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by Mark Maxwell Abushady, NYC Film CREATION Here are all the elements which make for a marvelous film: a very talented cast, a great story based in fact, superb cinematography, and a beautiful and appropriate musical score. Darwin’s “Origin of Species”, noted at the onset of the film as “the biggest single idea in the history of thought” is explored as an adjunct to the scientist’s troubled life; troubles engendered in large part by his realization of the immensity of the repercussions of his work. Paul Bettany is amazing as Mr. Darwin, creating a fully human character around the legend. His drives toward a scientific view of life are ably contrasted in Jennifer Connelly’s understated, effective portrayal of Emma Darwin, Darwin’s religiously-oriented wife. Martha West plays the daughter of Mr. Darwin’s heart, Annie, and does a spectacular job of it. Christopher Young contributes an exceptional score. Moving and haunting, a portrait of a family, a great scientist, a marriage, a time in human history, this film “works” on so many levels. And the findings of Darwin, which still cause controversies and are often avoided topics of conversation in many circles, should be revisited in a vehicle such as this. The man is portrayed not as a warrior against religion, but as one who valued life in all of its variations and splendor. A must see film to be released Friday, January 22, 2010.
THE LIVING MATRIX Through the now popular format of multiple interviews, The Living Matrix asks the question why the new scientific paradigm, most familiar to us through the quantum mechanics model, has not been explored, let alone accepted by mainstream biological scientists. Although one example of the current biological model likening cellular reactions to random meetings of tennis balls in a pool seems an over simplification, the film hits its stride as Marilyn Schlitz, Bruce Lipton, Peter Fraser, Rupert Sheldrake, James L. Oschman and many other PhD’s describe the inadequacies of a biological system which depends solely upon the action of enzymes and hormones to explain body processes to the exclusion of the now proven forces of energy fields and emotions. A convincing example of a commonly sidestepped effect in current healing education is presented by Bruce Lipton – that of the placebo effect. He explains that one-third of subjects in controlled experiments can be healed by placebo, yet this effect is presented as a short talk in pharmacology classes and then ignored by most medical programs. Neuro-linguistic programming, Einstein’s writings on energy fields, long distance healing, epigenetics, morphogenic field studies, energy cardiology (an especially interesting segment) and thought-field therapy are all presented and explored in this laudable presentation which ultimately makes its case quite well, and offers hope in cases where current medical thinking and treatment has come up short.
Music HARP THERAPY There is something healing about harp music, and some reason why we associate it with angelic realms and the divine. One can certainly hear it in this album, with a varied program ranging from Bach, Vivaldi and Satie to more contemporary compositions (including a lovely setting of Scarborough Fair, performed in concert with Karla Donehew Perez, beautifully carrying the melody on violin). Joined as well in various pieces by Harry Almodovar on the cello and Harry Aponte on the guitar, the enjoyable program is most especially beautiful in Ms. Rios solo efforts on this album, such as the gorgeous The Little Fountain; her arpeggio work is impeccable. Auditory appearances of sounds of the ocean, recorded at her native Puerto Rico, as well as the singing of birds round out this offering, which begs us to revisit the harp as a source of healing and inner peace.
THREADING THE ETHER Here is an out-of-the-ordinary offering: a modern-classical composition: “A Cantata in 9 Movements.” with classical, world, and “new age” elements. Lyrical motifs in rich and beautiful musical settings, often cinematic in quality, convey a great depth of emotion throughout. Not surprisingly, Mr. Chesne has scored many, many films and television shows, and has been honored by ASCAP for his work. In this offering, however, Mr. Chesne turns to the creation of music with metaphysical healing properties. In addition to the full orchestra, Chinese, Native American, Celtic, Balinese, Indian and Japanese instruments provide a breadth and universality to the offerings. Used to great effect is the choir; their voices supported beautifully by the orchestral sounds, and vice-versa: a true cantata.
ANTIQUUS Antiquus is David Wahler’s debut album. Although a bit too familiar at first in terms of clichéd New Age melody and musical setting, there are, nonetheless, some gems, where Mr. Wahler becomes more idiosyncratic and personal. Angelis is a fascinating combination of musical elements that really works in conveying that which is beyond words. Apollo’s Lyre illustrates Mr Wahler’s capacity for lyrical melody, and Ancient Dawn is haunting in its beauty, while Teresa illustrates an emerging personal style.
Mark Maxwell Abushady is an actor, singer, designer and photographer based in New York City. |
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