Friday, March 20, 2009

Dancing about Architecture

BIG OOPS! Forgot about the JFC discussion starting tonight.
Look for the discussion to start tomorrow. Thanks guys! 6:06EST


They say that writing about music is like dancing about architecture, but I think that talking about art can fall into the same category.

But what about writing philosophy using architecture ? Are you dancing in pairs then?

And what the hell does it have to do with Austin Fridays?

Well it leads us to the Austin's SoGoprah book club pick of The Fountainhead.

Austin says introducing the book says that it's about "Idealism and the price of compromise." And in one sentence. Austin wrote a whole book about dancing about architecture or the story of Hollywood.

The Fountainhead is the story of Howard Roark, an idealistic young architect who chooses to struggle in obscurity rather than compromise his artistic and personal vision. The book follows his battle to practice modern architecture, which he believes to be superior, despite an established practices.

Why architecture? The reason Rand used architecture is because it unlike other professions it combines art and science. Were the main character Howard Roark an artist of another sort (canvas painter, illustrator, author, etc.), any study he did of materials and any knowledge he had of cutting expenses without compromising durability, would be inconsequential to the price customers pay for the artist's product. However, shelter being vital to human survival and comfort, and it being the most expensive financial outlay for the majority of people, Roark's ingenuity has repercussions for all of society. Roark's need to feel aesthetic satisfaction toward his work synthesizes his art with his knowledge of science, and with it, unifies art and science as such in the book, and so too merges Roark's character with the two key aspects of his profession.

Austin is no different. As an actor/artist he needs to feel aesthetic satisfaction toward his work, synthesizing his art with his knowledge of the science of success in Hollywood. Because it is a science, there is a formula, there is a method, there are outcomes. Do you compromise your art for success or do you not follow the method/system for your art? A rock and a hard place.

But here's the deal, it's obvious that he's reading it (most likely again), you can tell from recent pictures he's almost half way through it.

But why is he letting others know he's reading it? What is he trying to tell people? Is it about himself? Is he letting fans who are unsuspecting that there is a system to Hollywood? Is trying to say something else about Hollywood? (To those who have read it think the character Gail Wynand and his tabloid, The Banner)

Or is he saying that he is trying to find his balance and doing to so he can have both on his own terms? Trying to impart some wisdom other, that all of us do the same, trying to find the balance.

An Austin Friday about architecture, or art, or Hollywood, or finding the balance in life, or maybe just dancing.



Photos: Austin Nichols Journal, OTH forums, RileyCat12 Thanks bunches!

42 comments:

Special K said...

Kacie - good to hear that you are ok after your accident. Take care of yourself. : )

Anonymous said...

Another fantastic (and fabulous!) post - I haven't read The Fountainhead in years - time to read it again! Interesting choice of books by Austin - all about maintaining your integrity and not compromising it, even under the pressure from "second hand souls".

Kacie, sorry to hear abour your accident. Glad you are ok! :)

Anonymous said...

Thanks Special for this excellent post. It's very interesting. Austin's book club vlog was brilliant. I love how much he seems to enjoy literature and that he writes. It's wonderful to have so much of him lately.

Anonymous said...

What do people think of Ted's latest Toothy tidbit?

Anonymous said...

Dear Ted:
I'm originally from Georgia but live in Dallas, Texas, now. Recently I told my fiancé who Toothy Tile is "rumored" to be. And he wasn't shocked at all. Do you think Toothy would finally come out if he found out the general public already knew his "secret"?
—Skyler

Dear Do Tell:
What rumors?

destiny said...

I've never read The Fountainhead. I think I've always been a bit put off by Rand because of her views on capitalism. Alan Greenspan, former Federal Reserve chairman, whose policies are viewed as one of the causes of the current economic mess, is a huge adherent of Rand's philosophy. But it's something I really should read, so maybe Austin will give me some needed inspiration. Since Austin supported Obama, I doubt he believes in unfettered capitalism.

Still haven't actually watched the book reading yet, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Regarding Ted's latest, I think he is just saying that Jake is toothy tile, i.e., it's not just a rumor.

Anonymous said...

My feeling about her writing is it was very thought provoking; while I don't subscribe to the letter to all of her beliefs, I do find her her points of view interesting. I sometimes like to read viewpoints different than mine, as well as those like mine.

Austin may also be talking about finding a balance, how difficult it is. :)

destiny said...

Maybe we should do a book club with the Fountainhead. But if you do, you have to give us slow-pokes plenty of time.

Special K said...

One part of Objectivism philosophy, that Rand created, that I can embrace is regarding art as an effective way to communicate ideas, and art often isn't and doesn't come from the outcome of a full-blown, explicit philosophy. Usually it stems from an artist's sense of life.

What's interesting in 1991 a survey placed her novel Atlas Shrugged as second only to the Bible as the most influential book among American readers. But Objectivism philosphy is not embraced by all in academia. Many see it not as true philosophy.

I do think there's chunk about what Austin's saying, that does tend to lend to about finding balance.

Special K said...

