Brent Marchant's Blog, page 100
October 31, 2017
Check out Wednesday’s Cinema Scribe
Tune in for the latest edition of The Cinema Scribe on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, Wednesday, November 1, at 12:45 pm ET, by clicking here. And, if you don’t hear it live, catch it later on the podcast!
The post Check out Wednesday’s Cinema Scribe appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 30, 2017
A Special Show and a Special Offer
In case you missed last Thursday’s special edition of Frankiesense & More radio, which featured the monthly Movies with Meaning segment and a conversation about my new book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies, you can now catch the podcast version by clicking here. And, while you’re at it, check out the special offer to get a free PDF excerpt of the book, with details available here. Join me and host Frankie Picasso for some lively movie chat.
The post A Special Show and a Special Offer appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 25, 2017
On the Radio Thursday
Join host Frankie Picasso and me this Thursday, October 26, at 1 pm ET for the latest edition of Frankiesense & More radio. In addition to this month’s regular Movies with Meaning segment, I’ll join Frankie for the entire hour to discuss my new book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies. We’ll talk about this engaging new title, as well as a number of thoughtful new movie releases. Click here for some spirited movie chat or catch the podcast on demand thereafter.
The post On the Radio Thursday appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 24, 2017
‘Breathe’ inspires us to vanquish our limitations
“Breathe” (2017). Cast: Andrew Garfield, Claire Foy, Hugh Bonneville, Diana Rigg, Penny Downie, David Wilmot, Stephen Mangan, Edward Speleers, Tom Hollander, Amit Shah, Jonathan Hyde, Emily Bevan, Harry Marcus, Dean-Charles Chapman, Sylvester Groth. Director: Andy Serkis. Screenplay: William Nicholson. Web site. Trailer.
Imagine being confronted by a life of bed-ridden confinement, unable to move or even to inhale your own life-sustaining breath. Add to that the frustration and despondency brought on by an unfeeling health care system that insists upon regimented institutionalization as the only way to address your condition. And, to make matters worse, you’re young and just beginning what’s supposed to be a happy and fulfilling time with the love of your life. If you can picture that, you have an idea of what it’s like to be the protagonist of the new, fact-based romantic drama, “Breathe.”
In 1958 England, tea broker Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield) had just met the woman of his dreams, the fair and beautiful Diana (Claire Foy). Despite Diana’s reputation for being something of a heartbreaker, Robin knew that she would one day become his wife. And Diana, despite her sometimes-fickle nature, felt the same way about her new beau. It truly was love at first sight.
Tea broker Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield, left) spends time in the company of the love of his life, Diana (Claire Foy, right), in the new fact-based drama, “Breathe.” Photo by Laurie Sparham, courtesy of Bleecker Street Media and Participant Media.
Before long, Robin and Diana were inseparable, even when he would embark on his travels to the wilds of Kenya in search of new tea stocks. Their African adventures together set the tone for the life adventure they envisioned sharing, one that soon included the addition of a child on the way. But, just as life seemed to be growing ever more enriched, Robin was suddenly struck down with polio, the crippling effects of which left him paralyzed and unable to breathe without a respirator. And, despite his youthful vigor, his prognosis was not good – perhaps several months at most, and all of it confined to a hospital bed.
Initially unable to speak and embarrassed by his depleted overall condition, Robin quickly fell into a deep depression, wishing to see no one, including Diana and his newborn son, Jonathan. In fact, he sincerely wanted to die rather than live the way he was, especially since his doctors told him that he’d likely be spending the remainder of his waning days in a hospital ward with other afflicted patients. But, Robin’s despondency notwithstanding, Diana would have none of it. Rather than resign herself to the same kinds of circumstances her husband seemed so ready to embrace, she pointedly asked him what it would take to make him happy so that he would be willing to keep on living. To that, he replied that he simply wanted to go home, a wish that Diana began working on making happen.
When Diana and Robin announced their plans to the medical staff, physicians like the condescending Dr. Entwistle (Jonathan Hyde) labeled their plan foolhardy at best. However, the ever-resourceful Mrs. Cavendish set her mind to bringing her husband home, and Robin soon began leading a comparatively comfortable life in a cozy residential setting.
Once relocated, Robin’s spirits improved markedly, and his condition stabilized. He lasted far longer than the several months initially projected, clearly defying the odds and the experts’ diagnoses. He enjoyed a loving relationship with Diana and had the pleasure of watching Jonathan grow up. And, all the while, he was in the company of many friends, such as his lifelong chum Colin (Edward Speleers), the ever-cheerful, ever-colorful Blacker twins, David and Bloggs (Tom Hollander), and his clever, inventive colleague, Dr. Teddy Hall (Hugh Bonneville), all of whom believed that it was possible for Robin to enjoy a life even fuller than the one he was now leading.
