JOSS WHEDON AND FIFI: A RELATIONSHIP REVEALED

My cat Fifi has an intimate relationship with Joss Whedon and his creative output. This has never before been revealed to the world but I feel it's time to reveal the complete truth. You may be surprised. You may be shocked. But I assure you that the amazing image below has not been altered in any way.

You may feel sorry for Mr Whedon. You may even feel pity for Fifi. Quite possibly you could despise me for encouraging this odd and obscure relationship. Nevertheless, it can no longer be hidden for the unvarnished truth is this.

Fifi likes to sit on top of DVDs in which Joss Whedon has played a major creative role.

(The fact that I was 65 three days ago and I'm in a funny mood has absolutely nothing to do with it.)

BOOKS: JOSS WHEDON THE COMPLETE COMPANION edited by MARY ALICE MONEY for POPMATTERS.COM

Slightly revised from an Amazon 4* review and entitled:
Welcome to Whedon's World

And it is about the world(s) created by Joss Whedon and not about JW himself (I'll get back to that point later). Fortuitously timed to cash in... sorry, coincide with the release of The Avengers movie and resultant raising of his profile, this book is a collection of essays about his TV shows, films, and comics. Given that the book was submitted to the publishers in November 2011, well before the release of The Avengers and The Cabin In The Woods (which are both terrific) don't expect anything of insight into them here.

There is, however, masses of stuff about his other, er, stuff with the biggest chunk being about, no surprise here, Buffy The Vampire Slayer. It's a mix of overview, interviews, and rather academic essays. As an example of the latter, one writer interprets Whedon's excellent run on The Astonishing X-Men in the light of the writings of modern historian Francis Fukuyama and if that sounds appealing to you then you're really going to love this book. If there is a preponderance of academic style essays in this collection, it should also be said that they're mostly reasonably accessible to the general reader.

If there's a tendency to find subtexts under every (metaphorical) rock in Whedon's work, at least some of the writers are aware of this tendency to see things which aren't there. As mentioned in an introduction, one writer (not represented here) wrote that the killing of the character Tara in Buffy was deliberately anti-feminist while the truth is that the actress playing Tara wanted to leave so Whedon used that to enhance the drama.

Basically anyone who's a fan of Whedon's oeuvre (i.e. in non-pretentious language: his work) will find much of interest in this very comprehensive book which goes some way to explaining why Whedon has become such a cult figure. In essence: we identify with his concerns and characters to such a degree that we feel that he is us and we are him. Or, as Nelson Mandela put it in his one acting role: "I am Joss Whedon." (Actually he said, "I am Malcolm X," but don't tell.)

What, however, this book won't tell you is much about Whedon the man and Whedon the life. I'm not knocking it for that; it is what it is. But what we fans would very much like is a, preferably, authorised biography of the great man which goes behind the scenes of his work and how the tv series and films were put together, his problems in doing so, his relationships with the production team, cast, crew, groupies (just joking), etc. With his profile so high, now is surely the time. Meanwhile we've got this to keep us going. 

And just to add colour, here are are some of his greatest hits.

CINEMA/TV: WHEDON SMASH!

I'm rather pleased with that title because it can be read several ways. It's a reworking of The Hulk's favourite cry: "Hulk smash!" which he then does. It refers to the massive successive of The Avengers in the States this weekend -biggest weekend opening ever with 200.3 million dollars. It's a success with the critics and cinemagoers and word of mouth should ensure lots more taking plus repeat viewings -even I might go and see it again. It also means that Joss Whedon himself is a big success.

And, um, lots of others.

Starting out as a TV writer on a few episodes of Roseanne and Parenthood, he went on to write Toy Story (yes, Toy Story!), Alien Resurrection (which I still think is grossly underrated -Whedon has very interesting stories about it), Titan A.E., the original Buffy movie (which diverged from his original story). He created, sometimes writing for and directing Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, and writing directing Firefly's spinoff movie Serenity, wrote/directed a web-based musical comedy  Dr Horrible's Singalong Blog, created the underrated  TV series Dollhouse. Almost all of these are on my all-time favourites list. And now we're getting on for The Cabin in the Woods and The Avengers -see recent posts. Taking a two-week break from the latter he invited a bunch of his mates (including Nathan Fillion)  over to his house where they made a modern day version of Much Ado About Nothing based on an old play by some dead British geezer with Whedon writing and directing. "From the director of mega-smash The Avengers and with a budget as much as the cost of filling his freezer..." Still it'll certainly do very good business, or at least better than it would have done a week ago. I'll be there.

What's good about Whedon is... well, just so much. He creates great characters, has a knack for getting the best out of his actors, is particularly good at ensemble pieces, writes with great humour which is never forced, has a strong feminist sensibility without ever getting preachy, and there's a general compassion, warmth and humanitarianism about his work, a liberal (in American terms). Basically, he's a good person and this shows through in his work. He also has a geek sensibility which appeals to lovers of horror, fantasy, science fiction, and comics -like me.

