Catch Me on My New Blog!

I'm delighted to announce the debut of my new blog, which I'm launching in connection with my new web site, www.BrentMarchant.com, which is set to go live in the near future. The new blog and web site represent major steps forward for me, so I hope you'll join me on this exciting new adventure!

The new blog will present a variety of posts, including news flashes on what I'm up to (most of which you'll be able to find on the new web site as well), along with entries exploring my insights into the worlds of movies and conscious creation, especially where the two overlap. Look for thought pieces, reviews and other offerings related to the foregoing. And, along the way, I hope to make you laugh, touch your heart, and provide you with enlightening and entertaining food for thought.

Please note that the new blog will be in addition to my ongoing contributions to the other web sites I write for, VividLife (www.VividLife.me), to which I submit reviews of current films from a conscious creation perspective, and FengSHe (www.FengSHe.org), for which I write essays on using conscious creation to promote balance in one's life. This blog, meanwhile, will still be accessible for viewing, for now, though I will no longer be posting new entries to this page.

If you'd like to offer your feedback on the new blog, use the comment function that will appear on that page or send me an email at info@brentmarchant.com. I look forward to hearing from you, and I truly hope you'll enjoy what I have to offer.

In the meantime, thank you so very much for your support of this blog over the past four years. I've enjoyed posting to this page, and I hope you've liked what I've written during that time. But as one door closes, another opens, and the opening made possible by this new undertaking should be something really special!

Interviews and Interactions

I'll be returning to the airwaves this Saturday, March 26, at 7 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on the radio show Interviews & Interactions with host Linda Strasburg. The show can be heard on Salt Lake City's KTKK radio, AM 630, or over the internet at www.k-talk.com. So be sure to tune in for some inspiring interactive chat!

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Fate Vs. Free Will

Are we gifted with free will, or are we subject to fate? That's a question examined in Free will, fate duel in 'The Adjustment Bureau', my review of the new Matt Damon thriller in VividLife magazine, available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Writers' Voices

Please join me this Friday, March 4, at 2 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on the radio show Writers' Voices with Monica and Caroline, with hosts Monica Hadley and Caroline Kilbourn. The show airs on KRUU, 100.1 FM, in Fairfield, IA, and live on the internet at http://kruufm.com. And if you can't listen live, check the web site's archives for an on-demand listening link after the initial broadcast.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Oscar Wrap-up

Catch my wrap-up of this year's Oscars online in my latest VividLife post, Conscious Creation Films Win Big at Oscars, available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

And the Oscar Goes To...

Who's going to win the Oscars? See my predictions in an Examiner article by Mary Barton at:

www.examiner.com/metaphysics-in-tacoma/oscar-predictions-by-an-expert

You can also read my reviews of many of the nominated films in my column at VividLife (www.VividLife.me) or in previous entries to this blog.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Man, Myth and the Occult, Part 3

Twice is nice, but three times is even better! And that's how it will be this Friday, February 25, at 1 pm Eastern, when I make my third appearance on the Internet radio show Man, Myth and the Occult, with hosts Rev. Bryan D. Ouellette, Ph.D and Dr. Mike Kell. In the 90-minute interview, I'll discuss my writings about conscious creation and the movies, as well as my predictions for this weekend's Academy Awards. To tune in, visit the show page at:

www.blogtalkradio.com/mindbrainbody/2011/02/25/man-myth-the-occult-get-the-picture-part-iii-with-brent-marchant

The show is available for listening live at showtime and as an on-demand archive broadcast after the fact.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Two New Radio Shows

Two new radio shows are coming! The first is today, Saturday, February 19, at 6 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on Tell Me Your Story with host Richard Dugan. The show airs on KZSB AM 1290 in Santa Barbara, CA, and is available for listening live on the Internet at www.newspress.com/Top/index.jsp (click on the site's News-Press 1290 "Listen Now" tab).

The second is Monday, February 21, at 10 pm Eastern, when I'll appear on Life Changes with Filippo with host Filippo Voltaggio. The show is available for listening live or as an on-demand archive broadcast after the fact at www.lifechanges.ws.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

'Biutiful' Transitions

Life's transitions -- especially the one that comes at the end -- can be a time of great revelation, a notion examined in my latest VividLife post, Life's transitions probed in 'Biutiful', a review of the moving new drama "Biutiful," available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Healthy Boundaries

Ever have trouble establishing healthy boundaries in your life? That's the subject of my latest VividLife submission, "Bonds, boundaries tested in 'Another Year'," a review of Mike Leigh's new film, "Another Year," available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Align, Shine and Prosper

Learn how to "Align, Shine and Prosper" this Wednesday, February 9, at 8 pm Eastern, when I'll appear as a guest on the Internet radio show with the same name with host Doreen Agostino. To tune in, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/align-shine-prosper/2011/02/10/get-the-picture-conscious-creation-goes-to-the-movies and take the show's title to heart!

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Knock-out Inspiration

Looking for some knock-out inspiration? If so, check out my latest VividLife post, 'The Fighter' packs a spirited punch, a review of the new biopic "The Fighter," available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

The Feeling of Liberation

We all long for the feeling of freedom, and it's a longstanding theme in art and culture. That idea is probed through the eyes of a ballerina in the new thriller, "Black Swan," which I've reviewed in my latest VividLife post, "Liberation, metamorphosis take flight in 'Black Swan'," available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Man, Myth and the Occult

Once is nice, but twice is better, and you can find out just how much better this Friday, January 14, when I'll make my second appearance on the Internet radio show, Man, Myth and the Occult. The 90-minute interview with hosts Bryan Ouellette and Mike Kell airs live at 1 pm Eastern at www.blogtalkradio.com/manmythoccult/ and will be available for on-demand listening afterward. I'll discuss my writings, the upcoming movie awards season and the impending launch of my new web site (details to follow!). So tune in for a second helping of fascinating chat, news and information.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Tearjerker Metaphysics

Tragedy and loss are difficult circumstances to reconcile, but taking an unconventional approach to handling them may help to provide the way out, a notion explored in my latest VividLife post, "'Rabbit Hole' delivers tearjerker metaphysics," a review of the new Nicole Kidman drama, "Rabbit Hole," available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Finding One's Voice

Discovering oneself often involves "Finding One's Voice," a notion that is also the title of my latest VividLife post, a review of the engaging new biopic, "The King's Speech." Check it out at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Learning To Trust

"Learning To Trust" is a vital lesson in making use of conscious creation/law of attraction principles. It's also the title of my latest post at www.FengSHe.org (click on the "Grounded Centre" Tab).

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Hungering for the Truth

"Fair Game"

What is truth? That's a question that philosophers, theologians and scientists have pondered without resolution for centuries. And when that question is examined in a conscious creation context, a philosophy that maintains we each create our own reality, definitive answers become even more elusive, for if we're each responsible for manifesting what we experience, one could argue that truth is a relative matter, not a universal one (even if that goes against what most of us would like to think). That being the case, then, what we ultimately see as "truth" is something that comes down to the beliefs we hold, the fuel that makes conscious creation possible. That notion provides a significant metaphysical undercurrent in the story line of the new political thriller, "Fair Game."

"Fair Game" recounts the back story of "Plamegate," an incident that captured national headlines during the administration of President George W. Bush. The affair centered on Valerie Plame (Naomi Watts), a covert CIA operative whose identity was publicly revealed--by name--in newspaper reports stemming from what were believed to be apparently intentional leaks by high-ranking (though never definitively identified) administration officials. Those leaks were allegedly initiated in retribution for the actions of Plame's husband, former ambassador Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), who blew the whistle on the administration's faulty pre-war assessments of Iraq's WMD arsenals shortly after the 2003 U.S. invasion began.

In the run-up to the Iraq War, the Bush administration attempted to use trumped-up "facts" about Saddam Hussein's weapons capabilities, including the supposed acquisition of huge stockpiles of yellowcake uranium from the African nation of Niger to be used in nuclear weapons production, to justify its pre-emptive military actions. Wilson, who had firsthand knowledge that the administration's contentions were grossly exaggerated, brought the misinformation to light in a New York Times op-ed piece, "What I Didn't Find in Africa," an act that allegedly led to the leaks shortly thereafter. As a consequence, Wilson's reputation and new business venture were seriously harmed. But, even worse, Plame's cover was compromised, leaving her exposed and endangering the lives of her contacts in the field, including some who were in the process of gathering sensitive intelligence information on the ground inside Iraq at the time.

