SXSW 2011 Reflections

For all of you who don’t know, South By Southwest (SXSW) is a major music and film festival held annually in Austin. Bands travel from all over the world to get a chance to play their music, even if it is for as long as 45 minutes. Record labels, film and music producers and almost every big name in music are in attendance to this event. It’s about a week long and you can basically find any genre of music, from virtually anywhere in the world, that might tickle your fancy.
Last Thursday I had the opportunity, for the first time since moving to Texas, to attend this prestigious and mind blowing event. This being my pioneer journey to the week long festival, I didn’t really know what to expect. Seeing that I was unaware that I would be making the journey to Austin on Thursday, I didn’t plan as well as I could have.
A huge portion of SXSW is free events that you don’t need a badge or wristband to get into, but you have to RSVP online and are only able to enter upon there being ample capacity. Many of these free parties and shows were closed by the time I was able to select which I wanted to go to because of the amount of people that attend and RSVP. After looking through page after page of event listings, I decided to try to respond to every event that was still open. So on a wing and a prayer,  I began my adventure.
With my iPod loaded with play lists to get me pumped for the night, a negligible amount of cash from a loan my dad gave me and a full tank of gas to get me there, I headed down I-35 on a perilous campaign to uncover new bands and get the opportunity to see some of my favorites as well. All I needed at that point was an old school red convertible rented from a shady man and a suit case full of nefarious paraphernalia and I would be Hunter S. Thompson.
My car stereo blasted tunes by Deltron 3030, Tom Waits and oldies like The Velvet Underground and Jacques Dutronc, and my head was filled with dreams of meeting magazine execs and music producers. I tried to keep my expectations under wraps, but the excitement of the day was overwhelming.
Through excessive traffic and annoying drivers, my feeling of anxiety and ardor kept my sometimes extreme road rage in check. I finally arrived at a friends place, with a list of hopeful bands to see. On this list were bands like, The Naked and Famous, The Strokes, The Cool Kids and Cee Lo Green. Aside from The Strokes, I accomplished little on my planned schedule.
The Strokes was the biggest free show of the week and was held at Auditorium Shores. For those of you unfamiliar with Austin, Auditorium Shores is an outside venue near Riverside and South Congress on the banks of the river than runs through the city. It’s actually an extremely big venue and can hold well over a thousand people. Although Auditorium Shores is a huge area, it reached capacity pretty quickly, with thousands of people crowded around waiting to get in.
When I arrived, only a half hour before the show started, the people running the event had already announced that the area was full and no one else was allowed in. Apparently, this didn’t sit well with a certain group of rabble rousers and a riot ensued. They began chanting “USA! USA!” and suddenly all ran into the fence, causing that section of it to collapse. People poured in, and I happened to be standing there as well, so I nonchalantly stepped through the fence and found my friends in the massive crowd of people.
After The Strokes played their set with fireworks lighting up the sky around the stage, I wandered downtown by myself to see what else was going on. I stopped in a bar that a friend of mine bartends at since they had a lineup of bands. Most of the bands that played there were a mix of punk rock, alternative and maybe even a hint of metal. Not necessarily my cup of tea, but I stayed to give them a redeeming chance.        My favorite of these small time bands was one that I happened upon on the street. They had an amp sitting on the back of their 70s style bicycle and were all older men with long, greasy hair, probably friends of Jad Fair. I didn’t catch the name of their band, but I stood and watched for quite a while. Although I didn’t see the bands I had planned, I felt fulfilled with my night of cruising solo about downtown Austin and observing a city filled with madness and sound.
If you didn’t get the chance to go this year, there is always the years to come, but if you are looking for some good new tunes to listen to, here is a list of some amazing bands that were featured throughout the week.
The first of these bands I would suggest is The Strange Boys. Native Texans from Dallas, brothers Ryan and Philip Sambol began playing music in high school.  This group mimics classic Texas psychedelic rock like The 13th Floor Elevators, with a new and hip twist. Its lo-fi sound and vocals draws strong influence from Bob Dylan and 60s American Bandstand. One of the most popular songs I would recommend is “Be Brave,” and another catchy and pleasing song by them is “Should Have Shot Paul.”
The second band I would recommend for a good listen is Diamond Rings. John O’Regan, from Toronto, Canada, heads up this solo project that has a pop, yet new wave indie, feel. Using a guitar and electronic beats, O’Regan, adorned with neon makeup and bleached hair, achieves an extremely David Bowie-esque style. “Something Else” is a song off of O’Regans album entitled “Special Affections” and is probably my favorite of his work.
Lastly, Deerhunter was a much awaited band at SXSW, recommended by The Temper Trap, Interpol and Metric via Grooveshark, an online streaming music website. Deerhunter has a definite indie appeal and uses soothing beats and melodious vocals. Their most popular song is “Helicopter” off of the album “Halcyon Digest,” and I agree that it is one of Deerhunters best. The vocals in “Helicopter” are of the likeness of The Cure and beats much like The Postal Service.
If you’re a first timer at SXSW, this is my advice to you: although there are huge headliners such as Kanye West and Wiz Khalifa, keep your mind open to smaller bands that may be unknown, you never know, they could be the next big thing and if this is the case, SXSW is the quintessential place to accomplish that success. Another thing is, schedule, but feel free to meander at will, you never know what gems you may stumble upon.

