A break with Mel Brooks and Ludicrous Speed

This week is unfortunately/fortunately stuck with taking care of life biz, as I prep my schedule to finish up Faith and BC and possibly commentary on "Vangelis" later on.

In the meantime, during my break, I saw Mel Brooks' "Spaceballs"- a rather goofy (and dated) parody of the Star Wars films. I think Mel's earlier films (Producers, 12 Chairs, then Young Frankenstein) were his best--- maybe not coincidentally because he was paired up with the brilliant comedian Gene Wilder.

I always get SOMETHING out of commentaries... aside from being reminded of joys that can come from trying to make a film- Was interesting to hear Mel Brooks talk about how much he HATES directing, that he loves writing and acting, but directing as the biggest pain because of having to communicate to actors often about how their interpretation may not be the right one.

Also interesting that Mel Brooks first choice was not to act in his films, but have Gene Wilder take his place.

It's interesting also to view this, shortly after the Woody Allen documentary--- would have been interesting to hear each of these movie comedians' views of one another's work, but o well...

Anyhow- I don't know how great "Spaceballs" is.... there are a few laughs here and there, but even as a kid, I thought it was a little lame. (Much preferred Young Frankenstein) But (just like the awful "Howard the Duck")- apparently there are audiences that LOVE the film.

Would be nice to feel that decades later, the same kind of love would go to stuff that anyone puts their passion into that bombs, but that's wishful thinking.

I'm realizing that waiting for applause (even a virtual kind) for work is a fool's errand. It's easy to get sucked into wanting a pat on the back. It's harder to tune out the rest of the world and just listen to your inner muse, whatever your art is- but at the end of your life, if you make it to old age, and all your friends and family dies before you, what else have you got?

One argument is that all art is pointless. But, if it is even the slightest bit important, I think you've got to give all you got.

Even if you can't go at ludicrous speed to get it done.