In addition to recounting the events that made headlines, "Fair Game" also shows the incident's impact on the family's home life. The film thus takes a very public news event and brings it down to a personal level, showing the struggles that the couple experienced as a result of the administration's hard-ball tactics and the incessant, biased press coverage that followed (much of which painted the couple as unpatriotic, at best, and traitors, at worst). Death threats, phone harassment and constant media scrutiny ensued, making everyday life impossible. Eventually, however, the incident prompted a grand jury investigation and government hearings at which Plame testified, bringing the whole ugly affair to light. While no one in government was officially indicted for leaking Plame's name, the probe did result in an investigation, and subsequent conviction, of Vice-presidential Chief of Staff Scooter Libby (David Andrews) on felony charges related to the incident.

As viewers watch the narrative unfold on screen, it's quite intriguing to see the role that beliefs play in the film's story line, both from a theoretical standpoint and in relation to the particulars of the plot. As in everyday life, we're posed with choices on what beliefs we choose to adopt and which ones we opt to ignore.

For example, on the one hand, we witness intelligence-gathering insiders diligently working at attempting to develop accurate assessments of what was going on inside Iraq, based on what was thought to be reasonably reliable field information. From that, they sincerely came to believe that Saddam Hussein's weapons capabilities were far less menacing than initially thought. In going about their work, they simply did their jobs of collecting data and assessing it to arrive at conclusions based on the impressions they received. They operated in true conscious creation fashion, drawing upon their intellect and intuition to shape the beliefs they would use in making official recommendations to higher-ups.

By contrast, we simultaneously witness an administration hell-bent on going to war, pursuing a course of action that it was willing to justify by virtually any means, including the manipulation of data to formulate "beliefs" that allegedly supported its objective. It then unhesitatingly sold these beliefs to the public (even if the underlying information didn't support their viability) to gain support for their materialization. Anyone who didn't buy in to this "official" view was suddenly demonized (including the intelligence experts who were charged with gathering the information to be used in formulating official policy in the first place). Since Wilson's actions ran counter to the official beliefs that everyone was supposed to accept without question, he and anyone closely associated with him (such as his wife) were suddenly "fair game" for ridicule, retribution and unfair scrutiny. The negative public reaction to their allegedly disloyal actions, in turn, lent more support to the administration's official stance, further strengthening the beliefs behind it--that is, until the supposed sources of the leaks were themselves revealed.

In both sides of this incident, the power driving their associated beliefs was palpable. That's important to recognize, not only here but also in any situation we encounter, for the impact that results from that kind of power can be significant, as both of the foregoing scenarios illustrate.

So which set of beliefs was "correct" in this controversy? It's pretty obvious from the film (and the way events ultimately played out) which one prevailed, but no matter which side each of us came down on at the time these events unfolded, it's important to realize that the views we each held about the war and this scandal were, at their core, based on our individual beliefs. Each of our respective "truths" ultimately rested with whatever contentions we bought into at the time.

To be sure, I have my own opinion of what went on, and it's probably pretty easy to guess what that is. But I'm also willing to acknowledge that the views that others held were just as valid, even if I fundamentally disagreed with them, because I know that their truths were based on the beliefs that they held and the input that they used to form them.

Regardless of how one views this incident, the Plamegate affair (and its depiction here) nevertheless helps to illustrate a significant conscious creation principle: Considering the power of beliefs and the fallout that can materialize from them, it's vital that we gather and assess the input of our intellect and intuition carefully, thoughtfully and genuinely to develop informed beliefs. This is especially important when the stakes are high, and given the magnitude of the stakes involved in matters as critical as war and peace, personal and professional reputations, and even one's peace of mind, it's easy to see why.

So how accurate is this film in depicting the events that transpired? That's hard to say, since movies such as this always bill themselves as "based on actual events," a disclaimer that provides some convenient wiggle room for invoking cinematic license. That issue is further compounded by the fact that I (and probably most viewers) neither know the principals personally nor was a party to the story's particulars. And even if I had been closely acquainted with the situation, who's to say that I would have been able to discern the "real" truth of things; after all, many of the characters in this film are involved in the murky world of intelligence gathering, a process often rife with intentional deception and misdirection, as illustrated by Plame's own chameleon-like ability to easily adopt fictional personas and to convincingly pass herself off as a mild-mannered suburban housewife while all the time engaging in highly secretive activities, circumstances sure to affect whatever beliefs I might have held about all this. In the end, then, I guess the degree to which one assumes that a picture like this is presenting an accurate portrayal of "the truth" ultimately depends on the beliefs one holds going in and subsequently forms while watching the movie. From where I stand, I believe it presents an accurate depiction of events (and does so quite well). But then that's just my opinion.

"Fair Game" is a gripping political thriller, as well as an excellent examination of how a married couple holds up under pressure, an unusual fusion of narratives, but one that works well. Its script is clear and concise, especially in its presentation of the complicated political and intelligence-gathering maneuverings. But its real strength rests with its performances. Watts's portrayal of Plame has Oscar nomination written all over it, and her fellow cast members, while effective in their roles, were wise enough to let their lead shine.

Truth is something that we all must ultimately decide for ourselves, and this picture shows just how important it is for us to get things right with regard to it. If we don't, one day we just may find ourselves to be our own fair game.

("Fair Game"--2010; Naomi Watts, Sean Penn, Noah Emmerich, Michael Kelly, David Andrews, Bruce McGill, Liraz Charhi, Khaled Nabawy, Adam LeFevre, Sam Shepard, Polly Holliday; Doug Liman, director; Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth, screenplay; Joseph Wilson, book, The Politics of Truth, and Valerie Plame, book, Fair Game; www.fairgame-movie.com/)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Live Smart & Well

Live smart and well this Tuesday, November 9, when I'll be a guest on the internet radio show "Live Smart & Well" with host Inez Bracy. To tune in, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/inezbracy at 7 pm Eastern.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Two New Posts

Two new posts are up! "The Flow of Consciousness" is my latest submission to FengShe, a thought piece on making effective use of this valuable personal resource. Visit www.FengSHe.org and click on the "Creativity" tab.

"Meditation on a Common Fate" is my latest post to VividLife, a review of the thoughtful new drama, "Hereafter." Visit www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

The Power of Belief

"The Social Network"

As any conscious creator knows, beliefs are powerful things, for they give rise to the probabilities we experience in our surrounding reality. Sometimes the beliefs are so powerful that they seemingly take on a life of their own, particularly when infused with the input of the mass consciousness. The growth of the internet in general, and of social media in particular, is one such example of this, a scenario explored in the new docudrama, "The Social Network."

The film tells the back story behind the formation of the social networking web site Facebook, as outlined in the book The Accidental Billionaires. The story chronicles how Harvard undergrad Mark Zuckerberg (Jesse Eisenberg), a fast-talking wunderkind computer tech, developed a social networking site for the university's student body, a resource that unified the school's existing patchwork of loosely connected but largely uncoordinated web sites. Aided by his peers Dustin Moskovitz (Joseph Mazzello), who handled the programming, and Eduardo Saverin (Andrew Garfield), who managed the money, Zuckerberg built his brainchild into a cyber-phenomenon that initially expanded from Harvard to other universities and then to the internet at large, achieving astounding success that quickly made Zuckerberg the world's youngest billionaire.

However, Zuckerberg's success came at a price when he became embroiled in two nasty lawsuits. (The pretrial/settlement discussion proceedings from these suits actually carry much of the story, introducing viewers to the particulars through flashbacks, showing how Zuckerberg and his opponents got to this point.) One of the suits involved a claim that Zuckerberg stole the idea for Facebook from a trio of well-heeled classmates, identical twins Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss (Armie Hammer) and Divya Narendra (Max Minghella). The other proceeding centered on a claim brought by Saverin, who argued that he was unfairly railroaded into a seriously devalued stake in the company by a group of new investors/partners who Zuckerberg courted with the aid of Napster founder Sean Parker (Justin Timberlake). According to the film, the claims were ultimately resolved through large payouts, but then what's a few million bucks to the world's youngest billionaire?

If that all sounds a little cynical, you're right, but then that attitude would be very much in line with much of the film's tone. Admittedly, I don't know any of the story's principals personally, nor can I vouch for the accuracy of the narrative as it's presented here, so I can't speak authoritatively to the story's level of authenticity. But that doesn't change the fact that the characters, as they're depicted in the film, are largely cynical, self-serving schemers. And, knowing that, it makes me want to ask, "Why should viewers care about all this?" After viewing the picture, part of me wanted to say, "So what?"