– Liz Hitchcock
Reporter

British Invasion: SXSW wooed by transatlantic talent

Austin’s 24^th annual South by Southwest is nothing short of a roaring success, complete with excessive foot traffic, eclectic garb and the guarantee that your ears will ring for days on end. With nearly every musical genre represented throughout the five-day festival, I was less than surprised to pass crowds of confused-looking 20-somethings trying to decide which show to attend. Oh, the choices.

Although South-By typically yields a strong return of homegrown unsigned artists, the international music pool was well represented at this year’s event. Up-and-coming British indie band The Vaccines did not cease to please as they charmed crowds with their hipster beards and enthusiastic tunes. Performing at one of AOL’s meticulously planned pop-up shows on Wednesday, the group inoculated the audience with their melodies, making them one of the most sought after South by acts in the ensuing days.

A refreshing blend of punk and pop, lead singer Justin Young croons out his tunes with poise. Respectably dressed and properly washed, Young instantly eradicated stereotypical notions of unruly, grungy Brits. Visibly influenced by the Ramones and nothing short of ear candy, The Vaccines’ music will keep your toes tapping time and a melody lodged in your brain.

Let’s move on to Veronica Falls: I simply could not get enough. Pregnant with undertones of Belle and Sebastian, songs captured that quintessentially British sound we Americans adore. Coincidentally, lead singer and guitarist Roxanne Clifford emits a captivating innocence, holding fans captive while listening to her balmy vocals. Keep your eyes peeled for these spunky popsters, as I’ll be shocked if we don’t see much more of them in days to come.

Similarly, London-based alternative rock band Yuck delivered powerful sets, leaving a strong impression upon fans. Don’t be fooled by the named – Yuck is simply delightful, aptly catering to that slightly grungier, more deviant side of us that unabashedly loves the Killers and Radiohead. Their popular single “Get Away” is a bit ominous; yet, a cheerful base line acts as the guiding light through the dark.

Whether it’s those cheeky accents, their impeccable sense of fashion, or the fact that they are ridiculously talented, South-By (and this writer) are quite smitten with British groups. With but a few precious days left before many bands pack up their gear and head back across the pond, there is still time to experience the delightfully bohemian allure of South by Southwest for yourself. If the music doesn’t appeal, come in search of an eligible Brit rocker – because we all can’t snag princes, can we?

-Bonnie Berger

I know it is Wednesday, but watch this

I haven’t written a World Wide Hilarity post in quite sometime. But if I needed any motivation, I found it in Rebecca Black.

Her first song release, Friday, is beyond startling for several reasons.

1) Why do we need her? We have iPhones, computers and some people use those nifty day planners.

2) The way she says Friday…… it’s just weird.

3) Her life decisions are so hard — what seat should she take? At least we know she has one thing figured out…. she is going to have FUN FUN FUN FUN.

4) Her friends are awfully young to be driving her around in a convertible.

5) Also, field party for teenagers? SKETCH.

We leave you with one question we legitimately want answered: WHO is that rapper? Let us know what you think about the video and if you know who he is.

All in jest,

Nick and Jessica

Monday Morning Grace: The Sabbath

“Observe the Sabbath day to keep it holy, as the Lord your God commanded you.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord your God… You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm; therefore the Lord your God commanded you to observe the Sabbath day.” – Deuteronomy 5:12-15

As the sounds of coughing and sneezing fill the air with the changing of seasons and I find myself fighting off bouts of sickness, I began to wonder why God created sickness.

