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sinceileftyoublog · 2 years

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Hundred Watt Heart Interview: A Prayer for Humanity

Photo by Alexander Fischetti

BY JORDAN MAINZER

It’s mind-boggling how The Roots as a collective have time to balance their basically daily gig as the house band for The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with live shows, tours, and recording new music. That any of them have time for solo careers on top of that seems next to impossible. Earlier this year, it was lead emcee Black Thought releasing Cheat Codes, his excellent collaborative album with venerable producer Danger Mouse. Now, “Captain” Kirk Douglas, the band’s guitarist and singer since 2004′s The Tipping Point, has resurrected his Hundred Watt Heart project for New Unknown, his second album under that moniker.

Recorded at home during the pandemic, New Unknown expands beyond Douglas’ debut LP Turbulent Times, traversing the spectrum of rock and guitar-based music, from prog and country to funk and Southern rock. Likewise, Douglas penned lyrics that aimed to emphasize connection, bridging the space between people who couldn’t be in the same room as each other during the COVID lockdowns, or perhaps even folks who couldn’t otherwise stand to be in the same room as each other, victims of our divided sociopolitical climate. It begins with the languid “Breathe In”, a peace-inducing ode to a certain drug whose appeal certainly transcends divides. “Together, we create a space that’s home,” Douglas sings on the gentle “Illuminate”, his voice upfront in the mix over echoing guitar. The album’s funky, horn-laden, Afrobeat inspired lead single “We Can Be One” acts as another collective hymn of healing, while the desert blues-like guitar licks that pervade instrumental jam “Breath of Fire” suggest a collective, expansive groove.

Before you roll your eyes at any suggestion of appeasement with the enemy: New Unknown is not a hippie idealist mindless exercise into compromise with Republicans evil. Rather, Douglas’s sophomore LP is just as much about self-love as community. Throughout my phone conversation with him a couple months ago, he repeatedly referred to the album as “a gift to myself,” and it’s useful to think of the album’s aims in this context. On the penultimate “Alone”, Douglas sings, “Leave the light on for me,” atop acoustic strumming. “Love is the thing that helps me feel more alive.” As wordless harmonies and layered vocals take the song to its conclusion, you’re left reflecting on his use of first person. Love works for Douglas. Will it work for you? New Unknown challenges the rest of us to be better.

Read the rest of my interview with Douglas below, edited for length and clarity.

Photo by Forest Erwin

Since I Left You: How would you say New Unknown expands upon your debut?

Kirk Douglas: There’s definitely an expansion. It’s another rock album, but world music’s explored a little bit. There are some more percussion aspects that are explored. [Also,] the previous record was done at Electric Lady Studios, and recording [New Unknown myself] gave me more artistic freedom. I was able to record more comfortably. Every aspect of the recording was done at a place where I was feeling most at-home, because it was done at home. When you’re able to record that way, it comes through in the performance. I was really able to nurture it in a way I wasn’t able to do previously.

SILY: The world music influence is pretty apparent on the first single, “We Can Be One”. Is that why you released it as the first taste of the record?

KD: That’s not necessarily the reason. The reason is because for the last record, the first single was a big, heavy rock song, and I didn’t want to do that a second time around. With the title of the song being “We Can Be One”, I wanted to put out an energy that was suggesting more of a convergence with people as opposed to the division we’ve experienced. Basically, putting out that intention for people to be on the same page in terms of humanity and how people want to be treated and empathy towards one another. There are a lot of instruments on it; it’s the most dense song on the record as far as instruments are concerned. It’s got members of The Roots on it: James Poyser playing keyboards, Ian Hendrickson and Dave Guy playing horns on it. It’s basically my intention, my prayer for what humanity could be and should be. But because of our given circumstances, it’s very difficult to be. All the instruments are doing their own thing, having their own identity, but playing towards one rhythmic and harmonic goal. When people go to shows, there’s a unity there despite whatever a person’s political opinion may be. This song is sort of a sonic utopian snapshot of how I wish the world could be and how it very well is at times. So that’s why I put that out as the first single. There are other songs on the record that are more rock-influenced, which is where I gravitate towards because I love the primal power of three-piece rock and roll, guitar-bass-drums. I’m a big fan of that. But I like to hear other flavors mixed into an album experience as well.

SILY: From a rock standpoint, as compared to your debut, this album is more progressive. There are a lot of tempo changes and switches between subgenres within the same song. Were you consciously trying to make songs that bounced around like that?

KD: Nothing was really conscious in the whole process. [laughs] The only thing that was planned was, “Let’s make some music.” This wasn’t set out to be an album. This was just to record and to express what was going on internally musically for me. A song like “Land Of Look Beyond”, I like the album to take you on a journey, so I love when a song is able to take you on a journey as well. That’s something I’ve always been interested in. Having more control over the recording process organically allows that to take place.

SILY: When I was listening to “Land Of Look Beyond” for the first time, I felt like it was a logical segue from “Breathe In”, albeit more melancholy and slow-burning. But it turns on its head midway through. Was there a general approach you took to the sequencing of the record?

KD: You toy around with different ideas and sequences of the record, and ultimately, you just arrive at a sequence that feels right. It’s like a movie for your ears. "Breathe In” is moving, but it’s not necessarily a heavy song. I thought it was a good introduction, the concept of breath, “Breathe in, breathe out,” and also a slight nod to anybody that enjoys cannabis. There’s that subtle suggestion. And then, that sets you up for “Land Of Look Beyond”. I think of an album like Dark Side of the Moon, an album that’s cinematic in scope. You can think, “I wanna make something that sounds like Dark Side of the Moon,” but when you start to create, you take a step back and start to think of your own musical experiences and the things that have musically touched you throughout your life. This record is made for me, ultimately. You just present it in a way that you enjoy it, the person that has helped to birth it. I’m like my own fan. You get to a place where you listen to it and enjoy it. This was recorded with mostly myself and the drummer Ricc [Sheridan]. It’s about our friendship; we enjoy playing and creating together and sitting back and listening to what we’ve done and surprising ourselves. That’s so much of what our friendship has been for so long. The record’s inviting others into that experience, if it touches them the same way it touches us.

SILY: That celebratory nature is on tap in the video for the first single. I love those casual, almost old-school videos that aren’t straight up live but show performances and dancing with a lot of movement. How did the video for “We Can Be One” come about?

