Joseph Cotten

As you all may know, I tend to blog about random things. Today I feel like talking about Joseph Cotten. He was a brilliant, underrated actor who co-starred in the famous 1941 classic "Citizen Kane." I have only seen one film of his thus far. However, this one performance alone has influenced me to write a post about him.

This film is a gem from 1943 titled "Shadow of a Doubt." Alfred Hitchcock is the director of this (it is actually his favorite film that he made, so I always felt a connection to him in that way). "The Birds", "Psycho", and "Rebecca" are all wonderful films but there is something about this one that just stood out for me.

"Shadow of a Doubt" stars the lovely Teresa Wright as Charlie, whose Uncle Charlie (Cotten) (as she is appropriately named after him) is coming to visit her and the family. Throughout the film, she becomes suspicious of his shady behavior. I do not want to ruin this for anyone, so I will simply say that Uncle Charlie is not exactly the kind and lovable character he seems to be.

It is not often that an acting performance can break through your skin and reach right into your heart. Although he is basically a villain or "the bad guy" if you will, his dramatic portrayal of Uncle Charlie is so intense and so real, that it takes you right into the film.

Joseph Cotten became good friends with Orson Welles, who helped land him the aforementioned role in "Citizen Kane." Besides "Shadow of a Doubt", he appeared in "Duel in the Sun", "Potrait of Jennie", "Gaslight", "The Third Man", "The Steel Trap", and many other films. He sadly passed in 1994 at the age of 88 after battling a serious case of pneumonia.

I highly recommend seeing this film. I am going to update my Netflix queue with more of Cotten's films as I cannot wait to see more of his brilliant acting skills. Also, by visiting TCM.com, you can check out when his films will be aired.

Cotten was a beautiful man who will always be remembered in my mind for his grace, dignity, handsome face, and brilliant film portrayal. It is not everyday that an actor puts his heart, mind, and entire being into a film.

Thought of the Day

If life ever gets you down, remember to look to the sky and talk to God. Although you cannot hear Him, He is always there and always answers. Whether it is through breeze of wind, shine of the sun, or the flutter of a butterfly's wings, He cares and will provide you with all of the answers you need.

-Me

The Meaning of Disney

Hello All!

As we all know, I am a huge Disney fan, as I believe most of us are. Today in my womens class, there was an online discussion going on about how Disney "corrupted" many of us, especially women in giving the wrong impression on how women should be princesses and stay at home, cleaning and cooking. Um...WRONG. The following is my response to all of the Disney hate going on out there. To those who dislike Disney: I don't hate you. I am sure you are a good person. However, I feel sorry for you.

Here we go....

It was very difficult for me to read this section of the chapter, since I completely disagree with the majority of what Douglas said pertaining to Disney. Now, I must begin this by stating that Walt Disney is my hero. His encouragement to individuals to never lose the imagination within one’s soul is something I will always and forever cherish. My view is partially biased, especially since I aspire to become a cast member for the Disney Corporation, but I hold steadfast to my beliefs. You all are about to see the preachy Princess side of me come out, and everything I am about to say is my opinion and my opinion only.
The media’s general portrayal of women and Disney’s message are two extremely different things. While women were viewed as being Donna Reeds who should put on aprons and bake apple pies all day, Disney’s encouragement came from a completely different view. I do admit that they were lightly influenced by the current time of that period since that was all they knew of, they were striving to make people happy during very dark times. They wanted women to know that they are ALL princesses, no matter who they were.

And yes, they did not have an Asian or black princess until Mulan and Tiana were released to the public. This is simply because times have changed. I do wish these princesses were known back in the 1950s because those cultures that were not appreciated could have really used that hope for the future.

Walt Disney’s imagination and his personal/political beliefs were two extremely different things. His private life had nothing to do with the lives he created through his films and television shows. All he wanted was to turn heads from the dark news of the times to lighter shows to bring happiness to people.

Not all Disney songs were supposed to be taken literally either. The most well-known song from 1940’s Pinocchio is “When You Wish upon a Star.” One of the lines is “anything your heart desires will come to you.” Mr. Disney knew very well that not EVERYTHING will come true. But in a time of desperation when not all situations were hunky dory that was all we had at the time. We wanted to believe that wishing upon a star will encourage these times to get better. The same applies to 1950’s Cinderella where “A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes” was sung. One of the lyrics was “no matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.” The grieving represents the wars we were fighting and tribulations at the time, not whether Revlon was going to release an appropriate lipstick for women! Individuals analyze Disney wayyyyy too much.

Mr. Disney (or Uncle Walt, as his devoted fans call him) only wished to bring happiness and imagination to those who were losing hope. Yes, he had his faults, but so does everyone else.

What do you all think of what I said? Please leave me feedback either here, or you can reach me on Twitter...I'm @BufferflyBrie -- hopefully my post has encouraged some of you to speak up for Uncle Walt! Let's teach anti-Disney individuals how important Disney is to us.

Thank you all for reading and have a magical day!

To Our Soldiers

Every day, our soldiers risk their lives every day to fight for ours. I do not want to make this a wordy post, I just want you all to look at the pictures and absorb them. These are the ones which meant the most to me, and truly touched my heart as I hope they touch yours. To any active duty/retired soldiers, thank you for everything you do. Words cannot express just how much we appreciate it.

God Bless them all.

Thought For The Day

Have a beautiful weekend. Please remember to appreciate everyone you meet and tell your loved ones just how much they mean to you.

Picture of the Day

Mine!

A Little Something

This post goes out to all men who might be hesitant to take a chance - and also to the women who think they are not worthwhile...believe me, ladies, you absolutely are.

I thought I would share a short parable that I read recently. I burst out crying upon reading this.


"Women are like apples on trees. The best ones are at the top of the tree. Most men don't want to reach for the good ones because they are afraid of falling and getting hurt. Instead, they sometimes take apples from the ground that aren't as good, but easy. The apples at the top think something is wrong with them, when in reality, they're amazing. They just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree." -Anonymous


I have been hurt a couple times. As you all know, heartbreak is one of the most painful experiences in the world. To everyone who may be reading this, you are definitely not alone. I have had guys lead me on just to want something that I was not willing to offer. The part that made me cry is the last line...."they just have to wait for the right man to come along, the one who is brave enough to climb all the way to the top of the tree." There is the saying "patience is virtue." I do believe in that. But sometimes in life, you have to take hold of a situation and make a move. You do not want to wait until that person gets snatched up from under your nose. Therefore, to all men who may be reading this who are afraid of being rejected...don't be. There is a very high chance that you will NOT be rejected, because she will feel the exact same way.


One of my closest friends is going through a situation such as this one. The guy she admires is afraid to take a chance, and she is silently waiting for him. Waiting silently / feelings of anticipation can also hurt almost as much as heartbreak. I hope with all of my heart that he makes that move, because they deserve to be together!


Writing this was difficult for me, because I am releasing a part of my heart which I am used to hiding within myself. But I felt this was a time to let some of these feelings out. Thank you all for reading. Carpe diem!