When I ran this picture's story through the filter of conscious creation principles, I could see where it had its merits. For starters, given the phenomenal growth of Facebook, the movie clearly illustrates the impact of the power of belief and the role it plays in the manifestation of consciously created materializations. It's quite obvious that, despite some of the founders' motives (some of which they may not have been fully aware of themselves at the time), the protagonists (especially Zuckerberg) were very passionate about the beliefs underlying their creation, an attitude that no doubt played a huge role in its success. Their clarity of thought, unimpeded by the hindrances of fear, doubt or contradiction, allowed their passion to blossom in full flower. And, as noted above, when that passion was further enhanced by the energized beliefs of the mass consciousness, the power of the original beliefs became that much more amplified, ultimately contributing to the creation's explosive proliferation.

The film is also remarkably insightful on another important conscious creation concept. On several occasions in the film, Zuckerberg observes that his creation will never be finished, that it will continue to evolve as an intrinsic part of its nature. These observations are sublime reflections of the conscious creation notion that we're all in a constant state of becoming. Such thinking, whether or not it was consciously in the minds of the founders at the time they were setting up Facebook, clearly played a large role in its growth and success, for it embodies a key principle of how the philosophy fundamentally operates.

However, as laudable as these depictions of conscious creation principles are, the film also illustrates another of the philosophy's significant concepts (and one about which the characters, arguably, have much to learn). With the use of conscious creation power comes the responsibility to manage it effectively. While many Facebook users would likely applaud the founders for their creation, there are those, such as the parties to the lawsuits depicted in the film, who would probably beg to differ, calling into question the founders' ability to responsibly manage the power that went into the manifestation of their creation. By blindly disregarding the fallout from their actions, the characters veer dangerously close to engaging in un-conscious creation or creation by default. And this doesn't even begin to take into account the responsibility of power issue as it relates to the myriad privacy concerns that have been raised by real world Facebook users, a consideration not addressed in the film but that's nevertheless part of the larger, off-screen story related to this phenomenon's manifestation in physical existence. In this regard, then, the picture offers viewers a cautionary tale about the responsibility of managing one's conscious creation power, for the consequences that flow out from ill-considered beliefs can be quite considerable indeed.

While the film is effective at depicting the aforementioned conscious creation concepts, given the picture's overall tone, I still can't help but think there are better cinematic examples that viewers could draw upon for inspiration. Achieving success needn't be a descent into cynicism, an exercise in potentially deceptive practices or an engagement with questionable characters as long as the underlying beliefs are sound and honorable. Those looking for the latter may have to look past the former to see how this principle is portrayed in this picture.

With all that said, however, I must admit that "The Social Network" is a well-made movie. Aaron Sorkin's writing is razor sharp, despite occasional lapses into legalese and tech-speak, and the performances are excellent across the board, especially Eisenberg, Garfield and Timberlake, all of whom are worthy of consideration come awards season. I only wish I could say I enjoyed the picture's story as much as I enjoyed its technical attributes.

The power of belief is an amazing force, as this film demonstrates. May we all come away from it aware of that power and the responsibility that comes from using it.

("The Social Network"--2010; Jesse Eisenberg, Andrew Garfield, Justin Timberlake, Armie Hammer, Max Minghella, Joseph Mazzello, Rooney Mara, Brenda Song, Douglas Urbanski, David Selby; David Fincher, director; Aaron Sorkin, screenplay, Ben Mezrich, book, The Accidental Billionaires; www.thesocialnetwork-movie.com)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

The Courage To Create

“Mao’s Last Dancer”

Our ability to create effectively depends greatly on having the freedom to do so—the freedom to choose what we want to manifest, the freedom to decide how we go about it and, perhaps most importantly, the freedom from limitations (self-imposed and otherwise) that could potentially block our path. All of these elements contribute to the development of that all-important attribute, the courage to create, a capability that provides the focus of the captivating new biopic, “Mao’s Last Dancer.”

The film tells the life story of world-famous Chinese ballet dancer Li Cunxin (Chi Cao). Selected by Communist Party officials at a tender young age to enroll in a prestigious ballet training program, the youthful Li (Wen Bin Huang) wasn’t sure why he was chosen, since he knew virtually nothing about the art form in which he was to be indoctrinated. In fact, he wasn’t sure he even wanted to participate in the program, because it meant leaving his family in their rural village for life in Beijing. But Li’s parents (Joan Chen, Shuang Bao Wang) saw this opportunity as a way for their son to escape his impoverished roots and build a better life for himself. Of course, the officials who chose Li had more in mind than cultivating his dancing skills. With an aging but formidable Chairman Mao still firmly in power and the opening up of China to the West still in its infancy, Li’s development as a propaganda tool was just as crucial to the Party as any of the moves he would make on the stage.

Li struggled with his early training, a challenge that would persist in his life even as a teen (Chengwu Guo). Abusive taskmaster instructors, like Teacher Gao (Gang Jiao), made life difficult for the sensitive young artist, hampering the growth and maturity of his abilities. But, thanks to the thoughtful and inspiring guidance of mentors like Teacher Chan (Su Zhang), Li eventually came into his own as a powerful performer with a dynamic stage presence, one clearly destined for greatness. However, those who made him also wanted to make sure that they got a proper political payoff from their investment, that his dancing would make an ideological statement equally powerful to its artistic merits.

As China began to play a more prominent role on the world stage in the early 1980s, its leadership was anxious to show off its assets in all their artistic and propagandist glory. Because of that, Li was chosen to participate in a student exchange program with the Houston Ballet. Before long, the dutiful, disciplined young star was off to America to study with the company’s artistic director, Ben Stevenson (Bruce Greenwood). Little did anyone know what that would lead to.

Li arrived in America as a reserved, polite representative of his country and its ideology. And just to make sure he toed the line, Li was strongly cautioned by the local Chinese consul (Ferdinand Hoang) to avoid the “decadent” temptations of the West, especially its women, who were not to be trusted. But once Li got a taste of what life in the West was like, particularly the artistic freedom it afforded, his loyalties slowly began to shift. With the rapid ascendance of his star power and the blossoming of a new romance with an aspiring young ballerina (Amanda Schull), there was no going back—something Li would soon find out about, both literally and figuratively.

Li initially sought an extension of his stay but was quickly turned down by Chinese officials, a ruling that prompted him to seek asylum—and that subsequently touched off an emotionally charged international incident with harsh consequences for all involved, including Li’s family back in China. But, armed with the support of a sharp immigration lawyer (Kyle MacLachlan), a new marriage to a U.S. citizen to legally justify his stay and his personal commitment to the courage to create, Li fervently pursued his goal, despite the burdens involved.

Li’s story is an excellent example of someone who’s willing to take on the challenges associated with the pursuit of a dream of artistic freedom, arguably the noblest embodiment of the essence of the conscious creation process (in all its artistic and metaphysical implications). In doing so, he stares down his fears and overcomes the limitations that stand in his way, key objectives necessary for accomplishing such a goal. Li’s experiences in America illustrate this most pointedly, but then that’s because he was prepared for it, having endured similarly challenging conditions during his “training” in China, an education that clearly involved more than just learning his ballet routines. Some of Li’s obstacles were startlingly difficult to overcome (and sometimes maddening to contemplate, given their self-imposed nature), but his struggle to beat them continually made him physically and emotionally stronger, enabling him to live up to the potential of which he was truly capable. Li’s efforts in this regard, in turn, illustrate his drive and desire to live out his value fulfillment, the conscious creation principle related to becoming one’s truest, best self, an objective aimed at benefitting oneself and one’s peers (and, in Li’s case, the legions of ballet fans around the globe). Of his accomplishments one can genuinely say, “What an artist!”—and not just for his dance moves.

“Mao’s Last Dancer” is a triumphant film, undoubtedly one of the year’s best releases, not only for its inspiring story but also for its technical brilliance. The dance sequences are magnificent, easily in the same league as predecessor pictures like “The Turning Point.” Its performances are solid across the board in both its on- and off-stage scenes, giving the film a wonderful sense of balance that could have easily been overshadowed by the sheer artistry of the ballet sequences (a pitfall that, thankfully, was avoided). The writing, which could readily have become trite and predictable, is crisp and free of cliché, quite a feat for a biopic, where a known story line and an established outcome provide the basis for the narrative.

