I'm Obsessed.
Anybody else get so emotionally invested in a movie's world that you kinda stop knowing how to function in the real world around you? Just me? Alrighty then.
This week I have discovered my favorite actor. Which is a funny thing, because I had already seen him in a movie and loved him. The film One Day is a movie I've always loved. A romantic movie with a really unique idea of looking at two people's lives on one day over the course of twenty years. It's like this fun little movie photo book, where you get to see two characters change from year to year. (And don't even get me started on the hair). This movie was based off of a book, and you better believe it's on the top of my list of books to read in the very near future... Look at me going on about this film and I haven't even mentioned who my favorite actor even is. Some of you who have seen the film might have guessed it, but his name is Jim Sturgess. *heart eyes, heart eyes, heart eyes* A Brit with puppy dog brown eyes and a fantastic mop of messy dark brown hair. (literally I cry) I think Jim does an amazing job in this film, and I loved him instantly. I watched this years ago, but lets flash forward to this Monday. I was recommended the movie Across the Universe. I had heard of this one, and had have many friends telling me about it for years. That it was "my kind of movie," and that I would "love all of the music." I'm not sure why I put it off for so long, knowing full well they were all probably right. But I was reminded of it last Saturday, and finally took the plunge this Monday. And you guys. They were right. I was smitten. I didn't even realize Jim Sturgess was leading this one as well, but there he was, in all his Brit glory. Singing song after song, (And can I tell the world that this movie musical had their actor's singing live and can I also mention that this movie was way before the Les Mis movie that boasted they were the first to do this? Yepp. There's that.) and telling a story I now adore. This is the movie that reminded me, "wow this actor rocks." Plus now I knew he could SING. Also can I note that he can do literally any accent with beautiful ease?
And so I did what any lovesick fangirl would do. I IMDBed him. And I have literally watched 8 of his movies THIS WEEK. I know, I know, I'm a *hotchkiss mess.
What this awful, stupid, rambled mess is saying: I think Jim Sturgess is a completely underrated actor and should be getting the same recognition as some better known actors. And I think you should all pick one of his films that interests you and WATCH IT. THIS WEEK. (And then tell me about it). I'll leave my favorites down below. I actually have some other favorites, but they are a bit more gritty and dark, and I know that isn't for everyone.
*Nauvoo "slang" (lol) for just "I'm a hot mess"
Top 5 Favorite Jim Sturgess Movies:
Pro Tip: The Way Back and 21 are both available on Netflix. One Day used to be, but I'm pretty sure has been removed since.
Girl Pro Tip: One Day, Upside Down, and Across the Universe are all chick flicks and darn good ones at that. Get yourself some ice cream, a thing of peanut butter M&Ms and popcorn, and enjoyyy.
What's so striking to me about Jim is that he really isn't doing this for any sort of fame. He actually seems to not like attention very much at all, even though he is so so kind to everyone. He bounces from movie to movie, and they are all these beautiful and unique (and quite often independent) films. Even turning down big Hollywood movies and potential stardom, he chooses roles/movies because he himself would want to watch the movie. He doesn't like the idea of stereotyping or being tied down to one part forever. That's why he has so many different types of movies in his repertoire. All of the stories in his films are just so real and so gripping. He really cares about his characters and gives himself 100% to every project. That's why I'm in awe. That's why he can do any accent. That's why every movie he stars in gives me the chills. Because he is there for the simple magic of storytelling and soul-bearing.
What I've written in no way does this man justice. I'm simply incapable of arranging words to mount up to what this actor has come to mean to me. And I know that my own personal opinions and preferences might influence how ridiculously awestruck I am by him.
