Ghost In The Shell (2017) Film Thoughts

And as the lights go up, and the crowds exit the theater, my chlorine vision saturated eyes, heavy they hang, underlying a distended sense of relief. Not that Rupert Sanders' fool's errand had indeed exceeded all expectations. But rather that years of speculation and debate could at last be put to rest knowing that it was all valid noise. His adaptation of Shiroh's influential creation bears little resemblance to the source, unless one believes that random, occasionally slavish visual callbacks implies synchronicity. The end product being something far less interested in the world it is painting, and far more victim of its own marketing potential. Another film pitted against itself so early in the game, that the afterthought of merely choosing a straight procedural story must be echoing between many lips at this very moment. But as it is, Ghost In The Shell, succumbs dead on arrival as a story of stolen pasts and identities at odds with a reality that all but Hollywood has seemingly surpassed. 

In this rendition of the universe, Mira, aka The Major (Scarlett Johansson), is seen awakening for the first time after being told she was just rescued from near drowning after a terrorist attack. Dr. Ouélet (an oddly cast Juliette Binoche), informs her and in turn, the audience that Mira is indeed granted a new cyborg body in what would become a bold new standard for HANKA Robotics' and the world's increasingly cyberized population. Behind closed doors, Dr. Ouélete, is informed by the company's chief, Cutter(Peter Ferdinando), that Mira is to be stationed as a government operative for the anti-terrorist strike force, Section Nine as an imposed demonstration of Mira's intended function: as a weapon. Flash forward to one year later, and suppressed memories come calling as The Major and her cadre of cybercops run up against renegade cyborg, Kuze(Michael Pitt), who has begun to infiltrate minds of machine and human alike in a plot to expose HANKA, and break this new world down to its foundations.

You read correctly, 2017's Ghost In The Shell, cops that age old crutch, the origin story, and undermines the entire mythology in the process. One of the great delights of Masamune Shirow's original work, and most of the subsequent media that followed tossed the reader/viewer forehead deep into an increasingly blurred world of cyborgs, political intrigue, and morphing philosophical concepts. We were suddenly privy to the obsessive minds behind each incarnation. With each new exchange rendering us occadionally scrambling to keep up. Much like the way I used to have to re-read to better digest the early works of William Gibson, there is a tactile nature to the world of Ghost that is dense, and simply thrilling because of said density. It's a universe that rarely to never did apologizes for what it was, nor was terribly interested in longform explanations about who our characters. They simply were. 

 

With Sanders'  film, this simply won't do. And as such, the entire piece seems hell bent on undermining any potential question regarding who Mira is, and what she represents to those who value her. By laying out virtually everything in expository dialogue early on, we are granted little to no mystery for the characters,  let alone us to discover. A mother/daughter subplot that again undermines a huge amount of what makes the franchise so inviting. A choice that in a way kneecaps a lot of what makes The Major, such a unique being who is an expert at what she does, but rarely reveals a vulnerable side to anyone but squadmate Batou (an adequate, yet equally undermined Pilou Asbaek) It almost seems to be written under the sexist assumption that a woman cannot be this vulnerable to a male lead without it dovetailing into love interest territory. To compound problems further, Mira is rarely given much evidence to even prove her worth as a team leader, and is more spoken about by others. Her actions are often undone by others, and occasionally rendered ineffectual. It's a superhero film where the superhero simply doesn't do very much that emphasizes the super. Johansson, does what she can with the role, but the page and direction simply have no weight to encourage more than a furrowed brow, or a dropped weapon. This Major, is simply useless.

Worse yet, are the choices that follow, especially pertaining to Cutter, and his intentions for Mira behind the scenes. The greater conspiracy that has created her never culminates toward anything beyond a raised eyebrow, and one has to ask why would a major robotics corporation pawn off one of their most advanced creations to a government unit that is deeply entrenched in such complex cyber terrorism, and intelligence gathering. The plots would have no problem intersecting over time. At least with RoboCop's Murphy, his ignorance in an increasingly blue collar style police force supports this notion of information walls that border on some form of full proof protection. But with Section Nine being who they are (here, a largely faceless group of ragtag police, granted little to no real screen time) it just feels like granting Mira a timed gimme. The ultimate revelations tend to fall into our protagonists' hands with each dive, not to mention a scene near act three that seems to have been completely edited out. (Pay close attention, or one may miss it.) The film simply opts for an on-wheels experience, punctuated by the occasional uncanny image. 