Why create something, God, that simply slows life down and causes everyone unwanted pain or discomfort?

Not the first time I have thrown that question at God I might add, and not the first time He has reminded me with much patience and a fatherly smile that He allows me to undergo short-term sicknesses that bring coughs and sneezes to remind me of my humanity.

It reminds me of the temporary nature of my body.

“Therefore, we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day…For we know the if the earthly tent in which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven…” 2 Cor. 4:16-5:1-2

I was not designed to operate and live all by myself, but rather I was designed to operate under a strength outside myself.

“I lie down and sleep. I wake again because the Lord sustains me.” – Psalm 3:5

So thank you Lord for being my sustainer and the reason I wake up every morning.

Beyond that, Lord thank you for reminding me that I was not made to walk through each day fueled by my own desire to succeed or accomplish.

If I succeed and accomplish according to my own strength, I am bringing myself glory.

Rather, it is my desire that I might decrease and Christ might increase. (John 3:30)

So, I want to live according to His strength so that He may be glorified in my weakness. However, once He walked me back through this train of thought, He took me one step further.

I was praying for the Lord to convict my heart of any ways I had failed to walk out in His strength and instead of pointing me to a specific instance, He walked me back through the last semester to allow me to see how little I had truly rested in the Lord.

At first I didn’t find this worthy of something to repent about.

I thought, “Well that’s good God, but resting seems more about me.” It seemed a little self-focused to repent of not resting well.

And then He replied, “But I commanded it.”

Oof.

It had been awhile since I had been reminded that “Sabbathing” or resting in the Lord is not jus a suggestion for those weeks that have felt particularly rough.

It’s not up to me to decide which weeks are good weeks to Sabbath, and God showed me why.

When I left it up to me to decide when to rest, I didn’t do it all. I simply found more things to fill that time with.

Resting in the Lord is a commandment. If God rested on the seventh day, it seems awfully high of me to think its in my or anybody’s best interest to just keep trucking seven days a week.

It’s a commandment both for our good (my sanity and peace) and for His glory.

As responsibilities heat up each day I get older, I sense a crash and burn coming if I don’t learn to Sabbath well now.

Plus, just like He looked really good when the Israelites kept the Sabbath and then produced more from their farms than neighboring tribes, He looks really good when I keep the Sabbath and then work just as efficiently (and usually more efficiently) as when I don’t Sabbath.

Furthermore, “Sabbathing” is a discipline in and of itself.

It takes discipline to not fall into the American mindset of more work=more money/fame/happiness.

We have been called to embody a different mindset, one that trusts our sustainer and provider to provide more than we need if we obey His command to rest and remember the ways He has brought us out of slavery into freedom.

“So thank you Lord for reminding me through sickness that I am meant to find my life in You and part of how You desire to breath life into me is through rest. So Lord, teach me to rest well and teach our American culture to rest well. Show us what that looks like to remember the Sabbath in our present day and for each of us individually. Let us find a joy and peace that come only from You as we enjoy You in our Sabbath. I am sorry Lord for disobeying your command to rest and I pray You make me into one who finds deep life in the weekly Sabbath rest and that You would receive much glory when I keep Your Sabbath holy. I trust You with that time Lord. In Your precious Son Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Shalom (Peace)

-Matt

 

Matt Larsen, a sports writer for the Lariat, writes the Monday Morning Grace posts on faith and Christianity.

Texas cities nab No. 1, No. 3 for Best Cities for Love

McClatchy Tribune News Service

Yesterday was the big day for sweethearts. But here in Texas we have two of the top three best cities for love at our disposal at all times, according to The Daily Beast. The news site ranked cities “based on a high prevalence of marriage, a low incidence of divorce, a relatively happy population and a wealth of bars and restaurants to meet and woo a significant other.”

San Antonio came in at No. 1 and at No. 3 was the even closer Austin.

