So last we left, I was running from the office of Neil Gaiman. Oops! Perhaps next time I should use more than Google for research but there are no telephone books anymore. What am I, the C.I.A.? M.I.6? FOX?

I gotta tell you, I felt pretty defeated, in that I – didn’t – succeed – at – my – mission kind of way. But life is short! Or maybe, it’s long!

I think we can all agree that life is something, right?

Anyways, in my obsess- purely normal interest in this accomplished filmmaker, Edgar Wright, I have been reading interviews and reviews and watching movies and even short films. There is a lot you can learn from this talented and tantalizing -(that’s a director word) – auteur.

I’m especially keen to try out some of his quick cuts and sound effects. I don’t have a fancy camera yet but I will try with my phone. I already have an eager and willing talent to star. Bella Marie!

Anyways, Edgar wrote, directed, filmed and edited the short film Dead Right. A parody of Dirty Harry movies that was filmed from 1992, mostly shot on weekends, and released in 1993.

It’s great fun, I loved it! You can see a lot of his signature style of long shots, cut aways, zooms and of course his trademark editing and humor. It was shot for approximately 275£ or $365.23 American cash. Which is pretty impressive, especially for an 18 yr. old and his friends. I can tell you I wasn’t so ambitious when I was 18. What? What do you mean, you’re not surprised?

It also contained– MORE SIGNS! That’s right, the Universe, she threw me for a loop – yet another film term. 😉 Don’t I sound like I know what I’m talking about? No? Don’t worry I will, just stop paying such close attention.

SPOILERS AHEAD

There is a scene where he uses a viewing of Grease 2 as sadistic torture device! Hell to the Yeah!

Now, I’m not sure if I shared the story of my (totally imaginary) beef with Brett Goldstein, Roy from Ted Lasso but also from the macabre named yet inspiring podcast – Films to Be Buried With. https://www.filmstobeburiedwith.com/

Brett brings on various guests from the film and tv world to discuss the first movie they ever saw, the movie that made them laugh, makes them cry and so on. One such guest was the beautiful and talented, Yvette Nicole Brown and the category was favorite critically hated movie…

The two of them bonded over…GREASE (motherf’n) 2!

They thought it was amazing- in fact they wouldn’t shut up about it. So much so that I experienced a temporary lack of judgement and I…

I watched it.

I know, it was a moment of weakness. I like to believe I’m an incredibly open minded and cultured patron (I have an extremely vivid imagination!) truth be told, I so badly wanted to fit in with the popular kids, so I said to myself, “You know Karma, maybe you didn’t like it the first time you watched it back in 1980 whenever was because you were just a kid and you didn’t get it.”

Maybe I needed 30 years and this charming duo to open my eyes to the wonder, enchantment and sheer delight that is Grease 2.

NOPE! No, I tried and couldn’t get past the first musical number. Sorry kiddos, I stand resolute in my dislike of the sequel to the Olivia Newton John masterpiece.

So seeing it in the movie used in the most perfect way was a definitive sign!

Now for the second sign, there’s a scene in Dead Right where the lead character, Detective Stern, picks up a stuffed elephant! Wait, I didn’t tell you why the elephant is important.

(Not actual photo of stuffed elephant sign)

Okay, so I was watching a motivational video by Mary Kate on YouTube, she’s incredible, you can check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExHeiVtXEls&lc=UgyAJqwgIs7stnWesKl4AaABAg

The point of the exercise was to choose an item and when you see it, that is your sign that you are in alignment with G.U.S. – God, Universe, Source. The options were a bear, butterflies, pineapple, blue bird aaaannnnnnddd wait for it……………………………………………………ELEPHANT!

That’s two signs that Edgar and I are meant to be…….

Co creators of an awesome film! Not that I would be adverse to-

Tim: “So what’s the deal with you and Karma?”

Edgar: (shifting uncomfortably) “You know about the deal?”

Tune in next time for more signs, that may or may not lead me towards my goal of director friendships and all about my (totally imaginary) beef with Brett Goldstein over the exclusion of Muppet Treasure Island from any Muppet lists. Why is it always about Muppet Christmas Carol with you mate? Treasure Island is a gem! It stars Tim Curry for crikes sake!

Until next time – cheers!
Karma Marie

Wait! Before you go, leave me a comment about whatever you like but extra points if you have a special sign that you call lucky 😉