Oops forgot about our JFC discussion. Can we start it tomorrow?

Anonymous said...

This makes me want to reread the book too, though not sure when I can squeeze in the time. Whether Austin chose to reread it for a specific reason or not, it has him thinking about the price of success, artistic ideals and what really matters. This is why I have never given up on Jake. People reexamine their lives all the time, especially as you get older. I think ages 27-30 are critical years, when people really embrace adulthood. The old saying "what a difference a day makes" happens to everyone. Bearding one day, out the next is a likely outcome.

I agree re the Ted analysis. A shout out that the rumors are in fact true.

Special K said...

I have gotten the impression from Austin for a long time, that he does come from a very artistic place. It is an artistic sensibility and sensitivity to what he is doing. I think that is one reason he blossomed as an actor with Milch. Milch is an artist, Austin might not have understood everything that Milch did but he understood why Milch had to do it. I think you can say that about why Austin has picked some of the projects he has.

Anonymous said...

Westboro Baptist to boycott Natasha Richardson's funeral

destiny said...

And another sigh, I Love You Philip Morris is probably going straight to DVD, apparently the gay sex scenes have scared off distributors. Interesting to see this coming on the heel's of the post about the ratings system.

Straight to DVD?

Florida Tom said...

I think Jakey better keep on his toes. Austin and Hilary seems a little bit too close.

Anonymous said...

Well, that will be one more DVD on my to buy list. I really like Ewan MCGregor so that just means I get to see it faster. I think the economy is making it harder for films to get distributors as well. Everyone is looking for a sure thing.

I saw on boxofficemojo that The Informers has an April US release date. 400 theaters. This might have been mentioned already, but I am skimming a lot these past few days due to being very busy so may have missed it.

Anonymous said...

Hilary is married.

destiny said...

I don't think Jake has to worry about Hilarie, they seem more like Will and Grace to me. I think it is great that Austin has found what seems like a kindred spirit, and I really hope Lincoln Booth gets made.

The real question is whether there are any hot men in Wilmington who've been trying to catch Austin's eye.

Florida Tom said...

That little hottie scares me destiny and m:-)

Special K said...

Agree Destiny - looks like he's found a Grace and a great great friend.

Special K said...

And this is something great when you find someone that you click creatively with, because it just wants you to create more. I do think that is something that Austin and Hilarie have.

Florida Tom said...

Is Hilarie really married?

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Anonymous said...

According to Variety, I Love You Phillip Morris is closing in on a US distribution-CAA and Endeavor are working out the terms: http://www.jimcarreyonline.com/recent/news.php?id=1309

Remember, Slumdog Millionaire almost went straight to DVD!!

Special K said...

New video over at SGP. Hilarie and Austin on the beach, and talking to a friendly pedestrian, who they ask who they should cast as Austin's love interest.

"Puma Cats" - Mr. Nichols? Can't handle the Cougars quite yet? Oh honey please.

This is Linda


Hilarie describes Pedestrian as a new age romantic comedy like Garden State

Anonymous said...

Hilarie reminds me a little of Jake, actually :)

Those Westboro people - no comment ... really. :( :(

Have had The Fountainhead recommended to me by a couple of people whose opinions I respect - I should make time for it.

Hugs to Kacie!

Anonymous said...

PS I hope Pedestrian is better than Garden State - found that a little annoying, but could've been just the stars (with the honourable exception of Peter S. who is never annoying).

Anonymous said...

Hilarie and her husband are no longer together. Rumors from Wilmington is that she dates a few guys in the area and some claim but none of it is serious.

Anonymous said...

Like it matters if Hilarie, or Austin for that matter, is married or not. People hook up regardless of marital status.

Special K said...

JFC discussion post is up now and this one will stay open all day too for non JFC discussions.

Special K said...

London, interesting observation about Hilarie how it reminds you a little of Jake.

Wicked said...

PS I hope Pedestrian is better than Garden State - found that a little annoying

I really liked Garden State, but then again, maybe it was the soundtrack that did it for me. :)

Special K said...

Garden State did have a great soundtrack. And I really liked Peter's character.

Florida Tom said...

nc said...
Hilarie and her husband are no longer together. Rumors from Wilmington is that she dates a few guys in the area and some claim but none of it is serious.


I hope nobody gets offended but by the way she is flashing those high beams and wearing those tight jeans you can sure tells she is a hunting.

destiny said...

Austin looks like a college professor in that top picture.

Anonymous said...

"Puma Cats" - Mr. Nichols? Can't handle the Cougars quite yet? Oh honey please.

Think he likes otters more.

Wicked said...

but by the way she is flashing those high beams

LOL!

Special K said...

Kerry makes plea for gay couple in asylum case

Anonymous said...

Austin's in enemy territory tonight. Texas vs. Duke - NCAA East Round 2.

Florida Tom said...

Villanova Wildcats Sweet 16.

Beat Duke.

Florida Tom said...

Woke up hoping that Jake is on the East Coast this morning and that Austin the mystery man has dissappeared for the weekend.