No decade has such striking similarities to today as the 1970s and early 80s. The first decade of the new century in the United States has been forever scarred with the War on Terror, but it has also seen times of relative economic prosperity which has given way to severe depression and rising unemployment numbers. The 1970s saw both the peak of intensity of the Vietnam War as well as its end in 1975. Furthermore, the 1970s economy in the United States was extremely successful until 1979 and the first few years of the 1980s, when the United States found unemployment numbers reaching higher than anytime since the Great Depression. It is during times like these, that the American public looks for a “common man” to idolize. Thirty years ago, this man was John Belushi, today, it is Seth Rogen.
Born in Chicago in 1949, John Belushi led a life of relative insignificance, and commonality until his first big break in 1971 when he joined The Second City comedy troupe. Soon after landing this job, Belushi was cast in “National Lampoon’s Lemmings” and from there became a host on “The National Lampoon Radio Hour.” Belushi’s biggest role during his tragically abbreviated career was his regular appearance on “Saturday Night Live,” during which time he played upwards of 40 different characters, including impersonations of Franklin Roosevelt, John Lennon, Roy Orbison, Captain James T. Kirk, Yasser Arafat, and The Incredible Hulk. In movies, Belushi was known for his volatile, obnoxious, sloppy, yet hilarious characters.
Seth Rogen was born in Vancouver, British Columbia and decided to embrace his comedic skill at a young age. Rogen never graduated from high school but dropped out when he was 16, after placing second in the Vancouver Amateur Comedy Contest, he headed south to continue a career in stand-up comedy and acting. His first role in a movie came in 2001 when he scored the role of Ricky Danforth in “Donnie Darko” and also had roles in TV shows like “Freaks and Geeks,” “Undeclared,” and he even was a guest in an episode of “Dawson’s Creek.” Much of the success that Rogen is experiencing now has come as a result of his role in “Freaks and Geeks,” of which Judd Apatow was a co-producer. Rogen and Apatow have since become friends and Apatow has been involved in every movie that Rogen has starred in since then. His recent exploits have met with great success in the United States and have included films such as “Superbad,” “Knocked Up,” “Pineapple Express,” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” In these movies, Rogen has become known for his portrayal of slightly overweight, pot-smoking, obnoxious losers that are nonetheless loved by almost everyone who sees his movies.
Rogen and Belushi are very similar in both their style of comedy and acting, as well as their physical appearance. Neither of the actors possesses the traits that Hollywood has traditionally embraced as keys to acceptance in the society. Both Rogen and Belushi are men of a larger stature than most stars on the red carpet, yet neither one of them seems to (or seemed to) care. It is this carefree attitude that allowed Belushi and is allowing Rogen to acquire a loyal following among United States citizens.
As Belushi steadily climbed the ladder to popularity in the 70s, he also found himself in the public spotlight much more than he was comfortable with. This newfound fame resulted in Belushi turning to drugs, specifically cocaine and heroin, which eventually was the cause of his death in 1982. Belushi was not quiet about his drug use, and is actually seen shooting up in a couple of his movies. While Rogen has so far managed to stay away from hard drugs in the public eye, he can be seen smoking marijuana in five of his last six movies, and he has become a strong advocate for the legalization of the drug. This blatant drug use has been the main argument of critics who disapprove of Seth Rogen’s popularity among the youth in the United States.
The emergence of Seth Rogen as a popular figure and movie star marks the first time since Belushi’s death that a comedian or actor who openly uses drugs has been in the spotlight. Actor/comedians such as Adam Sandler, Steve Carrel, and Steve Martin have all gained and lost popularity during the decades between Belushi’s death and Rogen’s rise to the throne, but none have quite lived up to Belushi’s legacy. This is not to say that comedians who have found popularity in the twenty years between 1982 and 2002 were any less worthy of the title of a modern day Belushi, but the society during those years failed to accept them on quite such a large scale. It is a combination of trying economic times as well as the fear of war that let Belushi become a comedic icon and is now increasing Rogen’s popularity exponentially.
The culture in a society that is experiencing dramatic increases in unemployment numbers and in which young men are dying for the country will always be similar. The people are hungry for a figure with which they can identify and that will help them feel comfortable with themselves. Rogen gives people hope; he is an overweight pothead, yet he has found incredible success in a society and economy that has made success hard to come by. More important to his popularity than the hope of success that he instills in people, is the air of informality and familiarity that people have with him. While the vast majority of Seth Rogen fans have never actually met or conversed with the man, just about everyone feels that they would enjoy his company. He is not up on a pedestal like most Hollywood stars, he represents one of us in the Hollywood elitist society.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Process Writing...
