Closer

The above is a close-up of the Jeep's rear lights, taken on Naval Hill after the guard refused to let me into a gate to take some pictures of the very UFO-like Sterrewagteater (Observatory Theatre).

When you drive, how close do you get to the car in front of you? Probably too close. The rule is at least 2 seconds, that's approximately the reaction time and distance needed to stop without crashing.

I watched a movie yesterday with Ane, while Jenny was working. Jenny had already seen it and kind've was persuading me not to go.
I'm glad I did. Some of the movie did not ring true, some of it was painfully crass, but I am glad I went. I really like Natalie Portman, and I was also kind've glad to see Jude Law not end up on top, so to speak. I like him as an actor, but I recently saw him in an interview, where he, not incorrectly, pointed out that good looks entitle the good looking person to be:

1) foolish
2) wrong
3) rudeand the reactions tend to be:
1) Foolish mistake: "No, let me help you with that, ha ha ha." Apparently an experiment was conducted in the States where an overweight woman dropped some parcels, and was filmed, and she had to get up and pick everything up herself. The same situation, this time with a bombshell on heels, well men raced and scurried across busy streets to assist.
2) "It's definitely 4:30 now." "Oh is it? Maybe my watch is wrong. It does seem later than it is, but I'm sure you're right."
Unattractive person: "It's 4:30."
"No, it's 5. Wake up."
3) Arrives late. "Thanks for coming. I'm so nervous, just couldnit wait to see you. How are you?"
Unattractive person arrives late: "You're paying for this meal! I can't believe you could embarass me like this in front of all these people!"

Jude did such a good job of showing how people let him off the hook, that I couldn't help feeling a bit of male antagonism.

The movie, despite it's faults, I think goes a long way to portray how necessary maturity and compromise, and flexibility are in a relationship, and on the other hand, how unhealthy and flimsy a clingy relationship, based on words (as opposed to deeds, and acts of love) can be.
It also shows, accurately I am not sure, how love can start from acts of spontaneity and impulsiveness. Sometimes this is true, especially for people stuck in ruts and routines, but that sort of behaviour can also lead to chaos, especially when already in a relationship!

I was really touched when Natalie Portman begged (clung to) Jude Law not to leave her. But felt there was a lot of subtlety woven through the crass dialogue. The docotr, who appears to be an idiot and a dick, turns out to be intelligent and strong after all, and a human being above all. Jude thanks him for being kind as he leaves (and the doctor here looks very professional and gentlemanly, and in fact like a doctor in his sterile, orderly chamber)while Jude looks pathetic, as many writer's are. The docotr calls him back and gives him a last snippet of information because he wants payback for what Jude has done to his life, and his wife. Jude is the philanderer in this story, and pays dearly for it.

The end is also inspiring because it shows that we can choose a better life for ourselves, and live according to our real identity. How many of us will? How many of us do? Do I? Am I coming closer to living an authentic life? In my present circumstances, or those I have just encountered, am I any closer to being me?