The Writer's Life 6/20 - Origins

Sci-fi is usually slam-bang, outrageous. I Origins (2014), which I viewed last night courtesy of Netflix, takes a different path. It tackles the science vs. faith issue much more seriously than any films of the genre do. The story is told from the point of view of a young molecular biologist, played by Michael Pitt, who did 24 episodes Boardwalk Empire. Since childhood, he has been fascinated by the eye and takes countless photos of them. According to the narrative, the eye’s sophistication is proof of intelligent design, a creator. The protagonist, an atheist, sets out to prove that it isn’t. The tables turn on him, and he is forced to investigate the possibility that he has been completely wrong. Throughout, the pace is measured and the tone is subdued, much like real life. Is a concrete conclusion reached? I suspect that would depend upon the viewer’s beliefs. I don’t know whether the science presented is sound, but that is the case with all sci-fi. I was absorbed despite the occasional technical jargon. An understanding of it isn’t necessary for enjoyment of this intelligent work. The young cast is fine. Britt Marling plays the brainy lab assistant, a sort of type-casting, as she has not only acted but directed, produced and wrote for the big and small screen. Steven Yuen of The Walking Dead plays a scientist, and Astrid Berges-Frisbey, a lovely Spaniard, plays the charming outsider, a believer in spirituality. It runs a tidy hour-and-forty-six minutes. It is Mike Cahill’s second feature film. He has also done a documentary. He wrote and directed. I look forward to his future work. 50,000+ users have rated I Origins at IMDb, forging to a consensus of 7.3 of ten. On a scale of five, I rate it four. Those who prefer Hollywood style sci-fi should probably pass.

The luck I had selling books despite the threat of rain the entire week came to an end today. My only potential customer was disappointed that all the Russian books I had on display were romances.
Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5

Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh

Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3

Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j

Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp

Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

Vic's Blog: http://vicfortezza.blogspot.com/

Vic's Web Site: http://members.tripod.com/vic_fortezza/Literature/