Process Writing
When going about writing a review for this class, I generally started with viewing, listening, or attending the movie, concert, or event that I intended to write about. This seemed to work well for me and I think it would be hard to go about it any other way because it would be difficult to write about something you haven’t experienced. After I made it through this first step in my writing process, I generally waited a couple of days to actually sit down and write anything, during these days I would tell myself that I’d think about what I wanted to write, but this rarely happened.
On Monday mornings I would generally wake up and realize that I had a review due at 4:00 pm and go through a bit of a panic. After calming myself down, showering, and usually eating, I would sit down and write my review. In general, this process served me well, however, it was much more stressful than it probably should have been and the stress caused by the deadlines of this class will likely result in my death a couple of years sooner than if I hadn’t taken the class.
In writing my final project, I originally wanted to write about music and how each generation has a defining musical movement. This would have been a very interesting topic but I could probably write about 10000 words about it. After meeting with you, Marin, I decided on a celebrity profile of Seth Rogen, overweight pothead of the 21st century. For this paper I began by watching four of his movies again, which actually was probably more of a distraction than a help in writing the paper, but nonetheless, very enjoyable. I didn’t really write a draft other than what the class critiqued and I was really unhappy with what I had written. The class critique really helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to focus on because my first draft was all over the place and lacked any real argument at all.
Upon your suggestion, I finally decided on doing a comparison piece between John Belushi and Seth Rogen, and discussing why they found/are finding the popularity in their respective societies. I actually completely re-wrote the piece and while I used many ideas that I first introduced in my first draft, pretty much everything is new.
When going about writing a review for this class, I generally started with viewing, listening, or attending the movie, concert, or event that I intended to write about. This seemed to work well for me and I think it would be hard to go about it any other way because it would be difficult to write about something you haven’t experienced. After I made it through this first step in my writing process, I generally waited a couple of days to actually sit down and write anything, during these days I would tell myself that I’d think about what I wanted to write, but this rarely happened.
On Monday mornings I would generally wake up and realize that I had a review due at 4:00 pm and go through a bit of a panic. After calming myself down, showering, and usually eating, I would sit down and write my review. In general, this process served me well, however, it was much more stressful than it probably should have been and the stress caused by the deadlines of this class will likely result in my death a couple of years sooner than if I hadn’t taken the class.
In writing my final project, I originally wanted to write about music and how each generation has a defining musical movement. This would have been a very interesting topic but I could probably write about 10000 words about it. After meeting with you, Marin, I decided on a celebrity profile of Seth Rogen, overweight pothead of the 21st century. For this paper I began by watching four of his movies again, which actually was probably more of a distraction than a help in writing the paper, but nonetheless, very enjoyable. I didn’t really write a draft other than what the class critiqued and I was really unhappy with what I had written. The class critique really helped me a lot in figuring out what I wanted to focus on because my first draft was all over the place and lacked any real argument at all.
Upon your suggestion, I finally decided on doing a comparison piece between John Belushi and Seth Rogen, and discussing why they found/are finding the popularity in their respective societies. I actually completely re-wrote the piece and while I used many ideas that I first introduced in my first draft, pretty much everything is new.
Overheating Car Causes Stampede???
Okay, I just found this hilarious. After watching security camera footage of this very same "stampede" of America's Next Top Model participants online a couple of days ago, I couldn't resist seeing what the NY Times had to say. I've posted both a link to the video and the article below.
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/arts/television/18arts-AFTERSTAMPED_BRF.html?ref=television
Video: http://www.break.com/index/americas-top-model-audition-stampede.html
Article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/18/arts/television/18arts-AFTERSTAMPED_BRF.html?ref=television
Video: http://www.break.com/index/americas-top-model-audition-stampede.html
Death
I found this article extremely informative about the Hackney brothers and their trio called Death in the 70s. It was interesting to read about how their careers have progressed and also interesting because their 1974 demo tape was just released recently.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/arts/music/15rubi.html?ref=music
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/arts/music/15rubi.html?ref=music
Coraline Review
I thought this review was really well written and it took a unique look at the movie Coraline. It also served to make me really want to see the movie, which I did, and I probably never would have if I hadn't read this review.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/movies/01clar.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=Coraline&st=cse
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/01/movies/01clar.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=Coraline&st=cse
Monday, March 9, 2009
Seth Rogen - Celebrity Profile/Critique
He’s undeniably popular as successful, but why? Seth Rogen has taken the comedy movie scene by storm in recent years and doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon. Seth Rogen’s miraculous success in Hollywood since his debut as Ricky Danforth in Donnie Darko is puzzling… in what society can an overweight, self-proclaimed pothead become one of the most popular men of this day and age.