KD: I didn’t do a video for the last record, and I knew that if I did another [record], I’d have to do something I hadn’t done before. All the planets were aligning to make it. This guy in my building, Brandon, we’re both part of the Park Slope Food Coop. We were both shopping there one day, and he was driving home, and he asked if I needed a ride. This is mid-pandemic. He asked how the pandemic was treating me, and I said, “I did make an album during it.” I noticed he’d be schlepping around a lot of video equipment because of his job, doing a lot of videos and commercial shoots. I mentioned that I’d be interested in making a video at some point, and he mentioned he knew a director that was really talented and that it might be a good idea to talk about collaboration. That’s what we did, and he and the director, Alex [Fischetti], came by, and I played them the song and told them what I’d want to see from the video. Like you said, the song has a lot of movement in it, and it’s the song where an image came to me more so than the other ones. We had a meeting, and I told them my concept, and they said they could bring it to life. We were able to make it happen, in Prospect Park, and utilizing Brooklyn. I wanted to utilize where I grew up, too, so a lot of the video is shot in the home, bedroom, and family basement I grew up in. A lot of the outside shots, I discovered that Alex’s parents lived 10 minutes from my parents, and we shot a lot of the outside footage at night outside his parents’ place. It was a lot of fun. The whole time, I was thinking to myself, “Why am I even doing this?” [laughs] But I was still having a good time doing it. My only hope was that the experience of filming it and the experiences we had on the shoot, with a cool, easygoing crew you enjoyed spending time around, somehow could translate into the final product. At the end of the day, it turned out to be like that. Once I got over having to look at myself so much, I was really pleased with the outcome. I’m really glad we did it.

SILY: That’s cool it became a generational look-back for both of you. What was your relationship to music growing up?

KD: Basically, it goes back as far as I remember. My parents were always singing, playing reggae music and classical music. When I started to go to school in Long Island, I was surrounded by kids playing a lot of hard rock. My dad was really into ballads and funk. He had a wide array of interests music-wise. One of my really close friends, his older brother had a guitar, and when I saw the guitar up close, I was completely hooked. I had to have that as part of my life.

Photo courtesy of the artist

SILY: What came first on New Unknown: the music or the lyrics?

KD: Definitely the music. The first song was probably “Illuminate”. It’s generally like that: There’s a melody or groove that gets into your head. That’s the most fun part and a big motivation, having something rhythmic pop into your head that becomes this inner mantra. Something that at first was inside your heart and mind is now coming out of speakers powerfully. It’s a very life-affirming process. Once that happens, you step back and listen to it and think, “What is this music saying to me?” Then, it’s time to go inward and put lyrics onto it. It’s an emotional crossword puzzle. You have these melodies and think, “What words can I fit into this melody that conveys what I’m feeling?”

SILY: I was talking to somebody yesterday who compared songwriting to solving a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle that doesn’t exist yet. You’re both making and solving the puzzle.

KD: That’s a really good way to describe it.

SILY: Speaking of mantras, some of the most prominent lyrics on the record, whether “breathe in, breathe out” or “we can be one,” are mantras. What about that type of writing is so powerful to you?

KD: Something that you can say over and over again is somewhat of an affirmation, a prayer. We can be one whatever condition the world is in, no matter what energy or intention you can put in the world. To me, that’s a positive effect, for one to contemplate how these things can be possible. What needs to take place for these things to be possible or realistic? When it’s set to music, it gives an extra energy as a way of making sense of things. “Breathe in, breathe out,” it’s just a meditation on the impermanence of things. Nothing really lasts forever. But it goes on to say, “Within, without, it all begins again.” When one door closes, another door opens. There’s always a birth, a start of something new. The idea of letting go and breathing through things, no matter how difficult things get. Just remembering the breath and the practice of non-attachment is what can help us get through life at its most difficult times. They’re not bad mantras to have. They’re coping mechanisms, if you will.

SILY: What’s the story behind the cover art?

KD: I saw an artist on Instagram whose work I thought could possibly convey what I was trying to do. After agonizing over what the cover should be, I thought, “You know what, let me do this: The album is done, I’m gonna reach out to an artist I like and commission them to create for this album a gift to myself. If it works out that it can be the album cover, then that’s gonna be the album cover.” I found the artist Sarah Stewart. Her project is Rattlesnakes and Rainbows. I contacted her out of the blue, slid into her DMs and told her I was a fan and asked her whether she’d be interested in creating album cover art. She agreed. I asked her to do it if the music resonated with her. She did, and when she first sent it to me, I was kind of taken aback, like, “Woah, this is a lot.” But the more I listened to the music and looked at the album cover, the more I thought they supported one another. It brought me to a place of disbelief that this art exists as a way of me contacting her and asking if she would do it and her agreeing to do it. It was like a cosmic wink: “Keep going with this. Take this out of your experience and try to keep going with others.”

SILY: Are you playing these songs live?

KD: Not as yet. I haven’t thought about playing my own music live in a long time, and I’m realizing it’s something I’m probably going to be doing as another gift to myself that I can share. [laughs] [The album] wasn’t really created with the intention of playing it live. Now, I’ve created another puzzle for me to figure out. That’s also another part of the fun: Taking something that only exists on recording and bringing it into the real-time, in the air, in your ear experience live. That’s a whole other experience that’s going to be exciting--and involve a whole lot of scheduling. I’ll do at least some of the songs live.

SILY: Anything next for you in the short or long term?

KD: I’m hoping to do some more recording. I’m hoping it’s not going to take another pandemic to happen. It definitely took one for me to realize I can record myself. To be able to record oneself without the use of a studio is the ultimate freedom. There’s definitely been a lot more music written since the recording of this, so I look forward to tracking that and bringing these new songs to fruition some way, some how. Next summer will bring more Roots touring. [I always have] The Tonight Show. I also have a 14-year-old and a 17-year-old. All the life that exists outside of music, too. It’s a very full life.

SILY: Anything you’ve been listening to, watching, or reading lately that’s caught your attention?

KD: I really do love the band Khruangbin. I’m enjoying their live shows and find them really inspiring. It’s been fun to sit with the family and--with many grains of salt--look at The Secret Language of Birthdays. Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, I’ve been returning to that recently.

Nothing else is jumping out at me. I’ve been trying to write a lot. The winter is when I get into listening to a lot of other people’s music. Last time around, it was a lot of early Peter Gabriel and Genesis, at the end of last winter. I was discovering a lot of things I hadn’t heard.

SILY: When you’re writing, do you tend to block out other music?

KD: It’s sort of random when it happens, but winter time is when I’m more inside listening to stuff. Over the summer, I like listening to reggae. Now that summer’s ending and [it’s] fall again, it’s time to go record shopping because [listening to music is a] more indoor activity. I just got the new Kendrick Lamar on vinyl, so I’m looking forward to getting into that.

