Over the course of the past seven months, many things have changed in my life. In fact, things are still changing, and the biggest one of them all will take place two weeks from this Saturday. Finally taking the time to sit down and write about it is very difficult. So difficult in fact, that I almost don't want to. It's not the fact that I don't want to share the fantastic news to everyone that I come in contact with, it's the fact that I'd rather be spending this time with the woman of my dreams who is bundled up on the couch right now watching "Grey's Anatomy". However, there, in that room, lies the struggle.
I personally don't care for that show. I try to avoid medical dramas, especially ones that wreak of the "prime time soap opera" kind. I haven't been a faithful follower of any medical drama since “ER” pushed its way up to the top of the Nielsen ratings back in the fall of 1994. That show became the first “must see” television show of my early adulthood. I had recently graduated from high school, was in my first semester of community college, and this show barged onto the scene with an intensity that I had never really experienced before on television. My homework soon became non-existant every Thursday night for next few years (or at least until I dropped out).
I distinctively remember the promotions all summer long for that show: “From Executive Producer Michael Crichton.” All I knew was that Michael Crichton was a big name to be flaunting around at that time. With the cinematic juggernaut that was Jurassic Park, it was only the smartest thing for NBC to become intimate bedmates not only with Crichton, but with Steven Spielberg's production company Amblin Entertainment. Both were very hot commodities back then. In fact, one of them still is. The jury is still out on Crichton.
“ER” is now entering it's fourteenth season and I consistently watched the first ten. I never missed an episode and this was back before the convenience of Tivo. I was restricted with either 8 or 10 programmable slots on my VCR, and you can bet your sweet ass that it was recording between the time slots of 9:00 and 10:00 pm every Thursday without question.
I am sad to report that I've completely lost my interest in watching “ER.” Once they killed off Dr. Greene, I pretty much turned in my membership card. I tried to tune in for another season or two, but it just wasn't the same. You know you're show's been on too long when the entire leading cast has been rotated out. I just can't take Shane West or John Stamos seriously, comparing them to Anthony Edwards or George Clooney.
Now that I've gone off track as to what I was planning on writing about, I will abruptly, yet firmly, grab the emergency brake of this less than exciting blog and flip this bitch 180 degrees.
What was it that I was talking about...? Oh yes, I was starting to hear wedding bells off into the distance. If I strain hard enough to hear them, I'm sure that I can also make out the faint shouting of overwhelming frustration from my bride-to-be. But that's alright, because I'd probably be doing the same thing if I were trying to plan a wedding and reception for 150 friends and family. We are also both in serious need of a vacation (especially her). Thank God that it comes almost immediately after the wedding.
I'll have to be somewhat honest with you, dear readers. I confess that I'm not overly anxious about the wedding. Please don't misunderstand me. I can't wait to be married. I can't wait for the festivities to commence as well as celebrate with all of my family and friends in one place. I can't wait to start the next chapter in my life. It is well overdue and I'm glad that I'll be able to spend the rest of my days with the most wonderful woman in the world.
What I'm not looking forward to is being at the center of attention. Now I'm sure you'll argue with me that it's not me who's the center of attention that day, but my bride. I beg to differ. Trust me, I'm not trying to climb to the top of the "center-of-attention-podium" with this argument. I'm just simply trying to state the fact that we're both going to be the focal point. I'm sure if you ask her, she'd tell you exactly the same thing.
When the final moment(s) come, all I pray for is that we're able to hold back enough tears that we don't look like two blubbering idiots up at the front of the church. The second is that I hope we'll be able to get out the words to follow along with the reverend who's performing the ceremony. If we can get past those two obstacles, I think everything else will fall into place quite nicely. Knowing you've made the right decision to commit your life and the remainder of your existance is one thing, having to express that in front of 150+ people, is in a category all on its own.
Getting that off my chest makes me feel a little better... which brings me to the reason why I started to write this damn post in the first place.