There's a lot I could write about him and his work but books have been written about his work and a book about is due to be published later this month (yes, I have it on order) and this is just a blog.

Right now, he's probably one of the happiest people in the world. He deserves it and I hope he's allowed to make the most of it creatively.

CINEMA: THE AVENGERS (3D)

Point of note.  

I refuse to call this film by the British title  Marvel Avengers Assemble which was used because the studio decided that British audiences are so stupid that they might confuse this highly publicised film with the acclaimed British TV series which was later turned into a rubbish film with Sean Connery.

Preamble.

My third visit to the cinema in ten days. I can't remember the last time I went that often in a year never mind a week and half. Still, Tuesday was The Hunger Games of which I'd read and loved the book (see previous post). The week before that was The Cabin In The Woods co-written, produced, second unit directed by Joss Whedon a cult hero who not entirely coincidentally wrote and directed The Avengers.

Avid admirers of Whedon are referred to as Whedonites, people who dote religiously on everything he does and says. He is their god. He is not mine. I have not and nor have I ever been a Whedonite. Whedonites should also not be confused with Deadites (referred to briefly in Cabin). I am not nor have I ever been a Deadite who are white-eyed sadistic demons. Equally, Deadites should not be confused with Deadheads. Deadheads worship at the shrine of Jerry Garcia and in front of the altar of legendary jam band The Grateful Dead. Deadheads await the 113th 4-CD live box set, this one of of the legendary (they are all leg-en-dary!) complete set at the Dopeheads Palace, Limabean, Cal., 11/31/78) and who will go into spasms of ecstasy if they hear two notes played completely differently from any other of the 34 versions of Sugaree they own. I am not nor.. Oh hell, I admit it, I'm in recovery. I'm also prone to bouts of Whedonitis which is less harmful than being a Whedonite.

There. Glad we got that straight.

The Review.

I suppose you won't settle for: the best super-hero movie ever! 

Thought not. 

Incidentally, that is not synonymous with best ever movie based on a comic/graphic novel. Comics are a medium just like cinema and novels. Comics/graphic novels can contain all the range of any story-telling medium but in its own unique way. Just this morning I read a graphic novel which blended autobiography with the story of James Joyce's daughter Lucia. (Expect a review here soon.)

Unlike most directors for whom a super-hero movie is just another job of work, Whedon knows super-hero comics. He is a fan. He wrote the best ever limited series of X-men (see previous posts) so he can not only talk the talk, he can walk the walk. He knows what fans want to see and he knows how to deliver it but in a way that will also sucker in a general audience. And this is how he does it.

Open with a set-piece, segue into character bits, have another set piece, more character/plot development stuff before building to a massive climax. Anyone going to see this film will like as not be familiar with the Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor movies so their characters have been established but they've never met. Whedon gets things going by having IM wind up Thor and Cap. Then he gives the fanboys what they want -Iron Man versus Thor. There are several setpieces like this which I won't mention except to say the special effects really are special. This is real super-hero battles from the comics come to life. Whedon also answers the perennial fanboy question: who's stronger, Thor or Hulk? Whedon's version of Hulk is the best yet and the Hulk gets in two visual gags and one verbal which had the entire audience laughing loudly when I saw it. (Okay, there were only seven of us and it did start at 10.30 in the morning). He introduces new and relatively new characters of the Black Widow and Hawkeye, both ably played by Scarlet Johansen and Jeremy Renner. The actor who plays Bruce Banner is also good.

The time flies by as Whedon builds to an enormous climax when Loki and the alien Chitauri invade New York. This really is spectacular, breathtaking and every other cliche you can think of.

This is not just the best super-hero movie ever it's a perfect super-hero movie. Whedon does everything right by giving the audience what they'd find in a good mainstream super-hero comic and making it real. Except for romance. There isn't time for any of that but it would only get in the way.

Lastly: 3-D or not 3-D? I'm glad I saw it that way but it didn't add a great deal, something, yes, but not that the film wouldn't be just as good without it.

And Whedon, with The Avengers which is deservedly going to be a massive worldwide success, he's firmly in the big time where he belongs.

CINEMA: CABIN IN THE WOODS (2012)

In the previous post I mentioned that I'd be going to see The Hunger Games very soon. However what I omitted to mention was that this particular movie took priority and I just got back from watching it 45 minutes ago.

I mean, come on, man, I'm a big horror movie fan and I'm also a big fan of Joss Whedon who produced and co-wrote the screenplay. Okay so it was directed and co-scripted by his buddy Drew Goddard but as far as I'm concerned it's as much a Joss Whedon movie as Buffy was a Joss Whedon TV series. As far as I'm concerned Whedon can do no wrong and if he does it was the fault of other people. Whedon created Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly and its superb movie spinoff Serenity (wrote and directed), he wrote the best X-Men series ever (admittedly helped by superb art by John Cassady), and lots lots more. His highly anticipated written/directed comic book movie The Avengers (Avengers Assemble in the UK in case we think it's the return of John Steed) opens shortly and of course I'll be there.