Interestingly, the film is also an engaging period piece, depicting a 1970s version of China and a 1980s version of the U.S. that evoke feelings of nostalgia that simultaneously seem both foreign and familiar. Given the many developments that have occurred in both cultures since then, it’s hard to believe so much has changed in such a relatively short period of time. The portrayal of 1970s China in particular seems almost quaint with its ubiquitous bicycle riders and its “revolutionary” ballet sequences, which, while faithfully presented, come across now like exercises in tastefully restrained camp, a directorial coup for sure.

The picture has been playing in sporadic limited release over the past few months, so finding a screening of it may be a challenge, especially for those in smaller markets. Consequently, many viewers may have to wait for the DVD release. But it’s worth seeing once available, no matter what the format, as it’s an excellent picture on all fronts and could wind up as a dark horse come awards season.

The courage to create is a powerful force that’s powerfully depicted in this masterfully crafted film. Anyone seeking inspiration in this vein, regardless of whether they perform on the ballet stage or the stage of life, should rush to see it. You won’t be disappointed.

(“Mao’s Last Dancer”—2009 (production), 2010 (release); Chi Cao, Bruce Greenwood, Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen, Shuang Bao Wang, Wen Bin Huang, Chengwu Guo, Amanda Schull, Ferdinand Hoang, Camilla Vergotis, Su Zhang, Gang Jiao, Xiu Qing Yue, Steven Heathcote, Madeleine Eastoe, Penne Hackforth-Jones, Aden Young, Suzie Steen, Chris Kirby, Jack Thompson; Bruce Beresford, director; Jan Sardi, screenplay; Cunxin Li, book, Mao's Last Dancer; www.maoslastdancermovie.com/)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Conceding One’s Power

“Never Let Me Go”

One of the primary aims of practicing conscious creation principles is to be able to use them to feel one’s sense of personal power. Fewer things are more fulfilling than the satisfaction that comes from successfully putting that power to use, through one’s thoughts, beliefs and intents, to manifest the reality one wishes to experience. By contrast, fewer things more readily evoke disappointment and despair than the act of giving away that power, a point made all too apparent in the haunting new drama, “Never Let Me Go.”

Life seems blissfully idyllic at Britain’s Hailsham boarding school. The happy-faced, apple-cheeked youngsters live what appear to be perfectly satisfying lives, even if those lives are obediently spent entirely within the confines of the school grounds out of fear of what lies beyond in the outside world (a behavior response carefully cultivated, presumably by the staff, through rumors of gruesome fates that befell former students who dared ignore the rules). But such obedience, and the unquestioning dependency on the school staff that results therefrom, is crucial for these children, for they’re all being prepared for a very special purpose—one that they’re not told about, however, until their education is nearly complete.

The story primarily follows the lives of three Hailsham students, Kathy (Isobel Meikle-Small), Tommy (Charlie Rowe) and Ruth (Ella Purnell), a seemingly inseparable trio of friends. They grapple with the evolution of their relationships with one another, as well as with the usual coming-of-age issues that teens typically go through. Yet, because of their oppressively micromanaged existence, their lack of worldly experience and their often docile personalities, they generally lack the maturity or coping skills for dealing with such issues, many times choosing to defer their handling of them, even as they grow into young adulthood. And these everyday challenges become ever more difficult to reconcile once their elder selves learn about the nature of the special purpose for which they’ve been groomed. Integrating a new set of complex, potentially overwhelming circumstances into the lives of those ill prepared for handling even the most basic aspects of daily life is the ordeal that the grown-up versions of Kathy (Carey Mulligan), Tommy (Andrew Garfield) and Ruth (Keira Knightley) must address as they embark upon their unsettling destiny.

If this summary sounds a bit cryptic, you’re right. That’s because telling more would give away too much of the plot. The special purpose that Hailsham’s students are prepared for is actually revealed quite early on in the film, but disclosing that here would, in my opinion, constitute a spoiler, and I’m not one to give away such critical aspects of movie story lines. Let it suffice to say, however, that the special purpose is one that most of us would probably not want to face.

So if the Hailsham students’ destiny is so seemingly abhorrent, why would they create a reality of that nature for themselves in the first place? In part, on a purely theoretical basis, one could chalk it up to the premise that all probabilities are equally viable of manifestation through the conscious creation process. But that assessment, as valid as it is, arguably might seem a little too cold, clinical or glib in this context, especially among those looking for a more meaningful answer. Which brings me to the other reason why Kathy, Tommy, Ruth and their peers may have created the existence they’ve chosen to experience—to serve as a cautionary tale on what can happen when we concede our personal power.

Giving away our ability to materialize the reality we wish to experience, by embracing beliefs in which we abrogate our personal power, turns us into sheep. It thrusts us into a life of victimhood, making us easy pickings for those who would seek to take advantage of us. We lose our response-ability to cope with the conditions that manifest around us, and we end up leading a life that’s most likely anything but satisfying. In many ways, it’s the antithesis of what the conscious creation process strives for.

Is that a life worth living? I suppose it might be if one has never experienced such an existence and feels compelled to go through it just for the sake of having it. But, if one has already had such an experience, why repeat it? The Hailsham students’ odyssey provides us with a stern warning about something we may wish to avoid—and that we might effectively be able to do, provided we hold on to our power to begin with.

“Never Let Me Go” definitely won’t appeal to everyone. It’s one of the saddest movies I’ve ever seen, and it’s probably not the kind of picture you’d want to watch unless you're in the right mood for it. With that said, however, it’s a well-crafted film on most fronts, with stellar performances by the actors who portray the three principals as both youngsters and adults and by Charlotte Rampling as Hailsham’s steely head mistress, Miss Emily. The pacing drags a bit in the middle, with writing that meanders somewhat, but the payoff viewers get from the story as it progresses toward its completion is well worth enduring whatever slowness may get in the way beforehand. Beautiful cinematography and an emotive musical score by Rachel Portman effectively enhance the story as it unfolds on screen.

Viewers might easily come away unnerved from this picture, but, if that’s the case, then the movie has done its job. It effectively shows the results of disempowerment and of the abandonment of our inherent ability to act as conscious creators. It also illustrates the pain involved in attempting to deal with our innate sense of humanity in a context where that quality is all but absent. But then such circumstances often occur when we concede our power—a lesson that I’d like to hope we can all dispense with as quickly as possible.

(“Never Let Me Go”—2010; Carey Mulligan, Andrew Garfield, Keira Knightley, Charlotte Rampling, Isobel Meikle-Small, Charlie Rowe, Ella Purnell, Sally Hawkins, Hannah Sharp, Andrea Riseborough, Domhnall Gleeson; Mark Romanek, director; Alex Garland, screenplay; Kazuo Ishiguro, book; www.foxsearchlight.com/never-let-me-go)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

A Great Radio Show about Movies

I recently had the privilege of being a guest on the 7th Wave Radio Network show Spirit of Film: Conversations with host Randall Libero. I was thoroughly impressed with Randall as a host. His interview style, his questions and his rapport were all top-notch. I was also taken with his insights about my work, particularly the thoughtful, praiseworthy treatment he gave to the material in Get the Picture, both during the show and in his pre-show blog (available at www.spiritoffilm.net; see the entry for September 29). Admittedly, I may be a bit partial on this, but I was most grateful for what he had to say.

But then I discovered that's how Randall is with all of his guests.

I listened to a number of Randall's archived broadcasts after my show appearance and found that he takes the same approach to all of his interviews, bringing out the best in all of his guests, allowing them to discuss their films and related projects in a clear, concise and entertaining manner. And the array of guests he features provides listeners with a wide range of engaging material.

So if you enjoy conversations about spiritual cinema as much as I do, make his show a habit. The show airs live at 2 pm Eastern on Wednesdays at www.7thWaveNetwork.com. Click on the schedule tab, and then click on the show listing from the drop-down menu. You can also read Randall's blog page at www.spiritoffilm.net, which includes links to archived broadcasts, such as mine from September 29.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Do You Have Abundance in Your Life?

Do you get excited about what you are able to do each day? Do you make choices in your day based on your passions and living them fully? Or are you overwhelmed and wondering why you can’t seem to get excited about anything?

I’m always interested in looking for a more joy-filled, flowing and heart-centered way to take charge of what I do in my life, principles align with conscious creation/law of attraction practices. That’s why I was intrigued by Katana Abbott and Marilyn Schwader’s new teleseminar on Thursday, October 14, called “Awakening Your Purpose, Passion, and Prosperity”.