As an amateur inventor and tinkerer, Teddy looked for ways to help make Robin’s life more mobile, an accomplishment he achieved by fashioning a specialized wheelchair fitted with a built-in respirator. With that, Robin was no longer restricted to his bed. He was able to go outside and sit in his garden, as well as take long, leisurely country drives with the family. At one point, he was even able to embark on trips to Spain and Germany. Not bad for someone who once faced permanent confinement.
After being afflicted with polio, Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield, center) is surrounded by his loving wife, Diana (Claire Foy, second from left), his son, Jonathan (Harry Marcus, second from right), and his supportive friends, Dr. Teddy Hall (Hugh Bonneville, left) and David Blacker (Tom Hollander, right), in director Andy Serkis’s debut feature, “Breathe.” Photo by David Bloomer, courtesy of Bleecker Street Media and Participant Media.
Robin’s expanded mobility eventually led him to become the face of a new cause, one aimed at promoting more liberated lifestyles for other patients similarly afflicted. With the backing of an enthusiastic physician, Dr. Clement Aitken (Stephen Mangan), and the philanthropic support of a wealthy benefactress, Lady Neville (Diana Rigg), Robin helped secure similar equipment for other severely paralyzed patients, enabling them to enjoy the same kind of freedom he had now been basking in for years. It gave him a purpose, not just for himself, but for others, something that no doubt contributed to the decades-long longevity he experienced after initially becoming infected.
The story of Robin and Diana Cavendish inspiringly illustrates a number of principles at the core of the conscious creation process, the philosophy that maintains we manifest the reality we experience through the power of our thoughts, beliefs and intents. Their odyssey together in many ways serves as a textbook for how to employ them.
First and foremost, for instance, the film shows what it means to push through barriers and defy limitations. As conscious creation maintains that we’re ever evolving, in a constant state of becoming, we’re continually meant to get past the obstacles before us to create innovative solutions to our challenges and materialize new conceptions of existence. And Mr. and Mrs. Cavendish clearly excel at this, both individually and as a couple, as well as with the support, guidance and assistance of their peers. They truly push the envelope, showing what’s possible in the face of conventional thinking that would otherwise hold them back. In doing so, they set quite an example for all to see.
Of course, given that conscious creation makes it possible for us to manifest virtually anything we want, one might legitimately wonder why Robin and Diana would materialize circumstances such as these. However, as is the case with virtually all adversity-driven stories, such as those depicted in films like “Still Alice” (2014), “The Theory of Everything” (2014), “Freeheld” (2015) and “Gleason” (2016), the characters’ reasons behind these self-imposed hardships are their own and not for outsiders, like us, to question. These kinds of conditions are frequently associated with particular life lessons, the kind that we might not be able to learn through other sorts of scenarios. In the case of this picture’s protagonists, for example, it could be that they drew these circumstances to them as a means of engaging in the kind of aforementioned limitation-busting activities at which they became so proficient. That naturally leads us to rhetorically ask, would that have been possible without the challenges they set for themselves?
By setting such an example, Robin and Diana were able to inspire others in myriad ways. For instance, thanks to Robin’s ardent advocacy for the revolutionary mobile equipment developed by his friend Teddy, he gave new hope to his fellow polio patients, most of whom were being warehoused in institutions that provided virtually no quality of life. This becomes particularly apparent during his visit to a German facility for the paralyzed, where he’s appalled to see immobilized patients stacked up in a morgue-like holding facility, all very clinical but wholly impersonal and unfeeling. It prompts Robin to make an impassioned plea to the facility’s director, Dr. Erik Langdorf (Sylvester Groth), to implement a more humane approach to treatment, one that incorporates the mobile technology he’s benefited from for years.
What begins with the hope of a beautiful life together quickly turns challenging for businessman Robin Cavendish (Andrew Garfield, right) and his new wife, Diana (Claire Foy, left), in the fact-based romantic drama, “Breathe.” Photo courtesy of Bleecker Street Media and Participant Media.
By engaging in such fervent, heartfelt promotion for this mission, Robin pursued his own signature brand of value fulfillment, the conscious creation concept aimed at being our best, truest selves for the betterment of ourselves and those around us. By giving voice to a concern that previously had none, he was able to successfully draw attention to it to help improve the life of others who faced the same circumstances as he did. But, then, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, given that he himself was the beneficiary of others practicing their value fulfillment, namely, the efforts of his family and friends to make a better quality of life for him. His subsequent efforts were simply his way of returning the favor and paying it forward to advance the condition of others.
The efforts of others to aid Robin also demonstrate the power inherent in acts of co-creation. When we pool our resources and ingenuity, we’re often able to generate truly remarkable results, as evidenced here. By working with Robin – and by Robin summoning to him the right mix of willing and committed collaborators – this collective band of co-creators came together to yield outcomes through which everybody won. And, in turn, such efforts led to the work Robin would subsequently tackle, spiraling the co-creative initiative to an entirely new level and to a grateful new constituency.