Rogen has starred in several popular movies in recent years including Superbad, Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, and Zach and Miri Make a Porno. The roles he has in these movies are repetitive overall but he somehow manages to make each one new and interesting. In Superbad, Rogen has a more minor role of a police trainee, 3 months into training. When he and his partner pick up McLovin’ the 25-year-old organ donor from Hawaii and offer to give him a ride to the party he’s buying alcohol for, the trio embarks on a zany journey involving beer, drunk driving, and countless bad decisions. In Knocked Up, Rogen has the good fortune of playing a broke, pot-smoking loser who is working on creating a Mr.Skin-like website with his roommates and ends up getting a girl he meets at a club pregnant. After learning of his folly, Ben (Rogen’s character) decides that he will be there for Allison (the pregnant girl).
In trying economic times such as these, people need a common man that they can relate to. Seth Rogen has become that man. He doesn’t have the physique of a male model or the romantic and seductive accent of the sexiest man alive, but he’s funny, and he’s not afraid of what people will think about him. It is this carefree attitude that has allowed Rogen to clench a loyal following among young adults as well as many fans in older generations.
In the not-so-recent past, it would have been nearly impossible for a man with the looks of Seth Rogen to score a leading role in a popular Hollywood movie. Those spots were reserved for charming and attractive men like Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., or Hugh Jackman. However, in these times, the public welcomes someone who isn’t perfect. Knowing and recognizing these imperfections in famous people like Seth Rogen, gives the public hope. His popularity shows society that anyone can be successful.
Rogen’s popularity is undeniable, but he has not found this stature without enduring criticism, most of which is well founded. The movies in which Rogen has lead parts often depict the use of marijuana, and these movies are aimed at an audience of young adults. Many parents and responsible adults are seeing movies like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express, and getting furious with not only Seth Rogen, but director Judd Apatow, as well as the rest of Rogen’s “posse,” consisting of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Jay Baruchel, and Martin Starr. These critics are afraid of the repercussions that Rogen’s popularity will have on the youth in society.
When Rogen is seen saving his bong instead of his pregnant girlfriend in Knocked Up during an earthquake, the audience reaction is to laugh, rather than be completely unamused and disgusted. When Rogen and his dealer go to a school and sell weed to elementary students to make money for bus tickets in Pineapple Express, it seems unimportant and not a big deal. No wonder parents and other adults are worried for their kids and hate Seth Rogen, no one wants their kids to grow up with a role model like that.
Rogen got his start as a stand-up comic at age 13 and scored his first role in a tv show, Freaks and Geeks, when he was 16. His improvisation has been cited as his biggest asset by director Judd Apatow, and many of his improvisations are actually used in his movies. Apatow purposely doesn’t cut after shooting a scene to allow the actors to improvise and hopefully make the movie funnier, this style of directing is perfect for Rogen and if the two had not paired up, it is unlikely that Rogen would be as popular as he is today.
Similarities can be seen between Seth Rogen and actor/comedian John Belushi. Belushi, much like Rogen, was not a terribly attractive man by anyone’s standards, but he was hilarious. He frequented comedy clubs and was a guest on Saturday Night Live numerous times. As he rose into stardom however, Belushi found it hard to deal with the pressure and spotlight that came along with his newfound fame. He saw a psychologist for a year and eventually turned to drugs. John Belushi died of an overdose after injecting a speedball, a combination of cocaine and heroine in 1982. Could this be the future of Seth Rogen?
Rogen has starred in several popular movies in recent years including Superbad, Knocked Up, Pineapple Express, and Zach and Miri Make a Porno. The roles he has in these movies are repetitive overall but he somehow manages to make each one new and interesting. In Superbad, Rogen has a more minor role of a police trainee, 3 months into training. When he and his partner pick up McLovin’ the 25-year-old organ donor from Hawaii and offer to give him a ride to the party he’s buying alcohol for, the trio embarks on a zany journey involving beer, drunk driving, and countless bad decisions. In Knocked Up, Rogen has the good fortune of playing a broke, pot-smoking loser who is working on creating a Mr.Skin-like website with his roommates and ends up getting a girl he meets at a club pregnant. After learning of his folly, Ben (Rogen’s character) decides that he will be there for Allison (the pregnant girl).