Here’s a list of the top ten and a link to the full list:

#1, San Antonio, TX
Singles: C
Social life: A
Emotional health: A
Marriage: B
Divorce: C

#2, Milwaukee, WI
Singles: A
Social life: A
Emotional health: C
Marriage: F
Divorce: A

#3, Austin, TX
Singles: B
Social life: A
Emotional health: B
Marriage: C
Divorce: C

#4, Virginia Beach, VA
Singles: C
Social life: A
Emotional health: A
Marriage: F
Divorce: A

#5, San Diego, CA
Singles: B
Social life: D
Emotional health: B
Marriage: A
Divorce: C

#6, Boston, MA
Singles: A
Social life: D
Emotional health: A
Marriage: B
Divorce: C

#7, New Orleans, LA
Singles: A+
Social life: A+
Emotional health: F
Marriage: C
Divorce: D

#8, Hartford, CT
Singles: B
Social life: C
Emotional health: B
Marriage: D
Divorce: A

#9, Cleveland, OH
Singles: A
Social life: A
Emotional health: F
Marriage: F
Divorce: A

#10, Portland, OR
Singles: D
Social life: A
Emotional health: B
Marriage: D
Divorce: A

Snow more waiting

Students walk along Fountain Mall Thursday night as the first snow of 2011 hits campus. Baylor’s area is expected to get one to three inches of snow tonight.Ted Harrison | Multimedia Producer

Forgive the terrible play on words, but really. Baylor students have been trekking through the cold without snow since Monday night. Some went more than 24 hours without electricity and others experienced on-and-off power in their off-campus apartments and houses all day Wednesday.

So when snow began to fall on our campus at around 9:30 p.m. Thursday night students rushed out of their dorms and hit the ground sliding. Ted Harrison, Lariat multimedia producer, and I left the newsroom to get a taste of the snow and see how the students were reacting.

With the thought of classes being canceled circling around on social networks, some students stooped to pleading for a snow day, if for no other reason than they feel they have paid their dues in steps to class in the frigid conditions all week.

We encountered ultimate frisbee on Fountain Mall, snow angels on Fifth Street, snow men in front of Waco Hall and tons of photo ops with Judge Baylor. In Central Texas, we appreciate all snow — even the minuscule amounts. Though as we get later into the night, the weather conditions will become more prevalent for the decision on if school will be in session tomorrow or not.

Around 1 to 3 inches of snow is possible for our area. Baylor will continue to monitor weather conditions and any alteration to regular business operations or class schedules will be communicated through text and email, according to a Baylor News Flash sent to students at nearly 3 p.m. Thursday

Our Twitter and Facebook will be updated as soon as we hear official word on any changes to tomorrow’s schedule. Either way, school or no school, tomorrow is Friday, Baylor Nation!

UPDATE: Baylor University has cancelled class for all of Friday, Feb. 4. The scheduled Winter Premiere for Saturday, Feb. 5 has also been cancelled.

Stay warm and safe and enjoy the snow!

Nick Dean
Editor in Chief

The Burleson Boogie Chapel

The man who runs Chapel, Dr. Burt Burleson, gave the students in Chapel on Monday more than just words of inspiration.
Burleson, the university Chaplain and dean for spiritual life at Baylor, provided all in attendance with the “Burleson Boogie” during the Chapel program featuring the Heavenly Voices Gospel Choir.

 

Monday Morning Grace: Eikon

“So God created human beings in His own image. In the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” -Genesis 1:27

I just finished leading a Disciple Now weekend with the teenagers of my home church, First Baptist McKinney. The Lord was good to bless us with enough volunteers, leaders, and an incredible youth staff to be able to serve 492 students this year! Our theme verse for this year’s retreat was Genesis 1:27.

Not only did God create us, but He made us in His image! And not only did He make us in His image, but He made us with a specific intent and purpose! And not only did He make us with a purpose, but He blessed us with talents and spiritual gifts! And not only did He grant us unique spiritual gifts at the moment we chose to follow the Lord, but He gave us passions in which to use those gifts! And not only did He give us passion, but He gave us a story that we can share in love with those the Lord places in our lives each day!

As we near Thanksgiving, I feel it is extra-fitting to count our many blessings before the Lord, and those were just a few! Imagine what just writing down all of the ways God has blessed you in thanksgiving would do – not things you think you deserve or have earned, because we deserve nothing, but in Christ we find EVERYTHING.

“Eikon” is a Greek word that means likeness or image. So this weekend teenagers learned all about how we were made in the image of God and are to be made into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ, with each day.

“For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.” -Romans 8:29

My challenge to my sophomore girls and guys this weekend is the same challenge I bring to you this morning:

Each of my teens hit a crossroads this weekend where they needed to decide whether they are going to chase after the things of the world – continuing to act as slaves to sin, or if they will pursue the Lord and HIS righteousness – desiring that Christ would daily be formed in them.