Katana built a million-dollar business as a Certified Financial Planner and now helps women in transition create and grow wealth by following their purpose and passion. Marilyn is Shamanic Practitioner who blends working with the knowledge of energy and the tool of writing to inspire her clients to create and market their transformational ideas. Katana and Marilyn have combined their talents to help shine a light on building financial freedom on a foundation of spirit-based principles.

Check it out for yourself. These women bring a new perspective to spiritual wealth-building. To sign up for the free teleseminar, register at:

http://www.cartville.com/app/?af=1252424

Having been a guest on Katana's radio show, Smart Women's Talk Radio, I can tell you she approaches all the subjects she addresses in great depth, and I'm sure this teleseminar will be no exception. Hope you can join us!

Comments? Email me at brentsbulletinboard@gmail.com.

Technical Glitches -- Aargh!

My apologies to those of you who were expecting to hear my podcast interview on Biz Juice with host Elizabeth Lengyel on Wednesday October 6. Due to technical difficulties beyond our control, we were unable to record the broadcast. However, we have rescheduled the interview, and the show will be available for on-demand listening beginning next Monday afternoon, October 11, at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Biz-Juice. Sorry for any inconvenience.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Print or Broadcast? It's Your Choice!

Print or broadcast -- which do you prefer? This week, you can take your pick when it comes to my latest offerings!

Print fans -- Looking for some alternate viewing suggestions? If so, check out "10 Little-known Gems," my latest post on VividLife magazine (www.vividlife.me).

Broadcast fans -- Want to hear some inspiring movie chat? Then tune in to Biz Juice, a podcast on which I'll discuss the subject with host Elizabeth Lengyel. The show will be available for listening beginning this Wednesday afternoon, October 6, at www.BlogTalkRadio.com/Biz-Juice.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Ow'll Pass on This One...

"Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole"

Teaching children about the basics of conscious creation principles—and about even more fundamental concepts like right and wrong—is often effectively accomplished through the movies … provided that the films in question are appropriate for the target audience. Sadly, such is not the case with a new 3-D animated fantasy being plugged to younger viewers, “Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole.” Though it’s stunningly beautiful to look at, the picture is also startlingly violent, a caution that parents should seriously consider when evaluating it as a viewing option for youngsters.

The film chronicles the odyssey of a pair of young, impressionable owls, Soren (voiced by Jim Sturgess) and Kludd (voiced by Ryan Kwanten). While practicing their flying techniques one day, Soren and Kludd are kidnapped by a group of evil owls who seek to convert their captives into unwitting agents of their dark wickedness. But their paths soon diverge: Soren manages to escape and eventually finds his way to a legendary group of altruistic owls known as the Guardians, while Kludd remains a prisoner of the malevolent ones, having been brainwashed into doing their evil bidding. This setup thus provides the makings of a classic good vs. evil tale, with a Cain and Able subplot thrown in to carry the story.

As Soren prepares to do battle against his foes, he goes through a series of warrior training lessons with the Guardians, many of which are reminiscent of the Jedi fighter teachings of the “Star Wars” series. Some of these lessons are fundamental conscious creation/law of attraction teachings, such as learning how to face fears and how to draw on one’s internal creative powers to envision desired results (though “May the Force be with you!” is arguably much more inspiring than “Listen to your gizzard!”). Such aspects of the story certainly have merit, but, given that they’re few and far between and couched in such a violent context, their impact, unfortunately, tends to become largely obscured.

With such philosophical aspects downplayed, the animation is thus given free reign to dominate the film. But, as breathtaking is the visuals truly are, they’re frequently very graphic in nature. Such imagery may be suitable for older viewers, but young ones might easily become frightened by what’s on the screen.

Given the nature of this picture, I can’t help but wonder what its creators and distributors had in mind for it. Director Zack Snyder, best known for violent, adult-oriented fantasies like “300” and “Watchmen,” doesn’t seem to have toned down his tendencies enough here to create an appropriate vehicle for a young audience. That’s because the nature of the violence depicted here is not the comical kind that one sees in things like Warner Bros. cartoons; it’s much more serious and, in my estimation, unsuitable for kids.

I have a hard time believing that older viewers will find much to like, either, no matter how much they might value high-quality animation. Why? The story, in all honesty, is boring. Unless you’re a diehard ornithologist, you’ll probably find that talking owls just don’t hold your interest for very long, no matter how well they’re drawn. And when you couple this downfall with a needlessly convoluted and often-trite narrative (something that will simultaneously try the patience of older viewers and confuse the little ones), viewers aren’t left with much to savor.

Despite these shortcomings, the picture does have a few things going for it. As I’ve already noted, the film is gorgeously animated, even if some of the backdrops are a bit derivative in nature (landscapes reminiscent of “Avatar” and “The Lord of the Rings” series appear on screen frequently). Its original soundtrack is a winner, too, a strong contender for recognition come awards season. And the voiceovers are, for the most part, all quite capable, too. But these elements, as good as they are, can’t save this production from its inappropriateness and mediocrity.

It’s unfortunate that “Legends of the Guardians” fails to live up to its marketing—or its potential. Kids deserve good, entertaining, appropriate fare, but, when it comes to this offering, frankly, it’s hard to give a hoot.

(“Legends of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga’Hoole”—2010; Jim Sturgess, Ryan Kwanten, Helen Mirren, Sam Neill, Geoffrey Rush, Hugo Weaving, Anthony LaPaglia, Emily Barclay, Adrienne DeFaria, Bill Hunter, Miriam Margolyes, David Wenham; Zack Snyder, director; John Orloff and Emil Stern, screenplay; Kathryn Lasky, source books; http://legendoftheguardians.warnerbros.com/#/home)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Catch the Wave!

Catch the wave this Wednesday, September 29, at 2 pm Eastern, when I'll surf my way onto the 7th Wave Radio Network show Spirit of Film: Conversations with host Randall Libero. To tune in to the 60-minute interview, visit www.7thWaveNetwork.com and click on the show tab.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Honouring Our Inner Voice

How often do we listen to that little inner voice that pops into our heads? And how often do we pay a price when we don't? Check out some food for thought on the subject in "Honouring Our Inner Voice," my latest post on FengSHe (www.FengSHe.org). Click on the tab marked "Spirit, Helpful People, Travel" in the content category list.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Travelogue Spirituality

"Eat Pray Love"

Is is possible to find oneself by travelling the globe? Find out in "Travelogue Spirituality," my review of the new film "Eat Pray Love" in VividLife magazine, available at www.VividLife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Catch the Planetary Spirit

I'll be back on the radio again this Tuesday, August 24, at 1 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on Planetary Spirit with host Jeff Ferrannini. To tune in live, visit http://etin.emerson.edu and click on the Windows Media Player link, or go to www.planetary-spirit.com, click on the ETIN link and then click on the Windows Media Player link. Or, to hear the show after the broadcast, visit the archives on www.planetary-spirit.com.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Reconciling One's Life

"Get Low"

As the end of life approaches, the time comes to get one's heart, mind and beliefs in order, a notion that's the focus of the new comedy-drama, "Get Low," the subject of my latest film review, "Reconciling One's Life," in VividLife magazine (www.VividLife.me).

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

On the Air This Thursday

Want to hear some inspired chat about movies with spirit? If so, then tune in this Thursday, August 19, at 2 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on the Padaran internet radio show with host Rev. Daya Devi-Doolin. I'll discuss my writings on the subject, including those in Get the Picture and in my online columns for VividLife magazine (www.VividLife.me) and FengSHe (www.FengSHe.org). To tune in, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/padaran and let the spirit move you.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Catalysts for Change

“The Kids Are All Right”

When we find ourselves leading lives that are less than satisfactory, it’s time for a change. That’s a prospect some may find unnerving, but the ability to make adjustments when things aren’t acceptable is one our basic conscious creation birthrights. All we need do is shift our beliefs. But what if we block out our awareness of the discomfort? Under such circumstances, we may not be aware of the need for change, the beliefs that are causing the problems or how to effectively rewrite them. When that happens, it’s time for a catalyst to get the change process rolling. Initially, we might not be aware of the catalyst’s presence or the beliefs that drew it to us, but once it makes itself at home, its impact is ultimately undeniable. Such is the case in the new comedy-drama, “The Kids Are All Right.”

Nic (Annette Bening) and Jules (Julianne Moore) have been partnered for years. They’ve built a life together, including becoming the parents of two children by artificial insemination, Joni (Mia Wasikowska) and Laser (Josh Hutcherson). Life generally seems good, though it has become very settled. What’s more, a few tensions simmer beneath the surface of their apparent domestic bliss, their issues threatening to come to a boil, especially now that the kids are teenagers. With Nic and Jules fast approaching their own version of the empty nest stage, the question that looms large is, will they be ready for it?