This happens to me quite often actually; I discover an actor and go absolutely obsessive-crazy. Research as much as I can and fall into a hole of watching movie after movie after movie. And I try talking to people about the actor, and they appease me and listen to my ridiculous rantings.. but they don't see him/them the way I do. They haven't been influenced by him, they haven't watched his movies; they don't see what I see, feel what I feel. My chest will literally ache. And sometimes, sometimes I talk to someone who does know the actor and their movies, and still doesn't feel anything remotely close to the way I do. And they scoff, or say something small against them. It's weirdly painful. And you get defensive over someone you don't even know, because they have become a part of your heart and a part of how you live in a small way. They've left a mark on who you are, (even though you know that they have absolutely no idea). But who is this person to say they aren't as good as you think they are? What makes their opinion worth more than yours? No one has the right to make you feel ashamed or embarrassed for loving things. But this goes back to what I was saying last week; isn't it so wonderful we have things we love so deeply? That we get to choose what makes us us, and what we have passion for? Sure, this is kind of a silly topic: having passion for a certain actor and their films. But isn't it wonderful how deeply people we don't even know can make us feel? That we don't even have to meet someone for them to leave a mark on who we are.
Isn't it amazing what film and stage and acting can do to resonate with people? Tell a simple story of love, or tell the amazingly true story of a group of men escaping from Siberia and traveling over 4,000 miles to India (shameless plug for The Way Back). Each story is brought to life by a group of people that care so much about what they are doing, they literally are devoting their life to a story. And then we get to enjoy it. What a crazy life to live, but man I wish I could be a part of it. I think that might be why I love it all so much. Because I see myself in these people. I see their passion and drive, and it makes me feel the same things.
So yeah I'm a silly girl that loves things too hard.
I avidly remember an incident in junior high where I was in my sort of homeroom class, and I was talking to a friend. When I was done talking to said friend, I turned in my seat to see another friend of mine passing a note that I could have sworn had my name in it. I asked her about it, and she got a little squeamish, but I pressed on. I pushed and pushed until she answered me, and she told me she had been talking to another friend saying that they thought I was friends with too many people. That I couldn't possibly be so close to as many people as I pretended to be, because that would just be insane. Their logic: You pick a couple good friends, and everyone else you just sort of know of. I was absolutely baffled to say the least. And in my insecure mind, I was hurt and thinking I was doing something wrong. Tears welling to the surface, I kind of believed them, desperate to be accepted and loved. Especially by the people I so warmly called my best friends. But looking back on that now it truly is so crazy to me, that there would be restrictions on love. That I couldn't claim more than a couple people as my friends, and certainly no more than one person for my best friend. Because that was when I was the happiest. I adored knowing so many people and seeing lots of people I considered my friends around school. Junior high is just a hard time in general, and there were many instances I was hurt because of my inability to not be friends with everyone I found intriguing. But I am so happy I am that way now. My life is so full of rich friendships and love that I wouldn't have found if I had listened to my well meaning friends in homeroom. I am proud to say I have multiple best friends. I'd say I have well over 20. And I have countless other friends I have gained from life experiences and musicals and school. And sure, I obviously don't keep constant contact with every single one of these people. Adult life is quite a bit busier than jr. high life (in most regards). But I think considering anyone who has touched your life in one way or another your friend is the only way I'll ever know how to live my life. Life is too short. I look back on so many moments in my life with people that used to be so present in my every day and I smile. That person will always be a best friend to me. I often hope or wonder if people do the same with me. If they toss around my name or face in their head and smile along.
All I know is if you want to be loved in this world, you need to be willing to give some yourself. And that is certainly something I am more than happy to give. The reward is totally worth it.
"My only advice to you is to love, love and love. Love like there will be no more sunrises or sunsets or no more tomorrows. And if by some chance the sun rises again and tomorrow arrives, love some more, love again."
--Nicole Moon
What's Bringing Me Joy Right Now:
-Jim Sturgess movies
-Dodie Clark's book, "Secrets for the Mad." Dodie is a youtuber/songwriter I have recently found and have fallen in love with. Her words are so sharp and real and she isn't afraid of sharing them.
-My new baseball cap with an 'I Love You' sign on it
-JIM STURGESS
-Getting selected to receive a mystery box of goods from one of my long time favs: Olan Rogers
-weighted blankets (seriously, these things are SO therapeutic)
-my niece calling me 'babe' because I call her that, and also calling me 'Jen' because that's what the rest of my family calls me
-Jim Sturgess
-Oh, and did I mention Jim Sturgess?
I hope you enjoy my ramblings this week that are basically me just trying to make me feel better about putting off all of my homework night after night in search for more Jim Sturgess movies. I love him, I love you, and I love life.
