Monday, February 16, 2015

Why do we write?

(Criticism and the arts, part 2)  

I saw the movie “Birdman” last weekend. Michael Keaton plays a former movie star/action-hero (Birdman) named Riggin Thomas, who opted out of the “Birdman” franchise years ago, and hasn’t had much success since. Thomas adapts the Raymond Carver story “What we Talk About When we Talk About Love,” for Broadway, and is writing and directing the play in the hopes that it will revitalize his career.

One of my favorite scenes features Edward Norton, who plays Michael Shiner, a not-so-likable-character who drives Thomas (and others) crazy before and during the play. In one scene, though, he defends Thomas to a theater critic sitting in a bar. (I’m paraphrasing) 
 
He’s taking a chance. He’s willing to lose everything for this. What are you willing to lose?

So why do we do it? Why do we create art? Why bother, when we know people will line up to tell us what we are doing wrong. Many writers, artists and musicians get the “art” beat out of them early, and stop. But others who are hurt just as badly continue. Why?

Is it that you want to change the world, or share a story that is bigger than you? A story can offer a new perspective or understanding of a topic, or maybe you want to connect with people - make them laugh or cry. Perhaps it’s just that you want to get something off your chest. Writing can be cathartic, and make you feel better. Or do you think your story can help someone who is struggling in the same way you struggled?

Does fame or recognition play a role in the process? A healthy ego is necessary to put forth any art in the world, so is that what drives you? Or is it money? Is writing just a job that pays the bills?

Maybe it’s all of those things, or a little bit of those things all rolled into one big giant unknowable reason that has no definitive answer. So, I'll ask again - why do you write? And what would you be willing to lose?

Write soon,

Mary

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Art and criticism

“Absolutely they can criticize,” actor Bradley Cooper said, in response to a comment from interviewer Terry Gross on NPR’s Fresh Air, regarding the criticism following the release of the movie “American Sniper.” “That is what art is about, really, you create it and then it is for people to own, it is not for me to own.”

Cooper played the role of Chris Kyle, America's most deadly sniper. The interview aired Feb 2, 2015, on the two-year anniversary of Kyle’s death.

His comment about “owning” art was one that struck a chord with me. How do you feel about releasing a piece of writing into the world? Does creation mean ownership? Legally, yes, but does your work have a life of its own after its release that you cannot expect to control?

Write soon,

Mary