A Life at the Cinema by Mara Cregan

A Life at the Cinema Jayne Juffe

“Cinema should make you forget you are sitting in a theatre.” -Roman Polanski

Table of Contents Carpe Diem ................................................................................................................... 4 Cap ou pas Cap?............................................................................................................ 5 Saturday, March 24, 1984 ............................................................................................. 7 Human Nature ............................................................................................................... 8 Le Cinéma Français ...................................................................................................... 9 Cluedo ......................................................................................................................... 11 Ode to Daphne ............................................................................................................ 14 Medieval: Our Love .................................................................................................... 15 I’ll Never Let Go ......................................................................................................... 16 A Long Way From Home ........................................................................................... 17 Life During Wartime................................................................................................... 19 I Was Flipped .............................................................................................................. 21 Believing ..................................................................................................................... 22 A Sensual Daydream................................................................................................... 24 Fond Regards From Your Protagonist ........................................................................ 27 Influences .................................................................................................................... 28

Carpe Diem O Captain, my Captain This is a battle, a war with your hearts and souls as casualties. Sucking the marrow out of life doesn’t mean choking on the bone. Look around you! You must strive to find your own voice or it’s less likely you’ll find it at all. No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world. Poetry, beauty, romance, love— these are what we live for. Now close your eyes. Seize the day, make your lives extraordinary.

Cap ou pas cap? 1. Julien handed me a miniscule carousel and whispered cap ou pas cap? and The Game began. 2. The world was ultraviolet the day we met. Bright greens and saturated reds flooded my memory. Yesterday’s rain gathered in puddles and soaked my scattered papers. 3. Dares corrupted my thoughts, my words, and even my mind. Dirty words spewed from my tongue like telling timetables. It wasn’t long until we were separated. 4. Julien’s ailing mother drove him away from me. He jumped from black to white and realised I’m only good for playing. He grew distant and melancholic with his tears and frowns. I stood atop the crumbling sepulchre with wilted marigolds flying from my fingertips. 5. I felt the warm kick of Julien’s foot in my side underneath the blanket. Feathers flew like snow and covered the floors

within seconds. Julien’s father’s heavy footsteps ascended the weak staircase. My feet stuck to the hardwood floor as we heaved the white feathers beneath the bed. 6. Years pass before I see him again. Years filled with disposable lovers and menial service jobs equipped with ignorant and the imbecilic public. 7. Isolated whispers on darkened docks and lying on railroad tracks glided past us and disappeared for ten years. 8. Cap ou pas cap? 9. The carousel fell into the deep black puddle with Julien following after. My body pulled forward and clung to him in the cold silver rain. 10. Cap.

Saturday, March 24, 1984 1. The Criminal Burnt in scars and hard bronze eyes leave an impression on the mouldable minds of the late twentieth century. Personal business and expletives are shouted through the empty halls. 2. The Athlete Sunken eyes hide shame and embarrassment below his flushed skin. Anger and fury stemmed from his overbearing father, covering the light he yearns for. A knight in sour armour shines beneath his rusted exterior. 3. The Princess Steel exterior cuts through anything that gets in her way. Rosewood lips and amber hair coalesce a deadly combination. Diamonds turn to dust within her fingers. 4. The Brain Neurons fire ablaze within his mind with a flare gun to match. Ceramic elephants haunt his dreams and release the manic voices through his head. 5. The Basketcase Dark eyes against pale cheeks envelope into her furry parka. Invisibility is her hidden talent, whether she wants it or not. She shuts out the world and invites unlikely company to fill her void.

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Human Nature I breathe as I stare out into the Black Sea, and the salty air cleans the smeared sky, assisted with a large dark celeste crack. My lungs shrivel up and grow rough and dry. My brain is wired better than before with sensitive flares going off like steam. The light shuts off and the glow starts a roar louder inside my chest. I want to scream. My heart falls deep in sorrow and burns out. The charred piece of red matter flies away as my depleted limb lays black and stout. The flakes begin to rot. I start to pray. However grim my tales might become, reality makes me happily numb.