But when I’m working on music, I have a phone full of ideas, so you could play “phone message roulette,” and part of the fun is listening to things you’re separated from in time and hearing what sounds like a whole other person creating.

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phatburd · 4 months

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⚓️

#tempted by another wip #i need to stop #this one is azur lane #and a crossover with the final countdown #you know #that old movie with kirk douglas as the captain of the uss nimitz #shipgirls

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aeor-is-for-reccing · 2 months

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Science Fiction: A Shadowgast Rec List

This week, we have science fiction! Check under the cut for 7 fics that include a lot of space and other sci-fi tropes, and don't forget to comment and kudos if you like them!

The Schwarzschild Solution by dawl_and_dapple (13650, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

A series of meetings between Caleb and Essek across the galaxy.

Reccer says: Loved the build between them and the picture of the universe they live in

A Tapestry of Stars by Cinderstorm (127981, Not Rated) Reccer's Content Notes: Choose Not to Warn, Rape/Non-con, Dubcon/Consensual Non Consent, Domestic Abuse, WIP

Caleb and Essek end up in a political arranged marriage - in space!

Reccer says: There's so much politics and intrigue and feelings!

into the desert of your pitiless faith by burningdarkfire (24913, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Essek is a newly-arrived ambassador in Rexxentrum, Beauregard is his assigned cultural liaison, and Caleb is the consecuted soul at the back of his mind. Empires and Dynasties do not serve: they consume. (A Memory called Empire AU)

Reccer says: So lyrical, and fascinating - you don't need to be familiar with A Memory Called Empire to read it, but reading this fic might make you want to read the novel, and that's a double win in my opinion.

calling occupants of interplanetary craft by principessa (1273, General) Reccer's Content Notes: None

Essek Thelyss, the sole Vulcan on the USS Eden Horizon, would quite like to be left to his experiments, and for the rest of the crew to stop calling his intellectual discussions with Commander Widogast 'weird science flirt lunch dates.'

Reccer says: It's a lot of fun!

you must first invent the universe by renquise (3466, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

The Mighty Nein are getting ready for a big fight. Caleb can't seem to sleep while they wait, so he ends up talking with the ship instead.

Reccer says: Absolutely fascinating world building!!

such a constellation by Chrome (6362, Teen) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Exhausted and disillusioned with Starfleet in the aftermath of the destruction of Romulus and the loss of his friend, Romulan maybe-spy Essek Thelyss, Caleb Widogast retires to his parent's farm in Germany with the intent to view the stars through a telescope from now on. But an unexpected arrival changes everything, and Caleb discovers that the wider universe may not quite be done with him yet.

Reccer says: This is a fabulous fusion that encapsulates the wizards so perfectly in a different story. Worth every second of the read!

Sufficiently Advanced Magic by SaltCore (5880, General) Reccer's Content Notes: No Content Notes

Have you ever wondered what would happen if Caleb and Essek met Spock, Captain Kirk and the protagonists of the Locked Tomb series? No? Me neither, but I sure am glad I found out!

Reccer says: For one, the origin story of this fic is uniquely wholesome - it came to be as a result of all three pairs reaching the finale of a shipping tumblr poll, to extend an olive branch and honour the ships' place in their fandoms' hearts. Secondly, it's SO funny. There's humour in every little detail and it gives me a Douglas Adams vibe. The characters' voices in their POVs are distinct and endearing too. I keep returning to it when I need my spirits lifted.

Aeor is for Lovers is an 18+ Shadowgast Discord server. The above fanfic recommendations were pulled from our community for this weekly event. All fics, unless otherwise specified, will primarily feature Shadowgast. Have any questions about what this is? Check out the FAQ! Next week, we’ll be back with Established Relationships!

#shadowgast #caleb widogast #essek thelyss #critical role #cr fic recs #fan fiction rec list #aeor is for lovers #critical role fan fiction #cr fic #cr fics #science fiction

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allzelemonz · 7 months

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Events Masterlist

Main Masterlist

These fics are listed here as well as under the characters and fandoms they are relevent for

Kinktober 2021

Armitage Hux X Male Reader X Kylo Ren

(To be reviewed to standard)

Eobard Thawne X Gender Neutral Reader

(To be reviewed to standard)

Eric Coulter X Gender Neutral Reader

(To be reviewed to standard)

Alexsandr Kallus X Male Reader X Mitth'raw'nuruodo

(To be reviewed to standard)

Maul X Gender Neutral Reader X Savage

(To be reviewed to standard)

The Swedes X AFAB Reader

(To be reviewed to standard)

Mitth'raw'nuruodo X Male Reader

(To be reviewed to standard)

Henry King Sr X Gender Neutral Reader

(To be reviewed to standard)

Kinktober 2022

October 1st, Clothed Sex with Douglas Davenport

Pronouns: None mentioned, Marcus calls the Reader ‘Dad’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Reader is a step/adoptive-dad to Marcus, sex, mentions of cum, grinding, allusions to Douglas’ evil activities, nothing is proof-read Summary: Just a normal Friday with the smaller Davenport family, you bring Douglas some snacks and find him stuck in thought. You both decide you have ample time to yourselves.

October 3rd, Sex Pollen with Pavel Chekov

Pronouns: None mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Non-established relationship, but they’re in love, hinted Kirk/Spock and Chapel/Uhura, sex pollen enhances arousal and attraction but no fuck or die, allusions to bad wig Chekov, focus on how cute the Russian is, top reader, bottom Chekov, mentions of Chekov’s love for Russia Summary: The away team gets separated and the Captain orders for exploration in the meantime. Chekov and yourself wander across some strange plants that cause some interesting side effects.

October 5th, Mind Control/Dub/Non-Con with Tom Riddle

Pronouns: None mentioned except in summary Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Dubious consent, non-con vibes, mind control, drugging, Viagra potion, Tom Riddle being Voldemort in the early days, oral sex, anal sex, bottom reader, multiple orgasms, hopeful open ending, not proof read Summary: Tom Riddle met a nice boy at Hogwarts. One he couldn’t let get away. He keeps him away from his work and uses him as he sees fit.

October 7th, Generating Warmth with Leonard McCoy

Pronouns: None mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Non-established relationship, but they’re in love, stranded together, stuck in a cave, McCoy calls the reader “kid,” but he calls lots of people that, riding, hand-job, standard McCoy snark, long set up Summary: When Spock’s away team get stranded a second team is sent to locate them when the ship’s sensors fail. As a part of the rescue team, yourself and Doctor McCoy happen across a cave that needs investigating. A spontaneous collapse of the entrance leaves you both stuck in a freezing cave with limited sources of heat. You have to find a way to stay warm.

