COLUMN: Obsessed? Who, me?
Ambercrombie clothing, checking my e-mail, mocha latte and certain movies all hold a special place in my life.
I personally do not think there are issues with any of this, but, well, I guess it could be a little excessive in some people’s eyes.
Look at it this way, I have always had a movie I am partial to at any given moment in time. A few years ago it was Empire Records and then about a year and a half ago, it became Bring It On. Personally, I don’t think watching any movie once a day is really obsessive, but some disagree. The fact I can quote the entire film a beat ahead of the people on the screen only means I have the power of memory and strength which allows me to recall information without much work on my part.
This brings us to my current favorite, Moulin Rouge. Who can hate this film? I mean, a movie which lets the music of life free is perfect in my eyes. Let me explain what I mean.
When I was a little younger, I was in Salt Lake City with some friends and we were walking down South Temple and I was singing. It was then I saw the most perfect opportunity I have ever seen. I looked forward and there before me was this ideal Fame! moment just waiting to happen. Before me stood this cement plant box with a tree growing out of it. My mind quickly assessed the situation and I realized I could run, jump on the box and then leap to the other side while singing the theme song and doing a high kick.
Before my logic could stop me, I did just that, and about the time I was singing, “Fame! I’m gonna live forever” – I looked down and realized the plant box was part of a terraced landscaping and the drop on the other side of the box was about five feet more than I had anticipated – I knew at that point I was about to plummet to my death.
Well, I didn’t die. I was in a lot of pain, but I didn’t die. The point is, anytime a real-life situation breaks into song, it is perfect. Thus why Moulin Rouge is such a perfect moment for my life. I want you to be the judge about this in my life. I have only watched the DVD or listened to the soundtrack every day since Dec. 24 when I first purchased them. But I just don’t think it is overdoing it. If I were putting pictures on my computer or downloading the characters for The SIMS then it would be going too far. Never mind, strike that.
At least it is a healthy obsession, right? Right!?
So if this is really so bad, I would think my whole world would revolve around it. But I still have a life outside of the Moulin Rouge. Movies always tend to offer an escape from reality. If I could move to France and live near the Moulin Rouge, I would. Maybe then I would be able to sing every day.
So that is just my life and what I think about all the time. Remember, love lifts us up where we belong – all we need is love.
Justin Berry is the Features Editor of The Utah Statesman. Comments can be sent to features@statesman.usu.edu