I just got done seeing a sneak preview of Whip It, a new movie coming out in a few weeks directed by Drew Barrymore and starring Ellen Page. It's incredible, to say the least, and the movie's tagline "be your own hero" sums up the story pretty well. It follows Page's transformation from being an awkward wallflower living a reactive life to a confident woman who stands up for herself, all revolving around the world of roller derby.
I was lucky enough to screen this with around 30-40 members and friends of Fort Wayne's Derby Girls, which was a blast. It was pretty great hearing their commentary through the whole movie, especially about a sport they love so much. They've got a charity event coming up next Friday at the Kachmann gallery, raising money for breast cancer research, which will definitely be worth checking out if you're in the area.
needless to say, it was a great night. i met some incredible women, saw a great movie, and had a blast. The FW Derby Girls have their next bout January 9 at 6pm at the FW Coliseum. for more information, check out their website.
1 comments:
I believe in heroes.
I'm not sure I'd trust someone who doesn't. It means they have no aim other than themself.
I also don't believe in the cult of personality that worships heroes/anti-heroes.
IMHO, this is the biggest travesty of Post-Modernism (which for the record, I'm totally for...not a hater at all). The elimination of heroes and the "it couldn've been anyone but they were there at the right time" climate of historical work destroys everything that is great about the human spirit trying to achieve great things.
Good character with ability with desire isn't something to hate or disdain. It's something to admire.
Steve Prefontaine was my first hero (this was before 2 movies were made about him). I vividly remember running on the track in Eugene, Oregon where he ran to crowds clapping to his strides. I ran a full 400 meters with goose bumps...imagining the crowds as I ran.
I went back home, and I began practicing harder than I ever had.
That year I ran my best time, and I felt the glory of finding MY stride, my goals, and my achievements. It was an awesome thing...but "Pre" helped me see the possible...and dream the dream.
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