October 9th, Toys with Simon

Pronouns: None mentioned; Reader referred to as ‘boy’ and ‘man’ in dialogue Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Toys, grinding, Simon hates dildos and thinks he’s too good for toys, mentions of Negan loving his wives, anal plug, handcuffs, prostate massage, rough sex, both of them are switches but Simon’s more of a top, Negan needs his Lieutenants to loosen up, asexual author that had to do a lot of fic reading to figure out how toys work Summary: On a run with Negan, the Saviors happen across a sex shop and bring home the lot. Being Negan’s right hand, Simon and his S/O get first pick.

October 11th, Cockwarming with Rumpelstiltskin

Pronouns: None mentioned; Reader referred to as ‘Da’ by Baelfire Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut, Tooth Rotting Fluff Warnings: Pre-Dark One Rumple, wholesome father with anxiety, Reader is a Stepdad to Baelfire, mentions/depiction of minor injury, fluff in the beginning, smut is brief and fluffy, top Reader, bottom Rumple, I proof read nothing Summary: A domestic life with Rumplestiltskin before his time as the Dark One. You are the comfort he needs, especially on cold nights.

October 13th, Somnophilia/Waking Up with Edward Nashton

Pronouns: None mentioned; Reader called ‘boyfriend’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Edward being needy, mentions of Riddler stuff, light somnophilia with pre-established consent, multiple orgasms for the Reader, oral sex, riding, rough sex, not proof read, very little dialogue, top Reader, bottom Edward Summary: Edward often wakes you up when he’s feeling particularly needy. The trick is figuring exactly how he wants it. So long as he’s dizzy by the end, all is as it should be.

October 15th, Mating Cycles/In Heat with Spock

Pronouns: None mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Pon Farr, Spock having an animalistic drive, multiple orgasms, () used for custom name and rank, verbal consent is sexy, top Spock, bottom, Reader Summary: Spock has been careful to keep track of his Pon Farr, but it still snuck up on him before you could have your first time as a couple. Now Spock has to ask something very intimate of you.

October 17th, Power Imbalance with Mirror Kirk

Pronouns: He/Him, Reader is referred to as ‘boy’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Mirrorverse runs on sex and blood, Mirror Kirk is mean, switch Reader, sub Reader, dom Mirror Kirk, references to Reader giving oral but it doesn’t happen, hand job, sex as a threat, sex a discipline, mentions of execution and torture, use of the pet name “good boy,” mentions of prior sex partner and Reader, mentions of Reader’s time at the academy, inexperienced Reader, dirty talk, handjob, mentions of grinding, sex Summary: As a Commander aboard the ISS Enterprise you get the occasional privilege of sitting in the Captain’s chair. When the Captain comes to relieve the Beta shift he keeps you behind for some fun, but things don’t go quite how he planned.

Tropesgiving 2022

Wrong Door: The Master X Male Reader

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 1: Enemies to Lovers Pronouns: He/Him Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Moderate Themes Warnings: Canon typical violence, double meaning/implied future intimacy, background Yaz/Doctor, Dhawan Master Summary: The Doctor responds to a distress signal and meets an unexpected enemy with the intention of hurting her and the fam. When everyone’s plans are ruined, a certain Timelord has to improvise.

Pelt: Snotlout Jorgenson X Gender Neutral Reader

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 2: One Bed Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: G/Fluff Warnings: Snotlout the flirt, the twins fight, written with a male reader in mind - but it’s never stated Summary: When someone forgets to bring enough blankets for the no-dragon training trip the group ends up having to share the few they do have.

Those Blue Eyes: Leonard McCoy X Male Reader

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 3: Evil Twins Pronouns: He/Him, use of boyfriend, reader called ‘boy’ and ‘man’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Moderate Themes Warnings: Canon typical violence, flirty mirror counterparts, mentions of surgery and death Summary: A mirrored version of Doctor McCoy is on the Enterprise and you have him at phaser point, but things are much more complicated than they seem.

The Prince: Armitage Hux X Male Reader

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 4: Arranged Marriage Pronouns: He/Him, reader called ‘prince’ and ‘man’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Moderate Themes Warnings: Foundation of a queer platonic relationship, marriage for politics, aroace Hux and Reader, asexual bonding, sex/romance repulsion Summary: The First Order needs a strong alliance to beat the Resistance out of your system. Your government agrees, so long as there is a strong tie between the two governments. Armitage Hux receives an order from Supreme Leader Snoke himself.

Free Comics: Stuart Bloom X Male Reader X Barry Kripke

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 5: Love Triangle Pronouns: He/Him, reader called ‘boyfriend’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Moderate Themes Warnings: Barry is an asshole, Stuart stares a lot, Reader enjoys Silver Age DC, mentions/hints towards sex, hint of poly ending, Captain Sweatpants being a good guy Summary: Stuart and Barry are both flirty towards you, but when Barry finds out someone else is flirting with you he feels the need to do something about it. You have no problem laying out their options for them.

Not Your Tie: Oswald Cobblepot X Male Reader

Prompt: Tropesgiving Day 6: Clothing Swap Pronouns: He/Him, reader called ‘boyfriend’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: M/Mature Themes Warnings: Oswald stays in the closet to get votes, mentions of sex, Ed knows everything and doesn’t hate Oswald, Oswald isn’t in this very much Summary: After a long night of celebration you arrive at the mayor’s office wearing Oswald’s tie. Luckily for you, Edward is a good friend.

12 Days of AU 2022

Dragons Know Things: Viggo Grimborn X Gender Neutral Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Soulmate Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Violence Warnings: Viking typical violence, minor injuries, hunters are hunters, Reader is an older dragon rider Summary: Shot down during a storm by the dragon hunters, you meet their leader.

The Death Knights: Severus Snape X Male Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Royalty Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader is called ‘sir’ as in the knightly title and acts as a traditionally masculine knight Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Violence Warnings: Mentions of death and war, arranged marriage, Voldemort still looks human, Snape is still a spy Summary: King Dumbledore’s precious school has fallen to the Dark King Voldemort’s forces, now they celebrate that victory.