(P.S. Sorry for the overload of Jim Sturgess pictures)
(P.P.S. I'm not actually sorry)
This week I have discovered my favorite actor. Which is a funny thing, because I had already seen him in a movie and loved him. The film One Day is a movie I've always loved. A romantic movie with a really unique idea of looking at two people's lives on one day over the course of twenty years. It's like this fun little movie photo book, where you get to see two characters change from year to year. (And don't even get me started on the hair). This movie was based off of a book, and you better believe it's on the top of my list of books to read in the very near future... Look at me going on about this film and I haven't even mentioned who my favorite actor even is. Some of you who have seen the film might have guessed it, but his name is Jim Sturgess. *heart eyes, heart eyes, heart eyes* A Brit with puppy dog brown eyes and a fantastic mop of messy dark brown hair. (literally I cry) I think Jim does an amazing job in this film, and I loved him instantly. I watched this years ago, but lets flash forward to this Monday. I was recommended the movie Across the Universe. I had heard of this one, and had have many friends telling me about it for years. That it was "my kind of movie," and that I would "love all of the music." I'm not sure why I put it off for so long, knowing full well they were all probably right. But I was reminded of it last Saturday, and finally took the plunge this Monday. And you guys. They were right. I was smitten. I didn't even realize Jim Sturgess was leading this one as well, but there he was, in all his Brit glory. Singing song after song, (And can I tell the world that this movie musical had their actor's singing live and can I also mention that this movie was way before the Les Mis movie that boasted they were the first to do this? Yepp. There's that.) and telling a story I now adore. This is the movie that reminded me, "wow this actor rocks." Plus now I knew he could SING. Also can I note that he can do literally any accent with beautiful ease?
And so I did what any lovesick fangirl would do. I IMDBed him. And I have literally watched 8 of his movies THIS WEEK. I know, I know, I'm a *hotchkiss mess.
What this awful, stupid, rambled mess is saying: I think Jim Sturgess is a completely underrated actor and should be getting the same recognition as some better known actors. And I think you should all pick one of his films that interests you and WATCH IT. THIS WEEK. (And then tell me about it). I'll leave my favorites down below. I actually have some other favorites, but they are a bit more gritty and dark, and I know that isn't for everyone.
*Nauvoo "slang" (lol) for just "I'm a hot mess"
Top 5 Favorite Jim Sturgess Movies:
- One Day
- Upside Down
- The Way Back
- 21
- Across the Universe
Pro Tip: The Way Back and 21 are both available on Netflix. One Day used to be, but I'm pretty sure has been removed since.
Girl Pro Tip: One Day, Upside Down, and Across the Universe are all chick flicks and darn good ones at that. Get yourself some ice cream, a thing of peanut butter M&Ms and popcorn, and enjoyyy.
What's so striking to me about Jim is that he really isn't doing this for any sort of fame. He actually seems to not like attention very much at all, even though he is so so kind to everyone. He bounces from movie to movie, and they are all these beautiful and unique (and quite often independent) films. Even turning down big Hollywood movies and potential stardom, he chooses roles/movies because he himself would want to watch the movie. He doesn't like the idea of stereotyping or being tied down to one part forever. That's why he has so many different types of movies in his repertoire. All of the stories in his films are just so real and so gripping. He really cares about his characters and gives himself 100% to every project. That's why I'm in awe. That's why he can do any accent. That's why every movie he stars in gives me the chills. Because he is there for the simple magic of storytelling and soul-bearing.
What I've written in no way does this man justice. I'm simply incapable of arranging words to mount up to what this actor has come to mean to me. And I know that my own personal opinions and preferences might influence how ridiculously awestruck I am by him.
This happens to me quite often actually; I discover an actor and go absolutely obsessive-crazy. Research as much as I can and fall into a hole of watching movie after movie after movie. And I try talking to people about the actor, and they appease me and listen to my ridiculous rantings.. but they don't see him/them the way I do. They haven't been influenced by him, they haven't watched his movies; they don't see what I see, feel what I feel. My chest will literally ache. And sometimes, sometimes I talk to someone who does know the actor and their movies, and still doesn't feel anything remotely close to the way I do. And they scoff, or say something small against them. It's weirdly painful. And you get defensive over someone you don't even know, because they have become a part of your heart and a part of how you live in a small way. They've left a mark on who you are, (even though you know that they have absolutely no idea). But who is this person to say they aren't as good as you think they are? What makes their opinion worth more than yours? No one has the right to make you feel ashamed or embarrassed for loving things. But this goes back to what I was saying last week; isn't it so wonderful we have things we love so deeply? That we get to choose what makes us us, and what we have passion for? Sure, this is kind of a silly topic: having passion for a certain actor and their films. But isn't it wonderful how deeply people we don't even know can make us feel? That we don't even have to meet someone for them to leave a mark on who we are.