Which brings us to the presentation, which ultimately comes up short. For all that Sanders attempts to inject into the presentation, there is a strange, almost limited scope that seems to run out within the first half hour. Almost as if the film seems ready to give up on presenting much new to the world save for an almost early 1990s Mind's Eye era techno poster sheen. A lot of style, but little in the way of optical protein that Ghost is often known for. After a while, the look of the city, the people, and the animated ad campaigns looming over the proceedings become less than impressive. There are plenty of visual shout-outs to Oshii's two films (especially INNOCENCE) throughout, but even so, it becomes distracting when so very little is actually occurring on screen. It's definitely a handsome production, but certainly one that leaves a limited impression. 

Then there's the issue of casting none other than Takeshi Kitano in the role of Section Nine head, Aramaki, who comes off as expected; as a J-cinema legend collecting a paycheck. 

So in all, the western Ghost In The Shell finds itself through the looking Glass of controversy and speculation, and now on the other side perhaps worse for the wear. A project that so easily could have sidestepped certain issues of racial identity and economic choices, opts to lean head on into them, only rendering the entire project as something of a troubled message come the denouement. Without spoiling the film, the story does go full bore with the origin story in such a way that implies that this is just how things are, and that it's perfectly fine. Forget the past, understand its role, and think nothing of the implications. It's a quietly toxic choice that simply didn't have to be. There is great potential within the universe of Ghost to at least imply a wholly new regional continuity. A fresh take on an increasingly dense, politically charged creative playground of digital intrigue. The choices we get here pretty much quashes much hope of progress. Not that the mother-daughter element didn't help, but talk about a rosary of needless suffering on a slab of shallow posturing. No reverent, loving bouquet. More a burger, medium Coke, along with a basket of cold, unsalted fries.

Once again, the road to adapting Japanese media into the global mainstream finds itself at odds with the tentacles of moneyed interests, cultural hegemony, and ultimately an indifferent attitude to story. If this is the best a major studio can do with something like this, then it's no wonder Japan stays away. About the only positive here is that for a more palatable take on such occasionally challenging material,  Stand Alone Complex exists. At long last the debates can proceed with actual ammunition. 

 

Thank goodness.  

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When People Complain About Pop Star Quotes Sans Context..

You bet I'm disturbed.

 

I'm disturbed by the fact that nearly every single White house appointee, is as follows..

 

An Attorney General candidate, whom has long been considered far too racist, and unacceptable even by previous Republican standards, and has had much trouble at the hands of both Dr. King and his wife and with good reason.

 

A Secretary of Education nominee that lacks even the minimum required education to even consider presiding over the lives of the young, let alone a religious bias that undermines separation of church and state. Worse yet. Has no concept of how to deal with diversity of culture, as well as neuro diversity.

 

A Secretary of housing and urban development nominee with no prior experience in this field, was once a surgeon, but now lacks the cognitive ability to handle complex living ideas, let alone his beliefs in the pyramids and the use of grain. The videos are proof enough of incompetence to even garner much more argument.

 

Disturbed, that a powerful oil magnate would be given the keys to high office when it has grown ever more crucial and acceptable to harvest new, and cleaner forms of energy, with more in the wings. This is ultimately worse than the Bush family and their ties to foreign oil.

 

I'm disturbed that a press secretary would not only lie about the role of himself and his administration, but that he would be so bad at it. It's bad enough that it's clear that he looks forced into every word leaking out of his mouth, with bloodshot eyes filled with mortification, but that he doesn't have the stones to even think that there is such a thing as “alternative facts”. (Hint: there isn't)

 

I'm ultimately disturbed by the senior counselor appointment of a man long known as a political “news” raconteur, with dreams of being a Leninist, hoping with baited breath to “destroy the state”, and aligns himself, not only against other races, but women, and just about everyone but a racist, nationalist base. His connections to a drunken, broken minded misanthrope kraken like Alex Jones only furthers the mud from which he has arisen from.

 

I'm disturbed by one’s assertion that the people being placed into high office are less dangerous than imaginary leftists who wouldn't even think of doing the things Drumpf’s cabinet are intent on doing, which largely comes from the Putin playbook of “destabilize and deligitimize “ everything from the truth to the offices of American government. They are attempting a bloodless coup, and largely because of one man's massive, yet fragile ego against a world that has left him, and possibly others behind.

 

I'm far more disturbed by these revelations than any muddle of words one Brooklyn pop legend can possibly spout. They are a greater offense to the White House, because they possess no respect for the system in which they inherit. It's anti-Federalism fueled by deep resentment, and powered by dirty pool. Their racism, sexism, anti-intellectualism, and means to harm and stifle research and information thrives because it fears what so many of us already know.

 

I'm disturbed..

