It’s Mother’s Day, a long standing traditional celebratory day in America, and I thought a good day to do some time travel. To take a look back in my own, and Colorado’s history. To look how far we’ve come. Or regressed – depending on your point of view. Which this short film I made (7 minutes) illustrates. On several topics.
I made the film some thirteen or so years ago, blending old technology from 38, 17, and 13 years past. I think it holds up well artistically. Because in fact – that adds to the theme of time travel. Additionally, begs the question: Are we making progress? or unintentionally heading for a cliff. Is it time to stop this mad dash forward? Let’s talk about it.
Topics:
- Mothers (of course)
- Families
- Technology
- Music
- Environmentalism, water usage and population growth
- Individual growth and change
- Activism
Mothers and families
The first mother in the film was my then wife, Claudia. The boy our son, Jake. It seems like we were very much a happy family–in love with life and having fun. Joking around.
It could have been Mother’s Day. The South Platte River looks like May’s flow. The second mother is Rhaine, before she became a mother; then a friend of mine. Honestly, I can’t tell you how either of them are doing now, because I don’t know. We don’t communicate.
The boy, Jake, is now 42 years old, living in LA, teaching Improv; and could not care less about fishing.
Katy, the dog, is deceased.
I’m living in Loveland, Colorado. Alone, and my “causes” are pretty much non-existent. I’m pretty much a recluse. Bordering on hard-core cynic. Barely reading and writing, save for an occasional post here.
Technology
The blend of technologies fascinates me. I couldn’t tell you how I did it. I know I made it using an Apple laptop (c. 2010). The film on the river was shot using a hand held VHS camcorder. The video with Rhaine was shot with a small Fuji digital camera. I had a flip phone.
Music
The lead song is, appropriately, Further in Time (2001) by Afro Celt Sound System. And then, also appropriately I think, is Bob Dylan’s I’ll be your baby tonight (1967) from his album JOHN WESLEY HARDING. Jake rocks out to it. (You’ll love it!)
It’s hard to argue that technology has made music better. Men, women, and whiskey are a timeless combination. With or without technology.
Environmentalism, water usage and population growth
The “cause” under discussion was the “Two Forks Dam” project. Argued to be necessary for the growth of Denver and Colorado in general. The dam was never built. “We” (opponents/activists) won. Nevertheless, the population of Colorado and Denver has doubled. Furthermore, the “crucible” (What!? I think he meant crisis.) facing “Us” now is similar. However, it’s not only water and population growth, but technology itself! Otherwise know as artificial intelligence. Who knew!!
[Do you get my cynicism and withdrawal?]
Individual growth and change / activism
All of us in the film(s) are different now. Much older, yes. But also ideologically. Claudia is now the activist, as is Jake. I’ve pretty much given up. It’s a sad story. Or not – depending on your point of view. I don’t fish anymore. I was once known as “Dr. Trout.” Named such by my second wife. Before Claudia. I don’t know where she is either. Even with all this great connecting technology. Rhaine called me “Drinking Writer Man.” I might give that up, too.
Conclusion
Please watch the film and let me know what you think about time travel. Are we heading for a cliff? Is technology going to save us? What about the now trend of “Intentional childlessness”? Are mothers, and “we”, headed for extinction? Because of, ironically, progress.
Seven minutes of your precious time.
PS
Happy Mother’s Day. Seriously. The film is hilarious and should win an award. Best viewed on a laptop/computer with headphones and full screen. Whiskey? Dope? your call.