Isn't it amazing what film and stage and acting can do to resonate with people? Tell a simple story of love, or tell the amazingly true story of a group of men escaping from Siberia and traveling over 4,000 miles to India (shameless plug for The Way Back). Each story is brought to life by a group of people that care so much about what they are doing, they literally are devoting their life to a story. And then we get to enjoy it. What a crazy life to live, but man I wish I could be a part of it. I think that might be why I love it all so much. Because I see myself in these people. I see their passion and drive, and it makes me feel the same things.
So yeah I'm a silly girl that loves things too hard.
I avidly remember an incident in junior high where I was in my sort of homeroom class, and I was talking to a friend. When I was done talking to said friend, I turned in my seat to see another friend of mine passing a note that I could have sworn had my name in it. I asked her about it, and she got a little squeamish, but I pressed on. I pushed and pushed until she answered me, and she told me she had been talking to another friend saying that they thought I was friends with too many people. That I couldn't possibly be so close to as many people as I pretended to be, because that would just be insane. Their logic: You pick a couple good friends, and everyone else you just sort of know of. I was absolutely baffled to say the least. And in my insecure mind, I was hurt and thinking I was doing something wrong. Tears welling to the surface, I kind of believed them, desperate to be accepted and loved. Especially by the people I so warmly called my best friends. But looking back on that now it truly is so crazy to me, that there would be restrictions on love. That I couldn't claim more than a couple people as my friends, and certainly no more than one person for my best friend. Because that was when I was the happiest. I adored knowing so many people and seeing lots of people I considered my friends around school. Junior high is just a hard time in general, and there were many instances I was hurt because of my inability to not be friends with everyone I found intriguing. But I am so happy I am that way now. My life is so full of rich friendships and love that I wouldn't have found if I had listened to my well meaning friends in homeroom. I am proud to say I have multiple best friends. I'd say I have well over 20. And I have countless other friends I have gained from life experiences and musicals and school. And sure, I obviously don't keep constant contact with every single one of these people. Adult life is quite a bit busier than jr. high life (in most regards). But I think considering anyone who has touched your life in one way or another your friend is the only way I'll ever know how to live my life. Life is too short. I look back on so many moments in my life with people that used to be so present in my every day and I smile. That person will always be a best friend to me. I often hope or wonder if people do the same with me. If they toss around my name or face in their head and smile along.
All I know is if you want to be loved in this world, you need to be willing to give some yourself. And that is certainly something I am more than happy to give. The reward is totally worth it.
"My only advice to you is to love, love and love. Love like there will be no more sunrises or sunsets or no more tomorrows. And if by some chance the sun rises again and tomorrow arrives, love some more, love again."
--Nicole Moon
What's Bringing Me Joy Right Now:
-Jim Sturgess movies
-Dodie Clark's book, "Secrets for the Mad." Dodie is a youtuber/songwriter I have recently found and have fallen in love with. Her words are so sharp and real and she isn't afraid of sharing them.
-My new baseball cap with an 'I Love You' sign on it
-JIM STURGESS
-Getting selected to receive a mystery box of goods from one of my long time favs: Olan Rogers
-weighted blankets (seriously, these things are SO therapeutic)
-my niece calling me 'babe' because I call her that, and also calling me 'Jen' because that's what the rest of my family calls me
-Jim Sturgess
-Oh, and did I mention Jim Sturgess?
I hope you enjoy my ramblings this week that are basically me just trying to make me feel better about putting off all of my homework night after night in search for more Jim Sturgess movies. I love him, I love you, and I love life.
(P.S. Sorry for the overload of Jim Sturgess pictures)
(P.P.S. I'm not actually sorry)
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