Since Nic and Jules seem largely unwilling to address the issues they must face or, in turn, to make any necessary changes, the kids unwittingly step up to the plate to manifest a much-needed catalyst to help the process along. They decide that they’d like to meet their sperm donor, a prospect made possible by Joni turning 18 and attaining legal adult status. And so before long, Joni and Laser schedule a meeting with Paul (Mark Ruffalo), the man who helped make their life possible.

After some initial trepidation, Paul and the kids hit it off well. In fact, it quickly becomes apparent that all three of them would like to continue their involvement with one another. But their interaction is more than just a passing diversion or idle curiosity; the kids like Paul, and vice versa, a development that shakes things up at home. And once Paul meets Nic and Jules, things get shook up even further—and in highly unexpected ways.

Of course, the impact of all this affects not only Nic, Jules and the kids; it also has a profound influence on Paul. As a confirmed bachelor and free spirit, Paul has lived his life on his own terms. But, with the onset of middle age, the prospect of being a father and having a family holds much more appeal than it once did, especially now that he’s had a taste of it for himself, even if only vicariously. So now he must ask himself, “What am I going to do about it? Am I willing to implement the changes I need to make to bring all of this about?” The catalyst thus gets turned back on itself.

As noted above, change can be a scary prospect for many of us. Upsetting the established order takes us out of our comfort zone and places us squarely in uncharted territory. But, ultimately, which prospect is preferable, staying stuck in less-than-satisfying circumstances or moving on to something more desirable? That’s where the power of change comes into play, and, as one of the more powerful items available to us in our conscious creation toolbox, it’s one that we shouldn’t hesitate to draw upon when the need arises. Sometimes we may find that the changes we need to make are major; in other instances, the alterations may be minor, requiring only modest tweaking. But we’ll never know, of course, unless we allow ourselves the opportunity to assess what’s at hand and what might be.

This is a prospect that I examine at length in Chapter 5 of Get the Picture through a variety of movies that address the subject head on. And I’m pleased to say that “The Kids Are All Right” is clearly cut from the same cloth. The film is likable in virtually every respect, providing viewers with considerable food for thought, as well as a thoroughly entertaining story.

Thanks to conscious creation, we always have a limitless range of options open to us to achieve satisfaction in the realities we materialize. Films like this help to show us the alternatives, both overtly and by implication, thereby reinforcing the inherent importance of this notion. All we need do is be willing to explore the possibilities.

(“The Kids Are All Right”—2010; Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo, Mia Wasikowska, Josh Hutcherson, Yaya DaCosta, Kunal Sharma, Eddie Hassell, Zosia Mamet, Joaquín Garrido; Lisa Cholodenko, director; Lisa Cholodenko and Stuart Blumberg, screenplay; www.focusfeatures.com/film/the_kids_are_all_right)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

FengSHe Goes Live!

I'm pleased to announce that FengSHe (www.FengSHe.org) is now
live! Click on the link to reach the site. And to find my first piece,
click on the "Creativity" tab on the site's home page.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Inner Speak Soul Adventures

Check out my radio interview this Tuesday, August 10, at 8 pm Eastern, when I'll be a guest on Inner Speak Soul Adventures with host Jean Adrienne, available at www.voiceamerica.com. I'll talk about conscious creation/law of attraction themes in the movies, past and present.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Check Out The Manifest-Station!

I'm pleased to announce that a selection of my articles and blogs has now been posted in the Articles Library of the metaphysical database web site The Manifest-Station (www.theManifest-Station.com). My submissions appear alongside those posted by a host of other authors on a wide range of new age, spiritual, personal growth and sustainable living topics.

To access these entries, click on the "Free" tab on the site's home page and then scroll down to the "Articles" listing on the pull-down menu. That will take you to the Articles home page, which shows the most recent entries and allows you to search the library in a variety of ways (by topic, author, etc.).

And the Articles are just one of many resources available through the site. So check it out, and enjoy everything The Manifest-Station has to offer. Be sure to pass the word along to anyone you know who may be interested, too!

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

A Missed Opportunity

"Inception"

Much hype has been lavished on the new sci-fi thriller "Inception," but is the praise justified? Read my take on the film in "A Missed Opportunity," my latest online film review in VividLife magazine, available at www.vividlife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

10 More Little-known Gems

The summer movie season, as many of you are probably well aware, can be a cinematic wasteland when it comes to substantive viewing options. The predominance of big-budget special effects extravaganzas and silly comedies leaves few choices for those in search of more thought-provoking fare. So, to that end, in May last year, I wrote a blog about alternate viewing selections for the summer season, titled “10 Little-known Gems.”

Given the less-than-stellar movie offerings this summer, the same issue, sadly, has arisen once more. The rapid disappearance from theaters of magical releases like “Ondine”* and the disappointing results from much-anticipated pictures like “Inception”* have left even the most tolerant movie fans craving productions worth watching. So, to that end once again, I have compiled a list of 10 more little-known gems worth watching as alternate summertime fare. These pictures are excellent explorations of various conscious creation/law of attraction themes, providing entertainment and enlightenment at the same time.

So, with that said, I hereby offer, in no particular order, the following list of films as alternatives to their current big screen counterparts:

“The Visitor”: Ever feel like a stranger in your own skin, unable to tap into “the real you”? Figuring out how to reach that elusive inner self is the task of a lonely widower who journeys into the depths of his soul while on a business trip to New York. An encounter with a Middle Eastern musician, an event far afield from the protagonist’s typical routine, sends him down a path of self-discovery and personal reinvention. A riveting performance by Richard Jenkins in the lead role. (2007 (production), 2008 (release); Richard Jenkins, Haaz Sleiman, Danai Gurira, Hiam Abbass; Thomas McCarthy, director; Thomas McCarthy, screenplay; one Oscar nomination; www.thevisitorfilm.com)

“Shrink”: A preeminent Hollywood psychiatrist is on the verge of losing it all, having slipped into a deep depression driven by a personal tragedy. Perpetually adrift in the stupor of a self-medication program, he slides through life until he’s posed with the challenge—and the opportunity—to heal others and, by extension, to heal himself, a process through which he sees his inner world reflected back to him through his outer reality, particularly through the patients he treats. A dark comedy with intriguing psychological and metaphysical overtones. (2009; Kevin Spacey, Mark Webber, Keke Palmer, Saffron Burrows, Jack Huston, Pell James, Dallas Roberts, Jesse Plemons, Robert Loggia, Joel Gretsch, Laura Ramsey, Robin Williams, Gore Vidal; Jonas Pate, director; Thomas Moffett, screenplay; www.shrinkthemovie.net; see my complete review of this film in a January 2010 blog on this web page)

“The Nines”: The lives of a troubled actor, a frazzled reality TV show writer and a successful video game designer intertwine in intriguing ways, revealing sublime truths about their—and our—very nature. Give this one a little time to unfold; you’ll be richly rewarded. (2007; Ryan Reynolds, Melissa McCarthy, Hope Davis, Elle Fanning; John August, director; John August, screenplay; www.lookforthenines.com)

“Rashômon”: This cinematic classic may not be unknown in the annals of film history, but it may be unfamiliar to younger viewers. This black-and-white masterpiece tells the same story from multiple perspectives, with each recounting revealing the beliefs of each player in the unfolding drama. But which version is “right”? See for yourself. (1950; Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura, Minoru Chiaki, Kichijirô Ueda, Fumiko Honma, Daisuke Katô; Akiro Kurosawa, director; Akiro Kurosawa and Shinobu Hashimoto, screenplay; Ryûnosuke Akutagawa, story; one Oscar nomination, one honorary Oscar; www.janusfilms.com/rashomon/)

“Central Station”: A recently orphaned young boy’s cross-country odyssey in search of his long-lost siblings takes him and his reluctant chaperone from the big city to the wilds of the Brazilian frontier. The journey gives the youngster’s hesitant companion—an aging retired school teacher—an opportunity to examine who she is and what she wants out of life, giving her pause to take stock of the beliefs behind the reality she’s created for herself. A real heart-tugger without ever becoming overly sentimental or schmaltzy. (1998; Fernanda Montenegro, Marília Pêra, Vinícius de Oliveira, Soia Lira, Othon Bastos, Otávio Augusto, Stela Freitas, Matheus Nachtergaele, Caio Junqueira; Walter Salles, director; Marcos Bernstein and João Emanuel Carneiro, screenplay; Walter Salles, story; two Oscar nominations, one Golden Globe win on two nominations; www.sonypictures.com/classics/central station/)