Gaslight Hatter: Jervis Tetch X Gender Neutral Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Historic Pronouns: None Mentioned *Reader is a cop and the first female cop in America would have just joined the force around this time so there’s no room for pronoun plot holes, use what you want Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Violence Warnings: Mentions of murder/serial murder, based on the comic not the movie, reader is a cop but a cool one I guess, Reader referred to as an Alice by Hatter, I hope you’ve read the book Summary: 1890s Gotham is facing a new threat after the demise of Jack the Ripper. A madman dressed as the beloved Hatter from a popular storybook who has a pension for playing dress up with the young adults of the city. As an officer working under Inspector Gordon, it’s your job to protect the people.

Necromancer: Milton Mamet X Gender Neutral Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Magic Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Zombies Warnings: Mentions of death and zombies, use of ‘biters’ instead of 'walkers’ Summary: When science fails, magic is needed to learn more about the dead.

Navyman: Malcolm Reed X Male Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Modern Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘boyfriend’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: G Warnings: Malcolm’s family is clueless, aquaphobia, mentions of scary/life threatening conditions at sea Summary: In modern times, Malcolm Reed didn’t have any Starfleet to join and is pressured into the Navy despite his fear. His family is proud, but knows nothing about his phobia so you have to help him through it during a storytelling session.

Traditions: Montgomery Scott X Gender Neutral Reader

Prompt: 12 Days of AU, Holiday Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Alcohol Warnings: Multiple holiday celebration, Scotty’s tree has to be perfect, mentions of scotch, holidays/faiths mentioned specifically: Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Yule, and Christmas, author celebrates Yule and did research for other holidays Summary: When the holiday season rolls around the Enterprise has an annual party, limited to one night due to the dangers of space. Scotty and the Operations division are in charge of decorations for all of the holidays and it’s time to set up.

Fictober 2023

Street Urchin: Dutch Van der Linde X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 1, Age Play Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ and ‘son’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Age play, role play, begging, slight pain/rough handling, anal fingering, anal sex, prostate massage, biting, neck kissing, dirty talk, teasing Summary: Dutch suggested you pretend to be one of those young street boys while in Saint Denis so he can teach you a lesson.

Big, Not Dumb: Bill Williamson X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 2, Compliments Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Language Warnings: Referenced bullying, referenced crime, fluff, comfort, kisses, cuddling, bashful Bill, use of Bill’s birth name Summary: You get back to camp to find Bill in a bad mood, that simply will not do.

Annoying: John Marston X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 3, Hate Sex Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Hate sex, anal fingering, anal sex, prostate massage, dirty talk, teasing, mentions of John’s situation with Abigail and Jack, Reader is an asshole, pre-Blackwater, violence, punching Summary: You’ve been sent on a scouting excursion with John to find a good spot closer to Blackwater, John is annoying through the whole ride.

Never Again: Kieran Duffy X Bill Williamson

Fictober Prompt: Day 4, Hurt/Comfort Pairing Type: M/M Rating: T/Language, References to sex Warnings: Referenced/Implied forced prostitution, trauma, mentions of past torture, the tongs, Dutch is an asshole, soft Bill Williamson, mutual pining, hurt/comfort, protective bahavior, hugs, internalized homophobia, Bill is at war with himself Summary: Kieran finds himself forced into something he doesn’t want to do in order to make money for camp, Bill is there to keep that from happening.

Little O’Driscoll Dog: Micah Bell X Kieran Duffy

Fictober Prompt: Day 5, Collaring Pairing Type: M/M Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Smut, fluff, tooth rotting?, repressed Micah Bell, kinky Kieran Duffy, admittance of feelings, established relationship, slow sex, kissing, anal fingering, anal sex, marking, protectiveness, possessiveness, top Micah and bottom Kieran Summary: Micah and Kieran spend their first night in a hotel room, giving them both the opportunity to admit things.

Sit Still: Arthur Morgan X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 6, Dubcon/Frottage Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Slight dubcon, frottage, sex with clothes on, grinding, kissing, neck kissing, marking, low honor Arthur Morgan, dominate Arthur and submissive Reader, sleeping, slight cuddling Summary: With the whole camp noticing Arthur’s darker turn recently, Dutch sent you out to keep an eye on him.

Helping and Teaching: Colm O’Driscoll X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 7, Virginity Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ Physical Sex: AMAB, Mention of chest hair Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Colm O’Driscoll has a virginity kink big time, Reader is an O’Driscoll, praise, dirty talk, overstimulation, multiple orgasms, proposition, kissing, grinding, clothed dominant/naked submissive, anal fingering, anal sex, top Colm/bottom Reader, gentle Colm for once Summary: While out on a job with the other O’Driscoll boys, you let slip that you’re a virgin. When this news gets back to Colm, his interest is piqued.

Not a Drop: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 8, Breeding Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Passing mention of having a kid (but not really talking about it, just dirty talk), Micah being a needy bottom, Reader is confused but supportive of Micah’s breeding kink, multiple orgasms, playing with hair, cuddling, cockwarming, breeding, anal fingering, anal sex, dirty talk, top Reader and bottom Micah Summary: Micah has a bit of a surprising request, he wants to be filled like he’s being bred.

The Map: Bill Williamson X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 9, Kisses Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/References to sex Warnings: Kisses, fluff, light bickering, spoiling Brown Jack of course, use of Bill’s birth name, established relationship, implied future sex, slight appreciation of Bill’s thighs Summary: Lost in a new area when trying to find a new town, you have a sweet moment with Bill.

Sweet: Kieran Duffy X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 10, Praise Kink Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Kisses, fluff, smut, outdoor sex, praise kink, self anal fingering, anal sex, top Reader and bottom Kieran, statements of love, established relationship Summary: A moment away from camp in which you notice Kieran reacts rather pleasantly to being praised.

Lesson: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 11, Humiliation Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ and ‘man’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Kisses, smut, outdoor sex, long term humiliation, anal fingering, anal sex, top Reader and bottom Micah, established relationship, jealousy, rough sex Summary: When Micah gets too close with Dutch, you feel the need to remind him of something.

Wake The Bear: Bill Williamson X Micah Bell

Fictober Prompt: Day 12, Somnophillia Pairing Type: M/M Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Smut, sleep sex, slightly dubious consent, insomniac Micah, thicc (™) Bill, clingy Bill, established relationship, kissing, marking, possessiveness, top Micah and bottom Bill Summary: Stuck in Bill’s bear-like cuddles, Micah comes across something to entertain himself.