Here’s the thing: you can’t do both. For some that means salvation, but for others that means coming to a greater realization about what our salvation means.

When the Lord saved me at seven years old, my life was no longer my own as I gave it entirely over to Him. When my Heavenly Father saved me 14 years ago, I said YES. I said yes to whatever He asks of me, wherever He leads me, whenever He calls me, however much it costs – I said YES.

So it doesn’t matter if I get fearful about leaving my family for six months to go to South Africa, because I said YES. It’s not about me, and it’s all about HIM.

I desire to be daily transformed into the likeness of Christ not for my sake, but for His Namesake.

So many times we fall into the trap of believing that the freedom that is found in God’s grace is just an excuse for us to continue to live as if we were in chains – but we have been set FREE in Christ! We have been set free to follow the Lord in obedience, which leads to righteousness.

Think of it this way, look back to the days of slavery in the states, and the abolition of slavery due to the Emancipation Proclamation. Imagine that a slave, who had been set free, was still out picking cotton for his former master. That’s wild! I would run and say to him, “You have been set free! Let go of everything and live in the freedom that you have been given!”

I say the same thing to you this morning: You have been set free from the power of sin! Let go of everything, all of the burdens that you carry, and live in the freedom that you have been given through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ!

Jesus took our sins upon Himself when He faced excruciating pain as He was nailed to the cross, so that we don’t have to suffer the pain and shame of our sins today. The only one holding you down in a place of defeat this morning is yourself – because the Lord set you free 2.000 years ago and desires that you lay everything at the foot of His cross so that you will be free to be molded into His EIKON more and more each day!

“Father, I pray that You will continue to daily remind me that this life is not about me. Convict me once more that the salvation You give is free, but it’s not cheap. May You continue to stir in the hearts of the over 800 people involved in this Disciple Now weekend, and in those reading this devotion, and in me. May we desire to truly live as we embrace the Eikon of Christ You created us to be! Thank You for not only listening to my prayers, but answering them. I love You Father, thank You for loving me.”

Monday Morning Grace: Child of God

I had the blessing of spending this past weekend at home with family, including my cousin’s six month old twins, Reid and Ava Lyn. It was incredible to see the love that was displayed for those babies throughout the weekend from every member of the family as they got passed from relative to relative to be cradled and cuddled.

Just before lunchtime on Sunday my cousin’s husband was washing his babies’ bottles before they hit the road to travel home, while I was holding Reid nearby in the kitchen. With this tiny child on my lap, I couldn’t help but notice how he was eyeing his father washing the dishes. Reid never took those big blue eyes off of him. Even more, when his dad would look in his direction, Reid would burst in delight as he smiled and softly cried out in desire to be carried by his daddy.

Driving back to Waco Sunday night, I couldn’t get the image out of my mind. What a beautiful picture of our relationship with God I saw in Reid’s relationship with his father.

In one of the earlier devotions the Lord led me to talk about the importance of fixing our eyes upon Him in every moment, so I won’t dedicate this week’s devotion to the same topic. But this I know: I want to be like Reid when it comes to my heavenly Father – I never want to take my eyes off of Him. I’m not there yet, but I pray that the Lord will enable me to remember to seek after His help each day as I desire to eye my Father as He washes away my sin and looks in my direction to see His Son, interceding for me.

The truly captivating aspect of Reid’s demeanor was the fact that despite his attempts to sit up on his own, or be held by several loving relatives – he desired, more than anything, to be carried by his dad. Too many times I find myself trying to hold up my head on my own as I carry myself, or finding someone loving in my life to help me carry the weight, or hiding away in something that can distract me from the burdens I tote around. Each instance I find myself humbled before the Lord, sometimes in tears, as He convicts me once again to let Him carry me through – but even more, to desire that He carry me.

“Praise the Lord; praise God our Savior! For each day He carries us in His arms.” –Psalm 68:19

God promises that He will pick us up and carry us through whatever storms or sunshine this life brings. He says in His Word that we are adopted as children of God.

This weekend my aunt pointed out how many kids there are in the world that do not get to experience the love that Reid and Ava Lyn are permeated with each day. We talked about the orphans in America and across the globe that are in need of love from someone willing and able to adopt them.

Before we came to know Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we did not know love – for Christ is love. We were orphans, born into sin. But God, in His mercy, was willing and able to adopt us as His very own children, through His one and only Son, Jesus – so that we might be called “children of God.”

