Everyone Else

Tarzan 2 is terrible compared to the first one with the Phil Collins soundtrack. At least that’s what Kim said after half-watching it with the kids while I was on the road.

I know, I’m just as surprised to hear that as you.

You know what separates the Oscar-winning movies from the ones that go straight to DVD? The ones that win awards are telling stories we haven’t seen before. Throughout the entire process — from the screenwriter to the producer to the casting director to the cinematographer to the director to the cast — everyone has the opportunity to do things the way they’ve always been done or to take a different tack.

Not different for the sake of different, mind you. Movies that are different for the sake of different may play well in art houses, but they’re mostly just…weird. It’s usually better to shoot for different for the sake of better.

When it comes to the story of your life, you’re wearing all the creative hats. You decide how you spend your time, your money and your energy. You get to pick your friends, your attitude, and where you live. Your dreams, your traditions, and your beliefs? You own those as well.

This may go without saying, but your story sucks a little more with every choice you make that’s just like everyone else.

[ About the Art: This piece gets its inspiration from a baby moon trip Kim and I recently took to Rhode Island. We visited an art gallery in Newport and there was a big painting I liked that featured some falling leaves on a stark background. It stuck with me. I’m sure my recent stint of raking leaves may have had something to do with it as well. If you look closely, you’ll also see an organic leaf texture incorporated into the background. ]