Trustworthy: Arthur Morgan X Albert Mason

Fictober Prompt: Day 13, Cuckolding Pairing Type: M/M Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Smut, established relationship (Arthur/Albert), fluff, kink negotiation, domestic themes, soft sex, gentle sex, masturbation, exhibitionism, cuckolding, kisses, oral sex, blow jobs, anal fingering, anal sex, cuddling, fantasies come to life, top Charles and bottom Albert with viewing Arthur. Summary: Arthur finds himself thinking of a new dirty fantasy and he is lucky enough to have a sweetheart and friend that are willing to help him fulfill it.

Training The Workhorse: Arthur Morgan X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 14, Orgasm Denial Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Arthur being needy, orgasm denial, kissing, anal fingering, oral sex, blow jobs, rimming, teasing, top Reader and bottom Arthur Summary: Arthur has been overly needy, so you give him just enough attention to ensure he listens.

Rebound: Dutch Van der Linde X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 15, Noncon/Rape Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ and ‘man’ and holds a generally masculine mindset given the circumstances Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Rape, grief, drinking, mentions of Annabelle’s death, unhealthy coping mechanisms, hints of victim blaming because Dutch is an ass, threats, semi-public sex, hand jobs, anal fingering, anal sex, marking, neck kissing, slight cum fixation, vomiting, crying, Dutch is such a bad person in this one dude, shifting perspective Summary: After losing someone he loves, Dutch drinks to forget and gets an idea in his drunken mind when he spots a man he likes the look of.

Flipped: Sean MacGuire X Male Reader X Kieran Duffy

Fictober Prompt: Day 16, Gentle threesome, Double penetration Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ and ‘man’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: threesome, rimming, kissing, anal fingering, anal sex, double penetration, fluff, smut, guys being dudes Summary: Sean’s big mouth ends up with you taking both he and Kieran at the same time.

Dare: The Van der Linde Boys X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 17, Multi Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘fella’ and ‘man’, heavy masculine implication Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: (have you ever been in a men’s locker room and things got a little weird), smut, background relationships, masturbation, hand jobs, kissing, oral sex, blow jobs, dirty talk, facial, cum swallowing, Micah being an asshole, flirting, casual sex, everyone is gay but especially Bill Summary: Drunk Sean wanting to get off prompts a dare to jerk off and last longer than anyone else at the fire. Gay chaos of a sort ensues.

Bruises: Arthur Morgan X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 18, Spanking Pronouns: None Mentioned, masculine implication Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: M/Mild sexual themes Warnings: Mentions of violence and injuries sustained, marking, spanking, bruising, fantasizing, masturbation, anal fingering, cuddling, kissing, aftercare, sex put off in favor of cuddling Summary: Arthur loves being put over your knee but this is the longest you’ve been apart.

At His Lowest: Dutch Van der Linde X Micah Bell

Fictober Prompt: Day 19, Exhibitionism Pairing Type: M/M Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Exhibitionism, epilogue setting, power dynamics, dom/sub undertones, anal fingering, anal sex, bottom Micah/top Dutch, mentions of past grief, Dutch is not mentally healthy Summary: Now that Dutch has reunited with Micah, he has an opportunity he should have taken years ago.

Needy Firsts: Sean MacGuire X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 20, Rimming Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Kissing, established relationship, begging, Sean is loud, rimming, first time rimming, mentions of prior sex, slight aftercare Summary: After a few days without much alone time you decide to do something with Sean that you haven’t done before.

Sweet Blood: Bill Williamson X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 21, Blood/Murder Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut, violence Warnings: Appreciation of Bill’s size, kissing, gunfight, blood, murder, oral sex, blow job, hint of anal fingering, mentions of bathing together, goofy fluff, Bill is clumsy Summary: After a shootout Bill gets a little show that he enjoys more than he might expect.

Thickness: Bill Williamson X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 22, Intercrural Sex Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Prior failed sex with injury, mention of blood, a lesson in lubrication, Bill’s thighs getting the attention they deserve, intercrural sex, prepping, aftercare, kissing, hand job, soft sex, fluff Summary: After a painful failed attempt at typical intimacy, Bill has an idea that won’t worsen his injury.

Practice Makes Perfect: Abe X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 23, First Time Deepthroating Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Fluff, oral sex, blow job, deepthroating, cum swallowing, domestic-ish, established relationship Summary: After a lot of practice, Abe finally manages to get you down into his throat.

Slow: Kieran Duffy X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 24, Sounding Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Fluff, careful sex, sounding, safe sex for the time period, the fence has a spicy inventory you know he does, communication Summary: A new toy from the fence means testing it out with caution.

End: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 25, Crying Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Violence, language Warnings: Angst, crying, betrayal, Reader doesn’t take Micah’s side, violence, guns, shootout, drinking, Micah doesn’t know how to do emotions, Baylock is a good horse, extreme coping mechanisms Summary: The end of the gang, everything is going Micah’s way. There’s just one little snag that Micah doesn’t know how to handle, something he didn’t know how to account for.

A Dynamic: Dutch Van der Linde X Arthur Morgan

Fictober Prompt: Day 26, Grooming Pairing Type: M/M Rating: M/Grooming, references to sex Warnings: Underage, dead dove, grooming, dark themes, Dutch’s mind is a wasteland, bad father Dutch, groping, head kissing, cuddling, affection Summary: Dutch doesn’t think what he does with Arthur is all that wrong. A/N: Goes without saying this is your extra dead dove warning. This is an interesting dynamic I had read a few fics on and I wanted to explore Dutch’s odd interest in ‘younger women’ that he has in the game. It’s short because it’s gross.

Messed Up: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 27, S&M Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘sir’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: E/Smut, blood Warnings: Rough sex, rough masturbation, anal fingering, sex toys, anal plug, knife play, blood, marking, dom/sub, bottom Micah and top Reader, aftercare, cuddling, choking, asphyxiation, blacking out, passing out Summary: After misbehaving before, Micah gets a well loved punishment.

Well Behaved: Colm O’Driscoll X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 28, Daddy Kink Pronouns: he/him, Reader referred to as ‘boy’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: M/References to sex Warnings: Colm being sweet, cuddling by a fire, blankets, soft behavior, daddy kink, neck kissing, sensual touching, cozy setting, I wrote this in thirty degree weather because cold Summary: A warm night by the fire with Colm.

Squeeze: Charles Smith X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 29, Breathplay Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Choking, anal fingering, anal sex, cockwarming, kissing, neck kissing, slight aftercare of sorts, birthday presents, fluff, Charles being extra pretty, established relationship, bottom Charles and top Reader Summary: Charles gets everything he wants for his birthday.

Misadventures: Micah Bell X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 30, Failed Date Pronouns: None Mentioned, Reader referred to as ‘man’ Physical Sex: None Mentioned Rating: T/Language, mention of injury Warnings: Fluff, romance, date, picnic, kissing, mention of violence and injury, Micah trying his best Summary: Micah plans a date to make up for being a bad sweetheart, only for things to turn on him all at once.