In trying economic times such as these, people need a common man that they can relate to. Seth Rogen has become that man. He doesn’t have the physique of a male model or the romantic and seductive accent of the sexiest man alive, but he’s funny, and he’s not afraid of what people will think about him. It is this carefree attitude that has allowed Rogen to clench a loyal following among young adults as well as many fans in older generations.
In the not-so-recent past, it would have been nearly impossible for a man with the looks of Seth Rogen to score a leading role in a popular Hollywood movie. Those spots were reserved for charming and attractive men like Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Johnny Depp, Robert Downey Jr., or Hugh Jackman. However, in these times, the public welcomes someone who isn’t perfect. Knowing and recognizing these imperfections in famous people like Seth Rogen, gives the public hope. His popularity shows society that anyone can be successful.
Rogen’s popularity is undeniable, but he has not found this stature without enduring criticism, most of which is well founded. The movies in which Rogen has lead parts often depict the use of marijuana, and these movies are aimed at an audience of young adults. Many parents and responsible adults are seeing movies like Knocked Up and Pineapple Express, and getting furious with not only Seth Rogen, but director Judd Apatow, as well as the rest of Rogen’s “posse,” consisting of Paul Rudd, Jason Segel, Jay Baruchel, and Martin Starr. These critics are afraid of the repercussions that Rogen’s popularity will have on the youth in society.
When Rogen is seen saving his bong instead of his pregnant girlfriend in Knocked Up during an earthquake, the audience reaction is to laugh, rather than be completely unamused and disgusted. When Rogen and his dealer go to a school and sell weed to elementary students to make money for bus tickets in Pineapple Express, it seems unimportant and not a big deal. No wonder parents and other adults are worried for their kids and hate Seth Rogen, no one wants their kids to grow up with a role model like that.
Rogen got his start as a stand-up comic at age 13 and scored his first role in a tv show, Freaks and Geeks, when he was 16. His improvisation has been cited as his biggest asset by director Judd Apatow, and many of his improvisations are actually used in his movies. Apatow purposely doesn’t cut after shooting a scene to allow the actors to improvise and hopefully make the movie funnier, this style of directing is perfect for Rogen and if the two had not paired up, it is unlikely that Rogen would be as popular as he is today.
Similarities can be seen between Seth Rogen and actor/comedian John Belushi. Belushi, much like Rogen, was not a terribly attractive man by anyone’s standards, but he was hilarious. He frequented comedy clubs and was a guest on Saturday Night Live numerous times. As he rose into stardom however, Belushi found it hard to deal with the pressure and spotlight that came along with his newfound fame. He saw a psychologist for a year and eventually turned to drugs. John Belushi died of an overdose after injecting a speedball, a combination of cocaine and heroine in 1982. Could this be the future of Seth Rogen?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
NY Times Defense
For my NY Times Defense I chose to critique “A Rock Group With a Frontman Who Takes Up a Lot of Room,” by Jon Caramanica. From what I gathered, Caramanica has been writing for the NY Times since 2005 strictly as a music critic. He has written reviews on very well known artists including Weezer, Regina Spektor, and Mark Ronson. Caramanica has also been writing for the LA Times and has published 79 articles with them since 2003.
The review in Tuesday’s NY Times is on a live performance of a group called Los Campesinos! Caramanica is obviously a fan of the group’s music but the tone of the review gives the impression that he was disappointed with their live performance. Although the review is short, Caramanica manages to include a lot of information about the band and also succeeds in putting the live performance in a context by comparing it to their recordings.
Caramanica gets some humorous anecdotes in his review and really tears down lead singer Gareth Campesinos! He shows his familiarity with the group by referencing numerous songs and talking about various members of the band. While there isn’t really a “but” in the review, Caramanica successfully gets his point across that the band’s live performance was a disappointment overall even though they did have their moments.
The review in Tuesday’s NY Times is on a live performance of a group called Los Campesinos! Caramanica is obviously a fan of the group’s music but the tone of the review gives the impression that he was disappointed with their live performance. Although the review is short, Caramanica manages to include a lot of information about the band and also succeeds in putting the live performance in a context by comparing it to their recordings.
Caramanica gets some humorous anecdotes in his review and really tears down lead singer Gareth Campesinos! He shows his familiarity with the group by referencing numerous songs and talking about various members of the band. While there isn’t really a “but” in the review, Caramanica successfully gets his point across that the band’s live performance was a disappointment overall even though they did have their moments.
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