Cloud Atlas

Last night, while roaming the world wide web, I came across the trailer for a film titled Cloud Atlas. I'm not sure why I clicked on it, but I did and now cannot wait for its premiere. As I watched the I became more and more intrigued, realizing that I am their obvious niche market with actor choices story content and visuals. By the end of the trailer when it is revealed that the film is created by those behind the Matrix, I thought ah-hah! Here it is just in case you haven't already seen it.







The story is based on the novel Cloud Atlas by British author David Mitchell. The Wachowski brothers (now actually a brother and sister) and Tom Tykwer (Perfume, The Story of a Murderer) wrote the screenplay and are the three directors on the film.

I was thrilled to see Ben Whishaw is one of the actors, I've been in love with him since his portrayal of in Bright Star. He is also fantastic in the Julie Taymor version of The Tempest and the BBC TV show The Hour.

Some of the concept design work looks like it was done by our friend Stephan Martiniere, however, upon researching I do not believe that is the case. (Note to self, ask him to make sure.) It's too bad the directors didn't hire Greg, he would have been so perfect for this film.

Here is a a video of the Wachowskis and Tom Tykwer talking about the film. My only concern from watching the trailer for Cloud Atlas is that I hope it doesn't turn into a What Dreams May Come, which was visually stunning with a great idea but in the end didn't work well as a fleshed out film.

The Matrix

I'm taking an online website class and in the midst of learning a whole new language and skill set. To say I am completely overwhelmed is an understatement. However, after years of frustration with website designers and coders it feels really liberating to know that I will have the option of doing things myself if I want. I am being empowered with important new tools that are crucial for the uber-niche indie artist.

In January 2010 I listened to a talk in the Etsy Labs completely unconscious of the long tail of inspiration that was about to enter my mind. The talk in Brooklyn was by author and visionary Douglas Rushkoff. You can read about it by following this link.

Since then I've had the pleasure of meeting this most magnetic and charismatic fellow For me, he steps into the realm of super hero status here on planet earth. At a panel presentation in the big Ballroom of the SDCC (San Diego Comic Con) authors Deepak Chopra and Grant Morrison shared their definitions of certain words and ideas on the changing world. They explained the similarities between superheroes like Superman and Batman and spiritual masters. Deepak and Grant reminded us that the powerful archetype of the super hero is within each of us. Douglas is one of those unique individuals that has harnessed his super hero power and like a laser beam is part of the dynamic shift in mass consciousness.

In a recent lecture Douglas presented in Berlin he gave a most fascinating talk based on his new book Program or Be Programmed. The talk was titled Toward a Peer to Peer Economy. I suggest creating the time and space to watch the entire presentation, as your mind will most likely be expanded with new concepts and awareness.

Watch live streaming video from etsy at livestream.com

One of the many igniting concepts shared is the importance of learning computer code. As a devotee of nature, mother of a Waldorf student and one who is challenged with the assimilation and digestion of new computer programs and skills, I was weary. However, instead of following the fear I have chosen to step into empowering my super hero this new matrix. After all I would much prefer to be a programmer than one who is being programmed.