Boys’ Night: The Van der Linde Boys X Male Reader

Fictober Prompt: Day 31, Orgy Pronouns: None Mentioned Physical Sex: AMAB Rating: E/Smut Warnings: Orgy, threesomes, kissing, anal fingering, anal sex, oral sex, blow jobs, rough sex, voyeurism, exhibitionism, Sean’s drunken mind, marking, viagra-esc tonics, almost everyone is passed around to everyone else, Reader takes both top and bottom roles Summary: Sean has an idea that leads most of the boys in the gang to a damn fun time.

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gusty-wind · 2 months

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Barbara Rush Dies: Actress Known For ‘It Came From Outer Space,’ ‘Peyton Place,’ ‘All My Children’ Was 97

March 31, 2024 9:47pm

Barbra Rush, the prolific actress best known for roles in 1953’s It Came From Outer Space and long runs on Peyton Place and All My Children, has died. Her daughter confirmed Rush’s passing to Fox News on Sunday. She was 97.

Rush had a near 60-year career. In the ’50s and ’60s, she worked on the big screen with Paul Newman (three times), Kirk Douglas, Rock Hudson, Dean Martin, Marlon Brando, Frank Sinatra and Richard Burton. In addition to pulpier fare like Prince of Pirates and Taza, Son of Cochise, Rush did a trio of films with Douglas Sirk --- The First Legion, Magnificent Obsession and Captain Lightfoot — and Bigger Than Life with Nicholas Ray.

#the great awakening

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adamwatchesmovies · 10 hours

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954)

When you hear the words “Classic Disney”, your mind immediately jumps to the studio's many animated films but have you ever taken a peek at some of the live-action works in the library? 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea is a wonderful adventure, full of memorable characters and terrific special effects. It perfectly captures the thrill and imagination of the novel by Jules Verne, making it splendid entertainment for the young and old.

In 1868, a series of disasters in the Pacific Ocean lead the nations of the world to believe a sea monster prowls the waters. While investigating, Professor Aronnax (Paul Lukas), his assistant, Conseil (Peter Lorre) and master harpooner Ned Land (Kirk Douglas) discover the monster is actually a man-made “submerging boat”. The Nautilus is responsible for these attacks and now, the men are prisoners/guests of its captain: Nemo (James Mason).

Those who’ve already seen the film probably remember it best for a spectacular sequence during the second half. The Nautilus is deep underwater when a giant squid attacks. Generally, the illusions used to bring the Nautilus to life are quite good but in this scene, you’ll wonder how director Richard Fleischer pulled it off. I’m sure that inevitably, we’ll get a big-budget remake (or rather, another adaptation) of the novel and when we do, I wonder if the matching scene will have the same impact as this one. Sure it will look slick thanks to modern special effects but here? You can tell the people are actually struggling against the water, the wind and the physical animatronic.

This is a great-looking picture. The Technicolor process makes even mundane objects like the sailor's red hats pop and underwater footage has never looked better. There’s a scene that shows how Nemo and his crew harvest the sea bed for food. It isn't crucial to the story, but the footage is so clear no editor in their right mind would ever dream of cutting it. Seeing the men in their deep-sea suits gathering seaweed, using nets to calmly wrangle a school of fish or guide a sea turtle is nothing short of breathtaking because you know those are real people and real animals being filmed. I'm certain more than one oceanographer could tell you that scene is what made them choose their career because they saw it as a kid. The wonders aren’t limited to the outside either. The interior of the Nautilus is a wonderful place full of ndetails that will make you fall in love with the aesthetic of steampunk (even though technically, the submarine is nuclear-powered).

But ultimately, all of these visual flairs wouldn’t mean much if it weren’t for a great story and most importantly, great characters. Captain Nemo is such a compelling… hero? villain? anti-hero? On the one hand, he seems sympathetic. All he wants is to be left alone so he and his crew can keep living on the ocean. Then, you remember that to ensure his solitude, he indiscriminately attacks whatever vessels get too close. He is technically keeping the Professor, Conseil and Ned prisoner but the very fact that he didn’t just kill them shows how classy a guy he is. Much credit is to due to the extremely charismatic James Mason. Long stretches of the film simply concern day-to-day life aboard the Nautilus and Conseil and Ned's attempts to escape - the Professor being (understandably) too mesmerized by everything around him to bother. That sounds like it could be boring but it never is. In fact, this is the kind of movie you hope never ends.

If there’s one aspect of 20,000 Leagues that might not have aged as well as the rest, it’s a brief sequence where Nemo allows Ned and Conseil above sea level to explore an island. He warns them that cannibals live there. In real life, there have never been cannibal societies and the myth has racist connotations. Ned and Conseil do, in fact, encounter hostile natives, though whether these are actual cannibals could be up for debate, as mounting skulls on pikes as a warning against intruders is something many societies have done and both men suspect Nemo just said there were cannibals to discourage them from wandering too far. I'll give it the benefit of the doubt.

1954’s 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea has aged surprisingly well. The special effects are excellent and the underwater photography is crystal-clear - something even modern blockbusters struggle with. It’s a thrilling adventure that captures the imagination thanks to the source material by Jules Verne - faithfully adapted by Earl Felton - and director Richard Fleischer, who keeps the pace consistent despite the episodic nature of the story. Best of all, it features an excellent and memorable performance by James Mason. How good he is cannot be understated. This is a new favorite for me. (August 9, 2022)

#20 000 leagues under the sea #movies #films #movie reviews #film reviews #Richard Fleischer #Earl Felton #Jules Verne #Kirk Douglas #James Mason #Paul Lukas #Peter Lorre #1954 movies #1954 films

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vincent-marie · 4 months

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I just watched an episode of CAPTAIN SIMIAN that featured a pair of feuding aliens voiced by Maurice LaMarche doing his Kirk Douglas & Jeff Bennett doing his Charlton Heston.

😊I love this show.