“Neverwas”: A psychiatrist haunted by the suicide of the father he barely knew takes a job at a mental hospital where his dad, the author of a popular children’s book, was once institutionalized. While searching for clues about his father’s past, he meets a patient who knew his dad and who unwittingly helps the young doctor heal himself by bringing his father’s famous creation to life. An excellent example of life imitating art—and of reality reflecting beliefs—no matter how seemingly unlikely that might be. (2005; Aaron Eckhart, Ian McKellan, Brittany Murphy, Nick Nolte, Jessica Lange, William Hurt, Bill Bellamy, Alan Cumming, Vera Farmiga, Michael Moriarity; Joshua Michael Stern, director; Joshua Michael Stern, screenplay; www.imdb.com/title/tt0418004/)

“World’s Greatest Dad”: Ever form an opinion about someone that you later discover is far different—perhaps even the exact opposite—of what others have of the same person? Such is the metaphysical conundrum posed by this edgy comedy about a high school poetry teacher who struggles to tell the truth about, while simultaneously protect the reputation of, his dead teenage son, an ungrateful brat and self-centered social misfit. In doing so, we see two sides of both father and son emerge with unexpected results. Don’t let this film’s warm fuzzy title fool you! (2009; Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Alexie Gilmore, Henry Simmons, Geoff Pierson, Evan Martin, Jermaine Williams, Lorraine Nicholson, Tony V., Deborah Horne, Toby Huss, Mitzi McCall, Bruce Hornsby; Bobcat Goldthwait, director; Bobcat Goldthwait, screenplay; www.worldsgreatestdadfilm.com; see my complete review of this film in a January 2010 blog on this web page)

“Martian Child”: When a recently widowed sci-fi writer adopts a troubled young boy on a trial basis, he gets more than he bargains for, especially when he discovers that his would-be son is convinced he’s a visitor from Mars. It’s a notion that might easily be dismissed as fantasy or an overactive imagination until some genuinely unusual things begin to happen. So is the young man from the red planet or not? Tune in for yourself. (2007; John Cusack, Bobby Coleman, Amanda Peet, Sophie Okonedo, Joan Cusack, Oliver Platt, Richard Schiff; Menno Meyjes, director; Seth Bass and Jonathan Tolins, screenplay; David Gerrold, book; www.martianchild.com)

“Starting Out in the Evening”: One’s ability to create successfully depends on one’s beliefs to do so, for better or worse (or, in some cases, both). For an aging writer who had two early successes but later became convinced that he’d lost his way, the challenge to create anew in the face of a rapidly approaching end gets put to the test through his interaction with a young graduate student. The key question is, will he rise to the occasion? An excellent, superbly acted character study.(2007; Frank Langella, Lauren Ambrose, Lili Taylor, Adrian Lester; Andrew Wagner, director; Fred Parnes and Andrew Wagner, screenplay; Brian Morton, book; www.roadsideattractions.com/Catalog/FilmLibrary.asp?ProjectID=%7BECD239F2-668A-4AEE-858E-E26751721E52%7D&BusinessUnitID=%7B7533CDA9-E7C5-4586-AAA5-14ABF2E3F6B2%7D)

“This Is My Life”: Achieving success in one’s calling need not be a struggle if one has beliefs in place that support such a notion. Of course, integrating that success into the other aspects of one’s life can be a challenge as an aspiring comedienne and single mother of two finds out in this heartwarming comedy. A real charmer from start to finish. (1992; Julie Kavner, Samantha Mathis, Gaby Hoffmann, Carrie Fisher, Dan Aykroyd, Kathy Ann Najimy, Bob Nelson, Caroline Aaron, Danny Zorn, Estelle Harris; Nora Ephron, director; Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, screenplay; Meg Wolitzer, book; VHS format only; www.imdb.com/title/tt0105577/)

(* See my review of these pictures in the Movies section of VividLife magazine, available at www.vividlife.me.)

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

FengSHe To Launch August 6

FengSHe.org, the web site that I am about to begin working for as a contributing writer, has announced its official launch date! Beginning Friday August 6, you'll be able to see the site in full operation. To find out more, click the link below:

http://us1.campaign-archive.com/?u=e2d16fc851ebcdff39bd3efa8&id=d106409158&e=f29bef7fef

In the meantime, you can still visit the site's pre-launch web page at www.fengshe.org.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Mirror, Mirror

"Cyrus"

It's been said that everything going on around us is a reflection of what's going on inside us, that our external reality is a mirror of our inner world. That notion gets put under the microscope in the new comedy "Cyrus," the subject of my latest film review, "Mirror, Mirror," in VividLife magazine, available at www.vividlife.me.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

I'm an Upcoming Luminary!

Please join me on July 18th, 2010 on InspireMeToday.com!

I'll be sharing insights from my experiences in an exclusive 500-word article on the best things I've learned in life - full of beneficial nuggets for you!

While you're visiting InspireMeToday.com, sign up for the free daily inspiration email and free 44 page eBook Secrets to Soaring. I encourage you to use these gifts to help you on your life's journey.

On behalf of the InspireMeToday.com family, thank you for your support. We greatly appreciate you!

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

On Line and On Air This Week

"Ondine" and A Fresh Start

It's a busy week here! For starters, check out my latest film review, "A Belief in Magic," a look at the new cinematic fable "Ondine," at www.vividlife.me.

And then on Thursday, July 8, I'll be back on the radio when I appear as a guest on A Fresh Start with host Sallie Felton. The show airs live at 12 noon Eastern, 11 am Central at www.salliefelton.com/A_Fresh_Start_radioShow.html#freshstart.

Also, my apologies to those of you who expected to hear me on Planetary Spirit with host Jeff Ferrannini on Tuesday, July 6. Due to technical difficulties, the show had to be postponed until a future date, but I will keep you posted about the new broadcast time.

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

It's All About You

The podcast of my rescheduled internet radio show appearance on It's All About You with host Darien Marshall is now available for listening on demand. To tune in, visit www.blogtalkradio.com/itsallaboutyou. Enjoy!

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

"Get the Picture" on Amazon UK

Do you live in the U.K.? And are you an avid reader of metaphysical books or a big fan of the movies? If so, please note that Get the Picture: Conscious Creation Goes to the Movies is available through Amazon UK (www.amazon.co.uk). And if you want to find out more about me and my writing, check out my profile on Amazon UK's web site under its new Author Central feature (a comparable profile can be found on www.amazon.com as well).

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Radio Shows Rescheduled

My apologies to those of you who were expecting to hear my interview on It's All About You on Thursday June 17. Due to a scheduling conflict, my appearance has been rescheduled for Monday June 28 at 12 noon Eastern, 11 am Central. But please be sure to tune in at the show's new time slot at www.blogtalkradio.com/itsallaboutyou. And if you can't catch the show live, check it out afterward as a download from the site's archives.

My apologies also to those of you who were expecting to hear my interview on Biz Juice on Friday June 18. Due to the host's illness, my appearance will be rescheduled for a later date to be determined (I'll keep you posted on the change).

Sorry for any inconvenience with all of this.

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

As the Paradigm Turns

"2012: Time for Change"

Is the world on the brink of ending, or are we about to enter a time of renewal filled with tremendous potential? Those are some of the questions addressed in the new documentary "2012: Time for Change," the subject of my latest VividLife film review, "As the Paradigm Turns," available at www.vividlife.me.

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Three Radio Interviews This Week!

They say "three times' the charm," so let's hope that's true this week when I make appearances on a trio of internet radio shows to discuss self-empowering cinema and the upcoming summer movie season. You can catch me on Wednesday June 16 at 12 noon Eastern, 11 am Central, when I'll appear on Positive Living with host Patricia Raskin (www.blogtalkradio.com/positive-living). Then on Thursday June 17 at 3 pm Eastern, 2 pm Central, I'll be a guest on It's All About You with hosts Darien and Darius (www.blogtalkradio.com/itsallaboutyou). And to round out the week, on Friday June 18 at 1 pm Eastern, 12 noon Central, I'll appear on Biz Juice with host Elizabeth Lengyel (www.blogtalkradio.com/biz-juice). All three shows will be archived on their respective web pages for later listening if you can't catch them live. So tune in and enjoy three times the fun!