I am a child of God. You are a child of God, if you have given your life to Him. We are children of God. So why do we not delight in that

identity? Why do we not find joy in our salvation?

God is our Father, but more than that, He is to be our Everything. Cry out to your heavenly Father this morning – desire to be held tight in the arms of our Lord as He carries you through now and forevermore.

This week, read and pray through these lyrics that Kutless wrote unto our Most High Father in their song, Everything I Need:

When every step is so hard to take and all of my hope is fading away, when life is a mountain that I cannot climb – You carry me. Jesus, carry me.

You are strength in my weakness and You are the refuge I seek. You are everything in my time of need. You are everything, You are everything I need.

When every moment is more than I can take and all of my strength is slipping away, when every breath gets harder to breathe – You carry me. Jesus, carry me.

You are strength in my weakness and You are the refuge I seek. You are everything in my time of need. You are everything.

You are everything – I need You! You are everything I need! I love everything about You.

You are strength in my weakness. You are the refuge I seek. You are everything in my time of need. You are everything, You are everything!

You are strength in my weakness and You are the refuge I seek! You are everything in my time of need! You are everything, You are everything I need. You are everything, You are everything I need!

“Father, help me to listen. Your Word commands that I pray continually, I ask that you help me to do that. But even more, I ask that I would delight in being called Your daughter, and that I would daily see my need for You – and that You truly would be my everything in every moment of every day. Thank You for not just listening to my prayers, but answering them. I love You Father, thank You for loving me.”

– Meghan

Classic Reels: Sunset Boulevard

Sirens pierce the early morning hours and a dead body floats motionless in a swimming pool. Homicide detectives and newspapermen race to the scene. So begins “Sunset Boulevard”, a twisted tale of murder set against the bright lights of Hollywood.

It’s 1950’s Hollywood and struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, is having trouble making his car payments. When the insurance men come to collect, he tries to weave a web of lies to hold them off until he can scrounge up some cash. He can’t hide forever, and when he crosses paths with them on Sunset Boulevard, he makes a break for it. A high speed chase ensues. He outruns them, but in the process blows a tire, forcing him to park his sputtering car in the garage of what he thinks is an abandoned mansion. Its owner is Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), an aging silent film actress.

In her heyday, Desmond was a star, but now she lives a secluded life, far from the spotlights of Hollywood. She’s planning a comeback though, writing an epic screenplay that will bring her back into the thoughts of her once adoring fans. When she finds out that Gillis is a screenwriter she hires him to edit the screenplay. He moves in to edit full time, but soon finds out that something isn’t quite right.

With the passing of the silent film era, Norma Desmond and her mansion seem to go with it. She continues to live in the glory of her younger years while her house crumbles around her. Her living room is covered with old photographs of herself and an old organ lets out an eerie note with each passing breeze. As Gill and Desmond watch her old silent films, smoke hangs over the flickering light of the projector. Everything is dark and secluded inside Desmond’s mansion, creating an eerie background throughout the film.

Although the film delivers outstanding performances from its entire cast, Gloria Swanson’s portrayal of Norma Desmond was a little over-the-top at times. It isn’t that her acting is bad, in fact, most of the film she genuinely conveys the sadness and tragedy of her character. But every so often, when a scene could have used a more subtle portrayal, she tends to over act.

There is an air of mystery throughout “Sunset Boulevard”. Things aren’t always as they seem, and plot twists are layered throughout, resulting in what feels like a very long film. That’s not necessarily a bad thing though. The story is completely engrossing, but at times it feels as if the film takes the long way to tell something simple.

Throughout the film, Gillis provides no-nonsense narration of the events around him. His quick one-liners and insights into a colorful cast of characters are what make “Sunset Boulevard” so enjoyable. He tells the story as he sees it unfold, and it is through his eyes we see the plot thicken. He’s not the greatest person, he’s flawed and has his own motivations, but he serves as a good filter to tell the tragic tale of Norma Desmond.

Hollywood is known for its glitz and glamour, but what of the stars it leaves behind? No matter how bright they become, most will not shine forever. It is here, on a quiet street lined with the mansions of stars of old, that audiences discover that not everything is as black and white as it seems on Sunset Boulevard.

Grade: B

– Brian

Classic Reels is a weekly blog by Lariat contributor Brian Sanders. Sanders reviews old movies for those looking to brush up on their historic cinema or those that are looking to reminisce on old flicks.