I appreciated Krakauer's (the author) own tale of self-discovery in the bush. It certainly did what it was meant to do. Since we could never be completely inside Chris's mind, this was a decent substitute. It was a great tragedy, and I highly recommend that my avid readers of 1 read this tale. It's haunting (not to mention the self portrait photo in the front cover; of Chris sitting outside the bus) and inspiring as well. I think we all have those secret, never to be acted upon, urges to leave it all behind...certainly now with the way our government has been treating us. I think my strange lusting to experience a zombie apocalypse; and leave all my bills, worries and $67 gas fill-ups behind (happened today), is akin to Chris's need to explore the world without any ties and not have a blasted checkbook, etc.. However, as my brother said once (not in this exact way), being in a zombie-infested world for a day, you would quickly find yourself wanting to be in a bank line-up, waiting to get bad customer service and discover that your checking account is overdrawn. I guess that the clues left behind by Chris showed that he was perhaps ready to rejoin society, and be all the better for his travels and self-discoveries...until the alleged rice-mold cut his plans short. I also wish to discuss my thoughts on the possibility that Chris was gay. There were two moments that struck a chord with me. Made me think that one of the things he was trying to escape or discover, was his unquenched manlust. That sounds horrible. It's funny, so I'll keep it, but actually I'm serious. Krakauer mentioned that Chris had never been w/ a woman and then in parentheses, or a man for that matter. That struck me as odd. In an interview w/ Chris's sister, she recounted that he wondered why his parents were so concerned about his social life/situation in college; asking (angrily...almost defensively) if they thought he was a homosexual. I realize it's easy to just take this stance, perhaps cuz I'm gay, and he sounded like a charmer, and wouldn't it have been nice if he was on our team, etc. I just wonder if Krakauer had the same theory (out of many possible ones, of course). I don't want to downplay his adventure and his need for this separated existence...especially if this was not a factor in his escape. Of course we'll never know anymore than has already been revealed. I guess I don't have much more to say...other than, I loved this book...a lot. I envy Chris McCandless. His steadfastness, his bravado, and his fearlessness. Can't we all be so bold and clear in our actions? Wouldn't it be easier if we never felt the need to apologize for what we feel, what we do? As long as you're living life to the fullest, and following your heart (perhaps not to the extreme "extreme" that Chris did), you'll never have to experience worry or guilt or anything, other than pure drive and love of mother nature. It'd all be so much easier. Thoughts? Read the book. Jon Krakauer is the author. I'm really interested in checking out the film. BTW, the other half wants to visit all of these places; especially the bus in Alaska. Don't think I could do it. Seems to...almost sacred to me. Hmmm.

Saturday sees us heading off to Santa Monica to celebrate friend Kate's b-day. I'm hoping to hook up w/ other MSUM alumni (alumnus?--I never remember the singular/plural of this word--call me a moron) and play catch up. Hopefully we'll also be celebrating a move into our new apartment in FABULOUS HOLLYWOOD CALIFORNIA! Also, we've been so busy w/ the house hunt (we saw 11 units yesterday), I haven't had the time to go intern in her office. I'm sure I'm missed.

That's about it for now kiddies. There's much more to report, and other entries probably coming tonight...stuff about other stuff. It can't all be in one. Besides, I've already made a record-long entry right here. I can't possibly cram more junk into this episode. Can I?

I guess I can.

Later.