Despite only being released in the last few days, it was made three years ago but sat on the shelf, not because it was bad which is the usual reason, but because of studio financial problems. The reviews, while not unanimous, have generally been pretty good for a horror movie and now having sat through it I can see why. I certainly enjoyed it but it didn't knock my socks off.

The two photos above give you a pretty good idea of what it's about -creepy cabin, five young people- which means its either demons or slashers, Evil Dead or Friday 13th. The poster, however, suggests something else and the trailer almost gives everything away. Our gang is going into a controlled and monitored environment where something vile is going to happen to them. This isn't a spoiler as the very first scene is set in a high tech lab as are numerous others. The big questions are: who are these people and why are they doing it? And that is what I'm not going to tell you. Or the name of the super special guest star who appears in the last scene. No, it's not Bill Murray or Sarah Michelle Gellar and it isn't listed in the IMDB credits.

Okay, it's well made, the dialogue is good as you'd expect, the characters are interesting and intelligent unlike the usual kids you find in a Friday 13th movie where they're dumb as dumbshit. It is scary, though no-one in the audience screamed at the showing I attended and I think I had a mild jump at one fake-out shock. It is gory but not in the torture porn type of way. The cast are fine -Chris Hemsworth made this before his blockbuster star-making role in Thor, Frank Kranz, a Whedon favourite appears as the dope-smoking member of the gang. In a variety of supporting roles and cameos are other Whedon regulars like Tom Lenk and Amy Acker. It's well paced with a slow but not dull build-up to terror in the cabin and climaxes with a... No, I'm not going there except to say 'but the kitchen sink'.

It's a neat send up of and homage to horror movies and buffs like me will probably want to see it again to catch all the references. But apart from the actual premise and the sheer skill of film-making on display, it's just a good enjoyable horror movie. It doesn't reinvent the genre, it doesn't bring anything new to it and my socks remained resolutely on my feet. In other words, it isn't a new Buffy or Firefly, which I was hoping for, and thus counts as a mild disappointment.

TV/DVD: JOSS WHEDON'S DOLLHOUSE SEASON TWO

 

This is what Season 1 should have been but basically Whedon, as he tacitly admits in an extra on the DVD ,hadn't thought it through properly. Season 1 only picked up when the focus shifted to the Dollhouse itself rather than Eliza Dushku's persona of the week. When she was just a Doll, the audience didn't respond to her and her persona's weren't real anyway.

They were lucky to get a second season and it proved to be just right but too late. From the off, we get Dushku's Doll developing her own personality which is more than the sum of the personas she's had, and in a twist, is revealed to still have. From then on it's a small group within the Dollhouse against the mighty and unscrupulous Rossum Corporation which seems intent on developing the technology which will lead to the apocalyptic scenario revealed in the final episode of Season 1.

There are twists and turns galore until the final revelation of who the mastermind behind Rossum actually is and it is a shock. It could have only been more surprising if it was Dusku herself; but it isn't. This really is gripping stuff and a vast improvement on what went before. That said, I'm glad it didn't get a third season because everything is neatly wound up, providing a satisfying conclusion.

I should also mention that there are more from Whedon's stable of actors with the inclusion of Alexis Denisoff (Buffy/Angel) and Summer Glau (Firefly) which is always nice to see. This is one of those shows where there is so much going on it's either write a lot or a little.

TV/DVD: JOSS WHEDON'S DOLLHOUSE SEASON ONE

 

Yes, it's been out for ages but I've only just bought it. Yes, me, a big fan of Joss Whedon, just bought it and just finished watching it.

Look, when it first aired in this country on Sci-Fi, I watched a few episodes but it just didn't grab me. Didn't help that the Sci-Fi Channel doesn't have subtitles and I couldn't have the tv on too loud so I ended up missing bits of dialogue which didn't help. Finally, a couple of weeks ago I thought what the hell and ordered it.

And it was good and as soon as I'd finished watching the last episode I ordered the last season, that being season 2 because, like the much better Firefly which only lasted one season, it got cancelled. Now when I say that Firefly is much better than Dollhouse, that's like saying Hamlet is much better than Macbeth but that doesn't mean Macbeth isn't a superb play.

While Firefly hit the ground running, it took Dollhouse a few episodes to get into its stride. That was then it stopped being Eliza Dushku's new identity of the week and became more involved with the Dollhouse itself. It's a typical Whedon production: sharp snappy dialogue, lots of surprises, strong characters and a great ensemble cast operating around a strong lead.

The DVD is a good package with a lot of making of extras. The big feature, however, is the original pilot which is very different from the screened first episode. It contains a lot of new scenes but also scenes which were shown but often in different episodes so as to hold back on the payoff of plot twists. It's really worth a watch to see how the show was reshaped after input by Fox executives.

Expect a post on Season 2 in a few weeks time.