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Join Me for a Free Teleseminar

What do movies have to do with metaphysics and conscious creation? Join me on Thursday June 10 at 2 p.m. ET for a free teleseminar with Linda Pannell of World Changing Wisdom and a fun and enlightening look at my book, Get the Picture, which reveals how movies illustrate conscious creation principles for changing the world and transforming consciousness. To reserve your space and register for the call, please click the link below:

www.worldchangingwisdom.com/marchant

Please register even if you can't attend the live call. A replay will be available for 24 hours after the live call.

Check Out FengSHe

I'm delighted to announce that I have been named a contributing writer for a new web site called FengSHe (www.fengshe.org), a web-based resource aimed at promoting balance and well-being in today's challenged world. The site's official launch will occur soon, but its prelaunch page is now up and features a preview of what the site is about. The site's contributors are currently being profiled on this page on a rotating basis prior to the launch, and my work will be featured on Thursday June 10.

My writings will appear monthly once the site is officially up and running. Here's hoping you like the site. And be sure to tell anyone who you think might be interested!

Law of Attraction Success Radio

Looking how to make best use of the law of attraction in your life? Find out how when I appear as a guest on Law of Attraction Success Radio with host Nat Couropmitree on Tuesday June 8 at 1 pm Eastern, 12 Central. I'll talk about movies as a tool for achieving success with this technique. To tune in, visit www.blogtalkradio.com and search Law of Attraction Success Radio to link to the show's home page.

If you can't tune in for the live broadcast, catch it later as a download! And if you know someone who might be interested in the show, pass on the word!

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Explorations of Intent

"Please Give"

What's behind what we create begins with us and our intents. But what exactly are our intents? And how do we get clear about them? Such heady questions are among those examined by the characters in the new comedy-drama "Please Give," the subject of my review, "Explorations of Intent," which is now posted in the online magazine VividLife (www.vividlife.me).

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

The Eternal Frontier

"Infinity: The Ultimate Trip"

Ever wonder what lies beyond the end of this life? Read about the opinions of a number of noted experts on this topic in "The Eternal Frontier," my latest post in the online magazine VividLife (www.vividlife.me), which reviews the new DVD release "Infinity: The Ultimate Trip."

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Integrity on Trial

"City Island"

Living a life of genuine fulfillment can be tricky business, especially for those who have trouble leveling with themselves, as seen in the new comedy "City Island." Read my review of it, "Integrity on Trial," at www.vividlife.me.

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Positive Living This Sunday

Partake of some "Positive Living" this Sunday, April 25, when I'll appear as a guest on WPRO's radio show of the same name. I'll join host Patricia Raskin for a 30-minute interview about my book and my online writings for VividLife magazine. Tune in LIVE on the internet at www.630wpro.com at 1:30 pm Eastern, and enjoy the positive vibes!

Figuring Out What Matters

"Greenberg"

Life presents us with many challenges to sort out, but what if we're fundamentally incapable of doing so. That's the lot of the title character in the new drama, "Greenberg," the subject of my latest film review "Figuring Out What Matters" in the online magazine VividLife (www.vividlife.me).

Comments? Write me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Hear Me on "Inside Personal Growth"

I'm pleased to announce that the podcast of a new internet radio interview I recently did is now posted! Check out the conversation on Inside Personal Growth with host Greg Voisen. You can hear the interview by tuning in at: www.insidepersonalgrowth.com/2010/04/podcasts/podcast-170-get-the-picture-with-brent-marchant/.

A Down Payment on the Future

One of the cornerstone principles in understanding how conscious creation works is an awareness of the inherent connectedness of all aspects of the realities we each manifest. Each element of existence connects from one to the other, creating an intricate, interwoven web where everything can potentially be affected--either positively or negatively--when even only one of those elements is somehow altered, rearranged or manipulated. This connectedness principle provided the focus of Chapter 8 of Get the Picture, and one of the films profiled in it, "Pay It Forward," shows how our beliefs and subsequent actions/creations can have wide-reaching consequences far beyond ourselves.

In the opening paragraph of my synopsis of the film, I wrote the following: "Small gestures carry tremendous power. Just as [conscious creation author/philosopher] Jane Roberts and [her noncorporeal channelled entity] Seth noted that there's enough energy in an emotion to send a rocket to the moon, there's a comparable degree of might in an act of kindness, a helping hand, even a simple compliment or word of encouragement. Now imagine what's possible if we all engaged in intentional acts of mutual support. The ripple effect of such interactions would stretch across the world, strengthening the bonds among us and reminding us that we're one globally connected human family."

Such is the essence of the "pay it forward" concept explored in the movie, in which a classroom experiment turns into a worldwide social movement. The basic idea behind this principle is that everyone helps three other people with something they can't accomplish on their own. Anyone who successfully receives the necessary assistance must then help three more people in need of aid, who must in turn do the same, and so on in an endless chain of permutations that eventually encompasses virtually everyone on the planet. The plan is called "pay it forward" because it runs counter to the more traditional convention of "pay it back," thereby creating an altruistic movement that amasses the creation of good rather than focusing on the replenishment of lack.

The concept works beautifully in the film, both in big and small ways. But is this idea just a nice theory, or can it really work in everyday life? According to the results of some new research, it indeed does work. What's more, the findings show that it only takes a handful of participants to make it succeed.

According to a news release from Eurekalert.org, an online news service of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, researchers from the University of California, San Diego, and Harvard University have documented the impact of the pay it forward principle. James Fowler, an associate professor in the UC San Diego Department of Political Science, and Nicholas Christakis, a professor of sociology at Harvard, proved through laboratory research that cooperative behavior is contagious and spreads easily from person to person. According to the news release, "when people benefit from kindness they 'pay it forward' by helping others who were not originally involved, and this creates a cascade of cooperation that influences dozens more in a social network." What's more, according to Fowler, after engaging in such acts, the effect persists, adding "you don't go back to being your 'old selfish self.'"

It would seem the creators of this film--as well as the researchers who have now demonstrated the validity of its central theme--are on to something. The underlying beliefs of this phenomenon appear to be even stronger than previously imagined, and now there's proof to back that up. In light of that, then, perhaps it might be worth looking at ways for getting this film into wider circulation, especially among those who are still impressionable enough to have the film's message leave an impact on the beliefs that they're forming for themselves as the basis of the realities they wish to create. Educators, in particular, may want to take note of this. And who knows--maybe we can even get some politicians to watch it, too.

I've written about "Pay It Forward" in this blog before, not so much because it's an especially outstanding film but because it has such a significant message. And now that there's evidence to illustrate that its message has real legitimacy, it's that much more important that the word get out about what it's trying to say. For better or worse, we've succeeded in co-creating a reality in which we have a multitude of challenges to overcome, which means we can use all the help we can get to resolve them. That's particularly pertinent for help that specifically originates from within us. This film shows us one way in which we can do that, and, if nothing else, that's a good place to start.

You can read the complete release on Fowler and Christakis's research at www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-03/uoc--if030510.php. You can also read more about the researchers' work in their recently published book, Connected: The Surprising Power of Our Social Networks and How They Shape Our Lives (www.connectedthebook.com).

Comments? Email me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

A Fable for Our Time

"Alice in Wonderland"

Some classic tales have relevance even now, as is the case with the latest version of the classic "Alice in Wonderland." Read my take on it in "A Fable for Our Time," my current post in the online magazine VividLife, available at www.vividlife.me.

Send your comments to me at brentmarchant@momentpoint.com.

Real Life Changes Radio

I'll be a guest on Real Life Changes with VividLife Radio host Rose-Anne Turunen on Wednesday March 31. The show airs live at 2 PM Eastern and will be available for on-demand listening thereafter, at http://www.vividliferadio.com. Check it out! And while you're at it, be sure to visit the VividLife web site at http://www.vividlife.me, where you can see my writings about current movies with conscious creation/law of attraction themes. Enjoy!

"Get the Picture" Reviewed Online

I'm pleased to announced that Get the Picture has been reviewed online by columnist Mary Barton. See it at http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-40980-Kent-Metaphysics-Examiner~y2010m3d23-Get-The-Picture-Conscious-Creation-Goes-to-the-Movies-Book-Review

Going with One's Gut

"The Ghost Writer"

Ever have a strong intuitive flash that you knew you were supposed to listen to but didn't? If so, you'll appreciate the lesson of Roman Polanski's new film, "The Ghost Writer," the subject of "Going with One's Gut," the title of my latest online film review for VividLife magazine (http://www.vividlife.me/ultimate/category/arts/movies-arts-2/). Enjoy!