 

Because the enemy is already inside the house. Infection has taken hold, and that body you see before you may look familiar, but there is nothing beneath that skin that will ever be the party you once new. The Republican party you and I knew growing up, is dead. Within the visage of its shambling corpse, is an organized international puppet show disguised as white rage revenge against a President who was doing all he could to level a playing field in dire need of it. Certain people couldn't fathom this, belted out in desperation, and decided to burn the board. Hell, fyi: A lot of the so-called “leftists” you speak of, voted for your man because it would hasten this longed-for destruction. That's right. They saw this coming, and opted for the big burn. They were right next to you, complicit in all of this.

 

How much is one's soul worth to undo generations of progress, and belief in impartial systems in the name of some imagined past where everyone was happy? This “again” speaks of something wholly imaginary, and at best, only for one persuasion of skin color. Nostalgia, is merely that; a balm for reality.

 

Being afraid of violent factions have been rendered moot since this administration has openly decided to declare war on reason. The moment that happens, all bets are off. Shots have already been fired. America, is already under siege. The shockwave will be felt around every corner of the planet. And only a few of us will remain to rebuild what had been destroyed. Make no mistake, it will affect all of us. Women, children, the elderly, immigrants from the world over, seeking the beacon of light we do our damndest to promise.

 

And this includes the many who voted for him. They too will feel a sharp sting of betrayal in time. The “left” will likely not have to lift a finger.

 

I'm disturbed that a small minority found itself terrified of a more pluralized world, and opted to shun the possibilities inherent. And if they are more bothered by what one artist said in jest, as opposed to all of this, would prefer that we remain docile and complicit as the very fabric of who we are and what we can be are torn asunder in the name of something that is in no way sustainable, nor respectful of nature itself. That blocks, cuts, kills, offers no long term solutions or goals outside of a warped retread of pasts better abandoned while the world moves forward, leaving us a shell of what we once upheld to be self-evident.

 

This is disturbing to me.

 


 

YeshCast 004: Bubble Memories of Laundry Past

Greetings, all.

And welcome to the first in what I hope will become something of a ritual here at YeshPro HQ. Some pancakes and syrup are in order, and so are a great many words regarding the recall power of flavor, exhibition ideas, and PURE-CAT-POWER! Join Eileen and I as we attempt to grant fellow listeners into our special brand of banter, with some very telling diegetic sound. The headquarters is continuously alive, especially in the morning, and it only felt right to share this on this, a new way to experience an intimate podcast!

 

First in our Backyard Breakfast series!

First in our Backyard Breakfast series!

YeshCast 003: Beneath The Roman Sky

What better way to properly christen these hallowed young walls of digital space, than with a companion podcast? Having initially launched somewhere on Tumblr, YeshCast is something of an all-purpose life, art, travel and reflection audio diary often featuring us YeshPro chickens. 

 

This time, co-conspirator Eileen and I hit up the Santa Monica pier for a brief bite followed by a dreamy visit to the harder to reach Getty Villa up in Mali-BOO. Awash in all things ancient and civilized, we consider the parallels between then and now, and also find some laughter and hopefully wisdom along the way.

 

A brief, yet enticing hint of things to come! 

The Stomping Grounds Expand..

 

Well. Better late than never, yes?

Don't mind the mess. The movers haven't completely finished bringing every article over, and what's in these boxes do no good all over the floor, so let's just lie on the floor for a bit and get acquainted.

Hello one and all, and welcome to what will hopefully be a busy new home for all things no budget and mischievous. I'm Mike, and I've spent several years writing and creating under several banners over the years. Whether it be via sites like Anime Diet, or The Wandering Kaijyu, the time spent toggling between these sites, not to mention the endless carnival that is social media, it always felt inevitable that all endeavors would find themselves in some consolidated form or another. As for the time I have been between working across town or school, this new home also helps eliminate so much unnecessary fumbling about. This new project may also find within it room for other voices looking for a means to play between many corners of everything from cinema, to anime, to local art, food, and various musings outside of what many may call consistent. Wandercreature, is where the mind has a chance to play it loose, seek out wisdom instead of geek cred, rummage for the unexpected, and embrace the internet as a spiritual butterfly net. After several years of this, the very idea that we had to get way past Variable Zero, and offer up a place where all these little pieces of incremental creativity had to function beneath a solid umbrella.

In time, content will offer more than blogs. We're also looking into reviews beyond merely film, podcasts, homebrewed music and video, the two-person publishing project that's been happening since 2013, YeshPro, and a great deal more. So go ahead and bookmark away. I'm always open for suggestions, questions, and stories.  (Oh, I love those!) Take up a pillow, and relax a bit. All I ask of you is to be civil, offer up your best ideas, and breathe in the moment.

Your best ideas might be just around the corner.