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Le Cinéma Français France, 1931 “My friends, I address you all tonight as you truly are; wizards, mermaids, travellers, adventurers, magicians…come and dream with me.” Georges Méliès, Hugo

Gentle delicate flakes drifted down upon the train station. The young boy closed his eyes as he wrapped himself closer in his blankets, and he wished for his parents. Hugo awoke behind the golden clock above the station, and listened to the rhythmic tick. He smelt of grease and dirt smeared on his thin fingers. The toy keeper’s booth intrigued him. The wound up gears reminded him of winding the clocks, the way they shined in the golden light of the station gave him a familiar feeling in his stomach. The crotchety old man sat still. His sparse yet noticeable facial hair caused Hugo to stare. A scowl that stretched for miles etched on the man’s face forever. A girl with crystals for eyes and an incandescent smile meddled her way into Hugo’s cinematic investigations and rampant train station adventures to distract from Isabelle’s sheltered life. The cinema grew dark and silent as the projector’s click filled the entire room. In a blur, they’re at Isabelle’s house in the same graceful

silence as before. Black and white figures glided across the cool grey screen. Everything slowed down and nearly froze when they watched the faces they knew in pictures hidden from the public. Hugo closed his eyes.

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Cluedo New England, 1955 1. A blur of black and white struts through vicious Dobermans with a bag of dried bones for a treat. He tightens their chains and steps inside Hill House. 2. First guest arrives in crimson suede and military medals strapped to his shoulders. A permanent scowl etched within his bushy moustache. He is led into the hidden library. 3. Cognac burns down the Colonel’s throat as a ghoul appears in the doorway, shoving the Colonel into the bookcases. Dressed in silky black and red lipstick, Mrs White saunters into the book-laden cave. Her conniving eyes met let blue ones in disgust. 4. A flock of orange feathers poked atop a wiry-eyed woman with an electric smile. The single spark in her eyes gloss over each guest, silent judgments scattering amongst them. Her mouth never closes due to her fear of embarrassed silence. 5. Obedience and secrets reek upon the penultimate guest.

His spectacles a perfect right angle and high on the bridge of his nose. His wavering voice and multiple accidents causes alarm and haphazardness. 6. Automobile troubles stunt the evening’s arrivals. A revealed and propped up leg makes a man stop every time. Without delay, Scarlett and Plum combine to make an uneasy artichoke and arrive last. 7. All the guests commence in the dimly lit study with a chilled glass of Brandy or Cognac. Foreign cuisine on exotic china is served with an enigmatic aura surrounding the patrons. 8. After dinner, a surprise guest arrives. His suit as dark as his eyes and the six black boxes he brings. Each with a different weapon with ulterior motives. Blackmail and secrets and chaos reveal all at once. Lights out in 3. 2. 1. 9. One body found. Cause of death is unknown, but highly anticipated. Not a drop of blood spilt, with only adrenaline running through their veins. 10. Soon six outsiders

appear in the disastrous storm and are propped up like marionettes putting on a performance. Lifeless. The six guests and the butler grow cautious and conniving. Ruthless plots arise through the stained glass panes. 11. Two by two roam the somewhat empty rooms in hope of finding a murderer. The lights spark out in protest, rendering the mansion exposed. 12. The core remains as the outer layer rots away the polished portrait. Lies and accusations slice through the porcelain exteriors. The truth is uncovered, and Hoover always gets his man. The butler measly asks, Would anyone like some fruit or dessert?

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Ode to Daphne “Syncopators. Does that mean you play that very fast music…jazz?” Junior, Some Like It Hot

The wounded double bass lay in its case with a diagonal gash. Five holes slid along the body, but nothing could fraternize it’s melodic lull. The sound of the worry-eyed Sweet Sue and her symphonic Sweet Syncopates could send anyone into a deep slumber. Try saying that five times fast. Being a tall and handsome woman has its perks and disadvantages. The long legs to show off, but shaving before the five o’clock shadow appears doesn’t cut it. Sweet Sugar was a godsend with the voice to prove it. The blonde curls and pouty lips could’ve made anyone swoon. A warm cup of Joe with a bit of Sugar never hurt anybody. Even with a little chipped ice. Friends of Italian Opera retire early because of disagreeable food… Sweet Sugar soothed our souls and with a kiss illuminated hers.

