Debutante of the Blog

Like standing in the doorway on the first day of kindergarten, each time we step out of our comfort zone and into new territory, we can't be sure of how we'll fit in. All we can do is take that first step and hope we don't trip on our laces.

Trying something new can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially in a public forum. As a first time blogger, I am a bit of a debutante, a newcomer here at Positively Ellinwood Street. My fledgling effort is my introduction to this community. And while I am hardly ever caught without something to say about something, I don't quite feel qualified to expound at large. I am a nervous teenager teetering around a dance floor in her first pair of heels, hoping to avoid humiliation at all cost, and maybe even have a bit of fun -- a total deb.

I am also a life-long bibliophile. I love exploring new books, new music and movies, too. But now, as I tremble a bit at the idea of sending this humble little blog-post out into the world, I imagine what it must be like to see your own debut novel, album, or film put out there for public consumption. Thrilling, undoubtedly, but how terrifying it must be, as well. If the work is well received-- fabulous, but if it flops--talk about tripping on your laces! What courage that first step must take.

Novice works are most often rough attempts that, later, lead to more refined products. Sometimes, however, an artist's first effort is worth serious attention. One such effort is Kathryn Stockett's The Help. Writing about the struggles and striving of three very different women in Jackson, Mississippi during the civil-rights era, Stockett gives her characters voices that ring true. That truth infuses the novel with color and depth, so that these richly believable characters inhabit an accurately-drawn, nearly photographic, setting. We, the readers, care about and share in their experiences. Had I not known this was a debut novel, I never would have guessed it.

Below, I've listed several debut works of note. I hope each of you finds something there to enjoy, to appreciate among these artists' courageous first steps.

5 debut novels to look for:

The Cradle by Patrick Somerville
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Little Giant of Aberdeen County by Tiffany Baker
The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by C. Alan Bradley

Debut films by 5 great directors:

The Maltese Falcon 1941 - John Huston
Night of the Living Dead 1968 - George A. Romero
This is Spinal Tap 1982 - Rob Reiner
Say Anything 1989 - Cameron Crowe
Reservoir Dogs 1992 - Quentin Tarantino

2009 Best New Artists Grammy nominees:

Adele - 19
Duffy - Rockferry
Jazmine Sullivan - Fearless
Jonas Brothers - Jonas Brothers
Lady Antebellum - Lady Antebellum

Truly Beautiful Movies

Soon the spotlight of world cinema will be cast upon the mighty Windy City as thousands of film enthusiasts will flock to the 45th Chicago International Film Festival from October 8th to the 22nd. They'll be among the first to view a wide variety of cinema offerings from around the globe at an event that has a storied history. It is the oldest competitive international film festival in North America: the first competition in October 1965 was held at the Carnegie Theater, and King Vidor, Stanley Kramer, and Bette Davis were honored for their impact on American cinema. Throughout the years the Chicago International Film Festival has placed a great emphasis on "fostering better understanding between cultures" and "making a positive contribution to the art form of the moving image" (according to their website).

It is at the Chicago International Film Festival that many movies gather a huge part of the momentum that turns them into strong Golden Globe and Oscar Award contenders. Just last year, films such as The Wrestler, Happy-Go-Lucky, Slumdog Millionaire (Chicago International Film Festival Audience Choice Award winner), and Gomorrah (Chicago International Film Festival Silver Hugo winner for Best Screenplay) were praised by festival-goers and went on to become multiple-time nominees (and for Slumdog Millionaire, major winners) during the Award season. Many people also got their first peek at my favorite vampire film ever made, Let the Right One In, at last year's festival.

Another excellent factor of the Chicago International Film Festival is the involvement of those who have helped create the films. This year it is possible to see director John Woo, actress Uma Thurman, and actors Martin Landau, Willem DaFoe, and Ben Foster, among others, talk about their pictures after a screening of them. Granted, the ticket price is usually higher when they will speak afterwards, but how often do you get a chance to watch a flick with Willem DaFoe?

Now, for as much as I love film and the city of Chicago, I've never attended the Chicago International Film Festival. Other plans always seem to come up or the festival arrives and ends before I realize it. This year, I am determined to get downtown for at least one flick. There a few I'd like to target: Red Cliff (directed by John Woo) depicting war, romance, and espionage on an epic scale at the end of the Han dynasty in 3rd century AD China; Berlin '36 where Jewish athletes combat hatred and racism as Germany unwillingly allows them to compete in the Olympics to avoid a boycott by other nations; Hipsters in which rock and roll and other blatantly American trends permeate young men and women in 1955 Moscow, making the authorities none too happy (many predict this film will become as popular as Slumdog Millionaire was last year); and Spy(ies) showing an airport worker being thrust into a world of fear, secret agents, and intrigue just by picking up the wrong bag.

Tickets for films at the festival are available through the website, but don't delay as they sell out pretty quickly. As a parting thought, consider what actress Jodie Foster has to say about this great Chicago tradition,"The Chicago International Film Festival reminds us that movies are truly beautiful.” Come downtown for a fresh cinematic perspective!

The Excellence of Television

People sometimes get a little cranky about TV. Either there's too much of something they don't like (reality TV, infomercials, doctors in love), or not enough of what they miss (whether it's the Beav or Buffy). And people don't want to admit they watch TV all that much, anyway. "Oh, I happened to catch five minutes of Oprah or American Idol or America's Next Top Model . . ."

Several years ago I realized that if I read 50 to 75 books a year, then I had enough credit built up to also watch as much TV as I wanted. What I realized, in this orgy of CRT love, was that TV . . . had gotten pretty darn wonderful. Great acting, fantastic stories, and the time to really explore characters and their worlds to an extent the multiplex will never match. Rome and Deadwood were as compelling as any documentary or drama I'd seen in the last ten years. I liked Dexter way better than the books. Supernatural was a delicious fill-in for Angel. True Blood was a little steamy for my taste, but In Treatment had me glued to my couch.

And you know what? I don't even have premium cable. I watched all of the above series courtesy of the library - and at no charge. I checked out each season of Deadwood (in order, of course) for 14 days and had my own little McShane Marathon.

So here's to the magnificence of the small screen! Whether it's a classic like The Far Pavilions or a gritty eye-opener like The Wire, you can enjoy it long after its run has ended. What's on your personal marathon list?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to put a reserve on Little Dorrit. Hey, it won all those Emmys, I should give it a chance.