Knowing that I hadn't made a legitimate post for over half a year, and with my wedding day quickly approaching, I thought about creating a "Top 5 wedding movies" list. To be completely honest, Lisa brought the idea up to me over a month ago, but I felt that I couldn't commit to five movies that were just about weddings that I really enjoyed (it's also a very small sub-genre). So I stewed on it for a while and came up with the most memorable wedding moments in film. At least according to me and what I've seen.
SPACEBALLS (1987)
Who doesn't recall the reverand yelling out to the newly titled Prince Lonestar and Princess Vespa, "The short short version!" Any Mel Brooks fan, even the casual one, can appreciate the humor set forth in the following scene:
THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987)
Being surrounded by movies all my life, the words "Dearly Beloved" automatically spark the thoughts of a traditional wedding. So much so, that it's too stereotypical. So stereotypical that both Lisa and I specifically requested that it not be said at our ceremony. However, recalling the wedding scene in Rob Reiner's The Princess Bride was what was really going through my mind when someone says "Dearly Beloved." Yeah, yeah, I know the priest doesn't say "Dearly Beloved", but you get the idea.
FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL (1994)
Rowan Atkinson is a comic genius in this scene, practically stumbling over every line, forcing the bride and groom to correct every nervous mistake that he utters. Most of the scene is quite subtle, so you must pay close attention or you won't catch the humor.
THE DEER HUNTER (1978)
The Deer Hunter is a brilliant film, and the first third consists of a wedding, reception and a final hunting trip before the three protagonists voluntarily ship off to Vietnam. The wedding reception is even more memorable because it serves all of the characters in two ways: (1) the obvious wedding celebration and (2) a farewell party for the three men who are going overseas to serve their country. The Deer Hunter offers a small slice of European-immigrant, blue-collar americana that is difficult to find represented in a more genuine and honest way.
THE GRADUATE (1967)
The wedding that never happens. That's what I think about when I bring up The Graduate. Mike Nichols made cinematic history with his film adaptation of Charles Webbs' novel. The film is established as a classic and sits on many lists that boast the greatest films ever made. However, as many iconic and classic scenes that exist in this masterpiece, the one I bring up is Benjamin's climactic rescue of Elaine at her wedding. He bangs on the glass high above the church sanctuary shouting "Elaine! Elaine! Elaine! Elaine!" Madness ensues within everyone except for the bride, who realizes she needs to be rescued. The great irony of the film comes right at the end. As they sit on the back of the bus, they look at each other and you get the sense that what they just did really didn't change anything. The possibility of turning into their parents is probably right around the corner.
GOODFELLAS (1990)
The Goodfellas wedding scene is a fantastic representation of how overwhelming marrying into the mafia can be. Scorsese skillfully directs this scene where Karen (Lorraine Bracco) is introduced to her now "extended family" throughout the entire reception hall. Karen's head is spinning, but Henry reassures her that everything is fine. It amazes me how completely oblivious she is to what line of work her now husband actually does. Being in construction never paid so well.
THE GODFATHER (1972)
I tend to leave the best for last, and The Godfather is no exception. The first thirty minutes of this cinematic masterpiece takes place during Don Corleone's daughter's wedding reception. Silcilian tradition states that a father cannot refuse a request on his daughter's wedding day. So, while everyone else enjoys the festivities, the Godfather, along with close friends and family, must conduct their family business. Like I stated earlier along the same lines of The Graduate, The Godfather is widely received as one of the greatest films ever made. There are dozens of iconic moments that fill this three hour gangster saga, but the one I provide for you is a conversation that takes place between the Godfather's youngest son, Michael and his fiancée, Kate. Michael (portrayed by a very young Al Pacino) explains his family's business in a story involving the now big Hollywood star, Johnny Fontane, also featured in the clip.
I'm fairly certain, than unless I'm truly inspired to make an additional post within the next two weeks, I should hopefully have some great stories and possibly some decent pictures by time you hear from me again.
Unti next time, dear readers.
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