Medieval: Our Love How would I know my life would lead to you amid these circumstances? I knew I was alive when I saw the clearness in your eyes veiled by the fire in your hair. I swallowed mean glass after glass with every meal. Anything to be with mon petit-ami. You made an awfully big deal of your malevolent and evil threats. You are my devil and my lovely diva. Your beloved,

Geoffrey Chaucer

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I’ll Never Let Go “God Himself could not sink this ship.” Cal Hockley, Titanic

Selfish. So much space! How dare she think she’s more valuable than the boy she loved. The boy she hadn’t even known before that evening, but the selfless boy who sacrificed his young soul for hers. The frozen boy that clung to my embroidered edges could’ve survived if she hadn’t been such a persistent upper class doxy. This door is pissed off. Just like she offed him. Did she see the frozen icicles forming around his lips and forever closed eyes? Or was her prolonging resting upon me distracting her? Being submerged in ice infested waters chilled down my spine, but not hers. I’ll never let go, she said as she pried his frigid grasp from me. I lie at the bottom of the ocean with him.

A Long Way From Home “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.” Dorothy Gale, The Wizard of Oz

Her heart beat rapidly against her ribcage, afraid it might stop at that very second, and everything would be lost. The vibrant and accentuated colours absorbed deep within her sensitive eyes. She was afraid the iridescence would disappear if she blinked. Blood was on her hands even before stepping onto that dusty yellow road. Alliances and nemeses between worthy adversaries formed on the path toward the glowing and ominous destination. Playing with fire and oil led to heart palpitations and violent screams. The moment had come. The emerald thaumaturge commanded them to tango with death for their desires to be fulfilled. Spiked and decrepit branches spiralled above the cold forest. The girl was captured by darkened figures and lifted into the night sky. The girl sat below the fortress and before the shining obsidian and glimmering crimson crystal ball projecting warm faces of those she loved. Tears soaked her pallid cheeks.

The mystifying trio wandered throughout the manor, only to be foiled by a group of furry henchmen. Electricity sparked from the sorceress’ fingertips. Fire danced throughout the crowd, catching straw. Wisps floated in the air until a rush of water burst upon the pointed villain in black. Oozing slime and smoke, the evil enchantress was defeated. The girl longed for a place called home.

Life During Wartime The flickering lights above us hangs by tangled wires. The common room lay bare as they try to compare their miserable childhoods. Billy cringes when child molester echoes from my lips. He vanishes. I wander through the narrow but elongated corridor and pass the flyer filled bulletin boards. The walls are honey and the doors are combs. I reach Billy’s dorm and lay my hand on the barricade. I can barely hear his voice. With enough pressure to power a six-rev engine, I force myself away from the door and slink away. I find him days later with his head in his hands. His eyes are rimmed red, the whites of his eyes completely disappeared. He invites me to his brother’s bar mitzvah. I accept. The tiny fire headed brother runs out of the disarrayed Technicolor strobe lights. Both boys evaporate before everyone’s eyes. Billy locks himself in the bathroom. I find the door and pound my fists until

my arms begin to ache. I slide to the floor, and press my head against the cool blue metal door. I sigh loud enough for him to hear me in case he thinks I’ve gone.

I Was Flipped 1. Bryce I knew from the moment I laid eyes on that blond boy’s dazzling eyes, I was in love. The nervous look he had made me smile. Even after living across the street—mere feet— from him, I was still no closer to having him be mine. I began to see he was less than the sum of his parts. Visually challenged and totally different from what I made him. 2. Juli I knew from the moment I saw the girl from across the street, I hated her. With her sticky fingers and high-strung voice, I couldn’t stand her. But after living across the street—only feet— from her, I was no closer to her getting out of my life. But she stood for what she believed in and had passion one could only hope for. She was iridescent to everyone’s flat tones. 3. Bryce & Juli Maybe I was wrong.

