Tuesday, October 25, 2011

The Killing Joke



I ran into this video, of students doing a rendition of "Batman:The Killing Joke" with shadow puppets. It's in spanish and an awesome video that captures the most intense moment in that story line. Batman and Joker talking about being cut from the same tree of tragedy, but both taking completely different paths. How the Joker sees life as one giant bad joke that no one can get out of, so the only thing to do is laugh. Very much cryptic, sardonic and exemplary of my current mood shift the last few days and weeks.

This is one of my all time favorite stories, and from one of my all time favorite writers, Alan Moore. I read the Watchmen shortly after graduating high school and not knowing what to do with my life. Some how reading his stuff and a few other select books helped put a lot of things into perspective. Specially in a time in my life where fictional characters, who can do anything were trying to deal with everyday life problems. Ironic how that works.

I guess it's finding yourself in that cross road of between Batman and the Joker, that kinda prompted the video and me wanting to read that story again. For me, it's one of those things that help me make sense of my own stuff, and deciding how to move ahead. Considering how soo much is happening right now, it's unfair what I see happening to close friends. That it seems like a cruel joke is being played on them. Which just brings out the feelings and thoughts inside of me that fall under that kind of thinking.

Being poetically cryptic is something I do bask in when I am there. Much like some of my favorite poets, it makes for some great writing, observations and opening new doors to old paths. At the same time, it brings me back to listening and re-appreciating specific bands and artist. Guess the best thing about all this that I still manage to be productive while basking in a pity party for myself. Getting older rocks.