Thursday, February 6, 2014

Why I do not Like Anne McAfferey's Dragonflight

A very simple couple of reasons as to why I did not like her story Dragonflight. 

Her world was very inconsistent.  When her dragons apparently speak through the mind, its either in a strange form of exposition or it's italicized as if it were actual dialogue.  That's really inconsistent. 

I felt no compassion for Lessa.  She doesn't stand up for herself.  There are clear moments when there are possible conflicts, but McAfferery doesn't take those possible conflicts anywhere.  She doesn't create raw emotion. 

She uses time travel in a phrase called going "between."  I do not understand the aspects of time travel.  I've never liked Time Travel.  It's too confusing.  Final Fantasy XIII-2 does it better, (I think) and in general I always get confused when writers bring in time travel.  It just doesn't make any sense in my head.  This is the reason I really don't like the book. 

I feel the dialogue is rather...dull. 

I wanted there to be more dramatic tension.  And as a pet peeve of mine, I don't like the fact that the dragons aren't as important characters as the main characters.  We never see any emotional development in the dragons.  They are just as an important of a character as any other human. 

And that's why I don't like Anne McAfferey's Dragonflight.

Maya Deren: Meshes of the Afternoon

Here is a video of one of my favorite artists/filmmakers, Maya Deren's Meshes of the afternoon.  In this film Maya Deren uses a circular plot narrative, creating a broken record effect.  This technique defies the typical linear narrative that has a beginning a middle and an end.  She also utilizes dance in her film production.  No speech.  Only movement.  I think everyone should see her works and read her Anagram.  So here it is.  "Meshes of the Afternoon"