Believing I made a mistake in believing a long time ago. No lost girls was The Rule. Nothing could have predicted this. No shadows, no lights shined through my bedroom. I whispered, “I believe.” I became forceful winds and swan dives On that rusty iron balcony. I was saved by the child-like boy. He was all smiles and happy thoughts, with not a care in the world. I believed that the boy would take me to a utopia I could never dream of. A land of happiness and anger coinciding with one another. Centuries pass before I start to believe again. No amount of pixie dust will make me think happy thoughts. Swindles and shadows followed the boys, keeping adventures stupefying. I believed in fighting once. To battle with strategy and grace, I shall never lose. Hook catches my tie-on rags, trapping me where I flew. I believed that he would save me Like before. He believed that girls were too clever to escape from their miniscule carriages. Lucky for him, I was never that clever. I believed in him.

Now I realize why there aren’t any lost girls.

A Sensual Daydream 1. Red devil lips shimmer through the darkness. A guiding light. Words of fantasy linger between the teeth. 2. Wedding bells ring as grains of rice rot in the sterile dirt. Denton-The Home of Happiness stretches against the horizon. An All-American couple stands in the field with innocent love in their touches and whispers. Their soft white hands intertwine and blush as they perfect their bond. What a difference a tiny ring of silver can symbolize. 3. Rain coming down in sheets blind the newly engaged couple. Hard plunks slam against the windshield. Muddy streets render their car useless. They seek assistance from the decrepit mansion with motorcycles lined up in a row. 4. The Handyman and the Domestic introduce the two to the eccentricities of the Transsexuals. Trays with foreign delicacies float between the guests, clad in black and matching sunglasses. It’s one of the master’s affairs. 5. The host makes a shiny appearance with black shadowed eyes and lacquered lips. The Scientist enchants

his guests with his leather pants and high heels. Even those uninvited. 6. A lift and an unexpected invitation leads to a neon pink laboratory and the secret to life and death itself. The Scientist’s creation causes a stir amongst the guests with his chiselled muscles and platinum blond hair. 7. Trysts and clandestine meetings spark a fire beneath their skin. Rushes of hidden emotion and clouded judgment. Another unexpected guest arrives with an unknown purpose. The Rival Scientist appears before the master, breaking walls if he must. 8. Awkward dinner conversation confront the guests. Accusations and secrets are thrown across the decorated table. Dilapidated and obscure vases and paper plates line the set dinner table. 9. The Hero, the Heroine, and the Rival Scientist adjourn to the cabaret floor with the help of the Medusa Transducer. Set in stone and makeup done personally by the master. Adding a few to his collection, the floorshow is ready. 10. A wave of never-ending euphoria overcomes the wild and untamed things

and ease their once tightened nerves. The Scientist makes his way into the blinding spotlight. The crowning moment in his performance in life begins, only to be interrupted. 11. Betrayal never hurt so badly as it did then in that moment. Pale creatures in golden silk stalk their way down to destruct everything in their path. Black spiked eyes lay dull on the anticipated performance. 12. Driven insane by the thrills and chills, The Scientist and his Creature are defeated. The Heroine, the Hero, and the Rival Scientist vacate the deteriorating premises on their knees, digging through dry dirt like insects crawling aimlessly on the planet.

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Fond Regards From Your Protagonist Dear Jordana, I suppose it won’t matter when I’m thirty-eight, but I’m upset about it. I love you more than words. And I am a big fan of words. Her new boyfriend had an incredibly long neck. Just thinking about giraffes make me angry. You’re all I ever loved, please don’t go. I knew it was too late to save her. She’d gone gooey in the middle. When I am old and also alone I will remember that once I held something truly beautiful. I have turned these moments into the Super-8 footage of memory. I’m sorry I’m like this. I wanted to grab her collarbones as if they were handlebars. You are too good for me. You are too good for anyone. Sincerely, Oliver

Poetic Influences • Edgar Allan Poe • Salvador Dali • Mark Doty • Lewis Carroll • Arthur Symons Cinematic Influences: • Richard Ayoade • John Hughes • Richard O’Brien • Julian Barratt • Noel Fielding • Billy Wilder