Most of all, however, “Breathe” adeptly shows what can stem from the power of love, a potent emotion that can significantly fuel the underlying components of the conscious creation process. Were it not for the love Robin and Diana shared for one another, this story might have easily led to a very different outcome. If Robin had continued to believe that he had nothing left to live for, he may have well fulfilled his physicians’ prognostications and passed on not long after being afflicted. But, because the fair Mrs. Cavendish gave her spouse a reason to live, she helped him change his beliefs and prevailing mindset, an adjustment that prompted more than two decades of additional life, not to mention an existence that proved to be immensely fulfilling personally and as a proponent for patient rights and dignity. That’s quite an accomplishment for someone otherwise immobilized.
From the foregoing, it’s apparent the film packs quite an inspirational punch, backed by a wealth of valuable metaphysical insights. However, while “Breathe” is undeniably noble and sincere in its intents, this somewhat-overlong offering regrettably falls prey to the traps of schmaltz, manipulation and formula (at times bordering on cliché, especially in its soundtrack and cinematography). Admittedly, the film does tend to get better as it goes along (save for its drawn-out concluding segment) and features capable performances by Garfield and Foy, who clearly make this material look better than it really is. However, despite these strengths, much of the film seems rather familiar and plays more like a made-for-TV movie than a theatrical release (and one with precious little back story to boot). You’ll certainly come away from director Andy Serkis’s debut outing feeling inspired and uplifted, but don’t be surprised if you feel just a little cinematically unfulfilled by this one.
Nevertheless, when faced with challenges laden with seemingly insurmountable limitations, a little inspiration can go a long way in helping us get past such barriers. If you doubt that, consider what Robin and Diana were able to achieve with what they had to work with. But, then again, given the vast store of resources available through the realm of possible beliefs, it should naturally follow that we can accomplish great things when we set our minds to the task. In fact, the results just might take your breath away.
Copyright © 2017, by Brent Marchant. All rights reserved.
The post ‘Breathe’ inspires us to vanquish our limitations appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 23, 2017
‘Third Real’ Now on Popular Book Lovers’ Sites!
I’m pleased to announce that my new book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies, is now being featured on three book lovers’ web sites, GoodReads, BookDaily and LibraryThing. The specific features on these specialized social media sites vary, but they allow readers to do such things as post reviews, share titles with fellow readers, launch discussions and ask questions of the author, yours truly. In addition to the book pages on these sites, you can also visit my author pages on GoodReads, BookDaily and LibraryThing, all of which feature a detailed profile and descriptions of all of my titles. Additional information along these lines can also be found on my Amazon Author Central page, which features my background profile and Amazon links to purchase each of my titles in print and ebook formats. Happy reading!
The post ‘Third Real’ Now on Popular Book Lovers’ Sites! appeared first on Brent Marchant.
This Week in Movies with Meaning
Reviews of “Breathe” and “Denial,” a radio show preview, and book news are all in the latest Movies with Meaning post on the web site of The Good Radio Network, available by clicking here.
The post This Week in Movies with Meaning appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 22, 2017
‘Third Real’ Featured on Pop Expresso
The post ‘Third Real’ Featured on Pop Expresso appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 19, 2017
It’s Official: ‘Third Real’ Is Here!
I’m pleased to officially announce the release of my latest book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies. This title picks up where its two predecessors left off, exploring the finer points of the conscious creation process (also known as the law of attraction) as illustrated through film. Third Real is available in a print version from Amazon, Barnes & Noble and the CreateSpace eStore, with ebook versions coming soon from Amazon Kindle, Nook, iTunes and Kobo Books. In the meantime, to find out more, visit my web site’s Third Real page, where you can get all the details, as well as a free downloadable PDF excerpt that includes the front and back matter and the first three chapters! Happy reading and, as always, enjoy the show that is life!
The post It’s Official: ‘Third Real’ Is Here! appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 17, 2017
Catch This Week’s Cinema Scribe
Tune in for the latest Cinema Scribe segment on Bring Me 2 Life Radio, Wednesday, October 18, at 12:45 pm ET, by clicking here. And, if you don’t hear it live, catch it later on the podcast!
The post Catch This Week’s Cinema Scribe appeared first on Brent Marchant.
October 16, 2017
Tune in for Smart Women Talk
Join me and host Katana Abbott this Tuesday, October 17, at 11 am ET, for the latest edition of Smart Women Talk Radio. We’ll discuss conscious creation in the movies, as well as my new book, Third Real: Conscious Creation Goes Back to the Movies. Tune in by clicking here for some lively movie talk!
The post Tune in for Smart Women Talk appeared first on Brent Marchant.
