When Robert Altman garnered an honorary Oscar at the 2005 Academy Awards, he compared movie making to building a sand castle:"I've always said that making a film is like making a sand castle at a beach. You invite your friends, and you get them down there, and you build this beautiful structure, several of you. Then you sit back and watch the tide come in. Have a drink, watch the tide come in, and the ocean just takes it away. And that sand castle remains in your mind."
When I first heard this, I thought, yeah, but with a movie, you at least have the film - that doesn't go away. I've always thought this metaphor was better suited to a play where it actually does go away -- the set, the props, the costumes, the actors.
But as I re-visit this idea I realize that he is talking about the actual building of the sand castle. A film is just a photograph of the sand castle, it does not convey the joy or the camaraderie or even the agony of making the perfect sand castle.
So many memories are like this: they are built with friends and then washed away by the tide only to remain in your mind.
And this idea of memories really struck me the other day when I saw another pictu
re of a castle. I was in New York City with my kids for an audition for my daughter (she didn't get it). We were walking by a slew of posters when I noticed one of them was for The Unforgettable Fire, the re-mastered version by U2. Immediately, I was in high school in 1984, having just returned from France where I had heard U2 for the first time. U2 was just starting to get popular in the states with this album and I'm in the lunch room discussing the band with friends, thinking I know more about U2 having heard them in France.
re of a castle. I was in New York City with my kids for an audition for my daughter (she didn't get it). We were walking by a slew of posters when I noticed one of them was for The Unforgettable Fire, the re-mastered version by U2. Immediately, I was in high school in 1984, having just returned from France where I had heard U2 for the first time. U2 was just starting to get popular in the states with this album and I'm in the lunch room discussing the band with friends, thinking I know more about U2 having heard them in France.That sand castle is long gone but it's still vivid to me. So in honor of The Unforgettable Fire and all the memories U2 has given me, here's a link to their performance at LiveAid (remember that sand castle?):
Here's to your sand castles!
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A woman after my own heart!
ReplyDeleteLove Altman and think U2 is the greatest band of all time.
Side note: I actually worked on Bono's daughter's film acting debut.
Jeff: Totally cool about Bono's daughter. When I was in Ireland I met Adam Clayton at someone's house (casual like), greatest moment of my life!
ReplyDeleteI'm a lot older than you--but I remember hearing U2 for the first time with my kids, who were in high school. And being so glad that I was given teenagers as my children! (Step children, but not to me.) It opened me up to all sorts of new music and new experiences. I have to follow your blog now. You have a wonderful way of writing.
ReplyDeletesome of my favorite things...sandcastles and U2...moments are like sandcastles, washed away except in our memories...this also made me think about the making of the lord of the rings and the comraderie they shared, down to the tattoos they each got...i am sure they miss the making...
ReplyDeleteRobert Altman and U2 in the same post. I think I love you. lol
ReplyDeleteWhat remains in your mind cannot be washed away. Unless, of course, you get Alzheimers...
ReplyDeleteLoved the sandcastle!
Robert Altman, yeah! I'll drink to that!!! (Mixing two martinis) Cheers, and Happy TT!
ReplyDeleteYou touch on my favorite subject, friendship. I treasure my friendships past and present. As I live far from home, the oldest ones are very much in my head and heart and memory. Our memories vary but there is always a common thread.
ReplyDeleteAngel May is right, Alzheimer's will fix that!
Great post, Kate! I thought your point about a play being more like a disappearing sand castle than a film was well taken. Happy TT.
ReplyDeleteCool post. Sand and waves are great metaphors for our days and time, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteLovely post. Here's to your sand castles, as well! :D
ReplyDeleteThat is a lovely idea! I've never heard that before but it is very true. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSC
I completely remember when this came out and was in highschool too (in England). that was when I like dU@. I grew off them as bono's self love increased. I ahve to say though, one very talented band.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite U2 album. Thanks, Kate.
ReplyDeleteAnd a verrry well written post.
Love Robert Altman. And U2, of course, great post on "Castles." Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe magic is in the making, moments that are never the same twice :)
ReplyDeleteLovely!
ReplyDeleteI think that was a brillant post!I absolutely adore the idea of "making a castle" and that memory that never goes away.It's fabulous.Also I really like U2 and remember this album!Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteKate what a thoughtful post. I never thought of memories being like sand castles then it reminded me of the budhist mandelas and Tibetan monks who draw the most amazing mandelas in multicoloured sand, incredibly intricate only to be swept away on completion to remind us of our own impermanence.
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