#captain simian #space monkeys #voice acting #maurice lamarche #jeff bennett

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thealmightyemprex · 1 year

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DIsney Month: 20'000 Leagues Under the Sea

For the 10th installment of Disney month,in honor of Jules Vernes birthday(Well it was his birthday when I watched it ,this is coming out the day after ) , lets talk about one of my favorite Disney movies,20'000 LEagues Under the Sea

A sea monster is sinking ships so Professor Aronnax (Paul Lukas ),and his apprentice Consiel (Peter Lorre ) join an expedition to find out the truth ,only to be flung overboard along with harpooner Ned Land (Kirk Douglas ) and find the monster is acually a submarine lead by the misanthropic Captain Nemo(James Mason) who has tossed asid the world of man for the sea

So I didnt grow up with this film,It was never on TV , I never saw it at the video store ,I've not read the copy (I have two copies though ) ,and heck the ride the film inspired closed two years before I was born , I didnt see the film till I was in collage when I found it in my Collage library .So it is with no nostalgia that I declare this one of my favorite things Disney has ever produced .I also think next to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs ,this maybe the most important film in the Disney library ,caus this film was a gamble. Disney had done live action before,but either films with his trademark animation or smaller films made in England .This was a big budget Hollywood picture , filmed in Cinemascope,with heavy special effects ,underwater sequences ,and lead by four big movie stars ,two of whom at the top of their game ,and they were making it the same time Walt was making this weird amusement park thing.The film was really expensive for Disney ,and there were some production setbacks,the most notable isa big action set piece had to be reshot .If this film failed Disney wouldve had to close doors,so the fact the film WAS A HIT ,saved DIsney.For all the good and all the bad that means ,Disney would not be here without this film

So why do I personally like this film ? Well for one I love the aesthetic ,which has gone on to be a big influence on the Steampunk movement .The Natilus ,Nemos submarine ,is one of my favorite settings of any movie,with the interiors being an example of good set designs but I also love the exteriors ,its a cool looking ship (I especially love whenever it attacks a ship and it looks like it ha big green glowing eyes ) .I also love the costume design and the use of color (I think of blue a lot when I think of this movie,from the blue of the ocean to the blue uniforms Nemo and his men wear ) .I also think the story is really good ,because while it is a sci fi adventure film but at the core it is a prision escape movie ,with Ned and Consiel trying to find a way off the ship

The cast and characters are really great in this film,because its a bit more complicated then good guy vs bad guy .Ned Land played by Kirk Douglas ,known for macho heroes (In fact he asked for an opening scene where he is seen with two women and then gets into a fight ,cause he wanted to maintain that macho image ) is presented as the square jawed tough guy leading man ,but in actuality he is a very falwed character ,a blunt id driven guy who directly antagonizes Nemo and causes a lot of trouble.He has his heroic moments,if someone is in trouble he does help but he also is very mischevious . He also is a source a lot of the films humor, from his relationship with Consiel ,his scenes with the seal Esmerelda and a goofy musical number called A Whale Of A Tale ,which is pretty darn catchy (Personal favorite song of mine,hum it constantly ) . I can Ned can be frustrating fr some viewers ,but I think he is essential to the film ,a good foil to our antagonist

Professor Aronnax ,played by prolific veteren actor Paul Lukas ,is who I would call the real lead of the film ,as he narrates the film and his arc and view of Nemo we follow . While Ned and Consiel attempt to escape, it is the Professor who makes a connection with Nemo,the Professsor is the character Nemo respects and opens up to .He is the optimist that is the foil to Nemos pessimist . I think Paul Lukas kind of gets dismissed when discussing the film ,as he has not had the same legacy as the three other big names in the film and reportedly ,could be kind of a jerk on set due to his insecurity over his trouble remembering lines ,but I think he does a pretty good job ,as a character concerned with the science and the knowledge Nemo posesses ,and what that knowledge could mean for the world

Consiel is the Professors apprentice,and the in between of Aronnax and Ned .Like Aronnax he is a man of science ,but like Ned desires to escape as he sees Nemo as a dangeorus figure . Consiel is the man of reason,less impulsive or antagonistic as then Ned but is not swayed by the marvels of the Nautilus like Aronnax is .He is played by the great Peter Lorre,an odd choice,as Lorre was more well known for playing villains or otherwise shady figures(Lorre even joked that the role he usually was cast as was taken by the giant squid that attack in the third act ) ,and this is one of the few films where he gets to play a relatively normal person,as well as show off some of his comedic skills ,and he is possibly my second favorite character in the film

The most interesting character is Captain Nemo,the films main antagonist though I hesitate to say villain as he is a bit more complicated then one would expect from a 50's film . On the surface he is a cold individual who sinks ships and has imprisioned our heroes ......however you understand his motives ,a man embittered due to the cruelity of man .He is played by one of my favorite actors James Mason (The man who I swear has one of the best voices ever ) ,and he plays not only coldness well but th elegance as well. He plays of Arronax and Ned very well,Arronax he differs in belief,and with Ned it is in manner .Mason also greatly protrays the pain of Nemo ,he scene where Nemo reveals his backstory is HEARTBREAKING as he talks and it is all on the strength of Masons acting("YOU CALL THAT MURDER !?" and the monologue that follows is some of the best bits of character work in Disney ).Both the writing of Nemo and the performance of Mason help make the movie

Another thing the film has going for it is exciting set pieces,the big one being the attack of the giant squid .,it is the most exciting scene in the film ,with a impressive squid puppet but also the brillaint idea to place it in a storm ,as if Nemo is fighting not only the Squid but nature itself .It is intense,thrilling and an excellent example of practical effects

So like I said this is my favorite Disney film,do I think it is flawless? Well I have one legit criticism which is I wish Nemos crew were more of characters ,as all we get is they are loyal to Nemo even willing to die for him .Heck the one crew member who is somewhat of a character is the First Mate played by Robert J Wilke(An actor who mostly played baddies in westerns,who I know for playing one of the bad guys in the 1956 Lone Ranger movie ) ,and he doesnt even have a name ...Kind of a criticism but not really is some of the supporting players are kind of weird,they just give weird line deliveries but honestly I love that ,there are just some odd line reads I just adore {"I say there aint no monster ,but we need MEN " is my personal favorite of the weird line reads ) and hey the focus are the four lead characters which it should be ,and no movie is perfect

I only have one question this time for question time by @themousefromfantasyland

"I just have one question: Do you ship Captain Nemo and Aronnax? Disney movie aside, reading the book it's clear that there's sexual tension between them"

I do ,there is definately tension there .They have a mutual scientist crush on each other .Good to know thats in the book ,I havent read it yet

OVerall this is a great movie in general ,a classic of science fiction and adventure,if you havent seen it watch it

@ariel-seagull-wings @goodanswerfoxmonster @the-blue-fairie @themousefromfantasyland @filmcityworld1 @marquisedemasque @princesssarisa @angelixgutz @amalthea9

#20000 leagues under the sea #disney month

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